Franco Italian Restaurant

I wanted to take the time to write about a favorite of ours. All the waiters now greet us by our name, making our kids feel even more special. The food is always delicious esp. the filet medalions ""Italian style"" along with homemade pastas. It surely seems like a fun place to work. We always leave with a smile and with less stress from our daily lives. Everyone is attentive, smiling and do their best to make us feel at home. There are not many places that you see the owner interact with the customers, as Franca does. This is a clean, upscale restaurant that you can't go wrong with! We even had the opportunity to drink an exclusive bottle of Italian red wine that we had enjoyed during a trip to Italy. Needless to say, we were very pleased. more

During my short run at this restaurant, I have never been more disrespected as an employee. Franka and her sister would charge me for every mistaken salad or drink on the table, in fact search for mistakes to charge. I was blamed for the cockroaches, and if the sister was working, I was not payed for that day. The desserts are frozen, the bread is always used from the day before to save money. The coffee cups almost always have dust or bugs in them. The wines are not always what you order (for example, your $7 Pinot Noir probably came from a $12 gallon Cabernet bottle). Again, when I worked here, I was being yelled at in the middle of the dining room and constantly checked on for drink refills et cetera. I have worked in fine dining for 5 years and this is by far, the worst family restaurant I have had the displeasure of stepping into. I was constantly belittled and reminded of how incompetent I was for not breathing down the guests backs. and btw, Franka will absolutely breathe down your neck as you eat. Please, do not encourage bad behavior and low sanitary standards. more

In my usual critical self, I was surprised in my own opinions of Franco's. While in Clear Lake last night, which is rarely visited by us.. we saw Franco's. We were iffy to try it and Yelp had awful reviews of it. We decided to try it out anyway. We were promptly seated and our waiter was very hospitable. He was extremely fast in all that he did (grabbing drinks, bread, food). The rolls were good and the meal excellent. I had the special last night which was scallops, shrimp, redfish, and alfredo. It was incredibe! The ice cream cake with strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate in it was good also. When we are in the area we will be back. Pros: The best! more

We stumbled upon Franca's 4 years ago when we were looking for an Italian restaurant to visit on our anniversary. We were so pleasantly surprised we have become regulars ever since. At first the decor (all hand-crafted by the owner's father) seems a bit eccentric but it only adds to the unique and authentic charm of the family-owned establishment. We are always met with a warm welcome, promptly seated and served with fresh bread. Franca, the owner - who took over the restaurant from her father, makes occasional visits throughout the meal making sure everything is perfect and that we are enjoying ourselves, she has such charm that I feel like a treasured friend more than a patron. We have introduced several friends to Franca's and they have never left disappointed, soon becoming regulars themselves from the ambiance and amazingly authentic, incredible tasting food! You are missing out if you don't try her tiramisu - it is the best I have ever had and I am a tiramisu connoisseur! It can be a little easy to miss with the new Nasa bypass - just look for the white building with the rearing-horse statuary and you are in the right place. Try it out, I guarantee you will enjoy it! Pros: Friendly, Authentic & Delicious Food, Prompt Service Cons: Can be hard to spot coming from the west on Nasa more

My wife and I dine at Franco's quite frequently and enjoy all of their creations. Upon walking in, note the entire ambience that will surround you. Tiramisu which is light and excellent and made by the owner (now, Franco's daughter, Franca). Truly, Italian and when you are there, you will feel welcome and part of their family. The inside of the restaurant has been created and made by Franco and are pieces of art you will enjoy. The service, attention, great food and the feeling you are in a part of Italy will make you return many times. In addition, they have two private rooms for special occasions. Try it, and you will return for many more GREAT dinners. I know they are the originators of the saying: when you are here, you are family but some chain decided to use it. Pros: EVERYTHING is fantastic Cons: can't think of any more

This really is a touch of heaven. Perfectlly prepared food done the way my grandmother would have done it. The interior is like being in Italy. This is a family restaurant that has something for everyone. From the best pizza I have ever tasted, to Banana Forster I would die for. I even met the whole family who have owned this eatery for over 31 years. (Franco is right from Italy) I have never had such a pleasurable eating experence. Pros: good value, family friendly, the home made bread Cons: not open Sun - Mon more