The Franklin Restaurant by Alfredo Russo — Restaurant in London

A Hidden Gem: The Franklin Restaurant by Alfredo Russo

Tucked away on a charming terracotta street in Knightsbridge, The Franklin Restaurant by Alfredo Russo is a haven for lovers of modern Piedmont cuisine. Set within a Victorian townhouse, this intimate 30-seat establishment exudes elegance, blending Italian palazzo charm with art deco interiors crafted by renowned designer Anouska Hempe. From the moment you enter, the sophisticated ambience makes it clear this is no ordinary dining experience—perfect for a romantic date night.

My wife and I had the pleasure of dining here, and every moment was enchanting. We were warmly welcomed and guided through the exquisite menu, a testament to Michelin-starred Chef Alfredo Russo’s culinary genius. Our meal began with a delightful serving of freshly baked, warm bread—a comforting introduction to what was to come.

The Pumpkin and Chestnut Soup followed, its velvety texture and rich flavours setting the tone for the meal.

For the first course, the Riso Mantecato “Pizza Margherita” was a showstopper. A creamy risotto infused with stracciatella cheese, cherry tomatoes, tomato chutney, and basil oil, it was a bold reinterpretation of the classic pizza flavours in risotto form—a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

The Spaghettone con Pecorino Romano e Granchio, made with semolina spaghetti, Pecorino Romano sauce, and glazed crab, was equally impressive. The delicate balance of creamy, tangy, and savoury notes was pure perfection.

For mains, the Pollo e Mais (halal) stood out. The corn-fed, char-grilled chicken supreme was cooked to perfection, paired with a delightful “corn surprise” that elevated the dish with its sweet and smoky nuances.

Accompanying our meal were refreshing mocktails crafted by Bar Manager Salvatore Maggio, who was recently crowned Bar Manager of the Year at the Hospitality Awards UK. Each sip was as artfully composed as the dishes themselves, enhancing the entire dining experience.

To end our culinary journey, we indulged in Tiramisu, a deconstructed delight featuring mascarpone mousse, homemade savoiardi biscuits, espresso, and black pepper ice cream. The interplay of familiar flavours with unexpected twists left us speechless.

The Franklin Restaurant is a true hidden gem in the heart of Knightsbridge. Beyond the extraordinary food, the friendly and attentive service ensured we felt pampered throughout. Whether for a special occasion or an intimate evening out, this is a dining experience not to be missed.

Highly recommended for those seeking an elegant escape into the world of modern...

The Franklin Restaurant by Alfredo Russo ( a mouthful name indeed) offers a refined dining experience with a focus on Italian and Western European cuisine. During our visit, we found the dishes to be thoughtfully prepared, elegant in look and flavourful.

The caramelised goat cheese beetroot salad stood out as a highlight. It was so memorable that I attempted to recreate it at home, inspired by its vivid range of texture and flavour. The braised beef burger and steak main dishes were also commendable, meeting the expectations one might have for such dishes.

However, not all dishes resonated as strongly. The "ravioli in a napkin" presented an intriguing concept where the ravioli was tasty by itself but the dry sauce was absorbed by the napkin, leaving little to enjoy with bread. Similarly the root vegetable crisps, while unique as one don't see this on the menu at many restaurants, didn't quite match the quality of similar root vegetables chips I bought many times from Aldi.

Overall, considering the price point, the dining experience was positive. The restaurant's ambience and attentive service complemented the meal, making it a place worth visiting if you do happen to go for a date somewhere...

We booked a reservation online for afternoon tea. My daughter and I were really excited to experience the Alice in Wonderland afternoon tea at the Franklin. The reservation was for 6.30; we arrived at the restaurant taking a detour just for this experience to be told by the manager himself that the afternoon tea is only between 2 and 4pm but the website allows you to book afternoon tea all day long. All the manager could say was that it wasn't their fault because there is a tiny mention at the bottom of one page that afternoon tea can be booked only between the hours of 2 and 4pm. We weren't offered anything for this confusion, just been told repeatedly that it wasn't their fault. So much for good customer service. We will never book a reservation to this restaurant if this is the way they treat...