Franco's — Restaurant in Tendring

Booked on a Sunday as was my daughters 21st birthday and she specifically wanted Italian food. Was told on the phone that they closed at 5p.m and last orders were 3p.m so could we come in then. Arrived on the day to an empty restaurant, there were two other diners that were leaving as we arrived. Some kind of in house meeting was happening at one of the other tables. It felt awkward but we sat and ordered drinks and the waitress informed us of the specials and told us roasts were also available. We were all looking forward to traditional pasta dishes so waited for a menu to be brought over. The waitress came over and asked what we woukd like. Confused we said we hadn't seen a menu yet. She explained that the only choices were either roast beef or pork or rack of lamb, or the specials on the board which were a salmon dish a soup or mussels. Two of us had the salmon, one had roast pork and one had rack of lamb. The food itself was OK, the vegetables were quite under done and my daughter said some of her sautéed potatoes were soggy. We didn't stay for dessert as we got the impression they wanted us to go so they could close. All in all was a bit disappointed. If we had been told there was a limited menu on a Sunday I wouldn't have booked and would have gone elsewhere as we had been told great things about their Italian food and that is why we went there. The food was also a little overpriced for what it was and the service and atmosphere was lacking. Wish we had gone somewhere else and probably won't be back especially...

Our anniversary today. We have been so busy with the move and getting the jobs done, we didn't have time to book a restaurant. Fortunately we had been recommended by a neighbour "Franco's" in Colne Road Clacton. Phoned up reserved a table no problem. Arrived just around 7.pm met by friendly and courteous staff. An extensive menu displayed on chalkboard by the serving galley. Our starters were King Prawns in a wonderful sauce with just a hint of chilli. 3 large prawns accompanied by a salad and samphire. Enough for me, no skimping here. Jac had the calamari cooked to perfection, very tastey and not at all rubbery that squid can sometimes be. Main course I opted for the seafood extravaganza with linguine prawns mussels, clams, queen scallops, squid, king prawns unbelievable and copious serving on a bed of linguine and a tantalising sauce. Jac chose the Sea Bream and various vegetables, the fish was again fresh and full of flavour. Just when you think you had had enough, the dessert menu came along.

Time for Lemon sorbet and morello cherries whilst Jac enjoyed A Salted caramel filled Torte. 2 Cappuccinos. Not only was this one of the best seafood experiences we have had but the efficient and friendly staff were on hand at all times.

We discovered that Francos is only open 4 days per week Wednesday to Saturday. Will we go back? You betcha, and it wont be a long wait before...

What a disappointment for an Italian restaurant I was in a rush to book somewhere and they had space? Having eaten there I can see why. I and my friends had possibly the worst meal had ever had out, my duck was tasteless and certainly not medium rare. My Wifes fish was also overcooked and rubbery. My friends chicken was also dried out and if it wasn't for the sauce they would have struggled. no we get to the next bit and you may question this, we ate it because we had no time to go elsewhere. We spoke to the cook afterwords to explain and try to get a discount due the quality of the meal, he said we ate and wouldn't, we had an augment and I'm banned. I really wished I'd looked at more reviews before we went, ps the horror of the mens toilets! also this is the first time I have ever written a bad review so please don't think i'm in the habit of trying to get discounts but i did tell him I was going to give him this review and i have left it a week to...