Frank's Ristorante & Pizzeria — Restaurant in Richmond

I really wanted to give this restaurant more stars because the restaurant had been recommended. When I'm checking out Italian restaurants, I always order the lasagna, so I ordered the lasagna dinner for take-out. When I got home and was preparing to eat, I had to pick through the salad to rid it of yellowed romaine leaves and stalks. The salad was not fresh; as a matter of fact it looked as though it came from a "Spring mix" bag. I asked whether the blue cheese dressing was homemade and they told me it wasn't, but I ordered it and it was good. I had ordered extra sauce for the lasagna because you never know how much sauce is served with different restaurant's lasagnas. They charged me an extra $1.50 for it and they must've put it in with the lasagna because there was no extra container (which, you would think if you're paying extra for something, they would want you to know you actually got extra). There didn't look like there was extra sauce - even though it was just enough, I'm not sure I got extra. One of the reasons I wanted extra sauce was to have something in which to dip my bread. Turns out that they don't serve Italian bread, and instead, I got a roll. The amount of sauce was barely enough to finish a 1/2 of the roll. The lasagna was good. It's like chili or spaghetti - each can be different and good in its own way. I didn't find it overly salty, but it was salty. For over $18 (including the "extra" sauce), it's more expensive than other restaurants in the area. For that price, I would've appreciated a fresh salad, some real Italian bread and perhaps some homemade blue cheese dressing. On the plus side, the employees...

So very disappointing that it was a terrible experience from the beginning! It used to be so good, especially when Frank was there on the weekends. This time I took my 2 guests on a Wednesday night with a 7:00 reservation. We were seated at a big banquet table by the Front window under bright lights. Once we finally got our appetizer, we had to for 3 small plates so we could share. We ordered Lamb Chops for $40.00, Halibut, tiny piece swimming in plate of sauce, and my large Pizza, that was described as New York Style. It was very thick and chewy with a soggy center. Not New York thin & crispy at all! My guests did not receive the side pasta, nor any bread! Halfway through the meal, we asked our waiter for the 2 salads at least. So they had salad after dinner! The manager/chef sent over 3 baby connolis but never came by to check on us or apologize for this awful dining experience! I was so embarrassed that I brought them to this restaurant. Did I mention the 3% credit card fee? It was $146.00 for House wine, 1 calamari appetizer, 1 lousy Pizza, 2 overpriced and mediocre Entrees without the Bread and side Pastas that the Menu said was included! I called the next day to complain and the Manager was very rude and condescending! He actually told me, oh well- you've had good meals here before! Never even apologized for that Disappointing, Disaster Dinner! Save your money and lots of aggravation! There are plenty of great Italian Restaurants around. Franks is not in the catagory! Too bad there's no Star for a...

Frank's was packed when I walked in. The vibe inside was warm but traditional, like a classic pizzeria with an almost upscale feel like an Italian restaurant. There was a neighborhood charm to it.

Since seating was tight, I grabbed a spot at the bar and started a to go order. Honestly, I'm glad I did. The female bartender was the highlight of my entire visit. She was friendly, attentive, and full of great recommendations. While the rest of the staff seemed a bit rushed (understandably, it was busy), she made me feel welcome and taken care of.

I ordered an espresso martini while waiting for my to-go order, and it was delicious. Well-balanced, smooth, and worth coming back for on its own. I even switched for tequila and she kept the same flavor.

Now to the food... I went with the spaghetti bc it's supposed to be the best thing on the menu. It looked amazing when I opened it up, but unfortunately, the flavor didn't match the visual. I hate to say it, but it tasted basic, almost canned. It didn't have that homemade taste or flavor you hope for at a sit-down Italian spot. I did like the portion size for the price.

That said, I'm not writing Frank's off completely. I still want to try the Detroit style pizza, and if that bartender is on duty, I'd absolutely go back just for a drink and the atmosphere. Will update if the pizza...