Found ourselves in the area and in the mood for some Italian food. While the reviews seem hit or miss, the other two options, aside from Olive Garden, didn't appear to be a proper sit down Italian restaurant, so we thought we'd give it a try. Have to say, I was very impressed. Having spent time in Italy and eating true Italian food, found Frankie's to be very close to the original!
We ordered the fig and goat cheese bruschetta, I got the Truffle Gnocchi and my husband got the special, a Veal & Wild Boar Bolognese. We received a basket of freshly baked bread with this butter, which tasted like it had rosemary and basil in it...OMG, i could just eat the bread and butter all day!
The bread of the bruschetta was just slightly over cooked, but the blend of fig, goat cheese and argula worked perfectly well together. So, my Gnocchi was rich, creamy, and just melted in my mouth! The flavor profile was a perfect blend and just kept we wanting more. The Veal & Wild Boar Bolognese was almost as much of a flavor-bomb! The meats were so tender they melted in our mouths. Loved the bolognese, felt like the seasoning was well-balanced and to be honest I can't recall the last time that we ate Italian and didn't see a separate of the sauce. There was no water or oil separate with this sauce. To finish off this wonderful meal we ordered a couple of cannoli's, which we took home to eat later that evening. Even after making a 3 hour car ride and sitting on our counter for a couple of hours the shell had that perfect crisp and the filling was not too sweet. Have to say their cannoli kind of reminded me of Mike's up in Boston! Not many cannoli's can do that.
The staff was very friendly and helpful. We were seated immediately, our server was very helpful and paid just the right amount of attention without making us feel like we weren't there or being too attentive. Found the deco to be very minimal yet inviting. Overall, the place was very clean and cozy.
Would like to also comment on the level of "noise" that several of the reviews complain about. I found this place was getting loud as more and more people arrived and the music started to play outside. But to be honest, show me a restaurant in Italy that isn't loud like this! It's part of the experience, to live and enjoy life! For those who do not want a true Italian experience, Olive Garden is just down the road. Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food and as close to an Italian experience one can...
Read moreI can't leave less than 1 Star, so that's where we're setting the floor for this.
Oh, where to begin.
When we arrived, we were told ('We' being myself, my Wife, 3 and 1 year old) that they were understaffed, and that service might be slow.
I want to say, ahead of time, I was okay with that. I know how the Food Industry works, having been part of it in my youth. Busy is busy, and there is nothing you can do about it. I should note, however, that 'Slow' doesn't equate to 'Awful quality'. If they had told me, up front "We're busy, so your food is going to suck and take forever to come out", I'd have left and tried another day, instead of burning the bridge so I never have to go back again.
We had a simple enough order. My wife is pregnant, and certain food make her sick. We were all pretty hungry. I was hungry enough that I was could have eaten my Chaco's.
After seeing how my burger came out, eating my shoes would have been the better option.
My 1 year old son's food was totally forgotten. Once that got fixed (10 minutes later) we all ate. My burger tasted like leather. My wife's was slathered in BBQ sauce, which she had explicitly asked them not to put on there.
This kind of thing is easy enough to fix. You just talk to your server, and they correct it.
That's normally what you do...assuming you actually see your server again. We didn't. The last time we saw him was 30 minutes after our food came out, asking if we wanted to buy dessert. He gave us our check, but after waiting another 10 minutes I had to walk up front to get another server to actually ring us out. It's worth mentioning, at this point in the night, the Restaurant was probably at about 30% capacity. It was no longer busy.
We were never asked about our food, experience, anything. I've gotten better service consideration at McDonald's before. It was literally "Here's your food, where's our money, cya".
I get they were busy, and I get that Friday night's can be rough. It's no excuse for the food to be bad, and for the service that you actually do get to be awful. I'm not looking for a refund, or discount, or pity. You literally couldn't pay me to eat there again. I just don't want another family to get ambushed there on a busy night by overpriced food and abysmal...
Read moreA Taste of Italy in Spring Hill: Frankie's Pizza & Grill Delivers Delight
If you're craving authentic Italian cuisine in Spring Hill, look no further than Frankie's Pizza & Grill. From the moment you step in, the aroma of freshly prepared dishes sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.
Appetizer: Calamari Perfection
The meal began with their calamari—lightly fried to golden perfection, offering a delightful crunch without being greasy. Paired with a zesty marinara and a tangy lemon aioli, it was a harmonious blend of flavors that teased the palate.
Main Course: Tuscan Chicken & Stuffed Shells
The Tuscan chicken was a standout—tender, juicy, and infused with the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Each bite was a testament to the chef's mastery. The stuffed shells, a special of the day, were equally impressive. The balance between the creamy ricotta filling and the savory sauce was impeccable, making it impossible to leave a morsel behind.
Dessert: Strawberry Tres Leches
To conclude, the strawberry tres leches was a revelation. The cake was moist and infused with a sweet, fruity essence, while the vanilla cookie crumble added a delightful crunch, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.
Ambiance & Service
Beyond the food, Frankie's offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff is attentive and passionate, ensuring every guest feels like family. Whether you're dining in or taking out, their commitment to excellence shines through.
Final Thoughts
Frankie's Pizza & Grill isn't just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey through Italy, right in the heart of Spring Hill. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by and indulge in their delectable offerings. Your taste buds...
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