Italian Bar

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! I might be a little bit biased because I did an intensive Italian language course in the island of Sardegna where these brothers are from but also Italian food from this region with a bit of Tuscany weaved in evokes such great memories and magical flavours. It's not about overdoing it, but about doing it well! Allowing natural smoked, cured, raw ingredients to sing their flavour with simple enhancements from Olive oil, herb dustings, pepper and garlic! The menu is predominantly pizza andantipasto with salad, canneloni, lasagne and some excellent desserts mixed in. Naturally, a key stape of the Italian food sharing and dining experience is the selection of wine they offer themed to the region of their menu.
ANTIPASTO / ENTRATA:
TAGLIERE SARDO features Sardinian Salami, Pecorino Cheese and Marinated olives! A beautiful start with a glass of wine. If you're like me and love the cheese from this region, definitely order the TAGLIERE FORMAGGI. A cheese board of treats featuring Pecorino from Sardinia & Tuscany, Gorgonzola, Provolone and Parmesan Dop (Denominazione di Origine Protetta or “Protected Designation of Origin”).

PRIMO:
Light greens of INSALATA with their local dressing with Dough chips were so good!

SECONDO:
"Less is more! You taste the love you feel the love!" says Filippo & Simone. We had the MARGHERITA, and UCCHINI GORGONZOLA. Elegant and simple with basil, garlic oil allowing the featured cheese to tell its story. Beautiful authentic flavours in this with a nice crust and delicate body to the wedge.  

DOLCI:
Seriously they are all good - there is no need to choose one or the other I recommend them all and sharing! The TIRAMISU is impossible to flawed by an Italian - soft clouds of Mascapone with bursts of Coffee and liquer YUUUM! The TORTA di LIMONE is a nice citrus refresher to end your meal if you're more on the sour side when it comes to dessert. The winner for me is definitely the CALZONE NUTELLA - folded pizza with Nutella with a contrasting crunch and soft gooey centre, it was just perfect!

AMBIENCE:
Great feature tables upstairs, modern fittings and nice area that gets alot of light. The downstairs outdoor garden is the place to be for large groups also full of light, but the entire setting framed with vines and forestry brings that extra wow factor and has that extra bit of privacy away from the hustle and bustle!  

Grazie al servizio eccellente del cameriere Elena ed a Fillipo un incredibile padrone di casa che si è preso cura personalmente di noi. Troverete il vero spirito e l atmosfera della cucina italiana da ''IBS". è stato un piacere incontrarti. Mille Grazie!

The first thing you see upon arriving at Franchi Brothers are the words “Italian Bar” boldly emblazoned across the top of the storefront. Charming Italian knick knacks are on display in the front window, and the biggest table in the restaurant is attached to an old auto-rickshaw -- it really doesn’t get much more Italian than this. As we walked through the cozy interiors (past a very tempting display of cakes and pastries), and down the stairs, we entered a beautiful courtyard with grapevines covering the walls and ceiling. Since it was winter when we dined at Franchi’s, most of the vines were bare, but in summer the courtyard is transformed into a lush green space reminiscent of sitting in the middle of a vineyard.

The menu is very traditional with a great range of different pizzas; we ordered the simple but always good margherita, and the “Tartufo E Salsiccia” which comprised of mozzarella, mushrooms, Sardinian sausage, truffle oil, rocket, and parmesan. Both were fantastic. The beautiful toppings were perfectly balanced with each other allowing all the flavours to sing and we found ourselves going back for more, slice after slice, ignoring our full stomachs. To complete the dinner, we also had sides of antipasto and a polenta and mushroom dish which were both excellent complements to the pizza.

The staff at Franchi’s were all friendly and attentive, and the owners’ passion and love for Italian cuisine were evident in the restaurant’s design and of course the wonderful food. I can see myself coming back to unwind and feast on pizza perhaps after a day of shopping in the very fashionable suburb of Paddington. The atmosphere is very inviting, and the location is quite central so it would be a very easy stop to make, not that you really need the excuse!

Yummiest pizza of MY LIFE (rocket & truffle oil), woke up in the morn dreaming of it, with excellent staff and beautiful vibe. Shall be going back for more.

One is the most truly delightful meals I've had in quite a long time:; the presentation, the service, just made it perfect. All staff friendly and happy upon arrival so the immediate feel was warming. The food was simply spectacular;

I'm a cheese fanatic so the zucchini Gorgonzola was absolutely beautiful. My mouth is watering; another stand out was the tiramisu. I've always thought I was a big tiramisu fan, but now I'm basically a fan girl that wants to eat this every single day. Wow this is beyond amazing. I've never had one this good. I need to go back! You must must must have this!

Family inspired Italian food in a relaxed and authentic setting. This place feels and smells you are taking a journey through Italy.

For starters we were treated to the antipasto options. These plates had a taste that meant they could be a meal in themselves. We loved the green & black olives, salami, tomato & buffalo mozzarella and olive & garlic focaccia - absolutely delicious and a great start to the meal. Pair these with the beautifully light Italian red and white wines on offer.

Mains were just as much a feast for the senses as the starters. We munched into the zucchini and gorgonzola, the classic magherita and tartufo & salsiccia pizzas. With that authentic pizza dough and toppings that complement each other without being overpowering means grab yourself a large - you will not be disappointed. The cheesey salad which has pizza dough croutons through it is a great side!

After all the above I was worried that I might not have room for dessert, however, when I saw the Nutella calzone I was salivating!

Located on Oxford street, Paddington this is an easy location to get to and you will find free parking after 6pm. Keep this restaurant in mind for functions as they have a great outdoor space out the back under the vines or a separate dining area upstairs. The staff make this place an experience and we will most certainly be dining again at Franchi Brothers!