Had the most wonderful meal here last night. I don't normally write reviews but this is a special place. I took a client there for dinner and they treated us like royalty! Food was incredable and atmospher was 10+. This place is a gem! read more

Great food excellent service and they throw a hell of at home event with amazing servers and bartenders.

Been going to Franina, off and on, for 20+ years. I no longer live in Nassau county but when old friends wanted to meet for dinner, I suggested it. If was as good as ever, even better. Saturday night, seated immediately, bread, spreads and olives upon seating. Food and service beyond anything in Long Island. Our guests were simply "blown away." I had amazing crab stuffed Branzino, wife had shrimp Oreganata (she thought were slightly overcooked, but ate them all.) Guests had rack of lamb (fantastic) and parpardelle Bolognese (wonderful.) tiramisu, gelato and chocolate Vesiuvio cake rounded out the night. Yes, a little pricy, but well worth it. read more

Here we have a classic Italian restaurant. This place is a great! I had the smoked buffalo mozzarella with prosciutto and it was spectacular. Main course was a filet mignon with mushrooms & chestnuts. The biscotti are homemade and the chocolate lava cake was a great ending The wine list is world class. The liquor list was seemingly endless. We had to sit at the bar on the way out for an after dinner drink because it was so inviting. The staff here were top notch professionals all the way. My one regret ......I didn't have the zabaione, it looked great. read more

I wish I could give 6 stars because Franina's rates that high. Love this gem. 3rd time here tonight and once again an OUTSTANDING meal. Frank was amazing treating us like ROCKSTARS. Appetizer of shrimp and crab with trio of dipping sauces was amazing. My Wife and I like it HOT so we ordered the special Halibut with mussels and clams in a hot sauce and Frank delivered big time, simply incredible. I ordered the Ribeye which came with whipped mash, string beans, zucchini l, carrots and broccoli rabe which was PERFECT beyond belief. Juicy and tender, melt in your mouth wonderful. Next they came out with a Tiramasu with candle for our Anniversary celebration and cappuccino for me and Mexican coffee for my wife which she had never had before and it was all oh so good. This place is top notch indeed. On the way out we had a chance to meet the owner who could not have been more kind and gracious that we chose his establishment to celebrate our special night. We will make this place a staple forever and ever. read more

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Ristorante serves Excellent food with outstanding service. We Will be returning shortly and enjoyed our dinner very much.

Arrived with fruit flies flying in our face. Killed two but had a third one flying around as a nuisance through dinner. The joke from the waiter was they should not be there as it was a "no fly zone"... Totally ignored that one. Let's get to dinner. My veal was ok. The side of mashed potatoes was a half dollar sized plop that was ridiculous. $30 was too much for two small medallions of veal when there is no choice to get a side of pasta and when I explain the other dish we got, you'll know why. We also got pappardelle with meat sauce. The dish had to be 15 inches in diameter with maybe a 5 inch bowl area of that huge dish where the pasta was deposited. For $24, that was by far the most expensive/smallest pasta dish I ever had and I have been in many fine dining establishments. I was shocked, no joke. I guess that's why they have no pasta sides to the other entrees....you can't get any smaller. Top off the fact that the waiter never returned after the food was served to see how the dinner was going. In fact, he never returned at all. The check came from a server. We were one of only three tables occupied and the other two came in after we did so it was not even busy. The tip was definitely affected by this as I left half of what I normally do and I felt that was generous for the overall experience. Disappointed. While the food was decent, It is surely not worth the money they are charging. read more

Arghh. I wanted, in the worst way, to love this place. The food was delicious, for sure. The service was innattentive and disinterested, at best. Butter and various spreads were brought out...with no bread. Roughly 10 min later, bread arrived. No napkin or utensils. Can I get a glass of wine? Apparently not without asking three times.. The wine list had a TON of greasy fingerprints on it. (same with the menu) I could go on and on, but you get the point. I know people may read this and summize I'm a whiny little bitch, but I'm about as low maintenance as they come. Unfortunately, Franina's has a very bad night tonight. read more

Very disappointing, was expecting a whole lot more. This restaurant looks very nice from the outside and old school Italian atmosphere inside. Franina's is owned by father and son Frank who heads up the front and Victor who does the cooking. My problem first is Frank was entertaining a group of five in the center of the restaurant who were looking to plan a catered affair there. They were so loud including Frank and it become a cafeteria style atmosphere were my wife and I couldn't even talk to each other. We mentioned this to our waiter an older gentlemen but he was too afraid to speak to Frank, he mentioned he would tell Victor later. Moving on to the food, we had the pollo mediterraneo and a pasta special of homemade rigatoni with a veal ragu. Both were fair ( very bland) and the pasta entree was the size of an appetizer portion. You can tell the food is prepared without a love or passion for food. There are so many fine Italian restaurant's to go to, this is not one for me. read more

Franina - Pollo Mediterranean - Italian Near Me - Syosset, New York

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Been meaning to try Franina since moving to L.I..Finally came for Fathers day and was excited!!!.. After reading all the hype for years, I was a disappointed... The food was good, but nothing that made me say "OMG, this is the best anything Ive ever eaten"...Truth be told it was no better then some pizza based restaurants...Normally I wouldn't mind but the prices vs portion size ratio, just doesnt make it worth it to ever go back here.....Theres much better food to be had at Joanina in Huntington,, Luigis New Hyde,, Stressa in Manhassat,, Cafe Baci in Carle Place or Iavarone brothers in New Hyde to name a few! .. read more

Delicious! I am in Syosset for work this week. As such, I am eating out all meals - and this by far was the BEST meal I have had while in Long Island. I got their pre-fixe meal. bread basket - warm and yummy. it came with eggplant and bell pepper tapanade as well as ricotta cheese homemade pappardelle pasta crusted sea bass - with veggies and mashed potatoes creme brulee - with homemade whipped cream and fresh fruit the wait staff was great and the inside is elegant - with fresh roses on the table. I hope to come back here sometime soon! read more

Classy and consistent, good place to impress a date, food is superb. The Insalta frutti di mare appetizer is amazing, great wine list only negative is extremely limited parking. read more

Wine, baked oysters, parmigian some things, fresh fish.... etc

My friend had his graduation party here and I was really impressed with the food and the service! He had a reservation in the spacious banquet room in the back, and we definitely felt like we got the special treatment, with staff checking on us multiple times. My favorites of the night were the focaccia, grilled vegetables, octopus, steak and the RISOTTO. Wow that was the best risotto I've ever had. I left incredibly stuffed and happy. read more

Ok so this place sets the bar by which all other restaurants should aspire to emulate. From the amazing dishes and menu, to the most deliciously prepared foods, professionally and creatively plated, served by some of the most professional wait staff I have ever encountered. Reminiscent of Naples, Capri, Positano, Ravello, Sorrento's finest. Also excellent wine list, specialty drink menu... cannot rave enough about Franina's. Well worth the 60+ mile drive for us. Update. Unfortunately they are not consistent in plating, recipes etc. my first experience was Nothing short of magical. Second was quite disappointing...good but not great as the first time. Very disappointed. read more

I came here with three other people. We all had nothing but raves for the meal and ambiance. Everyone, including the Matre de Joe was amazingly friendly and accommodating. The rooms are beautiful, the wine selection was more than ample, the olives made my martini perfect and the food was outstanding. I had boar with pappardelle. It tasted like a best brisket, and was soft and hearty. The pasta was the best I have had in a very long time, prepared al dente with the perfect blend of soft outside with firm inner. The sauce was perfect and the veges were done just enough not overdone. You do pay more than in some other places but, you are getting great food, wonderful attentive service by everyone there with smiles and professional attentiveness...even the busboy made certain I got fresh roles with my left overs.. .. AND you have separation from the other tables. They could squeeze in more tables, like many restaurants, but I'd rather pay a little more and feel the privacy and quietness from less tables. Even the tartufo was one of the best. Nice added touch... little padded foot type stools for the ladies bags.. keeps them out of the way yet within sight if you will. Thanks for a great dinner experience ! read more

Came here for Christmas Eve with reservations that they confirmed 40 minutes before we arrived... despite that we waited over 35 minutes to be sat. The food is expensive and overpriced and nothing special as well as sub par service It's Long Island there are a ton of high quality Italian places... this is not one of them read more

Franina -Exquisite Old world charm and fine dining Franina is one of long island's most renowned local italian restaurants. Located in a small strip mall in syosset, long island, Its unassuming appearance and location give no indication of the exquisite food and service that lies within. Franina and its superb owner /host Franco Zitoli, are the product of a family steeped in generations of culinary expertise and experience. We recently visited this "jewel like" restaurant and loved our dining experience. Franina has a wonderful old world charm reflected in the main dining rooms decor ... The restaurant has other dining areas for parties and celebrations, a comfortable well stocked bar, and a spectacular wine room. We were greeted by Franco and his highly professional staff. Our meal began with a series of delicious house made appetizers: imported bufala mozzarella vine ripe tomatoes & basil a warm and delightfully sweet fig dish, a fabulous Pappardelle dish, the flat long pasta in a tasty red sauce. a beautifully prepared pasta bolognese- combining long thin pasta with a wonderful meat sauce. Each of the appetizers were served on ornate chinaware by a meticulously dressed wait staff. Our appetizers were followed by two very special entrees: Pesce In Acqua Pazza filler of wild striped poached in crazy water (spicy tomato broth) with black mussels and baby clams/ sardinian cous cous Ossobucco Milanese braised veal shank/butternut squash risotto/esarole Both dishes were served on beautiful china plates and were as good as any of the fine italian dining we have experienced, We sat, relaxed and soaked in the old world ambiance of Franina and then were served a very special dessert plate. Crespelle Alle Pere warm crepes filled with saute'ed pears sand calvados custard The food, serviee and ambiance, at Franina were exquisite and made for an exceptional dining experience. Franina iconic reputation is due to Franco's adherence to offering only the very best beef, poultry and fish and his high standards that his wait staff is diligent in following. Make reservations, as this restaurant is busy all week long. Highly recommended! Kudos to Franco Zitoli for his devotion to excellence and to his fine wait staff Franina 58 West Jericho Tpke Syosset, N.Y. 11791: tel 516-496-9770 read more

This place is one of the best on LI for throwback to the days of classic Italian Restaurants. The owner and his family run the place like you are at their home. The food is fantastic! I have been there many times over the last two years and have never been disappointed. I can't believe that the owner would be snooty to a customer as that side I haven't noticed. I don't see this restaurant as the type of place to wear a t-shirt, I personally wouldn't wear a t-shirt to most places when having dinner but I guess I'm old school. If you are looking for a great night out you won't be disappointed. read more

Amazing place. Amazing food. Calf liver and zucchini flowers to die for..

Not a lot of reviews, I wonder why? I went there on a Monday night for dinner, and my review is based on the restaurant being almost entirely empty. I should also note, that as of Easter Sunday, they will no longer be open on Mondays, but will reopen on Sundays instead. Anyway..... When you go into an restaurant on its quite night a lot can happen, either good or bad. In this case, it was very good. I had the full attention of the bartender, who later turned out to be our waiter. He mixed a "Perfect" Manhattan to my exact specifications and was happy to do so. Needless to say the dinner thus started off great. When we wanted to move from the bar to the tables, we were told to pick any table we wanted, in either room. We split a Boar sausage with broccoli rabe appetizer, a small portion of the dinner entree Calf's liver and onions (which they happily made into an appetizer for us) and then the spaghetti carbonara. All three dishes were great. The service was outstanding. This restaurant has spent a lot of money on the interior and they have a very good wine list. So why only 4 stars? 1) I think its a touch pricey, almost Manhattan prices. 2) Despite the very nice wine list they have a "no outside wine" policy. The best restaurants in NYC will allow outside wines for a corkage fee, and I think so should Franina. At least have some sort of policy, even if its as simple as paying for the least expensive wine on their list, but drinking my own bottle. Again, this was for a quite night at the restaurant, as I prefer to go out on restaurants "dead" nights, I can not comment on what they are like on a Saturday night. read more

Really enjoyed entire meal. Attentive to making you feel like an honored guest at an Italian home. All menu items came in timely manner and was very well prepared. This small restaurant overcomes it's size by serving great Italian cuisine. read more

Traditional Italian in a warm setting" "We have eaten here on numerous occasions and have yet to have a bad experience" "The food is right on target for an authentic Italian eatery" "The decor is beautiful" "Table side service is phenomenal Classy and consistent, good place to impress a date, food is superb. The Insalta frutti di mare appetizer is amazing Franina Restaurant located in Syosset, NY is a five star fine Italian cuisine restaurant, offering a price fix menu, wine list, take out, and catering. read more

Fresh authentic italian dishes served piping hot a a delight to the palate.Daily specials are offered...stuffed artichoke, mozzarella with tomato. Chicken parmigiano was light and delicious.Desserts are limited but we're tasty read more

Franina - Specialty of the evening - Italian Near Me - Syosset, New York

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This is a great place to go for a little more of an upscale dinner. The service is great, not rushed; the wait staff gives you time to sit down and have some olives and bread and get started with a drink before getting bombarded with specials and your menu. The menu itself is on the smaller side about 4 choices each of a pasta, meat, and fish. We ordered the sautéed zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta cheese to share for an appetizer, the pork chop and the osso bucco. Everything was very well prepared, cooked to perfection and plated well. This place is excellent, a really nice night out. read more

Franina - Pork chop with sautéed cherry peppers. - Italian Near Me - Syosset, New York

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Franina is one of the best Italian restaurants on Long Island! The food, the service and the ambiance...one of the best!

Our first experience at Franina's was last night for a New Year's Eve dinner. We were impressed from the moment we entered to the moment we left. Everybody, from the valet to the owner, was friendly, courteous and attentive. The bartender was amazing, the food was divine and the experience was memorable. We will definitely be back and we're very happy we rung in the new year at Franina's. Thank you for a wonderful night! read more

Food=4 to 4.5 stars How I was treated as a customer=zero stars I met a friend and work colleague at this restaurant on a Saturday evening. My friend made the reservation and requested a table where we could enjoy a meal and linger a bit. Reservations were made for 6 PM. After we were seated, we were warned that "our table" for reserved for 8 PM for "special customers." Meanwhile, there were at least 3 or 4 other tables unoccupied in the dining room. I asked if we could be moved but the waiter declined to do so. Our dishes were practically snatched away from in front of us, especially as the witching hour approached. Instead of offering to move us, I think the waiter (keep your day job, sir; your jokes were terrible) kept us as this desirable table so that he could give us the bum's rush. Expect to spend about $100 per person, with one drink, at this establishment. However, I will spend my money at other fine establishments where I can enjoy a meal without aggression. I won't be returning despite a very delicious meal. read more

I usually love everything about Franina's. However, tonight I called around 5:10 (they open at 5) for a 6:30 reservation. The woman who answered the phone said she could seat my party of 2 at 6pm. She needed the table at 7:30. Ok, I agreed since I was calling so late. We vacated our table around 7:30, sat at the bar for at least 1 1/2 hours and not one single person walked in to be seated. I was pissed. I asked her as we were leaving. She said she had 2 cancellations. The main part of the restaurant has at least 10-12 tables, there were 2 tables occupied when we were leaving. Your math doesn't work out. read more

The food was great. Went to dinner there on May 3rd for my Mom's 85th birthday asked for a tray of deserts with a candle, they brought over one desert and cut it up in 6 pieces and there was 8 people . They never asked if we wanted desert. Water was sparse and my husband did not receive his appetizer. When the food runner came over he said we would have to tell the waiter.The waiter said it was his fault he thought he ordered it as an entree. no app for hubby! However if the waiter would have came over to ask us if we liked the appertizers he would have realized that my husband would have said something. Oh I almost forgot no spoons asked four times , I also asked for Diet coke twice. We asked for a salad and forgot to bring it, Horrible service for a $750.00 check service... left a lot to be desired.. Oh and we never received the red pepper for the pasta dish. read more

I was ready to give this place 2 stars.... for all the pomp and circumstance. I just don't need it. Then the food came out. Great food and wow for my first real Italian food experience. read more

Franina - Italian Near Me - Syosset, New York

Among the best Italian restaurants I've dined at. Our meal was outstanding. The service was prompt and excellent.

We went to this restaurant on a great recommendation from a friend. The food was good but not the best quality steak for over 40.00 . I know an Italian restaurant is not usually known for steak but if you can't do it good take it off the menu. The service was okay. They have one main waiter and then a bunch of glorified busboys doing the bulk of the running around. I prefer to have my own waiter and not have share them with an entire dining room. I know it shouldn't matter but it does to me and it's my preference. We ordered the carbonara and the steak. The carbonara was enjoyed but the steak could have been better for the price I paid. The quality of meat was poor and a little fatty. I order steak everywhere I go and can cook so I know quality. The place was an older doctors and accountant type crowd kind of stuffy. I was easily 15 years younger then most of the crowd and I am 40. The drinks were good but overall not worth the price of almost 200.00 for dinner for two. If your looking for energy skip this place. It has a fancy country club vibe to it which is great if that's what your looking for. read more

The food was amazing!! The service was not good at all. The waiter never came back to ask if we wanted anything else. We left that evening and got drinks elsewhere! read more

Excellent Italian food and customer service. They were very attentive to our needs, and the fresh pasta and chicken meatballs were amazing! They all spoke Italian. Great for authentic Italian! read more

I arranged for a business dinner for 15 here. The location is not great, but who cares? We had the large, private room on the left. Frank served us. The owner, Frank was also actively present. They were very helpful, as I was trying to organize a presentation. The room was great. The food was equally great. We had a variety of appetizers...all terrific. I highly recommend it. read more

Very unprofessional. My wife spoke to someone there about having the baptism party for my twins. The day we selected was available. My wife offered a deposit, but they said was not necessary. While preparing the invites a week later the restaurant called to say the date was not available anymore. Now i don't care how good the food is, but when you treat people like that you lose respect and business. I will never go to franina's again just because of that disgraceful act. Thank God the site we were buying invites from allowed us to change venues without problems. read more

Food here is excellent however chef should realize redi whip should not be used. Make real whip cream for your desserts. Service is a different story certain members of the waitstaff put themselves above the needs of the diners. Customers they know receive the royal treatment while new comers are suffered only barely however. To bad because for many clients the best restaurant is the one your known at or at least made to think your known. read more

Came here with a family friend from out of town, Franina is a small nook, that offers BIG taste. The decor is elegant and charming, oversized wine bottles, a patient and attentive waitstaff and excellent italian cuisine. I had the tortelloni with pink sauce and tomato and buffalo mozzarella. The one thing that you should definitely try at Franina is the dessert, the melted lava cake is absolutely amazing. What a delightful dining experience! read more

So this my first review ever I joined yelp just to give information about this restaurant never have I been so insulted demeaned and actually touched by the owner and told to get out. After a very well executed dinner I went over to the owner and complemented the meal and explain to him that it was served to me way too fast after the appetizer. This place is by no means a cheap restaurant on the other hand it's actually quite expensive and quite fancy. After reviewing my bill giving a full tip I walked over to the owner and thanked him for the The 4 cups of coffee that he actually charge me for the man jumped up with his finger pointing in my face and said why the hell would I buy someone like you a cup of coffee we don't have customers like you come here I immediately put my hands behind my back and speak calmly and ask what do you mean by people like me I had two people in my face with their fingers right in it demanding that I get out I told him a few choice words and the man actually put his hands on me and told me to get the fuck out of his store my wife is eight months pregnant so we drink no alcohol So the five person dinner must not have been large enough for him so I guess that's the type a customer he was talking about then about a half hour later I speak to a friend who is there the Friday before him and his wife sat down at the bar order two glasses of wine and were told that another type of wine is much better not thinking anything they took it had another dinner the wine she suggested was 100 dollars a glass and never told my friend before hand so if you like good food and you like being robbed this is the place for you I am a business owner and would never try and hurt somebody else's business but these people are the worst of the worst !!! read more