Absolutely incredible! Came here with my picky Italian boyfriend for date night and we both loved it. Ricky is an absolute angel. Some of the best service I've had in Los Angeles, or anywhere for that matter. Beautiful New York vibes with Sinatra playing in the background. So far the best Italian joint I've been to in this read more

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I've been living in WeHo for a decade and I'm sad I just discovered this place with delicious and very reasonably priced Italian-American food! My husband and I felt bad bringing our crazy 2 year old because it's such a cute/romantic setting, but all of the servers there were so incredibly kind and interacted with him. We ordered the: -Eggplant parmesan with a side of spaghetti - classic dish and they did it perfectly with a ton of mozz cheese. The marinara sauce had the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. My son was eating it by the spoonfuls -Chicken piccata - chicken was tender and juicy. The lemon caper butter sauce was so addicting, my husband licked the plate clean -Linguini al frutti di mare (fra diavolo) - Fresh with both perfectly cooked seafood and linguini. It had a nice kick to it -Cannoli - Great dessert choice. The shell was crunchy and the ricotta was creamy and sweet with two cute little chocolate chips at the end. My son went absolutely feral for it. Everything was so delicious, amazing service and parking was very easy. We will definitely be back! read more

A great authentic Italian restaurant. Great food and atmosphere. Highly recommend. Service was great too.

We arrived at around 5:30pm on a Wednesday night. We were the only diners until we left at 6:30pm. I had the chicken marsala over pasta. It was delicious. The sauce and fresh mushrooms were so good I ate all of the pasta and had 2 of the 4 pounded breast steaks leftover. The service was superior, and the old school atmosphere and music were very nice. They've been around for 40 years and they're planning on updating and offering lunch. read more

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My first job ever was a summer gig at the Showcase movie theater on La Brea and my family lived off of Melrose for a stretch in the late-80s. Although I'd passed by Frankie's plenty of times since it opened in 1987, I'd never tried it till two weeks ago. I dined there again a week later. Not many regrets in my life, but all those middling meals consumed at other Italian restaurants in L.A. in the 38 years that Frankie's has been open are among them. Had I known how fantastic this place is, I would have added it to my rotation years ago. The proprietor, Frankie, is a Neopolitan guy from NYC. He wanted to create an old-school Italian seafood restaurant that would fit right in in Little Italy. To that end,he brings his seafood in from the East Coast every week. As a fellow New York transplant, I can say that Frankie succeeded. To step into the dark, intimate dining room with a Frank Sinatra melody playing in the background is to be transported to an era that no longer exists in this "$50 for passable bolognese in a chic setting" town. Frankie's serves unapologetically traditional Italian food made with care, served with a warm smile, and accompanied by a strong cocktail. Our party of five started dinner with bruschetta and fried calamari. The calamari has such a light, airy batter without even a hint of grease- excellent. Made the mistake of letting my family taste my Manhattan Seafood Chowder- the cup made its way back to me nearly empty. Mains were the Linguini al Frutti di Mare, Shrimp fra Diablo, Linguini with Clams, and the baked Branzino special. Pasta was perfectly al dente in my Frutti di Mare and there was so much seafood in this generous serving. The kids were very happy with their pasta dishes. But, the star was the Branzino- my wife and mother-in-law hail from the Monterey Peninsula and compared it to the best Sand Dab entrees found in that area. I'm an executive in the spirits industry, so I dine out almost every meal. Over time, my family has gotten a bit jaded in judging restaurants and aren't shy about telling me that they wouldn't return to particular places I've taken them to. They cannot wait to go back to Frankie's. Bon Appétit! read more

It was my boyfriend's birthday and we were looking for a new place to find pasta ( which is his favorite food ) and were happy we decided to try this restaurant. We were greeted by the owner Frankie himself, who was very kind and attentive to us. And we were given the best service by Ricardo , despite him being the only server working that shift. The restaurant is a very cozy place with good vibes for a good night out. I tried the Chicken parmigiana , and asked for a fettuccine Alfredo instead of regular pasta ( which comes in the order ) and I will say I've never tried a chicken parm so fresh and tasty as this one. The sauce was so light and you could taste that everything was made fresh ( nothing prepackaged or frozen ). The fettuccine Alfredo was so cheesy, delicious , and worth the price. My boyfriend had the fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp , and was highly satisfied with his food. Said it was worth the price and the serving is just the right amount to keep you satisfied. Since it was his birthday, we also got to try the cannoli's , it was our first time trying them and they were very delicious and sweet. We will definitely be back to try other dishes ‍ read more

Frankie's - Chicken Parmigiana and Fettuccine Alfredo - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Great food... great people... old school, low lighting atmosphere.... Warm and inviting... entire staff is incredible.... definitely recommend it..... definitely family atmosphere.... read more

It is good, affordable Italian food close to home, and we are always treated very well by the staff. We also earn miles. We love their chicken dishes - and a new favorite - the Sausage and Peppers. Ricardo is awesome, makes great drinks, and he's always very accommodating. I feel like a regular now, and Ricardo always treats us with special attention, which is much appreciated. read more

Frankies is an excellent place on all levels. We loved it and appreciate the entire staff going above and beyond to create a memorable experience for us. We look forward to coming back! read more

Was catching up with a friend and we decided to try out Frankie's. The restaurant was pretty quiet and it seemed like the other tables were regulars joking with the waiters and waitresses and having a great time. They started us out with some bread which was decent and then we got the ricotta gnocchi and Julia's grilled chicken. The gnocchi was so good and the chicken was delicious. At the time I was really craving garlic bread so I was a little sad they didn't have any on the menu but otherwise we had a really great time. read more

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Run dint walk to this amazing burrito spot. IngredientsBette super fresh and my burrito was bursting with flavor and I wanted to drink the salsa. read more

Great Italian restaurant on Melrose! As soon as my friend and I walked in, we knew we found an authentic Italian place! The staff was very welcoming and the place mostly had regulars we could tell know the staff well. The food was very tasty and some of the best gnocchi I've had - so soft it melts in your mouth! I highly recommend that. They do give complimentary bread which is nice, but it was a very simple bread you could buy at the store. Wish they did a garlic bread! Make sure to ask for olive oil too as they only brought out butter originally for us. Ambiance is dark for dinner and would be a nice spot for a date or initiate gathering. read more

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WOW! This was the best chicken parm of my life! And this is coming from an Italian from NYC. You could cut the chicken with your fork, that's how wonderfully tender it was. The sauce was packed with flavor, and the pasta perfectly al dente. The ambiance was lovely and classic -- I felt so at home hearing Sinatra play as I enjoyed my homemade italian meal. I wish I could go again tomorrow! read more

LOVE Frankie's! LOVE LOVE LOVE! Great martinis in a space w old school vibes. The chicken parm is one of the best in the city. The servers don't even give us menus anymore we've been here so much, and our repeat visits speak volumes. Wonderful all around. They're open late too! read more

Super good food, definitely try the Bruschetta - I loved their pasta despite it not being some crazy high tier pasta dishes, is simple and filling Nice lil night time ambiance at night Service was great, very prompt and helpful read more

Frankie's - 2025 Dinner menu - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Hard pass. It was a while ago since I've been there, but honestly, it was incredibly warm inside the restaurant when we went in, and the food was subpar. If I recall, we had the antipasto and something else. When I mentioned the heat, they explained that they had just opened for the day, but you should definitely have the space ready to serve people by the time you open. The service was OK, but the place was absolutely empty. In fairness, we did go at the beginning of when they opened, but really it felt a bit uncomfortable. read more

Last night I celebrated my bday with family. I made reservations for this place a couple a weeks ago. Namely, I've been on a mission to have baked stuffed clams. I am from NY - born and raised and it's so disappointing that you can't find that app anywhere out here in California. When I stumbled on Frankie's I was so stoked. My expectations were high; I'm from NY. What do you expect?! LOL. Upon entry, my party of 7 was greeted and sat immediately. The restaurant looked just like the pictures. I love that old school NY charm vibe. We had a dozen clams Oreganato and calamari for appetizers. My mom also had Manhattan chowder. The waiter tried to explain how it's red sauce based. We know lol. That's another staple that you can rarely find on the west coast. She said it was amazing. For entrees, everyone said theirs was delicious. Three of us had the Veal Parm. That's what I had with a side of angel hair. Reminded me of being on Arthur Ave the last time I went home in March. It was bomb. My bro-in-law had the Shrimp Teresa entree which came with jumbo shrimp over fettuccini with marinara and mozzarella. Looked like nothing you can get out here. Frankie's had the NY restaurant vibe that I miss so much (also helps my dad's name was Frank--RIP). For dessert, they were so sweet, giving us cannoli and singing to me. I literally felt moved. This restaurant reminded me of Thursday dinner every week with my parents when I was a child at our old stomping grounds called Copolla's in NY. Told my hubby without a doubt we will be back for a real meal and date night. Thank you, Frankie's for making my birthday memorable. read more

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I think you're all sleeping on this place and it's embarrassing being that it's priced nicely and they make a ton of stuff from scratch

Me and my boyfriend got take out from here based on the reviews.. we were very disappointed. My spaghetti and meatballs were practically inedible due to the taste. The noodles tasted like cardboard and the meatballs had no seasoning or flavor taste at all. I'm not sure if the breadcrumbs they used in them were bad or what but it was not a good taste. The bruschetta bread was not toasted and the tomatoes were not cut up (how I'm used to on other bruschetta) which made it very juicey/watery and I didn't taste much garlic. Definitely not worth the price. My boyfriend's bolognese was better than my meal, but he said it was "cheap" for the price and was somewhat dry. He definitely said there should have been more meat in it for what it cost. All in all... we will not be returning. :( read more

Frankie's - Bruschetta - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Wonderful ambiance for a cozy/fancy date night. Had the Fettuccine Alfredo and the sauce/pasta is and tasted homemade! Would recommend for a good Italian meal read more

Oh wow. I wanted to love this place so so much. The place was recommended and as I am about to engage in a local theatre within walking distance, I was hoping that this was - based on the recommendation - our future hang-out after the Sunday matinees. I brought $1000 on business, and the food and service were below average. I asked the waiter for his recommendation, as I like creamy pasta. As I was really really hungry, I ordered a large portion, extra creamy, on the side. Never happened. My wife's lasagne was undercooked, and my second beer never came. I can not understand/ believe the positive reviews on the side. I will not go again. Sorry, Frankie's. That was underwhelming, I am afraid. As much as I love to support local businesses, I sort of understand why were were almost the only guests. On a Sunday evening. read more

Love this place! The minute you walk in, very cozy, warm, family feel.. Had the appetizer plate for 2.. it was Soooo good! Literally licked the plate! Didn't Even have the chance to take pictures of the food... But at least I got a pic of the drink! The staff is AMAZING here as well! Always a plus! Was my first time, but definitely won't be my last! read more

Frankie's - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Pretty empty on a Sunday evening. Got there around 7pm and only one other table had diners. One additional couple came in while we were there. Food 2.5 stars - the bolognese was super sweet, almost inedible, the Alfredo was swimming in sauce. Service 3 stars - nothing outstanding, but was sufficient. read more

Horrible experience! I'm very familiar with the restaurant and have had many great dinners ordering out and dining in. Decided to dine in on Valentine's Day and everything from the food to service was Terrible. Nothing like it's ever been. Salad was wet with our Caesar salad, eggplant parm was tough and chewy. Linguine with clams was extremely watery and bland. When brought to servers attention he quickly took the food away and had nothing to say. Very disappointing tbh especially, because I've never had this experience. Anyway, good luck to you other diners! read more

What a gem in Los Angeles!! This place is a wonderful family-run Italian restaurant that we couldn't recommend highly enough! We started with the fried mozzarella with marinara sauce and Caesar salad. Both were INCREDIBLE. The Caesar dressing was clearly homemade and perfect. The fried mozzarella was crispy and decadent. We then had the chicken parm and lasagna. Both were delicious but the lasagna was definitely the standout. The sheets of pasta were perfectly cooked, layered with the lightest yet creamiest cheese and wonderfully seasoned meat sauce. Wouldn't have changed a thing! The best lasagna I've ever had! We concluded with yummy cannolis compliments of our waiter, who was attentive the whole evening. Please come visit this spot. You won't regret it! PS - Before you head here, make your way to their website and specifically read the "About Us" section. It describes the start of the restaurant by Frankie himself, and it's an incredibly touching story. We had the pleasure of meeting him and he was so sweet and welcoming. He told us he frequents the restaurant on Thursday and Friday nights. read more

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Why is this place not full all the time?!?!?! I can't believe what a almost cinematic setting! Just like a scene from any classic movie yogi get the rat pack singing when you enter, service staff dressed to the 9's, and great cocktails and service that matches it with absolute class. I had the ministry soup which was served with the complementary bread and butter which was absolutely delicious but for my main course I had the chicken Parmesan my friend had ravioli with shrimp another friend had the pork chop and another one of my friends had lasagna all of us ate our food so quickly it was as if our plates were brought to us empty they brought us a wonderful dessert and gave us coffee that we would drink forever if we could. Fantastic classic dining experience with amazing dining room! Try them out for a night, bring the family! read more

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The food was super yummy! I got the Linguini with Clams and the Marylin Merlot wine. I also tried the calamari and it was perfection. I will be coming back for sure. I love the vibe and the music. Service was good just a bit slow and it was a Tuesday evening so it was pretty empty but the food was so Delish I will be back read more

Run ..don't walk here!! We were on the strip sightseeing and became hungry for some great Italian food. After some research, Frankie's kept coming up in our search! Upon parking we realized it was a Frank Sinatra themed restaurant. Not sure on ownership? When we walked in we felt transported back to the good old rat pack days of Vegas. Dim lighting, booth seating .. pictures and artwork of Frank. Then we were immediately greeted by our server who was absolutely attentive and eager to please. Helping with dietary concerns and dish recommendations. Lastly, the food.. incredible and amazing don't even begin!! The hot antipasto hit all the flavors, the seafood pasta was one of the best we had! The kids had pizza and it was NY worthy! I highly recommend this place if you want delicious, fresh, authentic Italian in the LA area. It will be a staple for us when we visit the area! read more

"Underrated" and "hidden gem" are definitely ways I would describe Frankie's. I don't typically enjoy going out for Italian food, but Frankie's is an exception because I'm obsessed with their gypsy sauce - their spicy red sauce (and it's actually really spicy!). I've only been here twice but we always get the same thing, veal parmigiana and the fried shrimp with spaghetti in gypsy sauce. I'll probably get the same thing next time but everything in gypsy sauce and with extra gypsy sauce on the side. If you're into spicy food, this sauce is the best! Haven't found anything like it at any other Italian places. Other than the amazing food, the people are nice and the restaurant itself is a great atmosphere! I can always count on a good time at Frankie's! read more

Frankie's - Fried Shrimp with Gypsy Sauce (Shrimp Diablo) and Veal Parmigiana - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Food is amazing, servers are great, atmosphere absolutely wonderful. My only slight critique... the bread is meh and portions are a little small. read more

This place is ooooooold. The ambiance is niché but erratic. There are 100 places like this throughout L.A. Menu needs updating and food wasn't worth the price. read more

One of the best Italian restaurants in LA. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner Frankie when I came in to dine tonight. He took the time to make us feel welcome and was extremely hospitable, as if we were family. This is a rare quality in restaurants these days so it was something that I truly appreciated. The ambiance is great for a date night or to get family and friends together for a nice dinner. The food and service was impeccable. We started with the hot antipasto, which was great since you get a bit of everything. Then we had the frutti di mare pasta, which was AMAZING. The fish was fresh, the sauce was delicious, the pasta was cooked appropriately, and the timing from when we ordered to when food arrived was perfect. The staff was attentive, friendly, and professional, making sure we were taken care of in our dine in experience. The bread pudding was also one of the best I have ever had. A must try! I will definitely be coming again and highly recommend this restaurant. Thank you Frankie and your staff for an amazing and memorable dine in experience. read more

Great old school New York style red sauce Italian joint. Mussels in marinara was yummy. Clams oreganata stellar. Been coming here 20 years on and off and it never disappoints. Reasonable prices. Service always very attentive. Great that they have full bar. My only wish is that Frankie, Terri and family would go to regular cloth napkins, not the nasty cheap paper ones (not even good paper), because it takes the ambience down a scootch for me. I'd gladly pay a buck a person more. C'mon, add a buck and entre more and step it up guys. 4.5 for that. read more

A cute little Italian restaurant on melrose! We got the got hot app for 2 with a half Caesar salad! The wine was good as well. Also, I love a place that has bread and butter! read more

Frankie's - Hot Antipasto for 2 - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

During a visit with friends to LA, we stopped at Frankie's for dinner to satisfy our craving for Italian. My friends thought their meals were good, but not great, however, I thought my lasagna was the best I've ever had!! I guess it depends on your menu choice and personal preferences, but wow my lasagna was so rich and flavorful. I almost ordered a second! read more

Frankie's - Lasagna Al Forno - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I was on my way to LaLas but was unaware it was closed due to a fire. So my wife and I I walked across the street and checked out the menu at Frankie's which seemed enticing. It was super early so we were the only ones in the place and took a cozy booth across from the door. My wife ordered the chicken Joseph and I got the linguini with clams. We also started with a fried calamari. Everything was excellent. Plenty of clams and the perfect size. I even asked the owner Rosemary if the chicken cutlets were thick and she said if I like them thin they could pound them down. Now that's Italian! All in all a wonderful meal in a very nice space that reminded me of a few great joints I used to frequent in the old days back in the Bronx. read more

Frankie's - Italian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Did some shopping in Melrose and we were starting, so my niece's boyfriend walked towards Frankie's place. As soon as I heard him talk I knew he was from NY, so we had to check out his place. Old school Italian restaurant, great ambiance and service. The food was quite yummy too. Thanks Rosemarie for being a great server and thank you Frankie for your hospitality. Highly recommend if you're in the area. read more

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Came here with the folks tonight. It was highly recommended and I can see why. As we walked in, we were very warmly greeted by the hostess. Since she was so friendly and accommodating, we asked her for some recommendations. The highlights were the baked clams. Never had a dish like this before. My dad ordered the clam chowder and kept raving about it. The breaded chicken dish with the veggies and spicy shrimp entrees were very good too. Looking forward to trying some of the other dishes on the menu for the next time, which were also highly recommended to us. read more

Frankie's is an institution! All the classic Hollywood local haunt vibes. We love coming here for a martini either before or after a Groundlings show. The bartenders always have a heavy pour, which we appreciate. LA is always on to the next new thing, but places like Frankie's are what LA is really all about! read more

This is a very cozy, late afternoon and early evening sit down spot (to go option avail.) but they really care about quality, customer service, and taste. The vibe is very traditional Italian so any preconceived notions that you have about Italian joints and people will be replaced by what you learn here while you dine at Frankie's. They have family photos all over the walls and of Frank showing how popular they are and it kind of humbles you because you realize how much you don't know about real Italian people and their food. The Servers were fast, friendly, and professional. They also seemed to be treated like family here because you can see regulars walking in and greeting the servers as well as the owner and other employees. It's a historical hideaway where you can enjoy an amazing Italian meal. Honestly, taste test won. I rate it 5 out of 5. Popularity 5 out of 5. Price 5 out of 5 Hospitality 5 out of 5 I ordered the fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp, bread with olive oil and vinegar and butter, Cesar side salad and water. I wish I could have sampled their wines but I was by myself and I had prior commitments that evening so I didn't drink. Hope you have a good experience there. read more