Food and service here is always amazing. Chicken Escarole soup, hot and loaded with chicken and vegetables. Chicken Parmigiana was very good 2 nice pieces of chicken breasts. Decided on honey carrots. Wasn't in the mood for pasta. Pork medallions port a bella, nice mushroom sauce over mashed potatoes. Excellent. The restaurant has several rooms for seating including bar seating. They also have a large room for groups/banquets. Baked goods always delicious. Worth the drive. read more

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The Franklin Hotel is our go to spot whenever we're in town. Every visit begins with freshly baked Italian bread and complimentary garlic butter always a warm and delicious starter. The provolone and roasted peppers appetizer delivers classic Italian flavors that never disappoint. For dinner, the variety and consistency keep us coming back: ravioli and meatballs are always satisfying, and the Friday special fried haddock Parmesan with pasta is especially memorable. The chicken vodka pasta is creamy and flavorful, while the large bowl of lemon chicken soup adds a comforting, fresh touch to any meal. No visit is complete without trying one of their delicious pastries or cakes, which are the perfect sweet ending. Generous portions, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere make Franklin Hotel the place we return to time and again when we're in Rome, whether for a relaxing dinner or a special occasion. read more

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I don't even know where to start. We had the most amazing experience last night. First, they were able to accommodate a large group with notice of only six hours. 40 of us were there and the service, food and atmosphere was phenomenal. Everyone tried everything different on the menu and there were no complaints. Additionally, I would highly recommend stopping at the bakery stand as my son said that the cannoli was phenomenal. Mary and the entire staff were accommodating and didn't mind 16 teenage boys. read more

We took a drive to Rome for Lunch. The restaurant parking lot was full so we were afraid we would have a long wait. Seated right away and waitress was getting our drinks within 3 minutes.loved their soup and our pasta with meatball and sausage was delicious. We ordered their lobster claws and cream puffs to go. They were outstanding.We will definitely be back. read more

A much-loved institution in the Rome area, the Franklin Hotel offers mostly terrific food and friendly but painfully slow service. The restaurant is large with many floors. It's a popular option for private parties, and indeed on the day we went there for a weekday lunch, there was a private party. My husband, who grew up in the area, recalls that the restaurant seems to be chronically understaffed. Though we arrived at peak lunch time, I noticed that there were at least two or three parties who arrived after us but who got served before us. Perhaps they were regulars who got VIP treatment. Normally, our being repeatedly overlooked wouldn't have really bothered me, except for the fact that we had two very antsy toddlers who were getting increasingly restless and I was getting increasingly wearisome of their antics and finding new ways to entertain them--even while there were two TV screens ahead. It was sort of odd that our server was often apologetic during the times when she would arrive with something, but totally forget us. At one point, I wasn't sure whether to get up and order a lobster tail pastry directly from the dessert display case or whether to order at the table. Shortly after I decided with the latter, I immediately regretted it, because we had to wait a long time, yet again. Service issues aside, the chicken riggies and Utica greens were fantastic. The turkey panini was standard and forgettable--it was also unnecessary since the portions of the other items were substantial. Fresh complimentary bread was a perk, though even that took a very long time to arrive (again, other parties who arrived after us even got their bread before we did!). The large lobster tail with chocolate cream was probably one of the best I've ever had, with copious fresh filling and a flaky exterior. The display cake had many other options that looked mouth-watering and inviting, including numerous cakes and cookies. Definitely worth another visit, but not at a peak meal time. read more

Vescio's Franklin Hotel - Lobster tail with chocolate cream - Italian Near Me - Rome, New York

Every time I went to the Franklin Hotel the food and service has been excellent. They are famous for their vary large portions. If your appetite isn't that of Paul Bunyan plan on bringing home some in a doggy bag. It is advised to also save room for desert they are to die for good. read more

Back after several months away. The place is the same but never disappointing. I had the Gnocchi with sun dried tomatoes in a basil cream sauce. She had the pork scrapino with mashed potatoes. Both were fantastic. We ate at the bar (our preference) and Steve the bartender was, as usual, very attentive and upbeat. We missed out on taking home a loaf of their fantastic Italian bread as they were sold out. We will get there earlier next time although I'm not a fan of the early bird special. read more

Franklin Hotel is one of those Staples for visiting Rome NY. It's always packed whether it's for dinner drinks or the dessert counter. And there is a reason it is, everything there is delicious. We were seated in under 5 minutes. Our server was attentive with drinks and bread. Our first course was out in under 10 minutes and maybe another 10 for our entrees so the timing was just right for everything. My gf enjoyed her salad, I like my soup but my only issue for the evening is it was a little clear and thin for being Manhattan clam chowder (it's known to be a thick red broth). The mushrooms and ravioli were so filling and tasty and my couldn't finish her gnocchi and had to take the rest to go. I've had the desserts and love them but was too full to get any. First world problem am I right? read more

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Back after several months away. Never disappointed. I had the Gnocchi w/ sun-dried tomatoes in a basil cream sauce. She had the pork scarpino w/ mashed potatoes. Both were outstanding. We ate at the bar and Steve the bartender was (as usual) very accommodating and upbeat. We missed out on taking a loaf of bread home, they were sold out. I'll have to get there earlier next time but I'm not a fan of early bird special. We'll be back soon. read more

My friend and I were nearby and she told me their homemade Lobster Tail Italian pastries were amazing. We stopped by and they had other items as well for sale. They had several choices of cakes and sfogliatella and Pasticciotti also. I came home and ate 1/2 of my lobster tail, it was huge. The pastry was crispy and light and the pastry cream filling was the best I've had. I'm going to say it weighed about 1/2 pound, it was filled full of the cream. Good news is I have more to eat. I also bought a slice of the fruit cake with marscapone. I tried a small taste this morning . The cake was just how I love it, dense and moist, the butter cream was smooth and not too sweet Inside was the marscapone and fruit. For me, this was substantial enough that I will have at least 2 servings from this one slice. read more

Vescio's Franklin Hotel - Italian Near Me - Rome, New York

This is a no frills, great service, excellent food place! Homemade desserts and fresh bread and Ron, our very capable and personable waiter! Loved everything about it and brought home a loaf of Italian bread to enjoy. The lobster tail pastry was the best I've ever had! read more

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Food was fresh and absolutely delicious! I felt like I ate a home cooked meal. Hands down only place where you must eat while in Rome. read more

Vescio's Franklin Hotel - Stuffed rigatoni and meatballs - Italian Near Me - Rome, New York

Food is old school good. Fresh baked goods in case was awesome. Had the veal and peppers over pasta- delightful. Fresh baked Italian bread with seasoned whipped butter. A-maz-ing! read more

I've been lunching there for over a decade whenever in Rome, always excellent service and meals. Easy and free parking within steps and a bakery to die for. read more

The soup was great and love the greens. I've been up this way and never knew this was a thing.

Best Italian food in Central New York! They have it all. Excellent Italian food, great service, and a dessert selection to die for. The vibe is slightly dated, which would be the only flaw (however minor) but the amazing food and service more than make up for it. Best spot for Italian in Rome, NY fir sure and probably in all of CNY. read more

thankyou to your outstanding staff for welcoming our families (at last minute) for a lunch gathering after laying a family member to rest. You all went above and beyond to serve and tend to us, and the food was excellent!! Thank you for making our day a little less stressful. This is truly a family oriented busines!! WELL DONE!! read more

Good is great, service is old and hook good, and ambience is old school Italian w In an old building with beautiful undeveloped wooden floors. Be sure and check out the pastry display before you leave... read more

We had wanted to visit this place because...old school, been around forever and **Italian**. We absolutely loved the bakery items....pastries and cookies and cake soooo delicious. Staff members were amazing...friendly, sweet, efficient. Our meal was....ok....just ok..... (overcooked soft pasta, etc.)..... We're definitely coming back to say hi to the staff and to buy from that wonderful bakery. read more

We were in Utica for an overnight visit and really wanted to find an iconic place to eat lunch. I love old school dining, and The Franklin is just that! The staff is genuinely friendly, professional and really want you to enjoy your visit! We got a sausage sandwich, Utica Greens, and a steak salad. The food was amazing, and huge portions enough that we didn't have to eat again that day and had a full meal the next night with some left over. We will be back in Utica in a few months and will be back! read more

This is the real deal. A neighborhood restaurant. Authentic people and authentic food. Service, food and in-house baked bread and pastries are world class. The interior decor hasn't changed in decades and it's great to step back into time. Our party of three ordered Linguine with White Clam Sauce, Ravioli with a Meatball, and Chicken Cacciatore. All was cooked perfectly, and flavor packed. Perfect. Served hot with a few slices of their own Italian bread that is just delicious. Great prices too. I suggest you go on non peak hours to avoid the crowds. Be prepared to take home a loaf of bread, a few cannoli, some pastries or a couple dozen almond paste or other cookies. Highly recommended - been here many times and never had anything less than a perfect meal. read more

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I've been here many times but I haven't rated yet. Went with my sister last Saturday. I know they do everything from scratch and are known for their Italian food. We ordered the Utica greens to share and I got the chicken Riggies and she got the chicken parm sandwich. Waiter brought Italian bread that was baked there with whipped seasoned butter, very fresh and delish! Shortly after that the greens came and they were good my only complaint was they used ring peppers from a jar and I prefer cherry peppers that are not from a jar but fresh. My chicken Riggies were very good with vodka sauce with fresh cherry peppers and the chicken was tender. I ate half of my meal (which was huge) to save room for desert. I always get the lobster tail with vanilla cream. My sister and I split it. I've only had one other place that matched these lobster tails and that was in New York City. It's flaky and the cream is to die for. The place is nothing fancy but they sure know how to make Italian food and the prices are reasonable. If your in the area go.. you won't be disappointed. read more

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I was there during lunch so it was a little busy but the food was very good and it didn't take a long time. They also have a delicious looking bakery. My only complaint is I saw servers picking up sliced lemons with their hands (no tongs or gloves) and putting them into peoples water glasses. I work in food service so this was a shock to me. I do hope they can make certain changes in the way of food safety. read more

this place is a Rome must never disappoints! always delicious ! it is a Rome staple and will be back !

This was going to be a three-star review till I tackled my leftovers the next day. First of all, there were a LOT of them... can't argue about the value. Second, the rather bland red sauce really brightened up with a bit of lemon, parm and hot pepper. I'm still a fan of darker, longer-cooked, more umami gravies but Vescio's is good for what it is. The Vescio's Greens were also a lot better on reheating. Initially they seemed meh to me and I identified what looked like regular ham vs prosciutto. But the prosciut' was indeed there and I realized the lack of breading/parm can be considered a plus since it makes for a lighter/healthier dish than the usual Utica Greens. If the nightly special of greens with sausage and beans is available, though, I would order that instead and use some of the good Italian bread to sop up the juices. The place was packed but our service was fast and efficient. We also enjoyed the chicken parm, its accompanying pasta and our mixed (hot and mild) roasted long peppers. Will try more of the menu if I make it back to Rome. read more

Vescio's Franklin Hotel - Vescio's Greens were disappointing. Ham instead of prosciutto, no peppers. - Italian Near Me - Rome, New York

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It was fantastic! All of our dinners were delicious! We hadn't been there in a long time. Boy were we pleased to come back!

Haven't been to the Franklin in a long time but we're in Rome for the Canal Fest. We had stopped driving out to the Franklin several years ago as the food had gone downhill. We did not go with high expectations but wanted to grab a quick bite before the Fireworks. We were seated in their catering hall which looked like the aftermath of a huge crowd and could have used some TLC. Wait staff were friendly and efficient. We ordered the chicken franciase I have to say we were pleasantly surprised. The chicken had a lot of flavor. Portion size was large and it came with several sides and a basket of bread with a parm and garlic better spread. Only complaint was the pasta was a bit starchy. Meal and ambiance reminds you of a 1950's Italian restaurant. Make sure you have cash as they do not take credit cards. There is an on-site ATM but fees are very high. Also, leave room for dessert as they have an on-site bakery. Unfortunately, with the late hour of or visit there was very little left. read more

Vescio's Franklin Hotel - Chicken Francaise - Italian Near Me - Rome, New York

This place has the Heart of Rome! Many people had a family member living upstairs years ago.. They would live and eat there!!! They have been feeding Rome for years... Meatball cover sandwich was my Dads Favorite!! My daughters is greens, The sauce is great!!! read more

This 50-year-old neighborhood establishment is worth a trip to Rome, NY. The wife had the Veal Saltimbocca and I had this Friday's special, Haddock Fra Diavolo. The portions were large and the sauce was clearly homemade -- spicy peppers and robust mushrooms with tender haddock that simply fell apart and melted into the tomato and pasta. So good. Washed it down with a couple of Peroni beers on tap. The saltimbocca came out on two dishes because the veal was served on Utica greens -- a full meal even without the side dish of pasta. Our server was friendly and attentive, not in your face or rushing us out. Be prepared to be tempted by the dessert case of Italian pastries on the way in or out. We were happy to eat here and will be back. If you're in Central New York you should try it too. read more

Delicious food, generous portions, and been a staple in the community for years!!! Some of the staff could smile more and appear friendly. The lady at the front cash register when we were there gave me the impression we were annoying her as we asked about the dessert display. No prices listed but other than that it was a great place. read more

Wonderful local restaurant with delicious food! They have a case full of delicious looking desserts!

Delicious meals and bakery good. We love eating there and don't mind the 20 min drive. Hy husband had to take half of his meatloaf dinner home the last time there. The portions are alway very generous. The menu offers something for everyone. A great variety of, salads, Italia, seafood and meat dishes. The Italian pastries are outstanding. Its be able to order a dinner meal at lunchtime too. read more

The Vescio's Mozzarella and Tomato salad was delicious. I also had some of the Italian sausage as another appetizer and they were perfectly seasoned. For my entree, I chose the Chicken with Pesto and it was perfectly prepared and so fresh. Our waitress was very polite and offered excellent suggestions. Family dinning atmosphere where you felt like you were a part of the family! read more

Waitress was great, food was mediocre and the older lady at the bakery counter heavy set, dark hair and glasses, which my husband said was a Vechio, was rude, sarcastic,disrespectful and acted like we were wasting her time. she will never get another cent from me!! read more

Went there for the first time and was very pleased with food. Back dining room lacks ambiance . Has a very generic banquet hall feel to it. Would definitely recommend if you're in the area read more

Great food great family! You must try there pastry. Everything is always freshly made

Great food and great service! Some of the best desserts around! The chicken and greens sandwich was delicious

Solid 4 stars. Friendly, prompt, and courteous wait staff. Please be aware this is a cash only establishment. read more

Vescio's Franklin Hotel - Italian Near Me - Rome, New York

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The Franklin is an excellent restaurant. We love the food, and the service is great! The greens are so good! We rarely have room for dessert because we always eat too much of the delicious bread and garlic butter, but we highly suggest it. Take it home if you're too full. read more

Fantastic food! Not much on ambiance but who cares. I actually thought they could/should charge more for what's provided. I gave our server the choice for my dinner between chicken francais, marsala or picata. She chose the francais and I was not disappointed although I suspect any of them would have been awesome. Very cordial excellent service and the kitchen pumped out the food fast. I'll be back every time I'm in the area. read more