Hello dear
Welcome To Frank's Ristorante
Nestled in Essendon North, Frank's Ristorante offers a delightful fusion of tradition and contemporary flair. Once led by Frank, the restaurant thrives under the dedicated stewardship of ex-VFA player Jack Aziz. Diners rave about the succulent lamb shoulder, creamy chicken and mushroom risotto, and the unmissable cream brulee. The inviting, family-like atmosphere is enhanced by attentive service from Jack and his team, who leave a lasting impression. While the décor could use an update, the quality seafood and pasta, along with the popular Thursday Steak Nights, ensure a memorable dining experience. Frank's Ristorante is a gem waiting to be rediscovered.
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About
Frank's Ristorante
Welcome to Frank's Ristorante, a beloved culinary destination nestled in the heart of Essendon North, Australia. Located at 5/324 Keilor Rd, this vibrant eatery isn't just about food; it’s a blend of exceptional service, warm ambiance, and mouthwatering dishes that promise an unforgettable dining experience.
Formerly owned by the eponymous Frank, the restaurant is now helmed by ex-VFA player Jack Aziz, whose friendly demeanor and dedication to hospitality create an inviting atmosphere for all diners. The warmth of Jack's service is echoed by his team, ensuring that from the moment you step in, you feel right at home.
At Frank's, the menu is a delightful exploration of flavors. Diners rave about the tender lamb shoulder and the rich chicken and mushroom risotto, both crafted to perfection. The culinary team’s commitment to quality is evident in each dish, highlighting fresh ingredients that sing on your palate. And for those with a sweet tooth, the creme brulee paired with pistachio ice cream is a divine conclusion to any meal.
One standout feature is their Steak Night every Thursday, attracting locals who appreciate perfectly grilled steak in a cozy, familial atmosphere. The personal touch from hosts like Josh, Cata, and Kieran takes the dining experience to the next level, making it not just a meal but a gathering.
While the decor brings a nostalgic charm, with its cozy black and white tones reminiscent of simpler times, it could benefit from a modern refresh. Still, the welcoming vibe and quality of food assure you that what truly matters lies beyond aesthetics.
Moreover, the restaurant provides an upstairs area suitable for private functions, giving patrons the flexibility for special occasions. Just be mindful that there’s no lift access, so plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.
Despite some reviews indicating that the venue can feel quiet during certain nights, those who have experienced Frank's Ristorante know that this hidden gem deserves more attention from the community. With delicious offerings and attentive service, it’s clear that Frank's is not merely a spot to dine; it’s a place to create lasting memories around delightful meals.
So whether you’re in the mood for a hearty pizza, fresh seafood, or simply a delightful evening with friends, Frank's Ristorante promises to deliver an experience worth returning for. Don't miss out on rediscovering this local favorite!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Thursday night 'Steak Night' the best in the area. Josh, Cata, Kieran are awesome hosts and Chefs, with a family like atmosphere. Highly recommend. ”
“ A group of four from all over the world tried this place for dinner after work as they advertised a special for steak. Absolutely awesome steak!! Very moist and perfectly cooked. One of the best I have ever had. Staff were fantastic, funny and prompt with ordering and kept the service/drinks flowing the whole time we were there. They were the highlight of the night. If you are in Essendon and are after a meal, go to Frank’s. You will not be disappointed!!! ”
“ Franks Seafood Restaurant in Essendon is truly a hidden gem for anyone who appreciates fresh, beautifully prepared seafood and pasta. From the moment you walk in, the warm and inviting atmosphere sets the tone for a fantastic dining experience. The menu offers an impressive variety of pasta and seafood dishes, each bursting with flavour and cooked to perfection. The freshness of the produce is undeniable, and every dish reflects the care and expertise that goes into the kitchen. Whether it’s a simple grilled fish, a rich seafood pasta, or one of their signature platters, the quality is consistently outstanding. What really elevates the experience, though, is the service. Jack Aziz and Caterina went above and beyond to ensure the evening was flawless. Their attentiveness, professionalism, and genuine friendliness created a welcoming environment that made the meal even more enjoyable. They struck the perfect balance of being attentive without being intrusive, and their knowledge of the menu made recommendations spot-on. Overall, Franks Seafood Restaurant isn’t just about great food—it’s about the complete dining experience. With exceptional dishes and the outstanding service provided by Jack and Caterina, it’s easy to see why this restaurant has such a strong reputation in the Essendon area. Highly recommended for anyone who loves seafood and appreciates first-class service. ”
“ Have been there multiple times but will definitely be back, perfect steak with generous portion at great value and of course the hospitality is what makes us keep coming back on top of the great food ”
“ No longer run by Frank, the restaurant is now in the hands of former VFA player “Jack” Aziz, who brings a warm and welcoming vibe to the venue. Jack’s friendliness really adds a personal touch to the experience. We tried two pizzas — the Mexicana and a vegetarian with ham. While they’re not wood-fired, they’re traditional stone-baked in an oven. The bases were crisp and the marinated capsicum gave a nice burst of flavour. They’re decent pizzas — simple and satisfying. The décor is a bit dated — think black and white tones, with light fittings that feel like they belong in your great-aunt’s lounge room. It’s clean and comfortable, but could use a little refresh. There’s also an upstairs area available for private functions, though it’s not ideal for anyone with mobility issues as there’s no lift access, but plenty of seating downstairs. Felt a bit sorry for them — it was very quiet for a Friday night, which surprised us given the friendly service and decent food. Hopefully more locals rediscover it, because it deserves a bit more love. ”
“ Went to Frank's tonight for the first time and had the most amazing meal. Shared the lamb shoulder and the chicken and mushroom risotto which were both cooked to perfection. Finished off with sharing the creme brule and the pistachio icecream. Very happy with the friendly service, amazing food and lovely atmosphere. Will be going back again for steak Thursdays. ”
“ Been here many times, the food and service has always been exceptional. The steak was just simply lovely! Definitely will recommend someone who look for good price and high quality food to give it a try. ”
“ Last week, We had a catch up with our friends at Frank's Ristorante. Food is good. Portions are reasonable. We had all vegetarian. Happy with the place. I'll update my review once again when I try other stuff. That date cake with ice cream is brilliant. 5/5 Bruschetta 5/5 Pizza - okay Gnocci with egg plant - too bland for my taste. ”