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Franco's
★ 4.0(1 review)Café
classictraditionalsophisticated
About the Vibe
Franco's has been feeding St James's since 1945, and it shows. This is one of London's oldest Italian institutions, serving everything from a proper English breakfast to truffle pasta and cocktails with cigars on the heated terrace. The vibe is classic but not stuffy—think polished wood, leather, and that particular kind of old-school charm that's hard to find these days. If you want authentic Italian food without the pretension, this is your spot.
Known For
- •homemade bread
- •fresh pasta
- •truffle veal cutlet
- •heated terrace with cigars
Best For
breakfastbusiness lunchesafternoon cocktails
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 12, 2026
A St James's Institution That Still Delivers
Franco's is a piece of London history that still delivers. Established in 1945, it's been a St James's institution for eight decades, and you can feel that heritage in the polished wood and leather seating. The breakfast is solid—a proper cooked option with homemade bread that sets you up for the day. For lunch or dinner, the fresh pasta and truffle veal cutlet are standouts, though portions can be on the smaller side. Service is generally attentive without being overbearing, and the heated terrace is a nice touch in cooler months if you want to people-watch with a cocktail. It's not groundbreaking, but it's reliable, authentic, and comfortable.