Franco's By the Bay

Fresh off an Italian vacation, my pasta-loving soul was craving a taste of the motherland. Enter Franco's By the Bay- a cozy, home-style Italian spot that might just be the best thing to happen to my carb-loving heart since discovering stretchy pants. I came in on a Friday evening, and while it started off quiet, by 6-7 PM, the place was packed because apparently, the whole neighborhood also knows where to get their pasta fix. The ambiance? Warm, inviting, and complete with a live piano player, which made me feel like I was in a romantic 1950s Italian film (except I was mostly in it for the food). The menu had a fantastic selection of Italian classics, and naturally, I had to put them to the test. I started with the garlic and oil pasta--simple, yet executed *perfectly*. Then came the veal (which I'm calling the "barstool of veal" because it was *huge*), and it was seasoned just right. The calamari? A little too much breading for my taste, but the sauce made up for it. And let's not forget the house wine, which was *chef's kiss* so good, I briefly considered moving in. And then came the tiramisu. Oh, the tiramisu. Light, creamy, and just the right amount of espresso-soaked goodness. If I wasn't already full, I would've ordered another. Final verdict? This place is a must-visit for fellow pasta enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a good meal with a side of live music. I'll definitely be back--probably sooner rather than later.

Great service by Chris. She made great food suggestions (such as adding meat sauce to the stuffed shells) and bringing us a plethora of bread upon request.I didn't love my spaghetti & meatballs.. they had a funny taste to them, but my girlfriend's meal was divine (the stuffed shells). The service and my girlfriend's food was so good- I would like to return to get a new dish.Very nice atmosphere inside- very mom & pop-like. A sweet spot for a date.

I stepped into Franco's for lunch this afternoon and decided on a salmon salad. I was greeted soon as I walked, in fact they had just opened. Everyone had smiles, I felt welcomed in a sense lol, great staff and even better service. Upon eating the salmon salad and when I say it hit my palate, and I was impressed. The salmon seasoned wonderfully, along with the tomatoes, onions, and lettuce was super fresh. This one not my first time here, I've had just about the whole menu, and whatever you're in the mood for, they can satisfy. Great food, great ambiance, if you're ever in the area plz check this place out it's a hidden gem.

Service is wonderful. Portion sizes are great! For lunch, their Franco's special cheesesteak is my go to. For dinner, I love when they do the fried flounder (Thursday/Fridays). Buttery, with lemon... so tasty! They also make wonderful marinara sauce and have homemade cannolis! YUM!

Me and my coworkers ate lunch here, with working on naval station Norfolk it's a quick drive there. Lunch wasn't very busy there and we were sat right away. Our waitress was quick to bring drinks and take our orders. We each decided to get a different type of salad. And I got to taste them all. My salad was good but my friend's salmon salad would be my go to if I returned. Hers had great flavor and I felt like mine had more lettuce than I'd like. Both of my friends had great salads - the tuna and the salmon salads. If you're on the fence about which salad go salmon- you won't be disappointed. The restaurant is fairly small but is clean and decorated well. You really get a mom and pop feel which I like over corporate chains. I posted a pic of the desserts as if you were looking for that check out the features by the front door. I did see a piano there and am very interested to find out if there's certain nights someone plays there.

Last night my son and I went to Franco's Ocean View, and had an amazing dinner. We have eaten at the other Franco's on Military hwy, and we're happy with the ambiance and food . Let me tell you; it's very hard to find live piano music anywhere playing classic torch songs of the 40's, such as Gershwin, Porter, and more . If anyone knew the late Arnice Anders of Norfolk theatre and piano singer and pianist; these were songs she sang. The man I love, Blue Moon, Bewitched bothered and bewildered, many more that both of Franco's pianists play . My little brother was a pianist in Baltimore, and played many of these; in a fancy hotel club, so I have a fondness . Thank you . Also the pizza is the best in Norfolk, period. I've lived in NYC and elsewhere, never have I had such perfection. The decor, very Christmasy, old school Italian, this is the authentic Italian . Since my daughter married a Capocelli, they all need to come, especially father in law from Rome. Last but not least our server was cordial, informative, really interested in our likes and wanted to be kind and please us. This is a 5 star review, will never order pizza from a different place! Carol Davis

Restaurant is setup very well, nice music (usually), not so loud you can't have a conversation with your party but loud enough to mask your conversation with other diners.Service is usually awesome as well. I think their hours are a suggestion and not the rule, so be forewarned. Lol If you try to call ~1.5 - 1 hour before closing and receive a constant busy signal, they have taken the phone off the hook because they don't want to take any more orders.The food is great here, and this restaurant has a great customer base in the Ocean View and Willoughby Spit area. Their large Antipasto insalate is big, fresh, and delicious. My family and I have tried many things from the menu, so far, everything is delicious.

Our go to spot.....food is always very good. Veal is good.....pizza....eggplant .....salads

Called it in: eggplant parm and chicken Marsala. Subbed spaghetti for garlic bread with the parm because I wanted to mop it up. Asked for extra mushrooms with the Marsala. The nice lady on the phone said yes to both no charge. Went and got the food. Omg. So good. We ate half of it just standing up in the kitchen leaning over the containers. I'm lying down typing this. Major food baby. So happy.

What an incredible restaurant with a live piano and artist Mark on Thursday. Was blown away with the atmosphere and customers who were like family. The food was simply delicious and homemade. The calzone I ordered would feed a family of 4. Everything ordered was off the charts! We made new friends and found another top notch eatery in Ocean view.Service was impeccable. Only complaint is that the server should box up any food going home.