Food and Drink January 22, 2009
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Plymouth
Frankie & Benny’s
Location: Barbican Leisure Park, Plymouth, PL4 0LG [map]
Phone: 0845 206 1540
Open: Mon-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10.30pm
Website: www.frankieandbennys.com

According to the story, Frankie Giuliani was ten years old when, with his Mamma and Poppa, he left Sicily and landed at Ellis Island, New York in 1924. It was no surprise when the family opened a restaurant, everybody helping with the building and the cooking in equal measure – each of them had a favourite dish to contribute. In 1953 Poppa retired and Frankie and Benny took over the business, combining the best of popular American food with traditional Italian dishes. The rest as they say, is history…

The instantly recognisable red neon sign, and warm inviting interior will ease you into the Frankie & Benny’s experience before you can take your coat off. Buzzing with the sound of lively chatter, this restaurant attracts everybody from couples and parties of friends out for good times and great food, to families treating themselves to a night out – children are extremely well catered for with their own menu, activities and games.

The choice is so massive that making a decision is a difficult task. To start, try the tiger prawn diavlo; five tail-on prawns pan fried with fresh garlic and green chilli and then tossed in a Neapolitan sauce and served with ciabatta bread (£5.95). Magnificent mains include pastas, pizzas, burgers, grills, calzone, house steaks, salads, sandwiches and house specialities with fish and vegetarian dishes aplenty – the Mediterranean vegetable risotto (£8.25) will satisfy even a devout carnivore. To finish, Mamma’s chocolate marble combines a digestive crumb base with thick creamy baked cheesecake, chocolate brownie and vanilla ice cream (£3.95), and I would like to thank ‘Mamma’ personally for thinking up such a wickedly moreish pud.

In typical stateside fashion, service at Frankie & Benny’s is second to none. Nothing is too much trouble for the obliging and friendly staff. So loosen your tie, relax, settle into your booth and relish the wonderful feeling of a very satisfied appetite.


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