Casale Franco

In an area now dominated by mediocre chain restaurants Casale Franco remains a hidden treasure. The pizza's here are definitely amongst the best in London, and the daily specials never fail to satisfy. As a local, ex pat (Italian) I have been coming here for many years now, and have never had a bad meal yet. So thank you, to Franco, Giselle and staff for always ruining my diet, with your food recomendations,and making me late for work on many occassions, with your tempting after dinner liqueurs.
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Isabella
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Sunday, May 21, 2006

I had a truly dreadful meal here last night. Food was variously cold, dried up and overcooked, and the kitchen burned two successive pizzas. One member of staff was breathtakingly rude. Go there at your peril!
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Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Thursday, May 04, 2006

I ate at Casale Franco recently in a group of six, largely on the strength of its review in an out of date Michelin Guide, where it had garnered a Bib Gourmand (it is incidentally no longer listed).

The problem with the restaurant lay principally in very shoddy service. The staff were rude from the start and cleared away plates whilst my guests next to me were still eating (in one case leaning over two people who were at best halfway through their dishes) . We were rushed through the meal as quickly as possible and the waiters kept refilling our wine glasses to the brim (and I really do mean the brim) in a desperate attempt to get us on to yet another bottle.

As for the food, it is very average and certainly would not merit another visit at the prices charged.
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Ed
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, March 28, 2006

In an area full of restaurants and competition, there is one place that sticks out...Casale Franco. Why? It is simply an eccentric place where you can always be assured of a great meal and a chilled out atmosphere. My partner and I visit everytime we go to a show at the Almeida theatre, and we have never yet been disappointed. By the way it is also a great place for celebrity spotting as many of the cast from the Almeida eat here. On my last visit I caught sight of both Bill Nighy and Woody Harrelson.
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Robert Westlake
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, February 22, 2006

This has to be one of the best secret restaurants in London. Once you actually find the place and walk through the doors you are immediately transported to Italy. The all italian staff ooze the friendly charm you would expect, whilst the owner can be seen chatting to customers, many of whom obviously know him personally. I've been about 3 times now, and cannot fault it. I highly recommend the pizzas which are huge, and the fish specials which in my experience have always been delicious, seasonal, fresh and light.
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Naomi
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, January 11, 2006

After reading the last two reviews, I was, to say the least, apprenhensive when my boyfriend told me that he had made a reservation for my birthday at Casale Franco. He tried his best to assure me that the restaurant came highly recommended, I however remained sceptical. However, I can now say that I am glad that we did not cancel our reservation as I had a most wonderful meal and truly romantic evening. Our shared starter of crab was hot, steamy, and garlicky, absolutely delicious. My main course of monkfish with cardoons was sublime, whilst my boyfriend's pizza was so large he couldn't finish it. The meal ended on an embarrassing but enjoyable note when the staff came to the table with a cake & candle and sang happy birthday to me. All I can say is that my experience of Casale Franco was a most enjoyable one, and that everyone obviously has different ideas about what a good restaurant should be. My advice, don't just read about it, try it for yourself and then decide. I glad I did and will soon be back.
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Natasha
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, December 20, 2005

We had our staff christmas party at Casale Franco last night, and I would just like to thank the staff for a really wonderful evening. Everything was just perfect, the food, the wine (lots of it!) and the ambiance. Thanks guys. We will definitely be back soon.
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Victoria
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, December 20, 2005

I love eating out - the whole experience of the good food, good wine, good service. None of these were delivered when I dined recently (13/12/05) at Casale Franco. My meal was tasteless, bland, watery...all the words you can imagine that would describe a truly disappointing meal. Normally I stay quiet and nod positively when asked 'was everything alright?' (I'm too shy to do otherwise) - however after speaking to a restauranteur acquaintance of mine who told me that constructive criticism helps a restaurant and allows it to improve, I decided to tell the owner about my meal. He simply took it away, dismissed my comments and made no gesture to acknowledge my dissapointment. I told him that I had been to his restaurant on countless occassions and had always loved the restaurant. I told him that I eat out a great deal and am used to good service and good food - and when that's not delivered I'm used to the situation being put right. He shrugged his shoulders. In his mind Casale Franco must be doing so well that good customer service, value for money and excellent food is not a priority. Reading mine and other's reviews on this site, I suggest that he is alone in that way of thinking.
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Emily
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, December 13, 2005

I ate at Casale Franco on Friday night. The retaurant itself is a lovely place to be, softly lit and well decorated. Cosy yet spacious.

Starters were good, the prawns a highlight. However, the extraorinarily over chillie'd squid salad was not a hit. Nor were the vanilla scallops.

However, the main course was the real let down. Spaghetti manzo was cold. And my friends' razor clams were very disappointing, despite the waiter recommending them as the evening's special.

Even allowing for a bottle of champagne to start with, and a bottle of wine each with coffee and digestifs, we were somewhat shocked by the bill. £70 a head. Ouch.
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Alessandro Kimble
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 2
Monday, December 12, 2005

This place has really gone to the dogs, and the food tastes like its made from the same. Dreadful service, rude staff, cold main course, overly priced and the 'optional' service charge trick all combined to create a truly horrific experience. Save yourselves, avoid like The Plague, as that's what you'll get if you eat here.
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Sam
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Monday, December 12, 2005