Frank Reviews

My husband and I ate here on our recent trip to NYC with two of our friends who live in New York (who recommended it). It's a fine line between cosy and cramped. I say Frank was cosy, my husband says cramped! Overall the food was excellent, the waiter was friendly and helpful, and the prices were reasonable. The negatives were that, although we'd made a reservation, we had to wait quite a while for our table, and then we were seated on the end of a long table with other patrons. However, this didn't detract from the great food and good vibe of the place. I had the meatballs and they were amazing. The mozzarella starter was gorgeous. Would recommend for an authentic New York experience.

My husband and I hit Frank for dinner on a cold wet and windy Wednesday night and it was packed. We only had to wait for 10 mins before we got the best seat in the house at the bar next to the kitchen, boy can those guys cook up a storm, working at amazing pace, pure theatre. We shared the octopus for starters which was delicious, I then had the black linguine with calamari which was full of flavour as was my husband's veal ragu with parpadelle. Even though the restaurant was very busy the service was friendly prompt and helpful. A great night out but not if you are looking for a romantic night out.

My family and I stumbled upon this jewel during a recent trip to Manhattan. Excellent meals, esp my tagliatelle with wild mushrooms.

Really cool place. Small, with good food and great atmosphere. And I really like that you can have a bottle of wine and drink as much as you wanted and they only charge for what you have consumed.

I would have liked to leave a good review here but unfortunately after making a 7pm reservation and traveling from uptown, we arrived and were told that our table wouldn’t be ready until ‘around’ 7:45pm... What the hell is the point of accepting the reservation if you don’t get a table. If you’re not going to keep our table, DONT ACCEPT THE RESERVATION. Weren’t offered a drink or anything, just told to leave and come back...

Always terrific, especially if you get an outside table. But the restroom/ toilet is the worst ever. Been to Greece and Vietnam recently, and I thought it could never get worse, but this is it. Vile.

a staple and reliable place to eat... LOVE the meatballs!

We love revisiting Frank when back in NYC after having moved six years ago. In my opinion, the best seats in the house are the four bar seats back by the kitchen. You can enjoy the authentic Italian food while watching the cooks at work. It is a very special experience! Also reasonably priced for a New York restaurant. The entire experience is worth adding Frank to your must-do list!

A casual restaurant in the east village. (88 Second Avenue & 5th Street) which is reasonably priced for NYC. They have several daily specials and several home made pasta varieties. Food was delicious and staff is friendly and helpful. There is outside seating in front of the restaurant which is lovely on a warm night. Tables are small and area is close but very enjoyable. Inside seating is also available if you prefer. They are open for lunch and dinner. This is a cash only restaurant.

cool easy casual place

Great neighborhood italian.

The bar, the atmosphere, the service and the location. Just love and the music as also great. My friend who I am dining with says it is her favorite Italian restaurant.

Went here by accident- had booked a restaurant further down 2nd Ave and got confused trying to locate it. Ended up here by accident- fabulous mistake!!!!! Great Atmosphere, great service and fab fab food. I had delicious meatballs and my mum had mussels

I’m incredibly lucky to have Frank restaurant in my neighborhood. Best ravioli, all pasta for that matter. The vegetarian option are amazingly delicious. No one comes to visit me without loving Frank. ..the deserts are on point as well. Full bar. Excellent!

If you like pasta and Italian food in general, you will like Frank. We sat outside. I had a steak over arugula, we shared some garlic bread, bruschetta and caprese appetizers. My daughter had the roast chicken and my wife had a pasta special. Excellent food, friendly professional service. Cash only.

Good, casual, local spot with heavenly Italian cuisine. Ideal for a fun dinner. Not recommended for a quiet, romantic evening.

I never really review restaurants but this restaurant was so great I felt like I should. They were very accommodating for my party of 7, even when multiple people showed up late. Our table was an antique desk, but somehow they made it work. The pasta was incredible and everything was very reasonably priced. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this restaurant.

Was actually going for Via Della Pace around the corner, but that restaurant unfortunately had a fire a few weeks before and was closed. Instead we went to Frankie. Superbusy, but we managed to get a small table. Great food and drinks, a bit overpriced..., but that's NYC. Would definitely recommen!

We went to Franks based on reviews and menu - so pleased we did. The service was friendly and the food was amazing. Having had a very disappointing Italian meal in Boston (see my last review) I was planning to not eat pasta - but the recommendation of the waiter for the wild mushroom tagliatelle persuaded me to try it! It was probably the nicest plate of pasta I have had for a long time - the guys from Boston should come for a visit! As the only red wine drinker at the table I was delighted to be able to order a very nice bottle of Valpolicella, drink how much I wanted - and only pay for that amount. A great idea! I can’t personally comment on pudding as I was far too full to take part but the chocolate cake went down very well with my daughter. Overall a real gem of a restaurant. Cash only - but there is an ATM nearby.

I had been following Frank on Instagram, thanks to Chrissy Teigen. (lol) So, naturally, while in NYC I made a point to go. We went at 9pm and we still couldn't get a table so we sat at the bar. (They only take reservations for parties of 4 or more and we were just two). We started with the bruschetta. I've never tasted tomato like this and I've had fresh tomatoes. Maybe I was starving, but I believe it was culinary magic. We shared the gnocchi and the roast chicken, both insanely amazing. The gnocchi had the perfect texture soft, but not mushy, with a super simple sauce. The roasted chicken had crispy skin, served with perfect mashed potatoes. The sauce and the olives were so savory. I'm drooling just typing this. Next time I will go for brunch. It looks amazing. I also regret not getting the spaghetti limon but I swear I didn't see it on the menu that night. Just go. I know there's a lot of great Italian in the city but this was such a treat. Also, cash only.

AWESOME Italian. Period. Try the lasagna. Gets crowded on weekends.

This small cozy restaurant is always cramped and noisy, and that´s one of the things that gives it its cool vibe. The food is awesome and they have a decent wine list too. In the summer it´s great to sit on the outdoor patio (if you can get a seat) I have been here many times, and I´ll definitely be back! Don´t miss out on this place!

This is not your average take out food. Delivery was made on time, so everything was at the right temperature. The only reason I am writing this is to comment on the excellent spaghetti limone which was to die for, with a very balanced ratio of cheese : pasta : lemon. Authentic and tasty. The bruschetta was also brilliant, made with fresh and flavorful tomatoes. Highly recommended.

Big servings, boisterous clientele and a fun place to eat good, verging on great, pasta. The sounds you hear are people enjoying food with other people.....

Another visit after several years away, and another East Village venue that has kept its standards high and cemented classic status. Perhaps not the most charming welcome but I love the little bar area while you wait given only groups can reserve, a good addition and a bit friendlier than out front. Seating anywhere is cramped and not hugely comfortable, but that's part of the charm and lovely to sit outside in the September evening sun, plus a lovely buzz. The food was very good - outstanding burrata, pretty good octopus and tasty pasta, whether lasagne or parpadelle. Beware of large portions and whilst not great value, can't really complain. Recommended.

Best burrata in NYC ! fabulous specials and love the atmosphere . Service was a little slow but we didn't mind too much ! The food made up for it ! We will DEFINITELY BE BACK

A coworker recommended this quaint Italian spot and it did not disappoint. A smaller menu, but everything is homemade and fresh. Wine list is extensive and in Italian, ask for a recommendation if you are not a wine expert. A great spot for smaller parties- perfect for a couples catch up. Just a heads up: You could easily miss the spot, the hanging sign does not say Frank and you could easily mistake it for a different restaurant. Cash only.

I went to this restaurant after reading about it in Chrissy Teigen's cookbook. My husband and I were in NYC on our honeymoon. The restaurant was a lot smaller and more urban than I expected, but that atmosphere made it awesome! The place is so small that the wait staff pulls out your table for you to sit because it is such a tight squeeze. It made the place feel really authentic. We started with the burrata- THE BEST! It is a large mound of mozzarella that is creamy on the inside and is served over top of juicy tomatoes. My husband got the pappardelle lamb ragu and these noodles were so fresh! The lamb was tender and tasty. I got a ravioli which was filled with butternut squash in a cream sauce. It was delicious! The wine was good as well. We had a reservation, but it didn't seem to matter. Although, it was on a Wednesday. I would recommend this restaurant a million times over and I cannot wait to go back. This is definitely the best Italian I have ever had. The prices were very reasonable as well. Oh! If you are in doubt, ask the server to recommend you an entree. Our server recommended two completely different options that we had originally planned and we were very pleased.

Went here since we were staying on the LES and had read good things. We were not disappointed. Although tiny the service was great and the food outstanding. From the antipasto appetizer and the papperdelle with lamb ragu both of our meals were excellent. To top it off the prices were very reasonable

My friend recommended the place and my husband and I were excited to go. Photos on Instagram looked delicious and we ended up leaving disappointed. Went in excited to get Bufalo mozz (we were in Italy a month ago). It was super cold. Almost frozen. Small serving. Got the ragu with papardelle-way too saucy. Gnocchi was good- also very saucy. Garlic bread is wayyyy over priced. It didn’t even taste like garlic bread. It was weird. I left disappointed and wouldn’t recommend or ever go back. Also they were playing Spanish music and I don’t believe I saw one Italian in the whole restaurant.

Frank is a very popular pasta place in East Village. Seems to always be busy. However, the pasta, though not bad at all, is also not good enough for the waits and its popularity. It's also cash only.

This is a nice little find in NYC. Food & service was very good. My wife & I both had shared the Arugula salad which was plenty for two. The Rigatoni with sausage & tiny meatballs was real comfort food. My wife had the spaghetti w/oil & garlic which she loved. Both of these are very moderately priced, but even the pasta specials are in the $20.00 range. Entrees were a bit more, but still reasonable. Space can be tight and it was getting a bit packed by the time we left. But this would not stop us from returning.

So the server was terrific and the Chianti by the glass was good. Outdoor table was small but comfortable. My steak was way over salted, and I like salt. Vegetable accompaniment was fresh and tasty. Dessert was excellent, we split a ricotta cheesecake. Good coffee. Reasonably priced. I’ll be back. Cash only.

This place is amazing and a must go if you are in New York. First, it has a great atmosphere and a lot of fun. I know it is super busy and there are line-ups but we always go early (4 or so) or late (after 10:30) and have not had much trouble getting a table. The food is to die for - I recommend always ordering off the specials menu rather than their regular menu. And one of the best things I have ever tasted is their homemade burato mozzarella (I may have butchered the spelling). It is fantastic and huge. I have never had room for dessert because everything else is so good. For what you get, it is VERY reasonably priced and the staff is super friendly and knowledgeable.

Eclectic, shabby chic friendly place in the E village. Standard fare, fresh and friendly. We had brunch, eggs were nicely done, coffee was hot. Nothing terribly special, but solid and friendly service.

Best rigatoni ( italian pasta) with Ragu ( meatball )in NEW YORK. Italian style and taste of home ❤️❤️

What a great little find! Probably the best pasta I've had in a while. Very cute place. Nothing fancy, but just amazing food and lovely vibe. Traditional Italian at its best!

Very small and quirky place. We had the burata which was great, but a piece of burned bread with barely any garlic butter was $3.95....that was a rip-off. I expected good garlic bread with melted cheese, and it looked like I made it myself. Wine fine- good pour and glass is almost full, which was a nice surprise. We had ravioli with porcini mushroom (special) and gnocci- both were very good,piping hot and they happily gave us extra grated cheese. The people at the next table had been eating molten chocolate cake when we sat down- they told us it was very good. We ordered it, and at 7:40pm they were already out of that dessert. So disappointing. I would have hoped that they had more, especially since it was still early. I recommend, but do not have the garlic bread. Pasta very good, fresh, hot. Burata is excellent. Cute little place. Only complaint was tiny bathroom and it was not very clean.

My husband and I go to New York about once a year and we always go to Frank. The place is cramped but it is totally worth it. The service is always amazing and it still has a great atmosphere. The food is always amazing. I now have my favourite - the burrata (best mozzarella ever) and the papperdelle ragu (they usually have some form of it). It is also ridiculously reasonably priced for what you get. Tips: always order from the Specials menu. I think that's where the best stuff is. The burrata is a bit more expensive (around $20) but is totally worth it and is huge (you need to share it). I eat some as an appetizer and then save some to melt into my papperdelle (amazing...). Cash only so be sure to bring cash. Finally, I am a tiramisu lover but I would not recommend the tiramisu here. It's not very sweet and just tastes different. But you would usually be too full to even think about dessert anyway.

Having tried a couple of Italian restaurants in the city, Frank's definitely was the place to offer the most authentic Italian experience. The food here was very good and they have a great variety! Their specials tend to be VERY SPECIAL and definitely worth a try. The staff was super friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend it!

It is a great Italian restaurant with authentic furniture and cousine. The place is not big and making a reservation is always a great idea, even days prior. They have great wine selection. I am in FnB as well and i was surprised by the wine selection they are offering. We had a Nebiolo with our meal. Service is fat and staff is knowledgeable. We god the Strachatella mozzarela which is a bit creamier that buffalo. We had ragu, wild mushroom risotto, the salmon was amazing, the garlic bread was crispy and delicious. The prices are medium but worth the service and food quality. The only thing i would maybe see different is the music. The restaurant is presented as Italian with tradition and the background music was HipHop. Of course, this havent affected our overall experience.

When Chrissy Teigen says its one of her favs, a girl has gottas to check it out. The place is small and by small I mean teeny. We hung out at the bar, had some wine, and split a burrata before getting seated. Do yourself a favor and get the burrata! It is life changing good. Don't expect anything fancy here. Just come in knowing you'll have a great night. The music was popping, the food was delicious, and the service was friendly. Honestly I couldn't have asked for a more chilled and wonderful birthday dinner with friends. The lamb ragu pappardelle was hands down one of the best pasta dishes I've had in my life. You will not be disappointed with Frank! And I am gonna reiterate again from previous posts....BRING CASH!!

When we moved to the city Frank was recommended to us by a former colleague in Los Angeles who visits every time she is in town, and we are so happy she did as it has become our go-to for Italian. The menu is extensive, plus a ton of daily specials (and housemade pasta!!), and don't even get me started on the giant wine list. Let you server guide you, they are all wonderful and have never recommended anything other than exactly what we were in the mood for. Bonus points for how lovely the waitstaff is to our toddler. If you are looking for a date night, family dinner, or even a place for a group of friends, Frank is your spot.

Great, romantic, cute and semi-cheap

The food here was excellent! We sat outside and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Unique dishes to choose from. Definitely a place to visit!

Very Good Italian food. Wonderful attentive wait staff. Best glass of Prosecco I've ever had! Menu is creative. It was very crowded when we went. Inside can be very noisy (had a group of 5 very loud women next to us). Outside is nice, only downside is that there is a small fence that designates the outside area and all smokers have to do is stand just to the other side of that fence so it's like they are in the dining area, really. Cash only!

I think of Frank as a cozy, charming place for comfort food - probably because I almost always order the same thing: spaghetti with oil and garlic. Not exciting, but I love it and when I cook it at home the sauce never takes on the strong, delicious garlic flavor. Also the roast chicken with rosemary and mashed potatos - delicious. The food is consistent, the service accommodating and pleasant, the olives and bread on the table so tasty. The specials can be a bit pricey - always good to ask prices if the waiter rattles them off - but ingredients are fresh and top quality. Noisy and crowded if you go later, so I eat early. I wish I didn't live at the other end of Manhattan - or I'd go more often than every few months.

FANTASTICO Awesome pasta, great IPA.... Renee is a terrific Maitre’D.... Sat at the counter and watched Randy cooking masterfully....artistic, dedicated, a master at his craft! The East Village was a trip unto its own: great costumes, hair colors, tats, and piercings! Hadn’t been to this neck of the woods in years....did Happy Hour in the Lounge at Le Bernadin the night before....love & savor contrasts Thank you Frank (The Boss)! Best regards Christopher Bayer New York, NY

We dashed into this small cosy restaurant on a lovely warm evening as we saw a space on the patio and the atmosphere looked great, very busy and noisy. We were seated on a tiny squashed table but it was fun. We felt the food was average Italian, nothing to write home about. NOTE- CASH ONLY

We drove into New York City and I pointed this place out in the car and we wandered in the next day. Even though it was on the main strip it still carried that kind of quirky quaint style and decor that you know was never meant to be intentional. The food choices are written in loose sprawl writing on a chalkboard and cooked quickly on simple plates whilst you sit upon your mismatched chair. Franks truly delivers you that Italian nonna you so desperately desired with melt in your mouth pasta and fresh locally sourced ingredients. it is not only an authentic piece of what the East Village in New York was and Is always supposed to be its also a little trip to italy and beyond. Thanks frank for reminding us about the true dining experience!

This was our third or fourth visit to Frank and the previous were excellent. My previous review in July was glowing. Unfortunately, our experience yesterday was so disappointing. Started with the seating. We were offered a spot at the communal table — no issue with that concept. But one of our seats was literally underneath the espresso machine. In fact, a corner of the shelf kept poking into our back. I was concerned about having scalded milk spilled over us. Not a great start. We chose 2glasses Lambrusco. Server returned with “We’re out of the bottle you ordered but this one is better.” Not sure if it was just a bad bottle or what, but it sucked. Then the server kinda patronized us with “But it’s Lambrusco, it’s supposed to have bubbles...” Thanks Captain Obvious. She did change it to regular red wine but served it in the same glasses that the Lambrusco was still infesting. One of the highlights of our last visit was their burrata. So we made sure to order it as an appetizer. Ten minutes later, we got the main dishes, no app, no burrata. Sigh. Server was decent enough to not charge for the wine but the experience didn’t leave a pleasant taste... Too bad — we really USED TO enjoy our visits there.

Was in the village with friends and wanted a dinner which wasn't too expensive. Asked a local and she suggested Frank. We would have missed it had she not told us to look for the sign with the "woman stirring the pot" on it. We found it and loved it! I had black linguine with calamari which was delicious. A friend had marinated skirt steak with arugula which she loved as well. Small place, not fancy, but the meal was terrific! Always best to ask the locals and not rely on Zagat.

Visited Frank Restaurant (not Franks) on the recommendation of a friend in Connecticut. The dinners were excellent and the prices reasonable, especially for NYC. The facility is typical of many restaurants in NYC in that a lot is tucked into a small space. Our server was excellent and attentive and on the mark with her meal recommendations.

This was my first visit to Frank on the recommendation of my son. The service and the food were impeccable. From the first course of amazing burrata mozzarella, served with ripened tomatoes and black kale Caesar salad accompanied with fresh crusty bread I knew we were in for a treat. Our party feasted on a number of different entrees including spinach and ricotta ravioli, rabbit ragu, mussels, meatball and sausage and different pasta dishes. All were delectable. Our party was one of the last of the evening and we never felt rushed with wait staff who provided excellent service without hovering. A great experience.

Very good basic Italian. Try the "Gravy", real Sunday night red sauce. Other Pastas are also good, nice salad. Warning CASH ONLY. Late hours. Small with street tables. You can take your family. Good wine list

While visiting my cousin in the East Village we were walking around trying to decide where to eat. We came across Frank on 2nd Ave and went in. The front dining area consists of small tables along the wall and a huge dining table that takes up the rest of the front dining area. There is also another dining area through a doorway towards the back yet I didn't go in there. We waited for 15 min and our party of 4 was seated at the end of this huge dining table. The service was prompt, the food was hot and delicious. We each had different dishes including appetizers and only ordered soft drinks so we did not have a bar bill. The appetizers were delicious and not too big to where we felt we couldn't eat our main meal. Our dinner portions were a nice big size and when we reheated them up the next day as leftovers, they were just as delicious. Our only blip was this place only takes CASH! Maybe this is the norm for small restaurants in the villages but as a lowly tourist, it never occurred to me that in this day and age credit or debit cards are not accepted everywhere. However, this is NYC and the bank across the street has an ATM!!

Delicious and affordable Italian.

Met here with family and friends. We kept it simple but we really enjoyed the selections. I got the steak with the crispy egg, my wife got the omelette with goat cheese, and we shared other dishes. Everything was delicious.

The whole experience we had at Frank was outstanding. My girlfriend and I love Italian food so had big expectations but were not disappointed. The quaint cosy restaurant gave it a fantastic vibe, the food was all amazing, just really good, tasty, basic and fresh Italian food done well. The pasta was great, and for dessert I had the tiramisu which was perfect. Good wine and coffee too. To top it off our server was attentive and helpful but not pushy. If you are after a good Italian in NYC go to Frank, it will not disappoint.

We pitched up at this unassuming gem on a Saturday lunchtime, the last day of our 5 day family trip to NYC. We were meeting family and 6 of us sat around the long wooden table and simply enjoyed great Italian food, good company and drinks in a wonderful homely environment. We were unhurried by the staff who paid sufficient attention and kept drinks and food flowing as we needed it. The burratta was recommended to us and justifiably so...it was gorgeous. The pasta dishes were just excellent. Next trip we have to NYC will include time at Frank's.

So here's the scoop - the food is very good. Portions are enough to fill you up. Here's the rest. Pricing is all over the place. Entrees are well priced. Appetizers are way overpriced. A kale salad should not be $14.95. Other appetizers were similarly priced. The catch - the specials (most of the menu is daily specials) are listed on a blackboard. No prices next to anything. So you have to ask, which is annoying since there are at least 20 specials, and don't you feel stupid having to ask for each one you might be interested in. The board of course has no problem showing that it's cash only, front and center. I will suggest, Frank, that you have a daily printed specials menu and put it on the table. For diners, I would suggest you ask. Appetizers shouldn't be priced within a few dollars of entrees. The matire d, or whoever the guy was who seated us was less than friendly. Felt like he was doing us a favor. Don't you hate those kinds of places. So it's a 4 on food, 2 on value and the serice brought it my rating to a 3.

Had a fantastic dinner with excellent food. The mussels were out of this world as was the pasta. They have a great base tomato sauce that appears in a few places. Get the mussels, the garlic bread, the bruschetta and the pasta with red sauce.

A little noisy for my taste, but otherwise a happening, busy, yet reasonably-priced bistro with a cool vibe. The service is a little too-cool-for-school but this only adds to the charm of the place. For example, one night we popped in for a late dessert. When asked what we wanted, we asked what they had. The guy replied impatiently, naming only one dessert. Interested in something else we'd seen outside, we politely inquired whether they had anything chocolately. As it turned out, they did. We then asked if they had an old favourite, Tiramasu. As it turned out, they did. Rather than pursing the entire menu in this fashion, we settled on two of the supplied three options. The panna cotta is delicious but ask for the heavy (though yummy) chocolate sauce on the side.

This is a great restaurant. It's pretty packed, but it's very unique and the food is super tasty. I loved the rigatoni and the bruschetta looked amazing. I would love to go back and sit outside where there is a little more room.

Dumpy Italian American food. Not worth the time. A wasted eating experience. Stodgy 'home' made gnocchi. More like unpackaged at home. Meatballs of inconsistent quality and flavour, suggesting multiple batches served in one dish. Stray orchietti amongst the rigatoni. What happened there?

Crowd has changed a little at this place over the years. Few more groups this time singing happy birthday so gone backwards a bit. Food is still great. Good ragu sauce. They also have a nice selection of wines. Sit at the bar if you can.

Space is small, reservations advised. Pasta was totally worth it. Service ok. Very loud. Ask for table inside specifically if you want one or you may be seated outside , even on a cool night.

gnocchi

Frank is an excellent restaurant. It is located in the East Village and has indoor and outdoor seating. Make sure you make a reservation in advance because it seems to be very popular. And the food was very good. I had a cheese ravioli And another friend also had the cheese ravioli and the third person had the regulatory. They were all great. The prices are reasonable for New York City. Our waitress provided very good service as well.

Discovered Franks after a nice day record shopping. Great Italian place, it was very popular we thought we wouldn’t get a seat but they managed to squeeze us in at the bar. We had bruscetta with tomatoes and one with liver pate. Followed by spaghetti bolognaise for me which was absolutely delicious and OH had ragu parpadelle also delicious. There is a good wine selection and the staff are really friendly even though they are rushed off their feet! I liked the atmosphere as well, nice and busy but still cosy. Would def recommend.

It's a small cramped restaurant, but the service is impeccable and the food to die for. The mussels were amazing! Our only regret is that we didn't keep the bowl of sauce for our basket of crusty bread. Daily specials cover everything you could possibly want - the veal tagliatelle was spot on. Even the fontina grilled cheese with pancetta was incredible. A great place if you are seeing Stomp at the Orpheum Theater.

We ran into this place and loved it! The atmosphere is amazing and the food is authentic Italian (I've been to Italy many times and this place is great)! Our sever Rene was AMAZING! We are going back tonight! Not overpriced and worth it!

This is our go to place in NYC for a late nite Italian meal. Otherwise way too crowded. Only accepts Cash. Wine list not as thorough as it used to be but lots of great wines on it. I love how HOT their pasta is served.

Frank was recommended to me by a friend who lives in Manhattan. The food was very rustic and delicious and pretty true to what I experienced in northern Italy this year. The prices were VERY reasonable for what you were getting in New York. My pasta dish (their signature Rigatoni Ragu) was around $13 and was very filling. The place is split into 2 sections -- a bar, where you can also order food, and a main dining room. Both sides of the place are pretty small (the dining side had about 12 tables) so definitely make reservations or go early. It's not a typical Italian restaurant though -- they were playing hip hop music while we were there, and the place is very casual and "hipster". A great little gem in the East Village!

One of my favorites but unfortunately it is cash only. Wait can get a bit long as well. Make a reservation.

Fantastic food in eclectic atmosphere. Would go again. Every dish we had was amazing. Takes only cash.

Very expensive for what it is, but tasty flavours and sauces. However, portion size is too big so the sauce to pasta ratio is off. Pasta is overcooked as well so a bit sloppy. Everything over salted as well.

The food - average (if we're talking about italian food which I think is the best cuisine in the world, this is the low middle category) The service - terrible. I get how New York works, I get that in these kind of restaurants you can't really sit and relax, 'cause there are other people coming and there's money to be made BUT, if you're asking your customers to order more wine/desert then I think it's polite to wait for them to finish and not make them feel unwelcomed 'cause they are not drinking/eating fast enough. I mean, literally telling us to leave 'cause they made other reservations (we were there for an hour and a half before it started..) First and last time. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60763-d480966-r632256180-Frank-New_York_City_New_York.html#

This is hands-down my favorite Italian place in the whole city. Maybe even my favorite restaurant. The burrata is amazing, as is the gnocchi, the salmon dish, and the orecchiete salentine special. YUM!

Came here from out of town. Loved it so much I came back the next day for lunch. Had bottles of excellent wine, burrata mozzarella, and butternut squash ravioli (I think- we did drink a lot). Regardless, everything was wonderful. I recommend small parties or reservations.

Went here for a late dinner on a Thursday. Really great experience! Service was warm and welcoming and it's clear the members of the team have a good time together. Really nice menu, supplemented by a long list of specials, many with a seasonal flair. Salads, pastas, proteins. Wine program is interesting as it allows you to order a bottle and be charged by consumption. That was cool! Allowed us to get something a bit more interesting than typical by-the-glass offerings. Atmosphere is diverse and cozy. Tables are extremely close together...wasn't a bother given the later hour and smaller crowd but might irritate some during busy periods. Food was excellent! A kale salad was fresh and not drowning in dressing. Pappardelle with mushrooms was spot-on, with al dente noodles and lots of umami flavor. And spinach lasagna was cheesy and had a nice balance to it with a meaty interior. Fantastic late night spot. Would definitely return.

If you lived in East village, you would want to visit Frank regularly. Very unpretentious, not over priced, and an excellent quality meal. Started with one of the biggest burratas I've ever had. Literally, three of us shared the plate. Right amount of "runny" inside, tasty and soft. Served over tasty tomato slices with basil, olive oil and good bread. Also had a daily special appetizer: asparagus parmigiana. It was excellent too. The cheese was properly melted and tangy. For our mains, two had a daily orecchiette pasta plate with ricotta salatta. I had their pappardelle with lamb ragu. Both were excellent dishes! Tasty, very nice portion size and properly cooked. Shared a tiramisu and a bottle of wine (served a whole bottle but you're charged only by what you drink! Novel idea). Service was friendly and efficient. Whole meal and wine for 3 came in around $140. Very, very acceptable for NYC and quality of the meal. I'd like to go back... over and over and over.

Frank's used to be a great value, but recently things have gotten too expensive for waht the palce really is. It was always a casual cafe type place with cramped seasting and uncomfortable chairs, but was a great value. prices have been jacked up that it makes more sense to go to someplace more comfortable. Really disappointed with Skate special that was overpriced, but not listed and the piece of fish was miniscule. I gnerally d not write unfavorable reviews, but it is disappointing to see a great place start to get greedy.

nice home made italian dishes but a bit overated...

Located in NOHO, NYC on 2nd Avenue, this tiny, old-world Italian calls itself “A place to Eat” as posted on a sign that hangs over the entrance ….and “Cash Only” ! The atmosphere and décor are homestyle: dark wood, black & white mosaic floor, tin-pan ceilings, hand-chalked menuboards, and a hodge-podge scattering of wood and gilt-framed mirrors & ancient pictures on bare-brick and stucco plastered walls, and sparingly laid out without overcrowding the seating space. The open kitchen and large bar dominate the seating spaces with a lively, cheerful babble (clatter-cacophony ?) and a veritable army of cheese-olive-garlic-basil-y flavors that wake the tastebuds and send them into overdrive. So, having said that, it was a mild winter evening, and the place was packed. We ordered well and ate well: a bottle of Pinot Nero, Salad, Seared Salmon, Gnocchi, Tomato & Basil Pennne, Tiramisu, et al ~ and all was good, as promised by the other reviewers on the sites we read, but despite the season, there was this darned fly buzzing around the place…. and though not quite the proverbial “fly in the ointment”, it did end up as the “fly in the scotch”, to ruin my drink. Not nice !

This is a great Italian restaurant in the East Village. It is a neighborhood restaurant in a non tourist area so it's a no frills restaurant that is all about serving great food....and that they did. It was recommended to us by a friend that used to live in the area. We had the lasagna and Italian meatloaf which were both excellent. Food is very fresh and authentic. The restaurant is VERY small so you are VERY close to the tables around you. The restaurant was packed when we went and got pretty noisy. It made conversation difficult.

The people are great, the food is excellent and the service is great. The pasta is homemade, the salad was excellent and the garlic bread with Anchovies and cheese was excellent.

Enjoyed a Saturday morning brunch with family seated outside. Excellent Pancakes. The owner Frank and 3 generations his family were seated next us. They shared family stories and history. Frank's wife gave my wife a tour of their small & cozy restaurant. Good service and great food.

We dropped into Frank on the off chance of getting a table for 2, and we were in luck. Tables are cramped closely together and it's noisy, so it's no good for intimate dates; however, the food is classic Italian and very good. Service is friendly and efficient, too. All in all, an enjoyable Italian dinner. We'll return.

Very small space with open kitchen and delicious homemade pasta. I choose lamb ragu and my companion the spinach ravioli, a glass of fragrant Pinot Gri and panna cotta for dessert. Awesome! Be aware this is a cash only restaurant.

Just a warning, no cc accepted here. My adult son knows I always have cash and he dragged me here more then once. We recently sat outside and had an excellent reasonably priced dinner and appetizers. I think we both had avocado salads to start. I had a flank steak and arugula special that was excellent, perfectly cooked, and a good portion. My son always goes for a pasta dish - he was very satisfied. We will eat here again.

We went with a big party and they couldn't have treated us worse if they'd tried. In fact I think they did try. They gave part of our table away before we arrived, so there weren't enough seats for all of us, which cast a pall over the whole dinner. They barged backwards and forwards so those of us by the kitchen were constantly getting bashed. They hustled us aggressively away to seat the next table. They charged us an OUTRAGEOUS amount for what they gave us. They were just plain horrible. I'll never eat there again. (The food was good though, more's the pity...) It was also so loud I could barely hear myself, let alone the people around me.

Cool funky place. I recommend making a reservation and have cash...the restuarant does not take credit cards. The menu has a lot of choices as well as a decent wine list. The place is small and they do pack the patrons into the joint. There is seating outside but it, too, is cramped. You go for the experience - the plate of ravioli I had was good but nothing to right home about. I had a good time and would definitely go back again.

Best meal we had in New York - hands down. Was given the recommendation from a friend who used to live in New York and he said it would be fine for our 10 year old but that we would love it - he was right. The restaurant is "neighbourhoody", which I love, and makes you feel like you really are part of "New York". It's busy and noisy and everything you'd want in New York. The food was simply fantastic - simple being an important point. There was nothing fancy or pretentious - just great Italian. Oh - and the wine list was great too. Would DEFINITELY return the next time we're in New York.

Frank is an awesome place. It is somewhat noisy, and you will probably have to wait a good bit if you go at normal dinner time, but the food is definitely worth it. There is not much space, but this seems to add to the coolness of the place. Frank has the best spaghetti and meatballs ANYWHERE. I am not much of a spaghetti and meatballs guy, but I couldn't get over how good it was. My wife and I will definitely go back.

Also try little Frankie's by the same owner! Cozy comfort italian food in the east village

There are so much different choices and it all looks delicious! Good options, everything is quick and clean.

Modified Italian dishes and not, youth atmosphere, friendly owners, good cleaning and fair prices! Not the best but reasonable

Baked eggs pomodoro are savory and delicious; comes with only one slice of toast, but it's crunchy and good for soaking up the tomato sauce. Sausage is a bit thick and tough. French toast is amazing: firm and fluffy, filled with jam, comes with lots of fruit. Prices also very reasonable.

To me its not worth the hype..

The best Italian restaurant in NYC. Excelant food, Excelant service & excelant prices.

A group of 12 of us took over the restaurant for a late lunch. We were a big party and they coped really well. They had a small, but good Italian menu with delicious burrata. I then had pappardelle & veal ragu – very generous portion sizes!

the lasagna was god awful, their tiramisu is surprisingly good.

Been meaning to go here for a while, and went on a Saturday afternoon about 5pm hoping it wouldn't be too busy then. Managed to get last table outside. It's got a nice atmosphere, interesting menu. A quirky bar & restaurant. The meatloaf was good.

Even though we only get back to the city once or twice a year, we always find time to eat at Frank. It remains our family's favorite stop for pasta in the city, year after year. Every single thing we ordered was delicious, the wine menu (as always) does not disappoint, and the staff is fantastic. Do not miss Frank for the best pasta around. Highly recommend!

I've eaten at Frank probably more than at any other restaurant. I don't get to go as much anymore because of kids but we still do takeout. The rigatoni ragu (to me the signature dish, I guess most might say the meatball), the pork parm (not on menu, maybe only takeout), the tagliata, we generally love everything. If you get real lucky you go on a night when they have pappardelle in lamb ragu. Everybody should sit at the kitchen table at least once, watch them cook, its great. The atmosphere is what it is. Its small, dark, crowded and noisy. We love the vibe, some might not. To complain about the noise or getting bumped seems silly, if that kind of stuff bothers you, don't go to Frank. There's a restaurant 2 doors down thats quiet and has plenty of space, I don't know the name because it changes hands every year because nobody goes there. The lines do stink though, but they're there because people love Frank.

LOVE the chicken parm!

Frank has been one of my favorite NYC restaurants for the last decade-- delicious Southern Italian favorites served in a funky, East Village setting. The Rigatoni al Ragu (with meatballs AND sausage) is truly to die for!

Nice atmosphere, and good enough food, but ultimately, not the best italian in the area (check out Luzzo's for pizza, Cacio e pepe for pasta).

Found this place on line when looking for a place for dinner after the Public theatre.Good late night dining is hard to find in the east village but franks did not disappoint!Excellent bread served with olives and yummy olive oil to start.So good I had to restrain myself!I had parpadelle with a lamb ragu.Delicious and big enough to enjoy it the next day at home.One of my friends had the black linguine with calamari-she loved it!Want to go back again and try the asparagus parmesan appetizer.Service was friendly and efficient.

Consistent, fresh, homemade Italian fare. Excellent service. Noisy and cramped, but it fits with the open kitchen and East Village location/vibe.

We were looking for a good italian place for pasta. A friend of ours was just here so we gave it a try. We were both highly amazed. The dishes are simple, but that is a good thing. The spaghetti was crazy good and rigatoni was excellent. Oh, and don't leave without ordering the tiramisu.

How did I live my whole life in NYC and never come to this place? The sauce tastes just like my mother's! YUM! Will be back to try more dishes soon!

Really cute cafe/restaurant on 2nd & 5th. Lovely service. Great food. Great coffee. I sat inside to escape the humidity. Also has outdoor seating. Cash only. Highly recommend!

that was one of the best meals i've ever had. super tiny. great wine. go with someone you love...because you're about to get a lot closer.

Romantic but casual restaurant. Their pasta was good.

great busy restaurant good food for a good price, love to come back and have that fantastic salmon again!! Oh and a great wine list!!

The food is exceptional, fresh, home made and just delicious. I had the pan seared baby octopus to start followed by the house made taglitelli with mushrooms, out of this world. The octopus was seasoned perfectly and cooked to perfection. Did I mention tender? Service was also great, the waiters are very attentive and helpful. It's a tiny "hole in the wall" kind of place and you really don't know you're there unless you go inside. There you walk through a large bar toward the back, from there you're ushered through the kitchen to a small dining room packed with tables. It's definitely an experience but one you don't want to miss on your next visit to NYC. The only issue any of us had was the music. Nobody wants to listen to hard rock blaring at full volume when they're eating dinner, you just want to talk with some nice background music playing. It's a thought.

small, cute a great place for sunday "family " style dinner

My brother brought me hear a few years ago. The food is very good, always brought to the table piping hot. The menus is small, but they have daily specials. The burratta is excellent, and the bread is served with olive oil, with olives in the oil! The restaurant is small, but it is NYC. You can eat at the bar, at a family style table, in the small dining room, or outside in the summer. They do but dessert, but I do not get any because I am full from dinner. One of my favorites is the( which is sausage and meat balls). bathroom is very small, and they have a nice selection of wines and assorted beers, etc. And they only take cash!

So much fun to eat and make new friends in a town not known for conversations with strangers. Our son had highly recommended this place for the food. We had amazing lamb ragu, black ink linguini with calamari, and burrata salad.Because of the small size of the restaurant and the crowd we shared a table with some really nice people and loved every minute of it. Once seated our food arrived really quick and the service was great! I would highly recommend this place and will make it a location to eat on every visit to NYC in the future.

This is supposed to be an italian restaurant? What, if not pasta should be done good in an italian restaurant? The pasta i had at Frank is an embaressement for the italian cuisine. Most probabely, the rigatoni (if at all!) were the only thing which was cooked by the team in the kitchen. The tomato sauce definitely was out of the can (only someone who never had real italian selfe made food can consider something else!) and the meat balls were tastless (again opend a can, Frank?)... well, to be honest... the salsica sausage in the sauce was good...so if of course not selfmade, but at least a good buy, Frank...the fennel salad? well I am sure you can make that a good starter... Frank for sure didn't. Oil and vinigar.... that's all what's coming to your mind, if you prepare a salad? what a lousy performance...then the wine!!! we had one bottle (0,75 l) and got charged 4/4 quaters...the explaination was: "well... a quarter he is not really a quarter...just a glas..."...ahhhhh yes...now I understand!!!! And the service! was that supposed to be cool? The young chap with three days beard and a silver thumb ring ( not that i mind thumb rings...it's just that Frank knows whom i was talking about)...you can't unleach someone like that in a restaurant...put him in the kitchen to chop vegetables. That will suite his social behaviour better...don't get him in contact with customers...he alone would be a reason never to come back to your place...even if your food was worth the money. All in all a "lets pretend to be an italian" restaurant with a medicore convenience food cuisine which just can hope that there are enough tourists which have no idea where to go insteadi...never would go back there!!!

Walking around in the area I passed this inviting little restaurant and had to give it a try. Nothing fancy but great atmosphere. Would like to revisit for dinner. Good food, fair prices. Cash only!

Group of 5 of us and asked to sit on a table outside in the shade but were told we couldn’t but could have one in the sun which would be shaded in about 30 minutes ? Really why couldn’t we just have the one we wanted know-body else was even there it was 5.30 pm on a Monday Once we had a seat on the large communal table inside to be fair the food was superb . In fact they know how good the food is so they have a slight arrogance about the whole experience they offer. That said for my daughter and I was our first visit to East Village and it lived up to the expectations we had of the area. I had ravioli was amazing

Frank is amazing...the burrata Mozerella is out of this world. Jesse is the best bartender, sit there and he will take great care of you!

Great spot for dinner! We started with a soft Burrata cheese in tomato, the Missus had the Rosemary chicken and I had the Black Linguine with Calamari. Ate at the bar and the bartender Chris....was great. Nice wines. Only thing is CASH ONLY so plan accordingly. Would go here again when back in the city and I recommend it to all!

If your in New York and you are looking for a no frills sublime dining experience this is where you need to be. A bustling vibrant restaraunt with helpful and friendly staff, set in the East village it has a lovely low key kinda cool vibe to it. Can't wait to revisit New York, bookings are essential. you won't be dissapointed.

Good cheap italian. the wait can be really annoying

We used to love this place--the polpettone and bruschetta once drew us from the Bronx again and again, but this once great landmark in our lives has lost its touch or should I say taste. It's no longer anything special and they only take cash.

Frank is verging on becoming a bit of a health hazard and needs a bloody good clean. We wouldn't have dined here if not for the gift coupon we were given,however it has to be acknowledged that the food blew me away.

We were expecting a great deal more considering the boffo reviews we read. The pollo sandwich was excellent. The arugula salad was bland and disappointing. I have to assume the restaurant is in its element at night. Lunch was ok not great. Certainly did not live up to the hype...

We loved Frank restaurant, it's small and intimate, quirky interiors and great music sounds with food that was better than many of the places we ate at all over Italy. Your Italian mama would be proud!

We went in off peak hours so there was no wait, Tasted like we were in someones old Italian grandmother's kitchen getting dishes she had perfected our the years. The freshness of all the food was amazing. No mixes or fast food type work is done in this kitchen.They cook to order and the pasta is made daily. The prices for NYC are cheap. I have eaten Italian for twice the price here that was only half as good. Every dish we had was top notch. So there is no need to point out one. Just order you won't be disappointed.Service was good. I will be going here every time i visit NYC.

We were really excited to try this place. It is a tiny restaurant and they pack you in like sardines. You will get to know the people at the table next to you whether you want to or not! The wine recommendation was good but sadly, the food was only marginal. Nothing bad but nothing noteworthy. We decided to skip desert and go in search elsewhere. In a city full of so many amazing eateries and so much Italian influence and culture, you can definitely find better. Take note too that Frank's is cash only. No exceptions.

This nieghbourhood restaurant looked interesting. Four people nodded at me but after 20minutes of no service I decided to go somewhere else. V disappointing.

Very Good!!! Small menu...authentic food!!! Prepare to wait!!!

We started with the mussels and barrata wow best ever. The dish were gnocchi and parradale. Next time in ny I will be back

We had a 50th B-Day celebration at Frank. 17 of us (reservations made well in advance for a Saturday night) The Pre-Fix menu with unlimited beer & wine (special only for the large groups) was perfect for our us! We had great service, great food and a great time! Frank never disappoints. Rigatoni & meatballs, chicken parm, grilled salmon plus appetizers and amazing tiramisu!

Great dinner here. The gravy is excellent. Great pasta. The burratto and tomatoes was very good. Good size portions. We ate outside. Tables are small, it’s a little noisy, the waiters wear the shirts but work very very hard.. would definitely like to go again.

Had red wine and a grappa... it was super, and the bartender was really cool and helpful. It is a bit pricey, but they only have high end products, so I was happy to pay... good place to chill.

This has always been one of our go to places for dinner so we thought we would give it a try for Thanksgiving and it did not disappoint! Food and service were amazing as always!

Depends on what you order, don't really like their normal menu. Their daily special is owesome!!!!

I normally like this restaurant as it's been a neighborhood staple for as long as I've lived in the East Village. But the staff tonight was so insanely rude that I don't know if I would ever recommend friends to come here again because of our treatment by the staff - in particular the bartender at the front of house. The bartender catered to every whim of a tacky couple eating dinner in the bar area just because the gentleman ordered a $50 bottle of wine - big deal! The bartender also sided with the gross couple when they complained we were laughing "too loud" and having "too much fun" - when we were sitting in THE BAR having a bit of a reunion and catch up!!! Isn't that what normal people are supposed to do at the bar - have fun? Meanwhile our friends had spent over $300 on dinner to then have to listen to the bartender being very vocal and say that we were being obnoxious in a very loud voice. Not good manners by the bartender at all and shame on him!!! Management should know that my friends WERE good customers - emphasis on the word "were" - and they will not be returning as a result of the snarky and rude bartender. Soooo tacky!!!!

This place was crowded and noisy, but the food was very good and service excellent. I had the pasta with oil and garlic and my wife had the gnocchis, both were excellent. The wine was very good also. Service was excellent.

This place is so good, a mid priced feel good Italian meal. The food is consistently top notch, nice wine and beer list, and the interior makes you feel like your in a Sicilian family kitchen. The staff could get over themselves a bit, but that's NYC for you. Highly recommend for a peaceful lunch in the second room at the metal desk, or a rowdy dinner at the big family table in the first room. As I recall they are cash only, worth asking ahead of time.

Came here with my family for a second time around Thanksgiving weekend after having a good experience here last year. When we walked in we immediately felt something was wrong by the way we were treated. We were told to wait to be seated so we did. After about 15 minutes during which the hostess flashed us a few condescending looks, a party (also of 3, but white) came in after us. We noticed the hostess took down their names/number, and carried on with a good deal of small talk that seemed aimed directly at us as if to say "you don't belong here". Her smile evaporated as she turned her face towards us, and in the most egregious way possible (without making eye contact, mind you, lest we worsen the offense), asked us "what?" while extending out her clipboard. Confused, I told her our party name after which she proceeded to place our party after the one that just came in. Before I could respond, my family had already walked out, shaking their heads. I always give people the benefit of the doubt but anyone with half a brain knows what blatant racism looks like and when you're being treated like a sub-human, and it's ugly. Take your business elsewhere.

It was a while ago that I was here but I can still remember how amazed I was by the SAUCE!! I had simple spaghetti and it was ridiculously good! A laid back but very cool place. Loved it!

Drank a bottle of wonderful wine in the bar with friends while waiting for a table. So by the time we got a table, we were literally serenading the diners with our impromptu karaoke to the songs being played. The food was so tasty and authentically Italian. Don't go if you are in a hurry, go for leisurely, "Let's just sit and talk" meal. Fantastic service! Gave us free dessert for our performances!

This is a fairly small neighborhood restaurant - we were visiting but the place was suggested to us by someone who had lived in the area. We were there with our 10 yr old son, who it turned out was the only kid in the place. It seemed like a pretty happening place - so at first we were a bit uncomfortable with a 10 yr old there (and our son knows how to behave in restaurants). The staff was super cool with him and never made us/him feel uncomfortable. Food was great, atmosphere was fantastic and the price was really reasonable.

Tasty food but... One of the employees attempted to steal my debit card PIN at the ATM. Description: Strong nose, muscular build, tattoo of woman's face on his left forearm (looked like: the evil queen from Snow White). As this place is cash-only, they offer ATM services. While withdrawing money for my $16 starter salad, I noticed the aforementioned employee settle into position oddly close to my left, at a perfect angle to see the backlit keypad. I turned to face him, he quickly looked away, paused, and left for the kitchen. Minutes later, employee returned to the outside dining space sporting an olive green yankee hat. His demeanor had changed, and was now clearly and obviously avoiding eye contact. After some time, he pulled another employee (Employee 2) aside to speak with them privately. I quietly hid my observations and enjoyed my meal. Employee 2 (who sat me upon arrival) checked on me numerous times. I'm in disbelief. What a clumsy thief. Fire this employee, and there might even be more than one. I will not be back. Calls into question Frank's cash-only policy. Stay far away from this place. Incident occurred: Sunday night, 09/01/24

But be warned, cash only. Fresh,ripe tomatoes for the bruschetta, in the middle of winter. Heaping portion of deliciousness, in a very tasty olive oil.! Someone is paying attention! I like the chef's confidence to have no salt or pepper at the table. He is saying, "it arrives perfectly seasoned" I agree! Delicious ravioli with porcini filling in an Alfredo style sauce, but trust the right amount, not swimming in sauce. The porcini was allowed to be the star. Smaller than expected size of a glass of wine. Eat on the sidewalk seating, wath the crowds stroll by. Worth coming back! Good job

Great Italian, unique dishes, but cash only and no reservation unless you have 8 people and everyone has to be there.

A NY local recommended this place for authentic Italian food. The special menu was huge with many choices to choose from. Everyone enjoyed their pasta selection very much! The ingredients were fresh and well prepared. I had the black linguine pasts with calamari. It was very good! Other's had the chicken parm and they raved about how well the chicken was prepared. A must try while in the city!

By far one one of the best restaurants in the city, super loud, super fun, fast service, amazing foods, it’s a NYC restaurant to the T. Highly recommend the spaghetti limone and pappardelle mushrooms!!! Great space for friends to eat and drink.

Food was excellent. Both my husband and I had specials that weren't typically on the menu. I had the homemade ravioli with potato and mushrooms and my husband had the truffle gnocchi special. We also had 2 appetizers that were specials as well. Everything we ate was delicious. I understand that it's NYC but for a place that looks like a hole in the wall it was way overpriced.

My sister used to live in the neighborhood and recommended Frank. We were looking to eat a late dinner after a show on Monday night. Their kitchen is open until 12:45. We had a variety of dishes from the Spiced Meatloaf which looked like an enormous meatball to the Gnocchi to the Lamb Pappardelle special and all were good. I like my Italian food a little spicier, but our waitress was friendly and we enjoyed out dinner very much.

Frank has such a great vibe to it, with great food too. Frank is owned by Frank Prisinzano, who also owns several other awesome restaurants throughout NYC. They have a diverse menu with lots to choose from. Great date night spot and awesome out door seating for people watching

We went to Franks with a group of seven and it was cramped to say the least (but how could it not be in NYC?) However, the food here was amazing! My boyfriend had the pappardelle with lamb ragu and I had the black linguine with calamari. Both were lick-your-plate good! I only had one bite of the pappardelle and before I could ask for a second taste my boyfriend had finished his whole plate. The plates were a bit small compared to what we're used to but I was perfectly satisfied with the portion. Then again, I wouldn't have complained if we got more of the dishes being that they were so good. Decent price for the location and definitely worth it for the food! The service was also excellent. The waiters were extremely friendly and it felt like there was someone there to refill our water glasses every few minutes. Would definitely go back!

What a great New Years Day and topped off by this Gem! Music was awesome, wine was great, the pasta was fresh and piping hot and our Brocoli was cooked to perfection! Fantastic vibe and we didn't even have to book (this may not be the case all the time, as it was still very busy!) Highly recommend this fun, unpretentious and well priced, cute find!

Delicious, hole in the wall, home made food. We had the burrata mozzerella, bruschetta, and roasted beet and goat cheese salad as appetizers--all were delicious!!! Our entrees were the homemade gnocchi and rigatoni pasta and Tuscan skirt steak with arugula and a side of roasted garlic--all was delish!!! For desert, tiramisu and chocolate lava cake with homemade whipped cream and berries and a double decaf espresso--wonderful. Will come here again next time we are in NYC.

I've been going to Frank (Vera) for more than a decade now, and it's one of the places I recommend to anyone looking to have a non-guidebook experience, even though it's certainly no secret. Here's the lowdown: It's a crowded, cramped, dark little place, so you might be waiting awhile to be seated, and when you do get seated, you'll be jammed up against the people on either side of you, with no place to put your jacket or bag (stash them under your seat, we all do it) and not much space on the table, even when it's empty. In fact, the place is a lot like the 4 Train during rush hour. If any of this sounds bad to you, then you should stop before you start, but I swear that all of these things are positives -- this restaurant could only happen in New York City, and you'll be able to chat with everyone around you, if you wish. The wine menu is a monster, and I've always wondered where they keep all those bottles, but there's really something for everyone on it. The food menu is small but consistent, with good portions, and current specials are posted on chalkboards. Some highlights of the menu are the Shaved Fennel Salad, Rigatoni Ragu, and the Tagliata Toscana. The prices are very reasonable for the neighborhood & experience. On your way to your table, make sure to check out the kitchen, which is really a minor miracle. It's smaller than a sedan, and you'll never believe that all the good food comes out of three guys (the fourth is the dishwasher) standing in such a tiny space. Unfortunately, this is terrible restaurant for families with small children, for the claustrophobic, for picky eaters, for those with severe food & allergy issues, or for those with disability concerns. This is also a very bad place to go if you'll be having an argument, crying, or feeling unwell. But for the average diner, it's fantastic, and in the winter months, it's just what the doctor ordered.

Excellent. Simple Italian food.

Great food, nice pace and charming space. A great place to go for a special meal and an awesome price.

Great vibes and location in East village. Our waiter was amazing! Overall it was a good experience, but in terms of value for money (only cash restaurant) I would much rather go somewhere else in the neighborhood and pay two thirds for at better food experience. We payed $228 (incl 20% tip) for one ragout veal pappardelle each, a shared panacotta, their cheapest bottle of red wine and three cocktails which would be okay, if the food had been better but unfortunately is was not. The pappardelle pasta was clearly freshly made but unfortunately way too overcooked and we almost couldn’t find any veal - not worth $29 at all.. The pana cotta was nice! Would recommend the drinks and service but not the food.

Spoiled Italian surprised by great pastas - Sunday black linguini with sea food, orange fennel salad, pan seared fish. Cash only. Worth the stop