3 Restaurant Openings - Frankie's Italian Bar and Grill Review

There was alot of buzz about Frankie's when it first opened. For some it was definitive Italian in an otherwise wasteland of choice. For others, it did little to unseat a few favorites around town. Online, it got into our forum discussions on this thread.

Frankie's looks like its open

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Yu888 started the thread summarizing the basics -

As I have seen this place under construction for quite some time now, it was nice to see a bunch of fanfare on Friday as they celebrated their opening with a cocktail party with all the bells and whistes. Their first retaurant in China looks quite nice inside and, if consistent with the quality standards they are known for in London, promises to be a big hit in years to come.

Italian food is always well-liked so this theme will probably carry Frankie's past its sister restaurant, Trader Vics, upstairs. With a plush yet simple loungey feel, it feels very homey. I took a look at their menu and is seems to offer meals starting in the 100rmb range up to hundreds of rmb should you choose something more exquisite.

Looks nice. Despite the same out-of-the-way location (on FengYang Rd) issues that Trader Vics has, I think the first floor corner location may pan out nicely for Frankie's. Luckily for the investment group, they have some deep pockets and are willing to see this area thru until two of the large construction projects complete across the street, which will assuredly draw thousands of new people to the area for work and entertainment.

Looking forward to going by for a drink and a snack sometime.

Frankie's is the brainchild of Frankie Dettori (famous jockey) and Michelin rated "Devil in the Kitchen" Marco Pierre White. They have 4 restaurants in London and a new branch in Dubai opening up, in addition to this new one here in Shanghai.

Frankie's is located at the corner of FengYang Rd and Da Tian Rd, one block north of Nanjing West Rd., just below Trader Vics. Its theater-like entrance is on the corner and cannot be missed.

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Kiwikells had this to say about her trip to Frankie's -

We went last night and were impressed by the service. There were a few waiters/waitresses still in training but we were quickly briefed and assisted by more experienced staff. Nothing too overbearing. We were also greeted by the Manager, Carlo? And he pointed out some of the day's 'best pickings'... Thought the Caprese salad was expensive too, however good quality mozzarella doesn't come cheap so that would be why you're paying this price. Provided it's good quality moz you're getting.

We had the Artichoke and Prawn salad which was tasty but we found it a bit slim on the artichoke. The prawns were juicy and there were enough in the salad to share and still feel like you didn't get robbed.

The beef carpaccio arrived a wee bit frozen however it was promptly removed and replaced with a new batch which, although not as well presented as the 1st plate, was perfect. The manager and chef were all very apologetic and happy to accommodate for the mishap.

We then had the tomato soup - very rustic and homestyle as it was quite chunky. Tasty but missing something that we couldn't quite put our finger on. Possibly a wee bit of sugar to ease the acidity. Maybe some cream/sour cream?

The veal was the main meal which we shared. I'm not a fan of the radicchio salad as it's too bitter for me but the veal was tender and tasty. Loved the sauce and could've done with a bit more of it. Some potatoes finished the dish.

Bread and dips were also on the table and replaced quickly with a new batch which I found very enlightening. Bad for me as i'm a sucker for bread and likely to fill up on it but at least they're not stingy!

For still being in the opening phase I would say that they're doing well. I doubt they'll fill to their capacity very regularly but it's another option at least.

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However, Snippets' test had some bumps. He had this to say -

Now for my 2-cents on Frankie's: blah.

Hasn't any restaurateur in Shanghai ever heard of having a 2-week soft opening, which is closed to the public, and only serving (gratis) to friends and family, until they work out the kinks? In my humble opinion, it is very amateur of a restaurant to figure things out at our expense... as is the case at Frankie's. Lunch there today was uninspiring; however, that cannot be said about the person I was dining with!

The eggplant started was just as yu888 described it. It was honestly difficult to cut through WITH a knife, the eggplant was not prepared correctly, and was utterly flavorless.

The Tuscan tomato soup was unedible in my opinion as it was far too salty and acidic. And it was not a soup. It was chunky bowl of pasta sauce and tasted as such...

The lasagna however saved the day. It was delicate in texture and flavor and you could appreciate the quality of home made sheets of pasta. It was also nice to discover layers of real bechamel sauce throughout.

Dessert was very good - a trio of tiramisus prepared ala minute. They were served in white ceramic demitasse's on a white ceramic platter with individual petite spoons and a large chocolate cigarette. The tiramisu is a signature item and nothing like most people would expect. There are no layers of liquor and coffee soaked lady fingers or stiff mascarpone cheese, nor is there a layer of cocoa dust on top to choke on. These are actually quite delicate little masterpieces. Remember, they are prepared just prior to being served, so they are surprisingly fresh, smooth and creamy with a wonderful mouth feel.

No issues with the service which is a good thing in my book.

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The main forum thread is here... Frankie's looks like its open

Frankie's
592-596 Fengyang Lu
near Datian Lu
凤阳路592-596号
近大田路
5228-7731

Open 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30-10:30pm
Price Y200-Y299 per couple

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