Franklin Italian Restaurant: Menu & Delicious Dishes

Hey there, foodies! Are you ready to embark on a delicious adventure? Let's dive into the world of Franklin Italian Restaurant and explore their mouth-watering menu. This isn't just any menu; it's a carefully crafted selection of dishes designed to transport your taste buds straight to Italy. So, grab a seat, and let's get started!

Appetizers: Start Your Meal the Italian Way

When it comes to starting a meal, Italians know best. Franklin Italian Restaurant offers a variety of appetizers perfect for whetting your appetite.

First up, we have the classic bruschetta. Imagine toasted slices of Italian bread, rubbed with garlic, and topped with fresh, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s simple, yet bursting with flavor. The freshness of the tomatoes combined with the aromatic basil creates a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist. Each bite is a reminder of sunny Italian gardens and the simple pleasures of life. The quality of ingredients shines through, making it a perfect start to your meal.

Next, consider the calamari fritti. These crispy, golden rings of squid are lightly battered and fried to perfection. Served with a side of marinara sauce, they offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The slight chewiness of the calamari, combined with the crispy coating, makes it incredibly satisfying. And dipping them in the tangy marinara sauce? Bellissimo! It’s a crowd-pleaser for a reason, and Franklin Italian Restaurant does it exceptionally well.

For those who love cheese, the caprese salad is a must-try. Thick slices of fresh mozzarella alternate with juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that ties everything together. The creamy mozzarella, the sweet tomatoes, and the peppery basil create a harmonious blend that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s a light yet flavorful option that’s perfect for any occasion. This salad is a celebration of Italian ingredients at their finest.

And let's not forget the arancini. These Sicilian rice balls are filled with savory ingredients like meat sauce, peas, and mozzarella, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. The crispy exterior gives way to a warm, gooey interior that’s incredibly comforting. It’s a true taste of Sicily that will leave you wanting more. Franklin Italian Restaurant’s version is particularly noteworthy for its authentic taste and generous filling.

These appetizers are just a glimpse into the culinary delights that await you at Franklin Italian Restaurant. Each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, ensuring that your dining experience starts off on the right foot. So, gather your friends and family, and prepare to indulge in the flavors of Italy!

Pasta: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

No Italian restaurant is complete without an impressive selection of pasta dishes. At Franklin Italian Restaurant, the pasta is made fresh daily, ensuring the highest quality and flavor.

Let's start with the spaghetti carbonara. This classic Roman dish features perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed with crispy pancetta, creamy egg yolks, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. The richness of the egg yolks coats the pasta, creating a velvety sauce that’s incredibly satisfying. The saltiness of the pancetta and the sharpness of the cheese add depth and complexity to the dish. It’s a simple yet decadent pasta that’s sure to please. The key to a great carbonara is the quality of the ingredients, and Franklin Italian Restaurant uses only the best.

Next, we have the linguine alle vongole. This seafood lover's dream consists of linguine pasta tossed with fresh clams, garlic, white wine, and a touch of red pepper flakes. The briny clams infuse the pasta with a delicate seafood flavor, while the garlic and white wine add a touch of sophistication. The red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick that balances the richness of the dish. It’s a light yet flavorful pasta that’s perfect for a warm evening. The freshness of the clams is crucial, and Franklin Italian Restaurant sources them daily to ensure the best possible taste.

For those who prefer a vegetarian option, the penne alla norma is a must-try. This Sicilian pasta dish features penne pasta tossed with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, ricotta salata cheese, and basil. The sweetness of the tomato sauce, the bitterness of the eggplant, and the saltiness of the cheese create a harmonious blend of flavors. It’s a hearty and satisfying pasta that’s perfect for any occasion. The key to a great penne alla norma is the quality of the eggplant, and Franklin Italian Restaurant uses only the freshest, most flavorful eggplant available.

And let's not forget the lasagna bolognese. This classic Italian comfort food features layers of pasta, meat sauce, béchamel sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Baked until golden brown and bubbly, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cold evening. The richness of the meat sauce, the creaminess of the béchamel, and the sharpness of the Parmesan create a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. It’s a true taste of Italy that will leave you feeling warm and content. Franklin Italian Restaurant’s version is particularly noteworthy for its generous layers and perfectly balanced flavors.

These pasta dishes are just a few examples of the culinary masterpieces that await you at Franklin Italian Restaurant. Each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional. So, come and experience the taste of Italy for yourself!

Main Courses: Indulge in Italian Excellence

After enjoying the appetizers and pasta, it's time to move on to the main courses. Franklin Italian Restaurant offers a variety of meat, fish, and poultry dishes, all prepared with the finest ingredients and traditional Italian techniques.

First up, we have the osso buco. This Milanese specialty features a braised veal shank, slow-cooked until tender and flavorful. Served with a gremolata of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley, it’s a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a special occasion. The meat is incredibly tender, falling off the bone with ease. The gremolata adds a touch of brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the dish. It’s a true taste of Milan that will leave you feeling impressed. Franklin Italian Restaurant’s version is particularly noteworthy for its authentic preparation and generous portion size.

Next, consider the chicken cacciatore. This rustic Italian dish features chicken braised with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Served with a side of polenta or pasta, it’s a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a cold evening. The chicken is tender and flavorful, infused with the flavors of the vegetables and herbs. The sauce is rich and savory, perfect for soaking up with a piece of bread. It’s a true taste of the Italian countryside that will leave you feeling satisfied. The key to a great chicken cacciatore is the quality of the tomatoes, and Franklin Italian Restaurant uses only the freshest, most flavorful tomatoes available.

For seafood lovers, the grilled swordfish is a must-try. This fresh swordfish steak is grilled to perfection and served with a lemon-herb butter sauce. The fish is moist and flaky, with a slightly smoky flavor from the grill. The lemon-herb butter sauce adds a touch of richness and brightness that complements the fish perfectly. It’s a light yet flavorful option that’s perfect for a summer evening. The freshness of the swordfish is crucial, and Franklin Italian Restaurant sources it daily to ensure the best possible taste.

And let's not forget the veal parmigiana. This classic Italian-American dish features a breaded veal cutlet, topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Baked until golden brown and bubbly, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The veal is tender and juicy, the sauce is rich and savory, and the cheese is melted and gooey. It’s a true comfort food that will leave you feeling warm and content. Franklin Italian Restaurant’s version is particularly noteworthy for its generous portion size and perfectly balanced flavors.

These main courses are just a glimpse into the culinary excellence that awaits you at Franklin Italian Restaurant. Each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, ensuring that your dining experience is unforgettable. So, come and indulge in the flavors of Italy!

Desserts: A Sweet Ending to Your Italian Feast

No meal is complete without dessert, and Franklin Italian Restaurant offers a variety of sweet treats to satisfy your cravings.

First, there’s the classic tiramisu. This coffee-flavored dessert features layers of ladyfingers dipped in espresso, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder. The creamy mascarpone, the bitter coffee, and the sweet cocoa create a harmonious blend that’s both rich and refreshing. It’s a perfect ending to any meal. The key to a great tiramisu is the quality of the mascarpone, and Franklin Italian Restaurant uses only the freshest, most flavorful mascarpone available.

Next, consider the cannoli. These Sicilian pastries feature crispy shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese, chocolate chips, and candied fruit. The crunchy shell, the creamy filling, and the sweet toppings create a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. It’s a true taste of Sicily that will leave you wanting more. Franklin Italian Restaurant’s version is particularly noteworthy for its authentic preparation and generous filling.

For chocolate lovers, the chocolate lava cake is a must-try. This warm chocolate cake features a molten chocolate center that oozes out when you cut into it. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a decadent and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for a special occasion. The rich chocolate, the warm cake, and the cold ice cream create a heavenly combination that’s hard to resist. It’s a true chocolate lover’s dream.

And let's not forget the panna cotta. This creamy Italian dessert features a silky smooth custard made with cream, sugar, and vanilla. Served with a berry compote, it’s a light and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for a warm evening. The creamy custard, the sweet berries, and the delicate vanilla create a harmonious blend that’s both elegant and satisfying. It’s a perfect ending to any meal. Franklin Italian Restaurant’s version is particularly noteworthy for its delicate flavor and silky smooth texture.

These desserts are just a few examples of the sweet treats that await you at Franklin Italian Restaurant. Each dessert is prepared with care and attention to detail, ensuring that your dining experience ends on a high note. So, come and indulge in the sweet flavors of Italy!

Beverages: Complement Your Meal with the Perfect Drink

To complete your dining experience, Franklin Italian Restaurant offers a wide selection of beverages, including wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.

Their wine list features a variety of Italian and international wines, carefully selected to complement the menu. Whether you prefer a crisp white wine to pair with your seafood or a full-bodied red wine to accompany your meat dish, you’re sure to find the perfect wine to enhance your meal.

For those who enjoy cocktails, Franklin Italian Restaurant offers a range of classic and signature drinks. From the Aperol spritz to the Negroni, their cocktails are expertly crafted using the finest ingredients. They also offer a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including Italian sodas, sparkling water, and fresh juices.

Final Thoughts

The Franklin Italian Restaurant menu is more than just a list of dishes; it's an invitation to experience the rich and diverse flavors of Italy. From the appetizers to the desserts, each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional. So, gather your friends and family, and come and indulge in the delicious world of Franklin Italian Restaurant. Buon appetito!