Franco's Italian Restaurant

Family owned italian restaurants never go wrong. MUST TRY! The restaurant is neither too big nor too small, it’s cozy enough. The server is very friendly and welcoming I would give her 10 stars for service if possible. I would say the bread they give before meals is the best in town. The garlic spread is just heavenly. We had chicken&spinach risotto and spinach&gorgonzola ravioli - rich and flavorful! and it’s even very affordable! Oh and we also had butternut squash soup, which was special soup of the day, and it was super good too. It goes well with bread too. I wanted to bring the soup & bread home... haha

I looked up best Italian food in los alamitos area this place popped up. They are fantastic and truly authentic. My girlfriend and I ordered Stuffed mushrooms, Soup of the day (lentil soup), Antipasto salad, Chicken parm, Stuffed shells, and Cioppino. A bread basket comes with it as well. I kid you not… EVERY SINGLE ITEM was top notch! The food was piping hot ready within 15 minutes for pickup. And they even helped my girlfriend bring the food to the car. The price is remarkable for getting 5 star food. I will continue to order from here hands down. Thank you Franco’s for your amazing food and outstanding hospitality!! Xoxo 💋

Ruth Arellano

I am very glad I went a little out of my way to come to this restaurant. It’s well deserving of its rating and it should really be higher. I ordered a house salad with balsamic vinaigrette, fried calamari, appetizer, and the penne ariatiana ? Not sure how you spell it. The calamari was the best I’ve ever tasted in a restaurant. And the pasta dish I ordered was absolutely perfect savory and filling. I also got some nice warm bread with garlic paste. I love warm bread and the garlic paste was a delight. You won’t be disappointed if you come here. Plus, if you’re a wine drinker, they have plenty of wine to choose from.

Monique Medina

Franco's will always hold a special place in my heart. One year ago, I wrote my first review after falling in love with this restaurant, and somehow it's only gotten better. Even though my boyfriend and I recently moved to Florida, Franco's was the very first place on our list when we came back to Los Angeles for a two-week visit--and it instantly felt like coming home. Walking through the doors, we were greeted like family, just as we always are. We brought my boyfriend's parents and grandma for the first time last Wednesday, and they haven't stopped talking about it since. They're very picky about their food, so the fact that they LOVED everything truly says it all. This time I tried the Chilean seabass, and wow--"incredible" doesn't even begin to describe it. Perfectly cooked, buttery, and full of flavor. And their holiday pumpkin spice cheesecake? To die for. I'm still thinking about it! Over the past year, Franco's has become more than just a restaurant for us. The people here--the family who runs it and the regulars we've met--make every visit feel warm, genuine, and unforgettable. We've created memories here with friends, with family, and now with my boyfriend's family, too. No matter how far we move, Franco's will always be our #1. It truly is my favorite restaurant of all time. If you're in the area, don't walk--RUN. You'll be treated like family, fed like royalty, and you'll leave already thinking about your next visit.

David Ramon

I think this might be the second time I’ve left a review, but I’m honestly shocked this place doesn’t have five stars. I’ve been coming here for years, and not once have I ever left feeling like it wasn’t worth it. This is hands down my favorite restaurant anywhere. From the warm, homey feeling the moment you walk in, to the great service from Luigi and the rest of the team, everything is always on point. And of course, the food speaks for itself. Chef Franco is truly a gem and one of a kind. My go-to order is usually between the lamb chops or the pork chop served with veggies and mashed potatoes. The flavor is unreal. 10 stars!!! for meee

Imon Olgado

Unassuming. This single word perfectly captures the essence of Franco's Italian Restaurant in Cypress. Tucked away in a simple strip mall with minimalistic signs, you could easily miss it. But once you step inside, you're instantly transported to a cozy, vibrant Italian home dining room. The ambiance is warm and inviting, a stark contrast to its plain exterior. ​We started with a classic Margherita pizza and Fettuccine Alfredo. The ingredients were incredibly fresh; you could taste the quality in every bite. The pizza crust was perfectly crisp and chewy, and the pasta was clearly made to order. For dessert, the Tiramisu was a revelation. The rum and coffee flavors danced on the palate like a fiery tarantella, a lively and memorable finish to the meal. ​Franco's isn't just a place to eat; it’s an experience. For the quality and price, it’s arguably one of the best Italian restaurants in both LA and OC counties. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for authentic, homemade Italian cuisine in a truly welcoming setting. Franco's proves that sometimes, the best flavors are found in the most unexpected places.

Jennifer Dallego

A hidden gem!! Unfussy, deeply flavorful Italian dishes with generous portions at a reasonable price point. Super friendly and quick service, good wine. The Rigatoni Vodka and the Sausage and Peppers were DELICIOUS- so so good! Creme Brûlée was flavorful as well.

Poupee Cabalar

Cute little neighborhood Italian restaurant. Such good dishes! From pastas to fish to filet mignon to pizza. They have it all and deliver good food and service on a very consistent basis. We are regulars and been coming here over a decade.

Debbie D

Awesome family restaurant that’s a hidden gem!! Tasteful food and awesome customer service! Cozy and warm ambience that’s perfect for both family and dinner date. Hubby ordered stuffed chicken Marsala and I had Chilean sea bass house special. Appetizer was calamari. Complimentary bread served with garlic. The calamari was perfect!!! Perfectly cooked, lightly breaded. Marasala: Hubby loveeeedd it!! It came with a side of pasta. Home made marinara sauce was delicious. Sea bass: came with pasta in a lemon-caper sauce. Sea bass was light and cooked well. The sauce was delicious. To end it, we had creme brûlée. The most decadent, delicious dessert ever! Not too sweet! Only wish it was a bigger portion. Everything was perfect! I think we found our new family go-to Italian restaurant !!

M

A nice family restaurant with a cozy feel. I've enjoyed every meal I've had at this restaurant. Make sure to order the Antipasto Italiano.

Leo Medrano

Had a great meal (lamb) with great service. Been here many times over the years, and always a great experience. And the Rigatoni Vodka Pasta is one of the best pasta dishes I've ever had!

Kay C

Family owned italian restaurants never go wrong. MUST TRY! The restaurant is neither too big nor too small, it’s cozy enough. The server is very friendly and welcoming I would give her 10 stars for service if possible. I would say the bread they give before meals is the best in town. The garlic spread is just heavenly. We had chicken&spinach risotto and spinach&gorgonzola ravioli - rich and flavorful! and it’s even very affordable! Oh and we also had butternut squash soup, which was special soup of the day, and it was super good too. It goes well with bread too. I wanted to bring the soup & bread home... haha

Tara McCann

I looked up best Italian food in los alamitos area this place popped up. They are fantastic and truly authentic. My girlfriend and I ordered Stuffed mushrooms, Soup of the day (lentil soup), Antipasto salad, Chicken parm, Stuffed shells, and Cioppino. A bread basket comes with it as well. I kid you not… EVERY SINGLE ITEM was top notch! The food was piping hot ready within 15 minutes for pickup. And they even helped my girlfriend bring the food to the car. The price is remarkable for getting 5 star food. I will continue to order from here hands down. Thank you Franco’s for your amazing food and outstanding hospitality!! Xoxo 💋

Deb Babe

Wonderful Italian dining with pasta favourites and seafood & steak daily specials. The chef is exceptional. Sauces are delicious, salads fresh, service first rate. A hidden gem in the neighborhood. Do yourself a favor a visit Franco's.

This is my third time here. The food is delicious, homemade, as if my Italian grandma made it all day for me. I highlight the mussel appetizer in white wine sauce - omg so good the best! The pizzas and veal are also excellent. The staff is so kind and nice. The live musician was wonderful, too. An excellent neighbourhood Italian restaurant!! I can’t wait to come back again!!

This place is bad ass and I haven’t even eaten yet lol. Waiting for my food and had to post before I even got it lol. Wish I lived closer. But goddam I’m coming back. Support local. And tip well. They deserve it. Will let u know how bomb the sampler is.

Lovely little restaurant. The staff are amazing and friendly. Food was worth every penny. We came less then an hour before closing no reservation on valentine's day. They still seated us and gave us every courtesy. Deffinetly will be back. If you want good Italian thats not processed junk. This is the place.

The food was absolutely amazing—every dish was flavorful and clearly made with care. Luis was an exceptional waiter who truly elevated the experience. He was warm, attentive, and shared wonderful stories that made the meal even more enjoyable. Dining there felt less like eating at a restaurant and more like sitting down at home with family, relaxed, comfortable, and full of genuine hospitality.

Brandon H

The food was absolutely amazing—every dish was flavorful and clearly made with care. Luis was an exceptional waiter who truly elevated the experience. He was warm, attentive, and shared wonderful stories that made the meal even more enjoyable. Dining there felt less like eating at a restaurant and more like sitting down at home with family, relaxed, comfortable, and full of genuine hospitality.

Michael Kilpack

Unbelievable place...from the beautiful quaint atmosphere to the outstanding menu and professional staff. Definitely a local vibe with a great selection of daily specials. A must for outstanding authentic Italian cuisine.

Russell Noll

This place is bad ass and I haven’t even eaten yet lol. Waiting for my food and had to post before I even got it lol. Wish I lived closer. But goddam I’m coming back. Support local. And tip well. They deserve it. Will let u know how bomb the sampler is.

Kyle Strodtbeck

This is my third time here. The food is delicious, homemade, as if my Italian grandma made it all day for me. I highlight the mussel appetizer in white wine sauce - omg so good the best! The pizzas and veal are also excellent. The staff is so kind and nice. The live musician was wonderful, too. An excellent neighbourhood Italian restaurant!! I can’t wait to come back again!!

The atmosphere was cozy and the service was friendly. (Don't order too much, or you won't be able to finish it.) I loved their soup. The bread and sauce for the starter were excellent. The fettuccine with four cheeses was, to be honest, a bit too much. Price is a little bit higher than I thought, but it’s OK.

The service provided by the waiter was satisfactory, though I perceived an excessive effort to be humorous, which I found to be somewhat impolite. I would recommend this establishment, but with a different server.🫣🤷‍♀️😂

This is a great little out of the way place in a strip mall type situation. There is not a ton of parking but it's just enough. There was live music by a acoustic guitarists. That was really cool. I wasn't expecting that. It really added to the atmosphere. Our waiter was great and really knew his stuff on the menu, and had a fantastic attitude. I ordered the pizza, which was overcooked. Don't get me wrong, I like a crispy crust, but this was definitely overdone. However, the others in my party really enjoyed their food. One of them got the lasagna, which I was going to get. I probably should have. He said it was pretty awesome. So, who knows. Give it a shot, let me know what you think.

Food is tasty and prices are reasonable. Service is good and staff is helpful. Have had dinner on a number of occasions here. We do enjoy our meals. Small restaurant located in a strip mall...not fancy and informal. Lots of specials to choose from. Menu is extensive. If you want homemade tasting Italian food, this is a good place to find it. Sauces and pastas are very good. Worth a visit.

Cyan H

The atmosphere was cozy and the service was friendly. (Don't order too much, or you won't be able to finish it.) I loved their soup. The bread and sauce for the starter were excellent. The fettuccine with four cheeses was, to be honest, a bit too much. Price is a little bit higher than I thought, but it’s OK.

maribel valdez

The service provided by the waiter was satisfactory, though I perceived an excessive effort to be humorous, which I found to be somewhat impolite. I would recommend this establishment, but with a different server.🫣🤷‍♀️😂

Michael David Morales

This is a great little out of the way place in a strip mall type situation. There is not a ton of parking but it's just enough. There was live music by a acoustic guitarists. That was really cool. I wasn't expecting that. It really added to the atmosphere. Our waiter was great and really knew his stuff on the menu, and had a fantastic attitude. I ordered the pizza, which was overcooked. Don't get me wrong, I like a crispy crust, but this was definitely overdone. However, the others in my party really enjoyed their food. One of them got the lasagna, which I was going to get. I probably should have. He said it was pretty awesome. So, who knows. Give it a shot, let me know what you think.

Bob Bojorquez

Food is tasty and prices are reasonable. Service is good and staff is helpful. Have had dinner on a number of occasions here. We do enjoy our meals. Small restaurant located in a strip mall...not fancy and informal. Lots of specials to choose from. Menu is extensive. If you want homemade tasting Italian food, this is a good place to find it. Sauces and pastas are very good. Worth a visit.