The service was ok. The pusties were slightly burnt or overcooked and a little dry inside. I ordered stuffed shells. They were cooked in water with a ragu served on top, not baked together. There was a ring of water around the pasta dish. I've been coming here for years. Don't know what happened. read more

Amazing food. They catered a party for me and everyone loved the food! Their greens were fantastic! Their food is always quality and a great value. I have never seen so much food stuffed into a catering tray. They were easy to work with and know what they are doing. Delicious!!! read more

Ordered the greens and it lacked flavor and spice that I'm used to from this area. Overall, it was mediocre and would not recommend the greens. read more

Where to start...service was great and friendly. Beers were good and cold. Food (chicken Marsala and meatloaf) was phenomenal. Homemade bread and butter was to die for. And the crowd was friendly and engaging. Lots of Dessert items. Had Italian cookies and strawberry cannoli and they were really good. Wish I lived in the area to go weekly. Will definitely be back. read more

The cook chef are very good, pretty decent flavor as long as you order the specials. When you go off the regular menu...eat at your own risk. Blah!! Anyhow pastry awesome, definitely recommend them for dessert! read more

We arrived as a party of ten and sat as a party of two. Despite the three empty tables for four and our willingness to sit at separate tables, the hostess kept us waiting for over ten minutes. The excuse was "it's a shift change and we might lose power". It was windy outside. Eight of us left, and two sat at the bar. Although the bartender, Christie, was in the weeds, she was very friendly and efficient. Once we had placed our order - salads, chicken sandwich and stuffed shells - our food was up in five minutes. No kidding. And soon the four empty tables were full. Our friends should have waited. The food was cheap and good. Unfortunately, we didn't leave room for cannolli. read more

Vescio's Franklin Hotel - Italian Near Me - Rome, New York

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Been here twice and I have no idea what people see in this place. Pasta was overcooked, over-sauced; everything was over-glopped, and we thought it was borderline disgusting. Quantity, yes you'll get that. But you won't want it. On the plus side, cocktails were OK and the bar was cute. read more

The food here is a great value. I have had the burgers and chicken riggies. The burgers have a nice grilled flavor and are served classic style where you put the condiments on yourself. There is a bar and multiple dining rooms, but the place can get packed as it is a local favorite. They also feature some classic Italian desserts that I almost always find myself leaving with. The ambiance can get noisey and it almost seems like you are in a different time period (try like 50 years ago) but I just stuff my face and deal with it. The minor inconvenience is that they only take cash. There is an ATM available, but as I said- minor inconvenience. I hesitated to give 4 stars instead, but the payment method did not affect the taste of the food. read more

I haven't been here in 15 years and went to dinner with my Mom last night! I am pleased to say that this place has stayed true to their roots! Spot on service, food and prices. It's a hard working family owned business that I am very happy to see still doing really well!!! Was super busy for a Thursday night but no one that worked their skipped a beat. They continued to check on us, we're very friendly, got us seated quickly and the atmosphere was enjoyable! I had the shrimp and scallops scampi and Mom got the fried shrimp dinner and both meals were very delicious! Already can't wait until our next visit ! Thank you for yet another great dining experience here!!!! read more

Solid choice. I haven't been there in a while as I've moved. Checking the menu for an upcoming trip. Didn't they use to serve tripe?

The Franklin Hotel is a good casual dinning restaurant. Staff is knowledgeable and timley. Service was fast despite many customers. Portions are very generous and meals are reasonably priced. Some of the menu items would benefit from better food quality but are still executed well. Nice, casual place to get a big meal. read more

Vescio's Franklin Hotel - Italian Near Me - Rome, New York

Came here on recommendation by my in-laws who live in the area. It definitely is a local place and my husband and I felt a bit out of place the minute we walked in... Or maybe it was just the off-putting attitude we got from the hostess. But once seated our experience improved dramatically. The server was wonderful and attentive. We ordered the Greens, which were frankly not as great as others in the area. But our pasta dishes were amazing and huge. And hands down the best cannoli I've ever had this side of the Atlantic. We took home a ton of leftovers, which were even more tasty the next day. So yeah, I'd come back here and pretend like I'm local. ;) read more

These people put zucchini in their lasagna..for real!!! Who in the history of lasagna ever put zucchini in it. It was also some unidentifed dry hard banana looking stuff. This place is disgusting. I wish Gordon Ramsay would eat what i had. That would be the funniest episode ever. read more

I agree with Terry H.'s review of the Franklin, which is right on-point. Definitely not a great place to take a date...until maybe the third or fourth date when you've gotten to know each other a little better and can say "This place may not impress you with its looks, but the vodka sauce can't be beat anywhere!" I didn't really want to like this place the first time I came here, until I tried that vodka sauce, and now, after almost 15 years I've still yet to find a better rendition. read more

I'm not sure if five stars is accurate. But I'm still in disbelief at the quality of a steak I had at FH two nights ago. A couple of weeks ago, I paid $30 CDN for a steak that was tough, fatty and overcooked. Two nights ago, I paid $14 at an unassuming and dimly lit restaurant for a steak that came with about 4 pounds of potatoes and broccoli. I wouldn't say it was the best steak I've ever had. But I think it may have been the most perfectly cooked to order steak I've ever had. "Medium rare" is beyond the grasp of many talented "chefs," but this was right on the money: a generous cut, prepared simply and cooked to within five seconds of perfection. I didn't meet a rough patch or nubbin once. Also, the broccoli was cooked pretty well. This is less of an achievement. But most places like this cook greens to death. And then recook them when they're ordered. Slightly undercooked is the way to go. Obviously, five stars is contextual. The Utica greens are a bit heavy. You could do better at the 2-day-old salad bar at Pizza Hut than with the perfunctory "salad" here. And you'll have to be happy with UC or Genny (who wouldn't be?) because Carlo Rossi is about as nice as it gets on the other side. But, goddamn. The steak. Oh, yeah, and six pints of beer, two entrees, a plate of hot peppers and a plate of greens ran $56 before tip. read more

Some awesome Italian food here. The location is ridiculous, the building is... um... ramshackle, but the food is top-notch. While it might not be a great place for date-night, I think it would be just fine for a "meet-the-significant-others-family" meal. That's how I was introduced to this place years and years ago. To me, it seemed that the service thrives on a group with good and colorful personality. This is just testament to the good Italian roots of this place. Parting tip--get the greens. WOW! read more

Okay, not much of a looker but pretty great, made from scratch recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation. This is a family owned and operated restaurant and you can tell that by tasting the food. We had a group of about 10 people and everyone's dishes looked delicious. On top of that, they have a huge dessert bar- something different every day. We took home a little bit of everything and it was all divine. Why 3 stars you ask? The service. We had made reservations and arrived a little early so not having a seat right away is certainly understandable. However, we did not get seated until 20 mins after the set reservation and were told they were busier than they had planned. Bad move, Vescio. But they gave us their best waitress and delivered pretty consistent service once we were sat. Like some others have said, don't take a first date here or plan to have a luxurious experience with family and friends on a night out. This is a place you come to when you want a no frills, tasty dinner that didn't come from your own kitchen. read more

I was visiting family and we decided to do dinner. I asked for something local and after hearing a few names and reading reviews I chose The Franklin. This place looks rather rough on the outside and the inside, but I think that is what makes it so different. The garlic butter and fresh Italian bread with every meal is amazing. I can describe it as an unbaked garlic bread. Fabulous and I could seriously go there, just eat that and be happy. The antipasto salad was alright. The house dressing on it was very good, but beyond that I was not really happy. My Caesar salad was overdressed and nothing special. I would next time get a regular salad with the house dressing. My lasagna was a great size, but it had too much sauce on the top and not enough in the layers. It also needed some mozzarella cheese so it was not so dry. The in restaurant bakery looked pretty good, but nothing really stood out enough to order for dessert. Our waitress that night was very busy. There are no busyboys so she had to bus her own tables which slowed her down. They need busboys and a few more waitresses. I will return here, but probably something different then the lasagna. read more

Some of the best Italian food I have ever had in NYS and in my life. The Greens are delicious, simple pasta dishes unexpectedly taste amazing, and the service was very good. I think if you ordered anything off this menu it would be above average and very good, that's the type of place it is. To those who never go to Rome it's worth the visit for this place alone. read more

Always delicious and plentiful! I end up taking half of it home with a cannoli! Super waitstaff, homemade bread and garlic butter ROCKS!

We've never heard of this place but googled someplace that served Italian and it came up. Even with a large crowd we were seated within a few minutes. The portions are huge. The waitress even let my 14 yr old order from the kids menu when she couldn't decide. Absolutely amazing. Can't wait for the leftovers tomorrow read more

We were in Rome for the week and had the chance to eat at the Franklin two times. The food is wonderful. The quality and value are tough to beat. A salad comes with all the entrees. The prices at the bar are also very reasonable. On Friday nights you have to wait for a table but it is well worth the wait. read more

Negatives: The food an service are inconsistent; sometimes very good, but all too frequently the opposite. The interior decor is faded, dated, and suffering from a lack of good lighting. The prices are OK, but the payment options are from a bygone era. The menu is a bit too large for a place this small. Ambitious, but wanting. Positives: The desserts are particularly good. They give you a lot of food, bordering on absurd, for your money. I recommend trying the place out to form your own opinion. read more

Used to eat there all the time,the last few times we went there they rushed us so I had to almost choke my food down,she started taking the dishes off the tables and we weren't even done ,and I told her to leave my dish I wasn't done eating yet,who does that stuff without asking if your even done, read more

Meh. Took close to 1.5 hours to get our meal and when we did it was nothing great. We did have a larger group so that may have played it i it but I definitely cannot recommend this place. read more

The food is decent enough for the price. Nowhere near fine-dining, but if you suck at cooking and want something a little better than what you could make yourself it's worth it. The staff are your typical Roman restaurant workers. They fake being nice well enough and are not openly rude. They're just kind of there to get what you want and get you out of there as happy as possible. read more

Delicious. A bit scary looking from the outside, but absolutely delicious food and friendly service!

Fabulous Home Town Food. Deserts to die for. Although I didnt really enjoy my dish this past visit, I have never been disappointed at the Franklin Hotel. I tried something new to me. Now I know. My go to items are always awesome. I love dining at the Franklin. read more

Having eaten here at least 60 times in the last 30 years, I would say this is one of my favorite restaurants. Great atmosphere, wonderful homemade cookings. Fantastic peppers and cannolis. read more

Vescio Franklin makes a delicious banana split cake. We were very disappointed when my daughter purchased this cake for my granddaughters' First Communion party and when we opened it the cake was in pieces. So make sure to check you bake goods before you leave read more

Horrible experience. The food tasted like a diners food. Our waitress had no personality. Then we go to pay bill and they don't accept credit card. Only cash or check. So then I had to pay to take money out of an ATM. Honestly who doesn't take credit card. Not a good experience. Definitely won't go back. read more

I would give this place five stars but can't try many items because there aren't gluten-free options (such as breads, pastas, and desserts). The salad was plentiful and tasty. My chicken breast was covered in a delicious red sauce and capers, which was so scrumptious I used my French fries to sop up every drop. The chicken was thready/woody in one breast, which made the meat chewy and is another reason why I only gave four stars. I don't know how the owners would know the breast was chewy though, so I'm guessing it was a fluke. If I return to Rome, NY, I'll definitely stop in for another meal. And, of course, the dessert counter is full of options, and I wish I could have enjoyed some old-fashioned Italian goodies. Thanks! read more

A wonderful Italian eatery with a booming business for good reason. This is housed in what was previously a crumbling hotel in the bad part of town with a seedy bar. The looks aren't too great now but the food is. Not a great place to take a date I think. The Savoy is a five-star Italian restaurant with prices to match a few blocks away. But you won't get better food. Best, Terry read more

Have been here a handful of times, the food is really, really good, the service on the other is TERRIBLE! Portions are great, you'll have leftovers for lunch, which is a plus for me! I really wish they would do something with the interior, it is so outdated & depressing, the booths can be lumpy & I've walked out with backaches just from sitting on them. This place is CASH or CHECK (local?) ONLY, be prepared, ATM machine on site if you forget. I've had their eggplant roll-ups & pasta, LOVE IT! Salad is a good size & I wish they would bottle their house dressing, I believe you can buy it on the side to take home. Their desserts do not do a thing for me, I know everyone raves about them, but truly, if you went to an authentic Italian bakery, you would pass these up. Sometimes they look dried out in the front cases. Yuck. Service, yikes, they need help here. My husband refuses to go back because of the service and it's usually me doing the complaining. He'll only do takeout from now on. It seems the waitstaff concentrate more on the elder regulars & less on the newbies. Hello, when the regulars start passing on you'll need the newbies to keep the place going. Start being more friendly to EVERYONE that walks in the door and get into the 21st century already and get a credit card machine. People will actually spend more on a credit card than watching their pennies with cash! I know I would! I think with some improvements this place would be grand once again... read more

The best greens I have ever had! The server was amazing. There was 6 of us and she was GREAT! Servings are large and taste great! This is the real deal! The best chocolate torte I have ever had! They ever packed bread and butter in my Togo! I basically got two meals for one and it was already a great price! Love this place! read more

Love this place ! Great homemade Italian food at an outstanding price. From pasta to greens, to great soup and bread this place is a mom and pop restaurant gem. Along with the food being absolutely delicious the pricing is of a different era and the portion sizes are a monstrosity.. I hate to say it but for the quality of food and the quantity that they put on the plate they really could get away with charging more (but I'm glad they don't). Great place to eat ! read more

Stopped in for dinner after visiting family in the area. Seated pretty quick but waitress seemed less than thrilled when she came over. All through meal, felt like she had a problem with us. Did not come around much and when we mentioned having some leftovers boxed she seemed put out. She brought us boxes and a bag while we watched her box up several orders for other tables. Our food was good but the service was definitely lacking. Especially since the folks next to us had an awesome waiter. Going to be awhile before we go back and am letting family and friends in the area know about our visit. read more

Everytime we visit Rome this place is a must have! The greens recipe has changed since our last visit 4 years ago, but hubby loved them! I order something different everytime and have never been disappointed! Servers are always attentive. read more

One of my favorite Utica-area Italian restaurants--it's nothing fancy, but has great food! Their eggplant roll-ups and stuffed shells are my Italian comfort food go-tos along with the homemade Italian bread and perhaps a Neopolitan for dessert. On a summer day, the mozzarella (made in house) and tomato salad makes the perfect lunch. My only complaint is that they tend to sit you next to an occupied table even if the entire room is empty!! read more

Ate at the Franklin again last night... first time I've been there in a couple years and not much has changed.., and that's a good thing! I had the chicken and cherry pepper pasta with vodka sauce ( basically it's chicken riggies once you put vodka sauce on it) and it was fantastic! Absolutely ENORMOUS portions, fresh Italian bread with garlic butter, super friendly waitress and staff, and a very relaxed atmosphere make it an awesome casual dining experience! I love this place. The only complaint came from one of my fellow guests who noted the fact that they don't include angel hair as one of the many pasta options available. We all decided we could live with that minor inconvenience. If you're looking for a fantastic value in Italian/American food or burgers in a relaxed atmosphere while in Rome, do as many Romans do... eat at The Franklin! read more