{"id":151,"date":"2023-12-01T16:34:58","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T16:34:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/olivia-longworth\/?p=151"},"modified":"2023-12-13T22:22:43","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T22:22:43","slug":"pizzeria-francesca-is-it-worth-the-hype","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/olivia-longworth\/2023\/12\/01\/pizzeria-francesca-is-it-worth-the-hype\/","title":{"rendered":"Pizzeria Francesca: Is it Worth the Hype?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pizzeria Francesca, 134-136 Manor House Road, Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 2NA (0191 281 6586). Starters \u00a33.50-\u00a38.50, mains \u00a38.30-\u00a324.50, desserts \u00a34.30-\u00a36.50.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Francesca\u2019s Pizzeria is a popular Italian restaurant situated in the well-known student area of Jesmond. After countless recommendations from my fellow students and constantly witnessing the masses of crowds tumbling into the eateries’ doors I decided to venture to Francesca\u2019s to determine whether I had been unwittingly neglecting a local gem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operating from Monday to Saturday,  the restaurant serves lunch between 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm, followed by dinner hours from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Upon entering the restaurant we were greeted by the comforting aroma of Italian cuisine, accompanied by an inviting warmth that provided the perfect escape from a bitingly cold winter night. The ambient lighting, casting a soft glow throughout, enhanced the dark wood accents and walls adorned with a plethora of Italian artwork and decorations, transporting us to an authentic Italian restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Photograph of the interior of Pizzeria Francesca taken by the reporter.<\/summary>\n

<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Given the policy of not accepting advance reservations, we patiently queued for a table. However, with access to the restaurant\u2019s bar and the availability of a small seating area in the foyer, the 20-minute wait was more than pleasurable, especially with the company of good friends. Before long, our server escorted us to our table and promptly took our drink orders. With a sweet sip of my Diet Coke, my attention shifted to the extensive menu which boasted an array of various pasta, pizza, meat and fish dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Photograph of the Pizzeria Francesca bar taken by the reporter.<\/summary>\n

<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Despite being extremely tempted by Francesca\u2019s notorious half pizza and half pasta dish I settled on the \u2018Salmone\u2019 priced at a reasonable \u00a311.30. A pasta dish comprised of rich tomato cream sauce, onion, thick-cut pieces of smoked salmon and fusilli pasta, which I chose over the penne, spaghetti and tagliatelle options. My companions opted for the \u2018Special Pizza\u2019 (\u00a311.20) embellished with tomato, mozzarella cheese, parma ham, rocket and parmesan shavings and the \u2018Calzone\u2019 (\u00a310.80) featuring tomato, mozzarella cheese, mortadella, ham, onions and mushrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the delight of everyone at the table, our server propped a bowl of warm, freshly baked, crispy bread on the table accompanied by a slab of butter. Lathering up the bread with a thick layer of butter I allowed the simple combination to melt in my mouth, creating a moment of pure indulgence as we awaited our mains to arrive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the restaurant teeming with customers, I was pleasantly surprised when our main courses arrived at our table a mere 10 minutes after placing our orders. Before me, a mountain of pasta was presented, generously topped with a mound of parmesan applied by our attentive waiter. With our stomachs rumbling, my companions and I eagerly delved into our dishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Photograph of the Salmone fusilli taken by the reporter.<\/summary>\n

<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

The al dente fusilli pasta was served as the perfect canvas, enrobed by the velvety tomato cream sauce that captured the richness and warmth expected from true Italian comfort food. The subtle smokiness from the salmon wove itself through each bite, providing a harmonious balance that elevated the dish to pure bliss. Sounds of approval resonated from all the guests at the table, and a moment of silent contentment settled in as we collectively savoured our delicious meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Photograph of the Special Pizza and the Calzone taken by the reporter.<\/summary>\n

<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

With not a morsel remaining on anyone\u2019s plate, it was quite clear to see that we had thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Although our stomachs were bulging with an abundance of bread, pasta and dough, a lingering desire for a sweet treat persisted after earlier spotting Oreo cheesecake and sticky toffee pudding on the dessert special board in the foyer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unable to shake the craving for dessert, 10 minutes later the waiter arrived presenting a sticky toffee pudding (\u00a36.50) and what we presumed to be an Oreo cheesecake (\u00a36.50). With three spoons at the ready, the cheesecake was set in our sights, with one bite we were all met with Biscoff flavour rather than Oreo. However, luckily for all of us, this was a welcomed surprise. With a light, fluffy and creamy texture, the cheesecake dissolved in my mouth exuding a sweet spiced caramel flavour. One of my companions even claimed, \u201cI think it is the best cheesecake I\u2019ve ever tried\u201d. After devouring our first dessert we eagerly moved on to the sticky toffee pudding, a personal favourite dessert. The sponge was a delightful combination of lightness and moisture, encased within a blend of caramelised sugar and buttery toffee that seamlessly lubricated the mouth with an infusion of rich sweetness. Fully satisfied we paid for the bill and headed home to enter our Italian food comas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Photograph of the sticky toffee pudding and the cheesecake taken by the reporter<\/summary>\n

<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

From my experience at Francesca\u2019s, I can understand the hype. With reasonable prices and healthy portion sizes of their delicious dishes, the restaurant is sure to satisfy anyone’s Italian carb dreams. A slight inconvenience is the inability to book a reservation, and thus queuing is inevitable. However, they have been able to combat this problem by entertaining their guests with access to the bar and seating area. With exceptional food, friendly waiting staff and an authentic Italian atmosphere Francesca\u2019s Pizzeria is a must-visit.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n