FRANCO’S ITALIAN: The legacy continues under new ownership.

FRANCO’S ITALIAN: The legacy continues under new ownership.

by Danielle Murphy

Franco’s Italian, nestled in the heart of Carlisle’s city centre is Carlisle’s first ever Italian restaurant and they are still offering a truly authentic Italian dining experience to this day.

Housed in the city’s oldest building, dating back to the 14th century, the restaurant not only serves up delicious, homemade Italian dishes but also provides a stunning atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza or pasta, Francos delivers with fresh, hand-made pizzas and locally sourced ingredients that capture the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

The restaurant’s prime location on the high street makes it perfect for both lunch and dinner, offering convenience alongside great food. Despite its prime location and high-quality offerings, Francos remains affordable.

In late 2024, Martin Bell took over the beloved restaurant, he quickly took to polishing the old interiors, being careful not to disturb or alter the buildings overall beauty. No major changes were made to the menu because, as the saying goes, why fix what’s not broken? So rest assured you can still enjoy your favourite Italian meal.

With the same friendly staff and unchanged menu, Martin shared,

“We already ran Espresso café across the road, and when we looked at the restaurant, we just fell in love with the place, it is beautiful inside, it’s in a great location, fresh homemade Italian food, and friendly staff make it the perfect place to enjoy a meal and it would definitely be missed if it were to close entirely.”

The restaurant which has been operating for over 50 years has become a much loved favourite in the city, to see it remain open, unchanged and still serving up great Italian food is fantastic.

For those who were worried that big changes were about to occur, fear not – your favourite classic italian dish is still on the menu.

Whether you’re popping in for lunch or enjoying an evening out, Francos offers a taste of Italy right in the heart of Carlisle. Why not grab a voucher – a great gift and an amazing experience to remember…

Franco’s Italian
5-6 Green Market, Carlisle CA3 8JE
www.FrancosItalianCarlisle.com



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