The Ulitmate Dining Experience at Fresco Da Franco

Fresco Da Franco. Image courtesy of Francesca Leite

By Nicolette Maggio

When they state that they are the “ultimate dining experience” Fresco Da Franco remains correct. If you haven’t been to Fresco Da Franco, it is a contemporary Italian cuisine located in the heart of Montclair, New Jersey. It is the type of place that you will “hear” about when you are having a coffee with friends, “Have you been to Fresco Da Franco?” If you haven’t, this is your sign from the heavens to stop what you are doing and make a reservation… immediately!

There are countless things to love about Fresco Da Franco, but before we get into the food I would like to acknowledge the integrity and authenticity of this restaurant. Franco Porporino Jr. is a first-generation Italian American who began cooking at a very young age. He watched his grandmother and mother and took notice to the simple yet refined ingredients that he learned to perfect in the kitchen so that when you take your first bite you say “Mmmm”. If you breeze over their website, you will see visuals of amazing dishes that will make your mouth water in a heartbeat. 

There are amazing things to honor Franco for, and while I will focus mostly on the food I would like to acknowledge that Franco holds philanthropic work close to his heart. In 2015 he received an Award for his work mentoring young adolescents at The Integrity House of Newark, New Jersey. Franco was honored with the prestigious ‘Young Italian Entrepreneur” award from the Italia Tribune in 2015. It is rare to say that not only is Franco an excellent cook but that he is also an extremely genuine and kind owner, which makes dining even more of an honor and a pleasure. 

2015 Star Diamond Award presented to Fresco Da Franco. Image courtesy of Fresco Da Franco

The only problem with Fresco Da Franco is that the food will raise your expectations and standards for every other Italian restaurant that you dine in from here on out. The preparation, dishes, cooking in and of itself puts Franco in direct competition with Misi, Vic’s, and Il Buco in New York City for starters. Most people do not expect a New Jersey restaurant to hold to the same standard of a New York acclaimed restaurant, but I am here to tell you that Fresco Da Franco can most certainly play in the same sandbox as New York City’s finest. 

Now that we have defined authenticity and review, let’s talk about what is most important – the food. A few fan favorites is the imported burrata as an option for a starter, the Zuppa di Pesce for their specialty dish, and my personal favorite - the black ink fettuccine which comes accompanied with shrimp, cherry tomato, chili flakes, and fresh basil. It is the type of bite that you can feel has been handpicked straight from the garden and handled with care. Fresco da Franco also offers a Sunday Brunch that cannot be missed and is sure to be the very thing to look forward to after a long work week. 

Fettuccini dish from Fresco Da Franco. Image courtesy of Fresco Da Franco.

Let’s also let the awards speak for themselves. Rather than taking my personal review into consideration, Fresco Da Franco has earned the support of the New Jersey Restaurant Association and the American Academy of Hospitality Science, earning a Six Star Diamond Award which is rewarded to only a select few. Whether you are a Montclair local or a frequent Montclair visitor living nearby, this Restaurant cannot be missed. Allow this to be one of your go-to’ for a special occasion, date night, or a birthday or anniversary celebration.