Review: Frankie & Benny's - The Light, Leeds

The Italian themed dining market seems to continue at a rapid pace in the UK. The various chains seem to be expanding all the time. The Light in Leeds City centre has several Italian themed restaurants located more or less next to each other. Frankie and Benny's describes itself as a New York Italian Restaurant and Bar which differentiates itself from its competitors in the complex.

Owned by the Restaurant Group who also own the Chiquito brand, the Frankie and Benny's brand has suffered in the crowded mid-market dining experience with the owners looking to sell or close 33 outlets. This was announced in August and leaves the restaurants that are trading having to win over new customers and keep existing ones.

Our visit was on a Thursday evening and the restaurant was reasonably busy for a mid week. As you might expect the background music is from the mid 50's to the mid 60's, never obtrusive it added to the New York themed dining experience.

My partner and I decided on the Double Dip Dough Balls for a starter. They were cooked slightly underdone but were to my preference, however my partner preferred them to be cooked more crispy. Another plate was delivered without question, much to my partner's delight. Perhaps it would be a good idea when the order is taken to ask diners how they would like them cooked.

The waiters and waitress deliver the food to the table on a big tray which is then put on a fold away stand that they also carry to the table. It was like being served in a 5 star hotel restaurant.

My main of Boston 7 pizza was tasty and wholesome. It normally comes with a barbecue sauce base which I thought might be too sweet so I chose a tomato base, topped with mozzarella, chicken, ham, pepperoni, pork and beef meatballs, roasted pepper and red onions. My partner's Chicken Penne Pesto was plentiful and tangy and described by her as "cooked to perfection".

For dessert I chose The Godfather sundae (which was so big we both couldn't finish it). We also shared The Can't Decider which was chocolate fudge cake, pecan pie, citrus tart, cheesecake and vanilla ice cream served on a wooden plateau. This was the filling end to what had been a tasty and wholesome meal, served in a clean and warm environment.

The staff we met were friendly and efficient. The drinks were priced well in comparison to the restaurant's competitors.

Hopefully the Leeds restaurant in The Light will continue to thrive and escape any possible closure. It deserves a visit and your custom would be welcomed in a friendly and convivial atmosphere, plus the food is not that bad either.

Just remember to tell your server if you have any particular preferences as they will be only too happy to assist, that includes how you like your Dough Balls cooked!

www.frankieandbennys.com
Telephone: 0113 246 9752