Frank’s knows how to stand out among a full line-up of bars along Wyndham Street. For one, its unmissable red neon sign sets the two-storey venue apart. The ground floor hosts guests, with bar snacks and nightly tipples from affordable wines to navy-strength cocktails. Ascending the narrow staircase leads guests to the dining room—a handsome space richly embellished with dark wooden furniture, earth tones and warm, dimmed lighting. The homely dining room invites guests into an experience of red-sauce-laden Italian-American comfort food, beginning with great starters such as burrata with Sicilian red prawns and deep-fried rock shrimp with garlic aioli, best accompanied by the house favourite deep-fried bread with tomato sauce—an unconventional alternative to the bread basket. Frank’s makes a strong statement with its comfort food, as the pasta impresses just as well as a show-stopping chicken Parmigiana supreme. A handful of cocktails are on offer—the restaurant excels in crafting a proper Old Fashioned—while the wine list is filled with a handful of options by the glass. Music plays a central role here, and the Motown vibes are enhanced with an expansive playlist of jazz, blues and soul on vinyl. Frank’s also hosts regular live jazz gigs on weeknights, when reservations are most desirable.

What to order

• Homemade burrata and Sicilian red prawns are refreshing as a starter. The creamy burrata cheese is made in house, paired well with the light crunchy texture of the succulent Sicilian crustacean, a good alternative to the Caprese twist.
• Pappardelle alla vodka is best shared with a large portion size. Thick handkerchief-like pasta ribbons are thin but cooked al dente and tossed in a creamy tomato gravy.
• Frank’s chicken Parmigiana supreme is a show stopper. The half-chicken is golden brown and crusty, topped with sweet tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, an unctuous main course worth sharing among friends.

Tatler Tip

With a great playlist of vinyl soundtrack of jazz, soul, and blues, Franks also houses live jazz performances on weeknights.