Franca's Ristorante

Franca's hours

Breakfast:

Mon-Fri  6:00am - 10:30am

Sat-Sun 7:00am - 11:00am

Public Holidays 7:30am - 11:00am

Lunch:

 11:30am - 3:00pm

Dinner:

Sunday - Thursday 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Friday - Saturday 5:00pm - 9:00pm


Our Story

Franca's is an Italian-inspired restaurant where good food and great company come first. A fresh perspective on timeless traditions, it's a place built around the simple pleasure of eating well.

The menu is driven by seasonal produce, handmade pasta, and thoughtfully selected wines — all crafted to highlight the best of the region. Every dish is rooted in a deep respect for simplicity, letting quality ingredients speak for themselves.

Our kitchen brings together experience from modern dining and traditional Italian homes, united by a shared passion for food that genuinely connects people.

From the soft terracotta tones to the relaxed, welcoming layout, every detail at Franca's is designed to make you feel at home — comfortable, unhurried, and well fed. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite, settling into a quiet dinner, or gathering with family and friends for something special, there's always a place for you at our table.

Celebrating with us?
For a hassle‑free option, ask about our house‑made celebration cakes.

If you choose to bring your own cake, it will be stored by the hotel; we can’t verify ingredients, preparation, or allergens and accept no liability for illness or reactions.

The cake is for your party only. Candles allowed; no sparklers.

A $5 per person cakeage fee applies, and a liability waiver is signed on arrival. You can download the waiver HERE


Franca's is a cashless restaurant.
To make your dining experience smoother and more secure, Franca's operates as a cashless property. 


DINE IN & WIN A NIGHT AT BAYSIDE! Every time you dine in and spend $70+ per person at Franca’s, you’ll score an entry into our monthly prize draw for a chance to win a night’s stay at Bayside Geelong Hotel & Apartments — breakfast for two included! ??️ One winner drawn every month. It could be you. ? How it works: ? Dine in & spend $70+ per person ?️ Receive your entry at the table ? Winner drawn the first Tuesday of every month Book your table now — link in bio. One entry per person per qualifying visit. Entries valid for the calendar month of visit. Winner notified directly. #FrancasGeelong #BaysideGeelong #GeelongEats #VisitGeelong #GeelongRestaurant
DINE IN & WIN A NIGHT AT BAYSIDE! Every time you dine in and spend $70+ per person at Franca’s, you’ll score an entry into our monthly prize draw for a chance to win a night’s stay at Bayside Geelong Hotel & Apartments — breakfast for two included! 🍳🛏️ One winner drawn every month. It could be you. 🤌 How it works: 🍝 Dine in & spend $70+ per person 🎟️ Receive your entry at the table 🏆 Winner drawn the first Tuesday of every month Book your table now — link in bio. One entry per person per qualifying visit. Entries valid for the calendar month of visit. Winner notified directly. #FrancasGeelong #BaysideGeelong #GeelongEats #VisitGeelong #GeelongRestaurant
Pappardelle ragù alla bolognese. Executive Chef, John Hornsey, shows you how it’s made — slow-cooked, proper bolognese on wide pasta ribbons. It’s on the menu now ? #Pappardelle #Bolognese #FrancasRestaurant #PastaLovers #ItalianFood
Pappardelle ragù alla bolognese. Executive Chef, John Hornsey, shows you how it’s made — slow-cooked, proper bolognese on wide pasta ribbons. It’s on the menu now 🍝 #Pappardelle #Bolognese #FrancasRestaurant #PastaLovers #ItalianFood
Your new Wednesday plans: $20 pizzas at Franca’s. ? Every week, all night. Don’t sleep on it. Book your table via link in bio #Francas #PizzaWednesday #WednesdayDeal
Your new Wednesday plans: $20 pizzas at Franca’s. 🍕 Every week, all night. Don’t sleep on it. Book your table via link in bio #Francas #PizzaWednesday #WednesdayDeal
Meet Lauren! ?✨ Here in Franca’s Kitchen, great food is made by great people — and Lauren is one of them! Today she’s working her magic on our new winter dessert - Crostate di Mele ? Every dish on our menu tells a story, and we’re so glad Lauren is part of that! ?❤️ #FrancasKitchen #CrostatadiMele #MeetTheTeam #ItalianDessert #BehindTheFrancasKitchen
Meet Lauren! 🍎✨ Here in Franca’s Kitchen, great food is made by great people — and Lauren is one of them! Today she’s working her magic on our new winter dessert - Crostate di Mele 🥧 Every dish on our menu tells a story, and we’re so glad Lauren is part of that! 🥧❤️ #FrancasKitchen #CrostatadiMele #MeetTheTeam #ItalianDessert #BehindTheFrancasKitchen
Three Ingredients, One Perfect Drink! L'Arte del Negroni Some drinks are made. A great Negroni is crafted. Join us this July at Franca's for L'Arte del Negroni — an intimate one-hour masterclass where you'll learn the art behind one of Italy's most iconic cocktails. Guided by our team, you'll discover the story of the Negroni, understand the balance of its three perfect ingredients, mix one yourself and receive a take-home kit and recipe card to recreate the magic home. Link in bio to book #TastesOfGreaterGeelong
Three Ingredients, One Perfect Drink! L'Arte del Negroni Some drinks are made. A great Negroni is crafted. Join us this July at Franca's for L'Arte del Negroni — an intimate one-hour masterclass where you'll learn the art behind one of Italy's most iconic cocktails. Guided by our team, you'll discover the story of the Negroni, understand the balance of its three perfect ingredients, mix one yourself and receive a take-home kit and recipe card to recreate the magic home. Link in bio to book #TastesOfGreaterGeelong
✨ Today’s the day — Franca’s new menu is officially here! ✨ We’re so excited to share two new dishes that are very close to our hearts: ? Porchetta di Ariccia (GFO) Slow roast pork belly stuffed with fennel seeds, sage & rosemary, apple mostarda, pancetta & cabbage. Pair it with a glass of @baiewines Shiraz for the full experience. ? ? Gattò di Patate (GFO) Baked pureed potato with mozzarella & chives — simple, soulful, and absolutely delicious. Come in and taste what we’ve been working on. We can’t wait to cook for you. ? ? Reserve your table in the link in bio
✨ Today’s the day — Franca’s new menu is officially here! ✨ We’re so excited to share two new dishes that are very close to our hearts: 🍖 Porchetta di Ariccia (GFO) Slow roast pork belly stuffed with fennel seeds, sage & rosemary, apple mostarda, pancetta & cabbage. Pair it with a glass of @baiewines Shiraz for the full experience. 🍷 🥔 Gattò di Patate (GFO) Baked pureed potato with mozzarella & chives — simple, soulful, and absolutely delicious. Come in and taste what we’ve been working on. We can’t wait to cook for you. 🤍 👉 Reserve your table in the link in bio
Something special is coming to the table. ?️ This Wednesday evening, we’re launching our new menu at Francas — and our Executive Chef, John Hornsey, is giving you a first look at one of the dishes we can’t wait to share with you. See you Wednesday! Reserve your table now. ? in bio.
Something special is coming to the table. 🍽️ This Wednesday evening, we’re launching our new menu at Francas — and our Executive Chef, John Hornsey, is giving you a first look at one of the dishes we can’t wait to share with you. See you Wednesday! Reserve your table now. 🔗 in bio.
Our Franca’s team give their best every day - in every detail, every dish and every smile. And these words from our guests are the greatest reward we could receive ✨
Our Franca’s team give their best every day - in every detail, every dish and every smile. And these words from our guests are the greatest reward we could receive ✨
❄️ Winter is here and so is something special. Our new Winter Menu is launching soon! Crafted to warm your soul and delight your senses. Think rich flavours, seasonal ingredients and dishes designed to make the colder nights a little more magical. ?️✨ Available from Wednesday, May 27 ? Give yourself something to look forward to and book your table now ✨ ? Link in bio. #Francas #WinterMenu #diningexperience #geelongeats
❄️ Winter is here and so is something special. Our new Winter Menu is launching soon! Crafted to warm your soul and delight your senses. Think rich flavours, seasonal ingredients and dishes designed to make the colder nights a little more magical. 🍽️✨ Available from Wednesday, May 27 🍕 Give yourself something to look forward to and book your table now ✨ 🔗 Link in bio. #Francas #WinterMenu #diningexperience #geelongeats
The best gift you can give your Mamma this Mother's Day? A table at Franca's. ? La Festa della Mamma — a shared Italian lunch served with love. Sunday 10 May, 11am – 3pm. Adults $90 Children (3–12) $30 ? Book via link in bio — tables filling fast #LaFestaDellaMamma #FrancasGeelong #MothersDay2026 #GeelongEats #ItalianLunch #GeelongRestaurant
The best gift you can give your Mamma this Mother's Day? A table at Franca's. 🌸 La Festa della Mamma — a shared Italian lunch served with love. Sunday 10 May, 11am – 3pm. Adults $90 Children (3–12) $30 🔗 Book via link in bio — tables filling fast #LaFestaDellaMamma #FrancasGeelong #MothersDay2026 #GeelongEats #ItalianLunch #GeelongRestaurant
A new season, a new menu at Franca’s. Fresh dishes, Italian flavours and a few new favourites we can’t wait for you to try. Gather your people, settle in and experience what’s new. ? Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner | 7 days
A new season, a new menu at Franca’s. Fresh dishes, Italian flavours and a few new favourites we can’t wait for you to try. Gather your people, settle in and experience what’s new. 🍝 Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner | 7 days
Margarita Month, the Italian way ???? Sip your way through our limited-edition margarita menu, inspired by Italian flavours. Available for a short time at Franca’s — don’t miss it ✨
Margarita Month, the Italian way 🍋🍸🇮🇹 Sip your way through our limited-edition margarita menu, inspired by Italian flavours. Available for a short time at Franca’s — don’t miss it ✨
That’s Amore at Franca’s ❤️ An intimate Valentine’s Day Italian dinner in the heart of Geelong. Begin with a welcome spritz, settle in for a thoughtfully curated menu, and finish with tiramisu served tableside — just as it should be. ? Saturday 14 February ? Two seatings ? $90 per person Swipe ➡️ for menu Very limited places available. Bookings now open via link in our bio ?
That’s Amore at Franca’s ❤️ An intimate Valentine’s Day Italian dinner in the heart of Geelong. Begin with a welcome spritz, settle in for a thoughtfully curated menu, and finish with tiramisu served tableside — just as it should be. 🍝 Saturday 14 February 🥂 Two seatings 💫 $90 per person Swipe ➡️ for menu Very limited places available. Bookings now open via link in our bio 🥂
That’s Amore at Franca’s ❤️ An intimate Valentine’s Day Italian dinner in the heart of Geelong. Begin with a welcome spritz, settle in for a thoughtfully curated menu, and finish with tiramisu served tableside — just as it should be. ? Saturday 14 February ? Seatings available between 5pm - 8.30pm ? $90 per person Swipe ➡️ for menu Very limited places available. Bookings now open via link in our bio ?
That’s Amore at Franca’s ❤️ An intimate Valentine’s Day Italian dinner in the heart of Geelong. Begin with a welcome spritz, settle in for a thoughtfully curated menu, and finish with tiramisu served tableside — just as it should be. 🍝 Saturday 14 February 🥂 Seatings available between 5pm - 8.30pm 💫 $90 per person Swipe ➡️ for menu Very limited places available. Bookings now open via link in our bio 🥂
Sorry if we had to turn you away ? Franca’s has been full of love, and we’re so grateful for the overwhelming support. Grazie mille!
Sorry if we had to turn you away 🤍 Franca’s has been full of love, and we’re so grateful for the overwhelming support. Grazie mille!
We’re hiring at Franca’s! We’re so proud of our amazing team and we’re on the lookout for hospitality superstars to join us as we grow! If you’re passionate about hospitality, enjoy a fast-paced environment and love delivering great service, we want to hear from you ✨ ? Send your resume to francas@baysidegeelong.com.au ? Tag someone who might be interested!
We’re hiring at Franca’s! We’re so proud of our amazing team and we’re on the lookout for hospitality superstars to join us as we grow! If you’re passionate about hospitality, enjoy a fast-paced environment and love delivering great service, we want to hear from you ✨ 📩 Send your resume to francas@baysidegeelong.com.au 👇 Tag someone who might be interested!
Good food, good company. You’re always welcome at Franca’s ?
Good food, good company. You’re always welcome at Franca’s 🥂
Where coffee meets dessert.
Where coffee meets dessert.
When your taste buds meet the squad!
When your taste buds meet the squad!
Pop in for Aperitivo! 4:30–6pm every day. Enjoy drinks specials with complimentary spuntini – summer just got cooler at Franca’s.
Pop in for Aperitivo! 4:30–6pm every day. Enjoy drinks specials with complimentary spuntini – summer just got cooler at Franca’s.
Keep calm and spritz on, summers never tasted this good!
Keep calm and spritz on, summers never tasted this good!
Sip happens — it’s summer!
Sip happens — it’s summer!
We’re hiring an Apprentice Chef! We’re on the lookout for an Apprentice Chef to join our kitchen team at Franca’s. If you’re passionate about food, eager to learn, and want to be part of a supportive, hardworking team, we’d love to hear from you. This is a great opportunity to grow your skills, learn from experienced chefs, and be part of something great. Apply now by sending your resume to John.Hornsey@baysidegeelong.com.au ? Tag someone who might be interested!
We’re hiring an Apprentice Chef! We’re on the lookout for an Apprentice Chef to join our kitchen team at Franca’s. If you’re passionate about food, eager to learn, and want to be part of a supportive, hardworking team, we’d love to hear from you. This is a great opportunity to grow your skills, learn from experienced chefs, and be part of something great. Apply now by sending your resume to John.Hornsey@baysidegeelong.com.au 👇 Tag someone who might be interested!
That moment when the yolk steals the show.
That moment when the yolk steals the show.
Where laughter meets a perfect pour.
Where laughter meets a perfect pour.
Today’s forecast: 100% chance of dessert.
Today’s forecast: 100% chance of dessert.
Where the magic hits the chips.
Where the magic hits the chips.
Handmade with love, one pizza at a time.
Handmade with love, one pizza at a time.
A sip away from the Amalfi Coast.
A sip away from the Amalfi Coast.
Just a little dough magic in the making. #pizzachef #pizzatime #pizzalovers
Just a little dough magic in the making. #pizzachef #pizzatime #pizzalovers
Designed to delight, one detail at a time. #restaurantdesign #interiorgoals #diningexperience
Designed to delight, one detail at a time. #restaurantdesign #interiorgoals #diningexperience
The art of precision, the taste of perfection. #theartofplating #francas #baysidegeelong
The art of precision, the taste of perfection. #theartofplating #francas #baysidegeelong
Proof that happiness is edible. #dessertlover #dessertstagram #visitgeelongbellarine
Proof that happiness is edible. #dessertlover #dessertstagram #visitgeelongbellarine
Craving Italian tonight? Let Franca's take care of dinner. Authentic flavors. Handcrafted dishes. Pure comfort. ?Hit the link in bio to book your table. ?13-15 The Esplanade, Geelong
Craving Italian tonight? Let Franca's take care of dinner. Authentic flavors. Handcrafted dishes. Pure comfort. 🔗Hit the link in bio to book your table. 📍13-15 The Esplanade, Geelong
Fresh ingredients, timeless technique, and a dash of Franca’s flair.
Fresh ingredients, timeless technique, and a dash of Franca’s flair.
Bring your appetite, our Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a must have. Chargrilled Cape Grim bone in sirloin (MB2+), anchovy butter, salmoriglio, triple-cooked potatoes
Bring your appetite, our Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a must have. Chargrilled Cape Grim bone in sirloin (MB2+), anchovy butter, salmoriglio, triple-cooked potatoes
Golden hour, captured in every moment at Franca’s.
Golden hour, captured in every moment at Franca’s.
Celebrate the beauty of simplicity this Saturday. On International Pasta Day, indulge in our handmade pasta crafted with care, tradition and the finest ingredients. Because every plate tells a story. #handmadepasta #francas #internationalpastaday #eatwithlove
Celebrate the beauty of simplicity this Saturday. On International Pasta Day, indulge in our handmade pasta crafted with care, tradition and the finest ingredients. Because every plate tells a story. #handmadepasta #francas #internationalpastaday #eatwithlove
Yes, we do takeaway pizzas! Order your favourites and enjoy Franca’s from the comfort of your couch. Call us on 5244 7790 to place your order View the menu at francas.restaurant - link in bio ⬆️
Yes, we do takeaway pizzas! Order your favourites and enjoy Franca’s from the comfort of your couch. Call us on 5244 7790 to place your order View the menu at francas.restaurant - link in bio ⬆️
Kick start your day the Franca's way!
Kick start your day the Franca's way!
Because one flavor just isn't enough.
Because one flavor just isn't enough.
Bean. Process. Pure coffee perfection.
Bean. Process. Pure coffee perfection.
Dinner is served....Abbacchio alla Romana Roaring forties lamb cutlets & roasted leg with garlic, herbs & anchovies served with crema di fagioli & salsa verde.
Dinner is served....Abbacchio alla Romana Roaring forties lamb cutlets & roasted leg with garlic, herbs & anchovies served with crema di fagioli & salsa verde.
Crafted by hand, perfected with passion.
Crafted by hand, perfected with passion.
If loving burrata is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
If loving burrata is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
Channeling Italian summer, one sip at a time. #francasristorante #italian
Channeling Italian summer, one sip at a time. #francasristorante #italian
Franca’s Ristorante is opening October 8th! We can’t wait to welcome you to Italian dining redefined. ? Bookings are now open hit the link in bio to reserve your table.
Franca’s Ristorante is opening October 8th! We can’t wait to welcome you to Italian dining redefined. 🔗 Bookings are now open hit the link in bio to reserve your table.
The stage is set. Every detail perfected. Soon, the first guests will walk through our doors. #francasristorante
The stage is set. Every detail perfected. Soon, the first guests will walk through our doors. #francasristorante
Private dining the Franca's way! #francasristorante
Private dining the Franca's way! #francasristorante
The decor’s almost done and so are we… ready to feed you something unforgettable. Who’s hungry? #restaurantvibes #diningexperience #baysidegeelong
The decor’s almost done and so are we… ready to feed you something unforgettable. Who’s hungry? #restaurantvibes #diningexperience #baysidegeelong
Behind every great dish is a world-class team and a kitchen built to inspire. Franca’s Ristorante is nearly here, bringing timeless Italian flavours to life! #foodiefinds #francasristorante #simplyitalian #kitchengoals #stayanddine #geelongwaterfront
Behind every great dish is a world-class team and a kitchen built to inspire. Franca’s Ristorante is nearly here, bringing timeless Italian flavours to life! #foodiefinds #francasristorante #simplyitalian #kitchengoals #stayanddine #geelongwaterfront
Behind every great dish is a team that never stops learning. ? Our Franca's kitchen crew recently spent an inspiring day with the talented team at @pierapastafresca, diving deep into the art of handmade pasta and Italian culinary traditions. From perfecting pasta shapes to understanding the techniques behind true Italian flavour, it was a masterclass in passion and precision. This hands-on experience is just a taste of what’s to come as we prepare to open Franca’s Ristorante this October!
Behind every great dish is a team that never stops learning. 🍝 Our Franca's kitchen crew recently spent an inspiring day with the talented team at @pierapastafresca, diving deep into the art of handmade pasta and Italian culinary traditions. From perfecting pasta shapes to understanding the techniques behind true Italian flavour, it was a masterclass in passion and precision. This hands-on experience is just a taste of what’s to come as we prepare to open Franca’s Ristorante this October!
We’re excited to introduce John Hornsey, our Executive Chef, who is at the forefront of shaping our food offerings. Q. What’s driving your vision for the new menu at Franca’s? Our vision for the menu at Franca’s is driven by a deep respect for the time-honoured traditions of Italian cuisine, combined with a passion for crafting an exceptional dining experience. We focus on honouring authentic Italian cooking techniques while celebrating the finest local ingredients available. Q. How do you bring local and sustainable ingredients to life on the plate? By preparing and cooking the ingredients with the respect they deserve, honouring the hard work and passion that went into growing them. Q. Which dish are you most excited for guests to try in our revamped dining experience? There are so many dishes I'm excited for our guests to try, but a few that stand out include handmade garganelli pasta carbonara with guanciale, egg, parmesan, and pecorino; Milanese-style crumbed veal cotoletta with mushroom and marsala sauce; and chocolate brioche con gelato with pistachio gelato and salted pistachio praline.
We’re excited to introduce John Hornsey, our Executive Chef, who is at the forefront of shaping our food offerings. Q. What’s driving your vision for the new menu at Franca’s? Our vision for the menu at Franca’s is driven by a deep respect for the time-honoured traditions of Italian cuisine, combined with a passion for crafting an exceptional dining experience. We focus on honouring authentic Italian cooking techniques while celebrating the finest local ingredients available. Q. How do you bring local and sustainable ingredients to life on the plate? By preparing and cooking the ingredients with the respect they deserve, honouring the hard work and passion that went into growing them. Q. Which dish are you most excited for guests to try in our revamped dining experience? There are so many dishes I'm excited for our guests to try, but a few that stand out include handmade garganelli pasta carbonara with guanciale, egg, parmesan, and pecorino; Milanese-style crumbed veal cotoletta with mushroom and marsala sauce; and chocolate brioche con gelato with pistachio gelato and salted pistachio praline.
A sneak peek of what to expect at Franca’s Ristorante! #comingsoon #italianinspired #francasristorante
A sneak peek of what to expect at Franca’s Ristorante! #comingsoon #italianinspired #francasristorante
Italian-inspired dining made for food, family, and connection. Bookings open early August! #openingsoon #watchthisspace #excitingtimesahead
Italian-inspired dining made for food, family, and connection. Bookings open early August! #openingsoon #watchthisspace #excitingtimesahead
Coming in August… #comingsoon #italianinspiredfood #geelong
Coming in August… #comingsoon #italianinspiredfood #geelong