For Frank Competelli, family and kitchen are the heart and soul of the Italian dining experience. Now in its 30th year at its Melrose location, Frankie and his family give you the feeling that you are dining at his home, not a restaurant. Being a New York transplant, he knows how much ex-New Yorkers miss their hometown, especially when it comes to food. So when you arrive at Frankie’s and the doors close behind you, you’ll instantly feel the New York state of mind. He’ll cook all your favorites, especially the ones that you miss so much. Frankie's Maine lobster fra diablo is as good as that of Gratto Aszoro, the restaurant that made the dish famous. Frankie’s also features calamari, clams and oysters on the half. Their pastas, broccoli rabe, sausage and peppers are so good, you’ll think you’re in Little Italy. Frankie’s eggplant or veal parmigiana is prepared the same way his grandmother made it for him when he was a little boy—it’s to die for. And the great steaks and chops are just like at Brooklyn’s Peter Lugers Steak House. Enjoy a cocktail from their full-service bar. Top it all off with espresso and cannoli. Dine as late as you wish at Frankie’s (their kitchen is open until midnight), where you won’t miss New York as much.
