I thought I knew where every great Italian restaurant was until I found Frank's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant which is a hidden gem of the Greater Binghamton Area! My husband, the sweetheart that he is, took me out to dinner on Saturday night to celebrate Mothers Day. His sister had recommended a place called "Frank's" in the tiny hamlet of Maine, NY. Well, it seems like everyone knew about Frank's except us! The place was packed and it was reservations only. Fortunately we had called ahead.

     When I think Italian food, I usually think Cortese or Little Venice in Binghamton or Consol's or Oak's Inn in the Little Italy section of Endicott. These restaurants have great local reputations and have held their own for many years.

     But once in awhile you just want to try something new and there it was, under our noses since 2008. Actually, I have passed Frank's
Pizzeria and Italian Resturant dozens of times but it is so unassuming that I never noticed it before!

    Our waitress, Cathy, told us that the building used to be a former IGA grocery store back in the 40's and had been owned by her grandfather. She used to live next door, so she laughed when she told us that she came with the building! Photos of her family from long, long ago graced the walls of the eatery telling the history of a time gone by.

     We were very pleased with Frank's food. My husband and I shared the bruschetta appetizer and each had a salad which came with our respective entree. Rick ordered the Veal Parmesan and I had the homemade gnocchi. The tomato sauce was absolutely delicious! The portions were just right and neither one of us left  feeling bloated after finishing everything on our dishes as well as the basket of garlic toast that came with our meal. No doggy bags needed!               

       We were amazed when one of the waitresses passed our table with desserts for a neighboring group. The slices of cake were massive! We resisted though, knowing that I had made chocolate cheescake which was waiting for us at home. Our check totalled less that $30 but did not include wine or beer as Frank's Pizzeria and Italian Resaturant does not have their liquor license. So be sure to bring your own bottle. They will provide a cork screw and wine glasses.

     They don't have a website but you can find them on Facebook.