Francesca’s is exactly what you’d expect from a good family-run Italian: refreshingly unpretentious & serving hearty portions of pasta & crisp-based pizzas. Indeed, this Jesmond pizzeria is something of a local legend. Such is the appeal of the food, queues form within half an hour of opening as the restaurant operates on a first come, first served policy. It’s well worth the wait. Expect simple pastas (bolognaise, carbonara, pesto), & classic pizzas (margarita, pepperoni, Napoli & so on) as well as chicken, steak & some fish dishes. A good choice for a cheap night out in a great atmosphere – one where staff care about their customers & believe in the food they are serving.