Picture bar and table spots under the palms, sunny aperitivo sessions and drinks that roll straight into dinner — kerbside dining is coming to Franco Pizza Bar. Photo: Supplied.
On the corner of George and Phillip, just off the main throng of Lawrence Hargarve Drive, Thirroul’s about to get a slice of old Napoli — just in time for summer.
Inspired by the charm of European streetside bistro and fuelled by demand, local favourite Franco Pizza Bar is expanding its operation onto the kerb.
The outdoor dining DA is approved, the furniture is en route and, should all go to plan, outdoor dining will launch on Sunday 30 November, coinciding with Thirroul Music Festival.
Not a moment too soon, according to the restaurant owner, Sam Jones.
“We desperately need this; we don’t have anything quite like it here,” Sam says. “Our regulars are so excited.”
Covering an area almost equivalent to the restaurant’s busy indoor dining room, the outdoor space will add 39 extra seats to Franco’s capacity, offered on a walk-in basis.
Diners can expect a mix of low dining and high cocktail-style tables and seating, punctuated by two giant palms sprouting from the sidewalk. Umbrellas will provide shade in summer, and outdoor heaters and blankets will provide warmth in the cooler seasons.
Franco’s entire food and drinks menu will be on offer, as well as table service, but also QR codes on hand for a more casual experience.
The idea is to create a space that suits a range of experiences, from date night to dinners with friends and young families.
“Sitting outside is such an enjoyable experience when you’ve got the right vibe,” Sam says.
The launch comes as Franco revamps its beverage offering to incorporate house sodas, spritzers and shaved ice drinks made using a bona fide, manual Japanese ice shaver.
Sam, a hospitality lifer who sold The Wine Library in Woollahra before the move to the Illawarra, has plenty of ideas for specials as well — like “Margy Nights” ($15 margarita cocktails and $15 margarita pizzas) on Wednesdays starting in December.
“The whole dining scene has gotten so serious; we want to have fun with it,” Sam says.
“We have an extensive antipasto and starter menu; a lot of people just come in and order a bunch of starters to share. I love that the kids can grab a kids’ pizza, the adults can have a frozen marg and a couple of snacks — summer dining at its best.
“I think of Stanley Street in Sydney, which has been converted into all al fresco dining. I would love to see more of that vibe here in Thirroul.”
Franco Bar is located at 1/382-384 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul and open Thursday to Sunday for dinner, and Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. Outdoor dining launches this Sunday 30 November, with Franco’s special aperitivo menu offered all day — stay tuned for updates via social media.
