Ashley Roberts in a Frankie & Benny’s diner in London (Image: ASHLEY ROBERTS)
finalist Ashley Roberts, who’s also been a judge and a member of one of the biggest girl groups in the world, The Pussycat Dolls, has huge enthusiasm for Frankie & Benny’s.
A tastebud-tantalising US-style diner often described as “Italy meets New York”, it’s best known for its iconic take on a classic meatballs and spaghetti dish. Arizona-raised Ashley told us that the USA-style portion sizes – larger than the British average – gave her a taste of home after moving to the UK.
In fact, it’s also known to have been one of the first restaurants she headed for after “starving” in the jungle. I’d visited the eatery regularly myself in the past, when there was one within walking distance of my home, but sadly it closed, meaning it had been years since I last set foot in one.
I returned to the brand’s flagship branch, just across the street from London’s Paddington tube station, to test out exactly why Ashley finds its food so irresistible in 2025. Settling into a comfy booth, I opted to put the theory to the test about the extra-large portions, and was instantly swooning over two particular starters.
I paired NY Dippers (“Bite-sized potato dippers topped with cheese, spring onions and served with a sour cream dip”, £7.25) and Frankie’s Classic Meatballs (“Pork & herb meatballs in a tomato & basil sauce baked with mozzarella”, £8.75), which the brand has been famous for since 1995 – longer than some customers’ entire life-spans.
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Ashley Roberts tucking into her burger at the iconic diner (Image: ASHLEY ROBERTS)
It couldn’t have been a classic for three decades for no good reason – and I wasn’t disappointed as I sank my teeth into the as ever on point .
Although portion sizes are famously generous, the two starters didn’t come close to satiating my appetite, and were so moreish that I instantly eyeballed the dessert menu once I’d polished them off.
The New York Cheesecake, complete with salted caramel sauce, OREO® cookie pieces & whipped cream (£7.25), was swiftly delivered to my table, providing a much-appreciated dose of sweetness.
Next time, I definitely wouldn’t forego a main course, as these dishes are ten out of ten on taste, but aren’t quite as huge as the hype would have you believe, leaving diners free to indulge.
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Ashley Roberts said Frankie & Benny’s was “orgasmic” after the Aussie jungle (Image: ASHLEY ROBERTS)
As there’s not a huge pizza selection to choose from – (just the staples of Pepperoni, Meat Feast, BBQ Chicken, Margherita and Hawaiian, plus gluten-free and vegan options), I’d choose the brand’s signature meatballs dish, or – for a different slice of “Italian soul food”, one of the hearty pastas.
As an alternative to a traditional pizza, I might also be tempted by one of the calzones – a Naples-inspired oven-baked turnover stuffed with delicious goodies.
There’s one on the menu at £15.95, containing meatballs, spicy N’duja & pulled chicken, plus a generous helping of Marinara sauce.
Meanwhile, to find out more about – and how starving in the I’m A Celebrity jungle gave her a whole new appreciation for the likes of Frankie & Benny’s, .