Franco's Bistro

Spectacular! Many new items on the menu brought over from their former Naples location. The Seafood Estiva to die for. Don't tell anyone, but it's the best kept secret in Windham. Great service and friendly staff. You won't be disappointed.

The attention to details like making homemade croutons etc was beautifully executed. However, little tweaks that could really "finish" a plate could, in my opinion, help tremendously. Additionally, make it very clear how you'd like your steak cooked. I ordered medium rare pr my usual (and am no stranger to high end steak houses and great Italian restaurants) and unfortunately it was cooked medium well. It was brown the entire way through. While it wasn't tough for how much it was cooked it definitely lacked the typical lusciousness of a red/pink steak. The waitressed seemed to see the issue when I asked for a different steak upon cutting it down the center and offered for the owner to come out and inspect it after explaining it was the last steak they had.... It was clearly brown, I didn't need a second opinion and advised if was fine. I did eat the center from the steak. We ordered the steamed muscles, french onion soup, filet with wine reduction (the vegetables were cooked beautifully as was the sauce), my dinner date ordered a pasta meal which was fabulous and we both topped the evening with Crème brûlée. All but the steak was easily an 8 or 9 on a 10 scale. Much higher than par for the area.

My tips for finishing dishes:
A touch of minced or microplaned garlic to the muscle sauce.
Less salt to the French onion soup. While clearly homemade I think a purchased beef broth was used. Either addition salt was added by the cook or a reduced sodium version would have played beautifully with the recipe.
The filet meal was perfect other than how the steak was cooked.
Crème brûlée I would have preferred a bit more of a sugar crust on top but it was cooked correctly and crisp. They ensured no water from the bath it was cooked in disturbed the custard.

All around I'd definitely go back but may try to ensure I have a few great experiences before bringing my Italian in-laws and their friends/family from Italy.

Again, for the area it really is very well above par. It was an unusually busy Tuesday evening during dinner rush with one waitress on staff for approx 10 tables. They demonstrated great teamwork as I witnessed both the owner and hostess bringing dinners/desserts/drinks to tables.

simple yet perfectly prepared, it's the best Italian we've had since moving to Maine.

Great place, especially for Sunday brunch. Buffet style with a carving board. Friendly people and great food. We keep coming back.

Best food in Windham. Chicken Parmesan and steaks particularly good. Getting crowded now and no reservations.