Franco's Italian Caffe

You may have parked in Scottsdale, but once you are inside the front door of Franco's, you are in Italy! The atmosphere is genuine Italian. The smell coming from the kitchen smells like an Italian grandma is cooking, and in fact many of the recipes are from the owner's Italian grandmother. We enjoyed a variety of pasta and seafood, along with a bottle of Italian wine. The staff were so pleasant and helpful. This is a neighborhood gem.

Wonderful home-made, authentic, delicious food! Had my Italian Mother with us and she absolutely loved it and also gave a 5 star review. Warm hospitality once you get in and are seated. 😉 If you love Italian and are in Scottsdale this is a must go!

Truly one of the best steaks I’ve ever tasted. Super flavorful and the cook was perfectly medium rare. I had the Bistecca Fiorentina. My wife had the Pasta Erne Aromatiche which is apparently eggless pasta noodles. It also was amazing. 5 star service!

I visited Franco's Italian Caffe in Scottsdale after seeing its strong reviews, but the experience didn’t quite match the expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by a rather disengaged and unenthusiastic host. While we chose to overlook that, the service continued to feel underwhelming. Our waiter was polite and helpful with the menu, even accommodating off-menu requests for our kids—which we truly appreciated. However, he lacked warmth and came across as robotic, which felt out of place for a restaurant of this caliber. Other staff members, especially some of the older waiters, were loud and disrupted the atmosphere the restaurant seemed to be aiming for. On the bright side, the food was solid and well-prepared. The flexibility in creating dishes for the kids was a nice touch. With some improvements in staff engagement and ambiance, this place could live up to its reputation.

The food was delicious! Italian wine excellent. I had pasta and my husband Halibut. Small restaurant so make reservations. Great culinary experience!

My photos do not do this place justice. The food is first rate! They pride themselves on their authenticity. The food tastes like it is straight out of Italy. We toured Italy a couple years back and dinning at Franco’s felt like and the food tasted like we were in a high end Italian restaurant in Italy with authentic Italian dishes. They will alter the food when requested to do so to make it more “Americanized” but this is not needed. I appreciated that they try and accommodate their guests and even the food that is altered is also amazing. The staff were first rate as well. We had a really sweet and detail oriented waitress who took care of all our needs and made sure the meal was excellent. The last time we came my wife didn’t like the dish, she didn’t know what veal was like and it wasn’t her cup of tea but they quickly replaced it with something she loved. The owner of the restaurant came over and talked of us and made sure we loved everything. Such a great little restaurant! We highly recommend it.

The food was amazing, but it was the service that really stood out — Anthony made the night so special for us!

I discovered the restaurant by accident. I was a walk-in. And to my pleasant surprise my dining journey started. Starting with a warm welcome at the door. I was sat quickly, my waited Dino came over to introduce himself with a friendly smile & menus in hand. Started with a main meal of fettuccine with a meat sauce made in house of course. With a glass of a dry red wine 🍷 A perfect compliment. I had such a large serving of pasta that I was not able to finish it. Not to fret, I took the balance home. I was offered some beautiful dessert but I had to pass it up. If I didn’t have room to finish my main course, I certainly didn’t deserve a dessert. Next time you are in the Scottsdale (Old Town area) AZ make sure to put Franco’s Italian Caffee on your dining list.

First time here for our friend's bday and had such a great time . Our server was Irish - I didn't get is name- and was fun and efficient! He knows his job! The food was amazing and ambience was old Italy! Thank you

10/10 food and service! Atmosphere makes it feel like you're in NYC at an old Italian restaurant. My groups server was phenomenal. My pasta dish was to die for, never had anything like it in my life. Amazing experience and classy food. A spot to hit in Scottsdale for true Italian food.

Food is excellent as always. The meat sauce . A great Cesar salad . The staff delivers classic quality service.

Nice small restaurant with delicious food. I got duck ravioli (special of that day). Ravioli is perfectly cooked and the duck is juicy delicious. My husband got seafood squid ink pasta (another special of that day). The seafood is fresh and the pasta is tasty. Food portion is good. We did not have leftovers and we don't have room for desserts. We called to make a reservation. We went in on Black Friday as soon as they were opened so they were not packed.

You know the meal you dream of because of how delicious it was? This is the place that'll have you dreaming. It's been a few days since we visited and already would love to return. We ordered the clam linguine which was incredible and served just the right amount. The meat sauce ravioli was just as delicious. Cannot say enough of the classic Caesar salad where they use grated anchovies for the light dressing. Incredible food. Highly recommend. 11/10.

I treated myself to a day of guilt-free self-love since I had zero humans to report to by nightfall. I wrapped up the evening at Franco's Italian Caffe, which reminded me of Boston's Italian district - I hope that's a compliment! The vibe was straight out of a Nonna's living room, with families bonding over pasta. Then, things took a turn for the amazing: a nearby family (Gregory's) footed my bill upon discovering it was my birthday, and another crew bought me a limoncello shot and became instant BFFs. I walked in feeling meh, but left feeling like royalty - thanks, kind strangers and wa

A really delicious Italian dinner. As many other reviewers have mentioned it is very authentic and the service is fantastic. Our waiter Anthony did a fabulous job and was extremely attentive. They also have a very large menu and they had at least half a dozen specials, which I always love and usually order. Parking can be quite tricky so the best option will be valet for $11. Inside is small, although it is very cozy and can easily host multiple large groups as we saw two different tables with at least a dozen people at both tables. The only issue we had was our entrées came out extremely slowly, about 45 minutes after our entrées came out, so there must've been a back up in the kitchen. However, the food was delicious when it finally came out. I chose the Arugula and Beet Salad to start, and it was very good. I wish there would have been more beets and more goat cheese, but the flavors were very nice. I wouldn't really recommend it though, because there were only a few beets at the bottom of the salad. For my entrée I chose one of the specials for the evening: the Osso Bucco. It was honestly very good and a very large sized portion. I left the restaurant feeling very full and happy. Overall a great and casual Italian dinner in the heart of Scottsdale. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a delicious Italian meal and especially if you're looking for a place that is more casual than some of the other options close by. I plan to be back next time I am visiting town.

Best Italian food in AZ. Also our server Anthony was amazing. Prosciutto and melon was the best Ive had in America. Just as good when I was in Sicily. The veal was tender and marsala sauce was perfect. The angel hair bolognese was also the best Ive had. Tiramisu was so good and a perfect ending to the best Italian food Ive had in AZ.

Went to Franco's for dinner on Saturday with my wife and two friends. Wonderful experience. I was very impressed when the reservationist was able to seat us on Saturday considering the Barriot Jackson car show. She is awesome Our dinner was delicious, the appetizers, main dishes were great!! Fruiti de mare, prosciutto stuffed tortellini and lamb shank. Thank you to Franco's staff Was asking for Mr Franco to say thank you, but he was not in that evening

So excited to finally try this place! You're able to make reservations over the phone and I definitely recommend doing so. They have valet or you can doing street parking. The ambiance is cozy and traditional with friendly service. They start you off with bread, meat and cheeses. Their wine list is pretty extensive along with their daily specials! We tried the appetizer special, the mussels - they were very fresh! I loved the sauce that they were it, it was a spicy, garlic, red sauce. For entrees, we had the off the menu special (rigatoni with sausage in a white sauce) and the fettuccine tartufo. We enjoyed both entrees - we could tell the pasta was hand made and both of the sauces were light and not to heavy. The fettuccine tartufo is VERY heavy on the truffle so if you don't like truffle, avoid. I love truffle and I thought it was so yummy. For dessert, we had the tiramisu and espresso with biscotti. They brought us complimentary limoncello after dessert! Would recommend for a date night or a small get together with friends! Will absolutely go back to try more entrees.

I really love Franco's, it's a smaller restaurant with a cozy neighborhood ambiance, and the bar is right in the dining room. We used the valet parking because Franco's is on a busy street. The service was excellent. My wife ordered a very tender lamb roast special which tasted wonderful. I ordered a fish dish, not remembering exactly what it was as we ate there several weeks ago, but it was good. They brought us limoncelo. We really had a nice time, the vibe was happy as so many were drinking wine and talking.

Best restaurant in the valley. From the moment you walk through the front door. Excellent service, servers have so been there for years. Food quality is great and portions do not disappoint. Great for celebrating special occasions. I've never left disappointed.

Anthony was an attentive and knowledgeable server and the food was excellent. We were celebrating our anniversary and we thoroughly enjoyed all of the food we ordered as well as the wine suggested by our server. Highly recommend Franco's!

Best Italian in the Phoenix area. Warm friendly atmosphere and great service. Good wine selection.

Amazing service, authentic food (closest I've had to being as good as back in the east coast). Worth every penny.

Good solid old school Italian restaurant. Lots of fresh fish selections. Knowledgeable staff. Daily specials.

I've been on the hunt for a good Italian Spot in Phoenix/Scotsdale and a friend recommended this spot. Francos is in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale and is a hidden gem. This restaurant is small and intimate and perfect for a date night. The staff was friendly and prompt with their service. The menu is not overwhelming and they have some incredible weekly specials showcasing a variety of fun seafood options. I ordered the Fettuccine Tartufo (truffle-based sauce) which was lovely. The portions are generous here as well. Their dessert options are top tier with the Taramisu taking the cake. Francos did not disappoint and I plan to return soon.

Had dinner here while in Scottsdale. It's a small, cozy place right on the main road. Looks unassuming and we were surprised every table- but 1- was booked or taken! I was thrilled- meant it was a good spot! We sat in the outer area and it was lovely. The server was delightful and had an extensive knowledge of the place and the menu. Dinner was great! We shared a pasta and I'm so glad as it was very good and a very generous portion! The salad was great and we shared the house specialty dessert! What a wonderful meal for sure! We will definitely back- try it if you're in the area.

We just wanted some comfort food Picatta last night, and decided that for only a few dollars more than reliable, healthy Picazzo's, we should return to Franco's for a little more special handling. Ridiculous choice. From your entry, Franco is a gracious hands-on host, and you know he cares about every detail. Every item was on point, starting with the complimentary taster of Salumi. Our waiter, Anthony, was excellent (and makes a wonderful martini by the way), and steered us to choices that matched my uneasy stomach (just recovered from Bronchitis), and food allergies, and made some great suggestions. The Caprese featured beautiful tomatoes, home made burrata and subtle seasonings rather than drowning it in balsamic, so the flavors were able to shine. We wanted to share a pasta course, but love spice. Anthony suggested their vodka sauce that the chef had been playing with roasted habanero peppers for the staff, and the freshly made Pappardelle...who knew!...my bastion of traditional cooking knocked it out of the park with a modern Italian dish. Lots of heat in the back end, but not overwhelming, and delightfully complex flavors with beautifully cooked pasta. One of my favorite dishes of 2022. Dave saw us when we came in and let me know that he still had a bottle of Rusack Syrah that I had loved TWO years before! These people are pro's...I didn't even remember which of the many wines on their list that I had enjoyed previously, was my favorite...and it's an amazing choice to balance everything we sampled. And, although they can do chicken or veal picatta, they had beautiful Halibut on special that Anthony said could be served our way. A large, gorgeous piece came surrounded by picatta sauce, with crisp potato slices and braised spinach. It was ridiculously delicious and so much more flavorful than what my mind had lusted after just hours before. We left full, but not groaning, and gushing about what a great dinner it had been, and a great choice. Don't forget Franco's for old school charm, manner, and care, along with precisely cooked classics and innovative twists (if you ask) !

Without a question as the best Italian food on the planet as well as Dave being a wonderful host - can't wait to return - Ed

Fantastic meal and service. Highly recommended Food selection and wine choices are first class.

I love the old school feel here. Its a small space and I am sure it gets busy as the service is like nothing I have experienced. You needed nothing, they were there refilling drinks, bread baskets and so on. Very impressive. My husband was blown away by his veal with truffle sauce. My friends husband had the lamb and said "I will come here every time it's a special" I had the raviolis being its an Italian restaurant had to have my "go to" that always help me judge an Italian restaurants. I didn't care for them. When cutting into them they seemed empty. It was basically a pasta shell. I cut through many as it's a great portion of pasta but each one was as empty as the next. My friend also had a pasta dish that everyone loved. I would truly have given this five stars if it wasn't for my lack of love of the raviolis. The service alone is worth the five stars. The staff was top notch. The rest of my party loved their food.

Food was good not great and certainly not worth the price of the food. Service was fine but most likely not returning.

Franco's has been in town for a while but for some reason we have never tried it. Went to the Monet Exhibit at the Lighthouse next door and booked a table for 2 at 7:30. Of course we were done by 5:30. Decided to chance it and see if they could fit us in. They were extremely friendly and the gentleman that greeted us found us a quiet table. The wine menu was a journey in itself however we are not wine drinkers really and grabbed a moscato. The waiter was really friendly and explained the specials and had suggestions from the menu. I had the Pasta Erbe Aromathique and my wife had the gnocchi. Both were excellent (and also excellent the next day for lunch). However, the real winner were the desserts. Do yourself a favor and get the Merenghata. You are welcome. Will definitely be going back!

We had an amazing experience. Excellent service and homemade Italian food. It's a very busy place with a lot of regulars and locals.

A charming very authentic Italian Restaurant in the heart of Old Scottsdale. Typical generous with the waiter placing bread and salami with cheese to start complimentary! Dishes are generous and plentiful. Prices are reasonable. A very cozy charming atmosphere -great for families as well as date night! Drinks are great!

Stop by for dinner on a quick business trip. Good food and service. Would eat here again.

Incredible food - great service, cool ambiance with an old school Italian feel. Anthony was such a great waiter and really turned our meal into an experience with great wine recommendations. We got the lamb and a pasta and chefs kiss

The food was amazing the best Italian in the valley well worth the price and the service was great very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Highly recommended!!

Searching for an authentic Italian restaurant? Look no further! A sophisticated atmosphere that is both intimate and classy. Franco's Italian Caffe has it all! The food here is always freshly prepared with the highest quality ingredients, served by professional waiters who are friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the menu!! We had the pleasure of being served by Derrick, who was brilliant at describing each of the "evening's specials ", made recommendations and was simply a bonus to our dining experience! The menu has a variety of classic dishes as well as "daily specials ", all reasonably priced considering the quality of the food you're eating. The bar is small, but we'll stocked and the bartender is very skilled at making a variety of cocktails. Reservations are strongly suggested! You will think that you just finished a meal in Italy! Truly a special experience!

Classic old style Italian restaurant with great food and service. I would go there every time I visit Scottsdale.

Food was delicious! Service was spectacular! Would encourage people to come and give it a try! Great place to celebrate our anniversary!

Great Italian food with a very traditional Italian restaurant ambiance... at least like the ones I'm a costumed to in the Northeast... it is in old town Scottsdale near all the cool bars full of young people but the restaurant caters to the more matured crowd....the muscles in a fry diablo sauce are awesome and the traditional veal Milanese is excellent. The fish is also good and served clean and simple with steamed vegetables. Oh, and great home-made tiramisu too!

Food and service above expectations ambiance nice but expected, I had three guest from out of town I do not recall what everyone had but 6 months later they are still bragging it was great. For all we had prices were good

Absolutely the best experience to celebrate my wife's milestone birthday! The food was authentic and outstanding, the side room was perfect for a large family to enjoy conversation, and Joseph went above and beyond to take care of us on a special night! We will be back!

Anyone who doesn't give Franco's a high rating doesn't know good, authentic Italian food! My husband and I have been going here since it opened, Franco had a couple of other spots then went back to NYC for a few years. Hands down the best Italian restaurant in the city! We have never had a bad experience, all of our family and friends love it too.

Just a real Tuscany experience. Phenomenal service. Excellent food. Ambiance is quaint and comfortable. One of our best Italian dining experiences in America.

Food and service were excellent! Not too loud yet bustling! Just the right amount of everything after a long day.

Dinner here with a group of eight on a Friday night and they took great care of us - everybody loved their selections (I had the spicy pasta and it was amazing, others tried the seafood pasta, veal, or ravioli and were pleased) and our desserts were terrific as well. Roberto did a good job keeping up with us (nobody ever lacked for a drink refill or a full bread basket) and we'd be happy to return when we're in town again!

Everything great. Felt like I was back in a cafe in Rome. Service perfect. Romantic. Fresh authentic food.

This place is incredible, service 10 out of 10. I suggest the cheesecake. A nice little Italian place with great food

I had my birthday dinner here and it was spectacular. The food was fantastic as always and the service was absolutely perfect. Anthony took care of us and made sure we felt like celebrities.

What a wonderful experience. We had dinner there for my mother-in-law's birthday. She is still talking about it. The dishes are genuine and clearly well prepared. The chocolate cake is out of this world. The cocktails are carefully prepared. I am thrilled we found a new place in Scottsdale.

Food was good- vodka sauce pasta was nothing special. Great espresso martini! Service was ok.

Franco's Italian Cafe is among the finest Italian dining establishments I've had the privilege to visit. My spouse and our friend ordered the Veal Marsala while I chose the Orecchie elefante, literally translated as "elephant's ear." This dish is truly remarkable: veal that's been pounded, breaded, and fried in the style of Milanese cuisine, then adorned with tomatoes and arugula. The mosaic of flavors was utterly delightful. I cannot say I've encountered a superior quality of meat prepared so perfectly anywhere else; it was tender with no perceptible traces of gristle or fat. Moreover, the serving sizes were bountiful.

Super. Visiting from out of town. Old school NY or Chicago feel. Attentive wait staff, nicely timed. Had prosciutto w/ melon; the papparadelle special and the oricchelle elephante (sp). The latter veal dish was superb. Wish I could return tomorrow for breakfast and lunch and and and.zz

The service, food, and environment made this a 10/10 dinner. Just incredible. You can't go wrong with this place!!

Nice ambiance, good service, mediocre food, flee market pasta. This place is very over rated. A big tourist trap. Try someplace else.

Franco's is a really good example of where Yelp fails. How a restaurant that screams mediocrity can earn 4.5 stars says more about those who dine here than about the quality of the experience. The bottom line is this: If you've dined here, and you rate it higher than 3 stars, your standards are low. Let's start with the cuisine. It's good. Not great, but good. I'd give them four stars for the preparation and two stars for presentation. Their tableware is reminiscent of old school cafeteria, as is their entire presentation. They know how to cook, but they really don't know how to plate. Franco's isn't fine dining, I get it, but it's also not a 4.5 star restaurant. Now let's move to the front of the house. I'll spare the details, but I have to say that the experience was completely bizarre, moving toward surreal. Our evening ended with the bartender asking us if we needed anything else and, a few minutes later, literally a few minutes later, returning to tell us "I was trying to be subtle, but we have other reservations for this table." Subtlety is as foreign to this person as class. We've had the opportunity to dine all over the world, from the best restaurants in the world to gritty, down to earth hole in the wall joints worthy of far better than a Michelin star. What sets our very unique experience at Franco's apart from every other we've had is that we were ejected from the restaurant for enjoying our meal for too long. What's bizarre is that we weren't there for very long at all. Had the restaurant disagreed, they certainly could have handled it much, much better. While we understand the need to turn tables, and sympathize with those who aren't as adept as most at managing their reservations, the brash clumsiness and rudeness with which we were ejected made our experience memorable in all the wrong ways. If you're a fan of down to earth basic cuisine accompanied by awkward service, and don't mind your investment in an evening being cut short by rude and awkward staff, Franco's is for you. Fortunately, there are hundreds of better restaurants within a very small radius that aren't stuck in the '70's, employ trained staff and wouldn't dare ask their guests to leave. Here is the basis for my rating: Preparation: 4 Presentation: 2 Service: 4 Ambiance: 3 Being rudely ejected: -2 Yelp Score: 2.2