Francesco's Ristorante & Pizzeria

decided to have dinner at this restaurant after seeing it had won two awards as the best Italian restaurant in Orlando. The place is beautiful, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and Gina’s service was genuinely kind and attentive. We tried the grilled octopus, which was excellent—perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The pasta we ordered was also tasty, but I didn’t give five stars for one reason: they cut the spaghetti. It came served in short pieces, two or three inches long, which is something I find unacceptable in an Italian restaurant. As someone with Italian heritage, I grew up knowing that cutting pasta especially spaghetti s simply not done. In Italy and in my family, it’s considered a serious culinary misstep. That said, everything else was great, and I’ll most likely return with my family to try their pizzas. I’m curious to see how they handle those!

Unfortunately, this restaurant was disappointing. Everything was either too salty or too bland. For a southern Italian restaurant, the octopus was extremely chewy. The meatballs tasted like they were previously frozen. Pasta was overcooked. We only liked their marinara sauce and bread. Service was friendly, but there were some odd wait times for food, but at least they give you forewarning for that. Portions were very generous, but prices were high for the quality. We won't come back.

Just finished eating here. Everything was excellent. We are from out of town and booked the reservation for the wrong date, but they were still able to get us in right away. Our waitress Hailey was amazing. Probably the best waitress we have ever had at any restaurant! Noddles exquisite. Thank you!

The wait staff is extremely helpful and professional. They made great suggestions and accommodated our requests with no issue. The food was spectacular. The half size calamari appetizer was so fresh and could easily be enough for 4 people. The chicken parmigiana and carbonara will definitely be repeats. Will be back to try the pizza!

Amazing experience at Francesco’s Ristorante! Daniel, the General Manager, greeted us at the door with such warmth. Our server Hailey was fantastic — friendly, attentive, and made our night even better. The Pollo Parmigiana and Veal Parmigiana were delicious, and the cannoli and lemon cake were the perfect finish. Highly recommend!

We've dined at Francesco's about a dozen times, and have never been disappointed. This weekend when I saw their weekend specials included braciole I knew my husband would want to go. I was lucky enough to grab two seats at the pizza oven side of the bar. I've always wanted to sit there for a view of the open kitchen. Jacob was our server again, and he is such an asset to the restaurant. Attentive, personable, polite. We've had him before and just wanted to give a shout out for another great job. The braciole was delicious again, as was my vegetable lasagna. Watching everyone working in the kitchen as a well-oiled machine was impressive. It was opera night, and Chef would jump in and sing along with his favorites, there was a wedding reception going on at the front of the restaurant, so the atmosphere in this beautiful place was festive. If you've never been, highly recommended. They are expanding into the space next door soon, and it is to include a full bar, so martinis will be a welcome addition that personally, I can't wait for.

The atmosphere is inviting and cozy. Our server, Nino was polite, friendly and made excellent food recommendations. The food is beautifully seasoned, perfectly cooked and absolutely delectable! 😘

For months, my children are asking me to eat at this restaurant (their favorite). Right when you walk in you are greeted by Mgr. Darryl who makes you feel like family. Darryl checked on us from time to time, offered to take pics, helped us with a family video, gave us business cards to make reservations. Jacob simply possess a refined palate and in-depth knowledge of the menu. Every recommendation was simply perfect! Every dish was made with love, well balanced flavors, and fresh ingredients prepared by Francesco the owner and CEO! What an experience! Restrooms were clean, every dish cooked to perfection and the dessert was well prepared. My parents are Italian and I can say with confidence that the restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes that one will fall in love with! They even opened the door for us on the way out. I have been to so many restaurants from the US to other parts of the world and this is the first time we were treated as if we were part of the family! Thank you Darryl and thank you Jacob for making my day with the kids a special one!

We love this restaurant! We live in New Smyrna Beach and made the drive over for their excellent food and service. Thanks to Jacob for the memorable meal.

5 stars for food. 5 stars for service. 4 stars for seat location. I was fortunate to visit here for the first time because of a company dinner after our business meeting. Fortunate, because it afforded me the opportunity to try many appetizers and dishes, as well as enjoy the company of my colleagues. When we arrived, we were warmly greeted and escorted to our table on a side patio area, surrounded by heavy plastic draperies, temporarily used to keep the area warm due to the cooler temperature. Since I wasn't on a date, it was okay, and hence, the four stars. Our group chose a number of apps. Grilled octopus - right seasoning and chewiness (not soft or rubbery) and crunchy in places. Antipasto Italiano - because we ordered two, I enjoyed the artichokes, olives, and giardiniera to add to my plate because I enjoy marinated food. Complimentary House bread and olive oil/balsamic dipping sauce - fresh and right combo for the dip (could have easily filled up with the bread, but didn't). My entree choice, Grigliata Mista (under Chef's Favorites on the menu), arrived with wonderfully grilled shrimp and scallops that were the right texture and seasoning. With the Arugala and cherry tomatoes as the "bed", I requested the housemade dressing on the side. Our server complimented me on that choice and said he'd have Chef take care of my request. The combination of grilled seafood on the Arugala provided a very tasty and light meal. Lastly, a colleague offered me a portion of his 14 ounce, medium-rare ribeye steak because he knew he could not finish it. I gladly accepted his generous offer and enjoyed a few rightly cooked and tender bites. The wine menu, especially the reds, looked intriguing, but I didn't order any this time around. Lastly, our servers were excellent. From setting up a portable heater to ensuring we all had what we needed to serving the correct dishes to each diner. I wish I knew our lead server's name because his recommendations and accommodations enhanced our overall visit. Would I order the same apps and entrees the next time? Yes, but I'd like to try their pizza that is cooked in a 700° wood-burning oven!

This is one of my local spot to go for Pizza. Their clams are fantastic. However their Tiramisu was lumpy.

My husband chose this spot for our second Marriage anniversary. And we enjoyed our dinner so so much! The food was amazing and cooked perfect. We both ordered a drink and a calamari app to share. For dinner I got the carbonara with grilled chicken on the side and my husband ordered the pasta with sausage and peppers. There were so many other options on the menu I wanted to try and I've also heard the pizza is great Our waiter was so attentive and even gave us a free cannoli for mentioning it was our anniversary on our reservation!

Can't believe this is my first time going to this restaurant!!! Firstly, I recommend making a reservation as they get crazy busy on weekend evenings. As soon as we walked in for our date night we were greeted by a friendly host and our server came by shortly after. Although I wanted to try a few wines before making a decision, our server was very patient and accommodating to us. I also loved how he took the time to explain the history of the restaurant as first time guests. The apps and entrees came at a perfect pace, giving us just enough time to enjoy our wine without feeling rushed or getting too hungry. All of the food was excellent, I'm actually surprised I haven't been here before as this is clearly a staple of the Maitland community. The ambiance was not too stuffy and people wished us a happy birthday after the server sang to our table. Although it was a bit awkward having a solo singer, it was actually pretty good and he sang in Italian! Overall, we really enjoyed ourselves and highly recommend. The owner/chef was in house so I wished he came by or sent another chef to check-in but I recognize that they were very busy. Nonetheless, looking forward to going back soon!!

What a gem! I can't say enough great things about Francesco's. I have been here several times and fall more in love with this place each time. Every staff member I've encountered as been so lovely and friendly. The atmosphere is dreamy- the outside is romantic with string lights; and the inside is a nostalgic and classy Italian restaurant. Yet, the vibe is so cozy and so familiar- it is like a Cheers vibe where everyone is welcome and everyone knows your name. The Goods: 1) Charred Octopus appetizer (sometimes on the menu) I am an octopus SNOB, and Francesco's charred octopus is my favorite one I've had, hands down. They marinate the octopus in a special way to break down the chewiness of the octopus, making each bite a buttery-bite, through and through every time. Absolutely delicious. A must-get item every time I'm at Francesco's. 2) Margherita Pizza I loveeee me a great, wood-burning oven. This is my favorite Italian-style, wood-burning pizza in Central Florida (as opposed to a NY-style pizza). The Margherita pizza is everything you'd want it to be. According to our server, the olive oil itself is shipped specially from Italy. Each ingredient is so fresh. The crust is scrumptious; the tomato sauce is perfectly balanced; the cheese is delightful. It is love. 3) Spaghetti Alla Carbonara While very good, I'm going to be honest and say this wasn't my favorite. When they list "black pepper" as an ingredient- rightfully so. There is a lot of black pepper in this. I do appreciate that this is a traditional carbonara made with eggs and no creams. But I am a huge carbonara fan and have had plenty of traditional carbonaras. I ordered this once here and probably wouldn't do it again. That being said, it was still good (but VERY peppery- tasted a lot like a Cacio e pepe dish). If that's your thing, you'd enjoy this. I really love Francesco's and will drive out of my way to have a yummy pizza here. I definitely recommend this place.

I went here on a date and had a great time. The food was spectacular, the vibe was relaxing, and the staff was friendly and kindly recommended dishes and wine pairings for us. We ate at the bar and had front-row seats to the kitchen - specifically the pizza chef. While there weren't many vegan options, I had the octopus, lots of garlic bread, and the branzino. I highly recommend.

Amazing. We had seafood over pasta. Red sauce and it was heaven. The bread is amazing. It's a huge portion! 2 of us couldn't finish but we certainly tried.

This is a true Italian restaurant with the best, homemade marinara and bolognese sauces. Our table highly recommends the lasagna bolognese, the eggplant parmesan, the kids pizza with chicken added, and the vegetable lasagna. Note the veg lasagna has a cream sauce. Absolutely exceptional service. I rated a 4 because the clam dish had shell pieces that caused a problem with a rubber band at the bottom. I still highly recommend coming here just avoid the clam dishes. The ambiance is classy, clean, and quiet enough for us seven to hear one another. We will return!

Tonight's meal was a bit disappointing. We ordered the grilled artichoke appetizer for $18 and it wasn't cooked all the way. The leaves didn't fall off but had to be pulled hard to enjoy. Our lasagna came lukewarm, unusual for Francesco's. Service seemed rushed too. We love it here and realize this is our one time of many great experiences that wasn't amazing. But we wanted them to know.

First time dining in after office lunch takeouts. The restaurant is beautiful and our server was great even though it was his first day. He was great with our large table. The meat special was a Veal Cacio e Pepe that I subbed for chicken. I wish I ordered something else. What I got something different entirely. The sauce was chicken pan drippings with something dairy to thicken it a little and lots of red peppers and sliced sausage. The chicken breast was dry and hard to cut up. The noodles were delicious though. The Carbonara dish looks more like Cacio e Pepe than this picture. It had a nice taste but not at all what I ordered. $44 is way too expensive for this dish.

Francesco's is hidden away in Maitland next to the Walgreens. You might miss it if you're not looking for it ! It is family owned and run and it's VERY authentico! I had a margherita pizza, well done. It was cooked perfectly and soooo yummy. The dipping oil used for the bread was so good that we went home with a gallon (so glad they sell it.) There are 2 'down' sides to Francesco's... They don't have a lunch menu. One menu no matter the time of day. Which brings us to the second point, it can be an expensive lunch. My 13" pizza was $20. I can get a Margherita pizza down the road at Sixty Vines for $16. That said, I am already looking forward to my next visit to Francesco's. You should too!!

This was our first time visiting this beautiful and quaint Italian Restorante. They have been voted the best in Orlando this year for their fine Italian cuisine. It is very fine! Because my husband and I had eaten elsewhere not too long before we got here, we couldn't eat a whole meal; however, we were anxious to try something. We ordered a half order of their Calamari Fritti with fresh marinara sauce on the side and their Gamberoni Siciliana, which is fresh shrimp finished in a cognac cream sauce to go. The calamari was absolutely wonderful. We each had a glass of silky, rich delectable Moscato. The staff was very kind, courteous and professional. Many of them spoke Italian besides English. The ambiance is very welcoming, cozy and romantic. They have several different dining areas, including beautiful outdoor dining. Our server, Victoria was very kind, attentive and delightful. She explained that the chef prepared a different special everyday. She also informed us that Francesco's was making some exciting renovations to the restaurant; adding on, redesigning, and will have a full bar. Right now, it's beer and wine. This Restorante is going to be one of our favorites to frequent. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, for those of you that appreciate superb Octopus cuisine, seafood is one of Chef Francesco Aiello's specialties! I can't wait! I highly recommend this wonderful restaurant with their amazingly delicious cuisine.

The pizza is excellent. They have a nice side and front patio where they added tables/chairs to sit outside. I started going to this restaurant years ago. Top notch, excellent food, excellent atmosphere (inside & out).

Enjoyed a great dinner again at Francesco's. We started with an Insalata Di Carciofi. Excellent flavors and great paring of items! The fresh bread hot out of the oven with EVOO and balsamic vinegar was a great dipping. We enjoyed the vegetable lasagna topped with an Alfredo sauce. Rich and delicious. We ordered with lite sauce. . Now for best dish of the night. A large order of mussels with garlics and white wine. Excellent!!! I ordered a side of spaghetti with olive oil and garlic ( lite and tasty ). I shelled all of the mussels and topped them all over my pasta. Drizzled a good amount of the liqueur over the dish. OMG. Outstanding dish. Enjoyed a red wine suggested by our server Victoria. Excellent service. Very attentive and knowledgeable. Victoria explained our dishes as if the chef preparing the dishes in front of her. Very passionate service. A traditional Italian vibe with the comfort of an open kitchen. Chef, thank you for great dining experience. Check out the photos below. Forgot to mention that I'm a chef that cooks because I want to, not because I have to. Retired. A great restaurant team doesn't just serve food; they serve spirit, sparking joy with every interaction." - Thomas Keller

I had high expectations coming into the restaurant- it was my family's favorite restaurant so we decided to celebrate my nephew's college graduation. We all left disappointed in the food, the slow pace of the restaurant, and the coordination of all the meals coming out. I had both the gnocchi and the eggplant Parmesan. The gnocchi was ok, 5/10 and the eggplant was not very good 3/10. I think the sauce is acidic and generally not flavorful. My sister in laws steak was supposed to be medium and it came out well. My family, who are regulars, said this visit was a p a lot during a very busy night yet she did it with a smile.

This was my first time at this restaurant. The food was amazing! Everything was just amazing. The service was excellent. The ambiance was nice. Authentic Italian food. Highly recommend. Will def be going there again.

What a lovely time we had for daughter's birthday. The food was delicious...Alfredo with broccoli and chicken, angel hair with meatballs, pepperoni pizza and chicken parmigiana! The bread immediately put the 4 year old (and all of us) in to a happy, fun celebratory mood. The shining stars were the wait staff and ALL staff. From outside to our great waiter, we were treated like royalty. Thank you for a perfect late afternoon.

Hands down, my new favorite Italian spot in town! We had an amazing night celebrating my birthday on the patio. Come hungry and still expect to take home leftovers because the portion sizes are generous. We shared the mussels and calamari as appetizers, both of which were meaty, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. For my main course, I had a Cacio e Pepe Chicken special with pappardelle pasta, while others in our group opted for the Lasagna Bolognese or various pasta dishes, all of which were raved about. A standout was the caprese salad - fresh, vibrant, and had sautéed red peppers for an extra touch. The night was finished off perfectly with tiramisu for dessert, which had mini chocolate chips in it for a twist. Everything was delicious and made for a wonderful night! No pictures were taken as we were all having the best time! The owner even came out to greet our group. I can't wait to go back!!

I absolutely love this place! Victoria, my server was amazing! Francesco his food phenomenal. We had the fish special and I've had it before, but literally I barely touched the fish with my fork and it fell apart. It was amazing!!!!!! I'm literally going again tomorrow

Every visit to Francesco's is better than the last... and that's pretty hard to do. On our latest visit, our server Joey was attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, friendly and professional. The rest of the staff kept water filled and tables clean during a very busy service. The food is just outstanding. I had the spaghetti and meatballs. My friend had chicken Parmesan and we shared a piece of limoncello cake. We had a lovely wine to go with it. I could drink that marinara. The restaurant is cozy, clean and upscale while being inviting. You really feel the love in the food at Francesco's.

My husband, son and I went here for the first time for my birthday. We told the waiter it was my birthday. No singing or anything. On top of that we all had a dinner entree and a drink. We were told our salads do not come with the meal. I have been researching and found out that is a lie. So we got charged extra for our salads. What a scam. We were there on Sunday, Jan. 4th for dinner. In addition to being lied to about paying extra for side salads why would the waiter spend five minutes explaining the entire menu not just specials and just forget someone's birthday?

If you enjoy fresh farm to table cuisine plus Italian, this is the place to be! Chef Steve is amazing. The food and wine service was superb. Chef's table feature is cool. Apres' Ski apparel.

Atmosphere is 5 stars but I'm not eating the atmosphere. $55 (before tip) for 2 lunches and 2 sodas. I had high expectations for this place. I walked in and loved the open kitchen concept and decor. But that was it. 1. They were out of Coke. I run a large bar and one of my main jobs is to not run out of things. We don't drink diet soda and who wants water w/ their lunch? Both of our dishes had chicken. Tough over cooked chunks of chicken breast. It was overcooked and had that spaghetti meat texture. It was also oddly cut. Chunks of chicken that looked "ripped" or shredded. I love going out for lunch a couple times of week. For $55 and no cocktails-I expect the food to melt in my mouth. Not to toss the leftovers at home because you can't even reheat them. Server was also incredibly lackluster. Like it pained her to be there. One and done. We were going to another popular Italian place a few miles away but they were closed this particular day. Bummer.

Amazing food, the service everytime is impeccable and it has this family cozy vibe that is very inviting. The pasta dishes are amazing. I went back for the purpose of trying the whole branzino and I was not disappointed. The grilled octopus is change your life delicious. Just run and try this place. I haven't tried their pizza but I'll be sure to head there for lunch and try that next.

Francesco's is an absolute treat as far as pizza and main dishes go. I've been a few times and always recommend it. There are two downsides to its well deserved popularity. One. The service can be slow. Two. Sometimes it's weirdly difficult to get a reservation. Neither of these should be a deal breaker for you, but please keep both things in mind if you're trying this spot for the first time.

Excellent Italian pasta and pizza date night. Upon checking in, we were whisked away to a cozy patio table and treated like royalty while being spoiled with a wonderful meal. The home made table bread was delicious with a warm moist light doughy center and served with excellent olive oil. The sauce on our Carbonara Pasta was on the thicker side with lightly cooked pancetta (albeit missing some contrasting flavor) but overall was very enjoyable. The Margherita Pizza had a delicious light crispy crust which I would describe it as a "thin" round Sicilian with semi-thick neutral red sauce and a nice generous blend of cheeses.

I love this place! I come here a lot with my coworkers for lunch. They have a great lunch special and they keep the warm bread coming! The fresh bread with the olive oil balsamic dip here is sooo good! The staff here has always been kind and attentive to us. The restaurant itself is beautiful. This time I got the Caprese Salad with Chicken. This was so good! All the veggies were very fresh tasting. I've been to places that give just tomato and mozzarella nothing else and a small amount. This place did not disappoint! Very filling and if you are still hungry there's always the bread! All my coworkers love this place and always want to come back. I definitely recommend this place if you like Italian food or if you just like bread haha. I will continue to come here when I'm craving Italian and I'm excited to try their other menu items.

I had never even heard of this place before it was recommended to me but I'm glad I tried it and will definitely be back. We came with a larger group and our server was very friendly and informative, letting us know right away that it's a scratch kitchen and everything is made in-house. The inside was well decorated and the menu was large. Although they are not on the magical dining list, they had two three-course menus of similar pricing available. They served complimentary bread with oil and vinegar. I loved my special burrata salad and carbonara pasta. The pasta options were huge and everyone who got one left with leftovers. The cannoli and gelato were tasty but small.

Ok, so when we went because we were on the mood for some good Italian. Never being here or knowing if it was actually good or not. But seeing the reviews and being in the area we decided why not give this place a try! I was surprised how crowded it was when we entered. But everyone looked happy and seemed to be enjoying their food! So I thought this is a good sign, the fact that the place is packed and everyone was joyful! The staff all working together behind the scenes to prepare everyones desires. Each and everyone busy in their own profession in the kitchen. But working as a team to complete the mission of the day. Both my husband and I ordered pasta. My husband wasn't too crazy with his. It was a pasta that didn't have much flavourful sauce. It was like a butter sauce. Light on flavor. Mint was the total opposite. Fully of flavor and lots of delicious sauce! And it have chunks of eggplant . My husband really enjoyed the sauce of my pasta. He ended up taking some of my sauce to put on his. Oh I forgot to mention the house salad is a mouthwatering deliciousness appetizer that is a must try! We definitely go back to try something new. And next time we will order dessert.

Great food and atmosphere. My grand mother was from Italy and the food here is like she is in the kitchen. The owner really gets it and provides and energetic atmosphere. The only knock is that is it a little pricey! $60+ for two Spaghetti dinners.

5 Stars for ultra romantic vibes and the best vegetarian lasagna I've ever had. I can't believe it's taken me this long to discover Francesco's. I came on a friend's recommendation and left thinking I had found my new favorite Italian spot in town. First thing to know is even if you haven't heard of Francesco's before, others have. That means a reservation is necessary here. We arrived on time, and as we were led back to our table, I noticed the decor. It was late November, so it looked like they had decorated for the holidays and the ambience was warm and romantic. This is definitely a good spot for a date. Our server was Jacob, and next time I go in, I will request him. He really was the epitome of enthusiastic kind service. He helped us with recommendations and suggested we get the antipasto for two rather than for four, even though we were a party of four, knowing it was so large. He was right about that one! We had enough for leftovers before we ever got to our main dishes! My partner and I decided to order two vegetarian dishes to share. I would HIGHLY recommend both the eggplant Parmesan, and the vegetarian lasagna. Just note that the portions are quite large and you will definitely be taking some home with you for the next day. My husband and I agreed that it was the best vegetarian lasagna we had ever tried. I legitimately haven't stopped thinking about it since. Highly recommend. It didn't appear that they have liquor or cocktails available on the menu, but I enjoyed their wine list and found a great dry white to go with my dishes. Finally for dessert, we got the tiramisu. This one is homemade and terrific. I have never had a tiramisu with chocolate chips in it, but I'm a convert now. Overall, this was a fantastic dinner, and I would say that Francesco's is at the top of my list of favorite, romantic Italian restaurants in Central Florida.

The service was excellent. Servers Wanda and Vanessa made me feel welcome, answered all my questions about the menu, and we're just genuinely nice. I only ordered a pizza and took it to go. The pizza was good. However, I plan to return to dine in and try a traditional lunch or dinner menu item.

I got fettucini with scallops in a vodka sauce!! It was delicious, rich and creamy sauce and scallops were hege and cooked perfectly! Not pictured is the burrata appetizer, which was incredibly delicious; I would order it again for sure! We had the Italian wedding cake, which is always great; my only complaint is that the cake was a bit dryer today, but that cannoli cream really makes up for it! Great service and and warm, elegant ambiance!

Just 2 Medicare agents having a great time! Had a great lunch with amazing gluten free options with our waitress Wanda. Patrice and I were able to turn our great lunch outing into a Medicare business meeting with great food and great company. Look forward to our next business lunch at Francesco's! Audrianna Leiphardt/ Patrice Lynch Bridlewood Insurance Services Florida 352-432-8659 Bridlewoodflorida.com

The experience was amazing! The staff are Italian, so I could say some words in Italian LOL, and listen them talking in Italian. Complementary bread was old and mushy, but I will not give 4 starts because of that, pesto was good. The wedge salad was nothing I was expecting, it was delicious! (A little pricy for the amount, anyways). Carbonara was amazing! Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken was also delicious. The environment is very cool, I just love everything!

The service was honestly the best I've ever received in Orlando. I can see why they have so many regulars, they really take the time to learn names and get to know people. The inside is actually nicer than I expected while still being cozy. The fresh bread and olive oil was delicious, the spaghetti bolognese was a little too meaty and not enough sauce for my taste but it had good flavor. I will definitely be back to try other items!

Service: Amazing! Our server was very friendly, knew how to read people, had a lot of knowledge of the food and wine pairings. He also told us about himself which I appreciate, I like getting to know the servers. Ambiance: the location was very busy, we didn't have a reservation and were able to get a seat outside. I would highly recommend getting reservation ahead of time if you are coming here. The hostess was very friendly and made us feel welcomed Food: I only rates it 4 out of 5 because the food was good but it wasn't great. The octopus was a bit overcooked and chewy. Seems like they boiled it and then charred it on the grill. I would have personally cooked it in a different manner. The pasta was delicious but a bit dry, I wish it had more sauce/juice. Value: The specials were a bit overpriced, we paid $45 for the specials dish. Everything else was worth the price we paid for. Would come back again!

Food: amazing!! Scratch kitchen everything made home made. Authentic Italian. Mussels are a very good shareable size, taste fresh and not chewy made to perfection and Lasagna delish!! Service: Our server was very knowledgeable, gave us great recommendations and most importantly made sure we will be coming back. Ambiance: is very family oriented, loud as true Italian family, everything was very clean and Tuscan looking. Loved it!!

This place is second to none! Absolutely hands down the BEST ITALIAN restaurant in Central Florida!!

Absolutely fabulous!! Service during this "in between" time (3;30 in the afternoon) was not lacking at all. Austin ad Nicholas were fantastic in every way! And the food - full of brigh, delicious flavors beautifully presented in a very comfortable setting. I had just come from getting my car serviced and remembered that this place I wanted to give another try (had been here years ago) was nearby. Yay me! Good choice: I ordered chicken cacciatore and broccoli. OMG!! So very good. First, you don't find cacciatore on a menu very often. Then to find it so perfectly executed- thing of beauty.

Always wonderful! Service, food, atmosphere, have never been disappointed Food is amazing and service is too

Pizza, pasta, and wine ... oh my! That's the trifect for me and this spot is great for all of it. I love sitting on the patio with twinkly lights in the evening. The staff is so friendly and watchful, no matter if you sit inside or out. Highly recommend.

I wish I could give this place 100 stars ! Everything here is perfect. The owner/chef is involved everyday engaging with guests, the staff is friendly and all seem to love it, the food is so fresh and good, the atmosphere is beautiful as well!

The ambiance is good. The food is okay, it's what you expect. I only go here once a year. I love the bread they give with balsamic vinegar.

We decided to stop in Francesco's before our flight home. Once you walk in, it feels like you are in a little eatery and Italy. There was the stone, all the vines, and the kitchen open front and center where you could see the chef's work magic! We started with the Shrimp in vodka sauce which was delicious as the capers complimented the flavors. My fiancé had the branzino in olive oil and wine sauce. The fish was huge, lightly seasoned, and typically comes with asparagus or pasta. He got the gluten free penne since they ran out of whole wheat pasta which is actually why we came to this particular restaurant. I got the special which was grouper, shrimp and lobster meat over papperdelli on a light marinara and olive oil sauce. The pasta itself was so light and the seafood was cooked to perfection. 10/10 would highly recommend!

UPDATE: Went here again. SPECTACULAR. I wish this place was closer to my house, it is amazing. Had to get the wedding cake again, orgasmic. We also had the salad with pears and artichokes, the dressing was to die for. Made our own pasta with pappardelle and alfredo and needless to say i will %10000 reorder it and am looking forward to my leftovers tomorrow. Thank you Zachary for the great service!

I really hate to write this review, especially because it will make it difficult to return here anytime soon. I tried to reach out to the restaurant with a private message, but was shut down by whoever runs their Facebook page. We have been going to Francesco's for many years, and usually have wonderful experiences, especially with the cooking classes. However, this recent class was a huge disappointment. Even though we were one of the first to arrive, we felt neglected from the start, which, in and of itself was unusual. Then when the first course of focaccia was passed out, hubby and I each only got a tiny slice that was mostly crust, while the people at the tables around us each got two generous slices from the center with lots of toppings. Even when the servers came around again with seconds, it was the same. Throughout the entire event, we felt neglected. Our water wasn't topped up, and our wine glasses weren't refilled unless we flagged the servers down, even though those around us seemed to be getting excellent service without having to do that. The servers were quick to remove our plates once we were finished; however, when the next dishes were brought, we had to repeatedly ask for cutlery. It became obvious that there are favorite customers here, and equally obvious that we weren't among them. We not only felt neglected, but also as if we were imposing on them. All this said, the food was wonderful, as always, but we didn't enjoy the experience. With tax and gratuity, for a couple, it was over $300, and we don't feel it was worth it. And we certainly would not have tipped at 20% if we had a choice. The only reason for the 2 stars, rather than 1, is because the food was amazing.

Everything from the appetizers to the main course was incredibly fresh. The service was excellent. One thing that stood out to me was their amazing lunch options, they have amazing pizza and pasta options! Ps. Don't forget to order an espresso at the end of the