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  • Francesco's Ristorante & Pizzeria

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Francesco's Ristorante & Pizzeria
Francesco's Ristorante & Pizzeria

Francesco's Ristorante & Pizzeria Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.francescos-rist.com/
  • Phone: (407) 960-5533
  • Hours of Operation: Daily: Monday - Thursday: 11:00am - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 11:00pm - 11:00pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Italian, Sicilian
  • Executive Chef: Francesco Aiello
  • Dress Code: Casual Dress
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Beer, Counter Seating, Gluten-free Menu, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
  • Private Party Contact: Francesco Aiello (407) 960-5533

Getting there

  • Parking: Private Lot
  • Parking Details: Parking in the rear of Building, entrance to Francesco"s at Regions Bank.
A word from Francesco's Ristorante & Pizzeria
In the authentic Italian tradition, we select our simple, whole ingredients and combine them by hand with heart, using the time-honored method of open flame cooking. We utilize the intense heat of our wood burning ovens to lend unique flavor to our food.
From our hand-made mozzarella to our… artisanal pizzas, pastas and salads, we have a passion for quality and pride in our product that we know you'll appreciate. We only use sustainable, fresh, local ingredients. Continued
Foodspotting photos
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerItalian
  • Diners' Choice WinnerNeighborhood Gem
Diner Reviews
  • "The food is consistent and the atmosphere is friendly & fun. We always enjoy dining here."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "Food was so fresh, we wanted one of everything on the menu... Can't wait to go back and try the pizzas!"
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "When our 7 and 9yr old are given the choice or where to grab a bite to eat...9 out of 10 times this is our go-to!!great for casual date night too. Food is fresh and delicious. They always try to accommodate their guests. Service can be slow at times- but still would recommend!! Obviously some entrees are better than others- pizza-pastas and seafood specials are always great! Love their wedge too!"
    Dined on 2/7/2014
  • "Varied menu, the food is always fresh and prepared well. Our go to for a great meal."
    Dined on 2/5/2014
  • "We had a wonderful dinner at Francesco's. The pasta dishes were amazing - everything is cooked to order. The restaurant is beautiful inside and there is a great patio outside as well. We chose to dine at the bar and we enjoyed watching the chefs cook. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the mood for excellent Italian food."
    Dined on 1/28/2014
  • "We ordered the Italiano pizza with mushrooms and it was delicious!"
    Dined on 1/28/2014
  • "We were very pleased to find this gem of a restaurant. We have been twice first for dinner and then for lunch and both times we were very pleased with the food and service. While never being in Italy I am not an expert of authenticity except to say that I have gone to many Italian restaurants in our area and there is a distinct difference between those that have that fresh and flavorful food that distinguishes it as authentic and those restaurants' that don't. It also helps when you hear them speaking Italian, it is sort of a clue. Both times we were there it got very busy so suggest reservations for dinner be made in advance."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "Classy, good food, a little pricey but worth it. Siurprised to see famies with children. Glad to see an Italian with gluten free options!"
    Dined on 1/23/2014
  • "Food is always made to order! Fresh! Delicious!! Reasonably priced!! My favorite is their version of wedge salad and the sautéed calamari in red sauce!!! Pasta is outstanding too! Save room for dessert! Cannoli or Cassada cake is heavenly!"
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "I never write reviews, but this place is so authentic and charming that I can't not write in to rave about it. I went to Italy in '09 and have been trying for years to find real, true Italian cuisine in Orlando, but nothing came close to the real thing. No longer. Francesco's is a neighborhood gem with food that rivals Italy and service that's exceptional. Some favorites: Calamari fritti, spaghetti pesto, penne palerminata, gnocchi, pasta vongole, canolli. If you haven't been there yet, go! You'll love this new local favorite!"
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "Impressed with the gluten free pizza! The owner is always walking around making sure everyone is happy. Great spot for family meals."
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "My last visit to Francesco's was over a year ago because I was disappointed with the hostess/promised wait time and reality. We walked away after waiting 50 minutes for a promised 30 minute wait. This visit I went armed with a reservation. We were seated 25 minutes past our reservation time. It was a busy Saturday night but they should not take reservations if they can not honor them past a 10-15 minute wait. The food was good, reasonably priced, and the waiter was pleasant and knowledgeable. The noise level is significant because of other open concept kitchen and the crowded atmosphere. If you don't mind noise or a wait, you will enjoy the food at this popular neighborhood restaurant."
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "Food delivery was very bad. My wife received her meal but I did not get mine until I had flagged down our waiter and ask three times about my meal. It arrived approx 15 minutes after my wife received hers. I was told that someone else had gotten my order. In addition the couple sitting next to us was there when we arrived and had not received the pizza they ordered before we were seated. They got up to leave and the owner offered to cop their desert if they would return."
    Dined on 12/21/2013
  • "Francesco's is a great place to meet your spouse or good friend after work to unwind. The food and wine is excellent and the service is fantastic."
    Dined on 8/8/2013
  • "This is my family's favorite restaurant. Prices are good and the food is spectacular! My wife and daughter are gluten free and this restaurant accommodates them exceptionally well. This is a rarity for Italian restaurants. We love it!"
    Dined on 1/4/2014
  • "Excellent food and wonderful service. The portions can be hit or miss. Eggplant meal was enormous. The cannoli was itty bitty. Calamari, huge. Polenta and rice balls, small. Plan for small appetizers and desserts, with large main courses. Excellent service and taste"
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "This was our 3rd visit to Francesco's and we have enjoyed the food every time. Just a warning...it's never a fast meal. Service has been mediocre all three times, but really the reason the meal takes so long is that the kitchen is really slow. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated."
    Dined on 12/27/2013
  • "Better than anything we would have done at home for Christmas Eve. Family truly enjoyed the hospitality, food and wonderful staff. Francesco's is great for anything from lunch to a special occasion. We could dine there everyday. This is our favorite restaurant."
    Dined on 12/24/2013
  • "A friend and I celebrated Christmas at Francesco's and it was delightful. The strolling music and singing was first class. I enjoyed the food so much, every bite was Hmmmmm...."
    Dined on 12/21/2013
  • "We had family in for the holidays and I wanted to take them to a nice place they would remember when going back home. They were busy but we had great service and what a meal. The family will be talking about his one for a while. I cant wait to go back!!!"
    Dined on 12/18/2013
  • "The greeting and seating were excellent on this busy evening. Loved having a reservation. Only downside was probably my own fault. The pizza was much more spicy than I expected. The wedge salad was great and my wine was a great choice."
    Dined on 12/17/2013
  • "Always great food, served hot and fresh. Nice wines, good service and friendly staff. We're always pleased."
    Dined on 12/17/2013
  • "There's many inconsistent reviews on the service provided here, so when we had such an amazing experience I had to write this review. Not only was the food delicious, but our server could not have been more attentive. In fact, all the wait staff seemed friendly and appropriate. The manager even came through asking about our food and how we were enjoying the meal. Francesco's is a great find and we will be back. Saturday was my birthday so it was a special dinner out, but this spot would be great for families and larger parties too. The food is really the star attraction!"
    Dined on 12/14/2013
  • "I'm sorry it took so long for me to try this place. Definitely will be back."
    Dined on 12/13/2013
  • "Francesco's was a great place of our group's special event. It was easy to make the reservation. The restaurant is a decorated well and arrange so private conversations were possible. The food was excellent. Many commented the salmon was some of the best they had had. The service was friendly and most efficient."
    Dined on 12/11/2013
  • "1. The reception was cold. When we arrived, we stood waiting with other customers, as waitstaff and other help paraded by. No one greeted us. No one explained why the hostess was missing or when she'd be back. No one offered to seat us. Lots of employees saw us, but all averted their eyes and scuttled off to take care of something more important than customers. 2. Food presentation was laughable. Our Frittura Siciliana appetizer arrived looking like a couple of Totino's Pizza Rolls® lost on a huge expanse of white platter. Then, my wife's fettuccine arrived looking more like soup due to a gross excess of sauce. 3. Some food was tasty: the appetizer and my Calabria calzone. 4. As always, staff and food are reflections of their management."
    Dined on 12/3/2013
  • "We have frequented Francesco's for awhile now, and normally have a great experience. The food is fantastic! But this evening there were three of us dining and were put at a table in the very back, right next to a server station, and had a terrible experience. We felt like we were actually in the way of the servers, but inspite of our proximity to the station, received awful service ourselves. My salad came before our appetizer which we ordered when we first sat down. Apparently our server forgot to put in our order, because we sat for 45 minutes after our appetizer waiting for our meal. With little attention from our server and a cursory appology when she finally delivered our meals, we were quite disappointed."
    Dined on 11/23/2013
  • "The entire experience was great. Service was fast and friendly, the food was fantastic and chef Francesco came and personally greeted us later in the evening as things wound down. Fantastic place."
    Dined on 11/15/2013
  • "After looking for more years than I like to admit, my wife and I have finally found outside of St. Louis' The Hill district a truly fine Italian restaurant to enjoy here in the Central Florida area. This is a great find, a truly special place, warm and friendly with outstanding service and dishes. We hope to become regulars at this place."
    Dined on 11/2/2013
  • "When you eat at Francesco's, you realize how mediocre most Italian food you eat really is. The flavors are amazing and everything is so fresh. Our server was great and my table of 6 had a great time. Try it!"
    Dined on 11/7/2013
  • "Fresh ingredients cooked to perfection. Wonderful service. Love their red sauce. Without question the best Italian food in Orlando. Only criticism is the limited wine selection. Normally bring our own ...Cork fee of $10 is reasonable."
    Dined on 11/1/2013
  • "Francesco's is a delightful, neighborhood gem, an adorable little secret, but I'm letting the cat out of the bag. Great ambience, very quaint with cafe tables & flower carts outside the entrance, intimate atmosphere inside, high ceiling, long bar overlooking an energetic cook & wait staff, including Chef Francesco himself creating his delicious Sicilian dishes, and, the pizza guy, making fresh pizzas, shoveling them in/out of the pizza oven. At the back is a private dining room featuring a wall of wine. Out to the side is a lovely covered patio to enjoy more outdoor dining. The menu is creative, the food delicious, & the wait staff friendly & attentive. Finally, the desserts, made fresh daily by Francesco's parents, are out of this world!"
    Dined on 10/31/2013
  • "First time at lunch..... Food and service was terrific...but way too much cheese on the lasagna........ Great value."
    Dined on 10/22/2013
  • "First time there and was quite pleased with the food and staff will return soon."
    Dined on 10/19/2013
  • "Francesco's has become our Italian restaurant of choice. We are never disappointed!"
    Dined on 10/18/2013
  • "What a nice surprise this turned out to be. Francesco's offers a wide variety of Italian specialties. The pasta sampler is an excellent choice. You choose three different pastas, and three different toppings. The whole wheat pasta is penne, which was not what I was expecting but still good. Their alfredo sauce was perfect! Not too heavy and not too light. My favorite was the garlic and oil. The serving was enormous and could easily be shared. They suggested a nice Chiante that paired well with our selections. The reason the service was not rated outstanding, was because there was a long wait for our dessert, and our bill. That will not stop me from going back though! It'll be my new girls lunch gathering place. Thank you!"
    Dined on 10/12/2013
  • "We had a great experience here. The waiter and chef went out of their way to accommodate a special request."
    Dined on 10/8/2013
  • "This was my first time visiting this restaurant. The menu is great - lots of variety and creativity in food selection and price. My only complaint was the server not checking in quickly/often enough. The restaurant was not very busy - only half full in the middle of lunch time on a Saturday with a lot of staff walking around but our guy seemed to disappear for while when we were ready to order. We ordered pizza and a salad. The pizza came very quickly 10 minutes after that still no salad. We asked about it and then they brought it very quickly. Otherwise, good experience and very nice ambience."
    Dined on 10/5/2013
  • "Traveling to Italy ruins you for authentic Italian food. Francesco's offers a little taste of Italy. From salads to dessert, the food is fresh and delicious. Wait staff is friendly and helpful. A wonderful dining experience!"
    Dined on 10/4/2013
  • "One of our favorite spots to eat. Take friends and family all the time. Thank you Francesco and John for always being so warm, friendly and gracious."
    Dined on 9/26/2013
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Orlando / Central Florida East Winners
  • Neighborhood Gem
  • Orlando Winners
  • Italian
  • Neighborhood Gem
Learn more ›