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  • Villa Francesca

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Reserve at Villa Francesca

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Villa Francesca
Villa Francesca

Villa Francesca Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.ristorantevillafrancesca.com
  • Phone: (617) 367-2948
  • Hours of Operation: Monday - Sunday: 12:00pm - 10:30pm
    Friday- Saturday: 12:00pm - 11:30pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Italian, Seafood, Contemporary European
  • Executive Chef: Guglielmo Ranauro
  • Dress Code: Casual Dress
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
  • Catering: We provide a catering menu, please visit our website or call us for more information.
  • Special Events & Promotions: We provide a special event menu, please visit our website or call us for more information.

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Hanover Street
  • Public Transit: Haymarket and Government Center--A quick walk up Hanover Street brings you to our step.
  • Parking: Valet
  • Parking Details: Valet parking is available in the front of restaurant after 5:00 pm daily.
A word from Villa Francesca
Ristorante Villa Francesca, in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts, is the brain child of Guglielmo Ranauro. Through his desire for perfection and pure love of the Italian cuisine, Guglielmo created Villa Francesca over thirty years ago. He bestowed the name Francesca after his mother, never… forgetting the love and wonderful food she always provided while growing up just across the street from the restaurant. Villa Francesca boasts over 160 wine selections, and has received the prestigious Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator awards since 2007. You've got to try the raw bar!Continued
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Diner Reviews
  • "I made a reservation for 7:30 last Saturday night and had to wait about 45 minutes which is what people without reservations were quoted. So we sat at the bar and had a cocktail waiting for our table. When it was time to be seated we were given a table downstairs in a dungeon like atmosphere. There were lots of tables upstairs in an open and bright area but none were available which given we had reservations and waited 45 minutes we certainly expected we would get. Perhaps the biggest disappointment was the service of the waiter who couldn't have rushed us more. One comical thing was the bread he tried to serve us which resembled Wonder bread, I asked if we could have the bread they were serving upstairs he said it was special. Hmmmm"
    Dined on 7/26/2014
  • "I'm sorry but I don't provide honest reviews for restaurants that don't provide points for using OpenTable."
    Dined on 7/26/2014
  • "It was a perfect place for what we needed. We met with friends we hadn't seen in a year, so visiting was most important. Atmosphere is nice. Location is great. Service was fine. Food only so so."
    Dined on 7/26/2014
  • "This was our first time at Villa Francesca. We were a party of six including an 11yr old. We made reservations on Saturday afternoon for that night and were seated right away. Drinks, appies and entree were delivered each in a timely manner. Our waiter was very nice, too. The food was very fresh and delicious! Shrimp scampi and lobster ravioii appies were fantastic! KQTWe would definitely go back!"
    Dined on 7/26/2014
  • "The food was actually not bad but the service was awful. We can barely get his attention throughout dinner, messed up our drink order, didn't even offer the dessert menu, I actually had to ask for it. We were near a waiters workstation and it was really loud. They kept dropping things, breaking dishes. We were stuck downstairs too which is nothing like the upstairs with the open windows and the summer breeze coming through. Bottom line, if you go there, make sure to ask to be sitted upstairs and maybe with a better service experience, you would actually enjoy the food."
    Dined on 7/25/2014
  • "The food and ambiance were terrific as were the waistaff- very attentive - the windows open all the way so if felt like we were dining outside with the comfort of being in the restaurant! Divine!"
    Dined on 7/21/2014
  • "Made a reservation for a party of 4 the day prior. arrived a few minutes early. had to wait over twenty minutes to be seated. food was slightly above average. service was slow and impersonal. wine was overpriced. all in all, very disappointing."
    Dined on 7/19/2014
  • "We live in California and visit Boston a few times a year. We always take one day to have a meal at Villa Francesca. It is a favorite and a continued part of our time when we visit Boston. It is a great find and easy to get to from any part of the city. Enjoy this true to life Italian restaurant."
    Dined on 7/18/2014
  • "Our party of five was able to get a reservation on relatively short notice. We were seated downstairs in the very back, near a kitchen clean-up area, but it was quieter because we weren't surrounded by other tables. Our waiter was quite friendly and attentive but it did take the food ages to come. Meanwhile, the wine was excellent, and when the food did arrive it was wonderful. Would go again, as long as I wasn't in a rush."
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "Staff was pleasant, accommodating. Food, very good. A nice dinning experience. Definitely a place to visit."
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "This was a very nice little restaurant. The staff was friendly however we were asked if we wanted bread for the table, and we were charged for it! Food was very good but overly expensive. Almost $20 for a pasta dish, and $30 for a chicken or veal dish that doesn't even come with pasta."
    Dined on 6/30/2014
  • "Our cosmos were sublime. BUT, because I had made a reservation in advance, I assumed our table location would be excellent. I was very disappointed with our seating - in the lower level at the very back, next to where the waiters stood. I thought making a reservation would ensure a better table location. I will still return because everything else was fantastic."
    Dined on 6/28/2014
  • "We live in the suburbs and almost always go to Villa Francescas when we dine at the North End. The food is excellent and service is great as well."
    Dined on 6/28/2014
  • "We booked an OpenTable reservation for this restaurant at the recommendation of the concierge at the Omni Parker House. It was a huge hit with the family (including my two teenage daughters). The small restaurant was lively and people were waiting to get in (great that we had OpenTable reservation). The cannoli's and caramel custard (flan) were simply outstanding. When we are back visiting Boston we will dine here again."
    Dined on 6/27/2014
  • "Service and food were great ! Waiter was especially attentive. Pasta dishes and dessert were truly memorable. The only thing that kept it from being an 'outstanding' experience was the attitude of hostesses who seemingly could care less that we chose Villa Francesca...unfortunately this attitude now seems to be very prevalent in restaurants throughout the North End."
    Dined on 6/27/2014
  • "I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed. The food was presented very well but the substance for what was on the plate did not match the presentation or the price. There were 6 of us and my fish was just a regular small amount of fish (sole) with some tomatoes sauce on top. the person who had the Fruta de Mare had a few clam shells and said she couldn't find the actual clams ($32.95). The pesto, the swordfish and other white fish were OK but nothing that you will remember to come back. The pork shop (only one at $28.95) was very good according to the person who had it. The tiramisu although good, ($6.99)was still frozen. Side salads good and plenty. The waiter (Fabian) was very pleasant and attentive."
    Dined on 6/25/2014
  • "VF is a fantastic family owned restaurant in the heart of the North End. If you like seafood prepared in the old Italian tradition then VF is a must."
    Dined on 6/20/2014
  • "I should have guessed by the fact that we could get a reservation for 7:30 on a saturday night with no problem calling saturday afternoon. The waitress was fine but the food was terrible. The pasta with pesto I couldn't even eat it. It was so oily and I keep chewing on something hard like sand. So after a few bites I gave up. ugh! The tomatoes in the tomato salad were hard. The antipasto was small for $19 or $20. I wouldn't go here again."
    Dined on 6/14/2014
  • "The food, service and were all good, but I can't say great. If or when we get back to Boston, we will seek out another North Side restaurant rather than return to Villa Francesca. If the food had measured up to the presentation, especially the china, the dinner would really have been special."
    Dined on 5/30/2014
  • "If it is going to be known as an Italian Restaurant, it may want to consider serving REAL Italian bread from a bakery. Also, when it serves its bread in the basket it should also serve some fresh butter along with it and a side of olive oil, with chopped olives. I tried the seafood medley and the only pasta choice i was given was spaghetti - any Fra-Diavlo dish should be served with Linguini or at least given a choice WITHOUT the extra $8-10 charge. The server was not so interested in serving at all and was annoyed anytime we wanted something. So disappointed in our first meal in Boston. "
    Dined on 5/29/2014
  • "In Boston for Memorial Day weekend, and friends recommended Villa Francesca based on our location in the north end. We sat in the basement, which was not ideal. Upstairs seating looked much nicer. The service was fine, food came out in a timely manner. Server was attentive and checked in a few times. The food though, was just average. It wasn't bad, just average. We had three different pasta dishes, and they were ok. My wife felt the same, not bad but certainly not great. With lots of other Italian places to check out in the north end, I wouldn't be rushing back here."
    Dined on 5/25/2014
  • "Took over a hour and half to get our entrees. It was also inconvenient that the restaurant refused to take more than three credit cards. We all know this is just a cop out on the restaurant's part."
    Dined on 5/24/2014
  • "Food, Wine & Service were very good, we'll be going back. Eggplant Parm wasn't on the menu but they made it special for me....:)"
    Dined on 5/11/2014
  • "Great evening and outstanding meal! Had a guest in from TX that had never been to Boston. I had told her about the North End and chose Villa Francesca (where I had eaten before) as the place to go for dinner. The atmosphere was great, the service prompt and friendly and the food was outstanding. I would defiantly recommend Villa Francesca for a wonderful evening!"
    Dined on 5/9/2014
  • "My mom was recommend this place by someone she met on the plane ride to Boston. The guy raved about the shrimp scampi so we ordered the entree portion. The flavors were good, nothing spectacular but the shrimp was tough and dry. Additionally, the minestrone soup was sub-par, I make a much more flavorful once myself. "
    Dined on 5/1/2014
  • "Always wanted to eat here and we finally did. No regrets and will be back,..everything was very good! Our wait staff was a little bit confused, we ordered a glass of sangria, she brought a glass of martini. Other than that, everything was just right. The calamari was delicious, it was very close to one I tried in Venice, Italy.. I was very pleased!"
    Dined on 4/26/2014
  • "We arrived with a reservation and had to wait about 15 min to be seated. The waitress brought the first course before we got any bread or water. The food was tasteless. The worst was the coffee: 2 double-espressos for for over $13!! And, they were not even good. "
    Dined on 4/25/2014
  • "Nothing fancy but REALLY good Italian staple dishes with fresh pasta--exactly what we wanted! Not crazy expensive like some of the restaurants in the North End. We would definitely go back!"
    Dined on 4/20/2014
  • "I eat in the North End all the time. My family and friends came here on a Saturday night during marathon weekend because the restaurant had great reviews (and so many other restaurants had been booked already!). We liked most of the things we ordered, but compared to some of the gems in the North End, the food was OK and the prices were a little high. The staff was friendly but did lie about running out of a less expensive bottle of wine that when we asked around magically reappeared. I wouldn't come here again. "
    Dined on 4/19/2014
  • "The restaurant was very busy but we only had to wait around a little bit to be taken to our table. The hostess was very friendly and did a great job handling the crowd. The fresh bread and olive oil was delicious. Had a great glass of wine, that paired nicely with my Fettucine Con Gamberi. I would definitely come back and try some of there other delicious sounding meals!"
    Dined on 4/19/2014
  • "It wasn't "bad", but it wasn't great. Food was sub-par for the North End in Boston. Have had better dishes at a chain restaurant. Too pricey for the quality as well. Wouldn't visit again. "
    Dined on 4/19/2014
  • "Tables are a little tight for me at 230lbs. But the seafood special was outstanding"
    Dined on 4/5/2014
  • "The prices are a little high, but that's what you get for being in the heart of the North End of Boston. The food outweighed the prices. The veal stuff with prosciutto was perfect. The steak was also cooked to perfection. They really know what they are doing there. The bartenders were a little off though. People were constantly sending drinks back because they were not correct. They even delivered me a drink twice. But overall, it was a great experience."
    Dined on 4/5/2014
  • "Perfectly fine evening at the Villa. Reservations for six on a Saturday for 7:30 and were seated immediately. Typical busy evening in the North End. Waitress was distracted by volume of tables early in the meal but as people cleared out the service improved. All individuals (from ages 23-52) enjoyed their meal. The veal dishes are recommended. The caprese was pedestrian. Enjoyed the mussel app."
    Dined on 4/5/2014
  • "We had visited this restaurant previously on two occasions. We had a groupon for this visit and read all the specifications which included letting the restaurant know you were planning on using a groupon. It did say the restaurant wasn't valid for restaurant week (NOT restaurant month!). We made a reservation 3 days before and listed the groupon, we don't live in Boston and had no idea it was part of Restaurant Week (which they seen to celebrate for longer than a week as we were informed by other restaurants!). Half an hour before our reservation, when we were already in Boston the management called and cancelled our reservation with absolutely NO apology. We find it hard to believe they needed to be so rude. We will never go there again."
    Dined on 3/30/2014
  • "We had a lovely time at Villa Francesca. The decor is beautiful and I couldn't stop admiring the textured ceilings, even the menus are lovely and one of a kind. Ours meals were all delicious, and the Fettuccine Calamari that I ordered as my entree was one of the most incredible plates I've had in a while. The service, however, was just okay. The waitresses who came to our table were friendly at first, but when they found out we were there for Dine Out Boston their enthusiasm noticeably dropped. We had to ask for a bread basket even though every table around us had one, and while we had a lovely time, it definitely would have been improved with a better staff."
    Dined on 3/28/2014
  • "Excellent food and service! Place itself is very nice and beautiful, and there were no problems at all."
    Dined on 3/26/2014
  • "Bought a Groupon and then they refused to honor it as it was Dine Out Boston. Groupon expires April 1. Food not worth paying full price."
    Dined on 3/23/2014
  • "Smaller restaurant with a nice ambiance. Definitely what I would expect at the North End. Great for special occasions and groups. Had mussels and they were absolutely delicious."
    Dined on 3/22/2014
  • "It was meh! Food wasn't bad but it was a regular italian meal. We went for he Dine Out Boston menu ($28) and the options were numerous but the taste of the food was nothing outstanding. The place is cute though and service was very good."
    Dined on 3/21/2014
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Private rooms with seating from 25 to 40 guests.
Great for events up to: 60
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