We went to the newly remodeled Francescos for lunch and were delighted with the new decor! The lunch menu was like a smaller portion assortment of dinner menu choices- wonderful for those who cannot eat a full meal during the day. The service was prompt & friendly - it is Family operated, The food was fabulous! I had a filet of fish in a unique almond cream sauce and topped with crab I think. It was so tasty. Friend had meatballs and said they were delicious. Going back today to enjoy an early dinner and so looking forward to the dining experience at very reasonable prices. Bonnie Sue F. read more

Second time visiting here and still an enjoyable place to come. I will say that the service is rather slow even when the restaurant is mostly empty. Their food is good and decent prices and love the atmosphere! read more

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Used to be our favorite restaurant. Went there for Mothers Day. It was Awful. Losey service and the food , was terrible.I am shocked at how bad it was. Very, very overpriced and terrible service. It was a special Mothers day menu. We are so upset at what used to be awesome food. Will not be going back again. read more

New review) April 20 : We came in mid afternoon And wanted to sit at the high tops by the bar. We waited about 10 minutes . Finally she took our drink order only. Another couple sat down after us and apparently the bartender Carissa, (?)knew them . She waited on them first. I called her over and said, " We were sat first, we've been waiting" Her answer was " Well now you're second". Smart a**, unprofessional, disrespectful and just wrong! I'd NEVER say that to a guest. We are seniors and this person was young. So maybe not so UNBELIEVABLE and beyond rude when you consider her age and lack of experience/ manners. BTW: the Stuffed Shells were served lukewarm. Had to be sent back. Italian restaurants are plentiful around here. No need to have a bad experience based on one employee's lack of common sense. Glad most restaurants we go out to are enjoyable. Having worked in the service/ hospitality industry for years I know it only takes one bad experience to get crossed off the go back? list. Adios. read more

Enjoyed a lovely dinner here with family. They have had dinner here many time's before and suggested dining on a Monday as they have a special 2 for $39.99 with a bottle of wine included with Entree , soup or salad and a cannoli ! The restaurant is neat and clean with plenty of seating . Our server was exceptionally polite and professional. I ordered Chicken Marsala , the portion was substantial and enough to bring some leftovers home . The chicken was moist , tender and delicious, with a flavorful Marsala sauce with plenty of mushrooms. We had a very nice dinner and we all enjoyed our selections. read more

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The Sunday Golfers enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Francesco's Ristorante in Summerfield, FL. I had made a reservation for 11 people at noon, and as usual, my spouse and I arrived 30 minutes early to ensure everything was ready. We were warmly greeted by Gaetano, the restaurant manager, who asked whether we preferred our table in the main dining room or off to the side. Since our group can be lively, I mentioned not wanting to disturb other guests. He assured me it wouldn't be a problem. Although the table wasn't yet set, Gaetano personally arranged it for us, even asking where I'd like the single guest to be seated. Because our group is made up of couples, I always request that pairs sit across from each other--it makes both conversation and billing easier. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with artwork and wall colors that evoke the charm of Italy. Gaetano, originally from Sicily, clearly brings authenticity to the atmosphere. He then introduced us to our server, Savannah, promising we were in good hands--and he was absolutely right. As each golfer arrived, Savannah promptly took drink orders, followed by appetizers, and then entrées. Service was attentive and well-paced, especially impressive for a group of 11. As is my tradition, I ordered pizza to test the kitchen's skill. Being someone who makes New Haven-style "apizza" at home, I hold restaurants to a high standard. Earlier, I had explained to Gaetano that I wanted a simple pie--just sauce, a touch of Pecorino Romano, and a well-charred crust with a solid undercarriage. He assured me it could be done and encouraged me to tell Savannah exactly how I wanted it. She listened carefully, and the result did not disappoint. Every dish at the table was enjoyed, and Savannah's service was excellent throughout. The timing of the entrées was smooth, even with such a large party. In the end, Francesco's delivered on every level--ambiance, service, and food. Bravo to Gaetano and Savannah for making our Sunday Golfers' lunch such a success. Francesco's has certainly earned a spot on our regular rotation, and you can expect to see us again. read more

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We eat here all the time! Never had a bad meal! Everything is so good, I'd personally recommend the salmon salad or pecan crusted salmon. read more

Another time here and another wonderful meal! Went for lunch today great prices but we decided to add some extras to the meal- I will say their sausage is delicious! Added in 1 sausage 1meatball ( which I really like also) tries the stuffed shells delicious! I really enjoy their sauce(s) they have a few types all good! Very nice atmosphere and our waitress was excellent! Got the Coconut Cake to go looked to good to pass up! I think she said it was from Dream Cakes By Donna - whoch get the carrot cake here is FANTASTIC! read more

Great pizza (stone fired) although they are small personal sized pizzas! If you order to-go they are always BOGO free so about $16 for 2 pizzas! We always get the fratellanza and pepperoni with mushrooms (pretty sure they are canned mushrooms so I deducted a star) Cannoli's are great. It's hard to mess up a cannoli. I don't recommend the chocolate cake if you like sweet cake with frosting. This was more of a fudgy dark chocolate slightly bitter cake. If you come on a holiday or weekend then expect a wait. The dining area is loud, there is a bar area to sit at to watch sports, and there's a 'silver river' every time I visit lol. (close to the villages) read more

Food was outstanding! Local spot catering to family & seniors Great service. And although they have adorable alcoves booths, they are limited. The main dining room is stil.cozy. Wine was affordable with big pours. The salmon was perfect. The trio was bountiful. Recommend this place and even though Italian isn't my favorite type of food, hope to go again read more

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Subject: Extremely disappointing 80th Birthday celebration - Frozen food and poor service I visited this establishment on December 23, 2025, to celebrate an 80th birthday, and it was a disaster from start to finish. The Food: My steak dinner arrived with vegetables that were literally still frozen. This is not only a failure of quality control but a basic health and safety concern. When I pointed this out, the waitress was completely indifferent, offering no apology and only a dismissive "I'll get you more." No I do not want more frozen vegetables!! The Service: After we ordered three cakes for our table of nine to share, the waitress dropped them off and walked away. She failed to provide clean dessert forks or small plates. Because she disappeared, my guests were forced to share cake using dirty dinner forks and passing plates around, which was incredibly embarrassing for a celebratory event. Management & Accountability: When I finally addressed these issues during payment, the waitress was defensive and rude, telling me I "should have asked" for silverware. At no point did she apologize, nor did she offer to involve a manager to rectify the situation. This was an unprofessional and frankly "disgusting" experience for a landmark birthday. I would not recommend this place to anyone who expects edible food or basic hospitality. I hope that management sees this and they are more then welcome to contact me tmdhpd@aol.com read more

Francesco's Ristorante - frozen Vegetables - Pizza Near Me - Summerfield, Florida

This place used to be good but not anymore. Last couple of times food was not good at all. Chewy, stringy chicken parm. Bad potatoes. Lots of health dept violations. I no longer recommend! and will not be going back. read more

Great bartenders good food Cc, Margo, and Jamie. Great drinks. Also hood food. Great atmosphere. Like going to Chreers. Like to see CC on bar more read more

Francesco's Ristorante - Pizza Near Me - Summerfield, Florida

Definitely a great find! 6 of us went and all really liked the food. I ordered the Eggplant Rotallini and it was wonderful! The service was great as well! The place was packed and still the food came out fast. The bread for the table comes with a homemade balsamic dipping sauce that was fabulous. The house balsamic dressing was also really good and a little different from the sauce. My wife ordered a pasta with 2 shrimp and it was gluten free. She had to pour off the extra butter, but it too was really good. They have daily lunch specials and we will be back to try a menu full of great options. If I could, I would give it a 4.5 star rating. They discount for cash if you choose as well. read more

Francesco's Ristorante - Only about half left of the eggplant rottallini, but fantastic! - Pizza Near Me - Summerfield, Florida

The restaurant is clean and the kitchen is visible from the dining room, ambiance is good, wait staff excellent, food better than any places inside the villages. I would definitely put this on my returning list read more

Our server started out being very attentive, but after we got our meal, not so much. I had to ask another server to have my lukewarm lasagne reheated. When it came back, it was hot about 1/2 way through, then medium warm. No one came back to see how it was, & I was going to tell the manager, but he was busy in the back. Flavorwise, the lasagne was kind of blah. Husband said his spaghetti bolognese was good. The bread was good, but was served with the same thick balsamic dressing that was served with my salad. Not a fan. I heard the pizza is good, so I may try that sometime, but otherwise will not be anxious to go back. read more

In our unending quest to find the best Italian in or near The Villages, we hit Francesco's in Summerfield last night. We will never go back. On the plus side, they got us seated exactly on time even in high season just before a busy Valentine's Day weekend. The decor looks like it's been recently refurbished and was pleasant. But those are the only positive things I can say. The Chardonnay didn't taste like Kendall Jackson. Similarly, the pasta fagioli soup, while decent, tasted more like navy bean. Our son didn't care for the Italian wedding soup at all. The bread, which came with the meal, was just okay and was served with an oddly heavy balsamic glaze. They brought two of our meals out early which meant we all had to wait because the guys weren't going to eat with out me. Our son said the pizza tasted like it was frozen. My husband's trio (spaghetti, lasagna, and chicken parm) was average at best and was doused in a tasteless red sauce. My linguini with clams was awful. The clams were slimy and chewy, the sauce was heavy not light and the noodles were way undercooked. I mean there's al dente and then there was this. The service was competent yet rushed, but I'll give them a pass because it was busy. If this restaurant was five minutes up the road I might be willing to try again, hoping to discover a decent entree. But given it's expensive and a 45 minute drive, best case scenario, (they are way up Route 27 past Spanish Springs) I think we'll be giving Francesco's a pass. read more

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You have one chance to make a first impression. Do you think anyone wants this amount of sauce on a simple order of spaghetti? Or, do you think they want the spaghetti to come out before the salad, bread or without the broccoli side dish? Or, do you think they should be charged $1.50 extra for cheese on top of the simple spaghetti priced at $14.00? Bar area large and inviting. Might return to try other things or might not. I was looking for a nice dining experience driving by - not sauce and noodles slapped together haphazardly and thrown in front of me before any other food came out. It's not a mess hall. I would have stayed and ordered more wine and food had my meal been a delightful experience. My choice for dining tonight was to go home and not eat or have diet food or to have an Italian meal. I regret not going home. On a positive note, Ashley the manager is beyond lovely, charming and friendly and truly wants to make the place great. Best wishes to her. read more

Francesco's Ristorante - Spaghetti swimming in sauce plus note the dirty plates to right that just sat there. - Pizza Near Me - Summerfield, Florida

Went for dinner - the food was 5 star and the service was even better ! We had the skirt steak with risotto and gnocchi in a pesto sauce with shrimp and chicken along with a burrata for an app. Everything was just perfection , these folks really know how to make premium Italian cuisine ! We will definetly be back , often ! read more

We had the special which was Cajun Alfredo with sausage and blackened sirloin. It was so delicious! We also had the pepperoni pizza. The crust was the best we have had here! It was super busy but all of the staff worked together to make our dinner enjoyable. Definitely coming back! read more

Never disappoints us. Great food. Love the Italian Wedding soup. Great eggplant Parmesan too. The warm bread is so delish. Go check it out. Recently renovated and beautiful. read more

Food was great wife had cheese pizza with tomatoes and a side of fettuccine Alfredo. I had the calzone with sausage and mushroom. So good. Can't find a good calzone in IL. read more

I stop by Francesco's at least once a week for their lunch specials. Even though the prices went up slightly, it's still a good value.Tabitha server/ bartender is the best, and so accommodating! Newly renovated, looks even more inviting, and I like that they still play old time Italian music. Never had a bad meal!! read more

Carissa is the BEST she has such a pleasant bubbly personality and goes ABOVE and BEYOND !!! Here blend of Italian sauce for dipping the bread is like no other! We will be back!!! read more

I have been here many times. Food and drink are excellent. The salmon cleopatra is one of my favorites, as is the 2 for 1 pizza. Staff is very friendly and provide excellent service. read more

Had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with friends. Great turkey dinner - I can't wait to go back and try their authentic Italian dishes. Service was great, good portion size, and I liked the bread with the balsamic vinegar dip - different and nice touch. read more

I highly recommend this place now only for the food that they also drink specials. The service was great and prompt bartenders are really good. I'm not giving you water down drinks. The ambience is a very good mellow Italian restaurant 5. The only reason why I cannot give this place. Five stars was unfortunately due to a rude patron that walked up to my table and proceeded to complain about pur "Loudness" (eventhough she was sitting on the other side of the restaurant) and told me that she understands me being latino plays a part in it. When I asked a server if we are being loud she told me it's that I have a "distinctive voice and accent" (I'm from NY). read more

Francesco's Ristorante - Supreme personal pizza - Pizza Near Me - Summerfield, Florida

HARD PASS ---- Don't come for the Comedy Show/Dinner - I would give this ZERO Stars. 530 PM was for Dinner & Comedy Show @ 7PM. Arrived 520 PM and our party of 3 was seated in the farthest corner of the room. Completely ignored for 20 minutes - no drink orders, no menus. Several tables proceeded to be seated after our party and was provided menus. Drinks finally ordered and waited another 10 minutes to be served and still no menus. Asked what appeared to be the manager for menus which came 10 minutes later via the hostess who didn't know the specials for the Comedy. Our server finally came to take our order and stated there are no specials and left without us ordering. I had to get up from the table and flagged her down at the bar to let her know we were ready to order. Again did not immediately come to the table and @ this point our table was frustrated with the service and we left. WORST SERVICE EVER!!!! Won't be booking this event again. read more

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After getting rain out from playing golf my buddy suggested that we go get wings and a pint at Francesco's Stone Fire Pizza. Upon entering the restaurant we we're warmly greeted and seated immediately. Our waitress, Ms. Lynn, was polite and friendly. The ambience was typical of a pizzeria but the staff made it feel like a home style local spot that you could visit on a regular basis. The Linguine Portofino was very good, the fresh seafood was cooked to perfection and the mushrooms were tender and blended well into the sauce. I look forward to the next visit, I have to try the stone fire pizza or calzones. I hope to see you there. read more

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Three of us went to this restaurant for the very first time. Our servers name was Daisy, and she was very attentive, giving us great service! We ordered pizza, two different kinds that were delicious. They are Italian dressing was homemade and yummy. We also ordered the chicken Parmesan, and it was a very generous piece. Our friend ordered very spicy chicken wings, which she loved. we will definitely be back! read more

Food was amazing. I had the steak with bacon and blue cheese. Wow, so tender. Our server Lynn B made us feel so welcome. Drinks were always full and service was on point. Thanks Lynn read more

We had dinner here last night, I've been here one other time with my mom for Lunch. We loved the B&B Saratoga Chips last time. This time the chips were like stale, nothing like the first time. Calamari was not it. Very chewy and lacked flavor. The bread was as good as before. The major disappointment was the entree's. The flavor of our sauces in each pasta dish was great but the chicken was absolutely gross. It's almost as if they prep their chicken for every dish the same and just sour it in the sauce and call it done, why not sear fresh chicken for each dish? It was totally flavorless. Sauce couldn't save that. Bread was the highlight of our entire meal. Aside from the food. Our server was fantastic. read more

We stopped here on our way home from The Market of Marion. It smelled good right when we walked in. Entrees are reasonably priced, comes with dipping bread and a good side salad. I really liked the sauce on the spaghetti. I think it had some fresh herb in it. It was not Sysco. Very tasty. read more

Francesco's Ristorante - Chicken cutlet foreground, baked Ziti background. - Pizza Near Me - Summerfield, Florida

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Fabulous Service and a really good pizza ! Italiano style ! Very close to The Villages off 411

we came for dinner with a party of 15 family members, plus a baby.........''lynn'' was the staff person ...she was great.....i had a peroni, so did my partner....i had the almond crusted salmon, and she had the vegan squash rice pilaf dish....we shared fried calamari.....the food was excellent, and all the family loved it....thx so much.... read more

I enjoyed an amazing dinner of haddock stuffed with crab last night, served with roasted new potatoes and a few asparagus spears. Hubby loved his NY strip steak with loads of steamed fresh broccoli and potatoes. We each got a fresh, adequate side salad and loaf of just out of the oven baked bread. The price for each entree was $20-very reasonable for a dinner here near The Villages. The service was great and all the staff seemed very welcoming. read more

My fiancé and I always pass by Francesco's when driving home from visiting his family who lives in The Villages. We finally made it a point to stop. We tried a little bit of everything that intrigued us. He got the pasta fagioli (which he tries at every restaurant that has it), and he said he would give it a 10/10. The calamari he also got, was 8/10. The calamari was too soft and not as crispy. As for the Tagliatelle Alfredo, we shared it and were excited for it as we both LOVE Alfredo. Our first bite was extremely underwhelming even though it smelled amazing as well as the presentation was nice. The sauce tasted very milky and buttery with little to no Parmesan taste. Thankfully there was a shaker of Parmesan at the table because it needed it very bad. If it wasn't for that, we would've been sending it back. I appreciate that it was made in-house though. Lastly we got a cannoli to-go and that was 10/10. Only thing I would change about that is the chocolate chips to be smaller. The flavor was impeccable though. The ambiance of the restaurant was cozy but I want to note the ceiling was leaking above our table and dripped at the corner of our table the whole meal. The menus also were very dirty and scratched up. read more

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The 4 of us visited on Saturday evening, 2/15/25. We were told there would be a half hour wait. OK, no problem. After an hour and 20 minutes, we were finally seated. We were waited on quickly and we asked the waitress for butter for our bread. She never brought the butter but we did ask the host and he delivered some butter to our table. The food was brought fairly quickly. My pasta Alfredo was delicious as was my friend's tortellini. The ladies both ordered haddock franchise, The fish was delicious but the potatoes were cold. When we told the waitress about the cold potatoes, she said, "I'll let them know." She didn't offer to replace them with warm potatoes but would "let them know." The highlight of the evening was when I went to pay with a Francesco's gift card. The waitress brought it back to the table and said she could not get it to go through. WHAT?? We paid then left. We did leave a 20% tip but really should have left less. When we got home, I went to the website on the back of the gift card to ensure there was still the balance on the card. When I entered the card number, it came back as an "invalid card number." I entered the card number again and checked it twice, but it still came back as "invalid card number." So apparently they sold a card that was invalid. Not sure exactly what that means. I will be bringing this card back to the restaurant to get a new card. read more

We took my grandma here for her birthday dinner. She had been here previously and loves the food. My sister and I split two entrées. We had the trio platter and a calzone. I'm not sure which calzone because it wasn't the one we ordered but it was good. Our server had a ton of tables and did his best job, although he made a few mistakes. Our meal came with soup or salad and we chose the wedding soup. Omg it was some of the best soup. The noodles were cooked to perfection. I loved the look and feel of the restaurant. The serving sizes were generous. I didn't love the bread but others did. They even gave my grandma a complimentary birthday cannoli! read more

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Been there three times now, great service, good to sometimes great food, nice ambience. In a strip mall so parking can be a problem, but it always seems to be spots regardless. Salad good , pizza great they have a dome shaped Neapolitan pizza oven, need I say more. Crust, sauce, ingredients all very good. Didn't try the pasta, I'm very picky, the garlic knots, which used to be free now come at a nominal price, but they are worth it!! Had the fish special and it was okay but nothing special. The piccata was also okay but for both of these I don't think the fish or chicken cooked in the sauce so that it took on that flavor u need to make a dish special. Both were cooked to the right temp though. read more

Francesco's Ristorante - Pizza Near Me - Summerfield, Florida