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If you want to have an unforgettable Italian gastronomic experience, go to Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria for a business lunch, fancy dinner, or anything in between. Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria, a hidden gem in Maitland, is a fantastic Italian restaurant that you shouldn’t miss.
All about Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria
Dine at Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria and immerse yourself in the authentic Italian tradition. It’s a gastronomic experience you’ll enjoy and one that will entice you to return for more. The use of simple, whole ingredients, as well as the time-honored method of open flame cooking, will result in delectable food options.
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Chef Francesco Aiello was born in Sicily, and his life has been rooted in farm-to-table, as evidenced by the basil he grows in the restaurant and the local vendors with whom he collaborates. He is an award-winning chef who came in second place in the Best Chef category of the 2018 Foodie Awards for Central Florida.
Every plate is a reflection of the love and passion he shares with each guest. The food speaks for itself, and the open kitchen shows how the chef crafts each plate individually and to order.
A close glimpse on the Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria Menu
Lunch menu (served from 11 AM to 3 PM)
- Meat or Veggie Lasagna
- Eggplant Parmigiana
- Chicken Parmigiana
- Rigatoni al Pesto
- Angel Hair with Meatballs
- Rigatoni Vodka with Broccoli & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Stromboli
- Pizza Margherita
- Panino Campagnolo
- Panino con Polpette
- Panino con Polo
- Panino Chef Francesco
Dinner Menu
Calzone
- Calabria
- Sicilia
- Formaggio
Pizza
All pizzas are 13 inches and baked in a wood-burning oven at 700 degrees to create a thin, crispy perfectly charred crust.
- Italiana
- Bianca
- Carne Pazza
- Calabrese
- Margherita
- Campagnola
- Quattro Stagioni (Four Seasons Pizza)
- Pizza Bomba
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Flatbead
- Toscana
- Romana
- Pollo
- Carne
Insalate
- Insalata Caprese
- House Salad
- Traditional Wedge Salad
- Insalata di Carciofi
- Caesar Salad
- Proscuitto Mozzarella Salad
Antipasti
- Crostini di Pollo
- Antipasto Italiano
- Calamari Fritti
- Gamberoni Siciliana
Secondi
- Pollo Caprese
- Pollo Cacciatore
- Pollo Siciliano
- Pollo Parmigiana
- Melanzane Parmigiana
- Vitello Parmigiana
- Vitello Siciliano
- Ribeye Steak
Pesce
- Salmone Bruschetta
- Grigliata Mista
- Sauteed Calamari
- Spaghetti alle Vongole
- Pesce fresco del giorno
Pasta
You have an option to create your own by choosing your pasta and sauce
- Rigatoni alla Pete Piacenti
- Rigatoni Calabrese
- Rigatoni Palermitana
- Gnocchi Siciliana
- Spaghetti alla Carbonara
- Rigatoni Puttanesca
- Lasagna Bolognese
- Bucatani all’Amatriciana
- Whole Wheat Caprese
Dolce
All desserts are made in house by Chef Francesco’ parents
- Cassata al Forno
- Traditional Tiramisu
- Strawberry Tiramisu
- Cannoli
- Profitterol
- Italian Wedding Cake
- Sfogliatelle
- Gelato
Dessert Wine
- Moscato d’Asti Marenco
- Vin Santo, Fattoria del Cerro
If you want to check out the complete menu of Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria, click here.
An unforgettable Italian fare
During our visit to Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria, we highly recommend the best authentic Italian restaurant in Maitland while praising Chef Francesco and his entire staff – Carlos, Ben, Maurizio, Aldo, Kayra, Hector, Nino, Christian, and Jona – for their exceptional service.
We started with a glass of grandfather white Sicilian wine and some delicious homemade fresh baked focaccia bread with balsamic vinegar and oil. Following that, we had an exceptional salad made with a base of scrumptious cantaloupe melon, thin strips of prosciutto crudo filled cheese, and balsamic vinegar drizzled on top. The sweet and salty flavors were exquisite and perfectly balanced.
Just after our salad, we chowed down on their one-of-a-kind homemade star pizza. The dough was perfect, and the toppings of fresh arugula, parmesan cheese, and balsamic vinegar were delectable.
Our main course consisted of grouper with shrimp and clams cooked to excellence with saffron, extra virgin olive oil, and cherry tomatoes, with sautéed spinach and fresh garlic on the side. We also had their famous Al dente spaghetti as a side dish, which was delicious.
Chef Francesco served us a selection of mouthwatering handmade strawberry tiramisu, traditional tiramisu, and a tasty cannoli overflowing with sweet and creamy ricotta cheese peppered with cinnamon for dessert. Our dessert was accompanied by a steaming cup of freshly brewed cappuccino coffee.
The food, the ambiance, the beverages, and the service were all fantastic! I can’t wait to return to this hidden gem in Maitland’s heart.
What people are saying about Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria?
“The food is delicious!! The service is excellent!! I went on a Saturday afternoon and a trio of singers entertained with their Italian music. If you eat little with a single dish, 2 people eat.”
“The food and services were just perfect! Starting with the calamari which is the best I have ever tried. Pizza for my kids was good and my risotto was delicious. To finish we got a Nutella cheesecake, and it was good. A nice thing about Francesco is that they delight the night with a serenade, which we enjoy. Thank you to the chef but especially to Jonnas (the waiter).”
“Stopped by after a road trip with my wife and we both ordered the lasagna boldness. We shared a calamari fritti. The calamari is so good, almost buttery, and never chewy. The lasagna is very cheesy and always good. The place was packed at 8 pm Sunday, so we sat at the bar watching the kitchen. This remains one of my favorite places.”
“This is our favorite Italian spot! The price is not too bad, and the food is worth the money. The shrimp appetizer and the flatbread are my ‘must have’. I’m not a pizza fan, but the flatbread is amazing, not oily, and the veggies and onion sauce make a perfect match. They also have a hidden menu, like calzone! All the desserts I tried so far is amazing, tiramisu is my favorite?”
“I can’t believe it took me so long to try Francesco’s! I have been in that plaza numerous times and I am glad I finally made it a point to make it a destination. We were greeted and seated right away. The restaurant’s ambiance and decor are so welcoming, that it makes you feel like you are in an Italian house. Our server greeted us, was attentive, and answered any questions we had. Our meal was paced well, and it is a nice touch that if you have food allergies, the chef likes to know to make sure you are taken care of. We went for lunch and ordered the Veggie Lasagna and the Fish of the Day. The lasagna was so creamy, cheesy, and tasty. Grouper and shrimp in a light garlic sauce with pasta selected by the chef. Our entrees came with a choice of Caesar or house salad, and we had Caesar. It was fresh and divine! Everything was made to order, fresh, with quality ingredients, good flavor, balanced, and portions were good. The bread is homemade too and it was delish! We will be back and this time we will try dessert! We were full, but that cassata cake is calling my name!”
“I was lucky enough to be treated to this gem for a celebration lunch. The seafood was fresh and perfectly cooked-. Muscles were scrumptious, I loved their house salad dressing. Our server was fantastic, but the rest of this stuff worked like a well-oiled machine that all took pride in their establishment. They offer inside and outside dining that makes you feel like you are stepped into your little world, but what shines here is the food and service.”
Final thoughts
When you’re craving authentic Italian cuisine, don’t pass up Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria’s incredible selections. You should visit this hidden gem for the delectable selection of Italian options paired with the best beverages, superior service, and inviting ambiance. So, what are you holding out for? Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria in Maitland serve the best Italian cuisine.
