Francesco's Ristorante Italiano

This a Family review. Everyone loved the food. Large servings and a great variety to choose from. Service was superior. Atmosphere was charming. So much better than a chain restaurant. Found this by another yelp review and agree on all the positive points.
Would absolutely recommend a visit.

This wasn't our first experience dining at Francesco's but we're still delighted. As other reviewers have said, it is in a strip shopping center and you would never expect such excellence looking at it from outside. But the inside is charming, and the food and service were terrific. Since we were there for dinner, we ordered an appetizer (unusual for us) and split an order of the homemade arancini. Superb! The garlic bread was also outstanding. The service was friendly but very professional, and our waitress was helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. Homemade pasta sauce and homemade pasta make a dramatic improvement over the many chains of pseudo Italian restaurants!

My wife had the Sogno Cremona, manicotti stuffed with ricotta and simmered in a creamy Alfredo, then sautéed with spinach and chicken. Meanwhile , I enjoyed the Rollatini Francesco, veal, prosciutto and sun dried tomatoes with mam and peas in a creamy Gorgonzola Alfredo sauce accompanied by their homemade pappardelle. Luscious

Portion size is ample - as our waitress predicted, we had to take some home with us.

I've traveled throughout Italy and all over the USA and this is by far the most delicious Italian food I've had in quite a while. I love their dishes! Definitely will come here again and again and again! You won't be disappointed!

We look forward to returning soon!

Fabulous food for our party of 4. The ravioli con carne was excellent! Our waitress, Stephanie, made us feel right at home and met our every need. The restaurant is cozy and beautifully decorated.
Jan S

Fabulous food again with different choices this time, selecting from the chef's menu. Hubby enjoyed his Rollatini which was covered in a red sauce with homemade pappardelle noodles. Veal, prosciutto and vegetables were all so delicious. I had the Sogno cremoso which was manicotti stuffed with ricotta and a lot of mozzarella. Tasted like a white pizza without all the dough but so much better. We did start out sharing an app of arancini which is fried rice balls. Good but we've had better arancini. The entrees were so incredibly delicious and we both couldn't finish them so another supper! The server was spot on and caring

I didn't have a reservation but they were able to squeeze us in and we were very pleased. The food was great and the service was amazing. Vince did a great job explaining the options and he really got us when he brought out the dessert tray. Even the signature drinks were wonderful. Everything was delicious. Not only will we return, I am making a reservation to make sure we get in.

The staff were friendly and personable, making you feel at home. The food was DELICIOUS, from the garlic bread to the red sauce to the homemade pasta to the Quattro Fromage tortellini to the chocolate mousse cake. My very picky son gave it a 6 out of 5 stars. A gem in an unexpected spot.

Was in town for sight seeing. Ordered the penne vodka but sub'd with the fessh pasta of the day.

It was absolutely fantastic! The sauce was creamy and delicate in flavor. The garlic bread that accompanied the dish was delicious too - it was covered in some sort of garlic/oregano/Parmesan spread which was tasty.

Service was good. They were friendly, courteous and attentive.

I plan to visit the next time I'm in town.

This is a difficult review. I so wanted to give a higher rating but I just couldn't. Let's talk positive first. The ambiance is amazing. Beautiful decor and cozy setting. The wine bottles on the wall are amazing. The service 5 was star I never had to wait for anything. Then we get to the food and selection. The menus was plain and unimpressive. There was no antipasto board. The food was sorely lacking in flavor and freshness. It felt like I was at Olive Garden with jugs of pasta sauce poured on my plate of noodles. This place could be so much more but it wasn't.

Francesco's Restaurant was a walk into Italy - the Rolatini Francesco (veal) was amazing! We had a myriad of dishes; muscles, shrimp, pizza and the were all truly authentic and delicious. My wife had the cannoli for desert which was equally delicious! We'll be back next visit to Richmond area.

The BEST food, service, and ambiance I have ever had in MY LIFE. Considering moving to Virginia just for restaurant. No joke. The vibes were immaculate. Our survey was a gem. The owner was super friendly and welcoming. Every bite was heaven. I want to quit my career and become a dishwasher here just to be close. Could not recommend more.

Also got two cannolis to go because we couldn't get enough. All of this was for three people and they also gave use salads and the most amazing garlic bread I've had in my life.