Francesco's Cafe — Restaurant in Rancho Mirage

Traveled to Palm Springs and found this very intriguing after driving past. An Italian and Persian restaurant? How could I not try it? Though the atmosphere is a bit underwhelming (kind of pizzeria-esque) it was a nice experience. The calamari is good and reasonably priced. The pita and hummus are out of this world; the pita is so perfectly prepared with a wonderful texture and mouthfeel. The hummus is also creamy and delicious. There are many great options on the dinner menu but rather than go Italian (the primavera and cacciatore looked excellent), which I’ve had millions of times, I went with a Persian-inspired dish (when in Persia…). The chicken kabobs are very, very good (the chicken perhaps not as moist as you might like but still very flavorful) and were laid on a bed of delicate saffron rice, with grilled tomatoes, zucchini and peppers. Top it off with very pleasant wait staff and you’ve got a winner in Francesco’s. Really enjoyed my...

Dropped in for lunch today. My wife ordered the Minestrone soup, and I the vege sub, with less cheese(health reasons) My wife really liked the Minestrone, fresh, not salty, fresh vege taste, light and flavorful. My sub was outstanding! I commented how flavorful and great tasting the bread was, and they said it was baked on the premises, no wonder! I am looking forward to going back for dinner for: Manhattan Clam Chowder, Ciappino, and some Persian Kabob dishes. I gave it 5 stars because I have been looking for a local Italian Restaurant whose food was great, but affordable. The Persian menu was an amazing bonus. My first impression is it was a hidden local gem in the Coachella Valley! I will keep you posted. ...

Francesco’s has excellent food. The attitude of the staff and owners leaves so much to be desired. They act as if they are doing customers a great service to allow them to enter their restaurant or to order food to go. They appear to be totally understaffed. If takeout orders bog down their service, then perhaps they shouldn’t offer takeout. There are few places in the desert with better pizza and their menu of Persian/ Italian is unique and tasty. Tonight was our final effort to try to have a good dining experience at this place that we used to frequent regularly and have enjoyed in the past. During recent visits, the lack of attention and service has become more pronounced...