Francesco's Ristorante Italiano — Restaurant in Virginia

From the moment we stepped inside, the aroma of authentic Italian flavors filled the air, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Veal Piccata, a dish that wove a symphony of flavors. The infusion of lemon lent a zesty and refreshing note to the tender veal, creating a harmonious balance that danced on the palate. It's no surprise that this dish stood out as a favorite, leaving a lasting impression with its delightful combination of textures and tastes.

My husband's choice, the Fettucine with Grilled Chicken, was a triumph in its own right. The flavors were robust, and the grilled chicken added a smoky depth to the dish. His enjoyment was evident in every satisfied bite, making it clear that Francesco's had mastered the art of crafting pasta dishes that truly satisfy the senses.

Even the youngest members of our party were treated to a culinary adventure with the classic Spaghetti dish. It's heartwarming to hear that both toddlers relished their meal, a testament to the restaurant's ability to cater to various palates and preferences.

The staff at Francesco's Ristorante Italiano deserve accolades for their warm and friendly service. Their attentive demeanor added an extra layer of comfort to the dining experience, making us feel like cherished guests rather than mere patrons.

However, the only hiccup in the evening seemed to be the dining area's spatial constraints. With a party of 10, the reservation was honored, but the limited space did result in a slightly cramped atmosphere. While the cozy ambiance contributes to an intimate feel, a touch more room to maneuver would have likely elevated the overall comfort level.

In conclusion, Francesco's Ristorante Italiano is a haven for Italian food enthusiasts. The Veal Piccata's lemon-infused perfection, the flavorful Fettucine with Grilled Chicken, and the crowd-pleasing Spaghetti all reflect the kitchen's dedication to culinary excellence. The staff's warmth further enhances the experience, making it one to remember. If there's one area that could be improved, it's the dining space – a bit more breathing room for larger parties would be appreciated. Nonetheless, Francesco's remains a must-visit for those seeking authentic Italian flavors that...

My wife and I went there for dinner on 6/12. We were the only people in the dining area except for 2 men that seemed to be regulars or part of the restaurant. Our waiter was nice enough but was quick to talk and then leave. In addition he was wearing his airpods the entire time which, even if they were off, I find rude. We had the Arancini appetizer, the Ravioli Con Carne, and the Asiago Stuffed Gnocchi. The Arancini was very bland and for something supposedly stuffed with ground beef there were but a few crumbles of beef. The Ravioli and the Gnocchi were good. We also had dessert. The Rum Cake. Which was also good. My main issue with this restaurant was the service and the prices. We had 2 mixed drinks. Jack and Coke to be specific. They were $14 each. I had a glass of house wine. It was $11. The total food/beverage bill, after a $15 coupon, came to just under $98. They then added a 20% gratuity on the pre-discount food/beverage total for another $22. Next they added a 3.95% credit card convenience fee. In all the total for 1 app, 2 dinners, 3 drinks, and 1 dessert was just under $140.

I find this exorbitantly high for 2 people in a casual Italian restaurant. Also, perhaps the mandatory gratuity and credit card fee were posted somewhere but we did not see them nor were we told about them. Obviously I don't agree with mandatory gratuities and, given the prices this place charged, I don't agree with the credit card fee.

I typically tip 20% (minimum), and probably would have last night, but tipping is for service and I should be able to tip based on the service I receive. If you're going to impose a mandatory fees you should at least make sure your customers are aware of these policies before they are seated.

Overall, I think Francesco's has decent food but is basically a tourist trap and, obviously, we won't be going back.

PS. for a place whose sign says restaurant and pizzeria, there was no pizza on the menus...

Here’s the thing: we’ve been struggling as recent Williamsburg residents to find a restaurant that has delicious food. We’ve tried everything everyone in town has recommended and consistently feel let-down. No flavor, outrageous prices, small portions, etc. This is NOT the case with Francesco’s. We came on a whim with our in-laws and immediately fell in LOVE.

For one, the ambiance? Impeccable. Small dining room, cozy decor, feels like you’ve visited a family member’s home on Sunday. They’re playing oldies the entire family can enjoy on the dining room speakers. You can smell the garlic in the air! To make it even better, our server was efficient and considerate - not even needing to write down everyone’s complicated order on a table of 5. Our drinks were refilled without our having to ask, and our empty plates were whisked away before we could notice they had gone.

The food is fresh, obviously made to order (but still quick to come to the table), and you can see and taste the love in it. We all had pasta, the soup of the day (try the lobster bisque), mozzarella fritte, eggplant, and the delightfully crispy garlic bread they bring to your table. We were amazed at how delicious and flavorful the sauces were, and the textures and smells were to die for. As if this wasn’t enough, the prices are better than that of other restaurants in the area. We couldn’t finish everything and came home with dinner after all was said and done at lunch!

There is so much more to try; and we will be back. We also noticed that they deliver, and as we’re only a few miles up the road, we can’t wait to call in some of our favorites.

If you’re wondering if this small restaurant is worth your time and tummy, the answer is yes. Efficient, warm, DELICIOUS, and a good place to get your garlic fix. Thank you,...