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Francesca's Trattoria
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 10 pm
Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Francesca's Trattoria
Review Highlights
"...I am absurdly addicted to garlic knots and I dream about..."
(in 5 reviews)
"Try the eggplant rollatini and the shrimp parmesan."
(in 4 reviews)
"This is by far and away the best Italian food in G'ville."
(in 3 reviews)
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Noah P.
Portland, OR
1/6/2012
I'm a traveling musician and performed for them on Jan 5th, 2012. The place has a great decor, excellent layout and is CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN! Smells great and the staff is fast and friendly. Francesca was there floating from table to table, Italian style. The food was excellent. I play all over the U.S. and this was "lick-the-plate" good. I had a great time, the atmosphere was family friendly and next time I'm in Gainsville I'm so going there. Great spot, great food, great people.
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Review from Jeffrey A.
Bethesda, MD
12/28/2011
This is probably the best Italian food in the area. It seems like there is always some sort of event going on here, but the place has ample seating. That said, make sure you make reservations on the weekends, as this is a big spot for graduation and celebration dinners for UF students. The food is pretty decent, probably best to stick with the traditional Italian dishes (parm, spaghetti, ziti, etc) and the staff is curteous and quick. The wine list leaves something to be desired, but the desserts are pretty good (Tiramisu is rather good). For Gainesville, it is pricey, but if you aren't a college student or used to bigger city prices, it really isn't that bad for the amount of food you get.
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Review from Andy R.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2011
Service is OK and ambience is Gainesville-good (heavy and old fashioned, but decent). The food is mediocre at best, made with industrialized ingredients and covered with blankets of melted cheese. It might be a reasonable place to take your grandmother.
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Review from Xine F.
Plano, TX
1/15/2011
Francesca's is nothing short of amazing. I've watched it morph from a fledgling starter restaurant to a full fledged spot of deliciousness. I moved out of Gainesville, but every time I even drive through, I stop in.
The garlic knots took me by surprise; they are light and airy, as opposed to being a dense, thick bread. Of course, that just makes them more useful when sopping up the left over marinara sauce (which you will want to do. I promise.)
My first experience at Francesca's involved the Eggplant Rollatini. I don't even like eggplant, so I was very hesitant to try it out. Turns out, I can eat eggplant by the plateful when it's stuffed with cheeses and paired with the amazing marinara sauce that the owner makes.
My daughter ordered the Fried Mozzarella, and much to my delight, it wasn't sticks of mozzarella that were heavily breaded and barely gooey. They were hunks of mozzarella, breaded and when you but into them, mozzarella poured out at a healthy rate. I probably ate as much of it as she did.
Since that first trip, I have had the Ravioli Al Forno no less than every other trip. I get chided for being so boring, but the ravioli is seriously, seriously delicious.
However, I think my most favorite dinner on the menu is the Tortellini Al Forno.It is AMAZING. It is rich and flavorful and makes me giddy. I was actually challenged to eat an entire dish of this by myself. I was confident that I would be able to, but about half way through it hit me how full of delicious tortellini I was. I kept trying, but this dish is so rich and filling that I didn't make it. It was okay, though; it meant I had more to eat the next day for lunch!! (This dish can easily be split into two or three meals.)
I am a lover of Tiramisu. I haven't really met a tiramisu that I didn't at least like, and Francesca's tiramisu is no exception. I haven't even tried any of their other desserts. I would be perfectly content to just eat the tiramisu every time. It is completely yummy.
Two major selling points about Francesca's for me are that the owners are local and they buy as much local, fresh food as they can.They live and work in Alachua and have obviously poured their hearts and souls into providing the good people of Gainesville with hearty, delicious, amazing Italian food. Someone said the food is "low grade" and "on par with olive garden." I don't agree with either of these statements since Francesca's food is made in-house and at least partially with local foods. Chain Italian joints don't care what's fresh or in season. The food at those places is mostly just reheated after coming to them frozen and slapped on a plate for you at exorbitant prices.
I, too, implore you to give Francesca's a go. The food is delicious, authentic, fresh, tasty, and filling. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from John G.
Gainesville, FL
8/3/2010
Usually, in the interest of fairness, we like to give a restaurant at least two chances before passing judgment. Sometimes, though, the first visit sucks so spectacularly, a second is unnecessary. So, here goes.
Francesca's is located in northwest Gainesville across from the perpetually-deserted Thornebrook Village. The dining room faces an open kitchen and is distinguished by low, black-painted ceilings. Combined with a lack of windows, it seemed rather like a cruise ship lounge.
The menu is extensive - very much so. Despite claiming to be Northern Italian-inspired, they seemed to have everything - the six page menu reads like a greatest hits list of Italian food-dom. It being our first visit, we decided to go with some "safe" picks - classics whose execution gives a pretty accurate pulse of the restaurant. I went with Penne Vodka and m'lady went with a margherita pizza with spinach and red onion.
I struggled with how I would describe the Penne Vodka. It sucked, surely, but it was more than that. In a word, it was an embarrassment. The sauce was way too creamy, barely reduced, and had practically no tomato flavor (or any flavor, really); further, the pasta was overcooked. To add insult to injury, it topped off with horrible pre-shredded, foodservice-grade "parmesan." At $17, it stung. The pizza was equally lame - the server assured us the crust was thin (it wasn't); the spinach topping had been pan sauteed and placed on after coming out of the oven (odd).
Our service was poor, though other servers seemed more competent.
For us, at least, Francesca's was one of those rare perfect storms of badness - bad ambiance, bad service, bad food, and bad value. In our minds, there are many other places in town to spend the $40-$80 entry fee required for a couple to dine. -
Review from Jorge U.
Gainesville, FL
6/27/2010
2 entrees with added house salads, two glasses of iced tea, and two glasses of wine. No appetizers and no dessert. Total including tip was just under $100.
This place definitely isn't cheap and while the food was fine, it wasn't anywhere near rockin' it enough to be worth shelling out that kind of cash. -
Review from Happy C.
Gainesville, FL
6/22/2010 1 photo
Seriously, I implore you to go here. This is by FAR the most amazing Italian food in Gainesville. Probably the best Italian food this side of Italy if you really want to know. I had the salmon and I kinda want to marry it. Either the salmon or the garlic knots. Or, both. Polyandry!
As you know, I am absurdly addicted to garlic knots and I dream about these at night.
Our server rocked the house and the night was perfect. This would be a great anniversary spot or just a really nice first date. I'd totally bone on the first date if a boy brought me here.
Yes, the salmon is THAT good. -
Review from Alexa R.
4/4/2011
I have to admit, as a resident of the Italian Market in Philadelphia, I was not sure how authentic the food at an Italian restaurant in Florida would be. Needless to say, I was blown away! We started with fried calamari, which was lightly fried and the calamari was delicious, not rubbery. For dinner, I have eggplant rollatini, which was delicious albeit a little overcheesed. My sister had eggplant parm and was delighted and my Dad ordered the veal saltimbocca. We all left full and happy. My sister and I had flown in from Philly and did not arrive in Gainesville until 10. By the service and the food we received, you would have never known that we were among the last tables to be seated.
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Review from Kevin W.
Gainesville, FL
Updated - 1/25/2010
Ok, so I finally went to dinner here. It was time for my boyfriend and I to celebrate our completed home with the builder and this was her first choice.
We started our with the calamari which is pretty good and settled in with the wine list. I always want Italian places to have more Pinot Noirs but alas, it isn't meant to be. Then for dinner, I selected the shrimp and scallop pasta which was divine in a fantastic alfredo sauce. Johnny picked the Lobster fra Diablow (of course $$) and loved it. Kara Sutton (our amazing and fabulous builder) had a traditional chicken parmesan.
Overall, this is a really nice place with good food. It's a bit pricey and a little out of the way for me, but certainly one of the better Italian places around. Certainly beats the crap out of Olive Garden (yuch!) and Carrabas (meh). The service was great (Michael Clay) and the atmosphere was decent.
Not quite 5-starts but really good. Still really weird that all the servers wear chef jackets...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/27/2009
So I finally made it west for lunch today and two friends and I decided to try out the new Italian… Read more »
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Review from Franny E.
Gainesville, FL
5/13/2011
Best italian food i've ever had. Went here for my after-graduation lunch and my family agrees that I couldn'tve picked a better place. Quiet, and dimly lit but very cool atmosphere. Garlic rolls are addictive, and every dish tastes so fresh and delicious.
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Review from April O.
7/20/2008
This past Friday, my husband and I noticed that the building under constructions across the street from Ichiban and Los Margaritas seemed to be completed. Neither of us knew what a "trattoria" was, but we were interested.
Fast forward to Sunday at 5:45 p.m. I was hungry and in the mood for rich food. We visited La Table Rouge, but unfortunately they were closed. But hey, that "trattoria" place is right over there, why not visit?
Like Fresco's, Francesca's is fairly small. (Not QUITE as small as Fresco, but still, nothing on the scale of Olive Garden or Carrabba's.) The store was hardly half full when we arrived, and within three tables of being completely full by the time we left. If you're seated between large parties like we were, you may even feel mildly claustrophobic.
Both the wine and dinner menus are solid--lots of options, but not so many that you feel overwhelmed, or worse yet, that they're just calling the same piece of meat by six different names. We had the fried mozzarella, veal scalloppini ala francesca, wild salmon alal francesca, and tiramisu for dessert. My husband and I came to the same general consensus about our meals--the food is good, the sauces are good, the dessert is good, the bread is exceptionally bland. Fortunately you'll probably be using the bread to sop up the sauce from your meal, especially if you get the veal scalloppini. The brandy sauce is mildly sweet and yet mildly savory and goes beautifully with the veal cutlets. Mmmm!
Service is very in-tune, the pacing of entrees is well-timed, and managers are actively approaching tables to make sure that customers are enjoying their meals.
This restaurant opened not quite a month ago, but business is good here. Word is spreading about the place and they seem to be attracting large groups, so you may find that reservations are needed. -
Review from Daniel S.
Gainesville, FL
Updated - 8/10/2009
Very very good food!
Very italian, great service.
I have had the Baked Ziti Romano, the Tortellini, the Ravioli, the Goat cheese and roasted red peppers.
Very very good place.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/13/2009
This people have authentic Italian food.
Every time I eat here, everything is good, the people are… Read more »
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Review from Debra B.
Gainesville, FL
1/21/2011
Delicious food! I had seafood lasagna & my husband had ravioli with beef tenderloin. Both were that night's specials& were outstanding & the pasta made in house was very very good. The tiramiso (spelling?)dessert was large, plenty to share. Garlic rolls were yummy.Service was excellent.We ordered appetizer, salads & entrees which was too much food. Next time we would either get salads or appetizer, not both. A really great place!
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Review from Francesco L.
Gainesville, FL
8/27/2010
Mangiacake paradise. been there twice. the second time for an office function.
nice atmosphere and service, no complaints.
food is just low grade, on par with olive garden. nothing terribly wrong with anything except the coffee (see below)
the espresso will kill you. seriously nasty, technically so. i think they run more than one order through a single load in the espresso machine.
overall bad value, its not cheap for what you get. if you like olive garden you'll probably be in love with this place. no offense if you do. -
Review from Lizard C.
Gainesville, FL
5/24/2009
Great atmosphere, and the service is exceptional.
No lunch menu, so it is pricey for lunch.
Great selection on the menu of subs, pasta, meat, seafood, etc. The pasta is homemade and cooked to perfection. I have enjoyed every meal. The lasagne is not as good as mine, but passes. The ziti had a bit too much cheese for my taste. The specialty dishes have been amazing. I agree that the bread is nothing special. The prices are reasonable for dinner. -
Review from Jay P.
Alachua, FL
1/2/2011
Went the other day and enjoyed the food, although it was a bit overpriced. The manager (and waiter) was great and service good.
Food was served hot and tasty. I will say I was actually not impressed with the garlic knots like some. Leonardo's knots are far superior. The pizza is good, as was the ravioli.
Beer was reasonable, but selection lacking. Sam Adams was the only domestic available, unfortunately. For a restaurant to cater to the desires of customers, at least bottled Bud or something of the like should be made available. Many people would rather drink bottles anyhow.
Overall good, but not a place I would say is a must go place. -
Review from Apple C.
Gainesville, FL
7/22/2010
Good food, w hich is a solid deciding factor. Tasty alfredo, as well as a variety of other goodness.
Why only three stars, then?
1) The prices have risen some time over the last 6 months (since the last time we'd been there, which had been a while), to a point where instead of "on the high end for an everyday meal but worth it occasionally" the prices are "for a date night/special evening out". (Especially when considering any add on's or beverages) That's fine, I just won't get there but once a year now, instead of once a month or so.
2) Had a very odd waiter one evening when we went with a group of friends. Trying to be jovial and joking around in a completely condescending and awkward way, not at all professional. I asked to change out a sauce on the side of pasta, and he stopped me to ask in a snotty tone whether I knew there'd be an upcharge for that (and called me hon. The man was probably younger than I am...). Implied that the table was too poor to buy wine when we just didn't want any - ("No wine? I'll take the menu. It's not for everyone's wallet"). Tried to get us to buy dessert and upon our decline said something like "Well I had to try guys, the managers like me to ask and my tip likes the extra movement". All of which I would've chalked up to a new server, but the next time we came, we were introduced to the same person as our server for the evening, "one of our best", at which point we promptly requested to work with someone else. Also to clarify, was with a group of friends who were all business casual. Though even if we were in flip flops and torn jeans I'd still be extremely put off to be treated that way.... One bad waiter doesn't make me avoid the entire restaraunt, but it does put it lower on my list of options unless someone is very explicitly craving italian, lest other servers be similar...
But with all that said, if you like Italian, there is definitely nice ambiance and good food to be found. 3/5 -
Review from Tiffany A.
Gainesville, FL
8/9/2010
I give it a 3 star because this isn't a place that i'm dying to go to often, but I seem to like this place a lot. This is where I go when i'm craving REAL Italian food because they do it RIGHT.
The menu is certified Italian...from appetizers to entrees to dessert. You get complementary garlic knots to start off your meal. And when they bring you your order, be careful not to burn your tongue! I say that in a good way. The food comes to you burning hot, and I'm always tempted to take the first bite right away, consequently burning my tongue. The food is good, it seems authentic. I prefer it over the typical Olive Garden or Carrabas (which, besides the millions of pizza places, is pretty much what Gainesville has to offer 'Italian' wise). The atmosphere is dimly lit, so definitely harbors a romantic feel. Good for a date or romantic evening. Quite often there is live music that I have thoroughly enjoyed every time. Service is so-so. They don't treat you special, but they do their job. Like I said, I don't come here often, but when I do I leave satisfied. So satisfied that I have to unzip my pants/skirt so my stomach can breathe when I get in the car. 'Nuff said. -
Review from Bill R.
Gainesville, FL
10/14/2010
The best meal, Italian or otherwise, I have had in Gainesville and I have lived here 20 years ago. It's a nice, relaxed atmosphere with good service. The prices are a little high but I have paid more for food not nearly as good in places like Little Italy in Lower Manhattan and certainly locally. I would highly recommend Francesca's for special occasions or just a nice night out.
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Review from Kevin B.
Pensacola, FL
5/4/2011
My friends in Gainesville LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Francesca's so I went along for the ride a couple of nights ago. I too am now a fan! The calamari is to die for. The garlic rolls (more like garlic knots) are also delish. The special that night was a lamb shank with risotto. The presentation was impressive with the bone sticking right up in the center of the plate. JT, our server, was very knowledgeable about the wine selection and was attentive. If I lived in Gainesville, Francesca's would be on my "frequent diner" list.
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Review from Kiran C.
Seattle, WA
2/15/2010
Great atmosphere and good service. We had a very nice waitress. I ordered the salmon with fettuccine. The sauce was covered in a cream sauce that didn't have much flavor. The salmon was excellent on a pile of spinach which was also nice. The Tiramusu was good here too. I would recommend splitting it with someone. The mozzarella sticks were pretty decent. The sauce with the mozz slabs was tasty and helped boost my salmon. Only 3 stars for me though because my friend's dish also seemed to be just cream sauce and starch. More veggies with the dinners and less cream sauce options would make this place better. Still has good potential though and not sure how it stacks up against the other italian places but probably pretty good.
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Review from kristen n.
Gainesville, FL
11/10/2009
While the atmosphere is pretty understated, the food & the service was AWESOME... The tortellini rocked my world and our waiter was as good as it gets. They also had live "jazz" ... not italian but more like a bit of soft samba, you know a lot of Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66. Even they were great.. 2 non-descript dudes singing & playing acoustic guitar at the perfect volume... this place is a hidden gem.
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Review from N M.
Gainesville, FL
2/15/2010
This is by far and away the best Italian food in G'ville. Sorry Fresco, but Francesca's has an authenticity and consistency unmatched in town. The gravy (red sauce) is the real deal, and the Alfredo sauce is every bit the terrific heart attack on a plate that it should be - a real special treat. Kind of pricey, but the value is there.
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Review from Mitchell M.
Gainesville, FL
7/27/2009
This is probably one of the finest family owned and run Italian restaurants I have ever eaten in. Great owners, great Italian food and nightly specials with great service. Try the eggplant rollatini and the shrimp parmesan. They have a full bar but try the Dynamite Cabernet with your meal. You will not be disappointed with this fine Italian Restaurant.
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Review from Carlos V.
Jacksonville, FL
3/20/2010
Great pasta!!!!!
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Review from Jon R.
Gainesville, FL
10/23/2009
A very nice ambience and the food is good, not great, but good. A bit pricey for what you get. Service is efficient and pleasant. Some items a bit too salty, some bland. Garlic rolls strong, but they were happy to supply some without garlic. Cloth napkins a plus, paper tablecloths a minus. Overall a B- for food, B+ for service.
