Business Details
Authentic Italian Dining Experience in Summerfield
At Francesco's Ristorante, we bring over 85 years of combined Italian culinary heritage to every dish we serve. Founded by Kathy Funk and Paul D'Alto, our ristorante blends tradition with innovation through authentic recipes passed down from Italy, Connecticut, New York, and Florida. Our menu showcases scratch-made sauces, wood-fired pizzas, and house-prepared pastas, all crafted using time-honored techniques. Recently joined by BOH managing partner Sean Adamowhose 25 years of Italian restaurant expertise elevate our culinary standardswe maintain rigorous quality control across every plate.Our Summerfield location features a newly renovated dining space with rustic Italian decor and a versatile Garden Room for gatherings. From our kitchen to your table, we prioritize fresh ingredients, attentive service, and an ambiance that celebrates Italian hospitality. Whether you're enjoying our lunch express options or indulging in dinner specialties like Zuppa Di Pesce Fra Diavolo, our team ensures an experience rooted in generations of culinary mastery.
Services
Italian Specialties
Stone Fired Pizza
Pasta Dishes
Catering Services
Lunch Menu
Details
- Year established: 2025
Highlights and features
- We offer 85+ years of combined Italian culinary heritage from multiple regions.
- Our team includes a BOH managing partner with 25 years of Italian restaurant expertise.
- We feature scratch-made sauces, soups, and doughs daily.
- Our Garden Room accommodates special events with authentic Italian ambiance.
- We maintain strict ingredient quality standards across all menu items.
What people say
Authentic Italian flavors
Generous portions
Attentive service
Welcoming atmosphere
Fresh ingredients
Services
Stone Fired Pizza
Our 800-degree stone-fired pizzas feature hand-tossed dough and fresh ingredients. Choose from classics like Margherita or create your own with premium toppings. The high-heat cooking creates perfectly crisp crusts with melted mozzarella and charred edges. Gluten-conscious cauliflower crusts available upon request.
Italian Specialties
From seafood medleys to veal entrees, our specialties showcase traditional Italian techniques. Dishes like Zuppa Di Pesce Fra Diavolo combine fresh shrimp, salmon, and squid in spicy marinara. The Eggplant Rollatini features ricotta-stuffed slices baked with tomato sauce and mozzarella.
Catering Services
We provide full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Our menu includes antipasto platters, family-style pasta courses, and carved meats. The Garden Room accommodates up to 50 guests for seated events with customized Italian menus.
Lunch Menu
Served Monday-Saturday 11 AM-3:30 PM, our lunch menu features half-price appetizers and $8.00 daily specials. Options include Chicken Parmigiana, Philly Steak Subs, and all-you-can-eat soup/salad combinations. Half-pizzas and wine by the glass available during lunch hours.
Wine Selection
Our wine list features Italian varietals and international favorites by the glass or bottle. Premium options include Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon and Antigal Malbec. We also offer house-made sangria and specialty cocktails like the Italian Margherita.
People
Kathy Funk
Founder
Co-founder Kathy Funk brings decades of Italian restaurant experience to Francesco's Ristorante. Her family's culinary traditions from Italy and the Northeast influence our menu's authentic flavors and hospitality standards.
Paul D'Alto
Founder
Paul D'Alto co-founded Francesco's Ristorante with Kathy Funk, combining his Italian heritage with business expertise. He oversees operations and maintains quality control across all food preparation and customer service aspects.
Sean Adamo
BOH Managing Partner
With 25 years in Italian restaurant management, Sean Adamo joined Francesco's Ristorante to enhance culinary operations. His expertise in kitchen efficiency and menu development elevates our dining experience while maintaining traditional authenticity.
Questions
What Italian regional cuisines influence your menu?
Our menu combines flavors from Naples (wood-fired pizzas), Rome (pasta dishes), and Sicily (seafood preparations), with some American-Italian adaptations.
Do you offer gluten-free options?
Yes, we provide gluten-conscious cauliflower crusts for pizzas and can substitute gluten-free pasta upon request.
Can I customize pizza toppings?
Build-your-own pizzas allow $1.75-$1.95 per topping choices including fresh mozzarella, artichokes, and house-made Italian sausage.
Are reservations required for the Garden Room?
Reservations are recommended for weekend events in our Garden Room, which accommodates up to 50 guests for private dining.
What lunch specials are available?
Daily $8.00 lunch specials include spaghetti with meatballs, fried fish sandwiches, and half-pound sirloin burgers served Monday-Friday.