Classic trattoria with a Northern Italian menu features an adjoining specialty-foods shop.
Bill Lin
Francoli Gourmet is really a place offer you gourmet Italian food.
Upon they serve the Caprese by stacking up the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella, I knew Francoli is something special. Caprese was fantastic, except olive oil and balsamic sauce, they put a but of salt and sugar to bring up the taste, plus lots of olives.
Also ordered their Today’s Special, Beet Salad, thin sliced beets with pine nuts and sprinkles of olive oil and sauce, one of the best salad dishes I’ve ever had.
For main course, I ordered pesto seafood spaghetti, good, but comparing to the 2 salad I had, the spaghetti is kind of normal, while I was expecting more on the chemistry between the essentials of pesto green sauce and shrimps/clams.
… moreRicardo Montes
My wife and I enjoyed another incredible lunch at Francoli Gourmet, and once again they exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed and taken care of by Pablo, whose friendliness and professionalism truly enhanced our dining experience. His team was just as attentive and kind, creating a genuinely inviting atmosphere.
We started with the calamari appetizer, which was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. For our entrées, we ordered the cioppino and the chicken medallions—both were absolutely outstanding. Every dish was prepared with exceptional care and rich, delicious flavors.
Pablo also provided excellent wine recommendations. Thanks to his guidance, we enjoyed a fantastic red wine that paired beautifully with our meal.
We highly recommend Francoli Gourmet for anyone looking for amazing food, exceptional service, and a warm, welcoming dining experience. We will definitely be returning!
… moreDREAMS4U lisa.johnson
Lovely restaurant with delicious Italian cuisine. Everything was just rightly cooked and fresh and delicious. Would definitely go back here. There looked to be quite a wine selection though we didn’t partake.
… moreNikolai Nikolov
I was walking around the Circle of Orange with a friend and we were hungry. We were wondering on what to eat and then we saw Francoli Gourmet. The atmosphere there is captivating, there was no wait, we were seated immediately and staff were super friendly and welcoming. It made me feel like I am back in Europe with the great aesthetic and food. It may seem pricy but for the quality you are getting it is worth every cent! It is also a really romantic place if you want to go on a date with somebody. The service also was professional. Everything about Francoli was perfect to me. I am considering going back again, it is such a vibe and it was so worth it! I would strongly recommend it to anybody who wants a pleasant peaceful evening with some Italian food and great service. (Best Italian Food I’ve eaten in the US by far!)
… moreMatt Davis
The bread, calamari, and tiramisu were good. Our main dishes, filet medallions and shrimp penne, were not cooked well. The medallions were overly salty and the shrimp was overcooked. Waiter was more interested in chitchatting and watching women walk by than with our service.
… moreScott Delgado
First time coming here. It was for a birthday dinner. I made reservations ahead of time. We were seated outside. The waiter seemed very friendly with regulars, but we had to kind of work to build a relationship with him. He seemed a bit distant, but I think by us asking questions and complimenting the food, he got friendlier to us. The food–it was delicious. The owner (I think) brought out a plate of Italian cookies for our birthday treat. He was very kind. I could tell most of the patrons were regulars, and that says a lot. I intend to return, and with luck, I’ll become a regular. Check this place out. Delicious food. The sauces alone or magnificent.
… moreNancy Rodriguez
Very authentic Italian food with great service! I wish the bread was a little warmer or toasted but other than that it was perfect!
… moreTeryn Walker Real Estate
Francoli Gourmet is a hidden gem in the heart of Old Towne Orange. The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a cozy corner of Italy. The staff was delightful. Every dish is bursting with authentic flavor — from the fresh, house-made pastas to the rich, perfectly balanced sauces. The Filetto Al Brandy was divine and the wine selection is one of best I’ve seen and tasted.
Save room for dessert — their tiramisu is heavenly, and the Coppa Al Pistachio was silky perfection. To top it all off, the cappuccino is smooth, bold, and beautifully made, just like a Roman café. Whether you’re out for date night or treating yourself, Francoli is a must-visit for true Italian indulgence.
… moreBigfork Media Marketing, Inc.
Francoli Gourmet is a standout for authentic Italian pasta in the heart of Old Towne Orange. The Bucatini all’Amatriciana is exceptional—perfectly al dente pasta with a rich, savory tomato sauce that’s full of depth and balance. It’s classic Italian comfort done right, and easily one of the best pasta dishes in Orange County.
The Linguine with Pesto, Shrimp & Scallops is equally impressive. Fresh, aromatic pesto coats the linguine beautifully, while the shrimp and scallops are cooked just right and taste incredibly fresh. From the quality of the ingredients to the warm service and inviting atmosphere near the Orange Plaza, Francoli Gourmet earns every bit of this 5-star review. A must-visit Italian restaurant in Orange, CA.
… moreBrittany Moran
A restaurant that I always walked past thinking “I really should try that spot! It’s always packed!” I finally tried it. It’s packed for a reason! Not only is the restaurant itself incredibly cute inside, but the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the food is fantastic! Definitely make a reservation ahead of time unless you are ok with sitting at the bar or a long wait.
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