We are a family owned and operated restaurant. We are excited to bring authentic Italian cuisine to our Ocala family! We welcome our friends from The Villages Summerfield, and Belleview areas to come visit us. We serve pizza, pastas, eggplant, seafood, steak, chicken, & veal dishes.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1801 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470
Phone: (352) 304-5045
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Reviews
Our server, Mirko, straight from Napoli, was phenomenal. Italian is his first language, and English is his second, which honestly made us trust his recommendations even more at an authentic Italian establishment like this. Every dish he suggested was an absolute chef’s kiss, flavorful, fresh, and unforgettable.
He was attentive, thoughtful, and so well-paced. Even though we arrived at 8 p.m. (and found out when we got there that they close at 9), he never once made us feel rushed. He never hinted that we needed to hurry, and instead treated us with the same care and attention you’d hope for at the start of the night. Our glasses were never empty, and his service was truly top-tier.
The portions are generous—most could easily serve two. My friend and I ordered the carbonara and agreed, we could’ve shared it or it could feed two or even three people. It was rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Another friend had the bolognese—also delicious. My husband ordered Steve’s Calzone, which was stuffed with fresh ingredients and baked to perfection. Again, huge and totally sharable.
We started with the sausage bisque, which absolutely blew us away. Creamy, savory, and comforting. Easily one of the best soups we’ve had. The fresh bread served with seasoned olive oil was incredible. And the calamari appetizer? Cooked to perfection and full of flavor.
Dessert was a highlight thanks to Mirko’s spot-on suggestions. Between us, we tried four:
Chocolate cherry amaretto tiramisu – indulgent and unforgettable
Classic tiramisu – a timeless favorite
Tuxedo cake – rich, elegant, and decadent
Chocolate peanut butter explosion – exactly as heavenly as it sounds
The atmosphere was enjoyable, not too loud or too dull and everything was clean.
We had zero complaints, only that we wished we had room to try even more! But we had lunch for the next day so win/win!!
Franco’s is a true gem with authentic cuisine, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere. We will absolutely be back.
Highly, highly recommended!
If I could give Franco’s Italian Restaurant six stars, I absolutely would. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an authentic, transportive experience that excels in every single category.
The Atmosphere:
From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was pure magic. It was warm, intimate, and effortlessly authentic, feeling like a charming little corner of Italy. The lighting was perfect, the noise level was lively yet pleasant, and the seating was incredibly comfortable. They’ve nailed the “vibe” and created the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.
The Food:
While I can’t recall the specific name of my entrée, that only speaks to how completely engrossed I was in the sheer quality and flavor. The food was truly sublime and unforgettable. You could taste the freshness of the high-quality ingredients and the passion behind the preparation. Whether it was the richness of the sauce, the perfect al dente texture of the pasta, or the sheer depth of flavor in every bite, the dishes were a revelation. This is where culinary talent shines.
The Service and Overall Verdict:
Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly, making us feel welcomed from start to finish. This restaurant is a masterclass in combining incredible sitting (ambiance), unforgettable food, and impeccable service. If you are looking for the best Italian cuisine in the area, stop searching and book a table here. Highly, highly recommended!
My husband and I had the roasted red pepper and sausage bisque and the pasta el forno and added a couple of meatballs on the side. So good! Will return whenever we’re in Ocala! Our waitress, Ashley was fantastic and made the whole experience very relaxing and inviting!
The artistic touches in the decor provided a modern yet cozy feel.
The restaurant glowed with ambient lighting and the pairing of the elegant dinnerware was exquisite. The food was phenomenal at best. The staff was welcoming, very gracious . I felt like I was home in Italy .
I have been all over the USA and this is a place you dream about eating at. The service was amazing.
Sean/Shawn was the man (waiter). The food was made as we ordered it. From the surf and turf cooked to perfection to the bruschetta which was on point… Fresh bread with herbs and oil….
The bar tender made drinks like a pro, tequila sunrise Yes Please! Long Island iced tea for sure!
Totally worth my money. I would go again and recommend to anyone.
If I had to complain it would be the men’s bathroom was a single “stall” and didn’t have the ventilation it so needed. And it’s in a strip plaza so that portion didn’t feel very Italian either.