Restaurant Review: Francesco's

Rhoda Shirk

Francesco's is a family friendly, Italian eatery just blocks away from EMU.

Francesco's Ristorante Italiano is a typical, family-run Italian restaurant. Francesco's carries a wide menu featuring Italian favorites such as pizza, lasagna, subs, and manicotti. Every Tuesday night, any sub, an order of fries, and a drink are only $5.95. This special is well known and taken advantage of as Francesco's sometimes gets lunch orders for up to 30 subs.

The subs are cheaper than Quiznos and better than Subway. The chicken parmesan sub (chicken, marinara sauce, and provolone) is an excellent choice. And with fries and a drink for $5.95, it's a good deal. The calzone and stromboli are also well known items. There are several vegetarian dishes as well as a small children's menu.

The portions of the entrees are filling. The small calzones and stromboli are enough for more than one person. The entrees include salad and bread for $7.95 to $8.95. There is great diversity in the entrees. Aside from the standard lasagna, broiled salmon, shrimp scampi, and veal parmesan, a sampling of some of the rest of the menu is available. All the entrees are available in a lunch portion from 11:00 to 3:00 for a reduced price.

Standard pizza options are available as well as Greek, Mediterranean, and white (feta, mozzarella, romano, and ricotta cheese). The options are also vast for the individual toppings. Unfortunately, pizza by the slice is only available for lunch.

Francesco's has a small dining area with tables large enough for eight or ten people. Jess Dollenger, a CA in Northlawn, says "I really like it a lot. It's a good date restaurant." In general, service is prompt and efficient though during busy hours things get understandably slower.

Francesco's is located in Harmony Square Shopping Center near Food Lion. They will also quite conveniently deliver to the EMU campus. I would recommend it for the great sub deal on Tuesday's, but also for good Italian cooking.