Francescos Ristorante & Pizzeria

We’ve been there a total of 4 times now and to say the gluten-free pasta is underwhelming is an understatement. It’s always very over cooked or undercooked, the sauces are watery because they don’t add any other thickener besides wheat flour and the gluten-free meatballs are decent but they taste like they’ve been microwaved too many times to reheat. The only thing on the menu really worth its time is the salmon bruschetta, which is delicious. They are always good with my allergies though, and I’ve never had an exposure.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

I went here so excited with all the amazing reviews. The server completely understand cross contamination and taking precautions, but unfortunately I got very glutened. I've been sick for several days now. I has their pizza on a GF crust.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegetarian options
• Reservations recommended

Our meal was amazing! They were able to toast some gf pizza dough to have as a bread option before entrees. The menu labeled all gluten-free items & they were able to sub pasta, pizzas and flatbreads for gf versions.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Amazing experience! Waiter had gluten allergy and was very knowledgeable on gf options. GF was clearly labeled on the menu and they also had a gf bread service. Delicious authentic Italian food would highly recommend!!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers delivery
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

I had take out GF carbonara with chicken and even GF bread. The food was incredible and the staff was so friendly, kind, and knowledgeable about food options. I did not get sick either. Definitely the best GF pasta and bread I’ve ever had. Highly recommend!! I cannot say enough about the food and amazing staff. They even have GF meatballs. Lots of GF options.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers outdoor seating

The food and hospitality was on point. They take gluten allergies very very serious and made me feel so good eating here. If you go, ask for Jacob. He was a fantastic server!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Fantastic food! Celiac friendly!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Food was absolutely amazing. I’m not used to having so many gluten free options. Waiter specifically asked if it was an allergy, a sensitivity, or a preference so the kitchen could make sure to keep me safe. 🥰

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

It’s a very good restaurant. They brought gluten-free bread with garlic to the table. Overall it was good but I didn’t have a good experience with the GF pizza. It was delicious but the cheese & toppings kept falling off. Maybe the pasta will be better. Also I’m super excited to try the meatballs!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

They are very careful with cross contamination and the food was amazing! They even offered me gluten free bread to start off the meal. Wasn’t the best but it was something. I got the penne alla vodka and it was amazing! I’m a huge penne alla vodka snob too. The Caprese was awful. One of the worst I’ve ever had but they were limited in gluten free appetizers. I’ll definitely be returning.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We went here for the first time tonight, we sat at the bar, we were right in front of the pizza making station. My first thought was no way I can eat here. The waitress came over and we start talking I ask about the GF options and with her knowledge answers order an appetizer special, and I start to watch the kitchen. After realizing how understanding they were and watch other GF dishes being prepared we ordered a flat bread and pasta dish. The expediter made sure to ask about everything before plating and garnishing our food. My husband who can eat gluten without issue shared dishes with me and says they were as good as the gluten filled counter parts. The staff were so amazing, the kitchen runs like a well oiled machine, the food was absolutely fantastic!!!! I felt very safe with my food choices and can’t wait to go back again sometime soon. This was such a nice surprise. I do not think you will be disappointed if you give this restaurant a try.the only reason I don’t give the safety 5 stars is because it is a Italian restaurant gluten is present, we all know we take a risk, however I do believe they do everything they can to provide a delicious and safe gluten free meal.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The wait staff at Francesco’s know specific ingredients that may have cross contamination in the manufacturing. I haven’t had any issues eating here, and they are more than willing to make accommodations. Their ingredients are fresh and high quality. The price and the time it takes to get food are my only complaints.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Offers outdoor seating

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

Has a wonderful dinner. They have gf pasta, pizza and other gf options. There are gf indicators on the menu. Our waiter informed me that they unfortunately ran out of the gf meatballs and pasta. I had sautéed calamari with gf bread for dipping. It was excellent. Great atmosphere.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I’ve been here twice and got sick both times and the food is just ok.

I was happy to see that they had marked Gluten Free options on the menu. I spoke to the waiter about needing gluten free (I have Celiac) and he recommended the salmon salad but I'm also vegan so I asked if I could get eggplant on it instead if it was gluten free. He said that they could do that gluten free but about an hour after eating there my symptoms of getting glutened started to appear and I'm still quite sick from this days later. I really wouldn't recommend going here if you are sensitive to cross-contamination. I also felt that the waiter also came across little inconvenienced when it came to my need for gluten free so maybe there was just a lack of communication to the kitchen that gluten free was medically necessary, not preference :( either way, I definitely got cross-contaminated here so I would say the risk of eating here isn't worth it if you are sensitive to gluten.

Celiac friendly?

No

Last 2 times I’ve eaten there I got sick. They seem to have gotten very lax on cross contamination. Used to be fine.

Celiac friendly?

No

Celiac friendly?

Yes

GREAT PLACE! gorgeous restaurant, very reasonable prices, amazing quality. very gluten free/celiac friendly. gluten free category right on the main menu, separate cooking spaces, even the pizza is super safe. cooked in a foil tray, it comes out crispy and uncut. highly recommend. safest and most delicious of all the gf places i had to eat in the area on vacation. wish we had found it sooner than the last day!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

We loved the gluten free bread with olive oil, pizza, and salmon salad! Delicious!

Went tonight for the second time...boy was that a mistake. The sevice was horrible and after talking with the "manager" service was still bad.Took over an hour to get the food.

Gluten free meal came out cold and was the last to arrive.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I was so excited the first time that I went here because my server was very knowledgeable and they had a dedicated prep space etc but the next time I went, I was told I could have the Alfredo sauce. Took me 2 weeks to stop being dizzy and sick.

Chef Francesco is extremely knowledgable and cautious about gluten free. He has a separate prep space and dedicated GF utensils. Unfortunately, not all of his staff is properly educated. One of the servers was sadly misinformed and told one of my readers that all the pasta sauces were safe if ordered with the GF penne and she became ill for a week :(. Please note: only the marinara sauce and garlic & olive oil sauces are GF. But they do have fantastic GF pizza and I look forward to trying their GF penne with the marinara. You can read my entire GF review of Francesco's on my blog: http://www.celiacinorlando.com/2013/francescos-ristorante-pizzeria/

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Really good gourmet tasting GF pizza! The crust tasted very buttery and the sauce/ingredients used really made it stand out from all others that I have tried. The restaurant is nicely decorated and features an open kitchen with many chefs. The part that I enjoyed the most was the fact that the GF pizza was the same price as a normal pie! FINALLY someone who isn't trying to make a buck off of us! It was well appreciated!

They don't have a separate GF menu but they do have some great gf options. I had the skirt steak (gf and dairy free). It was fantastic ! My daughter had the gf pasta. Very good. They also have gf pizza. Great place

Great atmosphere. Offer GF pizza, pasta and bread. Pizza and bread with dipping sauce were very good. For once it felt like a normal dining experience! I didn't have to sit and watch everyone else eat appetizers until my main meal arrived!! Thank you!

Celiac friendly?

Yes