Delray Beach, Italian.
Opened about a year ago, Francesca’s touts an authentic homemade family restaurant approach with generous portions. I can’t quite agree with that statement. At the waitress’ suggestion, we had Veal Trapani. Menu describes dish as tender veal scallopini topped with diced eggplant, brushetta tomatoes, spinach and backed with mozzarella at $21.95. I would not go so far as to say generous portions, but perhaps better than other restaurants in that dish included about 4 flattened pieces of unseasoned veal. Although no mention of it on menu or by the waitress, the eggplant was fried, more specifically deep fried such that tasted more the oil than the eggplant. Mozzarella and spinach was skimpy. Worst part of the dish is that instead of gravy, the items were floating in a watered down somewhat clear soupy consistency more like a broth. Chef needs to re-design this dish. Doesn’t work as is.
$21.95 carries with it an expectation of quality. Perhaps my review would have been less critical for a cost of $13.95, however at $21.95, way too expensive for what you get. Cost does include iceberg lettuce salad, side dish of spaghetti or penne served with tomato sauce and very oily slightly warm bread. Most Italian restaurants have a great selection of desserts. Francesca’s selection included dry chocolate cake with icing, rice pudding or sugarless jello. We had the chocolate cake. Nothing special. Coffee was good.
With the local competition providing quality Italian cuisine, I’d be amazed if this restaurant makes it another year. On a positive note, owners Nat and Francine are on premise and came out to say hello. Clean and inviting. Friendly staff.
Located at 4900 Linton Blvd., Suite 14, Delray Beach, FL (near Poppies, intersection of Linton and Military Trail)
Reviewed August 2016.
