Francesca's Cucina

“I brought my daughter for her birthday dinner, I made reservations for 6pm patio and noted that it was her birthday through resy. When she arrived the hostess wished her a happy birthday. Loved the little table we were seated at on the terrace just through the French doors and has a great view, unfortunately there are no fans in this area. It was a bit steamy to say the least. My daughter received her drink order Rosie Cheeks promptly. Nice light, citrus, rose perfect for a summer evening. Water, and then eventually bread and salads arrived awhile after ordering as well as my cocktail. It was a full house even on a Monday evening, service takes time but was friendly and attentive to all requests. I ordered the Cioppino which is linguini in a stew base with a plethora of seafood! Clams, muscles, shrimp,scallops and fresh fish, holy seafood! The baby octopuses floating amongst the mixture of seafood took me a little by surprise but I do love calamari! I wish the dish had a little bit more spice to it, a few sprinkles of crushed red pepper would do. My daughter’s filet mignon was cooked to order and her liking. Dessert tray was presented shortly, my chocolate lover went with the layered chocolate mousse cake. It was divine! I may need to come back before that pretzel strawberry cheesecake disappears off the tray! This visit was exceptional, made my birthday girls night. We were celebrating my daughters Birthday and she chose Francesca's patio for the second year consecutively. Arrived at 630 for reservation, about a twenty minute wait time. That gave us time to order cocktails at the bar, we loved the Raspberry Limoncello Spritzers. Light, refreshing, and summery! We sat by the fire pit and sipped on our cocktails soaking in the Al Fresco dining experience. Once seated not far from the fire pit, bread with olive oil sauce for dipping and waters were delivered. We ordered Arancini for appetizer, everything thus far hot, fresh, and delish! My daughter ordered the Filet medium rare that looked more on the rare side but she did not mind. I ordered Lobster Carbonara that was presented from a jar. Interesting concept. Unfortunately it was a very thick, chewy, bland pasta. It needed more seasoning peppercorn, pepper flakes, grated cheese or cheeses might have helped the hopeless blandness of this dish. The lobster in the dish was sweet and succulent. The egg based sauce lacked the seasoning. Service was pleasant and steady throughout our meal. I opted for the Velvet Martini as my second coctail. Fresh , Citrus taste. We preferred the Spritzers. The waitress did offer to switch out my meal but there was no need for that. I gave the carbonara a whirl and it is just not to my liking. Fabulous desserts the Reece's Peanut butter tarte cake was to die for and mint cannoli. They comped my cannoli in Lieu of the carbonara. Plenty of leftovers to go. Another fabulous evening on the patio that gives the vibe of being anywhere but on the North Side of Syracuse! Transports you to mini paradise for a couple of hours!”

“The service was extremely good and promptly caring. I think we arrived after the dinner rush and so it was not necessary to wait for a table. The entrees were the best I have ever had in the city and the appetizers were great , the signature butter cake dessert was as rumored fantastic. Our server was very attentive and on point perfect. It was a bit loud but not distracting. Overall one of the best dinner experiences I have ever had. I would 1000% recommend it to everyone”

“Every time I dine here I’m never disappointed! Thank you to my server Tom! Very attentive and checked in to make sure I was enjoying my food. Will most definitely return! Food was great! Love the Chef’s special dinner. Top tier”

“We lived our food and ordered from the specialty menu. Everything was perfect except for the people sitting next to us yelling across the room to have a conversation. Other than that it was very nice and very professional waiter who was also there making sure we had what we needed.”

“One of the best places to eat in Syracuse. We love this location and their sister restaurant in Liverpool. They’re both a home-run every time. Food, ambiance, and service is amazing. Couldn’t recommend it more !”