Francos Italian Caffe Franco Cafe Franco Fazzuoli Franco's Italian Caffe

Franco's Italian Caffe Awards

Bistro boasting chef Franco Fazzuoli's Italian cooking.
Openings: Dinner Tues.-Sat.

Features

  • Dress code: Casual
  • Full bar
  • Reservations suggested
Franco's Italian Caffe, Scottsdale, AZ


Franco's Italian Caffe Restaurant Review:


Longtime Valley fans of Italian food will remember Florentine-born chef Franco Fazzuoli, who debuted his Franco’s Trattoria in Scottsdale in 1987, then offering authentic delicacies most diners had yet to experience. Meals started with slabs of real Parmigiano Reggiano shaved to order from whole wheels, and while it's now the norm, at the time, few were familiar with the creamy risotto like the one Fazzuoli served. After leaving the Valley in 2007, Fazzuoli has returned with this charming Old Town Scottsdale bistro. The dishes may seem mainstream by today’s advanced culinary standards, but the chef is better than ever, crafting lacy ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach in tomato basil sauce; robust tuna mostarda; and savory chicken paillard, pounded thin and smothered in juicy balsamic-dressed greens with sides of potatoes and vegetables. Save room for dessert, as well; the merenghata is a meringue semifreddo studded with almonds and a splash of amaretto, in a recipe courtesy of Fazzuoli’s grandmother. Many of the wines on the brief but well-edited list come from Italy, naturally, and in a personal touch, Fazzuoli often pops out of the kitchen to say hello to his customers.