Francesco’s: Cozy Italian comfort in San Juan

Tucked away in a quiet area in Barangay Addition Hills in San Juan City is a modest, cozy, family-owned restaurant that has been serving authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist since 2017. Francesco’s, helmed by well-known chefs Kalel Chan and Francis Lacson, has revamped its menu and expanded with new items.

I live in San Juan City, and DAILY TRIBUNE sent me to explore the place and taste their food. I must say, I had no idea that a mere 10-minute drive from our home was a place for great Italian food.

When I got out of the car, I saw a simple, modest “house” with a huge “F” emblazoned in front. A kindly guard guided me to the “front door.”

The restaurant evokes a rustic European bistro vibe. The atmosphere is cozy, with the interior mixing warm, traditional elements with a clean, modern finish. Large windows, wooden beams and brick walls also give it a farmhouse or cabin-like look, contrasted with classic walls adorned with paintings.

The seating is varied, offering different environments within the same space, all unified by a consistent color palette of warm woods, deep browns, and
bright accents.

Simple square or rectangular tables and simple wooden chairs are set with deep maroon-brown placemats, bright white plates, and standard silverware. But the cushioned seats in vibrant golden-yellow mustard and orange provide a lively pop against the darker wood and neutral floor.

Now, let’s get to the food. These are the items that I had:

When I was asked for a drink, I randomly picked the American Orange Spritz because of the “orange” in the title. It’s an alcohol-free mocktail with bright orange notes and fizzy spritz. But it was too bitter for my taste, so I could only sip a few and ended up just drinking ice-cold water.
The drink was my only miss, but everything else more than made
up for it.

For starters, I had Cacio e Pepe Potato Chips: Crispy house-made chips sprinkled with salty guanciale and cracked black pepper, then drizzled with a snowy layer of pecorino cheese. Lightly peppery and delightfully thin, I could eat this all day. Then came the Burrata Fritta. The burrata is deep-fried until the outside is crispy but the inside is wonderfully creamy and soft. It comes with avocado cream, fresh greens and pine nuts that add a nice crunch, making it totally bright and refreshing.

Mushroom Truffle Cappuccino was next. This is a wild mushroom soup with a drizzle of truffle oil, topped with shiitake crisps and a frothy milk layer. It looks like soap bubbles, but it is actually savory cappuccino. Served with parmesan-crusted bread on the side, each bite is warm, comforting and full of umami.

Polipo was another appetizer they served. Tender grilled octopus sits on a roasted cauliflower puree that surprisingly tastes like steak. Smoky and flavorful, it was one of the best dishes in my big lunch.

Next, I tried their best-selling pizza called Francesco. It’s topped with house-made Italian sausage, melty mozzarella, mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, and punchy gorgonzola. The flavors blend nicely — savory and creamy with just the right touch of earthiness. It’s a solid pizza, though nothing too surprising.

The standout main is the Rigatoni Tartufata. The pasta is coated in a rich truffle cream sauce with smoky pancetta mixed in. It’s earthy, indulgent and absolutely addictive if you’re a fan of truffle’s unique flavor like I am.

For dessert, I had a pair of cannoli. This classic Sicilian treat features crispy, fried pastry shells shaped like little tubes, filled with smooth, sweet ricotta cream. The ends are dipped in crunchy pistachios and lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Simple but satisfying.

Then, Bombolini, another popular Italian dessert. A mamon-size fluffy golden-hued Italian doughnut, soft and pillowy inside with a light golden exterior and dusted with sugar on top. Filled with cream, it is not overly sweet. Just the right light dessert, which complements the warm cup of mocha cappuccino they served.

Francesco’s feels like a trattoria, osteria and pizzeria all rolled into one. But what stands out is the warm and friendly customer service, simple, fresh, flavorful Italian meals that satisfy the heart. The best thing about it is that it’s not in a mall. It’s like visiting your Italian grandma’s home without navigating mall crowds or long walks, providing a distinct, charming, and intimate experience for those who don’t like the noisy, chaotic feel of mall restaurants. But yes, il cibo è delizioso!