I've only been to see Franco couple of times since he opened in Troon North... vs when he was at Un Bacio, I was there more frequently. I must say that he's food has always been consistent regardless of the location. It's just good Italian food that I'm familiar with.The service staff was always courteous and accommodating. atmosphere comfortable. If I didn't live so far away, I see myself there more often, especially when my wallet can afford it.
(4)
David S.
Nice atmosphere, good service, mediocre food at best. My advice save your money.
(2)
Mary Rose V.
Great meal & great service! What more can you ask for???
(5)
A B.
Chef Gianfranco Motti was once at the helm at un bacio ristorante, before venturing on his own near Troon North to give Sassi a little competition. Not afraid to acknowledge that Gianfranco's cuisine is somewhat more accessible , palate and wallet friendy than neighboring Sassi. Their dining room is warm, somewhat too dark yet inviting. Service is warm, not obtrusive. Dishes like the classic tomato and mozzarella salads are not exactly creative but always good. The veal piccata was very flavorful ; however the presentation had no wow factor. The most inviting factor in Gianfranco's is the simplicity of its food. Couple that with a cozy and romantic atmosphere, warm and knowledgeable staff, and you really cannot go wrong. On top of that, the charm of nearby Pinnacle Peak adds to a soothing, delightful, and memorable evening. Gianfranco does not cater to the adventurous diner. It is a classic Italian restaurant.
(4)
Damon S.
Greeted in the parking lot by Gianfranco! I kid you not. Never been to the place before but made to feel as if I was family. Ordered the Branzino (one of several unreal daily specials) and it was probably the best Branzino I have had off the Adriatic. Tried several of the other dishes that were just as good. Service is some of the best I have experienced. Very knowledgeable and not pushy. Waiter suggested excellent Italian wine from Montepulciano that was actually very reasonably priced. Will return and definitely recommend.
(5)
Sterling A.
Great service, nice ambience, but the pounded pork chop was suffocated in mozzarella, the veal parmigiana was too much tomato and again smothered in mozzarella. Not much imagination. Other yelpers have said it was like back east Italian places -NOT. Didn't try the pasta-maybe next time, maybe.
(2)
Mike M.
You have seen all the reviews or should I say you have seen all the four and five star reviews. I don't need to add anything else, only to say i visit Gianfranco 4-5 times a month year around.
(5)
Les H.
First time at this Restuarant . Set back off the road. Food was very good, Service was fine. Price was in line with the quality of both. Will definitely be heading back. Might move it up one more star after I see the quality of both holds up over time.
(4)
Stew K.
Brilliant food! Simply magnificent. I had a friend recommend this restaurant at the older location in Scottsdale. I've seen it in Troon near Pinnacle Peak but never really was interested until my wife and I had a craving for Italian and didn't want a long journey from home so we though Why Not... Lets splurge... I had the minestrone soup as an appetizer. Mouthwatering to say the least and very healthy (not too salty like other soups) Dipping in the fresh baked bread with butter and I was full enough to walk away content. My wife had the crab appetizer with a mix of fresh stuff that is beyond my expertise of understanding so I'll leave it at that. I did take a taste and it was magnificent. Light, not too rich and sooooooo mouthwatering! For the main course she had the Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and she commented that it was the best she had ever had. She ate only about 1/3 of the plate and took the rest home. the food is VERY RICH so you could split a main course and be content. I had a pasta dish with meat filled tortellini and prosciutto in a rich cream sauce. To die for...Really....Heaven here I come. So, this is a well run restaurant with a brilliant chef and some very special and individual dishes. The ONLY negative Is the service. It took wayyyyyy too long in between meals and at times we felt completely ignored by the wait staff who wold rush over to the table apologizing taking so long and then it's as if they ignored what they just said as we would wait again for someone else to arrive. The best approach to eating here is not to be rushed, order the drinks AND the appetizers at the same time and then after your close to finishing the appetizers get another drink ordered. Your main course will be late, but by the time it gets there you should be feeling tolerant enough to enjoy what you can ingest and then take the rest home OR split the main course and you should be good. Desert was ok, nothing remarkable...
(4)
Cristóvao À.
This is, simply put, classic Italian food at it's best. I am partial to the Chicken Valdostana, but just about on the menu is excellent. The specials are usually pretty amazing.
(5)
Alastair M.
Great food. Summer special menu is amazing value. Been there 5 times now and never disappointed.
(5)
Julienne F.
Gianfranco's food is simply delicious. I had a fish special (can't remember details at the moment) and it was very good. But my husband ordered a simple alfredo dish. He says the true test of good italian is to order something simple, and if they do that right, they likely do the rest very well. That alfredo sauce was the BEST alfredo sauce I've ever tasted. YUM. It's close by to our house, so we'll definitely be going back!
(4)
Jeff C.
While good is more than acceptable everyone we know complains about the price. The wine list is like quadruple retail. And when we asked why we were given the brush off like this was beneath them to respond. Well folks Madoson Ave it ain't. It's in a strip mall next to a workout studio. Get real guys. Fix the prices.
(2)
john g.
Six months later I spent $150 with my wife to hear for the entire night more F-Bombs and racial rants from the owner/chef. Not my idea of money well spent. The staff is great, so the owner' behavior reflects badly on them. As an aside he has raised his prices to high end NY level - over $30 for spaghetti and meat balls!
(1)
Kevin M.
Over rated... After reading the reviews we were expecting a great night of Italian food, this was not the case. We were seated at one of the two tops and with how the tables are setup it's not possible for the person sitting next to the wall the sit down without moving the table. We are both thin and watched other diners sit down and feel cramped all night. I had the Lobster Bisque soup special it was good and had lots of large pieces of lobster in the soup but the flavor profile was different from any lobster bisque I have had in my life and it came out scolding hot. At first glance the dinner menu looks big but when you realize 80% of the entrees are breaded veal or chicken with different sauces on them the menu becomes small. Our dinner entrees probably spent a little too much time sitting in the window in the kitchen the plates were scolding hot and my veal looked like it had been sitting there a while. My wife's chicken Marsala was good but my veal was just average. For the price I expected more...
(2)
Joyce V.
This is the best Italian food in town! The veal is incomperable, everything is so fresh. Service is impeccable! I encourage everyone to try this place.
(5)
Discerning T.
Words cannot describe how I felt about this restaurant but I am going to try! First off the hostess was not friendly at all and I would almost say RUDE. I ordered the Italian soup with spinach and egg and it looked like I threw up my egg and spinach omelet from breakfast. Of the four entrees we ordered nothing was good and very small portions! The prices were so high and the portions were very small........a BIG tourist trap for sure!!!! I am warning everyone, do not go to this restaurant unless you want to be bent over! Gianfrancos should be ashamed to call themselves a restaurant. Definitely two thumbs down!i would rather have gone to Olive Garden and save my money!!!!!
(1)
Carly M.
Highly recommend. Right across from pinnacle peak park. Italian food at its finest.
(5)
Mary J.
If you're looking for a romantic place to take your date, that has class and style, then this is the place for you. It isn't cheap, but it sure is good. I had a fish dish with a martini that was out of this world. Tender, tasty, moist, and what every other words that can describe AWESOME meal. The ambiance is subdued, with low lighting, elegant dining room designed for low sound travel, so although you're in a restaurant, it seems quiet. So your conversation can go on and on without having to say "excuse me" as you try to talk over the crowd. I wish Gianfanco could get the patio thing going so one could enjoy his food with the views of the area. Perhaps someday. My date had a ravioli type dish and said it was amazing as well. Just the right size portion too. Gianfanco, you're amazing!
(5)
Sarah M.
Unfortunately I agree with other reviewers. We've tried the place twice now. The first experience was bad and this second time, we were invited by my husbands boss, so we were obligated to go, and it was bad again. Overpriced for average food. $44 for shrimp scampi??!! He is out of his mind. $42.50 for a 4x4 square of lasagna, with no sides. Want Green Beans? That will be $8. I'd rather have Olive Garden for $10 The owner runs around yelling profanities and racial slurs and treating his employees like dirt. The turnaround with the staff is constant. Just another scumbag restaurant owner who gets drunk and takes it out on the staff. Poor operation with poor food. We will NEVER go back
(1)
Hugh C.
Always an amazing experience here. With out a doubt the finest Italian restaurant in Arizona. I've traveled extensively and cannot remember a better dining experience. Ask for James the server. He's awesome.
(5)
Edgar B.
Extremely overpriced for very average food. Ambiance is nice and staff was very good. Plastic flowers and fake candles match the food. Was crowded on a Saturday night. The only reason I could guess that the local upscale locals do no not want to bother to drive too far to get a good meal.
(2)
Tammy F.
Fabulous food, Fabulous service. One of our favorite spots. Being your wallet it's pricey but worth it if your looking for a fine dining experience xo...
(5)
Rick R.
Went there last night. Service was terrible. Waited 30 minutes to get our salads. Then dinner came out 5 minutes later, except for one of our dinners that we had to wait another 10 minutes for. Obviously, the kitchen messed up. No apology, nothing. Food was ok, but all the fish dishes tasted and were prepared exactly the same, despite different fish being ordered. On the bill, they overcharged us for the wine compared to the price on the menu. When I pointed it out to the waiter, he acted surprised that I caught it and then said he would adjust the bill "for us". Really! Intentionally overcharge your customers and then no apology, but rather a sarcastic remark. They are arrogant, and for no reason at all. WE WONT BE RETURNING!!! Buyer beware! Check your bill very carefully! The place was near empty, geeee, I wonder why!
(1)
Laura C.
Overpriced, boring food - the owner is absolutely terrifying and vulgar- I would never recommend this place - Olive Garden is better (and I hate Olive Garden) because even though the food is mediocre you don't have to listen to the owner swearing and yelling during your whole dining experience !
(1)
Richard F.
Food and service is good , however, beware of the owner, Gianfranco. he has a potential to go postal on unsuspecting patrons for no apparent reason. Screaming, cursing, etc. Dine at your own risk
(2)
Ellen S.
It was a disappointing evening. We went with friends and were so excited to have dinner here. The food was inconsistent - the lobster bisque was salty, lacking a robust body. However, the penne with shrimp in vodka sauce was very good. The customer service was disappointing - needed to ask three times for a diet coke and three times to get some more bread. We saw our waiter twice - he took our order and delivered the bill -- in-between he was no where to be seen. The food was overpriced. The restaurant noise level made it very difficult to hold a conversation with our dinner partners.
(1)
Lauren D.
I went here on the day before Valentine's day with my boyfriend and the cutest old couple bought our dinner(: great service! And so delicious
(5)
Richard D.
Over priced, average service. Nothing special with the food. Bland and typical micro waved food. Bread not fresh and wine menu over priced with cheap italian wines. Get costco carry out instead.
(1)
Pepper T.
You step in and walk into an upscale grandma's dining room. You might hear as we did a deep Italian Voice singing from the kitchen who might have been the chef. Our waiter also had an Italian accent and was very enthusiastic explaining the evenings dinner specials. We went with one of the appetizer specials and two of the dinner specials since they seemed very good. Someone soon brings us very crusty bread, they provide butter but also have very high quality olive oil on the table to use. My husband started the house made pasta that had pieces of veal osso bucco threw it in a well made sauce. He just kept saying this is really good. I started with a light arugula salad. The salad was small but not too small , the salad was dressed nicely and was fresh. I went with the Branzino since it was flown in yesterday. The fish was so fresh you almost tasted the seawater in it. My meal was cooked to perfection and the lemon white wine caper sauce just danced in my mouth and showed the skill of a trained chef. I picked the green beans as my side and they were cooked threw but crisp, lightly buttered and came out the most beautiful emerald green color. My husband had the pork chop, the waiter didn't ask how he'd like it prepared but it came out perfect. The pork chop was lightly breaded and topped with prosciutto and fontina cheese. The sauce that the chop was in was in was also out of this world , very flavorful and made the dish special. Like magic both dinners stayed piping hot till the last bite. I didn't have any problems using my preferred Diner's Card getting me one meal for free. The gratuity gets added on when you use a card. Maybe the menu and decor is a little Old Fashioned but the place is very neat and clean. 4.5 stars
(5)
Blake J.
former employe very unsainatairty franco the owner would smoke cigs and drink on the line while making food, he would hire escorts there is usally one there named courtney ive seen ice cream scopps fall on the floor and just get re used, he re uses peoples half eaten foods very disgusting man is a cheapstalke
(1)
Keith F.
Disappointing - high energy equals lousy ambiance for a quiet romantic dinner. Odd tables (table for two much longer than usual - 4 ft from your table mate). Food was fair - very expensive and therefore marginal value. Tried it once, will not be back
(2)
Erich B.
Perfectly cooked pasta. Very clean comfortable place. Excellent service. Not cheap but such good food. I had the carbonara which was the best I have had in Arizona so far. My mother had a pork chop smothered in brown gravy that was to die for. I hope they have this the next time I go because I will order this for sure. Best Italian in North Scottsdale.
(5)
John R.
Starting with the food this place is wonderful! For me the Mozzarella Caprese and the Linguine Carbonara actually made up for all of the weirdness we encountered on our visit. You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind; at least that is what our visit felt like... Our waiter was obviously (or hopefully) new - we asked for a bottle of sparkling water for the table and one of us wanted a glass of still; the response was, "We only have large bottles of still water," as other people were being served out of the familiar restaurant pitchers of water. One of us wanted one of the starters on the menu and a salad; I guess not being familiar with the menu they were asked several times if they wanted two salads. Then, when the requested starter did come the whole table got plates to share what one person wanted. Assuming this person is new, where is the shadow to train them? If that was not enough on a rather empty night (maybe four other tables occupied) we were witness to one loud table across the room that was fighting with each other and another, more nearby, that I guess just got a new iPhone and was hoping to find a thesaurus app to spice up their emails. So, back to the food which is really what it is all about... The food is excellent and well worth a visit. Hopefully the comedy show caliber of oddities that surrounded us was the result of some cosmic synchronicity and not a regular event!
(4)
Alanna W.
Great meal, service was good, We will return SOON! Worth every penny!
(5)
Nick W.
Best italian in phoenix! We drive 45min one way for this place.
(5)
Joe C.
Food is absolutely amazing.
(5)
Ted L.
This place was good but overpriced .
(3)
Kimberly P.
I would actually give this 3.5. Good meal, but very overpriced. I had some chicken with asparagus and cheese that was very good, but close to $30 in price. The Tiramisu was all cream....not very much liqueur or cake. Coffee was good. Meh overall.
(3)
Alaine G.
The food was excellent! I would say the BEST in Arizona for Italian. The staff explains the specials well. The staff is always very busy. The price for just entrees is quite expensive. The atmosphere is elegant. I have been a fan of this place since it opened!
(4)
Nicole K.
This place was simply amazing! We came here for my husband's birthday and they treated us like royalty! I love when you can sit down and enjoy a dinner without feeling like your server is trying to "turn the table". Our server was in no rush at all, but not in a bad way. We were seated promptly and pour glasses of ice water. Our table was unbelievably freezing. Since most restaurants in the summer are cold I had brought a pashmina, but it was just not enough. The server immediately noticed my discomfort and adjusted the thermostat. That is really attentive! We had an appetizer of calamari which was good, but pretty standard. For our salads my husband had the one with blue cheese which was good and I the caprese which was really awesome! Then came the highlight..... for our meals my husband had the veal parmigiana which he loved until he tasted my Veal Piemontese that was an explosion!!! I would definitely dine here again!
(5)
Guy H.
So am a transplant from the Philly area - this was ok'ish food. Nothing to write home about with excellent service bumping it up from 2 to 3 stars. Bluntly, this place is overpriced from a-z. $6 for a bottle of Stella, $16 for melon/proscuitto, to Chicken Parmigiana at $26.50. Great atmosphere - but not great food. PS the creme brulee was not fully set
(3)
Sean D.
Again a amazing dinner. We had some appetizers and amazing risotto primavera with chicken. Can't go wrong with this hidden gem. Great service and food as always !!
(5)
Dan S.
Some of the best food I've had in my mouth. Gianfranco came to our table to see how it was, very cool. Will absolutely go back.
(5)
Jeff R.
By far the best classic Italian Restaurant in Scottsdale. The chef came to our table and I asked him to prepare what he thought was best for us , did not disappoint. Big personality , great food, fun environment.
Wow... That's all I can say.. And I mean wow as in how could someone possibly eat this food? We walked in and were greeted by a grumpy woman. We got no Hi or Hello. As soon as we walked into the main restaurant, it was all monotone. It was all brown and beiges and extremely old. There were about eight others in the restaurant, so that was definitely as bad sign. A customer was walking back to her table and across the restaurant yelled " Oh my gosh I just ripped a huge one in the bathroom". We were disgusted. We were immediately served bread and given menus. Bread was okay.. wasn't warm and we were given hard butter. The butter would have been nice to add to the bland bread we were given. We receive our food and the presentation was not impressive, as the waiter had previously stated. Two of my family members ordered the veal and chicken piccata and both sauces looked completely different. The chicken was tough and tasted horrible. Someone else ordered the special, veal and cheese stuffed ravioli in a red vodka sauce. The sauce was hot, but once the ravioli was cut, I knew it was out of a package. The middle was completely cold and the pasta was chewy. It was so obvious everything was NOT homemade. Someone else ordered the fettuccine alfredo with chicken. It was very gloppy and looked like it came out of a package as well. The chicken tasted like it was freeze dried and made for NASA. The meal was completely awful and the prices are sure as hell overpriced. I would never tell anyone to eat at this place. The chef should try his/her food because it is horrible. I was tempted to enter this restaurant to be on Restaurant Impossible so Robert Irvine can redo the decor to lighten it up and to fix the food so it is edible. If the restaurant used real chicken, those chickens would be running out the door because the food is that bad. I thought I had gone to an Italian restaurant, but there was no Italian food that I tasted. All we got was the expensive bill for microwaved food and chronic diarrhea. This deserves two thumbs down and a pink slip.
(1)
Carolyn H.
Great restaurant! The food is excellent and the staff is always welcoming and professional. I love the pork chop, sea bass, scampi, soups, crab salad, beet salad.. I could go on and on. It is truly amazing. I look forward to dining at Gianfrancos. The owner is very personable and a great host and fabulous chef.
(5)
Linda H.
Tucked inside a small but nice north Scottsdale plaza I never knew was there. Happy now that I have been introduced to this charming Italian delight! The mood is casual, comfortable ,and great for older families or a business dinner. A romantic first date can also be accomplished nicely. Our server was patient as we chatted and never did we feel rushed. After deciding on wine our glasses were never empty. I like that! Great wine list too! Appetizers of Calamari and Carpaccio came and went! Loved the Carpaccio, the Calamari was just ok. Veal Marsala was my choice and just as I anticipated it was excellent. My friend had a fresh catch, I think halibut and it was very good as well. i love that Chef came over to say hello on such a busy night. That is a nice touch and makes you feel special and at home. It was a wonderful dining experience and i look forward to coming back to sit outside for dessert and cappuccino!
(4)
Mike C.
Excellent, attentive service. Along with the printed menu, there were five or so appetizers and the same amount of entrees explained to us by our waiter. Fresh, well prepared food. Pricey, but I don't mind it when you get the type of food and service we enjoyed tonight. If you dine here, ask about the story behind Franco. Very interesting. Definitely adding Gianfranco's to the list.
(5)
Linda B.
We live close by and decided we needed to finally try this place for drinks and appetizers in the bar. Net-net is good service and drinks, but lousy (and overpriced) food. We had three different items, and there wasn't one we'd have again -- calamari, for example, was definitely the frozen breaded variety and the marinara seemed out of a can. The menu is also very old school...e.g., prosciutto wrapped melon! The servers, though, are very friendly and the owner definitely goes out of his way to entertain the guests!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Damien F.
Visited on Saturday night for the third time. Place was nearly empty. Food is good, not great - basic Italian. Great summer deal (4 courses $40). Wait staff exceptional. I had the crab salad OK, chick parmiagano OK and creme brûlée...all OK. Franco was in the dining hall and it completely spoiled the ambiance. He is loud and spent about 20 minutes talking to a couple who were loudly bashing a local prominent businessman whose business is in trouble. A decent, basic Italian restaurant - I hope Franco stays in the kitchen when you visit. If not, bring ear plugs!
(2)Rick M.
Absolutely marvelous food. Do any veal dish!
(5)priscilla p.
I've only been to see Franco couple of times since he opened in Troon North... vs when he was at Un Bacio, I was there more frequently. I must say that he's food has always been consistent regardless of the location. It's just good Italian food that I'm familiar with.The service staff was always courteous and accommodating. atmosphere comfortable. If I didn't live so far away, I see myself there more often, especially when my wallet can afford it.
(4)David S.
Nice atmosphere, good service, mediocre food at best. My advice save your money.
(2)Mary Rose V.
Great meal & great service! What more can you ask for???
(5)A B.
Chef Gianfranco Motti was once at the helm at un bacio ristorante, before venturing on his own near Troon North to give Sassi a little competition. Not afraid to acknowledge that Gianfranco's cuisine is somewhat more accessible , palate and wallet friendy than neighboring Sassi. Their dining room is warm, somewhat too dark yet inviting. Service is warm, not obtrusive. Dishes like the classic tomato and mozzarella salads are not exactly creative but always good. The veal piccata was very flavorful ; however the presentation had no wow factor. The most inviting factor in Gianfranco's is the simplicity of its food. Couple that with a cozy and romantic atmosphere, warm and knowledgeable staff, and you really cannot go wrong. On top of that, the charm of nearby Pinnacle Peak adds to a soothing, delightful, and memorable evening. Gianfranco does not cater to the adventurous diner. It is a classic Italian restaurant.
(4)Damon S.
Greeted in the parking lot by Gianfranco! I kid you not. Never been to the place before but made to feel as if I was family. Ordered the Branzino (one of several unreal daily specials) and it was probably the best Branzino I have had off the Adriatic. Tried several of the other dishes that were just as good. Service is some of the best I have experienced. Very knowledgeable and not pushy. Waiter suggested excellent Italian wine from Montepulciano that was actually very reasonably priced. Will return and definitely recommend.
(5)Sterling A.
Great service, nice ambience, but the pounded pork chop was suffocated in mozzarella, the veal parmigiana was too much tomato and again smothered in mozzarella. Not much imagination. Other yelpers have said it was like back east Italian places -NOT. Didn't try the pasta-maybe next time, maybe.
(2)Mike M.
You have seen all the reviews or should I say you have seen all the four and five star reviews. I don't need to add anything else, only to say i visit Gianfranco 4-5 times a month year around.
(5)Les H.
First time at this Restuarant . Set back off the road. Food was very good, Service was fine. Price was in line with the quality of both. Will definitely be heading back. Might move it up one more star after I see the quality of both holds up over time.
(4)Stew K.
Brilliant food! Simply magnificent. I had a friend recommend this restaurant at the older location in Scottsdale. I've seen it in Troon near Pinnacle Peak but never really was interested until my wife and I had a craving for Italian and didn't want a long journey from home so we though Why Not... Lets splurge... I had the minestrone soup as an appetizer. Mouthwatering to say the least and very healthy (not too salty like other soups) Dipping in the fresh baked bread with butter and I was full enough to walk away content. My wife had the crab appetizer with a mix of fresh stuff that is beyond my expertise of understanding so I'll leave it at that. I did take a taste and it was magnificent. Light, not too rich and sooooooo mouthwatering! For the main course she had the Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and she commented that it was the best she had ever had. She ate only about 1/3 of the plate and took the rest home. the food is VERY RICH so you could split a main course and be content. I had a pasta dish with meat filled tortellini and prosciutto in a rich cream sauce. To die for...Really....Heaven here I come. So, this is a well run restaurant with a brilliant chef and some very special and individual dishes. The ONLY negative Is the service. It took wayyyyyy too long in between meals and at times we felt completely ignored by the wait staff who wold rush over to the table apologizing taking so long and then it's as if they ignored what they just said as we would wait again for someone else to arrive. The best approach to eating here is not to be rushed, order the drinks AND the appetizers at the same time and then after your close to finishing the appetizers get another drink ordered. Your main course will be late, but by the time it gets there you should be feeling tolerant enough to enjoy what you can ingest and then take the rest home OR split the main course and you should be good. Desert was ok, nothing remarkable...
(4)Cristóvao À.
This is, simply put, classic Italian food at it's best. I am partial to the Chicken Valdostana, but just about on the menu is excellent. The specials are usually pretty amazing.
(5)Alastair M.
Great food. Summer special menu is amazing value. Been there 5 times now and never disappointed.
(5)Julienne F.
Gianfranco's food is simply delicious. I had a fish special (can't remember details at the moment) and it was very good. But my husband ordered a simple alfredo dish. He says the true test of good italian is to order something simple, and if they do that right, they likely do the rest very well. That alfredo sauce was the BEST alfredo sauce I've ever tasted. YUM. It's close by to our house, so we'll definitely be going back!
(4)Jeff C.
While good is more than acceptable everyone we know complains about the price. The wine list is like quadruple retail. And when we asked why we were given the brush off like this was beneath them to respond. Well folks Madoson Ave it ain't. It's in a strip mall next to a workout studio. Get real guys. Fix the prices.
(2)john g.
Six months later I spent $150 with my wife to hear for the entire night more F-Bombs and racial rants from the owner/chef. Not my idea of money well spent. The staff is great, so the owner' behavior reflects badly on them. As an aside he has raised his prices to high end NY level - over $30 for spaghetti and meat balls!
(1)Kevin M.
Over rated... After reading the reviews we were expecting a great night of Italian food, this was not the case. We were seated at one of the two tops and with how the tables are setup it's not possible for the person sitting next to the wall the sit down without moving the table. We are both thin and watched other diners sit down and feel cramped all night. I had the Lobster Bisque soup special it was good and had lots of large pieces of lobster in the soup but the flavor profile was different from any lobster bisque I have had in my life and it came out scolding hot. At first glance the dinner menu looks big but when you realize 80% of the entrees are breaded veal or chicken with different sauces on them the menu becomes small. Our dinner entrees probably spent a little too much time sitting in the window in the kitchen the plates were scolding hot and my veal looked like it had been sitting there a while. My wife's chicken Marsala was good but my veal was just average. For the price I expected more...
(2)Joyce V.
This is the best Italian food in town! The veal is incomperable, everything is so fresh. Service is impeccable! I encourage everyone to try this place.
(5)Discerning T.
Words cannot describe how I felt about this restaurant but I am going to try! First off the hostess was not friendly at all and I would almost say RUDE. I ordered the Italian soup with spinach and egg and it looked like I threw up my egg and spinach omelet from breakfast. Of the four entrees we ordered nothing was good and very small portions! The prices were so high and the portions were very small........a BIG tourist trap for sure!!!! I am warning everyone, do not go to this restaurant unless you want to be bent over! Gianfrancos should be ashamed to call themselves a restaurant. Definitely two thumbs down!i would rather have gone to Olive Garden and save my money!!!!!
(1)Carly M.
Highly recommend. Right across from pinnacle peak park. Italian food at its finest.
(5)Mary J.
If you're looking for a romantic place to take your date, that has class and style, then this is the place for you. It isn't cheap, but it sure is good. I had a fish dish with a martini that was out of this world. Tender, tasty, moist, and what every other words that can describe AWESOME meal. The ambiance is subdued, with low lighting, elegant dining room designed for low sound travel, so although you're in a restaurant, it seems quiet. So your conversation can go on and on without having to say "excuse me" as you try to talk over the crowd. I wish Gianfanco could get the patio thing going so one could enjoy his food with the views of the area. Perhaps someday. My date had a ravioli type dish and said it was amazing as well. Just the right size portion too. Gianfanco, you're amazing!
(5)Sarah M.
Unfortunately I agree with other reviewers. We've tried the place twice now. The first experience was bad and this second time, we were invited by my husbands boss, so we were obligated to go, and it was bad again. Overpriced for average food. $44 for shrimp scampi??!! He is out of his mind. $42.50 for a 4x4 square of lasagna, with no sides. Want Green Beans? That will be $8. I'd rather have Olive Garden for $10 The owner runs around yelling profanities and racial slurs and treating his employees like dirt. The turnaround with the staff is constant. Just another scumbag restaurant owner who gets drunk and takes it out on the staff. Poor operation with poor food. We will NEVER go back
(1)Hugh C.
Always an amazing experience here. With out a doubt the finest Italian restaurant in Arizona. I've traveled extensively and cannot remember a better dining experience. Ask for James the server. He's awesome.
(5)Edgar B.
Extremely overpriced for very average food. Ambiance is nice and staff was very good. Plastic flowers and fake candles match the food. Was crowded on a Saturday night. The only reason I could guess that the local upscale locals do no not want to bother to drive too far to get a good meal.
(2)Tammy F.
Fabulous food, Fabulous service. One of our favorite spots. Being your wallet it's pricey but worth it if your looking for a fine dining experience xo...
(5)Rick R.
Went there last night. Service was terrible. Waited 30 minutes to get our salads. Then dinner came out 5 minutes later, except for one of our dinners that we had to wait another 10 minutes for. Obviously, the kitchen messed up. No apology, nothing. Food was ok, but all the fish dishes tasted and were prepared exactly the same, despite different fish being ordered. On the bill, they overcharged us for the wine compared to the price on the menu. When I pointed it out to the waiter, he acted surprised that I caught it and then said he would adjust the bill "for us". Really! Intentionally overcharge your customers and then no apology, but rather a sarcastic remark. They are arrogant, and for no reason at all. WE WONT BE RETURNING!!! Buyer beware! Check your bill very carefully! The place was near empty, geeee, I wonder why!
(1)Laura C.
Overpriced, boring food - the owner is absolutely terrifying and vulgar- I would never recommend this place - Olive Garden is better (and I hate Olive Garden) because even though the food is mediocre you don't have to listen to the owner swearing and yelling during your whole dining experience !
(1)Richard F.
Food and service is good , however, beware of the owner, Gianfranco. he has a potential to go postal on unsuspecting patrons for no apparent reason. Screaming, cursing, etc. Dine at your own risk
(2)Ellen S.
It was a disappointing evening. We went with friends and were so excited to have dinner here. The food was inconsistent - the lobster bisque was salty, lacking a robust body. However, the penne with shrimp in vodka sauce was very good. The customer service was disappointing - needed to ask three times for a diet coke and three times to get some more bread. We saw our waiter twice - he took our order and delivered the bill -- in-between he was no where to be seen. The food was overpriced. The restaurant noise level made it very difficult to hold a conversation with our dinner partners.
(1)Lauren D.
I went here on the day before Valentine's day with my boyfriend and the cutest old couple bought our dinner(: great service! And so delicious
(5)Richard D.
Over priced, average service. Nothing special with the food. Bland and typical micro waved food. Bread not fresh and wine menu over priced with cheap italian wines. Get costco carry out instead.
(1)Pepper T.
You step in and walk into an upscale grandma's dining room. You might hear as we did a deep Italian Voice singing from the kitchen who might have been the chef. Our waiter also had an Italian accent and was very enthusiastic explaining the evenings dinner specials. We went with one of the appetizer specials and two of the dinner specials since they seemed very good. Someone soon brings us very crusty bread, they provide butter but also have very high quality olive oil on the table to use. My husband started the house made pasta that had pieces of veal osso bucco threw it in a well made sauce. He just kept saying this is really good. I started with a light arugula salad. The salad was small but not too small , the salad was dressed nicely and was fresh. I went with the Branzino since it was flown in yesterday. The fish was so fresh you almost tasted the seawater in it. My meal was cooked to perfection and the lemon white wine caper sauce just danced in my mouth and showed the skill of a trained chef. I picked the green beans as my side and they were cooked threw but crisp, lightly buttered and came out the most beautiful emerald green color. My husband had the pork chop, the waiter didn't ask how he'd like it prepared but it came out perfect. The pork chop was lightly breaded and topped with prosciutto and fontina cheese. The sauce that the chop was in was in was also out of this world , very flavorful and made the dish special. Like magic both dinners stayed piping hot till the last bite. I didn't have any problems using my preferred Diner's Card getting me one meal for free. The gratuity gets added on when you use a card. Maybe the menu and decor is a little Old Fashioned but the place is very neat and clean. 4.5 stars
(5)Blake J.
former employe very unsainatairty franco the owner would smoke cigs and drink on the line while making food, he would hire escorts there is usally one there named courtney ive seen ice cream scopps fall on the floor and just get re used, he re uses peoples half eaten foods very disgusting man is a cheapstalke
(1)Keith F.
Disappointing - high energy equals lousy ambiance for a quiet romantic dinner. Odd tables (table for two much longer than usual - 4 ft from your table mate). Food was fair - very expensive and therefore marginal value. Tried it once, will not be back
(2)Erich B.
Perfectly cooked pasta. Very clean comfortable place. Excellent service. Not cheap but such good food. I had the carbonara which was the best I have had in Arizona so far. My mother had a pork chop smothered in brown gravy that was to die for. I hope they have this the next time I go because I will order this for sure. Best Italian in North Scottsdale.
(5)John R.
Starting with the food this place is wonderful! For me the Mozzarella Caprese and the Linguine Carbonara actually made up for all of the weirdness we encountered on our visit. You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind; at least that is what our visit felt like... Our waiter was obviously (or hopefully) new - we asked for a bottle of sparkling water for the table and one of us wanted a glass of still; the response was, "We only have large bottles of still water," as other people were being served out of the familiar restaurant pitchers of water. One of us wanted one of the starters on the menu and a salad; I guess not being familiar with the menu they were asked several times if they wanted two salads. Then, when the requested starter did come the whole table got plates to share what one person wanted. Assuming this person is new, where is the shadow to train them? If that was not enough on a rather empty night (maybe four other tables occupied) we were witness to one loud table across the room that was fighting with each other and another, more nearby, that I guess just got a new iPhone and was hoping to find a thesaurus app to spice up their emails. So, back to the food which is really what it is all about... The food is excellent and well worth a visit. Hopefully the comedy show caliber of oddities that surrounded us was the result of some cosmic synchronicity and not a regular event!
(4)Alanna W.
Great meal, service was good, We will return SOON! Worth every penny!
(5)Nick W.
Best italian in phoenix! We drive 45min one way for this place.
(5)Joe C.
Food is absolutely amazing.
(5)Ted L.
This place was good but overpriced .
(3)Kimberly P.
I would actually give this 3.5. Good meal, but very overpriced. I had some chicken with asparagus and cheese that was very good, but close to $30 in price. The Tiramisu was all cream....not very much liqueur or cake. Coffee was good. Meh overall.
(3)Alaine G.
The food was excellent! I would say the BEST in Arizona for Italian. The staff explains the specials well. The staff is always very busy. The price for just entrees is quite expensive. The atmosphere is elegant. I have been a fan of this place since it opened!
(4)Nicole K.
This place was simply amazing! We came here for my husband's birthday and they treated us like royalty! I love when you can sit down and enjoy a dinner without feeling like your server is trying to "turn the table". Our server was in no rush at all, but not in a bad way. We were seated promptly and pour glasses of ice water. Our table was unbelievably freezing. Since most restaurants in the summer are cold I had brought a pashmina, but it was just not enough. The server immediately noticed my discomfort and adjusted the thermostat. That is really attentive! We had an appetizer of calamari which was good, but pretty standard. For our salads my husband had the one with blue cheese which was good and I the caprese which was really awesome! Then came the highlight..... for our meals my husband had the veal parmigiana which he loved until he tasted my Veal Piemontese that was an explosion!!! I would definitely dine here again!
(5)Guy H.
So am a transplant from the Philly area - this was ok'ish food. Nothing to write home about with excellent service bumping it up from 2 to 3 stars. Bluntly, this place is overpriced from a-z. $6 for a bottle of Stella, $16 for melon/proscuitto, to Chicken Parmigiana at $26.50. Great atmosphere - but not great food. PS the creme brulee was not fully set
(3)Sean D.
Again a amazing dinner. We had some appetizers and amazing risotto primavera with chicken. Can't go wrong with this hidden gem. Great service and food as always !!
(5)Dan S.
Some of the best food I've had in my mouth. Gianfranco came to our table to see how it was, very cool. Will absolutely go back.
(5)Jeff R.
By far the best classic Italian Restaurant in Scottsdale. The chef came to our table and I asked him to prepare what he thought was best for us , did not disappoint. Big personality , great food, fun environment.
(5)Ellen J.
4-1/2 stars for food . . . 2 stars for service. I had no idea this place even existed . . . it is tucked away in a shopping center behind Pinnacle Peak in the Troon North area. I am so glad our friends recommended that we have dinner there. First of all, the dining room is really pretty. It reminded me of an old style Italian restaurant from back East in so many ways . . . and you would never know it from the outside. The offered a summer special menu of $34.95 for a starter (appetizer, salad or soup), entree, dessert, and coffee -- a true bargain if you were to add everything up separately. For starters, we all ordered something different . . . calamari fritti, mixed green salad with Gorgonzola, Prosciutto di Parma over fresh seasonal melon, and the beef carpaccio. All were a hit except my salad was pretty unremarkable and ordinary. Entrees were AMAZING! All entrees (except pasta) come with a choice of side, either pasta or the daily veggie (green beans that night). Hubby had the Veal Martini (Veal cutlet breaded with parmesan cheese, sautéed in brown sauce and topped with asparagus). I had the Veal Parmigiana, as did one of our friends. The veal was so incredibly tender you could cut it with only your fork -- heavenly. For me, the veal parm hearkened back to the old days in the late 1960s and early 1970s when I was a kid in Pittsburgh, PA. We had a favorite restaurant that my family went to every Sunday called the Park Schenley. Perhaps I have romanticized my experience of it, but I always compare any veal parm to the one there, and Gianfranco didn't disappoint! BRAVO!! My other friend (another Yelper) had the Scampi Classico (I hope she will write a review too). The shrimp were huge and looked really succulent, but we were so busy chatting away, I didn't get a chance to ask her how it tasted. I am assuming because she finished it with no complaints that she was very pleased. For dessert, hubby had the Tiramisu. It was a very hefty portion and he made no excuse for orgasmically moaning how delicious it was. I had the cannoli . . . it was just okay. The filling was a little too creamy for my taste. I like my cannoli heavy on the ricotta texture. Coffee was delicioso! I forgot to ask what kind they serve. Service was a downer, to say the least. S-L-O-W. Our server apologized for the slow service and blamed it on the fact that the restaurant was closing for two weeks for summer vacation and everyone decided to come in that night . . . they weren't prepared for such a crowd. I have to wonder how that could be when we were one of the first tables seated and we were the last to leave, why that was . . . Believe me, we were not lingering . . . It seems that this is not unusual based on other reviewers comments. Even still, the food (and the company) more than made up for the lack of service. We will definitely be regulars here, but we will make sure that if we are pressed for time (which fortunately we were not this particular night), we will let them know in advance.
(4)R B.
Excellent meal. What else is there to say!
(5)Amanda S.
Wow... That's all I can say.. And I mean wow as in how could someone possibly eat this food? We walked in and were greeted by a grumpy woman. We got no Hi or Hello. As soon as we walked into the main restaurant, it was all monotone. It was all brown and beiges and extremely old. There were about eight others in the restaurant, so that was definitely as bad sign. A customer was walking back to her table and across the restaurant yelled " Oh my gosh I just ripped a huge one in the bathroom". We were disgusted. We were immediately served bread and given menus. Bread was okay.. wasn't warm and we were given hard butter. The butter would have been nice to add to the bland bread we were given. We receive our food and the presentation was not impressive, as the waiter had previously stated. Two of my family members ordered the veal and chicken piccata and both sauces looked completely different. The chicken was tough and tasted horrible. Someone else ordered the special, veal and cheese stuffed ravioli in a red vodka sauce. The sauce was hot, but once the ravioli was cut, I knew it was out of a package. The middle was completely cold and the pasta was chewy. It was so obvious everything was NOT homemade. Someone else ordered the fettuccine alfredo with chicken. It was very gloppy and looked like it came out of a package as well. The chicken tasted like it was freeze dried and made for NASA. The meal was completely awful and the prices are sure as hell overpriced. I would never tell anyone to eat at this place. The chef should try his/her food because it is horrible. I was tempted to enter this restaurant to be on Restaurant Impossible so Robert Irvine can redo the decor to lighten it up and to fix the food so it is edible. If the restaurant used real chicken, those chickens would be running out the door because the food is that bad. I thought I had gone to an Italian restaurant, but there was no Italian food that I tasted. All we got was the expensive bill for microwaved food and chronic diarrhea. This deserves two thumbs down and a pink slip.
(1)Carolyn H.
Great restaurant! The food is excellent and the staff is always welcoming and professional. I love the pork chop, sea bass, scampi, soups, crab salad, beet salad.. I could go on and on. It is truly amazing. I look forward to dining at Gianfrancos. The owner is very personable and a great host and fabulous chef.
(5)Linda H.
Tucked inside a small but nice north Scottsdale plaza I never knew was there. Happy now that I have been introduced to this charming Italian delight! The mood is casual, comfortable ,and great for older families or a business dinner. A romantic first date can also be accomplished nicely. Our server was patient as we chatted and never did we feel rushed. After deciding on wine our glasses were never empty. I like that! Great wine list too! Appetizers of Calamari and Carpaccio came and went! Loved the Carpaccio, the Calamari was just ok. Veal Marsala was my choice and just as I anticipated it was excellent. My friend had a fresh catch, I think halibut and it was very good as well. i love that Chef came over to say hello on such a busy night. That is a nice touch and makes you feel special and at home. It was a wonderful dining experience and i look forward to coming back to sit outside for dessert and cappuccino!
(4)Mike C.
Excellent, attentive service. Along with the printed menu, there were five or so appetizers and the same amount of entrees explained to us by our waiter. Fresh, well prepared food. Pricey, but I don't mind it when you get the type of food and service we enjoyed tonight. If you dine here, ask about the story behind Franco. Very interesting. Definitely adding Gianfranco's to the list.
(5)Linda B.
We live close by and decided we needed to finally try this place for drinks and appetizers in the bar. Net-net is good service and drinks, but lousy (and overpriced) food. We had three different items, and there wasn't one we'd have again -- calamari, for example, was definitely the frozen breaded variety and the marinara seemed out of a can. The menu is also very old school...e.g., prosciutto wrapped melon! The servers, though, are very friendly and the owner definitely goes out of his way to entertain the guests!
(2)