When Don and Sharon Murillo walked into Francesco’s Ristorante for their first wedding anniversary, they had no idea it would become a favorite. Their neighbor had recommended the restaurant, and though Don was particular about Italian food, he decided to take a chance.

With a reservation in place, they were promptly seated and handed drink menus. The warm lighting, exposed brick walls, and soft music transported them straight to Italy. At their waiter’s suggestion, they started with a Caprese salad. Sharon marveled at the freshness of the tomatoes—comparable to those from their last trip to Italy.

Because they were both ravenous and curious about the food, they ordered a second appetizer of Calamari Fritti paired with two glasses of Pinot Grigio. The calamari was fresh, and the remoulade sauce was bursting with flavor.

“If the appetizers are this delicious, I can’t imagine what the entrées will be like,” Sharon said, squeezing the last bit of lemon over the calamari. “This is the freshest food I’ve had in a long time.”

It didn’t take long for their entrées to arrive, thanks to a serenading food runner who sang sweet, soft lyrics to the Murillos as he placed their food on their table. They ordered one pizza and pasta dish to share, the Romana pizza and Rigatoni Calabrese. Sharon couldn’t believe how something as simple as a pizza could be so tasty—the prosciutto was flavorful, the crust was crispy, and it was topped with the perfect amount of tomato sauce. Don, who prefers pasta over pizza, ate the Rigatoni Calabrese after a couple of small slices of pizza. The dish had seasoned sausage with a sweet and savory flavor, clearly made with whole, fresh ingredients that rivaled an actual dish from Italy.

“Turns out the entrées are better than we could imagine,” Don smiled. “I’m more than impressed with the food here. I’m speechless!”

The Murillos knew their meal wouldn’t be complete without a slice of tiramisú. As they waited, they spotted the head chef and owner, Francesco, delivering a plate of steaming food to a nearby table, a massive smile on his face.

Chef Francesco Aiello, whose roots are Sicilian, developed his passion for cooking as a child. Growing up in Italy, his family prepared a feast every Sunday. Though nobody in his family was a professional chef, his grandmother, mother, and father were all excellent cooks, which played a key role in developing his love for food. Francesco pursued formal culinary training in Italy, specializing in fish, seafood, and risotto. His mission is simple: to uphold time-honored Italian traditions by using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available.

“I think this is better than any tiramisú we’ve had in Italy,” Sharon said, breaking off another bite. “The texture and flavors are exploding in my mouth!”

“We might have to order another slice,” Don said, taking the second-to-last piece.

“Why don’t we try something else?” Sharon picked up the menu. “Let’s get the Italian wedding cake for our anniversary.”

Francesco brought the cake himself after learning about their celebration. His warm, friendly energy immediately revealed his passion for the restaurant.

“I hear it is a very special occasion today,” Francesco said, placing a generous slice between them. “We feel honored you chose our restaurant.”

“This is incredible,” Don said, taking the first bite. “We’re impressed with everything—the atmosphere, the food, the drinks, and the dessert.” Don then asked Francesco about his experience growing up in Italy and opening a successful restaurant in Florida, inspired by his father and grandfather’s cooking—his skill runs in the family.

As Don and Sharon savored the last bites of their Italian wedding cake, they knew Francesco’s Ristorante had become more than just a restaurant—it was a place where memories were made. From the authentic flavors to the heartfelt hospitality, every detail of their anniversary dinner transported them straight to Italy. With full hearts and satisfied appetites, they promised themselves they would return soon. After all, a restaurant that feels like home—and tastes like Italy—is worth revisiting time and time again.