Franco's Italian Restaurant

Franco's doesn't disappoint! The food is always good, the staff is Friendly. This place is a little Italian restaurant and I'm glad we found it! We went at dinner time had a glass of wine and a pasta dish with a side salad. I love the dipping oil they have, and they actually have a bar in the back with some seating.

Visited this restaurant over the past weekend, arriving around 5pm Saturday evening. Had always loved the previous establishment, Loritos, which sold a year or two ago.First impression - the interior is warm, bright and clean. Thumbs up. They offer tables only seating, which is fine.Our party of two was seated at a six-top, which I thought was odd, but at the time, we didn't question it. The place was not super busy at the time. We ordered drinks and then our meals. Eggplant Parmesan and spaghetti bolognese were our mains. We had a salad and the roasted red pepper and sausage soup (sounded weird, but was pretty good)We were eating our starters and our main courses were brought out. I don't know about you, but this annoys me. This clearly shows that the server was not paying attention to the progression of our meal. So, the main course dishes left to the side, we finished our starters. Our mains were both tasty, although my eggplant parm became a bit soggy while I finished my starters. Their red sauce is very good. So, when finished, we decided to order a tiramisu, to share, and coffee. We finished up and were sitting talking when our server approached us, and very apologetically asked us to leave or we could move to another table because that had people waiting for a large table. I was quite shocked! We did not want to move, or to make a scene, so we left. Closing comments - food was good, but please set your parties accordingly, there were several two-top tables available when we arrived. It was quite rude to be asked to leave or move. You might ward off customers who usually don't appreciate that sort of treatment. Remember we are the folks coming into your establishments keeping your businesses running.

Had heard a lot of positive things about Franco's. I had been to this location when it was Lorito's... and I was pleasantly surprised to see a bright and clean dining room. More diner like than upscale ambiance. Jillian brought friendly and attentive service. The food was all piping hot, tasty and good portions. I would definitely return

Service was friendly and fast. The food arrived in a reasonable time frame, even though the restaurant was busy. Everything was fresh and hot! Our party had chicken piccata, stuffed shells (added meatballs), and a meat lovers pizza. The dinners came with salad and bread, and the dipping oil was fabulous! The salad dressings were also delicious. The only reason I'm not giving five stars is that the marinara sauce was a little sharp for our taste. But the overall experience was very pleasant. Happy to have this as an option for great Italian food in Ocala!

This was an unexpected and pleasant stop while we were in Ocala looking for dinner. We had planned to get dinner at another restaurant, but the wait was too long so we came here and we were so glad that we did! The service was slow at first because they were busy, but the owner and his grandson were so nice! We got the spaghetti and meatballs, spaghetti bolognese, and a plain spaghetti with marinara on the side for a picky eater. It was fabulous. They also delivered us bread and oil after we got our main dishes, but it was so good, we didn't mind it coming late. The drinks were well made and paired well with the meal. The ambiance was not bad. Very glad the other restaurant option didn't work out, as this was so good!

We never go to a restaurant on opening day because we like to give them time to work out the kinks. We were feeling brave and took a chance at Franco's on opening day. Everything was running like a well-oiled machine!We were greeted at the door by a friendly hostess and taken to a table in the back room. It was a little tight with the pulled out chair from the table behind ours, but doable. Within moments, our sweet server came to get our drink orders and appetizer order. We got bruschetta and garlic knots, which were promptly served. The knots were a little dry, but the bruschetta was delicious. The actual plates and utensils are so pretty!Our dinners came with soup or salad. The pasta fagioli was delicious and served steaming hot. The salad was fresh and delicious with fabulous ranch dressing. Our entrees arrived and were delicious as well. The sausage was wonderful with not too much fennel. The chicken Parmesan was good, nicely cheesy, but I like my own Alfredo sauce better. When we placed our order, we also asked for a small pepperoni pizza to go. That was not on our bill, nor was it mentioned again, so we let it go. Service was attentive and dirty dishes are immediately removed; however, there are things I wish I hadn't seen: crumbs from a dirty table being wiped into a bare hand and that hand not being washed before serving entrees, an employee playing with their watch and then touching the clean silverware on a reserved table... Ignorance is bliss, but hopefully this will be a learning experience since it's only day one. Overall, it was a nice dinner. I think the previous occupant tarnished our opinion because they had an old-school pizza parlor feel before. The vibe from Franco's is more fine dining than comfortable pizza joint.

No pictures--so sorry. This was an excellent place for lunch. We ordered off the lunch menu and I was happy with the portions. My husband ordered the chicken piccata. It was so lemony and delicious. I had the eggplant Parmesan but traded my penne for spaghetti. Our server Sean was attentive and informed. We splurged and got the Lemoncello cake. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. We will be back to try the pizza.

Always a delicious meal with excellent service. We had Sean serve us the last couple times and he is the best. Good value also.We like the seafood dishes best.

service is very professional and friendly. I have ordered take out several time and eat in 3. Every experience was fantastic and the food is excellent. Best real Italian food and pizza's in Ocala.

Franco's has good food and good service in a family friendly environment. The gluten free offerings are very good and the servers are knowledgeable.