Francesca’s is a popular location for Syracuse wedding rehearsals.   We specialize in both indoor and outdoor rehearsal dinner parties.  Recently Jocena and Matt had a beautiful wedding rehearsal dinner at Francesca’s.   They are frequent patrons of the restaurant and knew that Francesca’s Cucina was the perfect spot for their Syracuse wedding rehearsal dinner.

They started the evening with a lovely outdoor cocktail reception.  Passed hors de vours were served.  The couple chose oysters (a romantic food) as their signature appetizer.  They then moved inside the private banquet room for a family style dinner.  A special custom menu was created for the couple. If you, or someone you know is planning a rehearsal dinner please feel free to call us at 315-409-8848.

It is a beautiful time of year in Syracuse, New York. The air is crisp and the leaves are changing. This can only mean one thing, the holidays are already upon us. It is time to celebrate with friends and family over great food! We know what your thinking, and don’t you worry! Francesca’s Cucina has two great options for your holiday party! You can either have your party catered with our great to go pans, or choose to have your party right here at our place! choose from our private dinning area our our warm and inviting banquet room, you can browse our Holiday party menus here.  Just give us a call at 315-409-8848 to get started!

It is clear that Summer is upon us here in Syracuse.  Life just seems to slow down a few beats. Summer is the perfect time to stop in for lunch or dinner and enjoy our new patio. The Syracuse Post Standard had the same idea. Francesca’s Cucina was recently featured in their article highlighting the best Summer restaurants.

Check out what the Syracuse Post Standard had to say:

-Francesca’s Cucina, 545 N. Salina St., Syracuse: Francesca’s al fresco dining patio is a verdant oasis of vines and arbors evoking the true spirit of an Italian trattoria. Relaxing for lunch and cocktails or romantic for evening, the dining patio is a welcome addition to Francesca’s intimate ambiance.

We consider you family here at Francesca’s Cucina, and as family we like to fill you in on all the latest news! We are more than happy to announce that we were invited to cook at the James Beard House on St Joseph’s day.  We served a St Joseph’s Day themed feast.  This is a tremendous honor because only the elite chefs and restaurants are invited to host a meal at the James Beard House.  Proceeds from the sale of seats at the meal support the James Beard Foundation which fosters culinary education and excellence.

The process started with menu planning and acquiring the finest ingredients.  Wine parings were provided by many fine Finger Lakes region wineries.  A hand crafted beer pairing was provided by a local craft brewery.  The chefs had one day to cook in the James Beard House kitchen.  They prepared everything from scratch. The meal began with an outdoor cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception in the beautiful outdoor patio of the James beard House.   The diners then went upstairs to the private dining room of the house for the dinner.  Many courses were served.  Each course was served with a pairing of wine or craft beer.  After the meal Francesca’s Cucina Executive Chef Chance Bear came out to speak with the diners and engage in a question and answer session.   The diners applauded the amazing meal and talented culinary staff.  It was an amazing experience for both the diners and our talented chefs who created the meal.

It’s a special weekend here at Francesca’s Cucina. We have a special menu to celebrate Syracuse University graduation as well as Mothers Day! We are pleased to announce that our doors will indeed be open for you and your family to celebrate Mothers Day with us, Italian style of course! Our special menu served this weekend will feature a multitude of options ranging from crab stuffed sole to our classic chicken Parmesan. You can preview our special menu that will be served below. Be sure to schedule your reservation today by calling 315-425-1556. We cant wait to hear from you and celebrate food and family this weekend!

First Course

Lobster, Shrimp and Butternut Squash Bisque

Mexican shrimp, lobster and roasted butternut squash in a seasoned blend of cream and house-made lobster and shrimp consommé.  6

Vine- Ripened Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Salad

Served with baby lettuces, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, extra virgin olive oil and a drizzle of balsamic reduction 9

Apple, Bacon, Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

Sliced granny smith apples, pears and crumbled gorgonzola, with a blend of Hearts of Leaf Lettuces, tossed with raspberry wine vinaigrette, candied pecans, California golden and red raisins and crispy bacon  12

Iceberg Wedge Salad

Fresh wedge of crisp iceberg lettuce topped with diced tomatoes, red onions, crispy bacon, creamy and crumbled blue cheese, finished with fresh cracked black peppercorn  9

Lobster Salad

Fresh Maine Lobster served over an artisan blend of mixed greens with fresh mandarin orange supremes, avocado, and finished with a vanilla bean vinaigrette 14

Second Course

Shrimp Cocktail

Four jumbo black tiger shrimp, chilled and served with our own traditional cocktail sauce and lemon wedges 12

Carpaccio

USDA prime grade beef carpaccio with caper berries and a chipotle aioli complimented with a ground pepper blend and toasted garlic crustini 12

Utica Style Greens

Sautéed with proscuitto, hot peppers, garlic and onions finished with toasted bread crumbs and Romano cheese 10

Cevice

Shrimp, crab and scallops tossed with garlic and citrus marinade topped with micro cilantro  14

Homemade Over Stuffed Ravioli

A House made Ravioli stuffed with spinach, wild mushroom, bacon and ricotta cheese served with a jumbo day boat sea scallop finished in its own natural mirepoix 14

Third Course

Almond and Pistachio Encrusted Mahi Mahi

Pan seared almond and pistachio encrusted Mahi Mahi served with Jasmine rice and sunshine bean blend.  Finished with a roasted garlic citrus butter sauce 27

Crab Stuffed Sole

Yellow Sole stuffed with our homemade crab salad served on jasmine rice and finished with a heirloom tomato butter sauce 28

Jumbo Scallop

House made garlic and scallion hummus topped with 4 jumbo diver sea scallops, asparagus and wild mushrooms and complimented with a lemon and basil vinaigrette  26

Slow Braised Pork

Slow braised beef short ribs served in its own natural mirepoix jus paired pork with 2 pan seared jumbo day boat sea scallops served over red pepper polenta, with a sunshine bean blend 29

Surf and Turf

14 oz angus reserve bone in strip and lobster tail served with a herb red wine dem  and warm drawn butter whipped mashed potatoes and sunshine bean blend  45

Filet

8 oz filet with a wild mushroom fricassee, served with mashed potato and sunshine bean blend  28

Phyllo Wrapped Stuffed Chicken

Chicken breast stuffed with spinach, fontina cheese, and wild mushrooms wrapped in phyllo dough.  Baked and served with mashed potatoes and roasted red pepper cream sauce 22

Chicken Parmesan

A classic dish of breaded chicken breast sautéed then served au gratin with fresh whole milk mozzarella cheese and homemade marinara sauce.  Served over rigatoni 19

Grilled Chicken Parmesan

A classic dish of grilled chicken breast sautéed then served with whole milk mozzarella cheese and homemade marinara sauce.  Served over rigatoni 19

House-made Pappardelle Pasta

Pappardelle pasta tossed with a creamy sun-dried tomato pesto sauce 22

Lobster Raviolis

Six raviolis filled with Maine lobster meat, ricotta and parmesan cheese, and tossed with our homemade vodka sauce  24

As the days go by, we get closer and closer to the season for holiday gatherings. It is the time of year where we spend quality time with family and friends and enjoy great food. We believe you should celebrate food and family every day, but there is just something about this time of year that makes it much more special. 

As you are planning your festivities, think of Francesca’s Cucina. From large corporate events, to small intimate gatherings, we have the perfect spot for you. Our Garden room is a great choice. It features our vintage Tuscan large farm table, seating about a dozen.

We also have great half and full pan options available for pick up or deliver for those holiday parties hosted in your own home. Let us take the stress out of preparing for your event. It’s your time to enjoy the season! To view a few of the options we have available, please visit our catering menu. To place an order or to schedule your holiday party, please call 315-409-8848. We look forward to hearing from you!

Come to Francesca’s Cucina and enjoy our beautiful outdoor patio.  Dining on the patio is a great Syracuse restaurant experience.  Enjoy the wonderful weather and an amazing meal.  Call us today to make a reservation at 315-425-1556.

Francesca’s Cucina is a venerable Syracuse Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Syracuse, New York that epitomizes old world charm and excellence. From the moment you enter the historic family-owned restaurant in Syracuse’s Little Italy to the last bite of a decadent dessert or sip of cappuccino, all of your senses will be touched.


Syracuse Italian Restaurant Menu

Superior Italian dining is certainly much more than its parts. The physical ambiance, the service, the food, the rooms, all surpasses the senses. Just allow yourself the opportunity to be immersed in all that Francesca’s has to offer and a remarkable dining experience will result!

Syracuse, NY Italian restaurant, Francesca’s Cucina, has a menu that is a wonderful journey in itself! Featuring Italian classics like delicious Veal Parmesan, homemade Gnocchi with marinara sauce and Linguine with clam sauce, the tastes are sensational! The trained chefs of Francesca’s Cucina also draw influences from traditional American cuisine and use fresh regional ingredients to produce a truly international menu. If you wish to offer your guests another type of cuisine, just ask, the staff will accommodate your every desire.

Syracuse Italian Restaurant Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Francesca’s envelopes you in warmth and friendship from the moment you enter its doors. Exposed brick walls with colorful tapestries and Venetian plaster walls provide a warm and inviting dining room and bar area.

Francesca’ outdoor patio is a step into a Tuscan Garden. Century old grapevines line the walls of the courtyard and rustic wooden pergolas add to the charm. The vintage brick pavers and lush green grass surround the fresh herb gardens that are used by this Syracuse Italian restaurant. Francesca’s patio space was named “Best Outdoor Dining” by the Syracuse New Times.

Syracuse Italian Restaurant Celebrates Food and Family

Syracuse, NY Italian restaurant, Francesca’s Cucina, marks it’s space in Syracuse’s Little Italy with a colorful striped awning and warm neon sign which stylishly announces- Francesca’s Cucina. The restaurant’s theme is: “Celebrare quotidiana alimentare e la famiglia” – Celebrate Food and Family Everyday. This theme permeates the entire restaurant. The warm accommodating staff at Francesca’s Cucina will make you feel like part of the family and the food will warm you soul from the inside out.

Syracuse Italian Restaurant Awards

This Syracuse Italian restaurant was awarded the title: “Most Romantic’ by the Syracuse Times. The entire operation including the ambiance, the menu and the service all lend a hand to provide an experience that touches the heart. You don’t need to be Italian to enjoy the romance of the old country charm of Francesca’s Cucina.

Please contact us with any questions you may have about our Syracuse Italian Restaurant at:

reservations and info: 315-425-1556
catering phone: 315-409-8848
catering and banquets: catering@francesca’s-cucina.com

‘Tis the season for family and friends and taking time out of our hectic schedules to spend time with those who mean so much to us. This time of year will always have a special place in our hearts. From light-up holiday gem sweaters to the winter-themed holiday drinks that warm us up on chilly evenings. There are just so many things about this time of year that lifts our spirits. But our absolute favorite thing about the holidays is all the parties! Which is why we are so pleased to announce our 7^th annual Customer Appreciation Holiday Party. The event will be held in our beautiful banquet facility on December 23^rd, 2010 at 4:30pm. Your favorite Francesca’s bartenders, Paris, Kim and Crystal will be there making all your favorite cocktails and helping you celebrate the holiday.

This free event will include:

• Live music
• Free food starting at 7:30pm shrimp cocktail, fried meatballs, sushi, and a succulent roast beef and turkey carving station.
• Delicious desserts
• Cash bar

Come out and spread a little holiday cheer with us this season! We’re looking forward to seeing all of you! Celebrate food and family everyday!

The Little Italy neighborhood of Syracuse has several Italian-style eateries. Of all of the Syracuse, NY restaurants located here Francesca’s Cucina is the most popular.  The warm and modern atmosphere, incredible food and great service are all reasons why Francesca’s Cucina is such a well established Syracuse, NY restaurant.

Syracuse, NY Restaurant Menu

The menu at Syracuse, NY restaurant, Francesca’s Cucina, is vast and covers all cuisines and tastes. The specialty at Francesca’s is incredible Italian fare but the restaurant serves recipes from many cuisines from all over the world. The regional specialties available at the Francesca’s are especially well know for exceptional flavor.

Syracuse, NY Restaurant Dining Indoors as Well As Outdoor

Another excellent feature of this Syracuse, NY Restaurant is that offers guests the option to dine indoors as well as outdoors. The indoor dining and bar areas are warm and modern dining spaces with great interiors and ambience.   The courtyard patio at Francesca’s Cucina is a unique garden space in the middle of the city. The outdoor patio can be had accessed during the warmer months and is a beautiful dining space surround by rustic pergolas and vine covered walls.

The restaurant has been named “Best Outdoor dining in Syracuse” and the “Most Romantic Restaurant in Syracuse” by The Syracuse New Times.

Syracuse, NY Restaurant Banquet Facilities

Francesca’s Cucina is a one-of a kind Syracuse, NY Restaurant that doubles as a caterer as well. This Syracuse NY restaurant has a beautiful private banquet area with ample space. Francesca’s entertains catering orders for both on-site and off-site events.

The Syracuse, NY restaurant, Francesca’s Cucina, has ample space to host events both in the banquet and dining rooms as well as on the garden patio.  Pickup and delivery is also available for guests looking for Syracuse, NY restaurant catering for other locations.

There are several wonderful catering and banquet menus to choose from.  Syracuse, NY restaurant, Francesca’s Cucina, can also personalize a custom menu just for your event.  If there is something more that you would like to see please just ask our friendly Syracuse Catering staff.    Our Catering Manager would love to assist you with the creating of custom recipies for your special occasion.

Please contact Our Syracuse, NY Restaurant

Syracuse, NY restaurant, Francesca’s Cucina, would enjoy talking with you and discussing your next dining experience.  Please feel free to contact our helpful staff with questions, or for further assistance at :

Reservations and info:             315-425-1556

Catering phone:                           315-409-8848

Catering and Banquets:            catering@francescas-cucina.com