A Spot of Italy in San Juan, at Francesco's...

The rustic and traditional flavors of Italy shine at the heart of the idyllic San Juan neighborhood with its lavish selection of homemade pasta, brick oven pizza, hearty dishes and indulgent desserts, each one masterfully executed for a comforting and sumptuous feast. Step inside a hidden spot of Italy in San Juan. At Francesco's...

The quiet neighborhood of San Juan is slowly emerging as a vibrant dining destination transformed by its growing number of establishments weaving flavorful layers to its charm with its tempting selection of tasty restaurant options. Fresh from a round of renovations, Francesco's reinvents itself with a renewed commitment to authentic Italian cuisine, warm hospitality and impeccable service since it opened back in 2017 in a smooth transition.

Culinary consultant and renowned chef Kalel Chan brings his flair and passion for both classic Italian flavors and creative innovation to the kitchens of Francesco's and Cafe Mabini (more on Cafe Mabini on my post, A Comforting Taste of Nostalgia and Innovation Served Daily at Cafe Mabini) helmed by Chef Francis Lacson, a collaborative partnership resulting in a wide array of sumptuous and hearty medley of Italian dishes. Read on for a peek at Francesco's tasty offerings...

Located along A. Mabini in San Juan, Francesco's and Cafe Mabini are quite easy to spot. A familiar sight in the neighborhood, Francesco's unveils a new chapter in a continuing story anchored on comforting Italian flavors. Chefs Kalel Chan and Francis Lacson takes Francesco's menu renditions of traditional recipes with innovative and modern contemporary spins promising a memorable dining experience. 

As chefs Kalel Chan and Francis Lacson completes Francesco's culinary transformation, the space itself is given new life with a series of gradual renovations to enhance the dining experience. Francesco's now boasts of an elegant al fresco area to add to their seating options as well as a private function room for private events. The multi-layered approach to Francesco's transformation is both definitive yet seamless, with the extensive menu reflecting its renewed focus on classic Italian flavors. 

At Francesco's kitchen, Chef Francis Lacson leads the new direction in the restaurant's evolving journey with his take on authentic Italian cuisine. Continuous learning is a personal mantra for Chef Francis, a veteran and recipient of multiple medals from culinary competitions including the prestigious Bord Bia European Union East Meets West Culinary Competition and the 2023 Philippine Culinary Cup. A proud "G.I." or "Genuine Ilonggo," Chef Francis is also an advocate for the preservation of the local culinary heritage and heirloom produce and ingredients which earned him praise and recognition from the prestigious Doreen Fernandez Food Writing Award for his work on the Sinalay-making industry in Capiz. Clearly, his impressive credentials makes him the right man to helm the kitchen of Francesco's. 

A self-taught chef, his inspiring story led to the successful openings of restaurants in Capiz and Iloilo City. In a serendipitous twist, a culinary competition became his opportunity for a chance encounter with Chef Kalel Chan. With a shared passion for creative cuisine, Chefs Kalel and Francis developed a novel all-day breakfast and brunch concept showcasing both local and international cuisine. With the support of Francesco's owner Kenneth Yu, Cafe Mabini was born (more on Cafe Mabini on a separate post at A Comforting Taste of Nostalgia and Innovation Served Daily at Cafe Mabini).

These are exciting times ahead for both Francesco's and Cafe Mabini. When all the pieces falls and fits in the right places, good things happen. And with Chef Francis at the helm of Francesco's kitchen, the smooth transition and new chapter of San Juan's spot of Italy is off to a great start...

Adding yet another feather to his cap in a successful culinary journey, Chef Kalel Chan brings his years of experience in the restaurant scene to Francesco's and Cafe Mabini as consultant with a refreshed approach to real and authentic flavors. Corporate chef, brand ambassador and successful restaurateur with a growing portfolio of innovative concepts in Manila and Tagaytay, Chef Kalel Chan takes Francesco's back to its original vision of bold, real and authentic Italian flavors masterfully executed with the finest and freshest ingredients. The result is an impressive menu firmly re-establishing Francesco's as the undisputed dining destination for classic Italian cuisine in San Juan.

His expertise and insights provide the foundation for Francesco's reinvention, blending both tradition and creative innovation in a lavish menu that's satisfying and comforting punched up with playfully inventive tweaks to tease and delight your palate. Under his culinary direction, Francesco's unveils an exciting new chapter with a renewed focus on timeless flavors and classics along with unrestrained creativity in a balanced rendition of Italian cuisine. 

A family owned restaurant, Kenneth Yu brings that homestyle vibe and warmth to both Francesco's and Cafe Mabini with its diverse menu to a cozy spot in the San Juan neighborhood. These same values are expressed in the newly renovated look of the space, the service and the cuisine of his restaurants. The local dining scene continues to grow and evolve, with food trends coming and going in a constant stream like clockwork. But Kenneth Yu keeps it simple focusing on good food done meticulously well. And that's what diners can expect at Francesco's and Cafe Mabini. 

They say the proof is in the pudding, and it's time to experience the full repertoire of Italian flavors at Francesco's...

That day, Francesco's showcased its refreshed take on timeless and enduring Italian flavors starting with a medley of fresh salads...

...bannered by the Burrata Salad (P 730) with fresh and tart tomatoes, garden fresh and crisp arugula, premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil and nutty basil pesto topped with a creamy ball of Italian cow's milk cheese. Right off the bat, Chefs Kalel and Francis hits it straight out of the park for a winning start. 

The mildly bitter and spicy hints of the crisp arugula is elegantly smoothened by the silky smooth burrata and EVOO followed by the subtle sharpness of the tomatoes and the nutty finish of the basil pesto. Each distinctive and contrasting note comes together in a harmonious balance of fresh, clean and indulgent flavors. 

The Francesco's Chopped Salad (P 495) with its fresh harvest of radicchio, romaine, zucchini, white bean, salami and silky smooth Mozzarella drizzled with oregano vinaigrette brings a delectable play on textural contrasts and flavors to the palate. The medley of salad greens and the addition of white beans and salami makes this a hearty salad...

...while the traditional Caesar Salad (P 495) with fresh romaine and cauliflower tossed in Francesco's house-made dressing with croutons, cured egg yolks, Grana Padano, lardons and anchovies reflects a true classic perfectly executed with the freshest and finest ingredients. The addition of cauliflower was an interesting twist adding to the layers of flavors and textures with each bite. Other salad options at Francesco's include the Mesclun Salad (P 495) and Insalata Verde (P 450). 

Soup's on at Francesco's with comforting servings of Mushroom Truffle Cappuccino (P 480), Burnt Pumpkin Soup (P 380) and Minestrone (P 380) to complete your first round of starters. 

In true Italian style, Francesco's offers eleven pasta dishes guaranteed to satisfy your craving or appetite. From the their bestselling Spaghetti Polpette (P 630) with savory meatballs slathered in Pomodoro sauce topped with Grana Padano to Spaghetti Carbonara (P 630), Penne Putanesca (P 580) and Duck Ragout Pappardelle (P 630), Francesco's has you covered. 

The Salmon Casarecce (P 630) with short-twisted pasta draped in basil pesto and topped with salmon fillet a la plancha is an excellent option for a seafood pasta...

...while the Rigatoni Tartufata (P 680) with truffle cream and pancetta on tube shaped pasta always hits the spot. 

The fresh, bold and briny sweetness of the Linguine Vongole (P 630) with succulent clams and sea urchin roe or uni in rich garlic and lemon oil is a light yet satisfying option at Francesco's. 

Other pasta options include the Spicy Shrimp Paccheri (P 630), White Bolognese Truffle Lasagna (P 630), Linguine Pescato (P 630) and Salsiccia di Penne (P 630).

From their Starters Menu, the Vongole Al Forno (P 530) with sautéed clams and anchovies in white wine sauce draped in a light, buttery dough crust offers a fresh new way of enjoying seafood reflecting the creative culinary style at Francesco's...

...while the Polipo (P 680) with fork-tender grilled octopus on roasted cauliflower puree and rich lemon herb dressing presents a traditional rendition for comfortingly familiar flavors.

In the mood for something different? Try the Cacio E Pepe Potato Chips (P 380) with homemade potato chips topped with Guanciale and black pepper drizzled with Pecorino "snow." You'll also find other options like the Black Crab & Spinach Arancini (P 630), Salmon Crudo (P 680), Parmigiana di Melanzane (P 480), Polpetta Gigante (P 680), Gnocco Fritto (P 530), Air-Dried Beef Bruschetta (P 630) and Antipasti Sampler (P 1,180).

Craving for paninis? Francesco's also offers savory sandwiches made with their specialty paninis baked fresh in-house like the all-vegetable Rustica Verde (P 480), Porchetta (P 580), Francesco (P 530) with Mortadella and Pastrami and the Pollo Milanese (P 480). 

For risotto-based mains, Francesco's has a light seafood or savory beef option. The Salmon Scottato (P 1,080) with pan-seared salmon on mushroom risotto is an excellent choice...

...while the Grilled Short Ribs (P 1,480) with wine braised tender grilled beef on mushroom risotto brings a heartier and solid flavorful punch. A complete meal in itself, the risotto-based mains with salmon or short ribs is another winning combo from Francesco's kitchen.

If you prefer more of the classic risotto, go for the Risotto Al Funghi (P 580) with button and shiitake mushrooms, the Cinco Formaggi (P 580) with its blend of Buffala, Asiago, Smoked Scamorza, Grana Padano and Gorgonzola and the squid ink Risotto Nero (P 680) with calamari and uni. 

It's not a complete Italian experience without pizza with its delicately charred blistered edges, fragrant smoky hints and a generous load of toppings. Fresh off their brick ovens, Francesco's brings ten pizza creations to the table led by the house specialty Francesco (P 680) loaded with homemade Italian sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, Mozzarella and Gorgonzola...

...and the rustic Margherita (P 580) topped with Buffalo Mozzarella, fresh oregano and basil on a crisp and thin crust. Looking for mushrooms and cheese? The Tartufata di Formaggi (P 680) with truffle cream, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Fontina, Asiago and Gorgonzola is the one for you. 

The Parma (P 680), Diavola (P 630), Peach & Prosciutto (P 680), Rustica (P 630), Smokey Spinach (P 680) and Frutti di Mare (P 680) rounds up the pizza line-up at Francesco's. 

For the main course, the selection at Francesco's is equally tempting. Chicken, pork, beef or seafood? Here are some of my picks. The Pollo Al Mattone (P 780 Half/P 1,280 Whole) features Francesco's signature chicken grilled under hot bricks paired with creamy spinach and confit tomato salsa...

...and the Grilled Pork Tomahawk (P 1,680) with sous-vide Dingley Dell pork from the east coast of Suffolk marinated with Tuscan spices and served with roasted potatoes, creamy spinach and demi-glace are sure bets. 

Haul in your fresh catch at Francesco's with the Frutti di Mare (P 2,680). The impressive platter showcases a medley of succulent seafood with tiger prawns, grouper, octopus, clams and mussels paired with lemon herb dressing. 

The La Bistecca Fiorentina (P 6,480) is a carnivore's wish granted at Francesco's. The Tuscan style T-Bone steak with roasted potatoes and creamy spinach is perfectly grilled with its juicy pink center and buttery finish. 

The full list of savory mains at Francesco's include the La Costata (P 2,680) or Angus Ribeye, the Ossobuco (P 1,680), Porchetta (P 1,080), Cioppino (P 1,680), Pistachio Pork Roulade (P 1,180) and Filetto di Cernia (P 1,280) or sautéed grouper fillet. 

Then, there's dessert. All baked in-house, cap your sumptuous Italian feast at Francesco's with a slice of their decadent cakes like the Biscoff Cake, Strawberries & Cream Cake and the Confetti Cake for the perfect finale. 

Follow Clemenza's advise and "take the cannoli". Just can't get more Italian than that. The Cannoli (P 480) with creamy ricotta cheese, candied fruits and pistachios stuffed in fried pastry dough shells is another tempting choice at Francesco's. The Panna Cotta (P 380), Gelato (P 280) and sinful Nutellamore (P 480), a lavish cake with molten Nutella lava topped with Mascarpone gelato makes the decision process just a little bit more complicated. 

The Tiramisu (P 380) may be just what you need. The menu at Francesco's has something for everyone. And Francesco's is also the ideal spot to kick-off your Italian escape in the San Juan neighborhood. An intimate dinner or a festive gathering with family and friends, Francesco's can easily create the perfect set-up based on your requirements. 

The elegant space makes Francesco's the perfect venue for private gatherings or events and the possibilities were presented with a mouthwatering brunch buffet set-up featuring a variety of fresh seafood...

...tasty variations of Eggs Benedict with salmon or ham...

...and everything else on your wish list. 

At the Carving Station that day, savory roasts of tender beef...

...and Porchetta will have you going back for another round. Francesco's can make your celebration extra special with their signature dishes, just give them a call. 

And don't forget to bring home some of their fresh-baked treats...

...including a wide selection of indulgent cookies. You deserve it.

Sumptuous Italian cuisine has always been its brand, and Francesco's has a lot more to offer with Chef Francis Lacson at the helm guided by Chef Kalel Chan as consultant for a new chapter in the restaurant's continuing story. The extensive menu clearly re-establishes Francesco's as your spot of Italy in the San Juan neighborhood. 

Francesco's is located at 863 A. Mabini Street, Addition Hills, San Juan, Metro Manila. You can also visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/francescosph and https://www.instagram.com/francescosph/  or call 8777 9777 for inquiries or more information and updates. 

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