Sicily, by Way of Maitland

There's a wonderful smell that stops people mid-stride on South Orlando Avenue. Wood smoke curls out from something that's clearly been in a 700-degree oven for the perfect amount of time. It's the kind of smell that makes people cross the street just to see where it's coming from. That smell belongs to Francesco's Ristorante & Pizzeria, a Maitland spot that's been turning out hand-tossed pizza and scratch-made pasta since 2012.

Chef Francesco Aiello grew up in Palermo watching his father work as a pastry chef. He later trained at Italy's Instituto Alberghiero before crossing the Atlantic and working his way through Central Florida kitchens under a longtime mentor. That apprenticeship shows up in the details, starting with pizza dough that gets its char from a wood-burning oven running at 700 degrees. Pasta sauces get built from scratch, and a fish special changes daily with whatever looks good that morning. The kitchen leans into an ethos it puts right on the menu: “Locally Farmed, Expertly Prepared.” Sourcing stays close to home when possible, and the rest of the plate gets paired with an Italian wine list chosen to match specific dishes. Catering and private group dining round things out for anyone who wants Sicily delivered to an office party instead.

That blend of heritage and consistency is what earned Francesco's Ristorante & Pizzeria their 2026 Best of Florida Award. More than a decade into service on the same stretch of Orlando Avenue, the wood-burning oven still runs hot every single night.

Contact Information

Company Name: Francesco's Ristorante & Pizzeria

Phone: 407-960-5533

Address: 400 S. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751

Website: francescos-rist.com