a restaurant with a view
Ristorante San Francesco
Assisi
www.ristorantesanfrancesco.com
Via S. Francesco, 52
Assisi
075-812-329
info@ristorantesanfrancesco.com
Owner: Carlo Angeletti
View from Ristorante San Francesco
Review copyright - Ginda Simpson
The history of this restaurant began more than 65 years ago, when Ulbaldo Angeletti had the idea to open up a small hotel with bar and restaurant within the framework of his own home, overlooking the grand Piazza of San Francesco. Undoubtedly, the position was most enviable. So together with his wife, Elena, he created what has become a most popular restaurant, not solely for its typical Umbrian cuisine, but for its incredible views of the Basilica of St. Francis, the heart and soul of Assisi.
Today their son, Carlo, sees that his father’s vision will continue into the future. Our lunch began with a plate of Antipasti di Primavera, tidbits of Springtime freshness arrayed on the plate like an artist’s palette, but instead of vibrant colors, the selection was of vibrant flavors: pecorino and prosciutto, melon and kiwi, artichokes, mushrooms and fried sage! Ristorante San Francesco’s menu follows the seasons and therefore varies throughout the year. It is the first of May, so our pastas reflect the harvest of the moment: light lasagna with fresh asparagus, gnochetti with favette (small broad beans) and pork quanciale, duck breast stuffed with artichokes.
While savoring such delicacies, we enjoyed gazing at the luminous façade of the basilica from our table positioned at the large bay window. To add to our enjoyment was the theater of life that passed in front of view: the bride and groom posing for a “glamour shot”, the dozen bouncing boy scouts scooting vivaciously around their leaders, the Franciscan friar in a baseball cap, the would-be hermit, in sackcloth and barefoot, mulling about the pilgrims and tourists. To dine here offers more than just a culinary adventure, but also live theater at its best, unhurried and unrehearsed.