Da Francesco Italian Cuisine & Cafe brings classic Italian comfort food to Shelby Township with a menu built for lingering over pasta, seafood, and dessert.
The longtime local favorite pairs family-inspired recipes with hearty entrées that suit date nights, birthday dinners, and casual meals with friends.
Diners can settle in for creamy pasta, fresh seafood, tender steaks, and a sweet finish from the dessert menu.
It is the kind of Italian restaurant that turns an ordinary dinner plan into a comforting night out.
How Da Francesco Italian Cuisine & Cafe won locals’ hearts
Da Francesco has won over Shelby Township diners by making Italian food feel personal, generous, and celebratory.
The restaurant’s family-focused approach shows up in dishes named after loved ones, including Mamma’s Pasta, Nonna’s Sunday Sauce, and Domenic’s Eggplant Stack.
Those menu names give the meal a sense of history and make each plate feel connected to a real family table.
Pasta remains a major reason locals return, with creamy sauces, tomato-based favorites, baked dishes, and seafood combinations offering plenty to explore.
Lobster ravioli, penne with salmon and shrimp, and fettuccini with mixed seafood give diners more than the usual spaghetti-and-meatballs routine.
Guests who prefer heartier entrées can also choose from chicken, veal, steak, chops, and fresh seafood dishes.
That wide range makes Da Francesco an easy pick for groups with different appetites and favorite Italian flavors.
Tuesday wine specials give friends a good reason to meet for an unhurried midweek dinner.
Wednesday diners receive a complimentary cannoli with every adult dine-in entrée, adding a sweet reward to the meal.
Thursday brings slow-roasted prime rib, featured drinks, and live entertainment beginning at 8 p.m.
Friday night live music gives the restaurant another reason to feel like a destination instead of a quick dinner stop.
The banquet room welcomes larger celebrations, including birthdays, showers, weddings, and business events for up to 100 guests.
Da Francesco keeps local hearts by offering familiar Italian comfort, special-occasion energy, and enough menu variety to make every return visit feel fresh.
Food Highlights
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Lobster Ravioli: Homemade saffron ravioli is filled with fresh lobster meat, mascarpone, and Italian herbs, then served with jumbo shrimp in lobster tomato cream sauce. The creamy, seafood-rich plate feels made for a celebratory dinner. 🦞
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Nonna’s Sunday Sauce: Homemade capellini is served with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh garlic, basil, extra-virgin olive oil, and fresh ricotta. This dish is a comforting choice for guests craving simple pasta with bright, traditional Italian flavor.🍅
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Penne Salmone Alla Vodka: Norwegian salmon, jumbo shrimp, fresh peas, vodka, and mascarpone tomato cream sauce are served over penne with Parmesan. The balance of seafood and creamy sauce makes it a satisfying favorite for pasta lovers. 🍤
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Pasta Frutti di Mare: Jumbo shrimp, scallops, calamari, and clams are sautéed in Francesco’s marinara sauce and tossed with fettuccini. It is a strong choice for diners who want a full seafood feast in one comforting pasta dish.🦑
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Arancini di Riso: Breaded Italian rice balls are stuffed with ground veal, pork, sausage, peas, and herbs, then topped with Franco’s Bolognese sauce. This savory appetizer delivers a warm, hearty start for the table.🧀
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Domenic’s Eggplant Stack: Fresh breaded eggplant is layered with tomato, buffalo mozzarella, red onion, and basil, then finished with balsamic reduction. This is a delicious starter for anyone who loves gooey cheese, tender eggplant, and bright Italian ingredients.🌿
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Frank’s Cannoli: A crisp cannoli shell is filled with sweet ricotta cream and chocolate chips, then dusted with powdered sugar. This classic dessert is the right ending after a big plate of pasta or seafood.🍰
Atmosphere
Da Francesco creates a warm Italian restaurant setting that works for relaxed dinners, romantic evenings, and family celebrations.
Wine specials, dessert perks, and live music on select nights give the restaurant an upbeat rhythm throughout the week.
Its banquet room also adds space for larger parties that want to celebrate with a full Italian meal.
Da Francesco Italian Cuisine & Cafe is worth a visit for Italian comfort food, seafood pasta, family-inspired dishes, wine specials, and live music. 🍝
The Shelby Township restaurant offers a menu with something for nearly every appetite, from lobster ravioli to a classic cannoli finish. Come hungry and make room for dessert.
Address: 49521 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, MI 48317
📞 (586) 731-7544
🕔 Open Tue–Thu, 11 AM–10 PM | Friday, 11 AM–11 PM | Sat, 3 PM–11 PM | Sun, 12 PM–9 PM | Mon, Closed