Mia Francesca now open at DC Ranch

Opened recently up at Scottsdale’s DC Ranch, Mia Francesca is serving up regional Italian fare in a casual, but sophisticated trattoria setting. The restaurant has been a Chicago favorite for 20 years, and now we’re lucky enough to experience some of its traditional, authentic dishes here in the Valley. Chef and restaurateur Scott Harris is the original chef and owner of Mia Francesca and with over 20 locations nationwide (including Illinois, Wisconsin, North Carolina and California), the newly opened Scottsdale location is only one of two projects planned for our area. The second? Davanti Enoteca – its opening is planned later this summer at Scottsdale and Lincoln. Personally, I’m quite excited about this concept and we’ll be sure to share details with you as soon as they are announced!

Last week, we were invited in to check out the restaurant for ourselves and get a taste of what they have to offer. I had viewed their handwritten menu online before my visit, noting a few dishes that stood out to me (namely, the gnocchi… who doesn’t love gnocchi?). As soon as I arrived, I was impressed by the beauty of the space. Maybe the handwritten menu had thrown me off a bit because I was in awe of the decor, but it speaks to the charm of this ‘casual, but sophisticated’ restaurant. The dining area is gorgeous with deep wood accents and large, sparkling chandeliers. My eyes drifted up to the upstairs seating area (the mezzanine level) overlooking the main dining room. I’ll have to visit again soon and ask to be seated up there. I immediately felt as if the restaurant would be a great space to celebrate a special occasion. Everything seemed so… polished. Then, I took a look around at the crowd and noticed a mix of diners – colleagues sharing a bite after work, couples enjoying some nice quiet time, and families with children. Being a parent of a two year old, I love that the restaurant is unpretentious about accommodating children. “Casual, but sophisticated.”

My cohort Taryn was caught in unbelievable traffic and missed most of the meal, but I had the pleasure of dining with Jeff Cohen, one of the restaurant’s owners, as he helped walk me through the menu. First, two dishes off of the antipasti menu: the bruschetta and the burrata.

My first ‘flavor impression’ of Mia Francesca could not have been a better one – their Bruschette con Bresaola ($7.99) was one of the best I’ve had. Warm, toasted garlic bread topped with thick dices of tomato, a generous sprinkling of creamy, fresh mozzarella and slices of salty, Italian-cured salami… heaven.

The Burrata con Pesto & Pomodorini ($10.99) was just as good as the bruschetta in its own way. I’ve had a love affair with burrata for some time now and it’s one of things I could eat every day without ever growing weary. The creamy deliciousness is served here alongside warm tomatoes confit and drizzled with their freshly-made pesto. An absolute must-order!

Jeff insisted I try two of his favorite ‘simple salads’ from the insalate menu and I had a difficult time choosing my own favorite between the two. The Pea Pod Salad ($6.99) with tomato and cucumber was lovely. The pea pods are only blanched so they still retain their crispy bite and were dressed with a simple vinaigrette and squeeze of lemon. I imagine this being a favorite here in the Valley – especially as our temperatures grow.

The Asparagus, Blue Cheese and Tomato Salad ($6.99) was drizzled with the same vinaigrette and a squeeze of lemon, but completely different with the bitterness lent by the blue cheese and tender asparagus. I came back to this plate several times because of its bright flavors and I just couldn’t get enough.

It was insisted that I try one of their pizzas, though I let the staff do the choosing. I ended up with the Quattro Stagioni ($10.99) topped with prosciutto, artichoke, mushroom, olive and a sunny-side-up egg resting in its center. There was something magical about the salty combination of the olives, prosciutto and artichokes married with the runny yolk just after it’s broken. This pizza deserved a ceremony… or maybe a standing ovation.

Next, I got to try that gnocchi I had been eyeing – the Gnocchi Bavosa ($15.99). Potato dumplings shallots, garlic, white wine in a pomodoro sauce topped with a heaping spoonful of fresh mozzarella (oh, that fresh mozz… so good). The gnocchi was al dente, firm, and hugged its rich, red sauce nicely. Comfort in a bowl.

Finally, off the of secondi menu I sampled the Salmone alla Fresca ($23.99), one of the restaurant’s most popular and highly requested dishes. Truly a plate of fresh flavors – grilled salmon with tomato, avocado, red onion, olive oil, basil and lemon over grilled asparagus.

Taryn was able to join me for dessert (and by then, I really needed the help!): their Chocolate Dessert which was described as bites of flourless chocolate cake and mint chocolate chip ice cream served alongside a blackberry sauce that Taryn absolutely loved, and the rich-and-moist Tiramisu that I wished I could’ve lathered up in.

Overall, the service (sending a nod to Kyle: ask for him on your next visit – he was fantastic and incredibly helpful) was fabulous and the evening was delicious. If I had to choose my favorites dishes, it’d have to be… well… everything. The bruschetta, salads and pizza were definite standouts though and I’ll always have a fondness for them. Can’t wait to see what they come up with at Davanti Enoteca!

Mia Francesca is open for lunch and dinner 11am-10pm Monday through Saturday and until

9pm on Sunday. If you’re planning to visit soon, I strongly recommend that you call ahead for a reservation. Though the restaurant was only less than 2 months old on my visit, nearly every table was occupied. To learn more, visit miafrancesca.com

Mia Francesca | 20825 N Pima | Scottsdale, AZ | 85255 | 480-535-5800

*This meal was provided to us complimentary as a part of a media invitation. However, this has no effect on our opinions and comments regarding our experience. View our Disclosure Policy for further explanation.