Francesca’s Tavola
208 S Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL, 60005
Francesca’s Tavola Menu
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Appetizer
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Salad
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Pizza
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Entrees
Healthy Meal suggestions for Francesca’s Tavola
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Appetizer
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Salad
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Pizza
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Entrees
Visit below restaurant in Arlington Heights for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Arlington Heights for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
208 S Arlington Heights Rd
Arlington Heights, IL, 60005 - Phone (847) 394-3950
- Website https://www.miafrancesca.com/static.asp?path=3115,3246
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Mary D.
Another great meal! Francesca's never disappoints. I have been to this one in Arlington, Naperville, and West Dundee. They are always great. Saturday went for late lunch and the service along with the food, just outstanding. I had the big home made rigatoni with a light cream sauce, it had some meat. I was not expecting anything great......but boy oh boy, it was fantastic! Salad was terrific. This location is much larger than some others. Again, you can't go wrong here, maybe a little more pricey as everything is ala carte, but it is worth it.
(4)Eileen M.
Last night I went to Francesca's for my moms birthday. Upon arrival we were seated in a strange booth that was really awkward for just two people. After asking to be reseated, we were welcomed to a different table. 5 min later the manager came over to make sure we were alright. It truly was great customer service- not over done or neglected. Our meal was delicious and the ingredients tasted very fresh! I would describe the food as authentic Italian with a modern twist. The half price bottle of wine was really the cherry on top. The only downside was the music playing. It appeared that some pop/rock radio station was on. The ambiance would have been infinitely more appealing if some sort of Italian style instrumental tunes were in the background.
(4)Mark N.
Don't know why so many high reviews, to sum it up 1. Waiter was ok. Normal. 2. We ordered pastas and got a dried pasta, which should've had more sauces for all of us at the table. Did they get cheap on the sauce and just use the minimal amount? 3. We ordered more sauce for the pasta, which never came and the server never cared to come by and check. You can get better service and better food with lower price at Olive Garden. I came here several times, but no more, and can't be recommending this chain restaurant.
(2)Karin B.
I went to dinner here on a Friday night with two friends. My meal was very good, but the other ladies both ordered a chicken dish that they were disappointed in. We also thought the total bill was high. We had a couple glasses of wine each, but spent over $130 for the 3 of us.
(3)Mike S.
Great menu and it's different every two weeks. Great service.
(4)c g.
A Tad overpriced, but great servkice and food
(5)Amy G.
We visited Francesca's last night for my husbands birthday. I am glad we had reservations, because it was packed when we got there! We were seated quickly and had an amazing meal! Everything tasted perfect, from the mussels to my pumpkin filled pasta. Peter, our waiter, made the meal even more amazing! We have been to many of the Francesca's restaurants and again were not disappointed.
(5)Anna S.
It's all about Calamari fritti ! Other menus and service are ...... just decent.
(3)Lisa M.
What a wonderful experience for planning a baby shower! Julie the event co-ordinator could not have been more helpful and more accommodating. We originally had checked another Francesca's location and was a little bit turned off with the attitude of the co-ordinator and the parking conditions in Elmhurst. Luckily, we decided to check out the Arlington Hts location and struck it rich... the Staff at Arlington Heights could not have been more attentive and accommodating. The food was excellent! Hats off to the staff and the Management for hiring your event co-ordinator.
(5)Ashley S.
I'm giving the place at least one star, only for the glass of ginger ale I received. I left after waiting over an hour for the food to arrive. The over all service was horrible from the very beginning. If you're not willing to blow your money on their wine, don't expect to be treated very well. Save yourself the disappointment. P.S. If you really want to try this place, I highly recommend Francesca's Fiorno in Wicker Park. It's a whole different story.
(1)Paul M.
The food here was not bad! The service sucked. Terrible. My son and I took my wife here for Mother's Day, thanks to an OpenTable reservation, and had no trouble getting seated relatively quickly. Once we were led to our table, we were in a VERY! LOUD! ROOM! that made it difficult to hear; the conversation levels and nearby patrons were all just quite loud. Ooof. Our server basically said hello, took care of drink orders, and then vanished for a while. Eventually he came back and brought my wife's iced tea, but it took a while. Then we waited. Then we ordered. The food came up pretty quickly, I'll admit, but there was extremely little interaction with the waiter during the course of our meal. He was distant and cold and just didn't seem interested at all in ensuring we had a good time. Just... there. Worse is that our plates and glasses were all swooped up quickly by the staff, nearly as soon as we were finished. At one point I went to cut up some pasta for my son and realized my knife - along with my dinner plate - were long gone! Oops! Meal-wise, we both had the lemon chicken. It was good, and enough to warrant my rating. I've occasionally had better food - this was a bit above average, to be sure - but I've had better service almost everywhere.
(2)Sara M.
This is an amazing little Italian restaurant in Arlington Heights! My parents are regulars and I even had my wedding shower here. The food is always fresh with a great balance of flavors. The salads are crisp and the bread dipped in olive oil is excellent. Al dente is the name of the game and they hit a winning pitch with just the right amount of sauce. Their meat dishes are also wonderfully prepared and never overcooked or rubbery or tough. The profiteroles were sooooo good that I had to eat one even though I was watching my weight. The service is always friendly and quick; they clear things off the table so there isn't too much clutter. If you want to go to a decently priced but great restaurant for Italian food, Francesca's Tavola does it right.
(4)Alex K.
Weird chain of events led me to this place. My family and I drove to downtown AH to go to a different restaurant which was unfortunately closed. We checked Yelp for what was nearby and found this place. It was really hot and was actually a bit of a walk from where we had parked, so we almost turned around, but I'm so happy we didn't. We were all sort of agitated (in part from the 103 degree weather) when we arrived, but we had such a fantastic time that we left in much higher spirits. I'm a vegetarian and found that on the dinner menu, there were maybe 3 different pastas available that were vegetarian, as well as a sandwich and pizza. Ordered 2 delicious appetizers (bruschetta, spinach), and the bread was unusually good. I have absolutely no complaints about any dish I ordered. Food was prepared fast and presentation was lovely. The atmosphere was nice and the restaurant itself was very clean. Wait staff was very friendly and knowledgable. Totals came to about $20 per person. For those of you looking, this is the perfect atmosphere for a date or a family gathering. We will definitely be back.
(5)Krista S.
Francesca's is a great neighborhood gem! Their menu is always changing so there's always something new to try. I initially went here with my husband because we received a gift card. We loved it so much that we now go here quite often. It's typically busy on the weekends, so I would recommend getting a reservation first. The wait staff is always friendly and willing to help make recommendations on the newest menu items. One of the best parts about this restaurant is the wine list because you can get a bottle of wine for as little as $25. The food is outstanding! I love all of the pasta entrees that I've tried, as well as their meat courses. The pasta is much better than Olive Garden and just as inexpensive. I highly recommend their bruschetta and calamari.
(5)May C.
I love it here! Any time the girls and I get together for dinner we always seem to end up here and other times I've brought my toddler and it's worked out just fine. I really like how our server stops by often just to check if everything is okay and if we need anything else. We ordered drinks and they arrived about 5 minutes later which was pretty fast for a Saturday night. We immediately placed our order for our food thinking it be a wait since it was ind of busy but again we only waited maybe like 30minutes for it to get there. My girlfriends and I ordered pasta and their portions are quite big we asked for a box! Another thing I really like is that they have Free Valet parking as well. We always feel very welcomed from the minute we come and go. I don't think I could ever get tired of this place!
(5)Denise A.
My husband and I have dined at several Francesca restaurants throughout the years. Our favorite has been Francesca's in Arlington Heights. We have never been disappointed with our meals. Tonight was no exception. The pork tenderloin and the tilapia entrees were delicious. Michael, our server, made our evening delightful. We appreciated his professional but approachable way he treated his diners. He is exactly the type of server every restaurant should have waiting on their guests.
(5)Susan G.
Luncheon Meeting I was here for a luncheon meeting recently and was unimpressed with the food. The food was served family style and included salad, chicken with capers served on spinach, pasta in a marinara sauce, and tiramisu. The ice tea was incredibly weak and the bread served with the meal was not very good. With the exception of the tiramisu the food was very bland and would not encourage me to return and spend my own money on a meal here. My recommendation is to spend your money elsewhere.
(2)Kyrillos L.
Service:perfect!! Food: phenomenal! Anything that you try from the pasta menu WILL BE great!
(5)Robby S.
In the Arlington Heights area for the night, an associate of mine suggested this place to meet for dinner. We sat at a booth in the bar area and aside from the over-bright lighting there, it was relatively comfortable. (But those pin lights shouldn't be in the faces of people when they're eating...). The menu is small but there's items available that aren't listed, and that's what I had: Chicken Parmigian, a Caesar salad and a tequila gimlet. The salad was good and the chicken parm was excellent! My associate had the pasta special with seafood and he was very happy. Overall, a very good place that's worth a visit if you're in the area.
(3)Lindsey H.
Amazing! I've been to Francesca's Tavola in the past for varies reasons. We threw my sister her wedding shower here the other day. It was fantastic!! All the employees were very nice and willing to help us with everything!! I'm serious, when I got there the staff brought everything in from our cars. As our guests started to arrive they made sure that everyone had a drink. The food was outstanding! We also received a ton of complements on the food and service from our guests. Also, planning the shower with the managers was a breeze. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a good meal, or place to hold a party!
(5)Becky A.
Went here on a Saturday with my boyfriend and his aunt and uncle. There were three events going on, so there were more people then usual for 2:30 on a Saturday. There weren't many people in the main dining room, but there were not enough servers for the rest of us. We put in an appetizer for bruschetta and it never came, our salads came first. Mine looked like it was made yesterday with the dressing and I sent it back. the entrees we ordered we good (tilapia special and eggplant parm), and the waiter was pleasant and helpful when we asked, but not the best experience I've had at a restaurant.
(2)Kris V.
This is my favorite Italian restaurant in the NW suburbs. I have had a couple dishes but live the 4 cheese pizza. As far as the service goes I can't speak for the restaurant as a whole because we sit at the bar. The bartender however is amazing. He is the best bartender in downtown Arlington Heights. Very nice, professional, and warm.
(5)Roxanne E.
First time here and experienced food poisoning. Had the prefix special and believe it was the ravioli that made us all sick.
(1)Tony M.
Great food and best service! One of the rare places that will take reservations over 20 people without trying make you prepay for a room and pre made meal. They will take large parties that each person can order individually! Very easy to reserve your party and fantastic service from all the staff! The food from the appetizers to the dessert are all tasty and fabulous! No complaints here! Coming back again soon! You can take advantage of the free valet too. It is a big place with plenty of tables. It is a popular place, so reserve online early!!!
(5)Mahsa T.
Possibly the worst food I've had in recent history. Not sure how and why they're rated so highly, but I know my Italian food and this was pathetic. Both my dining companion and I couldn't eat our entrees it was so bad. The risotto was so heavy and so al dente. The shrimp pasta we ordered was again so al dente it was inedible. Disgusting, the pasta was all stuck together. The shrimp was tough. Server had to be flagged down to get our check. Do not come here, it would be a waste of your time and money.
(1)Brian R.
An amazing place to eat. Fresh bread with fresh Parmesan cheese and olive oil for dipping. I recommend the burger panini on the brioche bun. The meat is cooked to perfection, the lettuce fresh. The bun is fresh and tastes like its homemade. The fries were good although its an Italian place so I understand why they weren't better. For desert try the ice cream cookie sandwiches. You won't be disappointed, it's worth the extra calories.
(4)Cynthia S.
I've come to this restaurant three times within the past year and every time I've been impressed. I always like to try something new. Today? The bow time pasta, as well as last time. Why? Because it's just that good. Although they've changed their menu since then, the waiter knew exactly what I was talking about. Simply put: he's an intelligent man and always remembers every he meets. This is definitely my favorite place to eat in Arlington Heights and I doubt it'll change for a while.
(5)Lindsay T.
We booked their room for my baby shower several months in advance and worked with Julie in setting everything up. She could not be more easy to work with! The first reason I picked this place was because there was no room charge, you could bring in a cake with out being charged, and everything was included in the cost of the menu plan. Many places add on tons of extra charges, Francesca's doesn't! They allowed me to make changes easily to the menu, and made it clear they could handle last minute changes like a gluten issue easily as well. Julie gave lots of impute and helped us with decoration ideas as well. My emails were responded to quickly, and put up with my 50 questions! On the day of everyone helped us bring in our decorations, introduced themselves, and doubled checked the menu and timing of service. They were OUTSTANDING! Two guys helped us bring our gifts out to our cars as well. I have never seen better service before. The food was wonderful as well, it always is. Thank you to everyone at Francesca's!
(5)Mada I.
I went twice for lunch and twice for dinner. The food served at lunch differs a lot from the one served at dinner time. The lunch one is a lot better, better cooked. Pastas are very al- dente, almost not cooked at all.... Avoid dining there, just go for lunch.
(2)Karlee Q.
We had a wonderful time at Francesca's Tavola. We were greeted and seated immediately. I personally do not prefer the style of seating where you are seated at separate tables, but on a big long booth on one side with chairs on the other, but that was my only complaint. We were served bread with seasoned olive oil and grated cheese without asking. The menu has a select number of meal choices, but it is a good variety and we have never been disappointed. I am a vegetarian, and I have not had trouble finding something on the menu to eat. Our waitress was attentive, but also embraced the Italian spirit of "relaxing with wine" for a while before ordering, and I did not get the sense that I was either rushed or forgotten. My meal was absolutely delicious. I got some pasta dish with mushrooms, artichokes and goat cheese, and it was so tasty. Their sauce is mouth-wateringly flavorful. We also had wine, which was wonderful. Very smooth and flavorful. It was the Avalon Cabernet. The tiramisu was perhaps the best part, although everything was so delicious it is hard to say what was the best part. Anyways, the tiramisu was not too sweet, but sweet enough so that the subtle hints of the cocoa came through. The ladyfingers were soaked in the rum and espresso, but not saturated. It was absolutely perfect. I was full, but could not stop eating. I will definitely be returning to this place because they know how to combine music, food, ambiance, wine, and service to make an exceptional dining experience.
(5)J L.
Wonderful experience. We had the course meal which came with huge portions of food that was fantastic. The hostess, server, and other staff were so helpful and professional. I will be back very soon!
(5)Luke S.
Great service, very attentive without being overbearing. Food was excellent. The pasta was one of the best I have had.
(5)Nathan P.
I can't remember a better dinner that my wife and I have had. We were there a few months ago celebrating my graduation and opening a new business. We were extremely impressed by the service, and the flavors in the food. We started with a modern take on a bruschetta that had grilled peach, mozerrella cheese, fresh basil, and a basalmic vinegar reduction. We both had a salmon dish, hers was more of a Madiera, and mine was more of a picatta with capers and lemon butter (yum). The bartender was a great one, very friendly, and came over and served us each a small glass of champagne, because he had heard from the manager that we were celebrating a special occasion. When it was all said and done, we felt like we were treated like royalty, and it was a very nice treat, since we do not get out too often, especially not to places like this. We will certainly be back to Francesca's, and have already given rave reviews to friends and family about it!
(5)Melissa C.
We booked a room here for my friend's baby shower, and from the beginning booking experience to the shower today, the restaurant made the vent fabulous! If you've been to other Francesca's restaurants, the food is consistant, traditional, and oh so yummy. There were a few things, however, that really stood out to me and why I'll always consider going to a Francesca's for a small event like a baby shower: * they don't charge for the room reservation!!! Literally every other place that we looked at either had a minimum number of people (20 or more) or charged at least $150 for the 3 hour event. When Julie, the coordinator, told me that they only charged us for the food we ate (and of course tax and gratuity), I was sold! * the variety of menu options for our event was great! We could do a family style, sit down plated, or (what we chose) a buffet appetizer course. They had a variety of menu options as well as a variety of price points, based on the quantity of food and how long the service lasted. Their special events options made it so easy to find an option for us! * the appetizer buffet was perfect for our baby shower of 13 people! We started with passed appetizers of chicken skewers while we stood around and chatted. When we sat down, we had a buffet of white pizza (delicious!!), bruschetta, and a risotto. I loved that they charged us per person, but refilled the buffet as many times as we needed during the hour of food that we paid for. AND we got to take home anything that was left! When our food time was finished, they just left it out for us to nibble on while we chatted and opened presents. Not only was the food delicious, but no one left hungry. * I left Julie know that we had one of the guests who was allergic to gluten. They were AMAZING with providing us with gluten-free options for every piece of the meal! They provided gluten free bread, a small plate of gluten free bruschetta (which they kept refilling!) and one of the pizzas was made gluten free as well! All this, with no extra charge to the event! * one word...doughnuts! Francesca's is affiliated with Glazed and Infused and we were able to order a tray of 50 mini doughnuts for $35! They have a variety of doughnuts including maple bacon (yum!!!), pumpkin chocolate chip (a seasonal but very yummy), and even did a gluten free for our guest that is allergic to gluten! Although you have to ask for the option, it's a great way to get something different! I was so pleased with the service, the food, and the overall experience! This is definitely going to be one of my go-tos for events AND a nice dinner :)
(5)JoAnne L.
Horrible experience!!! Thought maybe they changed owners!!! The server did not have a clue!!!! Food was HORRIBLE!!! Too MANY GOOD Italian restaurants...never going back!!!
(1)Erin B.
I have been living in AH for my whole life and never visited Francesca's. Today I joined a group of coworkers at the bar (around 4 pm, not one other customer inside there except our group of 9 ladies) to celebrate a birthday. The waiter we had at first was the douchebaggiest snarky punk A-HOLE I have ever encountered. We decided to order some appetizers about 15 minutes after we sat down and asked if we could have a menu. He said- (I shit you not) "you said when you got here you didn't need any menus! I'll be over in a bi.t" and continued to roll silverware for the next 3 minutes. He got our group of 9 people ONE menu. We asked for more and he brought us only one more. Honestly? It's like he was trying to be jerky. Then, to place our appetizer orders we had to basically drag him away again from what he was working on and he started walking away and I had to shout my order as he was rushing from the table. If I was a manager at this restaurant and witnessed how rude he was to us, I would have fired him on the spot. We are all reasonable, kind people and are teachers and definitely understand if it is super busy or something but being downright rude for the sake of being a snarky jerk? Absolutely not. Most of us were pretty upset by him and said we didn't want to come back here because of his behavior. However, I did give this place 2 stars because it must have been the end of his shift and the guy that took over was super sweet and wonderful and the pizza tasted really good. Due to our awful treatment, I won't be back.
(2)Diana K.
This place is wonderful. Some of the best food I've ever had in my life. The service is outstanding too. Our waiter made great recommendations and paid the right amount of attention to us. We went late on Valentine's Day and he was still very professional and nice even though I'm sure he had probably had one of the longest days of his life. The wine list is perfection as well. We will definitely be going back for dinner soon!
(5)Cade F.
Thanks for not only accommodating our very short timeframe for eating, but for doing so with such positive enthusiasm and fresh food! We will be back repeatedly!
(5)Jonathan L.
So good, my wife and I had our wedding hosted and received there. As a regular diner, it's gets too loud. There's really nothing you can do to avoid it. And, really, it's par for the course at Chicago restaurants. We like to talk, you know? The food is always excellent. The service attentive, the drinks strong. The wine list is for people who order by color, but it's not bad. It's not too expensive. I think you'll feel like you get what you pay for.
(4)Kathleen F.
My husband and I love this place! We come every couple Fridays! Sit at the bar..my husband orders a dirty Martini and I order my standard Valpolicella! Juan, the bartender pretty much has our drinks ready when we walk in! Great neighborhood establishment! The food never disappoints! We recommend the Calamari..or anything with the Mozzarella!!
(5)Anne S.
Amazing!! We hosted a wedding shower for 30 women here. The food was outstanding and plentiful....the service impeccable. Would highly recommend.
(5)Sam B.
Went there on May 16th with friends to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday. It was one of her favorite places and I had never been there before and always up for trying new places for me. Made reservations and had no issues getting seated. The staff was very friendly. The food was delicious as well. The atmosphere was also very warm and appealing. My one issue was when it came to dessert. I had called the restaurant a couple days ahead and asked if they had any traditions or did anything special for someone's birthday. I was told they did and they even verified my reservations and asked what my girlfriend's name was. So I was pretty set in thinking they were going to surprise her with the birthday dessert. Alas, that never happened. At the completion of dinner our server came by with the dessert menu and asked if we saved room. I was waiting for the birthday dessert. Nothing. So we went about our way. I wanted it to be a surprise so I didn't even bother to pursue it. To me, it would just simply ruin the surprise element for her to see me ask when it was set up in advance. Fortunately, my girlfriend did appreciate the gesture when I explained to her afterwards how disappointed I was with that happening (or not happening). I should have excused myself to go to the bathroom and followed up before dinner was over, but was convinced it was already a done deal. It's a minor mistake in the big scheme of things, but a bummer in celebrating her birthday at dinner. Outside of that, it's a nice place to frequent. The other bummer was that they were out of my first two beer choices. I guess it jsut wasn't my day to really enjoy my first time there.
(3)Nicole W.
This is classic Italian in the 'burbs: a comfortable but nice restaurant with a diverse menu, friendly staff, rotating specials and a solid, all around experience. Francesca's also offers a really pretty party room for wedding and baby showers and a decent sized bar for when you need a cocktail or four. Will you find uber creative dishes akin to Chicago's Italian scene? No. But you'll find items that supersede the traditional chicken parm and fettuccine alfredo. I was especially satisfied with the mammoth tortellini portion - not only was the spinach and chicken tortellini flavorful and filling, but there was enough pasta for two additional lunches after I made a sizeable dinner dent. Talk about value, folks. As mentioned, the service is exceptional here. Servers are just as friendly and accommodating to couples and families and are often going far out of there way to ensure a pleasant dining experience. So, at the end of the day, if you're seeking fresh, fairly straight forward Italian eats in Arlington Heights that won't break the bank, Francesca's Tavola is a great choice.
(4)Brooke A.
The short review: the food wasn't good, but they were doing half price bottles of wine, so I got drunk. The longish review: My husband got the a pan seared fish (bland) with spinach (uneatable). I got the four/six/eight cheese ravioli (eh). We came to Francesca's for a birthday dinner and left pretty unhappy. Sure, the service was good (it was empty on a weeknight) and the bread was okay. And the a fore mentioned half price bottle of wine. But aren't we really here for the food? Very disappointed, especially after all the good reviews. I see some people saying Olive Garden is better....let's not get carried away. Francesca's isn't THAT bad.
(2)Leah C.
wednesday's promo is a steal... ANY app/salad + ANY entree + ANY dessert for $25. an amazing deal when a lot of the entrees themselves are $25. i only give 4 stars because the pasta entree i've had both times (pasta primavera) was very bland and could use more vegetables. the other vegi choices have always been something too heavy for my taste - gnocchi or risotto so i've opted for something "off the menu". huge plates of carpaccio and prosciutto were passed around the table because of course all portions are too large for one person. i recommend the snow pea salad or the green bean salad - nice to have salad "options" other than the usual mixed greens or caesar. the desserts are the best part of the meal (apple crostada!) and if you come with a large party, every dessert on the menu can be ordered and shared! a very affordable family/big group dining experience with enough change to spare to splurge on some bottles of wine.
(4)Megan S.
I've been here a couple more times, but now they don't have the same GF bread. Previously, it was crusty and looked/tasted like regular bread. Now they have this bun looking thing that is good however not the same texture. It was a sad night when I realized the previous GF bread is no longer....
(4)Garfer B.
I can't say enough great things about this restaurant. We've been here several times and each time is just as fantastic as the last. The bartender is awesome and the food is excellent. 4 cheese pizza is one of my favs. Highly recommend.
(5)Elizabeth T.
Friday night dinner with the husband (6PM before the crowds came) + DELIOUS FOOD! DELICIOUS FOOD! DELICIOUS FOOD! + Free valet parking (Please tip the valets. They are super nice.) + On site parking lot if you prefer to park your own car. + Nice ambiance. Perfect for dinner date nights or family dinners. + They also have a bar area if you're interested. + Great service! Waitress was friendly/attentive. She had perfect timing checking us. Neither intrusive nor "missing in action". Just perfect. + More top notch service: Bus boys were super friendly and attentive. Plates cleared right away, water and drinks refilled, etc. + Food was served after appropriate wait time at perfect temperature. + Clean restaurant and clean bathrooms. - Rather expensive: Husband had RAVIOLI TRADIZIONALI (ravioli) , I had GIAMBERI e CAPESANTE al VINO BLANCO (shrimp and scallops in white wine and sauteed spinach). Ordered soup (extra charge) and pasta in red sauce (extra charge). For drinks we had Perrier water and Diet Coke. Total bill was $65 + tip. Did not mind the cost because we had great service and delicious food! Tip: By 7PM, the restaurant got crowded. Patrons were groups of friends, families having a nice dinner, or couples. Make early reservations if you want a little more peace and quiet. We will be back!
(5)Lisa R.
This review is long overdue!! I cannot say enough positive words about my experience at Francesca's Tavola. I urge everyone to ignore any negative reviews because my experience with this restaurant was like a dream. I reserved a party room for a family member's surprise party, months in advance. Not only was the Events Coordinator, Julie, immensely helpful... she went above and beyond to answer all of my many questions, and she allowed us to tour the space beforehand. The staff allowed us to store our cake in the cooler on the day of the event, and they did not charge a plating or cutting free. Julie's kindness, attention to detail, and professionalism will always be remembered. I highly recommend Francesca's for any birthday, party, or event in which a private party room is required. Julie's incredible service was absolutely reflected in the service and atmosphere of the restaurant as whole. The space is beautiful and pristinely clean. Servers were friendly, and the bussers here were, no exaggeration, the kindest, most thoughtful, and talented busboys I have ever encountered. One amazing busboy (whose name escapes me! Possibly Renee?) asked if we would like something to drink as we were setting up, he helped us put up a banner, he brought out a lighter for the cake and cut perfect pieces, and he wrapped all of desserts up for us to take home. The food was amazing. I highly recommend the risottos and Pollo al Limone (that sauce was incredible). All of the courses were spaced out nicely and never overlapped, which I appreciated since it enabled us to use the full time in the room. The tiramisu and profiteroles for dessert were delectable. Our party had 32 people, and this room was the perfect size. I cannot thank Julie and the staff of Francesca's enough for their assistance and genuine kindness. Props to the chef for his amazing creations. And the bus boys here deserve a promotion or at least major special notice-- we were all blown away. Francesca's is highly recommended, and I will definitely return when I am in town. (I prefer Francesca's to most Italian restaurants downtown!) Thank you for making our event so special and memorable!!
(5)Bobo M.
Love bar,rare beef app.Menue is small so they cant over think it.Kept hearing about the half chicken.....little flavor,very little rosemary.If I like the place I respond and I did,the reply was the batch could have been a little different then usual.Not at that price.
(3)Linda B.
This is a favorite restaurant in our rotation! The ambiance is classic Chicago Italian, not too brightly lit, beautiful bar area, lots of white linen tablecloths and napkins. Whether you eat at the spacious bar or in the dining room, the service is excellent. Prices are average for the area, and they have a nice beer and wine offering. The bartenders and wait staff are friendly and really know the menu. Every meal has been great! The prosciutto Modo Mio, risotto with leeks, corn and prosciutto was creamy and very good. Carpaccio, and Prosciutto with Figs are two more favorite appetizers. We love the Spaghetti Con Frutti Del Mare, and Roasted Grouper and Tilapia, all favorite entrees. I highly recommend this establishment.
(3)Chante E.
My family and I recently held a rehearsal dinner at Francesca's Tavola, and they exceeded our expectations. My mom and I worked with Julie in their event department while planning the dinner. Every question we had Julie responded with urgency and was very helpful in assisting us with our menu for the special evening. We were able to do a tasting about a month prior which also helped. By the time the big day rolled around, both my mom and I were able to relax and enjoy our family and celebrate the Bride and Groom. All of the wait staff were extremely attentive, but not over-bearing. Not to mention, the food was EXCELLENT! Better than our tasting. We will definitely be back soon!
(5)Danielle S.
This is now the 2nd Francesca's that I have tried, and again I'm not thrilled. This location is definitely bigger than the one I went to in Chicago, but there is hardly any parking. They do have Valet (they were very nice and parked my car for me even though I told them I didn't have cash to pay them). I have to say, the service here is exceptional. We were greeted warmly, our glasses were always full, our waiter was very nice and helpful, and everything was timed perfectly. Their menu always sounds great (I don't really like that they hand-write the menu...it's hard to read), but the food is disappointing. It lacks flavor. I got something that the Cheesecake Factory sells (it was almost exactly the same), but it tasted bland. For that reason alone I probably won't come back. It's not worth the money. And that was another thing - they aren't exactly cheap. So with that being said, Francesca's food disappoints again.
(3)Jennifer C.
I have been to this location twice and I had two vastly different experiences. The first time the service was awesome and the food was quite good. I had the gnocchi with tomato basil sauce and it was awesome. My hubby had pasta with pot roast which was ok and we had the apple crostata for dessert which was amazing. This visit was on a Sunday and I guess it was busier than they expected because less than 2 hours after they opened they were out of both of our first choice dishes and also my second choice dish. The second visit wAs on a Monday and I got rigatoni with sausage and mushrooms. It was ok, nothing special. The many reason I ordered it was because nothing else on the menu sounded good to me or was food that I eat (I don't like mussels, scallops, or veal). My husband ordered the lasagna which was what we both originally wanted to order when we first went. When the lasagna was brought out it was totally burnt so we sent it back. Then a new one came out and the center of it wasn't even hot. We also ordered the apple crostata again because I had liked it so much the first time, but that wasn't nearly as good as it had been on the first visit. Overall, will I be back? Probably not, the food and service are extremely inconsistent and the menu varies so much that I don't even know if anything I like will even be on the menu.
(2)Kristine N.
Service is amazing and deserves 5 stars. Arugula salad was delicious, it was their special of the night and it had great flavors. Veggie pasta - delicious, huge portion, and perfect textures. Artichoke ravioli - friend said it tasted like chef boy-r-dee.
(3)Perry B.
I'm here right now alone. That may not sound good but on a business trip. Service was great but food ranks on the low end.
(2)JarHarms P.
Went here after a business event for dinner on Aug 23rd. I liked the place and the food that evening. I ordered one of the specials (of which I can not recall the name and they do not post the specials online). It was some sort of hand rolled ravioli like pasta with a meat filling and a non-red sauce. It was very tasty. The service was good but seemed to taper off after our food arrived. That could be due to getting close to closing though. At that point I was 3 of 5 stars and would return again. Until 2:30 am came along and I was purging what was left of that food. So while it was tasty, no amount of tasty would be worth the very uncomfortable morning and following day I experienced. Since I tend to have a cast-iron stomach this had to be REALLY bad to cause this reaction. I can only imagine that ill food prep or components are the cause of this ordeal. I cannot recommend nor would I walk into any Francesca's ever again.
(1)Fran M.
Love, love, love this place!! If you're in the area, you must make this a stop! It's worth it. The wait staff was excellent - quickly seated, specials explained, drinks and warm bread served, and orders neatly delivered. As an added bonus, there was free valet parking in their parking lot at this location. While were there for dinner on a Saturday night, and the place was hopping busy - so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. Patrons were attired in an interesting mixture of casual to dressy. Really you could wear whatever you want, and you would feel perfectly at ease. This is a fantatic place for date night - celebrate a special occasion in their private rooms - or just to get a fantastic Italian meal. No matter the reason, you're sure to enjoy! The room has a slight Old World, rustic Italian feel with modern touches. Tables are covered in butcher paper that lend to the relaxed feel, yet the surrounding room decor keeps the place classy. And the food...ooohhh, the food. Excellent! Wonderful! Authentic! Delicioso! The spinach ravioli my friend ordered was handmade and melt in your mouth tender. The rigatoni her husband ordered was equally fine and perfectly matched with light sausage ragu. The pan seared tilapia I ordered was perfection and mouthwatering good. Drinks were enjoyed by all, and they were tasty and well made, including uniquely Italian options. And yes, we were tempted by desserts! The Creme Brule was excellent...but the Tiramasu was out of this world! I'll definitley be back to sample more dishes. Mangia bene, vivi felice! In other words, you'll "eat well, live happy" when you come here!
(5)Monica H.
I love Francesca's! We live in walking distance and it really has become our own little neighborhood establishment. The service is great and people remember you and welcome you back. The food is fabulous and always done well. I don't have any complaints. I love this place!
(5)Beth A.
i think i come here with my mom too frequently...the waiter recognizes us haha havent been in a few weeks...but im hoping for ravioli and some artwork in my cappuccino next time
(5)Karolina S.
Food is good and staff service is unbeatable. They have the best staff that I have ever experienced in any restaurant. It must be a great place to work!
(5)M-J W.
I eat gluten-free. I usually meet friends here because I lnow the GF menu is extensive, and no mater my mood there is something for me! However gluten-free should still be tasty. Not bland and uneatable; covering the whole thing with garlic didn't make it better. This is the first time I have ever been disappointed at Francesca's. I usually love it!! Something was way off the evening we were there. It was not crowded as it was the start of spring break in Arlington Heights. There were empty tables. As well as chairs available at the bar. ***Take the Penne with Spinach and tomato off the menu. It needs more tweaking. It needs flavor. $5 martini night on Friday nights is a good deal. This is usually what lured us in and then we realize we are hungry.
(3)Sherwin C.
I heard great things about the location in downtown that got a 26 Zagat rating so I came in with high expectations. The expectations weren't really met although I wouldn't say that I wouldn't come back either. The portions were large and at a good price. The bruschetta appetizer is a bit small for the price but is done relatively well, especially the choice of cheese. I wish the mussels they offered used the Prince Edward Island variety but that doesn't seem to be too common around Chicagoland. The broth was pretty good but not great. I found their "prime rib" (steak) to be prepared in a very oily manner with an herb mixture that I didn't really like too much, similar to the one at Wildfire. The meatball sandwich had pretty good meatballs and crispy bread but the salad was a little heavy handed on the balsamic vinegar. Their creamy pasta was kind of excessively creamy and oily while their broth and vegetables one had an alright taste but was a bit too oily as well. Fortunately their profiteroles were delicious and both crunchy and creamy at the same time. Oddly, like some other restaurants I've gone to recently I found the appetizers and desserts to be better than the main entrees. This restaurant is a decent alternative to Biaggis although it gets busy pretty early so make sure you put in a reservation. I would give it a higher rating if they could preserve the taste without making the food so unhealthy with oil and salt.
(3)Nic Z.
I went here for dinner with my family. The menu is handwritten and difficult to read, and they have no idea how busy -- or not -- they really are. They told us the wait was 1 hour 20 minutes - 30 minutes. We glanced around, and the restaurant was half-empty. The hostess told me, "There's a ton of people coming in five minutes with reservations," so we went to sit by the bar. 10 minutes went by and not a person came in. All of a sudden, the hostess grabbed us and seated us at one of the many empty booths. Hoorah... one success. I ordered a chicken dish which had some garlic sauce with it. I asked for it without, as I get very sick from garlic, and sure enough it arrived floating in the garlic sauce. It almost seemed like they went out of their way to put extra. Even my family, who usually pick on me for being so picky, thought it was ridiculous. I couldn't eat my dinner, and the waitress didn't even ask why when she came to pick it up. We hadn't been to Francesca's since 2006 when one of their waiters spilled wine all over my expensive handbag that was a gift from my grandparents. They never offered any compensation, not even a free coffee or dessert, but my mom was craving their chicken after all this time. Strike two, and I won't be giving them more money so they can earn a third.
(1)Rob W.
I used a Groupon Now at this place to try lunch here a little while back. The place was about half full - I sat at a tall table in the bar - no bartender was present, but they were using the bar to serve food if desired. Service was a little off - it seemed like their bus staff was serving that day. Nice people, but I didn't get the sense that they knew service. This was magnified when I asked for some grated cheese not in my rigatoni entree, but into the olive oil plate for my bread. Well, the server stacked it at least two inches high! The decor was a little different - a copper top ceiling in the bar that I'd not seem anything like it before. They were playing 80's music - really? I guess I'd go there again - maybe for dinner to see if they have an A-Team that works at night. Not really like any other Francesca's I've been to before.
(3)Daria D.
So we had a gift card to go here and me, my mom and sister decided to go for a cute lunch date. The waiter was nice and offered that the kitchen can make my mom sea bass even though it wasn't on the menu today. I ordered the special, Bolognese and my sister ordered a chicken sandwich. They brought us delicious french bread with an infused olive oil and parmesan cheese which was the highlight of the meal. To start we had one of their salads that the waiter recommended. The salad was awful the blue cheese was so bitter it was hard to eat. The salad didn't really have any flavor just a lot of veggies with some balsamic. The sea bass the kitchen specially made for my mom looked like kitchen scraps piled untop of a filet. It had no flavor, salt and looked so unappetizing my mom sent it back. The kitchen then made her some stir fry veggies to go untop of the fish. The fish was good, the new toppings were edible but not seasoned at all. The chicken sandwich was nothing special, just any old chicken sandwich. The bolognese was good, a little too much cheese in my opinion and the noodles were overcooked. At the end of the meal the waiter did not offer any reduction in price on the check. However, the table sitting next to us did not like their food too, but they got a personal visit from the manager apologizing for the fact they didn't like the food and were offered a free meal to go and took the bad meal off the tab. So that was a little awkward noticing we had no apology whatsoever. Definitely not going again. Haven't eaten food this bad in a long time.
(1)Briana V.
Went for a birthday, service was spotty and other staff kept arranging a party room right next to our table which was disrupting. Also, the food was just ok. Nothing exciting.
(3)Raymond H.
I had to write another review since my last visit. And I have to say they did not disappoint me. Ordered the spaghetti con frutti di mare and it was really tasty and the martini for 5 bucks made the night that much better. Nice atmosphere and good service, what else can you ask for. Make your reservations with Jack the host for a best spot.
(5)Kathy F.
Francesca's Tavola gets top rating in my book because the food + service is excellent. My husband and I have been dining here for years. This month I filled out the comment card and to my surprise won a raffle and get $10 off once a month for 12 months. We are expecting our first child any day now and I appreciate that for the next year I am guaranteed at least one "date night" a month (thankfully my parents live close enough to babysit!) We went for our first "date night" last night. I had the special linguini with scallops and a creamy tomato sauce--fantastic plus leftovers, yay! My husband had the salmon which came with avocado and asparagus and some other tasty looking bits. No appetizer or dessert this time around but only because there is not enough room (38 weeks pregnant will do that to a lady's stomach). The manager, Rian, who informed me of my raffle prize, also sought us out to congratulate us on our growing family and thank us for dining with them. The wait staff is always very friendly and the busboys do a fabulous job refilling water, iced tea and boxing up leftovers! In the past I have also gone here for some business lunches and the tilapia with capers and white wine sauce is always a winner. Wednesday nights are great since $25 will get you an appetizer, entree and dessert. And when we went earlier this month we split a caprese salad made with grilled peaches instead of tomatoes (it was a special that night) and it was super tasty! My absolute favorite menu item is the shell pasta with ham, peas, mushrooms and creamy tomato sauce--it is so good on a chilly night!
(5)Micheal P.
So, this is probably the best Italian food I've ever had. anywhere. ever. Portions are large.Favorite dish is the pasta with pesto, scallops, green beans and potatoes. Tiramisu is classic, but delish. No surprises, but you can count on it being great.
(5)Giuliano F.
Food overall was not bad, pretty flavorless. I had gnocchi with veal, asparagus and grape tomatoes. The tomatoes and asparagus had the most flavor.
(3)Mitch K.
Nice east coast type of class with linen table covers, heavy silverware and cleanly simple decour. We sat down and waitress was right there. Menu was handmade and printed off of a printer or copier. Very impressed as what was available was what was bought that day or so. Fresh came to mind. Drinks were disappointing with short shots and lots of ice. Come on guys! Even a double was watery. Get smaller glasses, larger pours & less ice or replace/retrain/remotivate the bartenders. Next time will order wine. Dinner specials do not have salad included, so ordered one. It was very nice sized with O&V dressing, tomato, cucumber and good mound of lettuce. Appetizer was special beef carpaccio and it was wonderful with capers and freshly shaved parm cheese. Very yum. Dinnermate had fish which looked good and it was not shared. A good sign. My pasta with muscles and clams was abundant in pasta and shells. Very good, made fresh tomato sauce. Once we waved off dessert the waitress abandoned us. Could not even get her near to order another watered drink, but that was all for the good. This has good food, marginal service, crappy drinks and a nice atmosphere. And you could talk at your table, so noise was minimal. Give it a shot...it will probably be a lot larger that what you will get from the bar in return.
(4)Shauna K.
Finally a beyond decent meal in a restaurant in Chicagoland. It's been a while, I tell you. The service was fabulous. Our waiter was a mid-20's young man about 6' or so tall with short hair and an athletic build - sorry, I forgot your name and feel badly about it. The waiter who tag-teamed was not quite as tall and had curly hair. All questions were answered and we decided on the price fixe option for $25.00. My husband and I chose to split an appetizer and salad instead of choosing one or the other. We ordered the bruschetta with mozzarella and were so happy, the bread was perfectly toasted and the topping was out of this world, tangy and basilly with creamy mozzarella - everything was so fresh. It tasted like it was made to order. The salad was amazing too, We ordered the Insalata alla Francesca - romaine, endive, radicchio, blue cheese, fresh veggies - extremely fresh food. I didn't need salad dressing for this creation. My husband ordered the house Italian and was delighted. When the main courses came out, we were still amazed at how good the food was. Mark's was a sausage and onion pizza bursting with flavor on a cracker thin crust. I had the pork chops with a mushroom and artichoke heart sauce - YUM! WOW! TASTEBUDGASMIC! We shared food, enjoyed our conversation without being hovered over. Our servers came to the table exactly when we needed them - no more, no less. If it hadn't been for the noisy family bouncing around in the booth behind me we would have lingered. After being jammed in the back by a dad and a kid who couldn't manage to sit still, we decided to ask for the bill and get the included dessert to go. (Note to hosts, hostesses, and others who seat restaurant customers - when a couple is having a romantic dinner, try to steer noisy people away from them and definitely do not seat them in the booth behind!) We ordered the creme brulee and drove home, so completely happy with the meal and the service that it made up for the birthday/anniversary debacle. When we got home and got into the creme brulee - MORE TASTEBUDGASMIC!! What a meal, and great experience! :) When you go, one of the cool things you will notice is the menu - the standbys are in print but most of it was hand-written as the menu offerings change constantly at Francescas. Ya gotta go!!!! You cannot beat the customer service or the food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)M. S. O.
I think the problem is the experience is inconsistent. Last time everything was perfect and were seated upstairs where quiet. This time after explaining in detail why we needed a quiet location as special people in town after 10 yrs. We were first in the restaurant and put in main room that filled with noisy people and could not talk at all and that was only time we would see them. Some dishes came out late and cold like they forgot to heat. Pasta on a couple was sticky and balled up in chunks. They took back but didn't return until the rest were finished, plates removed & standing saying goodbyes, so took home. Felt very rushed and yes they take your food and unfinished cocktails if you don't watch. They always pick it up too before asking if finished which should never happen. They need to wait til plate is pushed back or ask in general is anyone finished with plates. Food is beyond excellent with large portions, when they get it right and a great place to go for special occasions.
(3)Gina F.
I have no choice but to give them 5 stars after the EPIC bridal shower I had there. I was already a fan of the Francesca's chain, but they did an amazing job on my shower. Both event planners I worked with were great. The first (who later moved to a different location) had developed a BRUNCH event menu. That was the best idea ever! All the menu options had great selections, but the brunch was different & fun. The items we chose were delicious (it was last August, but if memory serves it was mascarpone french toast, eggs w/Italian sausage & polenta, a mix of caprese & meat sandwiches, & fruit). It was a lot more food than we could actually eat! All of my aunts & cousins, & my mom's friends from her neighborhood raved about it. They were so happy to escape the typical shower luncheon of chicken & pasta. They also made mimosas & punch (non-alcoholic for the preggos). The party room is very cute & sunny. It would be great for a variety of events. I'm looking forward to hosting a party there--I keep looking for a good reason! The prices for the event were very reasonable, as well. Note: I've also had dinner here a few times, and that was always excellent. Still hate the ugly xerox menus. :)
(5)Maria K.
We come here a lot - from Friday family dinners to big party celebrations. The food is always top notch: from appetizers to ever changing specials and main entries! The service is very smooth, never had a problem with our bill (especially with parties over 10 ppl), and the servers really know what they are doing!
(5)Kim M.
We've gone here twice for a work Christmas party, and it's good. It's not as good as Carlos & Carlos, but if you want some good Italian and good service, it does the job. Their martinis are great. They have a wide selection. I asked them to put a graham cracker crust on the key lime pie martini and they were happy to do so. Love the olive oil and pepper for the bread. The bread is gooood! Both parties I've had the vesuvio chicken. It's small, though. For $16- $18 I kind of expected a full grown size chicken. With this one, I could eat all the meat on the thigh in one bite. Potatos were great. The bruschetta is also good. All in all, consistently good service. Good food. LIke the atmosphere alot, though on the weekend nights it is LOUD. Give it a try.
(4)sheri d.
Service was exceptionally slow.
(2)Real D.
Took my family and this is a good choice if you want to hang a little and not overwhelm with too much going on. Good honest Italian meal, good food and we felt super comfortable the whole time I was catching my Aunts up with all the good things I'm doing and just generally painting a picture of the all-around good kid that I turned out to be. So pleasant. Thanks Francesca's they had a great time. I can pop my collar suggesting this one to my older family mems. I love the Mark N. review who may actually recommend Olive Gardens (as an alternate chain restaurant) to his friends. Dyin' over here.
(4)Les O.
Food is always outstanding! Carpaccio is A+ and any salad...fresh and tossed perfectly in dressing. Veal medallions, lasagna, any fresh fish are worth trying. Several staff members have been there or years. Cozy booths...try the bar area booths...quiet in there and beautiful ceilings.
(5)Angela H.
If I blow my week's budget at a restaurant, it better damn well be worth it. It better be something, I can't make at home. The food at Francesca's was good. But everything I tried was something that I could easily make at home and cost me 1/4 of the price. This is the reality of our economy right now. If you want my business you have to make it worth my dime. Make the food interesting. Be inventive. I've had a long week and you just put me to sleep. Your food's got no personality.
(3)Natalie H.
I ate here for a Baptismal reception last weekend and it was wonderful. The service was outstanding! The servers were all very attentive, personal, and friendly. The food was very good. It did take a while between courses but the food came out hot and was well worth the wait. We were at tables in the bar area and it was a little cramped but a nice setting overall. I would go back again, more for the service then the food, and think it would be a great setting for a date night or a night out with friends.
(4)Alyson B.
My husband and I went here for dinner last night. The food was good, not fantastic. The real reason for my comments here though are the terrible service. The waiter did the bare minimum for us. He was completely inattentive, we had to flag him down to order, and for any reason whatsoever. And flagging him down was not easy, he never even looked towards our table. He also had terrible people skills. The buss staff was even worse. They would toss the bread and whatever else they were dropping off at our table basically on the run as they went past our table. They also reached VERY rudely across my face, to fill my water, to pick things up off the table, etc. it was absolutely ridiculous! I can't afford to waste my money going out to dinner to be treated like that.
(2)Viv C.
Few months ago, my boyfriend took me to this restaurant. I fall in love with that restaurant. When you had a right food, right place and a right waiter/waitress, the good memory is created at that moment. The first surprise is they change their menu every two weeks and the waiter knows their food so well. When I am hesitate choosing what I want, the waiter there is definitely a helper. In Francesca's Tavola, you can enjoy your dinner with no rush. (You can't enjoy it in their Lakeview branch) Affordable price, excellent Italian food, 5 stars services. It's absolutely a great place to go!
(5)Ralph M.
We had a baby shower at Francesa's in Arlington Heights and couldn't be more pleased with the service and attentiveness shown by all that helped with our special occasion. Everyone was extremely helpful, making sure we were taken care of in every way possible. This Restaurant is one of the best I've been in when it comes to catering to our needs.... A+
(5)Linda K.
We recently attended a surprise birthday party at Francesca's Tavola. It was held in the bar area and the staff did a very nice job. There were about 40-50 people in attendance and, although it was a little cramped, everyone seemed to find a spot to sit. Appetizers, salads and desserts were served throughout the evening. The staff did a nice job keeping everything replenished. Bartenders were quick to pour drinks. All and all, a great experience! A few weekes later we decided to go back for dinner. Although Francesca's is very close to our home, we tend to forget about it. The place was busy when we arrived, but we were able to get a table right away. We started with a caprese salad and calamari. I had the salmon for an entree and it was outstanding! Loved the spinach that it was served with it. My husband and son had a pasta dish...shells with chicken, mushrooms and other veggies. They enjoyed their entrees, as well. They change their menu frequently at Francesca's which is very refreshing. Our server, Pete, was very professional and efficient, as were the bus staff. The young manager (I assume) stopped by our table to ask how everything was. I felt a bit rushed at times. It seemed like they maybe wanted to turn tables quickly. It was ok as we weren't looking to spend a lot of time there, but something to keep in mind if you're looking for a leisurely dinner. I had a gift card and 15% off coupon, and was pleased that they were able to take both. Besides feeling a bit rushed, the food, service, and atmosphere was very good.
(4)Max L.
The service here is awful. Not only did our party wait at least 45 minutes to place an order, the food took another half hour to arrive. I had the lamb shank. Overall, I would give the preparation 7 out of 10, but the shank was sixty percent fat; very little meat. This entree was DEFINITELY not worth $22. Overall, the food was okay, definitely not worth the praise I am seeing. This is above average Italian restaurant for the suburbs, nothing more.
(2)Jeannine K.
They have a nice gluten-free menu with some good options. Gluten-free pasta seems hard to cook right, but the dishes were pretty good - I had penne del pastore and a friend had penne alle verdure. My non-gluten-free friends enjoyed their dinners too. It's nice to have something for all of us.
(3)Vic N.
Calamari appetizer was good. Entree was lousy: pasta, sausage and vegetables tossed in a bowl. And as others have complained, the service was slow and unresponsive. Overall it failed the "Olive Garden" test, which is if the restaurant experience is no better than Olive Garden then why bother to go. Francesca's Tavola is definitely over-rated.
(2)Andy W.
Went here on a whim last Friday night. We called and made a reservation only 30 minutes before our arrival time and were seated promptly. The gluten free menu is extensive and everything was delicious. They even provide a gluten free roll, though it was too dense to really enjoy.
(4)Jean C.
I love Francesca's! I have been going here with my family for years. It's our go to place for dinner and I have no problems with that! We always start with a salad and it's fresh and delicious. I normally get the house salad or the caprese. A helpful hint, order tilapia when available. It's the best tilapia I have ever had! It is fresh and always prepared just right. I have their pastas and they are cooked to perfection. Noodles are al dente and their sauces are never over powering. This is such a great place to go for a family dinner or a date. My parents come here so much that they know most of the servers and busboys. Guaranteed a great meal and fun ambiance. And don't forget to get a piece of the Italian hard candy on your way out!
(4)Cupcake S.
Great food! Great service! One of the best Italian restaurants in the area.
(5)Misse D.
I have never had a bad meal at any Francesca's. I must say, I was a bit worried based on some of the reviews here. Not sure why, because I had a great time. My husband and I met another couple for dinner on Saturday night. We had virtually no wait for our table. Service was excellent! The drinks were just strong enough. I enjoyed the complimentary valet and coat check. The best part of the meal was my pasta with shrimp and scallops. It was delicious! My only complaint? I find this locations logo of half a woman's face bizarre. It won't stop me from coming back though.
(4)Jeff C.
I'll start this off by saying I'm no connoisseur of Italian cuisine, but believe the food was average at best and the service was no better. I was at Francesca's for dinner on a Sunday night with a couple of friends. We started off with mushroom polenta (delicious) and bruschetta (under seasoned) appetizers. For entrees, we ordered gnocchi with sausage, fusilli in a light cream sauce. and a seafood linguini. Portions were large with two of us taking home at least half of our entrees. The gnocchi was doughy and the sauce in the fusilli was watery (perhaps intentionally), but it was not my preference. Dessert was an apple tart with cinnamon gelato. I was expecting a flaky, puff pastry-like tart, but we received something more akin to a dry, fluffy biscuit. At least the gelato was tasty. Coffee was also below average. Service was friendly, but very slow throughout the night even though the restaurant was pretty empty. I think dinner lasted about 90 minutes, but we could have been finished in about 60 if the wait staff paid closer attention. On the bright side, we were debating between two different bottles of wine and they did bring us a taste of each one to help us decide. Plus one star for that. Maybe we missed the fantastic menu items other Yelpers recommend. Perhaps my view of Italian cuisine is far from authentic (it is). In any case, I feel like I've had better. There are way too many restaurants to settle for average, so it's doubtful I'll be heading back.
(3)P K.
Francesca's is consistently a great place to eat and talk with friends in a relaxed, casually elegant surroundings. Service is always perfect. The olive oil and cheese with bread is terrific. I love the risottos and pastas. The pizza is only mediocre. Easy parking.
(4)Kammie G.
Such a great Italian restaurant. It has a homey comortable atmosphere and every time I've been there it's been packed. They constantly change their menu which I like - it makes each experience that much more enjoyable and exciting. You can never get bored of it. The food is perfectly prepared and it's quite a large amount, so it's worth the slightly higher prices. I'm a huge fan and it's one of my favorite Italian places so far.
(4)Isabella T.
I went to this restaurant for dinner on new years eve. I definitely recommend on making reservations if you are going in a large group. The bartender was amazing, and recommended great martinis. The waiter for the night was not the best, but the food made me forget about the waiter. It seems like the menu changes constantly, and the pasta was fantastic. It is a large portion for pasta, so come hungry.
(3)Brittany Q.
The service at this Francesca's is beyond bad. My family had a reservation for 7pm to make our 10pm play at the Metropolitan. We figured 2 hrs was more than enough time to enjoy a meal and go just a few short blocks to the play. We were mistaken. We were not seated right away, which is OK, it was quite busy. We finally got seated and ordered our drinks, which came out 15 minutes later, and the waiter didn't take our order at that time. Finally the waiter returned to take our order and we waited at least 45 minutes before our food came to our table. People who were seated after us go their food faster. I tend to think that since it was busy we were forgotten, because when our dishes finally came out, they were just warm. You could tell they had been sitting for a bit and forgotten. And the quality of the food was just OK. My fiance always eats his left overs, and he didn't even want to take his chicken home. I had butternut squash ravioli, and it was just OK. I've had better at the Walnut room. For the price and the lack of service i would never come here again. I can go to the Olive garden for less and get treated better.
(2)Russell M.
We eat Italian a lot but we have avoided this place because the menu is weird and the food is just ok. The last time we ate here we both stared at the menu trying to find something that really jumped out at us. Same thing happened last night so we won't be back again. The place is busy but we both felt that was probably because Reginas is closed.
(2)Sarah S.
We were visiting the area and wanted to try as many different places as possible. I was craving some pasta and we found this place. We were seated as soon as we walked in. The server was pleasant and on point. The bus boy was also very nice and did a great job making sure we had plenty of bread and drinks. The serving size was a nice large portion. The atmosphere and decor was simple and clean. We had a really great time. The only thing I had a problem with was the fact that they had a list of donuts but you could only get them on the weekends. The list didnt say anything about it only being a weekend thing. The flavors they had listed sounded awesome. Maybe next time we will be back on the weekend to try the maple bacon donut!
(5)J B.
Excellent salads and bread. Varied tasty specials for entrees. Professional service, but a little slow on busy Saturday nights.
(4)Heather E.
This past weekend I attended a rehearsal dinner at this restaurant. I thought the food, drinks and ambiance were spectacular. My first impression occured at the bar. Since we arrived early, my husband and I sat at the bar and ordered a few drinks. The bartender was extremely helpful and helped me pick out out a few of their best martinis. The next thing that amazzed me was the great food and service, even at an event! Typically, the food qualilty is lost when serving such a large group of people, but not at Francesca's! Everything was delicious! I especially enjoyed the pizza, caprese salad and the desert was amazing! I believe it was a vanilla ice cream in between two eclairs and drizzled with chocolate. Either way it was amazing and I acually had two of them!!! Yummy. (You bet I hit the treadmill the next day :))
(5)Isabelle L.
Francesca's tavola is a solid and sure place to take the family out for dinner but the food is nothing special and not that tasty. Went there last night for dinner, not crowded for a Friday night, not a great sign. We were promptly seated and the service was fine, no complaint there but no praise either. There is a full bar, a decent wine list by the bottle or by the glass. The wines by the glass are mostly Italian. The red one I picked was quite disappointing: highly acidic with not much body and flavor. At $8 a glass I would have expected a better quality. Ordered the grilled halibut that came with a salad and a pasta dish with shrimps and scallops. The grilled halibut was OK, pretty tasteless but of decent quality. The pasta dish was disappointing. The fettuccine were soggy and overcooked. The scallops tasted quite fishy which was inacceptable. The tomato sauce lacked any flavoring: a touch of basil or Italian seasonings for example would have been a plus. No panna cotta on the dessert menu to our disppointment so we ordered the brownie for dessert. That was OK, but again nothing to rave about: a bit too sweet. In a nutshell, the decor and service places this restaurant a notch above an Olive Garden, but the food needs improvement. When craving for true Italian cuisine, will patronize "Bapi" instead or will head to the Northbrook location of Francesca which overall has a much better execution and better prepared dishes.
(3)Andy S.
Dined here for the 2nd time and have enjoyed both times. Great, attentive service. Their bruschetta is among the best I've had. Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes-very well executed. Last time I had a pasta dish which i preferred to a pretty bland pizza which didn't appear cooked but tasted fine with fresh sausage, nice, ripe tomatoes. Chocolate gelato and the tiramisu got good reviews from tablemates for dessert. Waiter split check for 6 three ways without a fuss. Definitely recommend.
(4)Troy H.
Ended up here by accident the other night (had reservations at Carlos and Carlos and the power out in downtown AH). I had heard of this place from numerous neighbors but never went. Whoa, what a great surprise. Excellent food, great server, extensive wine list and all at reasonable prices. We had a small group but they fit us in based on the power outage in the rest of AH. Didn't push us and let us eat and be merry at our own pace. Even a good place to bring children (and you won't pay more than Olive Garden if you don't want to). My wife is a snob when it comes to Italian and she was VERY impressed. All in all, 5 stars!!!
(5)Jeff N.
I'll start with the good and say that Francesca's had really great food, and the hostesses and wait staff worked very hard to take care of us. Defintely some of the best Italian food I've had outside of the city. The menu is very customized, and you can tell that a lot of thought and preparation goes into it. It's just a shame that such a great restaurant is run so poorly. First, our group had to wait 20 minutes for a table we had reserved. Then 20 minutes after ordering the main course, we were told that although 2 members of our party ordered one of the specials, they only had enough to serve 1. Then ANOTHER 20 minutes after that, they came back and told us that they didn't even have enough for that one order. This was all for an order placed at 8 on a Saturday night. When I complained to the manager and asked for some compensation, he tried to justify it by pointing out how busy they are (sorry, they're a restaurant, they should know how to plan for busy Saturday nights). Hopefully in the future the management is able to do the quality of food justice.
(3)Becky B.
The bar is super cute, friendly service, but I think this is a better place for a large group. Oversized suburban mediocrity - hard to believe that we both ordered wrong off the specials menu. Not for foodies.
(3)Paul K.
I am giving francesca's five stars because of it's competition. The NW suburbs suffer from a dearth of quality restaurants, but francesca's is one of the bright spots. I only ever get pasta dishes here, and for me, it is the best pasta in the area hands down. The thing I like the least about it, is that they rotate the menu alot, so you can never be sure the dish you loved the last time will be available -- though i've heard sometimes they'll make it for you if you ask even if it's not on the menu. I have never had any problem with the wait staff after several visits, but after reading other yelper's comments, and thinking back, the wait staff are kind of casual here. It's never seemed like they are inattentive, they just lack the sense of urgency you see from someone working at a Chili's. Which I don't mind at all. So all in all, it's one of a handful of places in the NW suburbs that I enjoy regularly.
(5)N D.
Love this place! The food is always fresh and the menu is constantly changing. Ample parking. A bit loud inside, but nothing to bad. If you're not a big veggie person, could be a bit challenging.
(5)Tim S.
My wife and I decided to try a new restaurant for our anniversary. In my Open Table restaurant I told them of our celebration and asked to be seated in a relatively quiet area. We have made similar requests at other restaurants and they have always been honored. We were seated on the upper level right next to the stairs and I had a column sticking in my left shoulder the entire evening, with a party of 8 right next to us. There were some booths open when we arrived, but I guess those were taken. So we were not off to the best start, but maybe the food would compensate. While the food was fine, it was nothing spectacular. My gnocchi was okay, but while eating could not stop comparing it to a similar dish I had at another restaurant where the gnocchi melted in your mouth. We definitely had better food at other Italian places for the same price or less. Service was good. We felt a bit rushed, but it was a Saturday evening and by the time we left the place was about 90% full. I don't think we will go back, but if we did I would take more time to order to space out the arrival of our appetizers, soup/salad and entree. A glass of wine, one beer, a soup for me, salad for my wife, two entrees and two decafs for $85 before tip. For food that was average at best i thought it was a bit over-priced. For my money and with so many Italian restaurants in the area I would try another place. Not bad, average on the night we were there, perhaps, based on the other reviews, better than average on other nights.
(2)M K.
Many locations but quality is better than chain. We went early (6:15) on a Friday which I might recommend as it was quite crowded by 7. Our server was the best I've had recently - cautious at first, which one has to expect in NW suburban restaurants populated with a lot of needy and abrasive suburbanites, but delightful once we showed we were going to play nice and extremely careful of us (I never touched the wine bottle, for example). The food was very good without being great - a nice seafood risotto to start, my wife's bistecca tender and smothered in mushrooms, my correctly-heavy gnocchi slathered in a wonderful rustic bolognese comprised of three meats and vegetables, and our desserts (profiteroles, flourless chocolate cake) the best of the courses. Wine list only pedestrian - not unreasonable, but we took a Montepulciano that I would pass on second time around. Atmosphere convivial without being overwhelming. Free valet parking for undersized lot. Very nice if standard Italian fine dining - a safe choice.
(4)cindy s.
Hands down our favorite Italian food! we have been eating since the original opened on Clark. the food is always consistent the service is great and we cant say a bad thing no matter which location we go to. We have had a few parties here and it never disappoints us. Go enjoy and you will be back!
(5)Terri M.
We've eaten here a few times during our occasional forays to the suburbs, and each time we've been pretty well satisfied. The food they serve is by far the among the most interesting and sophisticated you can get in the suburbs--sorry to be such a city snob, but it's true. Their menu is very similar to that of the Francesca family of restaurants in the city--Northern Italian, as another reviewer has already pointed out. Which means that we were able to put together a light, but delicious and filling meal that's not weighed down with red sauce and cheese. On this most recent visit, we started off with calamari, which was light, golden, and perfectly done. It came with a small bowl of tomato sauce that seemed to be made from crushed Italian tomatoes and some light seasoning. Next we shared two salads. One was a salad of snap peas, tomatoes and cucumbers dressed in a lemon and olive oil vinagrette. The other was a salad from the specials menu of mixed greens, arugula, and a fried egg with a champaign vinagrette. It was an unusual salad that tasted ok. I just did not taste any vinegar int he dressing; it could have used a little salt of piquancy of some kind. in general, we are a fan of their selection of salads here. At other times, we have gotten and enjoyed the green bean salad. For our main course we had the pizza with arugula, tomatoes, and shaved parmesean. It was like a little pizza with a dressed salad on top. Very tasty. Probably not for everybody, but it was exactly what we love about Francesca's. When we used to eat meat we'd get the carpaccio, which they serve topped with dressed greens and shaved parmesean. Yum. One note about this Francisca's compared to the ones in the city. The median age was clearly a lot higher, although there were also several kids, which you never see in the city. The median girth also was higher, but that's probably par for the course out there in suburban mainstream America. All in all though, Francesca's is a great bet: delicious food that's real, not pretentious. Good quality, good service, and reliable.
(4)Derek S.
as always, this francesca's installation delivers great food with great service. my family and i spent a good few hours here, first at the bar sipping some delicious wine and snacking on their amazing bruschetta dish, and then at our table for dinner. everyone's food was fantastic...i think everyone i was with had fish except for me. i had a spicy-ish sausage and pasta dish that was so good i brought half of it home. it was amazing the next day, too. outstanding service, knowledgable waitstaff, very quiet on a weeknight. a perfect option if you need a nice meal near the airport.
(4)Negar S.
I don't know why this place has gottem so many good reviews. There weren't that many food options on the menu and I fiannly found one food that sounded better than the rest. I ordered this egg noodle pasta with shrimp. The soup was ok, the food was not good. The shrimp tasted good but the pasta was too dry. There was barely any sauce in the plate. My husband wanted this pork dish but they had ran out of pork!!! so he ordered a fish dish and didn't like it either. We were sitting in this small table two feet away from this big table with loud people. The desert was just ok. The service was good but the food wasn't at all. I wouldn't go back there again.
(2)Mike N.
Ok. That's as good as I've had at Francesca's Tavola in Arlington Heights -- just okay. There is absolutely nothing remarkable about the food. It's somehting north of true "bland", but the flavors are timid and dull. I've eaten here five times, and this has always been the case. The pasta is watery. Yes, watery. Yuck. The marinara tastes, well, it tastes...red. Not even tomatoey, and how about some basil?? This place doesn't suck and this isn't a crucifiction, but I just can't get excited when someone suggests it. You can do much better for Italian eats....
(2)April Z.
Fabulous food and service! There were 5 at our table with a notorious picky eater and she even loved her dish!
(5)Kathleen P.
Where do I begin? Perhaps with the delectable fried calamari- done just perfect-crispy & tender. Or the Risotto Con Porcini- creamy & delightful. The bread dipped in extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese was addictive. Don't even get me started on the pizza- I'm a picky pizza person and this was outstanding-thin & crispy. Everyone sampled a bit of each dish in our family party of ten. The Tilapia & Salmon dishes were incredibly fresh & tasty and the pasta dishes were fantastic- one particularly decadent dish was the Ravioli Con Spinaci (spinach ravioli) with four cheese sauce.
(5)Lauren B.
Very high quality meals! They have gf rolls, and although they are about as dense as a brick, they are still good. They have a full gluten-free menu, not just a few items to pick from. The pasta is quinoa/corn, which cooks really well. The service is good, ask for Pete if he's there. Plus, the portions are huge, I am sill working on mine.
(4)Ian P.
I didn't realize I had left a 0 rating. I meant to leave a 2.5, but 2 will have to do.
(2)