Really good food. Nice atmosphere too. No complaints apart from a wine out of stock.
(5)
Tera D.
I didn't have very high expectations for Forno, considering the luke warm Yelp reviews and the fact that I've been to MANY of the Francesca's chains and find them to be just ok - never a memorable meal. But we got a coupon in the mail for $15 off dinner, no minimum, as long as it's a week day. On top of that, the coupon mentioned that Tuesday is half price appetizers, so we couldn't pass it up. Ironically, our waiter (who was all around terrible and the reason for the lost star), tried telling us at the end of the meal that we couldn't use the coupon since we were taking advantage of the half priced appetizer special, which of course makes no sense since it's not two coupons, it's a restaurant-wide special and 1 coupon, plus the coupon says NO WHERE on it that you can't use it on the night with specials. He went to talk to his manager and she must have told him it was totally fine because he did it without us even having to put up a big stink. So watch out for that. But on to the food - we shared the roasted Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, meatball sliders, salami bruschetta and ribs and mac. The sprouts/cauliflower was outstanding, super unique and flavorful, as was the bruschetta. The meatball sliders were pretty standard, and the only item I wouldn't necessarily get again. And the ribs and mac....holy crap. It's deep fried ribs! What!? SOOOO good. The mac is just ok, so don't get the side dish mac, go for the entree ribs and mac for sure! Worth every penny!
(4)
Chris D.
If you are looking for a solid Italian meal, then this is a pretty good place to get it. I have nothing negative to say about Francesca Forno. Great location. Professional servers. Good wine selection. Decent menu selection. They removed my favorite Ribeye years ago so I don't frequent this location as much as I did. The Half Roasted Chicken I had recently was absolutely delicious. I'll keep pushing to get my Ribeye back!!
(4)
Stephanie S.
So, we had been to Francesca's before the remodel a few times. We always loved the food, but it was sooooo noisy and the chairs kinda sucked. I really like the new layout and decor of the place. I think they did a really nice job! The food we had was really amazing and the wine list is very reasonably priced! I don't think there is a bottle over $60? We had 2 of the specials, a procuitto app and a pasta entree as well as the lamb meatballs. Yum all around. Our table was slightly uneven and the wine bottle kept sliding towards me, but hey I can't complain about that, haha. Anyway, we would definitely be back! Since we live so close probably during the week when it is a little less crowded, but worth the wait! It is still a lively atmosphere but not quite as loud as it was prerenovation.
(4)
Mary Kate D.
Went here for brunch yesterday with my family. Food was great but the service was slow and not personable. Our drinks sat at the bar for awhile before they brought them out. My bf and I had the monte cristo for brunch and it was very good. Great location, and food but poor service.
(3)
Kailinani L.
After a long day of doing the tourist thing the hubby and I stumbled in to this place on a lark. The aromas upon entering were magnificent! The dining experience to follow did not disappoint. We both ordered off the daily specials. he had the lamb ragout and I had a pumpkin risotto. His lamb was incredibly tender, wonderfully seasoned and served over wide pasts. Elegant for such a potentially heavy course. The risotto was a symphony of flavors in each bite. This meal is easily in the top five meals I have enjoyed-ever. The service was good. prices were very reasonable. A final note- the Pinot grigio served is only available to restaurants which is too bad because that was PERFECT. Maybe the owner would consider opening this restaurant in Honolulu????
(5)
B G.
Based on the food, I've never had a BAD experience here, but never anything out of this world. every time I've eaten there, I just get the sense that I'm getting ripped off. First time there, I ordered the charcuterie plate and, to me, most of the meat on there tasted more like cheap pre-packaged deli meat. Everything on it had a decent portion, but I just felt like the meat came straight from a package and onto my plate. It was not exactly satisfying. Next time I was in I had a pizza. I was pretty tasty and an excellent size for $13. It had arugula and rosemary ham on it. A little excessive on the arugula, but, it's just greens atop a salad... Very easily removable. I liked the pizza but wasn't totally wowed by it. Service there has always been prompt and very friendly. I'm sure I will be back at some point seeing as I live in the neighborhood, but it wouldn't be at the top of my list.
(3)
James B.
Good wine list food was good. Didn't blow me away though. Pizza was good. Meatball sliders were amazing.
(3)
Cassidy S.
Had a very fun night at Francesca's with a friend. Waited ten minutes for a table with our reservation - but on a Saturday, one can't complain. We were given a small table near the windows, which had been opened for the beautiful weather. I was seated in the aisle and had to cram toward my friend because the host and busboys kept hitting my chair. Our server was clear and answered all our questions about the exciting menu, which had intriguing ingredients but was more vague about portion size and presentation. We didn't mind - we tried dishes that sounded unfamiliar and enjoyed all three, from the hen egg to the potatoes dish (our server's favorite). Our wine was delicious, but upon bringing it to the table, I noticed that the vintage was incorrect. I had picked it because it was a good value for an older wine, only to find that our bottle was two years younger. Though disappointed (as a wine fan, I like restaurants to keep updated wine lists!) and wishing for something with more body and weight, we enjoyed the wine. It was soft and went with everything, as we were promised. Overall, a very fun place to visit. Creative menu, trendy atmosphere, excellent design - dark colors, but well-lit. The noise level did get pretty loud, but it was a Saturday night. What else would you expect?
(4)
Yen D.
I can't believe this place isn't more crowded for brunch! I'd read about it on yelp and walked over a few minutes early in case I needed to put our names on a list and we'd have to wait for 40 minutes like we did for Birchwood. I was seated immediately on Sunday morning and the place was at half capacity, if that. Service: excellent. Friendly but not in-your-face, our waiter had personality but didn't slap us with it. Water was refilled promptly but not intrusively (see my review for South Congress Cafe in Austin). Coffee as well. Ambience: not too loud, not too quiet. I didn't feel out of place reading my paper and sipping water, nor on our date, but I would also feel great coming with six people for a birthday brunch. Not a lot of kids (no kids), which is also nice. And while it's trendy because it's at six corners, it's not intimidatingly hipster either. Menu: it was tough to pick from all the goodies! We'll definitely come back to try more. I spent ten minutes picking out our order, and then when boy came and joined me they handed us the special brunch menu, and we had to start all over. Ordered one of the specials, eggs sarnou, and a frittata with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and basil in it. Both came with their HOLY POTATOES BATMAN these potatoes are amazing! They're smashed, flash-fried, and dusted with deliciousness. So so good. Both of our dishes were incredibly solid. Loved that the eggs sarnou came on artichoke bottoms instead of an english muffin: it was eggs florentine (eggs benedict with spinach instead of ham), but done so well and so interestingly. They didn't cheat and just cover everything in a heavy sauce of wonder, aka egg yolk and melted butter, but used the hollandaise as you should: to enhance the meal rather than overpower it. It was beautiful with the artichoke and well-poached egg, which was neither too runny nor too done. The frittata had great moments, when the juicy mozzarella melted so well with the egg and basil and prosciutto, but there was just too much egg on the edges with nothing going on in them. It's like when you're at home making your sandwich, and then realize that you've got huge swathes of bread territory unclaimed by other foods. And instead of fixing it, you just eat those big pieces of bread. Only instead of bread, it's egg. This was the ONLY low point of our meal. We're definitely coming back for brunch! And glazed and infused is inside the store, and I want to try that again too.
(4)
Cat G.
Loved it. I came here for a work dinner and our waitress patiently explained various dishes to us and was very accommodating (groups of 30 are hard on any restaurant, let's be honest). I had the risotto of the day and it was delicious - perhaps a bit heavy, since I was stuffed by the end of the meal, but great regardless. It's a bit of a trip for me to get up here without a car, but if I'm in the neighborhood, I'll be back.
(4)
Alan L.
Wicker Park is quickly becoming a favorite neighborhood of mine in Chicago, with places like Francesca's Forno the reason why. The food is delicious, the prices are reasonable. I ordered the pork shoulder with a side of the mac and cheese with bacon. The pork shoulder was great, but I have a soft spot for the mac and cheese. No doubt because it had some bacon in there. Grab a table by the windows and people-watch: that's half the fun.
(4)
Amethyst A.
I am definitely a fan of this wonderful restaurant. I love the atmosphere and since their remodel the place looks gorgeous. I have always had great customer service every time I have gone to eat at Frencesca's Forno. They have a great selection of wine and I always enjoy their pastas. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because of the rotating menu. I really wish they would keep some of the same pastas around. I went there recently for Valentine's Day and had been craving a pasta I had there a few times before. I was looking forward to it all day and then when we got there, it wasn't on the menu anymore. Now, I'm not saying the pasta that I ended up getting wasn't good. It just wasn't AS good as the one I was looking forward too. Still love this place and would (and have) recommended it to people many times!
(4)
Julie W.
Oh, Francesca's. I'm disappointed in you. I'm a HUGE fan of the Francesca's on Clark but I was really disappointed with Forno. My friend and I walked in, having a craving for pizza. What better place to go for some good Italian (real) pizza. We started with the Bruschetta, which I was not very happy with. The flavors were...exotic. Fennel, goat cheese, and some sort of salami? Interesting. But the flavors all mixed together and left a not so pleasant taste in my mouth that would not go away. Bummer. A few tomatoes or some balsalmic would've been awesome. Don't fix what isn't broken! We shared the #1 pizza but added prosciutto on half. I swear there was a whole pig on our pizza! Great if you love prosciutto. The pizza was good, average. The dough tasted a little...yeasty. It had an odd taste to it, like it needed to be cooked a bit more. But the crispy parts were great! The tomatoes and cheese was delicious. The herbal butter for the bread was very good. Honestly, my favorite part of the meal since the bruschetta's flavors overpowered the pizza. Honestly, I'll probably be back to try something else. The risotto special looked amazing but we were trying to stay in a budget. Our server was great, very attentive and nice. Overall, I love Francesca's and I refuse to believe they have a black sheep in their arsenal!
(2)
Kevin A.
CAN WE HAVE FORNO 1.0 BACK? I've been going to Forno for years. It's always been a great go-to when I can't decide where else to go. The location is perfect for meeting friends, the food is reliably good, the price is right, and it's easy to get a reservation. That said, I'm not in love with their renovation. I know people in the Midwest are obsessed with dirt in their food, I mean al fresco dining, and the open windows seem like a great idea, but...let's be honest folks. Six corners is full of wackos on the street. From scraggly blonde dread-locked ragamuffins playing guitars with mangy dogs in tow to peg-legged hobos panhandling for their next fix, these aren't the people I want to have my back to in an open window as I sit down for a nice meal. Case in point: On a recent visit it was incredibly distracting to look up from my pasta to see a train wreck of a woman pacing back and forth mere feet from us with her slick, greasy unwashed dirty blond hair wearing a sports bra and exposing her giant gut that sagged a good 2-3 inches below her waistband as she smoked her off-brand cigarettes. Not exactly appetizing. Plus with all the street crime in the area, how easy would it be for someone outside to reach in, snatch a purse from someone with their back to the street, and take off? I'll go back to Forno, but I think next time I'll make sure I get a seat far, far, far from the windows.
(3)
Neha N.
Service is top-notch. The hostess and our waiter were very pleasant. I made an open-table reservation about 15 minutes before getting there and got seated within a couple minutes of arriving, even though the entire restaurant was packed. I got the mushroom pasta with marscapone and brandy sauce. So good. They were very accommodating when I asked for no veal in the pasta. They also had a couple other vegetarian options as well. Francesca's is celebrating Halloween by having "8 days of Halloween" with different themes for 8 days. Love it when restaurants get in the spirit too.
(4)
Erin Z.
I've been to Francesca's Forno three times this year... Twice for brunch and once for dinner. Brunch - A resounding 5 stars Dinner - A measly 2 stars Which is why I rate it a 3. The brunch here is some of the best I've ever had... the house benedict is incredible and takes on an italian flare with a risotto cake instead of a muffin and prosciutto instead of bacon... poached egg, hollandaise... brilliant. My recent trip for dinner however was not impressive... I had the Chicken Saltimbocca which was nothing like I had imagined it would be. The chicken came out bone on... which usually is ok as long as the chicken is slow roasted and the meat falls off; however, that was not the case. My last piece of criticism was the sauce... something reminiscent of the sauce in Chef-Boyardee. Simply bland and not noteworthy. Without a doubt come on in for brunch... skip this place over for dinner.
(3)
Nathaniel C.
Unfortunately I had a pretty bad experience here. We were seated by a window on a chilly day, They forgot about us, took 20 mins for someone to come by and they were not that busy at all (they did apologize kindly) Once given our food (potatoes/french fries, burger, eggs) we were told they had run out of ketchup (who runs out of ketchup?). The burger I ordered was definitely not the greatest but the potatoes/fries (what ever they are) were actually pretty good. Best part of this place is the donut shop inside, "Glazed and Infused", which isn't even part of the restaurant. The environment is clean and trendy, and you might have a better time than I did, If they remember you're there.
(2)
Stephanie H.
I was here last week for dinner, and I really enjoyed my experience. The ambiance was perfect for the summer time with the open windows and people watching. I ordered the grilled salmon, and my friend ordered the rosemary chicken. I really enjoyed my salmon, but didn't touch my roasted peppers. (I'm not a fan of peppers, but there were also WAY too many.) My friend said he enjoyed his chicken. The bread and butter was also delicious. Our service was excellent; our server checked up on us regularly, but it wasn't overkill. The only thing I found confusing was that the servers wore regular clothing, while the host and bussers wore logo tshirts. But that's a minor detail!
(4)
Jamil T.
Visited for a date night with my girl this past Saturday. It happened to be an executive decision as we had originally planned to dine at Papajin's down the street before hitting up Emporium Arcade Bar. However Papajin's was practically empty on a Saturday night during dinner time with only 3 tables seated. A bad sign in my book. Especially with groups of people loading up on grub at surrounding establishments before heading off to their Halloween parties. My girl told me people usually order take-out from Papajin's and that's possibly why it's so empty. Plus it was a cold night, so we wanted something hearty. To be honest, I lived in Wicker Park a couple years back, off of the Damen blue line stop, so I always passed by this place, but never ventured in. From the outside, it looked too pricey and fancy for me. Once we stepped in the door though, that preconceived notion was shattered. Instead we were met with a really hip and fun vibe. It was busy and bustling as always. The staff seemed vibrant. Some of them were dressed up for Halloween.We had a 20-minute wait that didn't seem that long while we were waiting at the bar perusing the drink menu and watching the football and baseball games. Our waitress was very chill and helpful. She suggested the Coppa+Egg, which I ordered. My girl got the Mascarpone. With two glasses of wine each and a side order of Rapini and dessert, we were very happy with the food, service, and dining experience. The butter that accompanied the bread basket was delicious. The bill came to about $85. Not too bad, considering. Will definitely be back for another date night.
(4)
Vince N.
I was pretty skeptical at first, considering the endless amounts of eateries around Wicker Park. What made my experience at Forno was our server, John. This guy went above and beyond, always refilling everything, making sure we have enough bread, all that good stuff. He kept on saying "I'm here to serve you, I work for you" and who doesn't like the sound of that?! The food was good, but nothing out of the ordinary. My positives are the great customer service and the obvious location on the corner of the 6 corners. Def. a cool spot to people watch. If all else fails and all the other WP restaurants are full, give Forno a try.
(3)
Josh G.
Great prices, atmosphere, and location.
(4)
Randall N.
Apparently this place is italian. While I was there I thought it was a spanish tapas place. Then again I only had a drink....which was strong and delish. It was a tequila and hibiscus drink. It was spendy but delish. We were there late and had already had dinner so we didn't eat anything. I would love to come back for brunch though and their late night donut window looked incredible. I loved the decor too. It was slightly upscale but casual too.
(4)
Nicole C.
I really dig the Eggs Benedict -- the classic with an Italian twist: prosciutto and pesto sauce (see photo). Served with roasted potatoes and ketchup. I also tried the breakfast pizza (thin crust pizza with egg, sausage, cheese, and arugula), which was also very good. When every other brunch place in Wicker Park/Bucktown is packed on Saturday and Sunday mornings, this is the place to be. We didn't have to wait at all and there were several tables to choose from. One complaint: no chocolate milk. :(
(4)
Mia P.
The first time I went here, I would have given it 6 stars if I could. But since then, they changed the menu (decreasing it by over half it seemed), and have kept that same dinner menu for moooonths. I know that's how Francesca's roll. They don't have much of a menu, but that's why I loved it when I first came. It had so many options. The food was absolutely delicious. Pork ,chicken, steak, polenta, salads...My parents dubbed it "the best Francesca's they've ever been to". Unfortunately they have since then lost that title. I still liked it the first time I had come back with the smaller menu, (almost like a lunch menu). I was definitely disappointed, but they had a chicken with prosciutto dish that was good and amazing bruschetta. I had come back another couple times, ranging from fall to spring, hoping the menu had changed or increased, but it never did. Don't menus change for the season?? So disappointing! I think they also changed the bruschetta, or ran out and impromptu made us some that was no where near as good as I had once recalled. (The tomatoes didn't have that marinated taste, just oily). Even more disappointing!! The service is always friendly, but I can't bear to be disappointed again. Maybe I'll wait until next year and hope the menu has changed.
(3)
Dahlia V.
This is my boyfriend and I's dinner spot. The ambiance is great! I want my kitchen and dining room to resemble this place. We always try different things when we pop into Forno's and have never been disappointed by any of our dishes. We always start off with a appetizer and split two entrees. I literally dream about their muscles and this one desert that I had there with some girlfriends. I can't remember what it was called but I'm almost positive it's the only peanut butter item on their desert menu. It's to die for!!! I want it right now!
(5)
Charlene S.
The food wasn't bad. Went for brunch. Sorry Mikey didn't like your curt customer service
(2)
Lucy B.
This place has great ambiance, you really feel like you are in the heart of a bustling city when you are inside. It's dark with nice lighting in the evening, so it would be good for a date, dinner with a group etc...They give you very yummy bread for the table to munch on before hand. The wait staff is friendly...we sent a drink back once and the waiter was more then accommodating and didn't make us feel bad at all. (And brought back a way better version of the same drink). My only complaint is that I always order the same salad (because I love it!) and it seems to arrive differently each time...i.e. sometimes it will have tons of beets. Sometimes no beets....silly, but when you like something you want it to be what you expect I guess.
(4)
Carmen T.
I love this place! Pizza is great and service is always friendly and professional. I haven't had a meal that wasn't good. My only reason for the 4 stars is that they don't have enough staff to really keep things moving. I feel like the servers have too many tables at a time (takes forever to get them to come back) and they only had 1 valet last time we went. I would still recommend this place for a good night out.
(4)
ben w.
We went here for brunch yesterday, simply outstanding on all fronts. The menu was unique but not too out there, lots of delicious options. The portions were excellent, I almost always clean my plate, the braised pork shoulder hash was more than I could handle. Excellent coffee, Intelligentsia. Everything I saw being served made me jealous, the sandwich looked like it would feed a small family. But the best part was the service. The servers were extremely helpful and considerate. I especially noticed their extra attention to kids, going out of there way to make sure they were getting proper seating and rearranging tables to accommodate families. I will most definitely return.
(5)
Audre L.
This place is a great option for a solid, hearty, hot meal in Wicker Park as you are finishing up day drinking, or you can get started here with their brunch. The food is probably like a 3.5/5 for me, but the location, seating arrangements, and open windows pull this review up to a 4. Also, their wines and drinks will definintely keep the buzz going when you're here. Not bad.
(4)
Craig U.
I dig the Forno. The food has been good, and occasionally really good. Pretty limited menu but the pizzas are strong and occasionally they'll have a sandwich that is great. The location is great, especially on a nice day with the windows open. The bar staff has always been really friendly and personable as well without being overbearing. They're really a 3.5... I just wish they had some more sandwiches on the menu, because the ones I've had have been pretty good.
(4)
Brent W.
I recently remarked in a review about how great "things unexpected" can be. This is another textbook example. Here's the deal: We were going to Big Star for some tacos later on a Sunday eve. The snarky, uppity host almost seemed to take pleasure in stating "well just so you know it's over an hour wait"...I then took equal pleasure in walking straight away not even acknowledging her. I know, i'm a complete juve sometimes, I admit. So we walked up the street and rounded the corner of Forno where they had all the door/windows open to the Milwaukee side of the street. It was about 3/4 full and had a great energy about it. We're there. I should also note that the interior design is phenom and fits the neighborhood perfectly. How i've not eaten here before this is beyont. No wait and we landed a corner spot right next to the open window seating. We order a few drinks and the mussel's with white wine sauce. Now i've put on record that Francesca's on Bryn Mawr has the best mussel dish in the City of Chicago, they are insanely good and the red sauce they are bathed in is truly "shot worthy", as in i'd be happy to down shots of the stuff. It's that good. Well, i'm here to say that the Forno mussels in a garlic white wine broth are equally good and give Bryn Mawr's a good run for the money. Woah, how'd they do that. Love. We decided to share a sandwich and left it up to our very personable and capable server, great choice in hindsight....I was looking more at the Italian Cubano, she was eying the Prime Aged Burger w. Blue Cheese. When the burger arrived it looked a TEN in appearance, incredible. It came w. their own crunchy roasted potatoes with a chive/garlic aioli. This was w.out a doubt one of the best burgers i've ever eaten and i've eaten a bazillion of them. Actually this whole experience from the service to the food to the atmo to the company was a 5 star treat. [x] WILL be back !
(5)
Joseph L.
The Cubano sandwich. It's so good I want to use expletives. The best sandwich in Chicago. It rivals Santa Monica's Bay Cities deli God Mother sandwich. Try not to gorge on the bread and garlic butter.
(4)
Peter S.
I'm a little ashamed to admit that this place has often been a 'second choice', but it has been so great every single time it absolutely deserves to be first string. I tried it the first time when another neighborhood joint had a 3+ hour wait and had a great open air dinner. A few more great meals later we went for brunch which was phenomenal. I had a modified eggs benedict on fried risotto cakes that absolutely made my day. Those around me (around 6 people) all raved about their respective fritatta, breakfast sandwich, and of course the donuts. So long story short, this restaurant isn't a backup--it's a damn good choice on its own!
(4)
Tiffany K.
I came here on a week night with a couple girlfriends of mine. This is the perfect place to catch up with friends! We ordered a bottle of wine, suggested by our waiter. We loved the wine but the food was even better. We started off with the meatball sliders and steamed mussels that came with a side of fries. The latter was my fave out of the two and will make sure to order it when I come back. I wanted something light and went with the chopped salad. It wasn't as good as I expected it to be. My friends ordered pasta and they said it was good. So, the next time I come back, I'm definitely going to order pasta! Overall, my experience (as well as the girls) at Francesca's was great and we plan on coming back soon! *Parking is a pain in this area so you're better off taking public transportation.
(4)
Vanessa R.
My boyfriend and I went to Francesca's for brunch on a Sunday afternoon and it was an amazing experience. I had the Breakfast Monte Cristo. It was delicious! The hash browns are like no other, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Top them off with the spicy tomato jam and your mouth will water for more. The English muffin was the perfect amount of sweet and salty. My boyfriend had the Fritatta Saltimboca, it was also cooked to perfection. If you are a fan of prosciutto and pancetta this dish will satisfy your taste buds. Also, the "Fresh Start" cocktail will definitely wake you, it's LOADED with bourbon :-) Francesca, we will be back!
(5)
Claire W.
Perfect for a nice dinner on a quiet Sunday night. Service was good... we had the bruschetta and lobster ravioli with shrimp in a tomato cream sauce, which was thoroughly enjoyed - we used the free bread to soak up the last of the sauce.
(4)
Erica P.
Awesome service. Great ambiance, perfect for people watching, lively but not obnoxious. Would make a great date spot, or place to go with friends. Shared the polenta fries (different but still delish) and I had some ragu pasta, which was very good.
(4)
Tiffany L.
I LOOOOOOVED the linguine with seafood in spicy marinara. It's not overly spicy, and the seafood included were shrimp, scallop, squid, and mussels. The shrimp was HUGE and perfectly cooked. The scallops were also cooked well. I also enjoyed their herb butter, but my date told me to stop putting butter in my purse (another story for another day). My date got the risotto of the day, which was served with short ribs. The risotto was good, but I've had better short rib. For a Saturday night, it wasn't super packed so it would be a good place to go if you need somewhere w/o a reservation.
(4)
Gina T.
Walked past this place, and saw the great looking plates of food people were enjoying from the outside, that we decided to head in for a taste of our own. It was Brunch time, and were we ever ready for it. I ordered the Eggs Sardou - a variation of eggs benny. instead of english muffins, the base of the benny was grilled artichoke hearts, topped with spinach, and perfectly poached eggs on top and I got the hollandaise sauce on the side. What a combination! It made for a nice lighter version of the traditional benedict. The flavours were perfection! It came with a side of their cripsy breakfast potatoes- which where DIVINE! It had a bit of a kick to them - I think it's jalapenos thrown in there. But best breakfast potatoes I have ever had! I also had the garden margarita. It was more of a savory drink - I thought it tasted like a stronger (tequila based) caesar and but less salty. It had Jalapeno Infused tequila, strawberry and basil. My friends had ordered the arancini benedict, The arancini was the base of the benedict cripsy and so cheesey! It was a really heavy dish. But oh so tasty! So rich- so good! My other friend had ordered the french toast it had a bit of a citrus kick to it, and was topped with peaches. I'm not a huge citrus in dessert/brunch items so it wasn't exactly my favourite, but it was still tasty. The portions were decent There was enough food for brunch. Service was quick for sunday brunch prime time, and it had a great atmosphere as well!
(4)
Andre W.
I was informed they do brunch (I had no idea) Went over this past Sunday after hearing their brunch was off the chain. Not crowded at all and was seated immediately. Started out with the pear mimosa and my girl had the peach bellini. Her peach bellini was much better than my mimosa. For my meal, I got the Garlic Toast e Cerfoglio which is Italian garlic toast topped with a poached egg, prosciutto, tomatoes, watercress & olive oil. It was very good! She got the Italian BLT which looked very delicious. I tasted the fries that came with her meal and they were damn good. I made it obvious that I was thinking about having a bloody mary after seeing how great they looked as they were going to many other tables. Our waitress was nice enough to bring me a complimentary one and it was SPICY! Spicy but good!!! It also came with a shot of lager Another reason I like this place is because of the big window that you can traffic watch (people & cars) out of on the busy corner of North/Milwaukee/Damen. I have always walked by during dinner hours and it always has a nice crowd inside, especially in the summer. Nice staff with old school tunes playing while you eat. Pretty good menu full of goodies I plan on trying soon. If you don't feel like waiting for brunch at Bongo Room go ahead and walk a little ways west and enjoy some good food here.
(4)
Arielle M.
Olive Garden + Sports Bar = sad former regulars I hate to say it, but I had a terrible experience in the renovated restaurant. I was hoping it was a one time thing, but I've asked around, and I guess it's not. The new version has a tiny menu, disjointed layout, and strange vibe. It's like they tried to turn their restaurant into Olive Garden. Don't fix something that wasn't broken. Giving a second star for the herb butter alone. And please don't play the Best of the BeeGees at full volume at 5pm.
(2)
JR O.
Now that was a delight! Saturday brunch on a lovely day with linen pants and a fedora hat, an eager waiter and great GREAT food. Go here!
(5)
Jane E.
Great location with good food. The staff is fun to talk to and they always help you find what's happening in the area. It's a good place that is a bit more low-key to start a fun night in town. :)
(4)
Ashley B.
First of all, my dog is named Franchesca, so I thought that was cute. I had dinner here with my boyfriend, mom, and sister. We had a bottle of some pretty delicious wine and we each got a different pasta dish. I got a seafood fettucine, which I loved, but wasn't the best I've had. I thought my boyfriend's risotto was much better. After dinner was done, we tried out three desserts and wow, they were delicious! Overall, a very solid place for some delicious Italian.
(4)
Tita P.
2 1/2 stars! I have walked by this place several times and thought it would be great place to dine with friends from out of town. Well, we made a reservation and it still took a while to be seated. The food that we ordered was not really that great and two entrees had to be returned because one was cold and the other was incorrect. The only highlight and reason why this place is getting a half star is the hostess/manager. I did not catch her name but she was great. She provided us complimentary appetizers because we had to wait and she realized our order was incorrect before our server did. This may have been an "off" night and based on the service of the hostess/manager I would not be against returning at least for a few cocktails.
(2)
Paul H.
I've been here a couple of times and havent been disappointed yet!
(4)
Corinne M.
Went here on a weeknight for dinner. Overall, the experience was nice and I will definitely come back. I had a sausage and pasta dish and my friend had the risotto. Probably one of the best risotto's I've had in the city. I liked it more than La Scarola, which is famed for its risotto. The bread was yummy and the wine that the waitress recommended was tasty. Dessert was stellar, I had a special and my friend had the creme brulee, which was excellent. Though not unpleasant, our waitress was excessively salesy. I could have done without that. I got the feeling that her style of service was the exception rather than the norm there. Good food.
(3)
Mariella C.
This place is very loud, like Iberico loud, except the food isn't worthwhile. Frankly, they have toooo many people working there for such a small place. Last time I was there the set up was focused on a more restaurant atmosphere/layout. The tables were out by the windows, and the bar was near the entrances. They now have this gigantic bar that takes up half the space reserved for tables, so as we sat down to eat, we were right next to extremely loud trying to hard girls drinking. It wasn't exactly a pleasing experience. And like I said, too many people are working there. Someone brought us drinks, then we had our waiter, then we had the busboy, then we had the assistant to busboy, and they the host, all walking back and forth in the aisles that can't fit more than one person at a time. The food is meh. I had clams and whole wheat pasta. They seemed to have forgotten to add anything else, it was simply that. Not even salt. It was the blandest italian I've ever had. We had a sausage appetizer, and that was pretty good, but nothing I couldn't have gotten anywhere else. And as the bus boy pulled away the plate as soon as were done, the liquid from it spilled onto my jacket, and he didn't even notice. But then again he was working with like a foot of space at the time. I will never return here, not because its a horrible place, but with the loudness, the drunkness and the blandness, there really is no feasible reason to return.
(2)
Dona K.
This place was so disappointing. We went for dinner and I could not believe how poorly prepared the food was. Appetizer: Mussles. Too salty, but edible. Entrees: Monkfish & Grouper. The monkfish was so over cooked it had dried out and resembled shoe leather. And the Grouper was SO SALTY that we couldn't even eat it. The crispy potatoes that accompanied the grouper were good but they occupied the whole plate and there were entirely too many of them. Plus since they are deep fried and greasy it made the whole plate look rather unappetizing. The waiter was nice but a bit of an airhead. For dessert we shared the Crostata di Mele which is supposed to be an apple tart but it was more of a very doughy apple pie. For a place like this I expect them to know the difference between a properly done tart and a goopy apple pie. Perhaps this place is popular because the name Francesca's is known (for whatever reason) and Forno is in a prime location. And a lot of people must be acclimated to eating overpriced, terrible food.
(1)
Jenny R.
Such a cute little boutique!! I have such a hard time whenever I go in because I want to buy everything but my budget tells me otherwise! Seriously though, last time I was here for an hour and a half! There's so many cute things and they are inexpensive compared to the other local boutiques!
(4)
Ross R.
We went here on V day because they had open reservations at the last minut....I mean because I made a reservation weeks in advance. The food was excellent. We had the chopped salad, brusselsprouts and cauliflower, and a marguerita pizza. All the items were excellent, service was swift, and those three items were plenty for the two of us. They had some nice beers on tap, and the wines by the glass were reasonable pours.
(5)
Mahsa T.
We were glad that Francesca's could accommodate our party of 6 after we left another nearby restaurant that had an hour-long wait. Service here was excellent. I love it when a restaurant is good at refilling my water. Bonus points for that. For an appetizer, we shared a pizza with prosciutto, artichoke, mushroom, olive (and egg, although we passed on the egg) and it was very good. I ordered the salmon with asparagus and unfortunately the salmon wasn't that good, it tasted like it had been frozen not fresh and when you cook frozen fish, it just kind of falls apart and doesn't taste right. I should have known better than to order fish, although my friends ordered the tilapia and were happy with it. What I should have ordered was the spinach-filled pasta because that was excellent! It came in a creamy cheesy sauce and was damn delicious. They offer half-price bottles of wine on Monday nights, so it was great to get a dirt cheap bottle of wine to share. Overall, a very pleasant experience.
(4)
Kimberly M.
Great little restaurant in Wicker Park! I love the bar area where the windows are open to the street on a nice day! Had dinner here St. Patrick's Day weekend! It was fabulous (along with the weather) so sitting at a table in the bar area overlooking the street was fabulous! Food is great and service is great!
(4)
Josh V.
I've been to Forno for dinner a number of times, but not recently. I generally prefer Forno's older sister restaurants for that meal, namely Mia Francesca or Francesca's Bryn Mawr. Where Forno really shines, in my opinion, is for brunch, which is served on Saturday and Sunday. I think a lot of "regular" restaurants that also serve brunch get overshadowed by the places that specialize in it, which is a shame. There a number of places that serve a brunch as good as or better than their dinner. But then again, it means I can get a delicious hot savory brunch meal without the wait at the trendy brunch places. Francesca's Forno puts together a heck of brunch. There is a good mix of sweet and savory (though I go for savory nine times out of ten) and both times I've brunched here the place was uncrowded and the food was very tasty. On top of that, there is excellent people watching from here! They also serve mimosas, bloody Marys and a few other breakfast cocktails.
(4)
Jennifer L.
Fairly authentic Italian food, per my fresh-off-the-boat friends!! We love this place. Like most Chicago restaurants, it's too small and too noisy and crowded - but the food is AMAZING. Everything here is good - the wine, the appetizers, the main courses, even the espresso! We've always gotten pretty good wait service as well! This place is a MUST TRY.
(4)
Charlie S.
The food is awesome and it's a cool vibe. Great location overlooking the six corners in wicker park.
(5)
Molly D.
Everything was awesome. Only reason I could not give a full 5 stars is because they don't gave enough nut free dessert options for people with allergies!
(4)
Pavithra M.
We happened to be at Adams Park on the Fourth of July and needed to grab a meal before heading home. Our group had four couples, one preschooler and three toddlers. After looking through many places on yelp, we found this to be one of the few places open on that day. The good parts - the staff was very child-friendly and the owner came around the talked to the little ones; he did not seem to mind the staring and the babbling in the least :) We were seated almost immediately, and the staff were courteous, well-informed and friendly. We also ordered dessert at the end of the meal and needed to get it ASAP because of all the impending bedtimes. The server brought the dessert out in record time! The not-so-good parts - I ordered the fish of the day, which was a little dry and average tasting. My husband got the fettucini, which was also average. No complaints about it, only that it was just ok. The restaurant also had weird acoustics, which made everything seem very loud. I guess I should be happy about that because we had a table full of noisy little kids, but it was somewhat overstimulating to eat wtih so much background noise. I would like to say we did not order the right things, but noone in our group seemed overly impressed with the food. Despite that, we had a pleasant dining experience.
(3)
Thomas B.
I've dined here a couple of times and been extremely satisfied on both occasions. My most recent visit included a group of ten during a Sunday Brunch period and the service remained high! Our server from New York was excellent, despite his commentary about America's best city! The food was excellent, especially the chocolate covered french toast and the egg frittata pictured here. My only complaint is that they do not post their current menus on the website.
(5)
Susana D.
Excellent sage or you-pick-the-ingredients omelettes, creative potatoes, good people watching out the big windows. Great when Big Star is mobbed (meaning any time).
(4)
Joram C.
This place was good. They have a bit of a "different" take on Italian, namely the bruschetta, but change is the only constant so you cant be too harsh. Wine list was good, menu wasnt huge so you dont feel the pressure. The open kitchen bustles and you can people watch through both sets of windows, so its kinda like being in a European bistro or something. This is a good spot to take your friends who only wear T-shirts and Jeans when you want to "show them some class......but not commit to making it a big thing"
(3)
Michael A.
Food was good, however, at least one piece of sausage on our pizza was nearly raw. Of course, we noticed it on the last piece (because the pizza was otherwise excellent). Waiter removed the charge for the pizza from our bill. Service was good, and the bruschetta was amazing. A solid if unspectacular place in the neighborhood.
(3)
Dishan W.
I'm a little confused as to what I'm missing here. Sure this place is decent but the most I can possibly give it is 3 stars, it's more of a 2.5 location for me. Nothing about the dining experience stood out for me, their service while friendly was not all that great, our server was being trained (shadowed by her manager I presume) so I don't take any marks away from here for not being familiar enough with the menu to give us her personal take on things, she did a good overall job but small things that should have been done right such as taking our drink orders without much delay and in turn not taking a long time for a glass of wine to appear by me, and how the very stale and cold our bread basket was. Sure complaining about free bread seems a little unjust but they could have at least warmed them up a bit. Being filled with cheese was also a little unnecessary, what's wrong with giving us the option of adding just butter on them? I ordered the risotto and it came in a large more thick than creamy portion which while OK was not great. I think I feel a little put off by Forno's as it looks like it's a better place than it is, walking in the interior lacks charm and did seem very "chain restaurant" ish. I must admit that my two dining companions didn't seem to mind their dishes too much, so I suppose it's just my bad luck that I didn't love my risotto and I probably had higher expectations for Forno hence leaving it more room to disappoint me. I would recommend you check out some other restaurant in the area before deciding to spend your evening here. But if you must come in, I suppose you will be able to get yourself a decent meal.
(2)
Jen G.
I was really excited to check this place out after their remodel and menu revision. The first time we went, we had a very mediocre brunch that didn't make us want to return. At that point, I definitely would have given 2 stars. Unfortunately, all the work they did only makes me want to add one more star to that. The decor is nice. Kind of American-Italian night-clubby dinner spot. The music was loud and distracting, and inappropriate for the setting. I found it weird to listen to rap music while slurping my pasta in what I think is supposed to be a somewhat rustic Italian space. The service was good, but not super. We had a party of 4, and our dishes didn't come out together. With each course, one person waited while the other three stared at their food. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure my entree got screwed up in the kitchen and they had to re-fire it. I guess I'm glad they noticed before they brought it out, but they had already delivered everyone else's plates. The food is also good, but not spectacular. Both the kid and I had the beet salad to start, and we agreed that it tasted great when we first started eating, but the more we ate, the less we liked it. I did like my pasta, though. I got the Mushroom & Mascarpone, which is made with spaghetti. I asked them to make it with a plain red sauce instead of the brandy-veal sauce listed on the menu, which is what I am sure necessitated the re-fire. I will admit that it was actually very delicious, and I took home what I didn't eat for my lunch the next day. We didn't even look at the dessert menu. So I guess I'd be willing to give it one more shot. Maybe next time they'll wow us. Who knows.
(3)
Sarah M.
Good place for a snack, but not necessarily a meal. Pricing is a tad on the high side and the television was blaring with some kind of sports event being shown... Both contribute to my initial opinion and my overall rating. The brunch may improve my rating if I ever go back - there were some delicious sounding items, I will concede! The staff were pleasant, though pushy at times. The atmosphere was confusing - mainly because of the loud television volume at the bar...and that this otherwise semi-cosy setting even had a television. My tomato and parmesan soup was rich and creamy and my friend and I split the bruschetta. I'd recommend both. Not a fan of the Francesca's chain overall though, just for disclosure.
(3)
Tom D.
I thought this was a great deal for portion and price, and that the bar offers competitive drinking prices. The pizza was the best part, but the salmon was cooked well and the brussels sprouts were delicious soaked in blue cheese and olive oil. Hefty portions are unlike the rest of this social neighborhood, as they are plentiful and focus more on quantity. This is a solid restaurant with great real estate for people watching.
(4)
Frances C.
definitely not my cup of (senna) tea. On two separate occasions, I've come here and left with a horrible taste in my mouth. And not from the food, because I've never even had the food. Let me explain: I've come here twice in the 2 o'clock hour for lunch. In those two times, I've been informed that their pretentious, 5-item brunch menu is in effect until 3. If you're looking for something other than uptight frittatas and pancakes ala snob, look elsewhere. You know what a real italian cafe/restaurant owner would do? Ask us what we wanted, what we were looking for and then make do. Who serves brunch until 3? That isn't a breakfast place anyways? Francesca's, you need to reevaluate everything you're doing. On both occasions, my party and I have opted to get up and leave. Their response? "Ok, have a nice day!" which leads me to believe they could care less about my patronage. Nice one, team! If you're looking for good food of the Italian persuasion, go down Damen to Cafe De Luca or over to Division to Via Carducci. This place needs to get shut down. That prime real estate should really belong to a winner.
(1)
Emily M.
Always a solid brunch or dinner spot. I live in Wicker Park and this is the type of place you can wander into without reservations during peak dining times. For brunch I love the Arancini Bennedict and Monte Cristo. For dinner, the mushroom + mascarpone is my fave. Their daily fish specials are always fresh, healthy and tasty. My hubby goes to the sausage + rapini and sometimes their daily risotto special. Oh, and their mussels are killer...make sure to dip the bread in the juices...yum! Consistent delicious food and very solid service.
(4)
Lisa H.
After having awful treatment at Piece down the road on North Ave, my friends & I redirected our early dinner group to Francesca's Forno. Straight off the Blue line, I've been eyeing this place out for quite a while. Upon entrance, we had the sweetest host who was incredibly jolly & directed our group to the table next to the window! Our server was from Boston, and went to the same college as one of our friends. We knew we were in good hands ;) Looking at the spectacular menu options, we were absolutely spoiled for choices! Antipasti: Should we get the Cavolini with Brussel sprouts, parmesan, mint, lemon, and olive oil? Or the Cavofiore with Roasted cauliflower, red onion, raisins, and chili flakes? Mmmm.... Insalate: You got me at Pinoli e Caprino: Watercress, endive, arugula, pine nuts, julienne pear, and goat cheese....!! Entrees: We couldn't resist the Salmone alla Fresca: Grilled salmon, asparagus, avocado, red onion, basil, tomato, lemon and olive oil. The plate came so beautifully arranged, even my younger sister (who normally hates anything "Green") couldn't help but gobble down all the salad!! On Sat, they had a special $10 off wine selection. We had a fantastic red from Southern France, 2006 for less than $20. What a steal! I have to give Francesca's 100% on service, quality, presentation, and amazing flavors. Only precaution: watch out for the expensive price tag! This is a place to take your parents to!! But hey, you pay for the quality ingredients and no-skim trimmings!
(5)
Jess T.
Fantastic breakfast and only $8!
(4)
Erin H.
Amazing food! When Forno first re-opened, there were some service issues. But, it looks like those are all ironed out.
(5)
Art C.
We stopped by late Sunday afternoon for a coffee and small bite. We were seated quickly. Our server acted like he'd rather be somewhere else than work, he forgot to bring a tea bag with my tea, my partner's coffee was cold, when she asked for some hot coffee, he returned with another cold cuppa joe. The light food we had (a Monte Cristo) took about 20 minutes to make its way to us, it was nice and hot, and tasty. Overall I wouldn't waste my time with a repeat visit, they were way too casual in their service.
(2)
Paul R.
Food was good, not great. What we struggled with was the service of the busboys and music. Let me explain, conservatively our water glasses got filled 15 times in 1 hour. Glasses that were 3/4 filled and busboy would reach in front of us to top it off. What really irked us is that they asked my wife 4 times if she was finished with her meal because ahe had put her fork down. She still had half a plate. At one time I looked at the guy and said " stop". What's the deal with the 80's throw back music? Flock of Seagulls, Aha... really? Saturday night, 7:30, italian restaurant ? Yikes manager.
(2)
Moiz B.
Blueberry pancakes are great. Coffe is fresh. Service was prompt. Atmosphere is great, airy and clean. It's a decent brunch location in the wicker park neighborhood.
(4)
Karen B.
great for people watching on a nice day, but mah... on food. Went for brunch and wow the mimosas arent cheap,, i think i paid almost 8 dollars a drink. My food was fancy, tasty but fancy. The potatos are good, but overall i wasnt wow'd!
(3)
Cheryl B.
Oh Francesca's. WHY did you have to change your amazing menu to something mediocre? The old, pre-renovation Francescas - FIVE stars. Seriously. LOVED going here and was so addicted to their Caprese Salad (simple yet delicious, and could never replicate the same goodness at home or elsewhere) that we used to stop by and order takeout at least once a week. Old Francesca's was a neighborhood staple with decent portions, wonderful food, and reasonable prices. Called to order take-out after they reopened. Of course, none of my old favorites were on the new menu. Menu is not posted online anywhere. So, no take out order from us. Fast forward to last Friday when we decided to dine there with friends. Was quoted 30-45 minute wait which ended up being slightly over an hour. They encouraged us to order drinks/food at one of the floating bar tables near the bar while we waited. Bar service was pretty awful, the server was obviously busy and had too many tables. 4 of us ordered some drinks and 2 small appetizers. $70 later and we were off to our table. **A note on the tables - with the renovation they have expanded the bar area and limited the entire back area to 6 person high tops. They seat multiple parties at these tables and it just feels awkward. I'm all about community/sharing tables at other restaurants around town, but those tables are generally bigger (8, 10, 20, etc). Not 6 tops. The 4 of us were seated with another couple. It was pretty cramped. Not a fan. ** After waiting nearly an hour and ordering a bottle of wine, the server informed us they were too busy to prepare any of the pasta or meat dishes, so they were only serving appetizers, salads, and pizzas. Um, ok. That would have been nice to know before we waited an hour! On a side note you think they could have brought us a round of drinks or discounted our bill for this, but no. The chef did send over a small appetizer of veal meatballs... We ordered a huge cheese platter and we received 4 pieces of bread/toast for 4 people. Seemed pretty skimpy. They also used to serve delicious breads, butter, olive oil and that's gone. No more yummy bread. The 4 of us ordered 3 more pizzas and another bottle of wine (racking up quite a bill). Pizzas arrived and they were pretty good, not sure they were worth the price or waiting so long for though. If you are looking for the delicious food of an old neighborhood favorite, think again. All of the food was good but I felt some of it was a bit overpriced and did not compare to the old menu. Overall, a disappointment. I will miss the Caprese Salad forever!
(2)
Joann H.
O M GAWD!!!! This place was amazingly delicious! We went for brunch this past Sunday and boy what a great choice. We started off with a home made coffee cake with raspberries in the middle and tiny bit of whip cream. Great with our coffee and mimosa while we waited for our meals. My daughter ordered the pork hash which was delicious and I ordered the Monte Christo which consisted of 2 english muffins with pancetta and a poached egg, a side of polenta cakes and spicy tomato jam. Totally hit the spot. My friends niece ordered the bourbon french toast with toasted pecans which looked amazing too. Ok enough of the word "amazing". Service: The staff were totally on top of everything. Not to mention sweet, funny, and on point with refreshing our coffee, collecting our plates and just making sure we were comfortable. I cannot believe how satisfied I was with the overall experience. I will return for more grub at FF. YUMMMMMERS!!!
(4)
Kelsey K.
So the hubs has lived in the 'hood for 15 years and hadn't ever been here so it seemed like it should happen. He started an awesome new job and I thought that was reason enough to make Francesca's happen so we went. We were NOT disappointed at all. The service was superb and the food was spot on making it a 5-star contender.YOU MUST GET THE BRUSSEL SPROUTS AND CAULIFLOWER AS IT IS AWESOME!! We also got a wine flight which was rich with well-thought out flavors and the server was very knowledgeable about each of them. The thing that takes it from 5 stars to 4 is that my husband LIKED but didn't LOVE his pasta special (it was a rigatoni thing with meat... sorry for the lack of specificity). I loved the whitefish with clams, so definitely get that. We'll definitely go back as it is a good meal and a great experience but Buona Terra is still #1 for Italian in the Bucktownish area for us!!
(4)
Lauren B.
I can't get over the service my friends & I had at Forno this past weekend. Overall, the food & ambiance was great for a girl's brunch, but the service was as bad as I've had in Chicago in a very long time. I found this so shocking as Forno falls under the umbrella of such a great restaurant group, Francesca's. We had a reservation for noon and our food didn't come to the table until 1:20pm. Not because the kitchen was backed up but because we didn't place our order until almost 1:00! I will admit, we were chatting and indecisive, but we were ready to order for over 20 minutes and our server was no where to be found. At one point, our server told us they would give us "a minute" and without exaggerating didn't' come back for 15 minutes! Few other lowlights.... -We ordered a round of drinks & never were asked if we wanted another. -Anytime we needed the server we had to flag them down rather than them checking in on us -One of us had expressed they didn't like their drink & were hoping to ordered another instead, the server said he had to ask the manager, came back and took away the drink, but never asked if she wanted something else! The funny thing is, I would have gone back for the food, but Francesca's Forno needs to work on the service.
(2)
Kathleen M.
AMAZING SERVICE!!!! Went out of their way get the drink that i wanted. Food was amazing! Especially their Mascarpone Cheesecake.
(5)
Christopher E.
Definitely a step down from before the renovation. I'll give it another try or two, I'm sure, since I'm in the neighborhood. But what was once my go-to when I had a hankering for Italian has become much less cozy and endearing. I found the introduction from the table busser a bit jarring. The wait staff should introduce themselves, but too much interaction with the busser, and the service hierarchy becomes a bit grey. Also, and I apologize if I'm hing up on this, but no bread basket. No bread, no olive oil. No salt, pepper, oil, cheese... nothing on the table to dress my meal with. It didn't need it, so I didn't need to ask, but still. The atmosphere has taken a step towards Olive Garden, with the new faux-cellar brick work. I nearly expected the Chianti my wife and I ordered to arrive at the table in a fiasco. Total meh.
(2)
Terri V.
Well, a was attempting to "revise" a review that was favorable, not that this is unfavorable, just adjusting. I can not find it anywhere...too bad. The only 2 things keeping me from a 5star is I miss the Francesca's Salad. I would go every week at least if it was still there. I mean it is a signature salad! I was told that this location is considered the "black sheep", so they are a bit different. I agree, they have always been different, but don't toss this signature dish away. Seriously, bad move. The food is otherwise still great! So great, I thought, I am going to grab a gift certificate for a friend. I am sure they could use it wherever, but they like this Bucktown neighborhood. Well, no gift certificates to be found. Odd... The reason I am giving 4 stars and not 3 is that I am hoping things will improve, and I was a big fan before. Hey maybe they had a huge rush on gift card sales over the weekend...(back up plan?)
(4)
Laura C.
I had a gift certificate from a student of mine, and was really excited to try out a new restaurant this past weekend in the 6 Corners area I have frequented often in the last two years. We were promised a 15 minute wait by a waiter who was filling in at the host station, which became a 45 minute wait while we had a glass of wine at the bar. 15 to 45 never brings anyone joy. There were three different people covering the host stand: two waiters and one hostess who I don't think ever saw my name written down. We finally got seated, and had to eventually ask for bread after 15 minutes of seeing other tables with bread! Like other reviewers have said, the bread and butter were excellent. Yum! As for the menu, I had the pesto and chicken with gnocchi-ish pasta which was tasty. My date never received the soup he ordered :( and then got a mushroom linguini which was sub-par at best: dripping with too much olive oil and lacking any other taste. Yuck! The location is awesome, with so many bars around. I won't be back here :(
(2)
Christine K.
The husband and I came here a few days ago after the recent renovation. They changed the main dining area to include a bar with spaces for patrons to stand. I guess they are trying to add the non-dining-after-work-happy-hour crowd, which I like b/c I find the atmosphere to be more lively. The husband, baby, and I sat in the main dining area, which had ample room for our stroller. Our server (can't remember her name!) was extremely nice and prompt. We ordered the grilled sweet corn appetizer with truffle oil. That was gone in about 3 seconds. If you like the taste of white truffle oil, you will LOVE this! The husband got a corkscrew/marinara pasta dish while I got the spaghetti with mushrooms and truffle oil (again-I love truffle oil and can't get enough). My pasta dish was amazing...the husband licked my plate clean. For dessert, we had the apple tart. Very good as well. The manager came around to ask how everything was which was a nice touch to know that someone was making sure patrons were happy. Everything - from the new decor to our server to, of course, the food, was great! I will be back. The only reason I deducted a star was b/c of portion size. The pasta dishes were noticeably smaller than before - I wish there was more of everything!! Still loved it though.
(4)
Robert B.
I have dined here a handful of times and have never really been impressed with the food. That coupled with the fact that every time I'm there I feel like I am being rushed to order, eat and get out makes it definite I wont be back.
(2)
Ariel L.
Brunch Review Only. There are plenty of good places for brunch in Wicker Park & Bucktown, but I had been ignoring the one closest to me for some reason, and so I decided to go to Forno yesterday. What a delight! The Wait: Getting a table was no problem, which for this area can sometimes be quite difficult. If you have ever driven past Toast on Damen or Bongo Room on Milwaukee on the weekend, there are lines out the door, and the waits can be an obnoxious 45 Min's to 1:30. No thank you. So getting a seat right away was great (it was 10:45 when i went). The Food: I had one of the best brunch meals ever. It was the Oviollol Diavolo (i probably totally misspelled that). It was eggs, Italian sausage, pomodorro sauce and fried polenta. WOW! Best brunch meal i have had this year. I also tasted the Eggs with Lentil beans which was much lighter but also very flavorful. The rest of the menu looked great as well. The three of us didn't drink, but we did have coffee, and the bill for the 3 of us was a reasonable $40 total. The servers were great and not pushy. The noise level was low so we could talk comfortably. And then what a great view of the neighborhood while you eat. Next time I will try a different dish just to make sure i wasn't lulled into writing such a good review by the two dishes i tasted. I imagine though that the rest of the menu is equally good. Can't wait for my next meal there.
(4)
Rahshonda K.
I really have been wanting to try them for a while now and finally had the chance. One star gone only because the valet was horrible. One person to do valet on a Friday night....huh!!!!????!!! I digress! The atmosphere, music, and service was GREAT!!!! We had a reservation only had to wait about ten mins before our table was ready which was no biggie it gave us a chance to order some great drinks and appetizers. Everyone enjoyed their meals the clam and pasta was Awesome! However the trout had to go back for another fish dish but overall the Food was great! For dessert we ordered the baked pumpkin cobbler with vanilla gelato and it was OMFG Awesome!!!!!! I loved the coziness of this place and I really will definitely visit again!!!!!
(4)
Laura M.
We went in here today for lunch and it was very very poor. Considering they are charging double what the majority of the local food places are then they need to up their game to match the prices. I don't mind paying for good food but this food was terrible...I ordered a pasta dish which claimed to come with garlic, chili and sausage...it actually tasted of nothing, was not in a sauce but drowned in melted butter and the 'sausage' was gross minced pork. My friend had the risotto which was again, tasteless. Our server was alright but he was not in any way charming/friendly and it took aaaaages for him to come for our order. Give this a miss, Italian done very badly.
(1)
Michael G.
The salads were good. The server disappeared. The risotto was good. She never came back.
(3)
Tiffany L.
Ehhh...it was ok. It wasn't great by any means. We took the in-laws there and they seemed to like it just fine, but husband and I won't be rushing back. My shells and asparagus dish was completely flavorless, husband was less than impressed with the Frutti del Mar. I'm all for packin' in the people, but their set up is just insane, we could barely find an escape route when it was time to leave. It was what it was, we were excited by the reviews and then left disappointed... I seriously can't get past how flavorless my dish was, perhaps I chose poorly, I don't know... but it's my opinion that there should be nothing flavorless and that crappy on the menu... Service was nice enough, but insanely slow. It was so hot and miserable, yes it was November, it was a little warm, crack a window...
(2)
Grant C.
Unfortunately i have to give this review. We made a reservation at 8 o'clock and at 9:10 our party was still not seated. Not only were we not given updates by the staff but were completely ignored. Our party consisted of many extremely successful restaurant owners in Chicago and they were even at a loss for words. We had to leave Forno and patron another establishment. I have eaten here on many occasions and have loved the drinks and the atmosphere. Unfortunately their management skills came up lacking. Their food is great. Their customer service is not.
(1)
nicole d.
Services was fabulous, atmosphere is great and food is good! Went here on a Monday night and was delighted to find out it was 1/2 price bottles of wine night! We got a bottle of red, Ellen something, I told ther server I needed something light and she recommended this one and it was perfect! I am gluten free so it is so nice to be able to order most of the menu, I got gf pasta with veggies and it was delicious. Then came trying to decide on dessert...there was no clear "gluten free" option on the menu so when asking questions, the server mentioned they do have a flourless cake not on the menu - sold! and it was soooo goood...yum! Loved everything about this place and I will def be back!
(4)
Shradha A.
The earned stars: 1) Service - great attentive polite service, not hovering or disturbing, yet around and ready 2) Place/ambience/style - it's a nicely made place, the right size and not too loud or crowded 3) Vegetarian options - their menu had several choices for vegetarians!! Missed stars - food, food, food -- the food was a little too much on the "creative, experimental" side and neither my gnocci equivalent in spinach-and-cheese was delectable, not my friend's pizza... The goat cheese in tomato sauce is actually just like the Spanish dish queso de cabra. The place also has small portions - do don't think about leftovers for a second meal...
(3)
Brian J.
Dropped in for dinner before heading to Double Doors for the NY Eve show. Due to snowstorm and traffic (coming from MKE), we missed our rez by over an hour , yet they honored. It was v. busy, and we eventually had to hail a nearby waiter for svc. "Michael" wasn't assigned to our table but read my signals and immediately took over efficiently and seamlessly. Bravo, Michael! Kudos and give the man a raise. I tipped heavily. The crab-stuffed ravioli was good not exceptional. The Belle Glos "Meomi" Pinot was def above average.
(4)
Anna P.
So happy I discovered this little oasis right in the middle of the craziness of Bucktown/Wicker Park. This was my first foray into the Francesca's empire so I wasn't quite sure what to expect, I just wanted a place where my boyfriend and I could have a nice, relaxing dinner of yummy Italian food, and that is exactly what we got. Service was very friendly and attentive, including the busboys refilling our water glasses. The atmosphere is pretty nice - we had an early dinner (6pm on a Wednesday) and it was pretty much empty when we arrived, but even when we left at the height of dinner time it wasn't too crowded. The only annoying part was a screaming girl at the table next to us who clearly never learned to control the volume of her voice, but that wasn't the restaurant's fault. Food was delicious - we started off with the breadbasket which had a nice assortment (focacccia, dreamy!) including a very tasty seasoned butter with spices and garlic and basil. We started off with the beef carpaccio and beet salad, both really delicious and well made, then split the pizza with figs and prosciutto. They have a really good italian beer and wine selection, and our waiter made the perfect recommendations for us on those. This isn't the best Italian in Chicago, but it's definitely great if you're in the area and want a reliable, tasty Italian meal for a fair price.
This place is awesome! I love the atmosphere, the staff is always nice, and the food is great! I am obsessed with their pizzas!
(5)
Greg S.
Wonderful pork hash! Fantastic! Was visiting Chicago and would absolutely go back to this place.
(5)
James W.
MY wife and I dined at the bar on Saturday. We had a great time watching the street scene on the Milwaukee/Damen/North Avenues intersection. It was free entertainment because of all the halloween parties going on in the City. I really like this place because the service was friendly and good, food was really tasty and, I thought is was a good bargin. We ordered three items, 4 drinks and, one desert. We were satisfied with the portions. I will go back again.
(4)
Jackie Q.
Love Francesca's! Their pasta is delicious, they feature great live music, and the staff is wonderful. Never had a bad experience!
(5)
Dana G.
This restaurant is a people watching mecca! I'm pretty sure Francesca's Forno is aware of it too. Even if you don't get a seat that faces the window, there are strategically slanted mirrors on the walls. So you still can catch all the action that is Wicker Park's corner of Milwaukee and Damon without straining your neck. The service was on point and unpretentious. Our server seated us right away and wasn't overbearing. He explained all the specials and told us what they had run out of. I ordered a mushroom pasta dish and it was fantastic. The leftovers were even good reheated (I filled up on too much bread and seasoned butter.) The bf got a spicy seafood pasta with Bone Marrow. Although bone marrow completely grosses me out, I had to try a little bit. Thank god the dish was good and spicy and had other flavors going on, because I was correct in thinking it's just not for me. He enjoyed it though! Late Sunday afternoon it was quite empty when we arrived but started filling up later. It is very cozy and I think each chair in the restaurant was different. I love when places do that! I am definitely going back to try more dishes from their menu (it changes every two weeks according to their website.)
(4)
Jill K.
Dear Francesca's Forno: I BEG of you....PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bring back the Ignudi dinner entree and Uovo Diavolo brunch entree!! I will still give you 4 stars, because you have a great atmosphere and the rest of your food is still great. But unfortunately, I can no longer call you my "go-to" Italian place, because you got rid of two of the most delicious things I have ever tasted! Please, help a girl out and bring them back!!
(4)
Amber C.
I wish I could give 3 1/2 because I truly feel they deserve more than a 3, but they're not on par with my other 4 star reviews, so I can't give a 4. Eitherway, most of the items I had here were average. The one dish that really stood out was the brussel sprout and cauliflower salad. We ordered that on a rec from our server and it was amazing. It was actually so good that I've been craving it ever since. Other than the mostly mediocre food, another reason for the loss of stars is the wait. I made a reso weeks in advance. When we arrived we were asked to wait at the bar. Ok I get it, it's Saturday and you're crowded, cool... It'll probably just be a few minutes right? Not really. It seemed like 45 minutes, but was probably closer to 30. But still! What was the point of the reservation?!
(3)
Olivia M.
I had a sandwich here that was essentially covered in pickles. I should've taken a photo because I'm not exaggerating one bit. They also gave me a side of pickles. Who the hell needs that many pickles? I spent $17 dollars on a shitty pickle sandwich. Also, their online menu does not match the menu in the restaurant.
(1)
Phil F.
Pretty solid modernized italian fare. Good atmosphere, awesome view of the street action. I always go for gnocchi, and they are lil yum yums here. Their carpacio is sooo good and just so yummy. The pizza that we got was quite greased up though. That sucked. Overall, I love the brand and look forward to eating their food.
(4)
Fawn A.
Stopped in for a late lunch with 1 year old in tow. Very accommodating. Chopped salad was tasty, #1 pizza was lovely, but the crust could have been a bit crisper. A pretty cool place. Big plus, the staff was very attentive.
(4)
Kristin R.
I went here today for brunch and it was amazing. They have a somewhat limited selection from which to choose, but they seem to have most of the basic breakfast staples, with a unique Italian flair. I saw a few plates with mascarpone, but I decided to order an egg creation: scrambled eggs with italian sausage, fried polenta and pomodoro. And it was truly amazing. The sausage was spicy and added just enough kick to give this dish something really special. I will order it again the next time I'm here. Also, they had some of the best bloody marys I've ever had. They are super spicy but they give you a little glass of beer to help you wash it down if you happen to choke on a red pepper flake or something. I don't think they use red pepper flakes in bloody marys, but you get the point: they are spicy! And only $6 which I don't think is 1/2 bad. The service was pretty OK, but this is why I have awarded only 4 stars instead of five. I felt a tad rushed by our waiter, and I never once got a refill on my coffee, which would have been nice and welcomed. But, based on my first experience here, the food is fantastic and I can't wait to give it another shot, perhaps try something different and splurge on one (or two) bloody marys.
(4)
Anika A.
Creative and delicious menu. The bruschetta wasn't traditional but amazing! Also, loved the mushroom pasta it was very light with a tad of cream.
(5)
Joshua M.
I went here for a first date, suggested by the other party. It's a bit loud when they get full.. Not exactly a great first date atmosphere, but the place is really great. The food is good. The service is excellent, and the waitstaff has a very good understanding of the menu and it's evident that they really enjoy giving recommendations on the food. I have to go back for the brunch one of these weekends. The prices are fair, and from what I understand the menu changes every two weeks or so. The food is fresh and delicious. I can't believe I had never been here before. I don't really like the layout, and it's kind of weird that all the tables have a hodgepodge of different types of chairs. It's like they've been shopping goodwill for their seating selection. The waiter even told me, "You should sit in this chair. That one's bad," when I was sitting down. What's up with that? I had an opportunity to meet the manager while I was there. He was great. He seemed genuinely interested in the restaurant, and that goes a really long way in my book. Four stars because the food is delicious. Not five because the layout is just not that great. How come there isn't an option for "good luck" under the parking questions? This IS Wicker Park, after all.
(4)
Luna H.
I've been here once with my boyfriend and we both really liked it! It was kind of improvised, we just wanted a nice place to have wine and cheese more than a proper diner and we ended up here just by chance. As I said, we didn't want a proper dinner so we didn't ask for a table (we went to the bar instead). I think it was a good decision because the tables seemed small and too close to each other, nothing really intimate or nice. The food, however, was delicious! We had a bottle of Albarino wine, delicious spanish white wine, and an offer of 3 appetizers for $17, which we thought was a good deal. However, I have to admit that it was really noisy and the music was horrible. MTV hits is not what I expect in a nice italian restaurant! They loose a star just because of this.
(4)
Shalin D.
A lot has been said about the food and the ambiance at FF. I've even seen a fair amount of reviews comparing FF to other restaurants in the Francesca empire. This review, however, focuses on something little talked about: FF's location. I'm not talking about the inside. Just the outside and how FF's position makes it possibly one of the best people-watching spots in Chicago. First of all, the restaurant is located smack dab in the middle of Six Corners. Nestled between Milwaukee and Damen, the restaurant has a front row view of the crowds exiting the Blue Line and the music diehards lining up outside the Double Door on Friday or Saturday night. It also has visual access to two of the most architecturally significant buildings in Wicker Park: the Flatiron lofts to the east and the Flatiron skyscraper to the north. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of an artist at work in the lofts or one of the eccentrics changing out the activist posters plastered in the loft windows. The eastern view from FF was particularly great during the Around the Coyote Festival (when it used to be at the lofts). Artsy kids from all over Chicago entered and left the building; and, if you're like me, artsy kids is just another phrase for eye candy. Second, the restaurants owners were smart. They don't obscure the view of Six Corners with drapery. No curtains. No blinds. No shades during summer. They didn't even decorate the restaurant fully (it's rustic inside - rough-hewn wood and neutrals dominate) so as not to distract from the view. The windows are large and there's always that strange but exhilarating moment when you look out the window and capture a pedestrian looking back. But, unlike your friend on the outside, you have a bowl of pan-seared gnocchi in butter sauce and a chianti in front of you. Of course, since this is a restaurant review, I'll include some notes on the food. It's simple, good, and tasty. Just like Mia Francesca or Francesca's Amici (in Elmhurst), the menu is divided by course and everything is reliably good. There are few poor or stellar dishes. Come for the view, stay for the dinner.
(4)
Denise R.
I came here with a friend on a Friday night. I think the openness of the restaurant and the smell of the food attracted us. There was a small wait but we were sat shortly after hitting the bar for some bevs. I guess because of the aroma that brought me into the restaurant, I expected the food to have flavor but all of our dishes completely lacked flavor. My salad was okay. They basically throw a piece of a head of lettuce on a place with some dressing. I ordered the chicken dish and my friend ordered the spinach dumplings and the portions were tiny! My chicken was supposed to come with potatoes and there were probably like 3 tiny pieces of potato on my place. Unfortunately, those were the most tasty things on my plate. The chicken was bland and was covered in a ridiculous amount of arugula. The dumplings were pretty tasteless too, however the texture was good. And it was served in a decent sized bowl that was less than half full. Service was decent. The server didn't seem very confident in any of the dishes when I asked her what she recommended. However, everyone was friendly. Another thing that slightly annoyed me was how they added those standing tables right next to the dining tables. We basically had a guy's butt over our table the entire time as he felt the need the bend over and lean onto his standing table the whole time. We did get some great pics out of it =)
(2)
Laurie C.
Extremely small portions. My husband and I went here the night before a race for some carbo-loading (a la Michael Scott). This was our big chance to stuff our faces, guilt-free! While what we had was good, we unfortunately both left still feeling hungry. We split the grilled corn appetizer with truffle oil, which was amazing. I wanted to lick the plate. We also ordered the spaghetti with mushrooms and truffle oil, which was tasty, and the spinach dumplings, which were ok. However, the portion sizes, especially for the dumplings, were ridiculously small. Maybe our expectations were too high since we were planning on chowing down, but it almost felt like we were getting pranked. Prices were reasonable, but now we see why. I probably won't return. The atmosphere is a big improvement over the old look, but the food failed to impress.
(2)
Alden V.
Stumbled upon this place after declining a 2hr wait at Piece. Food was great. goat cheese and calimari app were good. I had a spicy sausage pizza which was fantastic! Prices are very reasonable for the flavor. Ambiance is warm and comfortable, I love the open kitchen. The only reason this gets four stars is because it didn't WOW me. That said, I will definitely be going back. Solid Italian.
(4)
Justine L.
We came to Francesca's simply because of its convenient location and it's seemingly low prices. And it was a good choice! We had the seafood linguine and the mahi mahi special. The seafood linguine came with quite a lot of seafood! Approx 4 shrimps, 5 muscles, 3 scallops, some squid, and possibly more. The sauce was also one of the best I've had- spicy but not overpowering. The mahi mahi was cooked very well came with strings beans, onions, tomatoes, and spinach. The sauce was the perfect consistency, so that you could still taste the fish and its texture. We opted for dessert (which we don't always do) and got the apple & blueberry puffed pastry with vanilla gelato. The pastry was so crispy and fulffy, even though it was topped with gelato. The fact that there was gelato rather than ice cream was a very nice touch. The staff was also very friendly and attentive. From our waiter, to the host, to the bus boy- everyone came by with a smile and asked how we were doing. The service was definitely the topper on the cake.
(4)
Bex F.
A few years back, before the renovations, the hubs and I came here for dinner. We really enjoyed it and had a great evening. Flash forward. We decided to come back, forgetting the whole renovation thing and not realizing they changed the entire menu. Big bummer -- I was so looking forward to the lasagna. Now the joint is just another cookie-cutter Scott Harris venture, exactly like DiSotto and Davanti. Really, just rename the place, because that's what it is. The formula doesn't work for me; I'm not into snobby Italian food, but that's just me. Being a picky eater, I struggled to find something on the menu and settled on the grilled chicken. Overcooked and had no flavor. At the top, the appetizer and salad (Caesar, and was actually the best part of the meal) flew out of the kitchen far too fast. We felt like all they wanted to do was flip the table as fast as possible. Our server was pleasant, the manager coming by twice to see how everything was was annoying. The whole thing was disappointing and a repetitive formula. Give it up Scott -- it's boring and really not all that good. You've forgotten what the people want.
(2)
Arch R.
Been there twice...it's in a great location, right on the six corners of Wicker Park..my old hood in Chicago. The first time I went there was for dinner and I remember being quite pleased with the food. The only drawback was being placed on a table in a very congested part of the restaurant so I felt like people were always trying to navigate around our table and that got to be annoying. The second time was for brunch; they have quite an innovative brunch menu rather than the standard omelettes. I got the bluberry and ricotta pancakes which were fluffy and melted in my mouth. My friend got the bourbon flavored french toast which was unbelievable as well. The ambiance of the place is great and it's great for the summer because it has large french windows which open out into the street. I also love that the last time I was there, there was a tiny little dog under the table next to us; if this place is dog-friendly, it gets a star just for that!
(4)
Susan C.
This place is really good, and has a great atmosphere. Their bread with garlic butter they serve prior to dinner is so addicting you will be eating that the whole time you're there! I ended up ordering the pizza...I believe it was pepperoni & sausage and it was quite delicious. My friend ordered the Cuban sandwich and she said it was fantastic as well.
(4)
Kathleen O.
The host and waiter were great! Food was ok...nothing to write home about. We had bruchetta, which was good, but missed a little flavor. It needed some garlic or something. WFor the entree we had the Margarita PIzza and felt the same...missing some flavor and the Buccatini pasta. The pasta was the favorite of the meal. The tomato basil sauce was very good. Fresh and tasty (at last!!!) Overall, it was an ok experience, but definitely not at the top of my list for Italian in Chicago.
(3)
Craig G.
Always wonderful. Great service, warm atmosphere, amazing food. We go there for their many fine gluten-free offerings. I just wish they offered GF bread like the Arlington Hts location has.
(5)
Susan L.
Noisy just like all of the Francesca's outposts. Shitty slow service. Unless you like egg dishes for brunch, you will leave hungry. I plan on avoiding it at all costs.
(2)
Eme L.
Great service and good food. Not quite as "polished" as Mia Francesca, but this location has a great neighborhood vibe. Plus, they have a $23 3-course (all options on menu - Tuesday/Thursday only) special that really can't be beat. We had calamari (nothing special, but good), linguine with shrimp and scallops (very tasty), rigatoni with sausage (rustic and good), and tiramisu (delicious). No transcendent dining moments, but good solid food in a lovely setting.
(4)
dave k.
I've had Sunday brunch here twice now, and both times it's been excellent. The Italian BLT is great, as are all the egg dishes. All the plates come with a bit of salad which is a nice touch. The food seems very fresh and delicate, without being pretentious. Bloody Mary is a must have - comes with a celery rim in a pint cup, garnished with a pickle, an olive, a greek pepper and a beer back - very nice. This place is also large and casual, which is nice for brunch. I've never had to wait, and the servers are friendly and don't rush you out. A solid spot for interesting brunch.
(4)
Jennifer L.
I must be getting old, because after having a tasty meal at Francesca's last night, all I can remember are a) how noisy it was b) how hard it was to read the menu, due to the dim lighting and tiny font, and c) the uncomfortable chairs. I think I would enjoy going there for lunch on a weekday, though. I'd just need to bring a chair cushion.
(3)
Escape C.
I've been here multiple times with girlfriends or on dinner dates with other couples. It has a nice dimly lit, yet upbeat atmosphere. The service is always ok, and the food comes out ridiculously quick. Regarding the food itself, they do have wonderfully fresh salads, and very nice fresh mozzarella . With that being said, I find many items on the menu to be pretty mediocre at best. The pastas and meat courses are just somewhat bland and uninspired. This is the perfect place to go if you are wanting something on the lighter side. If you are itching for some good italian cooking, probably not a top notch choice for you!
(3)
Mike R.
The Spaghetti al Funghetto, dish was great! It's a spaghetti and wild mushroom dish with mascarpone cheese, marjoram, brandy sauce and white truffle oil. So delicious!
(5)
Jess P.
I had an amazing solo weekend brunch here. I'm now totally convinced that eggs and sausage should always go over polenta squares, and you should always add spicy tomato sauce. It was bright and sunny and the decor was remarkably tasteful.
(4)
thomas f.
Great place to dine, our roasted half chicken was moist and succulent and fell off the bone, my friends pasta stuffed with ricotta cheese was also delicious , the only GREAT disappointment were the lamb meatballs, I was expecting something tender, similar to a beef meatball, I couldn't even get my fork through it after applying a LOT of pressure, had to break out a steak knife to get through it, it was very rubbery. I add breadcrumbs and simmer my meatballs in sauce for a few hours, they just melt in your mouth. Maybe I should open a restaurant.
(4)
Lena M.
$5 martinis on Weds. Hooray! Not much on the menu for vegans though, unless you get creative. Beet salad was yummy-minus the cheese. The balsamic vinaigrette dressing can be substituted on any salad, as it is the only one without egg/dairy. Made a meal out of the sides because none of the pasta dishes were safe. The manager stopped by briefly to ask how our meal was, which was nice. Loved the mango sorbet!
(3)
Stef B.
Even though we moved out of the area, we come here for brunch at least every other month. I cannot get enough of their Frittata Del' Giorno (chef's selection, open face Italian omelette) when it has the asparagus and the cheesy potatoes. I usually end up eating all my potatoes first, then order another side dish of them to pick at while finishing our Mimosa's. We are Mimosa fanatics, and their's are great! I highly recommend this place. It still very classy even though you can walk in hungover. I have never been here for lunch or dinner.
(5)
Mariela S.
If you are thinking in having brunch at this place, DON'T. You can make the same, even better, at home and avoid the nasty and inattentive service. I went there with a couple of friends and got the prosciutto panini. THE WORST I ever had. The bread were the cheapest white slides you can get in Target (toasted), the eggs were nothing to write home about, and there was ONE slice of prosciutto that it was cooked and therefore smelled and tasted like vomit. We waited 15 minutes to get coffee and 30 minutes to get the breakfast.The only thing this place has going for it is the location.
(1)
George D.
Thumbs up for Francesca's Forno. I've been here for dinner three or four times and brunch twice. I don't remember having a single bad dish, which is pretty impressive for a small plates concept. It's hard to stand out as an Italian restaurant, but there's some original dishes on the menu, and everything is done well. Brunch here has been a recent revelation. It's one of the rare places you can just walk into and get a table without waiting. The food is good, and there's even some lighter things on the menu (the girlfriend has gone with granola and yogurt both times we've been here-- sacrilege at a place that serves eggs and pancakes-- but it was pretty good). The room can get very, very noisy, but one big plus is the massive windows. From pretty much anywhere in the restaurant, you can watch the current mix of lonely goth, stubborn hipsters and trixies trying to "slum it" that currently parades around Wicker Park while you eat your dinner.
(4)
Hailey M.
Finally! Forno has gone back to its old menu. Although I was really starting to like the Mia menu, my boyfriend was not so much so we had really stopped coming here. We will now be back on a regular basis, especially Mondsays for half-price wine!
(4)
rachel c.
Both brunch and dinner here have been very enjoyable experiences. Brunch is a great for a few reasons. It is typically not too crowded on a Sunday, yet food is unique and delicious. Dinner on weekends is super crowded yet cozy and fun. Food was really tasty. Everyone enjoyed their dishes from pumpkin ravioli to 1/2 roasted chicken to meatballs. And desert looked amazing. Finally, Francesca's is gluten free friendly, with a gluten free menu (pastas) and can make most entrees gluten free.
(4)
Vivian B.
I have only ordered delivery from this restaurant. The food is so good I wish it was cheaper so I could order it every night. The arugula salad is awesome, the bread they send with delicious butter and oil would be wonderful if I was ever hungry enough to eat it. I usually get the linguini with seafood (it changes depending on what they have fresh and my boyfriend gets the ravioli. However I need to point out that one night we got the salmon and I wasn't really a fan of how they prepared it. Overall though great food.
(4)
Stephanie K.
After hearing positive reviews for Francesca's Forno and consulting Yelp, I dragged my parents out of the suburbs for my birthday dinner and into Wicker Park. If memory serves correct, we went on a Tuesday and they were offering a $21 prix fixe menu, and since entrees were around $20 anyways, you really couldn't go wrong. Here's how my menu played out - with comments on each dish: - Appetizer: Pinoli e Caprino, a watercress & endive salad with pine nuts, goat cheese and pear. Good salad, not 'wow-worthy' though. - Entree: Funghi, Taleggio, e Cipolla, basically a wild mushroom pizza with truffle oil. Not a fan of this - probably should've ordered a pasta dish or the pizza with figs. - Dessert: Gelato Sandwich, chocolate hazelnut, pistachio & vanilla gelato. You can't really go wrong with good gelato. Period. Would I go back? Maybe. If someone else was paying. Would I recommend it? Nah. Too many other exceptional places to bother with the decent ones of the world.
(3)
Tuya S.
The stars are for the courteous staff, bread, and side order of potato. For main entree I ordered ham risotto. My date had to finish it off because the rice was half cooked, the chicken broth not completely absorbed into the dish, and lacking any taste of cheese. I noticed they have real Italian style pizzas. However when I asked if they serve pizza tonno the wait staff did not know what I was talking. oh well
(2)
g h.
5 stars for doing the right thing and going back to their original menu concept!! The best thing about Forno was that it was different from the rest of the Mia clan of Italian food. The word on the street is that sometime next week they are returning to what made them a neighborhood favorite in the first place! The Italian small plate concept was great and I look forward to going back and trying some of those creative Italian favorites that I have missed these past few months! Thanks for listening to your customers and bringing back the good stuff!
(5)
Michael U.
The menu is somewhat interesting and the food was pretty good. I had the baked ricotta and the crispy potatoes, which were both tasty. The service was poor and my Manhattan, which sounded great on the menu, was nothing but rye in a martini glass. Call me crazy, but if I wanted straight booze, then I would have asked you for straight booze. When I order a classic cocktail, I want it to taste like a classic cocktail.
(3)
Tish N.
I went on a Tuesday with my friend. We are all about good food and finding deals and this takes the cake. I really enjoyed my steak and herbs..it was perfectly seasoned and tender. The polenta was creamy but slightly bland. I adored the creme brulee..it's worth another trip alone. I think I'm going for the pizza next time.
(4)
Merrill H.
Time to add review # 73 to Francesca's Forno! This is a very crowded, very popular restaurant in the Wicker Park area of Chicago. We came here for the Tuesday Special-- order any appetizer, any entree, and any dessert for $21. Definitely worth the price. For my appetizer, I ordered a plate of olives, which were good, but there were waaay too many on the plate and they were extremely salty. Much more than what I'm used to. The other people in my party ordered a caprese salad, which was delicious, and soppressata e caciocavallo. The soppressata was ok- tasted like standard salami and cheese. Entree was an shell pasta with asparagus in a ricotta cheese sauce. Too much ricotta, but the pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente. I very much admire a restaurant that can do this. :) Dessert for my two companions was a creme brulee, which was nice and light. My dessert was the torta lava which was fantastic. A bit too dense for me, but I liked having the mint chocolate ice cream that was melting on top. YUM. Also, they make some good drinks. I had two bellinis and I was good to go! I would definitely come back, but it's so far away from home! :(
(4)
Claudia B.
I really want to give it 4 and half stars, but since yelp won't let me, I've rounded up largely due to the delicious chocolate chip bread pudding with banana gelato I had the last time we had dinner here. We really like Francesca's Forno and typically come for dinner about once a month. There are not a whole lot of surprises on the menu, but the food is good, the portions are normal-sized (i.e. this is not the place for you if you want a bucket of pasta) and therefore the prices are reasonable. Pretty decent wine list. Super friendly wait staff, fairly casual and comfortable, while still nice, decor and a great vantage for people-watching make Francesca's one of my favorites.
Been here twice, last year for brunch...yummy and this past Saturday for date night with my sweetie. This place is very cute: dark, boisterous and awesomely large windows perfect for people watching. We were seated at a table right in front of one of these windows which was awesome. We loved the bread and herbed butter. Our entrees were good and desserts very yummy but server was meh. He "forgot" to put our app order in which was disappointing. He did make it up to us by buying us dessert but the boyfriend had to keep reminding him for refills which was annoying. All in all we may be back but there are plenty of places in Chicago with better service for the price.
We decided to go here after reading the spectacular reviews for Mia Francesca, one of Forno's partner restaurants. As we live closer to Forno, however (and because we're slightly lazy) we opted for Forno instead. We left wishing we'd have gone to Mia Francesca. The reviews are on the money when they say the seating is close and it gets loud. Expecting this going in helped, but when we arrived the host took 3-4 phone calls before he even looked our way. OK, fine, he got slammed momentarily, we will not let this deter us. We were sat at a small table between 2 other couples, and I will warn you: God help you if you get sat next to a loud talker like I did, because not only do you have to try not to broadcast your own convo to the whole restaurant, you have to attempt to block out the other conversation and in my case, really try to avoid glaring. No one likes the glare... The wine selection was pretty good. Our server recommended one of the wines on the special card, and upon checking it out, of course he would, as it's $87/bottle. We ordered the grilled calamari, which was fine, if a little rubbery. The oil it was served in made a fantastic dip for the crusty bread we were brought. It would be the last time we would see our server for maybe 40 minutes. I got the gnocchi-like dish and my companion got some large half-shell and veg dish. My portion was fairly small, or maybe it was because it was served in a HUGE cereal bowl and my perception got thrown off. Either way, it didn't fill me up. Then, my companion says to me after trying his dish, "You know...this tastes like pasta with some kind of canned vegetable soup poured over it. Like Campbell's soup, without the broth." I tried it; I was surprised; he was right. The pasta tasted good, had its own flavor; but the other ingredients...it was crazy, because I could SEE that they were fresh, but they really did taste like canned soup vegs. :( All that having happened, we were eager to get out of there. The next time we managed to snag our server, I asked for the bill. He asked if we wanted dessert. We said no, we had other plans. Not even a coffee or an espresso, something to send us off? NO, thank you...just the check, please. Fifteen minutes pass before he comes back, sans bill. He apologizes, says he's just gotten super-busy, and he takes my card. He's back with the receipt within the minute with another apology, undoubtedly sensing his tip had been withering. Unless I'm with others intent on going to this place, I won't be back. I may try out Mia Francesca, however...
(2)
Ellen F.
My mom always asks to go here for brunch when she's in town. The frittata is generally a good bet. If you go early (around 9 -10am) before the Wicker Park/Bucktown brunch frenzy begins, you'll be able to enjoy a more quiet, intimate atmosphere. They do a nice job with dinner as well. The food is tasty and the service is good. The floor-to-ceiling windows and location make for great people watching. The only drawback is that the dining room can get a bit loud and crowded when the restaurant is full. I'd say, if you don't mind waiting, go for dinner. If you're not in the mood to wait, or don't have the time, the central location makes it a great spot to have lunch while you're out shopping.
(4)
Vincent O.
This was my 1st time at this Francescas. I usually go to Mia Francescas in Lakeview which I think offers a more appetizing menu and feels a bit more upscale. We had the Ignudia alla Fiorentina (Spinach and ricotta dumplings) which were good and the Paccheri alla Laticastelli (Rigatoni with tomatoes and sausage) which was also good but also a little watery and really missing some spice or something. Both dishes seemed like the needed something to take them from being just good to delicious. Aside from that I really do like the space (even though I could hear the drunk guys on the other side of the room) but to be honest I am not a big fan of the neighborhood. Oh well, you can't have it all...
(3)
Jennifer W.
Love this place!! Haven't been here in a few months, but had an amazing pizza few times. It had figs and Prosciutto, just loved! I see that it's not on the menu anymore :(
(4)
heather d.
After my 3rd time dining here i decided I really like this place. Food is good, reasonable and you can get a table on a saturday night at a moment's notice. I really like the pizzas and pastas and usually stay pretty basic, but always leave full and satisfied.
(4)
lola d.
I hate this place because It sucks me in all the freaking time! The salads are made with the freshest ingredients, the pizzas are heavenly, the pastas are never overcooked or raw, the risotto specials are unique and rich in taste, the $21.00 Tuesday special is a steal, the Peroni is served in a cold frosty pint, the endless wine list, the noise, the music, the view of the hustle and bustle of Milwaukee street, the friendly staff, and the list goes on and on and on...
(5)
Christine T.
went there for a sunday brunch... when we sat down and started debating which of the many items to get since they all looked good - but the people at the table next to us (who had just finished their meal) interrupted us and told us that basically almost everything we were thinking about was "disgusting." we were not phased and ordered the specialty breakfast pizza and the pancakes with sausage with a side of the pecorino fries, one bellini, and a salty dog. im glad that we stayed and didnt listen to the table next to us (not sure what they were thinking) because it was all great! i would definitely go back and try their dinner menu.
(4)
Bill C.
What a great little place. I went there last night for the 3rd time, and all three times I had great service, and the food is always tasty. What really pushed me over the top was our waiter. My girlfriend asked the waiter about a dish she had that was on the specials menu during our last visit. She was bummed to see that it wasn't on the menu, but the waiter was like: "We can make that fore you, no problem". Sure enough, they did! And it was awesome! The other thing that really suprised me was that we causally mentioned that our weeding was this weekend. At the end of dinner, he suprised us with a free desert that had two candles in it. What a nice touch. If you looking for a great place to eat, this is definitely it.
(5)
Mike C.
OMG everything on the menu is great. Don't fill up on bread, although it's darn yummy. I went only once, just after they opened. They didn't have their liquor license yet, so we could BYO. Score!! For a chain of restaurants, Francesca's definitely beats the stereotype. Go there! Now.
(5)
Abby T.
Yum yum yum yum yum yum yum!!!!! All I really need to say is Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding! But I will say more. I have eaten here 4 times in the past few months, and have NEVER been disappointed. The Gnocci is fantastic, and I love the little bread baskets and the homemade butter you get when you are seated. Try anything here, and you will be pleased. Just remember! SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT!
(5)
Ella B.
So many good things to eat in Chicago!...It was a Sunday and Wicker Park was our stop for the day. We had just gotten off the "el" and we were hungry! We had two choices, the Absinthe Cafe or Forno. We went with Forno b/c I liked the simple wood deco and we were very very pleased. The bf got the prosciutto sandwich with mozzarella and tomato on a franchese roll. Comes with a side of watercress salad. Great sandwich & salad, definitely 5 stars. I got the lentil dish with sunny side up eggs. Also delicious! Sounds weird, ie: lentils and eggs... but very yummy. Despite it being so carb-y already, i think a small piece of bread would have been good with this dish. Although, we didn't order it, the bloody marys looked really really good. We were only there for the Sunday brunch, so we're not sure how the other meals are, but next time i'm town, i will definitely stop in for a meal!
(5)
Sarah B.
We waited over an hour for our reservation here on a Saturday night for a birthday party - after they called the member of our party who made the reservation three times to confirm the day of our dinner! They totally ignored us for the first forty-five minutes we were waiting, but then they compensated us with a free round of drinks, free (and yummy, if garlicky, bruschetta), and at the end, a free sampler of four different full-size desserts (the creme brulee was especially delicious). As for the dinner, I had a pizza which was mediocre. It would have been nice if they had been more apologetic about waiting for our reservation earlier in our very long (hour and fifteen minute) wait for our table after our reservation time.
(3)
Lori Taylor R.
Fantastico - Francesca's Forno! The Monday special for half priced wines is quite the treat. The server was assiduous and the pasta was fresh and flavorful! We will be back.
(4)
Summer P.
Officially 3.5 stars for Francesca's Forno; I liked my linguine con frutti de mare but it was slightly over-shadowed by three other things... 1. There was a super drunk girl there being held up by her boyfriend (seriously) -- it was St. Patrick's day -- and I felt really sorry for that guy! 2. Our waiter was a little odd throughout our meal in the restaurant and at the end of the night used our credit cards to settle another table's bill. 3. The bread pudding concoction is delicious and I would go back just to eat that -- a girl at the table next to us actually used her finger to wipe her bread pudding plate clean (also hilarious)...
(3)
Paige W.
As night descended upon Wicker Park, the orange fluorescent light from Milwaukee/North/Damen pouring in through the floor-to-ceiling windows at Francesca's Forno, an aging male server sauntered up to our table mid-meal. He had crazy eyes. "I'm sorry to intrude, ladies; let me just ask you one question," he said. "Isn't it great going out to dinner with no guys around?!" And indeed, it was -- especially after Crazy Eyes finished telling us about threatening his daughter's fiance with physical violence and left us alone. Rewind, though: We walked in for our 6:30 reservation to a comfortably hopping but not packed-to-the-gills dinner crowd The echo-y room's volume was already at a healthy roar, but we're shouters anyway, so two glasses of wine later, we easily rose above it. So to speak. I was reading the night's specials from the laminated placard in my best Giada voice when our very good-humored server came over to finish the job herself. She took my barbs and work stress-induced giggles in stride and was fantastic the whole time we were seated. She had plenty to recommend from the menu -- bacon-wrapped figs stuffed with blue cheese; Spaghetti al Funghetto with mascarpone and brandy-veal sauce; Pasta Gnudi, ricotta and spinach dumplings in a sage brown butter tomato sauce; and the ravioli special stuffed with shrimp and scallops in a lemon and olive oil dressing. (At our table, we tried all but the special.) We ate ourselves stupider than usual with my two major food groups, carbohydrates and cheese-based dairy, and I realized only in stuffed-silly retrospect that there was nothing special about the food. It tasted good and filled a certain need -- total food-induced oblivion after a stressful week -- but it was largely unremarkable. There are other Italian restaurants I'd go back to first (including Mia Francesca, actually), but I'm happy I tried Francesca's Forno. The man who greeted us when we arrived, who I can only assume is the owner, had crazy eyes too. But in a good way, I guess. He was gracious when we arrived and as we put our coats on to leave, even offering to stop running around for a moment to take our picture before I dashed out to catch that elusive #50 bus home. Too bad I didn't have someone to meet me at my stop with a wheelbarrow to get me home.
(3)
Jonathan F.
Great food. Wine list was a little lacking -- who only has three cabs on a list and none by the glass? Got a meritage so it wasn't so bad. The Insalata alla Francesca salad was pretty good! Nice presentation. The Filetto e Polenta was nice too. Meat was cooked properly. My date said the Salmon rocked and was in her top 2 ever. Overall it's pretty friggin' good...and our waiter looked like Nacho Libre. Classic.
(4)
Alice O.
I've been here twice on Tuesdays for the 3 course Pre-fixe dinner for $23, which cannot be beat. You get full sized portions of any appetizer you want, entree, and dessert. I'm not a big dessert person but the creme brulee is delicious. Last time I was there I had the tilapia, which was amazing and the goat cheese and fig for my appetiter. I hate wasting food but I couldn't finish it all. Definitely will come back again.
(5)
M J.
This place is amazing. Sylwia (the manager?) super nice and friendly!!! The truffle oil mushroom pizza AMAZING(!!!) salads are great too. I've been going out of my way and getting the pizza to go. I eat the whole thing by myself at home and feel guilty for the next two weeks, but I can't stop!!!
(4)
Matthew S.
I figured I'd pile on to the mountain of reviews for this place with a specific surprise (happy, yes). The service here kicks ass, especially during the late morning brunch-slam. I came here for the first time with friends at 11ish, expecting a 3 year wait and grumped-out service. We were seated almost immediately, even though it was packed, and our server was awesome. On top of that great food...everyone loved what they got. My one gripe was their Bloody Mary's were jacked full of black pepper, so if you like that kind of back-of-throat burn, saddle up. Yep, I'll be back.
(4)
Kristine B.
I got the panettone, which was delish. After several attempts to make my own and have it turn out not a runny messy mush of egg batter, I was quite happy to find some place that would make it for me. And the marscapone was incredible too. We arrived just as they opened on a Sunday morning, which was fortunate, because by the time we left, the place was PACKED. Would go back again, but would prob try the same time because I'm not a huge fan of waiting.
(5)
Julie M.
First off, my dining experience was much benefitted by the fact that my party got to sit in the big corner table by the windows. We called a little bit before we left the house on a a Friday, and then got there around 7, just as it was filling up. I could see if you arrived later than you might have to wait a bit. I ordered a goat cheese and watercrest salad (tasty!) and split some salumi and calamari with others. I also tasted a tomato and mozzarella salad, which was really good too. I probably should have stopped eating right then because the salad was huge, but I still ordered an entree, the gnocchi, which was simple, but very good. Also, it wasn't a huge portion to push me over my limit. Overall: quality food and a very friendly and helpful host helped make the night very enjoyable.
(4)
Rebecca H.
I won't go into all the reasons, but I was recently tasked with organizing a dinner for 12 people, many of whom I do not know, in Chicago, a city I haven't lived in for five years. It needed to be fun, special and affordable, as well as easy to get to on the el. I am forever indebted to you yelpers, who made it clear that this was the place. The service was great, despite being slammed. The food was really really good - especially the mushroom pasta - people in my group were moaning about it all the way back to our hotel. This is not a romantic date spot, but for groups that are looking for a fun night, and want to save their money for boozing it up after dinner, it is perfect, and the quality of the food will surprise you.
(4)
Karen C.
We came here for dinner. Very cozy atmosphere with great service. Our waiter was friendly. Their food was great! We first got the bread. It was ok. The garlic butter was good. I ordered the Risotto del Giorno which was really good and cheesy. It had prosciutto (cured ham), asparagus guyure cheese and (swiss?). It was the special for the night and was $13. I would definitely come here again.
(4)
Vanessa P.
I think that this place is a solid 3.5 stars. I like the decor, the mismatched tables and chairs. For the most part, I like the menu. I have had some hits and misses, but that's to be expected. Dinner: The beets with the goat cheese and hazelnuts is surprisingly good -- and I'm not a fan of beets, either. I also have had the olive assortment (oooh, olives) and the caprese salad, which was just ok. For dinner, I think that the ricotta and spinach ravioli/dumpling was excellent. That brown butter sauce is very good. The risotto is usually pretty good as well. Brunch: I have liked everything that I have had here for brunch. But, I always seem a little disappointed by the brunch menu options. I think that I expect more of them. The granola and berries was good, as was the french toast. But it was nothing special. The one thing that I can say is great the few times that I have had it is the fritatta. That thing is amazing. Definitely a must try.
(4)
Julie H.
How I love thee, Francesca's Forno... let me count the ways. In fact, I think I'll make a list: 10. the bread w/ herb butter 9. frisee salad with fried egg, Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette, and truffle oil (still fresh in my mind, I ate some last night) 8. the pasta (I can't pick just one) 7. fresh fish (the selection changes all the time, but its all good) 6. tartufo (peanut butter goodness) 5. the bread w/ herb butter 4. the cheese selection (try the ricotta, you won't regret it) 3. beet salad w/ goat cheese and hazelnuts 2. roasted chicken w/ potatoes (its perfection) 1. gelato sandwiches! UPDATE: I've since tried their brunch - its amazing!
(5)
Alysha P.
Had brunch AGAIN here last Sunday.....ordered the truffled egg toast and it was f-ing fantastic......like a little hug on a plate....mmmmmmm!Also had those pecorino fries.....and a peach bellini......service was pretty spot on and overall.....another stellar brunch at Francesca's......yay!
(5)
Colleen J.
I love tapas-style dining, and this place has it, Italian style. I've been here a few times, for lunch and dinner. I've been pleased with the service each time: fast, friendly, helpful with the menu. The mushrooms on the appetizer section are scrumptious. The pizza is good, and the pasta was pretty good. It's located in the heart of Wicker Park, on the corner of Milwaukee and Damen, right next to the Damen Blue Line stop.
(4)
YerMah L.
The food is decent... the atmosphere is good... you can have a conversation without yelling at the people you're with. I like that the bar is a little separate from the dining so that you can smoke away from the food. It's by no way stellar food... but I would go back... actually, I think I have. My one qualm is the curse of that server from NY! I forgot his name... but he's waited on us twice. Both times I was with two different people who actually are from NY and he suddenly turned into an expert. (Though he hadn't been back since the late 70s....) Anyways... I see that they have brunch... I should check it out.
(2)
Luis L.
This place only gets three stars from me. The food was just good, but nothing special. I went for dinner and had the pork chop with apricot glaze, and my date had the buccatini pasta with some tomatoey sauce. Neither offered anything particularly special in terms of flavor, presentation, etc. The pasta was served in a nice big heap, but the bucatini was, um, lacking in texture, and freshness (or something). The pork chop was lacking in flavor, although the glaze was very nice. Isn't there a saying, "never order pork at an Italian restaurant" or something like that? Anyway, I agree with the other reviewers, the garlic and herb butter they serve with bread before your meal was VERY tasty. Their salads seemed entree sized to me. Fresh and yummy. You shouldn't listen to my review because I am very picky when it comes to Italian food. It has to be really outstanding, and the food here simply isn't. However, the dining room is LOUD! I don't mind noise, but I could hardly hear my dinner date. I'd say, go here if you want to have a raucous time, but if you want to have a conversation with your friend/date/companion without having to SCREAM, go somewhere else. Had I known how loud it was going to be, and how average the food is, I would have gone somewhere else with my date. HOSTESS, WAITER, BUSPEOPLE, were all amazing. If it weren't for them, I'd have taken one star away.
(3)
Blue S.
Everything about this place is AWESOME! Definitely a treat everytime we go.
(5)
Mark S.
Yeah, if you like the other Francesca's places, I suppose you'll like this one- reasonably good quality food, bustling crowded scene, t-shirt uniformed waiters who are very nice running around, etc. I don't like the other Francesca's and really don't care for places like this in general- you might find it polished and streamlined, strikes me as kinda corporate and soul-less. I won't be surprised one bit when the day comes that they open some Francesca's variant out in a suburban mall. But whatever, the place is popular for a reason, I doubt you could order anything that is really flat-out bad here. I'll say that they're really skilled at infusing anything they grill with copious smoky flavor. For good or bad, subtle flavors is not what this place is about- the menu told me I had asparagus in my salad, could have been tasty match sticks. Last time I was here with a group of friends for a 6:30 on Saturday night reservation I was struck by the fact that the place was practically CRAWLING with little kids. So if you're a Bucktown or Lincoln Park yuppy couple and you want a place to let your little rugrat run around- this place seems to be popular for that. I'd go back I suppose, but not unless somebody I'm with really wants to.
(3)
Kari S.
Yum yum yum, my salmon entree was so delicious. Perfectly cooked (slightly undercooked the way salmon should be) and the flavor was so robust in a good fish way. I love the bread here, the wine selection, and the salads. All in all a very safe place to take friends and family.
(4)
Alfred A.
The best italian food I have ever had--swear to God. The first night I was in Chicago I found this place in Wicker Park. My friend's and I were like let's eat here. The waiter was totally bomb. I ordered off the menu. She was like what do you want, and I was asking for something like Alfredo Fedechini. She said sure, we could do that. Conventional restaraunts don't usually have off the menu items. The food was fantastic, and so was the service. Did I mention that it was really inexpensive. Anyway, I could ramble on for ever, but just check them out. love, alfie
(5)
Amy R.
A long time ago, I think I could have been blown away by this place, but I just can't get over the closeness of the tables and loud atmosphere. I also got cold water sloshed on me by a passing waiter without notice or apology, so that didn't help. I just think it was too 'busy' for my taste, but some people like that, so take it as you may. The food is average Italian fare. We had the bruschetta appetizer, which I recommend, and I had some kind of pasta with sausage, which was kind of light on tomatoes and lacked enough flavor. The table bread wasn't anything special.
(3)
Cindy C.
I had dinner here a couple weeks ago on a tuesday when they had the prix fixe special. There were 4 of us and we all got the prix fixe since it was such a great deal. If I remember correctly, it was $23. You get to order 3 courses (1 app, 1 pasta or pizza, and 1 dessert.) All of our appetizers were delicious, and most importantly, full sized...as were the entrees and dessert. I was pretty much stuffed by the time we were done w/ the apps. Absolutely loved the bruschetta and the app with the thinly sliced pair and cheese (sorry forgot the name!) This was my 2nd visit here. I will be back again! All of my friends were extrememly pleased with the place too.
(4)
K B.
3.5 star brunch review. Everything I've tried is decent - it's just not going to be your typical breakfast foods. The Baked Uovo Florentina was pretty delicious (and I added a side of sausage - which turned out to be a ton of sausage), and the other time I had something not on the current menu that rocked (should never have been taken off). Sidro di mele was a delicious cocktail (we tried about 6 and that was the best).
(3)
Dallas F.
This place was good, not as good as the other Mia Francescas, but still good. Its in a great location for people watching and the staff was really nice. My lasagna was tasty as was the bread they bring out before your meal with delicious butter. I pretty sure I would have eaten more of my entree had I not inhaled that buttery bread goodness.
(4)
Brandon B.
Overall a very nice place, typically very crowded with a long wait at peak times, kind of a special occasion type of place for me. Overall didn't feel like I got a ton for my money, despite the good quality, which is the only thing that would knock it down a notch for me. Get here early if you are going to go! Service is very nice and its quite crowded, makes for a fun social experience but don't go if you like your space. Great location, watching pedestrians dodge the cars at the 6 corners!
(4)
Jason L.
Fantastic ambience and food. Excellent wine. I can't say enough good things about this place. Very crowded on weekends. But of course... That's what happens when you do things right. Make a reservation.
(4)
Aimee C.
With my days in Chicago waning, I'm trying to make sure I hit my favorite spots as well as making sure i don't miss any must see must do restaurants. I'm a big fan of the francesca family restaurants, from LP to Little Italy, the consistent fare and enjoyable time. I was seated with two of my favorite people in the corner window seat on the damen/north/milwaulkee intersection and it was a perfect afternoon filled with cured meat, cheese, wine and a never ending barrage of entertainment from people watching.
(4)
April W.
To be fair I didnt eat here. A friend and I stopped in for a Sunday Bloody Mary and the bar was not good. The bartender knew nothing of the wine list but did offer to go ask someone. The bar was dirty and greasy feeling and the bartender came to take our order while texting on her phone. Normally a huge fan of the Francescas chain, but will not be returning to this francise.
(2)
Jessie B.
I have to say that Francesca's Forno is one of the FEW places that I have been to, and continuously have had a 5 out of 5 star rating. My favorite is brunch. I recommend getting in their earlier around 10 or 11 a.m. before the noon rush comes. They have a rustic Italian atmosphere. Maybe it is their open & friendly staff, the nice robust coffee, or the wooden tables and chairs. As soon as I walk in I have a warm feeling all over me. But this is ALL before I order. I recommend the dish with the polenta, with the diablo sauce. It has a funny name to it, and I am sorry I can't remember it. But I JUST LOVE THIS DISH! Gobble it all up all at once. So just for that I go back. And it is cozy, and everything I have tried makes me feel complete after eating it. If you don't have a clue what to get. The service here is amazing. They are always friendly. And it is really worth the extra dollar to get the home-style potatoes. YUM!
(5)
Lois A.
I would write a long review about my favorite things to order from here but then I would just be craving them all night. I like going here early because it's a really great little date spot when you have it almost all to yourself.
(4)
Brian C.
Just got back from dinner and Forno is solid Italian in the apex of Wicker Park. Being only a few steps from the blue line defiantly attracts numerous guests so expect a wait. The staff was quick with the standard; bread, garlic butter (fantastic), and seasoned olive oil ( seasoning settles to the bottom of the decanter = very hard to get out). In our group of four the margarhita pizza was popular, two people ordered it and the general attitude was that it was pretty standard wood fired pizza. The salad with fried egg was great, a perfect runny egg with wonderful lemon vinaigrette. The Pollo arrosto was fantastic, half a chicken with plenty of sweet sausage in a rich sauce. The chicken was done perfectly and soaked up the sauce to add to the flavor. The dessert menu looked very tempting but having 4 poor budget minded guests we decided to skip it. The bill for 4 entrees and a few drinks was just about $60 and we all feel like we got our monies worth. We will be back to Forno, I hear the brunch is amazing so next time we will have to stop by a bit earlier. See you there!
(3)
jamie k.
Okay, first of all, I'll admit, I have a few friends who work there... but, moreover, I really like this place! Last night was the 2nd time in 2 weeks I was there for dinner on two separate special occasions. The food is just exceptional! The last two times the fish specials were maybe the best prepared fish I have ever had at a restaurant. Also...Cheese Fritters..(okay, it's really called something a lot more romantic and Italian..) are like little pillows of heaven. Seriously. And the salad with the egg on it! (I sound so sophisticated this morning..perhaps a sign that the wine is excellent also) The brunch is so so ... but I give this 5 stars for the dinners.. The ambiance is cool, the furniture is all rustic and mismatched, the location gives you excellent people watching. The tin ceilings look beautiful..but cause the place to get a bit loud sometimes.. oh and I have yet to wait for a table!
(5)
Lindsey S.
When my friend suggested this place for brunch, I was a bit skeptical because I'd really thought of it more as a dinner spot. However, it was nice to walk in at 1:30 on a Sunday and be seated right away. The interior is cute, with mismatched chairs and tables contributing to a rustic feel. The service was pretty bad. Our original server asked if we had any questions about the menu, left to give us a time to decide and then never came back. He was replaced (twenty minutes later) by someone else. The brunch menu had a wide variety of choices. My skillet of eggs, sausage and potatoes was delicious and someone else I was with got a tuna melt, which looked awesome. Another of my friends, however, got the french toast and complained that it tasted chemical-y. I didn't believe her at first, but when I tried a bite, I did noticed a really strange taste -- almost like a dirty sponge or something. Gross. Somehow we saved room for dessert (I know, who eats dessert with brunch, right?) and it was very good, but not enough to save the rest of the meal. I might give Francesca's another try for lunch or dinner, especially because the prices are reasonable and it's centrally located in the heart of Wicker Park, but I won't be rushing back for brunch. The quick seating doesn't make up for the extremely slow service and inconsistent food.
(3)
John H.
Read Shradha A. and Brett D.'s reviews. (I am lazy) I loved the food, but felt too close to other dinners. I thought the place was fun. There is no parking so you either walk or take a cab. Service is fast.
(5)
Giovanna B.
Are you feeling... lucky? Well, it's all about chance at Francesca's! I have been there often enough (call me a pseudo-regular) to detect a certain "pattern" to the place: One day you'll get a meal that is quite delectable, but on a different day it will kinda... well, I don't want to use the word "suck", but it does on those unlucky days. Yup, it's all about hit or miss. However, today, my four stars are based on one of the good days. Yay! I very much enjoy the herbed olive oil they give you to snack with bread, and the garlic butter is quite delish. As far as appetizers go, I'm not too thrilled about the tuna... I think they just empty out a can of the divine fish onto a bowl and make it pretty - not one of their finest dishes, but kudos for the presentation***. I do, however, highly, HIGHLY recommend the bruschetta, especially if you are a "fungi" lover (get it? Fungi? Fun-gai? FUN GUY?!?! carrying on...); it is, simply put, scrumptious. The entrees are decent, but I would advice getting the specials - they change quite often and can be quite tasty, making me wish they were part of the main menu. The pizza entrees can be kinda salty (especially on the bad days), so watch out for those! They best part of the dining experience at Francesca's Forno is the dessert menu. Let me be more specific: The best part of the dining experience at Francesca's Forno is ordering the dessert platter. When I go in a group, we never fail to order these four different desserts served to share amongst all (and you save a couple of bucks too =). The menu explicitly says: "Chef's choice", but not *once* have we gone when we weren't able to get the desserts *we* wanted - all it takes is flashing a dashing smile to your server =) My favorites include the creme brulee, the chocolate bread pudding, the peanut butter ice-cream scoop stuffed with (you guessed it!) peanut butter, and the chocolate lava cake with mint chocolate chip ice-cream on top. Great. Now I'm hungry. Besides the food on "bad days", I haven't really had a bad service. The place can get crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, and it can be a pain to trek the tables, but it still has a friendly and comfortable feel to it. Best of all, it's situated right at the corner of North, Damen and Milwaukee, making it a people-watcher's haven. And you might even get to see a cab run over a pedestrian or two. I have spend many an-evening at this restaurant with family, friends, dates, etc etc etc, and I think I will keep going back for more =) *** Please refer to my review of "Il Covo" for this pressing issue
(4)
Pickle P.
Half-off bottles of wine on Mondays - pretty cool deal. Also, great bread!! Enjoyable evening out, but the food is a bit too expensive for the amount you are getting and the quality. The service staff seems really friendly and knowledgeable about the food AND wine, so that is a plus. But, sadly this place does not fulfill that neighborhood, authentic, intimate Italian restaurant feel I was going for.
(3)
Lindsee R.
I ended up here quite a few times last winter and was underwhelmed every time. Mostly, there wasn't enough flavor in anything we ordered. I see the menu has changed a bit, maybe I should try again.
(3)
Lindsey N.
It takes a lot for me to be disappointed in a restaurant, and Francesca's Forno did a decent job of being less-than-expected. We started off a friend's birthday night with reservations at 8:45. We were told, "Your table will be ready in less than 5 minutes." There was no room at the bar to hang out while we waited, so we had to stand in the back near the bathrooms...for 20 minutes. That's ok, I was in good company. Once we got to our table, we got baskets of bread and garlic butter, which was amazing. It took another 15-20 minutes for our waiter to come by to finally take our order. After polishing off a basket of bread, we asked for another, which our waiter said he'd get right away. The bread never showed up. One of my fellow diners dropped her fork on the floor and asked for another. The waiter said he'd bring one back right away. He never did. When the food arrived, she still did not have a fork. I ordered the Carpanelle con Pollo, which was described as pasta and chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, peas, and a creamy parmesan sauce. My meal was "just OK," however it was very large portions. The sun-dried tomatoes weren't. I had two or three large chunks of cooked tomato mingling with the pasta. Someone else at the table who'd ordered the same dish complained that she only had two or three small pieces of chicken in her pasta. The pasta was warm when it came to us, but not hot. While we waited for the check, several of us had put on coats because it became uncomfortably cold (and we were nowhere near the door). Maybe the waiter was having an off-night, or the chef wasn't completely on his or her game, but I was disappointed in just about every aspect of the meal and the ambiance. It will not be a restaurant I would recommend for dinner. However, other Yelpers have written good things about their brunch, so I'm not going to completely write Forno off.
(2)
Jessica P.
On a work-related trip to Chicago, we discovered this place on Yelp (big surprise!) and headed out to Wicker Park for some Italian cuisine. We had no reservation and no wait. The food was amazing, from the pear carpaccio to the dumplings to the lava cake for dessert. I generally find Americanized Italian food bland and boring, but this place is neither. We were all very pleased with our meals and with our server, who called us all "princesses." It was a wonderful start to our trip.
(5)
Mel A.
I love Francesca's! It can be loud on weekends so it may not be the best place if you want to catch up with old friends, but the food and service has always been great there. GREAT desserts, too.
(4)
Cori H.
This is one of my Chicago favorites. I have yet to experience a bad dish from this establishment, and the food and service have been outstanding. I would definitely recommend sharing dishes when dining with a group. From experience, this is the way to go. The dinner menu features a Risotto del Giorno (Chef's daily preparation), which is a must try.
(5)
emily b.
what a fun tuesday night! $23 for three courses? affermativo! (which, hopefully according to googleTranslate is "yes please" in italian) i'm not big on going out for italian because i usually like to indulge my eating-out on something i wouldn't cook for myself; however, i'd never cook 3 courses for myself in one night, so i guess this fits the bill! of course, points, er, stars, for giant windows overlooking the nonsense that is milwaukee/north/damen. more stars for the eclectic mix of chairs (i love mismatching flea market dining chairs so much it's just silly), stars for a bustling warm atmosphere and what my friend called "the best creme brule she's ever had". let's finish this constellation of stars for the outstanding selection on the prix-fixe menu. oh, and the giant mirrors so if you aren't facing the big windows, you still can catch the action. points off for my wine experience. i wanted a bottle that wouldn't break the bank but would be something other than a riesling and our server seemed to miss the mark here. they were out of the original bottle i requested and they kept trying to up uP UPsell us on a more expensive bottle that the server then couldn't open with her wine key until playing with it at our table for a SOLID four and a quarter minutes. (awkward!) it won't become a staple in my dining out repertoire, but i think it will at least make it to "hey how about that italian place we went that one time and it was pretty good even after waiting for our wine for so long" status.
(4)
Christiana S.
This was a nice alternative to the Bongo Room (which still had a 45 minute wait at 1:00 on a Saturday..... wtf?). My first impulse is to say that this place is expensive since brunch for two ended up costing $60 (that includes tip). However, it should be noted that I ordered 4 mimosas. And even though they're only $5 a pop, that does start to add up. I also followed my breakfast with dessert, which, now that I think about it, is kind of weird. As far as the food goes, I went with the chocolate chip pancakes with fresh fruit. (They're supposed to be served with mascarpone as well, but I hate mascarpone so I opted out. Also, as an aside, 'mascarpone' is misspelled on their menu.) They were good, not the best ever, but good nonetheless. My boyfriend had an omelet with asparagus and other stuff. He liked it. The aforementioned dessert was incredible. I opted for the torta cioccolata, which was chocolate mousse and cake topped off with toasted hazelnuts. It was SUPER delicious. Actually, all of the desserts sounded great, so I'm planning on going back and trying every single one. You know, just to make sure. The only *slight* downside? It seemed like there were a lot of kids here, which I actually thought was kind of unusual for the area. Still, they all seemed pretty well-behaved, so I guess it's a non-issue. And since a lot of these reviews have commented on the music: we got to listen to Verve Remixed Volume 3. Which I love dearly, but am getting a little tired of. Still, good brunch music. Anyway. I'm looking forward to going back for dinner..... (Maybe for the three courses for $21 thing they do on Tuesdays.)
(4)
Gina T.
Great location in Bucktown.. My hubby and I have had 2 very good experiences and one so so. We both highly recommend the risotto and antipasta. Cocktails are good but pasta could be hit or miss. We'll be back. Would love to see more flavorful pasta dishes.
(4)
Clare K.
MUCH better than the francesca's on lakeview. the thing that i like most about the francesca restaurants is the fact that they serve normal sized portions. at first it's a little disconcerting and you say to yourself: "where's the rest of my food? i could eat almost all of this without vomiting!!!" but then you realize that the fact that the food is good more than makes up for the fact that your dish does not consist of what would be an entire box of pasta. the desserts are great here. and the added bonus of not being served MASSIVE portions is the fact that you can actually eat the dessert! ingenious! great spot for people watching, as well. the music is funny though--you are totally reminded that you are in wicker park--but that is not a bad thing for me.
(4)
Lily H.
I really like this place-- they have a great brunch on the weekends and unlike several other Wicker Park brunch hot spots, Forno can always seat you right away. People watching from the huge windows really can't be beat (and neither can those killer Bloody Marys with the amazing beer back!). Fun. Delicious. Good ambiance. Totally bangin'. Dinner here is also gustatorily happening. I love the scrubbed down tables, all of the reveling scenesters and tempting Italian eats-- Mangiammo!
(4)
cara r.
We had a girls' night here a few months ago, and none of us can stop talking about it! With a bottle of wine for three of us and a martini for the 4th, four entrees, one side, one appetizer, and two desserts, the bill (WITH tip) was only $30 a person. I had a pasta dish with fresh ricotta and asparagus that was to die for. and our side of cheesy potatoes was fantastic. The most confusing thing about the restaurant is which door to go into for the front! The "front entrance" is on Milwaukee, with the Damen entrance leading to the bar. It was loud, but homey and comfortable, and I can't wait to go back. Definitely more low-key than the other Francesca's.
(5)
Crystal M.
I had brunch here this weekend. The Good: I had the open faced omelet and it was filled with large fresh vegetables, not just teensy bits added for color. It was impressive. My friend had the classic pancakes with bacon and he seemed quite pleased as well; apparently the bacon portion was noteworthy. The Bad: The side potatoes were mediocre and covered in a tasteless cheese. Our server was so over-zealous when she was interacting with us that it scared me. In contrast, she wasn't really the most attentive server; she was just hysterically enthusiastic, but absent. There is a "chain" vibe in here. It's not really a neighborhood joint, and like Bin down the street there's no real point in going here unless you are pressed for time (there's no wait on a Sunday morning) or with a large group (they can accommodate you). Conclusion: The food is good. The experience is mediocre. There's better stuff to be had in this area.
(3)
Jennifer R.
Came in here on Friday with 3 girlfriends and it was a great way to start the night. The Caprese Salad was amazing! We all loved it. I made my own pasta - just rigatoni and arrabiata. FF was very accommodating with my request. And, it was really good! My friends kept eating from my bowl : ) The other girls ordered Liguini with Clams (one of the specials), Pizza Marg., a salad (but I can't remember what kind) and side of asparagus. We were all pleased....and the wine was very good at $6 a glass.
(4)
Leigh K.
I can't believe I haven't yelped about the amazing experience that my boyfriend and I shared at Francesca's Forno on our four month anniversary. As we were looking over the menu, The Pixies and then Magnetic Fields blared from the speakers. From the first bite into the warm bread I'd smeared butter onto, it was true love. This place is a keeper. For a starter, we picked Carciofi alla Romana, which was one of the most interesting tastes I've rolled around in my mouth for some time. It's artichokes, lemon, mint, and bread crumbs. It was a truly subtle touch, but the mint really smacked down your idea of what artichokes should be flavored with and I loved it. We each got the same salad: Pinoli e Caprino, comprised of watercress, endive, arugula, pine nuts, pear, and goat cheese. Honestly, this is one of the best salads that I have ever had. The goat cheese is placed atop the salad and is slightly warm and each bite is just pure heaven. I tried to ration the goat cheese so that I'd have just a little bit in each bite. The fact that this salad is $6 is cryincrazyamazacrazy because most places that would serve a salad this good at such a nice portion would charge you at least $9. My invisible hat off to you, Francesca's Forno. For my entree, I ordered Penne con Carciofi e Prosciutto (minus the prosciutto), which Zachary ordered the ravioli. Entree winner: Zachary. While my pasta was delicious, the ravioli was wonderful...some of the best I have ever had. We were so full, but for you, Yelp, to write as thorough of a review as we possibly could, we struggled on and split their gelato sandwiches, which were every bit as delicious as they sound. A five star meal that totaled $67 (pre-tip), where we split an appetizer and dessert, and we each had a salad, an alcoholic beverage, and an entree. In every way except for one was this an amazing experience. When I had asked for my dinner to come without prosciutto, it arrived and I dug in, only to find a stray piece of prosciutto towards the bottom of the dish. Now, I don't know if it was a case of a cook accidently dropping that piece in or the server forgetting to tell the cook and then picking out the prociutto herself, but I let it slide because everything else was utterly enjoyable. This place is tops and I won't let that one thing bring my star rating down.
(5)
Sooyon H.
I've been here several times. . . I love that they have portion-sized dishes. The last time I came here, my friend and I ordered their caprese for an appetizer, which was pretty standard. We ordered one of their special of the day pastas, which came with seafood in a spicy, marinara sauce. Every time that I have ate there, despite the tight seating. . . I've never had to wait to be seated.
(4)
Shannon K.
Forno is a solid choice for Italian food - tasty dishes that are an appropriate size, a great location, consistently good service. I've been there 4-5 times for pasta, but tonight, our waiter Greg was a wealth of knowledge, so we explored the Dal Forno E Griglia (translation - no idea...) portion of the menu. When I asked about the chicken dish, we learned what pigs in Parma eat to make the best prosciutto. We started with the Pinoli e Caprino salad - yummy pears and goat cheese. I had the Pollo alla Valdostana (chicken, mushrooms, fontina, prosciutto) and BF had the Lombo di Maiale (bacon wrapped pork tenderloin). We then ordered the tastiest bread pudding - chocolate chip with banana fudge gelato, caramel and chocolate sauce. I coule have licked the plate clean. Luckily, they took it away before I could embarass myself.
(4)
Andrea R.
There are very few restaurants in Chicago that could fit a party of 6 in last minute on a Saturday night. After being denied by many restaurants I tried Francesca's Forno at 5:30 pm on a Saturday with the hopes of getting 8:30 pm reservations for 6 people. The guy hesitated at first, but then said he'd be happy to fit us in. I was thrilled, but unfortunately we weren't able to sit right down when we got there and it ended up being a 40 minute wait. Besides the wait and slow service I thought the food was great. We decided to split many dishes including the caprese salad (the best I've had in a long time), rigatoni (pretty good, but not sure if I'd get it again), salmon (very tasty), and ordered every side on the menu (the potatoes and the spinach were my favorites). We were full and happy after the meal...and especially happy that all that food and a few glasses of wine came to $28/person! Overall, Francesca's Forno was a great find and I'll be dining there again in the future. I just won't plan on going here when I have somewhere to be later in the night since the service was a bit slow. Edit 1/28/07: My friends and I headed to Feast for brunch and didn't want to wait for 45 min. The nice hostess at Feast suggested the brunch at Francesca's Forno so we headed on over. I didn't have high expectations since it was pretty much empty, but the brunch is as good as their dinner. W ordered an eggs benedict like dish over garlic toast, chocolate chip pancakes with berries, and a fritatta. Everything was delicious, especially the fried polenta and parmesan fry side orders. e
(4)
Laura H.
Good service, standard food, kind of loud. Be warned: Do not expect the same menu as the other Francesca restaurants. I went in expecting a huge bowl of pasta to fuel me up before my 20 mile run (which turned into 22 miles thanks to my friend's watch). However I got a small bowl of penne with a few chunks of eggplant for $12. I understand that the restaurant is going for a "tasting menu" as explained to me by the waitress. However, when I get tapas at , for instance, cafe ba ba reeba, I don't pay more than $6 or $7 for each dish. Long story short, I ended up dominating the bread basket to get my carb on. Sorry to everyone else at the table. :) On the plus side: Great service. The bread basket and my water glass never went empty. Dessert. You MUST order the tiramisu. Trust me. Side notes: It gets crowded, so make a reservation. Might not be the best date place on a weekend. I felt like my friends had to shout to hear each other.
(3)
jen e.
Went the other night with a friend for dinner. Had the Carpaccio which was amazing and topped with a huge portion of cheese, tomatoes, and mushrooms. I had the Spaghetti Fungighetto, it was pasta with a mushroom sauce, mascarpone and fontina cheese, and a white truffle oil! It was all lovely, I don't even enjoy the texture of mushrooms, but love the flavor and adore truffle oil! The desserts were ok, we had the creme brulee and a apple tart, those could have been better. The service was a little pushy at first, wanting us to order ASAP, but she seemed to back off as we were chatting and catching up. I will be back!
(4)
shellie a.
Love this place - been there multiple times and had great wine, food, and service. Weekend nights it gets super loud you can't hear each other talk. It's a great place for people watching right at the 6 points. Love the mismatched chairs and vintage ceiling.
(4)
Aaron T.
I went to Francesca's Forno for a casual Friday dinner. I had low expectations, yet this place failed to meet them. If you live in this neighborhood, I have no idea why you would go here to eat when there's so many great restaurants around. We started with fried calamari. I think I've had worse calamari before, but I'm not sure when. Maybe I should have steered clear of seafood for my first attempt at this place, but I don't think fried calamari is that hard to do well. I honestly can't remember what we ordered for our main courses, but I do remember being unimpressed. Neither of us finished our main courses either. On the up side, the food here is cheap, they have good drink specials, and the service is good. Unfortunately, it's a restaurant, not a bar (although there is a bar area). If you want good Italian food for an honest price, walk the extra few blocks and go to Club Lucky.
(2)
Lindsay M.
I must say that I LOVE the food and the people. However, the music is almost making us think about trying to find another go-to-neighborhood place. They used to incorporate the vibe of the neighborhood and it previous tennant (Sould Kitchen) through music (primarily early 90's alternative which was the relevant genre when Bucktown started to "come of age" in it's present form). But, now ... 50's nights and the 80's. I just had a tasteful dinner with the Bangles playing. Was tempted to pay the check early and just get out of there... It is sad because the food and staff is/are some of the best in the neighborhood and the new layout and menu is worth being everyone's favorite place.
(3)
Joscelyn M.
I've just been for brunch and really liked it. The garlic toast with egg and prosciutto is awesome. And don't even get me started on the chocolate pancakes. It's never too crowded, too, so a great option if the wait at Bongo Room is too long!
(4)
Carrie S.
This Italian restaurant in the epicenter of Wicker Park/Bucktown/Damen Street's pretty good. We came here for my bf's birthday party dinner. Since my dinner guest numbers kept fluctuating, I changed the number of people twice in one day. The host handled this well and seemed okay about it. We got here right before the crazy 7p.m. Saturday dinner rush. We were seated promptly and had some pleasant service. Their bread and butter is also amazing. Soft, buttered bread with a pesto like butter definitely started the dinner out right. For an appetizer, we had grilled calamari which was the app of choice that weekend. Their grilled calamari tasted light, crunchy, and overall delicious. They gave us a huge portion that the birthday boy finished off after his entree. I had the linguini with scallops and shrimp. I really enjoyed the mix of hot spicy and cool seafood. Everyone else's entrees looked just as delicious. Francesco Forno's gets docked a star because it felt rushed throughout our dinner. For such a nice Italian restaurant, we were ushered in and out like it was the Olive Garden. Good experience, just don't make me feel like it's some cheap casual restaurant when it's not.
(4)
Kristen S.
A great place for a warm, delicious meal! We came here for dinner on a Saturday evening. We had the soup of the day (creamy tomato with marscapone and basil), caprese salad, ravioli, pollo con crostini, tiramisu and a latte. All of the food was just amazing! Such a unique combination of flavors and beautiful food. The chicken (pollo con crostini) was cooked absolutely to perfection. The caprese salad was incredibly fresh - the tomatoes were so full of flavor. A minor complaint that the service is slow. Even when they are not busy, people here take their time. Also, my husband ordered a Coca-cola, but our server came back and informed us that they were "out of it". How does a restaurant run out of Coca-cola?
(4)
Da J.
Had brunch here on Mother's Day and loved not having to wait for a table! The two of us split the Garlic Toast and the eggs and sausage dish that I still can't pronounce. Both were perfect and complemented each other well. The garlic toast comes with a couple poached eggs with some tasty greens, fresh (and I mean FRESH!) diced tomatoes, savory prosciutto. The eggs (with cheese of some sort) were piled on top of smoky, zesty italian sausage with a delicious tomato sauce and crisp polenta. Everything tasted great and the portions were perfect. I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Matt N.
Not a place I would normally spend so much on a lunch at a "kind of chain" (32 dollars for two 'tizers, entree, and a bottle of dolcetto d'alba) but my friends and I needed a real restaurant in bucktown that was open for late lunch... you would be surprised of how many aren't! I tried the eggplant, spinach with shell pasta, shrimp with pasta, and mine (the best one) spaghetti al funghetto (al dente pasta, mushrooms with mascarpone in a brandy wine sauce, yum-E). Pre meal bread was plentiful and they served it with a really good garlic herb butter. The location is probably one of the best in the city, right in the heart of the six corners of wicker park and the interior is pretty cool, feels like an italian place. Service was attentive (although low crowd since it was an off time). I have been to their St. Charles location (**WARNING** trip to suburbs not recommended for all) and would say that St. Chucks is slightly superior in food quality and overall ambience.
(4)
Alex R.
Quality Italian food that won't blow you out of the water. I got risotto that I enjoyed but it seemed like something I could have made myself. The prices are pretty reasonable for the area though so overall I would say it was a good value.
(3)
starbrite y.
One of my favorite places to go for Italian. Good flavors, fresh ingredients, fun and lively atmosphere. It can be a tad loud at times and wait times are bad. Then again, it's a good sign- people want to eat here! I'd recommend reserving a table before going.
(4)
B B.
The new open air design is sure to be a hit. The food is always fantastic and the staff available at any second. One of the best gems in Wicker Park and Bucktown.
(5)
Alexis H.
As a regular diner at the other Francesca's locations throughout the city, I have to admit that I held pretty high standards for Forno when I ate there the first time a couple nights ago. While there was nothing really wrong with the restaurant, I don't quite feel like it deserves to be a part of the Francesca's family. Here is my main problem: Francesca's restaurants update their menus almost daily. Forno uses same menu all the time. What this means - The chefs at Forno are not using the best ingredients available depending on the season. This is a REALLY BIG DEAL to me. So big I felt the need to capitalize. The reason I love Francesca's is that they always make the best meals with the best options given the time of year. I have never, ever had a bad meal at a Francesca's restaurant. Never. This is why my mediocre pasta at Forno the other night really let me down. The waiter was great, the bread was amazingly fresh, and the atmosphere was warm and lively. That being said, I'll take mediocre pasta if I'm expecting it (see reviews for Noodles & Co and Zen for proof), but mediocrity and Francesca's should never co-exist. Forno, I expect you to do better.
(3)
Sunshine A.
I went to Forno's once with my boyfriend after he told me about the clam pizza that he had been craving after going with a few of his friends.... this was a few months ago... I had the Capellacci Tradizionale and was pleasantly pleased, I thought, hey, average Italian place....the pasta shouldve been good. Then came dessert...I ordered the vanilla bean creme brulee which was TO DIE FOR!! After my first experience with the restaurant, I decided I should go back for dinner with a few friends. I checked the website out, and to my surprise there was $21 three-course specials on Tuesday evenings. Perfect!!!! So last night my friend and I made reservations (which werent needed because the place wasn't that packed at 7pm) to check it out. She ordered a steak dish w/ polenta and I had the lemon zest talapia. She absolutely loved her dish, I'm not a steak eater but the polenta was soo good. As far as my talapia...it was good, but just a little to zesty for me. Oh the appetizers! How could I forget? We had the traditional bruchetta and cheese fritters....both were excellent... and my favorite part of dinner.....DESSERT I recommended the creme brulee and my friend loved...i ordered the lava torte with mint choc chip gelato... not the BEST gelato Ive had, but it was definitely good!! I will definitely go back for that deal....just make sure you are hungry because that's a looot of food... happy eating!!
(3)
Molly L.
My friend introduced to me this restaurant a week or so go and I am obsessed. The prices are very reasonable and after two appetizers, two entrees and a bottle of wine we each only owed $45 dollars. Everything on the menu looked great and I don't think I have met a waiter more enthusiastic about the food. I had their spaghetti with mushrooms that was served in a veal-brandy sauce and their caprese salad...both were delicious. This is not your run of the mill Italian restaurant. They offer a creative and updated take on Italian in a laid back and fun atmosphere. I will definitely be heading back.
(5)
Michael R.
This place took a sharp nosedive. The menu used to be crafted -- inspired... Now it is cliche Italian - What a disappointment. We couldn't find anything on the menu any more exotic than what you'd find in Schaumburg. Olive Garden has a more original menu. The only thing the new Forno is missing is a large panoramic painting of the Italian countryside.
(1)
Sara P.
Greatest restaurant for a Sunday evening with friends. We had perfect service and a great meal ... a heavenly bottle of wine and walked out satisfied (leaving a large tip). Next day ... we get a call saying we stole from the restaurant and did not pay our full bill. We have credit card receipts to prove this allegation false, but I will never feel the same about a restaurant that demands we come back to pay for a meal a second time. I hope these people can get their act together because it is a shame such a good meal was ruined. None of us will ever go to this restaurant or any of the others ... This was a few weeks ago and I am still beyond pissed just thinking about this situation.
(1)
Jessica Y.
Update - stopped in for pizza after the line for Piece was incredibly long one night during March Madness. We were pleasantly surprised with the pizza we ordered - it was delicious!!! We got the fig pizza, which had prosciutto, Gorgonzola, mozzarella, and figs. Very different, but great flavors together. We also got the pizza that had tomatoes, field greens, mozzarella, and balsamic drizzle which was equally interesting a delicious. Our server was friendly and attentive. An all around great experience.
(4)
Jasmine J.
Forno has yet to disappoint. We haven't tried brunch, but my boyfriend and I love to come here for dinner. We enjoy the atmosphere and we love the food. The Fichi alla Forno (gorgonzola figs in pancetta) appetizer is delicious and the standout entrees for us are the Pollo Arrosto (roasted half-chicken and sausage) and the Ignudi alla Fiorentina (indescribably delish gnocchi). We also love the Ricotta e Miele (Ricotta and honey). We've had great service every time we've been. I suggest Forno any night of the week for a good Italian meal and it's perfect for dinner with maybe old high school friends or friends from the suburbs. It's good food that's moderately priced, in a cool neighborhood, with a bit of city flash, without being overwhelming or pretentious.
(5)
Samantha K.
I have always been a fan of Francesca Forno, but just tried their revamped menu and was blown away. If you haven't been in a while, or have never been, now is the time to check it out. We started with their new tuna sashimi appetizer and the calamari. The sashimi was so delicious and refreshing, garnished with roasted peppers, and arugula and crunchy bread. A great way to start off the meal. The calamari was very lightly breaded, not giving you that "I just ate a ball of grease feeling" and the dipping sauce was delicious. For our main course we had the new chicken that had capers and brown butter sauce. It was very good, but the star of the show was the new gnocchi. I love gnocchi most of the time, but my fiancee does not and this made him a believer. The truffle cream sauce with nice slices of parm made this dish truly decadent, like chocolate mousse decadent. We were too full for dessert this time around, but if you aren't, check out the banana bread pudding...it's to die for. The service should not be outdone by the food. We had a fabulous waiter... he gave excellent recommendations on both food and wine and actually remembered us from a previous visit! Good service always leaves a sweet taste in my mouth. Check out Francesca Forno's new modern twist on good italian food.
(5)
Justin S.
I hadn't been out to wicker park in 4 months and was looking for some place new to eat out at. Walked by here cause its conveniently located right in the off of Milwaukee, damen and north aves. Limited menu for brunch but still a decent selection. I went with the chocolate chip pancakes which is slowly becoming a breakfast staple for me. They were awesome. Its rare for me to eat a breakfast with no meat, after all I love sausage ham and bacon covered in maple syrup, but this dish was great, The fruit, cheese, syrup and pancakes were awesome. Nothing left and I know the women next to me who ordered the salads, as delicious as they looked, still regretted not going with the pancakes.
(4)
Rebekka T.
I honestly thought this place was going to be a depressing soul sucking experience. I still harbor resentment towards the big timers that have moved into Wicker Park and made it look like the rest of the midwest. Bitch, gripe, you've heard it before. Hello Bank of America, Starbucks, Chipotle. Even though I secretly look for you when I'm in the burbs, when I am in the city, I must avoid you at all costs , clinging to my thinning ideals of youth and independence. I thought FF was part of this wave of landscape insipidness installed for the benefit of the upwardly mobile and suburb destined. Not that it's totally innocent, there is the horrible flaming awning which is what made me think it was another awful chain. But the food was actually good. Who would have guessed? I wanted to give it 3.5 stars because I wouldn't say I'm an outward "fan", but more like a grudging supporter of a lesser evil.
(3)
K M.
I went here this weekend with a group of girl friends. We ordered the pecan french toast to share as we waited for others to show up, and the chef brought out an order of blueberry pancakes with the french toast (on the house!). The pancakes were unbelievable! Of everything ordered, I highly recommend their take on Eggs Benedict (crispy risotto instead of an English muffin and prosciutto instead of Canadian bacon). It was unbelievable! Over all, great service, great atmosphere, plenty of space. It would get 5 stars if the portions were just a bit bigger.
(4)
Melissa H.
This is a good restaurant but its not something I'd go out of my way to go to. The atmosphere has always been really loud, definitely not good for an intimate dining experience. On the other hand, the food is good. Some of my favorite items on the menu: Pinoli e Caprino salad and the Spaghetti al Fungeto. Reminiscing on my visits here the food was really good, but for some reason it doesn't appeal to me. I guess the loud environment effects me more than I realize. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, I just realized how much I like a nice, quiet, and cozy dining atmosphere.
(4)
kevin b.
went here for sunday brunch with some friends. immediately impressed by the atmosphere, design of the restaurant. had to wait a few minutes for a table, but nothing serious considering location/time/day/having 5 people. got to marvel at the wood-burning oven and bartender making finely crafted bloody marys. food was great! i got some garlic toast thing with eggs and watercress and olive oil and tomatoes on top and it was EXCELLENT. only complaint is my portions were a little small. other than that, great location/food/environment/staff/everything!
(4)
Marissa D.
This review is just for their brunch. Which is fantastic, if i I do say so myself . I don't know why more people aren't coming here instead of waiting outside Bongo Room. My Mimosa was very good. A few others at the table had Bloody Mary's - one of which I succeeded in stealing halfway through our meal whilest trying not to appear like a lush to the boyfriend's friends who I was meeting for the first time (so to sum up: mimosa and stolen bloody mary = good). Ok - the foods. My granola/yogurt/fruit dish was perfect, just what I wanted. For those more eager to fill their stomachs, the french toast and the egg polenta dish with some sort of meat and tomato sauce were the big winners. I decree that I shall come here for DINNER because brunch went so well. And henceforth, upon consummation of this meal of food, I shall add to this review my thoughts on the ENTREES and DESSERTS of Francesca's Forno. Until then, dear subjects, good day.
(4)
Tiff B.
I've been here for both brunch and dinner and have had excellent meals both times. I'm usually wary of Italian restaurants simply because there are so many terrible ones out there. But I was pleasantly surprised by Francesca Forno's. At brunch, I had a polenta and eggs dish that was delicious. I don't remember the actual name of the dish. For dinner, I had the risotto of the day and for dessert we shared the chocolate chip bread pudding with gelato. Alll of it was awesome. The portions were generous without being obnoxiouslly huge. And the service both times was excellent. I also love that they give an option of both garlic butter and olive oil/ground pepper/parmesean cheese with their fresh, crusty bread. Oh, and supposedly they deliver now!
(5)
Katherine R.
I was blown away by my meal on Tuesday night. Literally, for the first time all year and the first time in a long time. The goat cheese and crostini appetizer, is really good, but really standard. Cafe Ba Ba Reeba has it, among other places. I guess there is not much you can do with it to change it up. The only thing about it was they gave you four pieces of crostinin with it. Really? Because figure at least two people are ordering this as an appetizer...so two pieces to devour a huge hunk of goat cheese and tomato sauce? The bus boy was on to us and brought more bread over; nice considering our server was M.I.A for the entire time we were there. The insalata con uova (Italian for egg) was hands down, the best salad I have ever had in my life. Argula, lemon-oil vinegarette, light parmesan shavings, grilled asparagus and a fried egg. I must have looked like I was eating my last meal to the surronding tables, because I inhaled this salad. It was freakin awesome. My other two gal pals completely agreed. I mean, wow. Still thinking about it two days later... I ordered the rigatoni something, pretty good. Nothing to go on about, but it was good. They were nice about the sans meat substitution, which is always appreciated. The torta lava and the tiramisu were both fantastic as well; this place just all-around has great food. Our server? In a word, absent. He was very attentive to his other tables, but seemed to have a sight problem, because he would rush past our table without stopping. The tip we left, 100 percent belonged to the bus boy. Cute bartender too! :)
(5)
Madelyn H.
went back to francesca's forno with an out-of-town friend and had an equally delightful experience. in fact, perhaps a little better than my first time because i now knew to try the insalata con uova (salad with asparagus, lemon vinaigrette, parmesan, a fried egg and truffle oil). perhaps it's my recent obsession with fried eggs, but i loved this salad. i also tried the bucatina alla amatriciana, but quickly realized i should have followed my fiance's lead again and gotten the ignudi alla fiorentina because it's soooo good. must eat: insalata con uova!!
(4)
Kailee K.
Love love love this place! Brought a friend to Chicago for the first time and met old college friends for dinner. The food was fantastic and service was great. We were late for our reservation and they were extremely understanding. I really enjoyed the open windows and vibe of this place. We had the roasted corn, potatoes, pizza and watermelon with the balsamic reduction! My recommendation: Eat here people!
(5)
Phil O.
Our favorite brunch spot. When we can't decide on a new brunch place to try, we will always end up at Francesca's. We brunch fairly early so there is never a wait and we always get the same server and she is fantastic. The food is great but our service is always amazing. Try the Panino Bisteca, it is heavenly.
(5)
Purnima M.
This was surprising, and I mean that as a compliment. We chose this restaurant to begin our Friday evening mainly because of its convenient location - and our ultimate dining experience was an unexpected bonus. The space is loud and bustling, but we got a great corner table so we didn't have to yell and could people watch out the window at the same time. And the food was wonderful - from the potato fundue appetizer, roasted beet salad, to the pizza topped with a fried egg (!), and gnudi dumplings. Even a custom order by a friend turned out to be a fresh combination of pasta tossed with olive oil and toothsome roasted vegetables. I'd say, don't bother with the reservations. Put your name down, don't be fazed by the crowd, and spend your hour's wait at one of the many fine watering holes nearby.
(4)
Stan W.
Forno is almost always packed. Its pretty annoying since I like coming here. I can't say its worth a long wait for but if you can get seated then give it a shot. The food is definitely above average and reasonably priced. I especially love the bacon & egg salad and the roasted chicken, though the last time I got that it wasn't all that good as the 3 times I've had it before. Oh, and I know some folks who recently got food poisoning eating here. But they've been back since (and so have I) so it must not've been all that bad.
(4)
Tommy M.
Mmmmmmm, wild boar. The place is pretty cool, the tables were all different, which is neat. The food was really good, but I didn't think my bowl of pasta was big enough. Usually at italian restaurants they should give you enough pasta that you have enough for lunch the next day, but I scarfed it all down. Maybe it was because the wild boar meat sauce was so delectable.
(4)
Ilya B.
I love this place. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, the staff is friendly, fast, and accomodating and the food is really good. If you're looking for a romantic evening, I wouldn't come here but otherwise it's a must try. I've been to many of the finest Italian restaurants in Chicago and Italy and this place can hold it's own with the best of them. The portions are generous but not Buca De Beppoesque (too big). The prices are reasonable; especially for Bucktown/Wicker Park. We've gone on Friday nights without a reservation when the place is packed and been seated (party of 2 or 4) within 30 to 40 minutes. We've also gone early on Sunday nights with our 2 year old and had a great experience as well. The waiter we had did a great job interacting with our son. Some of my favorite dishes are the pastas, especially the frutti de mare, the salad with rocket, apples, goat cheese and pinenuts and the fish specials are always really good. They have awesome gelatos (try the chocolate chip/banana) and the bread pudding is amazing. My wife is more picky than I am and they will change any dish to accomodate your needs. Honestly, I've never had a bad meal here and they are always changing their menu which I love (Hint to Le Bouchon). I could go on and on but you'd be better off trying it yourself then listening to me so go now.
(4)
Mindy V.
Always delicious. Although my wallet was stolen while I was there (hence the 3 rather than 4 stars) and I noticed some shady people haning out the next time I went as well. Good solid italian with yummy Italian meats and cheeses and great pasta and pizzas. Just watch your wallet!!
(3)
David D.
Now, I'm not super high on the totem pole in regards to eating at medium/high price restaurants, but I always have had a good experience at Francesca's Forno. It's loud, and a touch crowded, I will say that. Me and my girlfriend went yesterday for the Tuesday $21 three course meal, and it was super good! I got the Trout, and I was expecting a tiny little fillet. The piece of fish I got was huge! And delicious! For dessert, I got the chocolate torte with mint chocolate gelato, and it was super good too. I can't say Francesca's is something to over hype, but my experiences have always been good there. Check it out on Tuesdays, for the doubtful.
(5)
Amy J.
Honestly, just okay! I've been to a lot of the other mia francesca chain restaurants (La Sorella in Naperville, Mia Francesca downtown) and I was just not impressed with this place at all. In fact, I went in a group of five, and no one was overly impressed with their meals at all. Two of us got the "naked ravioli" which is supposed to be a menu speciality--it was just okay. Portions are small, environment was kind of dull. I just didn't find it that impressive at all, especially compared to the other restaurants.
(3)
Natalie C.
My friend Jana and I went for a late brunch on a Saturday. Since it was about 3pm, there were plenty of tables open and we were seated right away. I love the interior of this restaurant. The high ceilings, wood tables and the large copper mirrors give the place a warm, rustic feeling. I ordered the Forno Bloody Mary, which was spicy and came with a chaser of beer. Yum! Jana had the Bellini which was small but delish. I ordered the Frisee Salad with fried egg, Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette, and truffle oil. Good but a bit too salty. My friend ordered the Uovo alla Diavola with spicy italian sausage, eggs and polenta. It was remarkable. I will definitely be back for another Bloody Mary and to try something else.
(4)
Eliza M.
Not bad, not great. Overall, I've had pretty good food and decent service but never found anything too special about this place. There's better Italian in the 'hood.
(2)
J J.
Overrated, as are most things in this neighborhood. Dining area is horrible: wobbly tables are miniaturized, and patrons are squeezed into them in already cramped dining area, allowing you to overhear everyone else's conversations. Quaint? No, more like annoying. And only positive about the food = it was served hot.
(1)
Laura D.
Disappointing. Usually rave about the Francesca's. Went for a solo late lunch on a Friday that happened to be Good Friday. Business was winding down when I arrived but I could see it had been a madhouse. The problem was there was only one server and he apparently was overwhelmed by the time I arrived starving. I'm very easy going and considerate with waiters because I've worked in the service industry; but...I got the Eye-Roll treatment and a rude and short answer when I quickly asked what the salad was like that came with the paninis. A good surprise was that it was Romaine lettuce, not iceberg as I was told. It also had crispy carrots, tomatoes and cukes. The caprese panini was tasty and so was the salad and a large portion too. Alas, I knew I couldn't take it home because my waiter never checked back with me about the food and basically vanished until I stood up to get my bill so I could get back to work. I couldn't help but think that he figured a single diner wasn't worth his time because he chatted up the 3-tops at the expense of basic courtesy towards me. Big Q: Why does management have only one server on a Friday-period-but especially one that many have off work due to a holiday? The food was good but not good enough to tolerate the poorest of service in any economy.
(1)
Sara P.
This place is great. Went here on a Friday night with some friends- one of us had been there before, the rest of us were newbies. I would definitely come back. I thought everyone at the table was going to lick the butter dish- for some reason, their butter is really really good on their bread. We had the calamari, which was excellent. I had the ravioli dish as my entree, and it took everything I had not to finish the whole thing. The best part of the meal was seeing how inexpensive the check was. I definitely recommend this place!
(4)
nicole d.
Had a very nice, relaxing brunch here on Sunday. After reading other reviews we steered clear of the truffle toast. I had the eggs benedict with pesto & prosciutto; my husband had the steak & eggs. Everything was perfectly prepared & tasty. The fried potatoes we both got with our eggs were really nice & crispy without a hint of grease...only minor criticism is that we thought the pecorino truffle fries would have been a better complement to his steak than plain hashed browns - we'll ask them to substitute next time. The bloody marys were great - spicy with a beer back & in my opinion a great deal ($6 for a pint glass sized cocktail). We were seated as soon as we walked in the door. Service was very friendly without being obnoxious. As others have noted this is a great people watching spot. We'll definitely be back.
(4)
Irene I.
It's all about the butter. I'm not the biggest fan of Italian-American food, but I must say that FF's has the best herb butter I've had in town. It's so good that I wish I could purchase some for my home. The portions at FF are perfect for one person, which is the way it should be. The noise level can get a little out of control if you go during rush hour (after 7 pm), but the prices are very reasonable. You can easily get away with spending about $10-12 per person and be more than satisfied. The antipasti selection is also a good route to go if you're not sure what to eat. I've tried the zucchini and the young artichoke in lemon juice with olive oil. If you get 3 antipasti, it's $14 and they're individually priced at $4-6. Service is spotty, and the seating isn't the most comfortable as the tables are jammed right next to each other, but the food is reliable and delicious.
(3)
Nathan B.
Awesome! Great place to people watch at the Damen-Milwaukee-North six way. My fiance and I decided to grab some Italian on Cinco de Mayo (not feeling the wait at any Mexican spots...). We wandered into Francesca's Forno and were pleasantly greeted and sat next to the window facing Milwaukee. Great little wine list and a good selection of bottles and draft beers (Bells, Peroni, I had a Moretti). We split an app of Caprese Salad which was delicious, it had some really tasty spinach puree on top. For entrees, my gal had pasta and I had beef tenderloin (awesome). Our waiter was great! He was very attentive and not overbearing in the slightest. Our total tab for Two drinks and app and two large/delicious entrees was $59, a bargain in my opinion for a really nice dinner/date night. See you see Francescas!
(4)
Christina S.
I've been here twice. Both times, the service and food were excellent. Both times, I couldn't believe how LOUD it was! During the weekend dinner rush, it's seriously ear-piercingly, mind-numbingly loud. Sorry, but all the risotto in the world isn't worth an evening of reading lips and screaming to be heard above the din.
(3)
Amar B.
Was there on a wednesday, the dining area was inviting in a non-snobbish kind of way. Waiter was really nice, portions were big. Definitely recommend the italian sausage, peppers pasta dish. Beet salad and asparagus was great, the food was good, so was the red wine the waiter recommended. Will definitely come back.
(4)
Steve I.
I've been here a few times before and we went again last night for the 3 course dinner special which includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert for $23 (excluding drinks of course). You can order anything off the menu and the portions are the same size. My appetizer was the beef and sausage meatballs in a tasty marinara sauce. They are huge so share. My wife ordered the calimari. We ate half the order and took the rest of it home. My main course was linguine with shrimp, scallops in a spicy marinara. The shrimp were delicious and the scallops were melt in your mouth good. I guess someone paid attention in cooking school on how to cook a scallop. My wife had tilapia which she thought was pretty good, although I am not crazy about that particular fish. Now, for chocolate lovers here it comes: Torta Lava. This was my dessert: a flourless chocolate cake with a liquid chocolate center, a scoop of vanilla gelato on top in a raspberry sauce. This is definitely a dessert to be savored. My wife had the tiramisu which was excellent as well. Service was spot on and we never felt rushed. Top it off with a Knob Creek on the rocks and all was right with the world.
(5)
Mollie O.
Despite the fact that it is a franchise, I really like this place. From reading the reviews I think you have to arrive on weekends pretty early to beat the crowds and yes, babies. The food is quite excellent and you might also get to try new things, like, say, beets. Cute decor and excellent background music.
(4)
T. T.
Decent food. Great ambiance. OK service. Enough said.
(3)
Martha Z.
I think I am developing an obsession for Francesca's. The portions were perfect, they really got my coma going. Sure they aren't buca di peppo size, but I can't eat all that food anyway. Our waitress helped us pick out the perfect wine. With every sip I felt my troubles melt away. The new wave music really set the rhythm of me shoveling forkfuls of delicious linguine in my face. We split a chocolate chip bread pudding with banana gelato, it was hard to share because we both liked it so much. I see a tuesday night pre fixe at Francesca's forno in my future!
(5)
Michelle R.
Very very loud restaurant, hard to carry on a conversation. Food was good, but nothing to rave about. Service was good & we got a table right away. The manager did come over after our meal to try & bribe us with a drink at the bar to give up the table because there were people waiting, which I thought was kind of tacky.
(3)
Alex K.
Went here for dinner with a larger group. Ended up waiting for a while after our reservation, which I don't really blame them for - it was busy. They gave us some free appetizers to make up for it, which was cool. My food was pretty tasty - but came out pretty cold, and the portions were unexpectedly small. The place was overall OK but I can't recommend it for big groups. The waitress was very cool and put up with a lot of craziness, though.
(3)
Eva J.
So many Italian places in this city, but I keep on coming back here. Food is delicious. Prices are reasonable. Service is friendly and expedient. It's always loud and jumping. Lights are dim. Always good. What else can you ask for?
(5)
bill s.
Stopped here one evening for dinner with my wife and my son who lives in the neighborhood. We had 8pm dinner reservations, went to the bar, ordered a drink and were seated by 8:15 or so. Older guy was our waiter and from NYC, we we share the same age and geographic demographic. I had the fish special, my son had the risotto, and my wife had some ravioli. All were nicely done, good quality ingredients. Overall a rather nice experience, will go back. Downside is that the place is damn noisy, even by Chi standards. Lots of hard surfaces, tables close together, no real sound absorbing materials. Really hard to carry on a conversation in a normal tone.
(3)
Nikki L.
This place is pretty good. I've been here a few times, service is good and food is good too...Try the dessert that chocolate cake with hazelnuts are amazing! Sinful, I'd go back just for dessert.
(3)
Kerry D.
I'm going to stick with Mia Francesca from now on...much better food and service- although I liked the atmosphere of Forno. I chose it for a budget night, I'd been told it was cheap-ish...Our bill was higher than it has ever been at MF.
(3)
Jay R.
The food is high caliber. I don't know why I didn't review it yet, but everything I had there was incredible and rather authentic (Proper Italian versus Italian-American dishes). It is not cheap, but not terribly expensive either. I'd get reservations, though, the wait can be long.
(5)
Kara H.
a friend and I walked into Francesca's at 7:30 on a Friday night with no reservation. they found us a table immediately. Best service I've ever had. our waiter was very attentive and reccomended an excellent wine. the manager even came to our table when we were done to ask if we enjoyed everything. the food was great and the service was phenomenal.
(4)
Cory A.
I visit Francesca's Forno once in a while when I happen to be in Wicker Park, and although it's nothing super special, it still feels nice to go in and have a meal. I usually get a pasta dish and other than needing some salt, the flavors are usually there, and the bread and butter you get at the beginning is better than most places. The problem that this place has, is inconsistent service. Sometimes it's good, and sometimes it's terrible. Even when it's busy, serving tables effeciently is something that can't be swept under the rug. Last time I was there, my server had 5 tables on a friday night, and instead of making rounds evenly to make sure everyone had what they needed, she spent most of her time at a table of men flirting and never even brought the soft drink I ordered and reminded her of twice. Restaurants that serve the best food, still need to have the best servers. And it's safe to say that Francesca's Forno doesn't have the BEST food, so it would be common sense to either train or let go some of the servers who can't cut it. I'll return if I happen to be in the area and don't hear of another nice restaurant, but I hope the service is better.
(3)
Amy D.
So yummy!! I loved all the cheeses. I was able to enjoy all the cheese I wanted here. I didn't realize it was so huge until it came out or else I wouldn't have gotten my entree which I was very sad I couldn't finish. Wasn't able to try the dessert, but would love to next time. Great ambiance.
(4)
Dani R.
I have done Sunday brunch and dinner there. I recently went for $23 Tuesdays. What a nice deal. It includes three courses. Really worth it. The spaghetti with mushrooms was great. I also love their brunch. Try is for all different meals.
(4)
K M.
Five stars cause I didn't pay. Took awhile to be seated, but after the meal I had no complaints. Bread was fresh and chewy with the best butter ever (had garlic and herbs). For appetizers we had the pears with balsamic reduction and goat cheese, along with the cheese fritter appetizers. Then onto the meals, I had the short ribs risotto, Boyfriend had the chicken with sausage and peppers, Friend had the cheese ravioli, and her Husband had some fish. It was all very very good. For dessert we had the bread pudding with gelato, which was reason enough to never leave. Will be back.
(5)
Joe V.
Went here for the first time on a Tuesday night. Glad I did...as on Tuesday they have their 3 course entree special for $21! What a steal. The food was exquisite, the service excellent and the martinis heavenly. I will be going back for sure.
(4)
Joe M.
It's Saturday morning, about 9:45am, for some reason I'm awake and so is my roommate and a buddy in from out of town. We wanted to go grab some breakfast at some place on North Ave that is supposed to be great but they had a wake of over an hour. So Fracesca's Forno it was. When we walked in it was completely dead. We were seriously the only three there other than the staff. Needless to say we had amazing service. We all had Bloody Mary's, which looked more like a salad in a glass, however they tasted amazing and came with a complementary 8oz beer, for what reason I do not know, but it was a nice touch nonetheless. Our food was GREAT. Original in every way. I have never had eggs and ham and toast prepared so well. The only downside was when the bill came and it rounded $80 for the three of us. Just too much to spend on breakfast, no matter how good it is. I'm giving FF 4 starts because it was truly worth it. However I don't see myself going back for a long while.
(4)
Betty B.
Oh Forno. I love your brunch. And those fries. Truffle oil is the most magical thing in the world. And the Truffle egg toast is so so so good. I have only had lunch here once and it was delicious too. My server is Ellie and she makes it so worth it. I get a bloody mary as soon as I sit down. Magic.
(5)
Yujin A.
This Francesca is not as fancy or expensive as the one in Lakeview (Mia Francesca), but their food was excellent. It is definitely a better value than MF. I also went there for brunch once, and it was one of the best brunches I've had in a while. I love their cool chairs and location. I live too far away from it unfortunately, but I'd recommend this place if you live in Wicker Park.
(4)
Joanna B.
When we called around 1:30 we were told that brunch was being servfed on Sunday until 3:00. So we went in and were seated right away. The waiter was very good recommending different brunch ideas. Everyone at the table got something different and everyone licked their plates clean. I had the pancakes with marscapone cheese, chocolate, banana and fresh fruit. They were delicious. I also recommend the sausage. My aunt had the bloody mary and love it. I would go back and recommend this place to others for brunch.
(5)
Nicole L.
What's worse than a bunch of starving/hung-over girls and 1 hour waits for brunch? After losing patience with being added to the wait list, we decided to venture to Francesca Forno, an adorable Italian eatery in Bucktown. As they are owned by the infamous Mia Francesca, we knew we couldn't go wrong. Not going to lie, the portions were a little small given my hung-over state, however, the quality was amazing and I was impressed by the original dishes. We enjoyed chocolate chip/banana pancakes amongst several other unique egg specials. I would be very interested in checking out lunch and dinner as well.
(4)
Mindy S.
I went here for brunch the other day with some of my friends, and I was quite impressed. I would never think of this place for brunch, but someone recommended it and I'm happy we got to try it. Our party of 4 got in no problem which was a nice treat compared to the other popular brunch places with the long waits. We split a few dishes amongst the table and the fries were definitely our favorite. Yes, I realize that's not breakfast, but we just had to try them. The garlic toast was also one of our favorites. Overall a nice change and a very reasonable meal. I'm excited to go back and try it here for dinner.
(4)
Netty L.
Ricotta and radicchio dumplings.
(5)
Ren H.
The portions are huge here so its a great date place but it can get kind of noisy and uncomfortable..
(3)
Lulu L.
Well, the bread was good....ok, the sauce on the pasta was good too. My husband ordered the beef tenderloin and it was too fatty and not tender enough for my liking. The sauce it was served with was overpowering. I ordered the pasta special and it was just ok. Oh, I also ordered a the beet appertizer, and again, whatever oil or sauce it was tossed in detracted from the flavor of the beets. Probably won't be dropping $100 there again for a dinner for two with a few glasses of wine. If you go, stick with the pasta dishes. And as everyone else has mentioned, it's annoyingly loud.
(2)
Jennifer k.
Incredible food. Seriously. The only reason that I wouldn't give it 5 stars is the noise, the wait and the service. It is extremly loud there. we ended up eating at the bar because the wait was way too long, you'd think that you'd get better service sitting at the bar, but you don't it's just that busy! i would definitely recommend their Carpaccio! It's enough for two, but next time, i'm not sharing.
(3)
Dave K.
Saturday brunch, around noon, no wait. And the bill was no more than $16 for two people. You should know ahead of time that the chocolate pancakes are pretty good. They put bananas and strawberries on top, and even throw in a little mascarpone. The chocolate is in small rectangular shapes--not chips--and is of fairly high quality. John was a particularly friendly and attentive waiter. Do be forewarned: if you sit in one of the seats facing the window that looks out onto Milwaukee, bring sunglasses. The reflection off of the white building across the street is REALLY bright.
(4)
Jamie B.
I'm an atmosphere gal. Give me a little sunshine, fizzy cocktails on a Saturday brunch and an open air restaurant and I'm onboard! Food is good atmosphere is nice. Perfect place for brunch with girlfriends and fun shopping around the corner. Cheers!
(4)
Lauren M.
What happened?? Francesca's used to be my favorite local brunch spot. It never had a long wait and consistently served great food and provided a wonderful atmosphere. Is there a new owner? How can a place go from the tops to the bottom so quickly. The menu has been different the past 3 times I've been here. It's like as soon as I find a favorite new menu item, it's gone. And not just that, the quality of food and the service has gone down significantly. I was so disappointed in my omelet my last visit.The chef cooked the sausage, tomatoes and cheese together, then poured it into what can best be described as an egg taco - not fluffy, but more rubbery in texture. The cheese was melted (browning) to the sausage but not at all to the egg! It was heartbreaking for a cheese lover like me who was expecting melty goodness of a traditional omelette. The entire atmosphere has also changed- with the installment of hightop shared tables. Forno, one of the best parts of your location are the giant windows overlooking 6 corners. Why on earth would you block that view with GIANT shared tables? I do not understand this decision at all. They take up a ton of space, block the windows and do people really enjoy sharing a table? I mean, really?? What happened to the cute, cozy and intimate feel you once had! Now, all of this being said, my boyfriend loved his breakfast hash. He's cool with anything meat and potatoes. I remain unimpressed and nostalgic for what once was my favorite place to brunch.
(2)
Renaud S.
Nice place, with good atmosphere. Was here tonight for a glass of wine and a cocktail. The choice for wine is very good, they have 3 pages of red wine on the menu, it's great. There are also a few cocktails and spirits. As far as I could see, the meal menu looked good, but I can't tell more about it. Also, the staff is very friendly, I usually appreciate that a lot.
(3)
Clark M.
Francesca's Forno USED to have seating, food and service similar to the other Francesca restaurants....i.e. Great! Coupled with its fantastic 'people-watching' location, it was a wonderful place for a lazy mid-week lunch, early dinner before a show, or late-nite refuge from the Milwaukee/Damen/North Avenue crowds. Now the menu consists of poorly-prepared fast food (doughy pizzas, greasy hamburgers, and gooey donuts for dessert?). Seating is at wobbly high-top "communal" tables. And service is uncoordinated or lacking. It still has a decent beer and drink list. So imbibe, enjoy seeing and being seen...and move on.
(2)
Daniel B.
Good but not overly memorable. Was taken here by a family member and had a good meal but... Not all the dishes were good. One had to be sent back and replaced. The replacement was just okay. So, spotty food. If you have one bad experience here, go back once more and try again. You might be surprised. Twice and you don't like it, give up!
(4)
Ava K.
Came here for a drink after having dinner elsewhere. I like the outside area. We all just ordered beers and hung out. It wasn't too busy/loud or too quiet. Good place if you want to have some drinks and chat with friends.
(4)
Erika R.
Celebrated my Mom's birthday here. They accommodated 20 of us in a long table. Had a great time with the family. The staff and the manager was really great. I tried almost all their pizza, my favorite would be the spicy pepperoni.
(5)
Wrigley F.
Called regarding a special order and Nicholas and Brandon (the two managers) were beyond rude. The entire conversation was finger pointing and them not taking responsibility to make things right. I don't care who's fault something is (and if you are the manager, it is ultimately your's) - but be professional and take responsibility for your employees and make things right.
(1)
Jeff B.
Consistently good food, friendly staff, casual ambience, perfect for a group, alone or a couple.
(4)
Food M.
No Taqueria gin. Really? Not great food. Place was half empty at 7pm on a Saturday night What does that say?
(2)
Chary H.
Service is great and fast. Came on a Friday afternoon and it was not busy which was nice. My friend and I both had pizza. I had la diavola and It was really good. It was crispy all over even in the middle where some pizzas tend to get soggy. My friend had the funghi which was basically mushrooms and white sauce instead of the usual red. It was very good as well. The fries were a bit on the salty side but that's not a deal breaker. There is a Dazed and Infused counter near the back of the restaurant which is a huge plus. The chocolate donut is soooo delicious and not overly sweet. In all it was a god meal.
(4)
Betsy R.
Was walking around the neighborhood a few weeks ago. Huz and I were searching for the perfect afternoon cocktail. We stopped in front of Forno and reluctantly looked at each other. Forno? After our last experience there? But something felt right about it this time, and we entered. I'm glad we did. The bartender was great (as were the cocktails) and we were enjoying ourselves so much that we had some friends meet us there for a pizza. Can't truly vouch for the food since the aforementioned cocktails were pretty boozy, but everything about our time there hit the spot. Forno, truce?
(4)
Lynn B.
Great atmosphere. Love that they open the window fronts when the weather is nice. My son and I had a Ramps pizza, it was very good. Service was also attentive. Nice place to pop in when in the Wicker Park neighborhood.
(5)
Liz D.
Stopped in here on a whim. Not only was the food amazing, but I had the best iced tea of my life and the server was great. Atmosphere was so relaxing on a sunny afternoon, too.
(4)
Jennifer C.
Is officially the Italian eatery with an identity crisis... The music switches from the beach boys to MIA. I could living in this area for two years and didn't even think to go to this place until two weeks ago. While the food and the donuts are perfectly delectable the ambience is extremely #dad. Props for the four different types of vodka selection for the bloody mary, but I must admit $10 for a mimosa is a bit steep.
(3)
Sally Y.
I had the eggs benedict here and it was something fabulous. I definitely recommend it. Also, the side of potatoes you get with your meal had bits of jalepeno in it giving them a spicy kick which I also really loved. Not too crowded even though it's in the heart of Wicker Park, and overall the service and atmosphere is good/normal. Nothing out of the ordinary here, but with the crazy long waits at some of the other brunch spots in the area, you won't be disappointed by going to Francesca's Forno.
(4)
Tavi J.
3.5 Stars Many of the establishments for some reason were closed along this street and Francesca's was open and booming with business. I like that although there wasn't outdoor seating their windows were huge and open up to make it feel like you are outdoors. We chose to sit at the communal dining table near the window and it's a pretty neat view. Our sever was great, but the kitchen was a little slow. We ordered a side of fries as an appetizer, but it ended up coming out with our meal. I had the Quattro stagioni pizza which came with prosciutto, artichoke, mushroom, olive oil, and egg. Although I'm a meat eater it wasn't missed. I loved the crispy crust and adding a hint of parmesan I asked for on the side it was pretty good. My friend ordered one of the pastas (sorry don't remember which one), but it came with pork and she said it was just okay. I would like to come back and try more of their pizza selections and the sandwiches.
(3)
Natalie F.
Fantastic staff and amazing seasonal Menu. Had the mushroom soup and the proschuito di Parma pizza. Still affiliated with Francesca's but has a flair of it's own. Definitely recommend
(5)
Rick R.
Very good food and upbeat atmosphere. Really good place to start an evening. Flatbreads and pastas are all good choices. Bonus: They have a glazed and infused serving out the back of the restaurant. June 2015 Update: service has been weak the last couple visits and they changed their menu (not as good any more). Club Lucky is probably a better bet these days
(4)
Allison H.
Had a great experience at Francesca's Forno! Each course we had prepared by Chef Dan was incredible and paired perfectly with a variety of Vino recommended to us by Brendan in the bar. I think this may have been the best food experience we've ever had! Everything was great and I would highly recommend the octopus and the burrata.
(5)
Teresa C.
I really chose this place so that I can watch the World Cup. There are a lot of TVs and during the summer time, it's a great place to be. I saw that there were a lot of people sitting at the bar by themselves also watching the game (weekday after lunch hours). Despite okay reviews, I figure I would give this place a try. And it was worth my while, but I don't think I will pay $16 for another burger in the future. It was a great experience. The server was very friendly and helpful. The burger was very good, and the french fries was seasoned with what tasted like feta cheese(?). I thought the fries were the best! They do have daily specials. So be sure to check that out if you're curious! :)
(4)
Mike T.
Overpriced, uninspired food. If this was a real Italian restaurant, I don't mind paying high prices for quality. But it's not, it's menu is typical tourist trap Italian food that's pretty meh. I ordered a few confits and a pasta dish, and confits were not actual confit, they were just a bunch of things mixed together with too much salt and vinegar, and the pasta was the same way. So-so noodles with way too much oil and salt. Also the dishes they serve are somewhat olive garden style, not actual Italian dishes, just a bunch of italian ingredients combined in odd ways by Americans to please what they think other Americans would want. The food here would make a cook from Italy would cry. It's meant for tourists who visit wicker park because they saw the neighborhood in a tripadvisor recommendation. If you're actually from Chicago I would skip this place.
(1)
K O.
Nothing makes you feel more welcome than your waiter coming to your table for the first time - after several minutes of waiting - and the first thing he says is, "do you guys know what you want? Or should I just f*** off?" Really???? One star for the bus boy and host who were welcoming and friendly. The food was good. Sadly, because of our rude, pretentious, server we will not be returning. --someone saw my post on Yelp and commented 30 minutes later saying that they had just left the restaurant and the same experience.
(1)
JJ Q.
Short version: I've been there several times over the past three years, for lunch and for brunch, and I plan to go back again when I'm next in Chicago, for the day or overnight. I like the pastas and the variants on Eggs Benedict; anyone can slap eggs on English muffins with a dab of hollandaise and call it that, but I appreciate when a restaurant not only tries variants on the dish but doesn't over-spice or over-sauce it. And even more importantly, doesn't over-Canadian bacon the dish. Good ham or prosciutto, great, but I loved the 'Artichoke Benedict' they did a couple of years ago. The menu does change, so what I liked isn't necessarily going to be available for someone reading this review, alas, but I haven't had a bad meal there yet over . My husband and I have been there for lunch several times, and brunch a couple of times. Brunch, peak hours, is clearly the time to see and be seen, so if you want attentive staff and low noise levels, don't go then! But importantly, the food quality didn't suffer for the restaurant's business levels when we were there at peak brunching time. Though that said, I'd rather return about half an hour to ninety minutes later, after things have quieted down. Disconcertingly, the lunch menu seems to have been "streamlined" about eighteen months ago. While I don't mind the portion size being reduced--they were HUGE previously--I do mind the selection being narrowed, to concentrate (I think) to sandwiches. Might I suggest that the restaurant return to smaller portions of their dinner menu, in addition to the sandwiches?
(4)
Shan D.
Came here for a bday dinner. Thought everything was average. My friend ordered the halibut, and had stomach issues after having it. Thankfully I just had the pasta. It was lukewarm when brought to me. Didn't find it that good either. Perhaps the quality has gone down now that it's basically a chain. I'm not sure. But there's better Italian options in the area for sure.
(2)
Emma K.
I would totally come back here for delicious brunch food and Intelligentsia coffee, but I would make reservations first to avoid the super awkward seating arrangement we endured last weekend. My boyfriend and I wandered in here after looking at an apartment nearby, and I was surprised when there was no wait. They sat us at a 6 top at which another couple was sitting at the other end. I generally have no problem sitting at a communal table, but a heads up or asking us if it was okay before seating us would have been nice. There were lots of open tables that we were told were for reservations (we didn't see anyone sit there while we were there). The biggest issue with the makeshift communal table is that we were seated on the outside of a 6-top that was in a corner and against a window. When a new couple sat down, all of the ordering, pouring of drinks, handing food was done directly over us. The wait staff spilled water on my boyfriend and his menu. Luckily I learned from that and moved my phone out of the way, but then they spilled hot coffee (for the other couple, not us) on my hands. It was not the most peaceful brunch experience. That being said, the food was delicious. I won the best ordering award with the Arancini Benedict - crispy risotto cakes, prosciutto, poached eggs, hollandaise, and a side of yummy breakfast potatoes. My boyfriend ordered Baked Egg Florentina with a side of sausage which was also good. Two breakfast entrees + two coffees was around $35. Moral of the story is to make reservations or be ready to make some new friends.
(3)
Mel I.
Nice place to hangout for Sunday brunch. All other restaurants around he area were so busy with a long wait so we decided to wander around Damen and ended up at this place. There wasn't a lot of people We ordered biscuit benefits to and ham and cheese sandwich. The server was nice. My biscuit Benedict was at par. The sandwich weren't to bad. It was an average experience for us.
(3)
Juliana R.
I don't get the hype. Our server was nice, however, service was slow for an empty Sunday night. The food was ok, but we were served cold bread and waited twenty minutes before we could get someone to bring us Parmesan & olive oil. Ambiance was very cute but I would only come back for cocktails. Not the food. Glad I tried it because I always walked by and wondered and now I know, not that good! Go to Buona Terra instead in Logan Square!
(2)
Nancy T.
The two stars are for location and nostalgia. I've enjoyed many iterations of restaurants in this spot for decades now... and really enjoyed Forno until about 2012. Since then, the food and service are consistently disappointing. My husband, young son, and I agreed to give it a shot yesterday on our way home from the park - after all, we were starving. Overpriced crap is what we were served, along with nearly-hostile attitude. When I have to beg for hot sauce and salt / pepper to be brought to the table along with coffee refills and my son's beverage (included in the kids menu), it's time to walk on by - even when we're feeling nostalgic for the Forno that used to be. Such an immense waste of a great location. Hey Forno - get a new manager and executive chef!
(2)
Rachael D.
Eating brunch here is one of my friend and I's favorite thing to do in the city. They have $6 Bloody Marys and they are delicious! They come with a chaser and a garnish of olive, cheese, and pepperoni. Yum! Their arancini benedict is one of my favorite meals. Order it, you won't be disappointed! Every single time I've had it my eggs are cooked perfectly. The combination of the fried rice ball, prosciutto, poached egg, and hollandaise is out of this world! Plus, the potatoes that come on the side are soooo good! Last time we came we had the donuts and now those are going to have to happen every time we go, too! The service has always been great. Our food has never been cold. I don't have anything negative to say about this place, really!
(5)
Kristy Q.
I can't say enough good things about this place. My boyfriend and I have become regulars because of the amazing food, killer drink specials, and kick ass staff. The manager, Tony, is AWESOME and a super down to earth dude. He always takes good care of us and is one of the reasons we always come back. All of the service staff is also very knowledgeable and friendly, too. It is a cozy little place to come in the winter time and makes us feel right at home. Keep it up, Francesca's. We love you guys!
(5)
James L.
Solid Brunch. Solid service. Great prices! I'd be back to try more!
(4)
Tim F.
My girlfriend and I went here on Friday night, we have been here a few times and it was decent in the past but this particular visit was one of the worst dining experiences we have ever had. They had just changed the menu that day, and we were disappointed to find out that they trimmed it down to three pastas on the entire menu...at an "Italian" restaurant. My gf tried to order the oxtail pasta, but was informed that they have run out of it so she settle for the gnocchi which I ordered as well. This was about 7pm on a Friday night and it was not very busy. About 25 minutes go by and out waitress returns to inform us that they have also run out of gnocchi but can make the sauce with tagliatelle, a pasta that was not even on the menu. Fast forward 10 minutes and we finally got our burratta appetizer which was ok. Now about 60 minutes after we sat down, we still had no entree. You would think a restaurant would be overly apologetic and put some sort of emphasis on your order when they ran out of BOTH pastas you try and order, and are serving you a mashup of random ingredients anyways. We finally grabbed the manager as he walked by and asked for a status update. Our food came out five minutes later and it was extremely bland and the tagliatelle was rubber. The service here was an absolute joke. Our server didn't have a clue what she was doing. She would walk up to our table, stand there like she's about to say Somethjng, then literally walk away. She would pace back and forth, stop at a table for a minute, pace back and forth some more, go back to the same table, pace back and forth again, and disappear all the while passing us by several times and not once checking in on us (again the customers whose two orders were run out of by 7pm on a Friday nights, I expected a sense of urgency to please us.) The manager did comp our appetizer, but I will never again go back here. I simply do not understand what kind of Italian restaurant has only three pastas on the menu and runs out of two of them early on. And just a random thought, they ran out of gnocchi yet the French fries were overflowing. So they either serve frozen French fries or are too lazy to make gnocchi on the fly.
(1)
Deejay W.
I went here Saturday for brunch and I had the Aranchi Benedict. It consists of crispy risotto,crispy pork and a poach egg. It was well executed. I arrived around noon and it wasn't too crowded. I enjoyed the atmosphere. I also got the donut trio. It consisted a maple bar with bacon on it, red velvet, and a glazed donut. I'm not a sweet person but the maple bar with bacon hit the spot.
(4)
P H.
Great staff, super friendly. Ryan was a great server and super attentive. The crostini was so tasty, great flavor combos....and the steak was perfect. Comfy cool interior without being cheesy.
(4)
Fletcher M.
Solid bar selection, food is only decent. Pork belly and corn risotto are good. Skirt steak is well spiced but only average. The seafood and spaghetti are bland. Have a drink and appetizer, go elsewhere for the full meal.
(3)
Chris T.
Popped in here on a random night because everywhere else had a long wait, and I was pleasantly surprised. It's fairly quiet, with good service and some unique, delicious dishes. The best dish was probably the Calamari pasta. At first I wasn't so sure about it, the texture was different than what I'm used to in a pasta. But with each successive bite I loved it more and more, and was sad when I reached the bottom of the plate. The Pork Panini was also great, just a little too much bread for my taste. I enjoyed my flight of Wine too. I like when a place has that so I can sample many different flavors, as I'm not a wine connoisseur... yet!
(4)
Amy S.
Yum yum and more yum!!! If you ever want well-seasoned Italian food at a reasonable price - this is the place! All the pasta dishes are pretty large and seasonally prepared. The pappardelle and cavatelli are my favorites! End the dinner with a Limoncello shot and you won't be disappointed. Not only is the wine selection generous, but they have a lot of craft beers on hand too. Perfect for the Wicker Park neighborhood, can't wait to come back here!
(4)
Joy M.
there were a lot of cool spots we saw as we were doing our touristy stuff around chicago, and since someone was feeling like having italian, we decided to stop here for a late lunch. i always like to look around and see how the place utilizes its space, i feel it adds to the experience of dining at an establishment. the chalkboard menus hung above the all the tables were trendy, as were the wine rack walls lining certain areas. the food portions were huge, as they always are at great italian spots i've been to before. we ordered some calamari for starters, a Tartufotto pizza, some pasta, and the scallops with butternut squash puree. all of it was delicious. we didn't indulge too much in the libations because we still had a bit more sight-seeing and walking to do ahead of us, but i did enjoy one of their mules (which came in their synonymous gold tin) as well as their Snap the Wood which definitely hit the spot. if you're in wicker park, stop in for afternoon drinks and/or a late lunch. -to 'la bella vita.'
(3)
Lisa N.
Why do I continue to come back here? The food is just OK, and the service is awful- it must be the location... I normally sit at a table and eat fairly expensive dinners. The majority of the servers are cold and rude, and I have NEVER had one come back to the table after the bill is paid, to thank us for the generous tip. Never. Well, last night, a friend and I stopped in for drinks. Four $10 drinks and food to go. We sat at the bar and got nasty service from the female bartender. I work in customer service and know that sometimes we all have bad days, so I usually try to be extra cheerful and friendly. She wasn't buying into any of it. I give up, I'm done. I'll never spend another penny there. It's too bad, they are right in the neighborhood and super convenient, but I refuse to support a business that treats their customers like garbage.
(2)
Saba A.
Dined here with 12 people for dinner on a Friday night and it was good we made reservations ahead of time for 7:30 p.m. Located at the intersection of the 6 corners of Wicker Park, we were at an affordable Italian restaurant with a casual trend. Lot of people on dates to group gatherings, and it was a fun environment. Our server was attentive, and he seemed nervous taking care of a table of 12 but he did well. The beer selection and wine selection is good. We started with a few appetizers that came out quickly. They have a lot of different pasta's and everyones looked delicious. Some orders were smaller than the others but they were prepared hot and were served quickly. I think they also have a doughnut bar towards the end of the restaurant which serve doughnuts for 2.00 a piece and I heard this is a great stop for brunch as well. We had a great time, good food, and company. And it's known to be one of the best Italian eats in Wicker, so I would recommend it for that. Service was friendly, and that always helps.
(4)
Carol R.
The bursts was fabulous ! Husband had the ribeye which he asked for med rare and it was done perfect. Will come back again. Kale salad was so so.
(4)
Jennifer P.
I typically have loved this restaurant especially for brunch. However I hadn't been for a few months and went back this weekend and instantly noticed a change. All of the changes screamed cost cutting. All of a sudden none of the dishes came with potatoes. You had to buy them separately for $6!!! In addition we asked for a side of ranch dressing and they charged us $3 when in the past it was free. I got the Arancini Benedict and they replaced the prosciutto with ham instead which took away the flavor. In addition the Arancini was bland. We also got a Bloody Mary which is typically our favorite in the city and it was watered down and you no longer got a beer chaser. I can see right through what they are trying to do and I will not be played. I'll take my hard earned money elsewhere
(1)
Adrienne C.
A solid 3-star joint....perhaps 4-stars during their open-window season. they definitely snagged an excellent location on the 6 corners. The interior is fun and festive and the food is fine. The service is a bit spotty, but then again we were there on a Sunday morning and maybe the workers were just as hungover as we were....speaking of which, what's with the brunch time music? it's the complete opposite of what anyone would want to hear at that time of day. I felt like the playlist was "The Most Obnoxious Music Ever From The Past 30 Years" (e.g. "i like to move it move it" and "tootsie roll" and other headache-inducing tunes that grate your ears, esp when you're nursing a hangover).....can we turn on some Stan Getz or something equally soothing? Don't get the Monte Cristo. I'd recommend the Tomato Braised Pork Hash or the Arancini Benedict.
(3)
Jessica M.
We stopped in for brunch one Sunday. Ordered the donut plate -- which was amazing three killer donuts for like $8 then we ordered some eggs Benedict - they were amazing. Great food, great service. Loved the Bloody Mary's and Mimosas. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Leslie B.
Had an awesome brunch here! Recommended by Sunny H., we headed to Francesca Forno on a snowy Saturday morning. Parking was abysmal, but that's to be expected in the area. The restaurant was about half full so we had no problem getting a table. Upon being seated, Aidan L. was staring (like really staring, so embarrassing) at the table next to ours where a gentleman had just received a very large man-breakfast. We deduced from the menu that this gargantuan plate was the Tomato Braised Pork Hash. He proceeded to order this and was a very happy camper. The pork shoulder shoulder was seasoned wonderfully and there were tons of veggies and eggs to accompany it. Always a fan of breakfast sandwiches, I had the Monte Cristo. It was very flavorful, but small in size and the "spicy" tomato jam that came on the side was actually very sweet. Had to add some Cholula. Needing something sweet to go with our savory breakfasts, we shared the blueberry-ricotta-lemon pancakes which were so phenomenal. Light, tasty, filled with blueberries, these were the best pancakes I had consumed in a REAL long time. They also served Intelligentsia coffee which makes me sooo happy. Great brunch option in the area!
(4)
Stephanie W.
This is a really solid option in Wicker Park. Food is good. Staff is good. Wait times are not crazy if you don't have reservations, and have a nice bar area. Nothing is spectacular or life changing, but we know we can get a nice Italian meal here on the fly on a weekend night. They have nice wine and beer selections. Only one criticism - the last time we went the busing was very aggressive and really disrupted our meal. I would recommend they dial that down a notch.
(3)
Marie M.
I love this place! Consistently amazing food and stellar service. The freshly made gniochi is my favorite, but every week I am surprised with another new menu item to enjoy. The tuesday night special of half off bottles of wine is a great deal to get you in the door, but the food is enough to keep you coming back. Always wonderful service, especially Martha. We have been lucky enough to have her serve us several times and we have always felt like old friends. We feel lucky to have such a great spot to visit frequently and never be disappointed.
(5)
Bob R.
First time visiter, picked the place because of menu. Love it. We went for full dinner, what we had was outstanding. We shared the chick pea octopus as an appetizer. She had the scallops, lentle with brussel sprouts and I the shrimp, squid ink pasta with duck cracklings. All were original, really good and at an accessible price. This is original chef prepared stuff you won't find elsewhere. It was great. Ps, very casual, basically a big bar with seating area, good chef inspired food.
(5)
Stacey D.
So sad this place used to be great change the menu and its so mediocre. Service has also gone downhill.
(2)
Thomas C.
Been here a couple of times with friends for late night drinks and it's a great spot, especially if you can people watch by the windows.
(4)
Sarah S.
Oh Francesca's, you're killin' me!! This was always my go-to 5 star yummy convenient brunch place, but they have gone and ruined it. I'll start with the good. The service is still excellent, and there is still no wait. Now, onto the much more upsetting bad. Apparently the just hired a new chef, and soon, they will be reconcepting the entire restaurant to Mediterranean small plates. In the meantime, they've kept the concept, and about half of the menu...kind of. They took away my beloved eggs Florentine. Let's have a moment of silence for the fallen................so I moved on to my second favorite, the Risotto Eggs Benedict. In the past, it had always been a super solid choice, but now it's a total bust. It was exceptionally bland (I used a TON of salt, which I never do at restaurants, and it barely helped), they replaced the prosciutto with a single slice of thin ham, which might as well have not been there, you couldn't even taste it, and they got rid of the potatoes altogether. The hollandaise sauce was also exceptionally bland. Hard to imagine considering the ingredients. How can you go wrong with egg butter and lemon?? The eggs were still properly cooked, as was the risotto cake, but it didn't do much good since there was no flavor. I couldn't finish my meal. It was wikidywikidywack. I also got their bloody mary, which used to be full of spices and had a good kick, as well as a little beer-back. No more beer, no more flavor. You could see just looking at the glass that it was super watered down, and my alcoholic self had trouble chocking down the one I ordered, where I normally guzzle down two, no problem. I think they made a big mistake changing the menu at all in the interim of reconcepting. It gave me something to compare it to, and the comparison is that there isn't one. They used to be full of flavor and deliciousness and now, I really can't see myself going back. I may be the duchess for now, but my estate is officially on the market. The stars it gets is for ambiance and service. R.I.P. Francesca's.
(2)
tim d.
We've been coming in 3 times a month for brunch for YEARS. They just recently changed the menu. They got rid many of the items from the brunch menu....and changed certain staples...the potatoes used to be better and with pablano peppers...now they are you run of the mill brunch fare. The bloody mary used to be better and served with a beer back...no more. It's disappointing. I want my old Francescas Forno brunch back!! ...I'm willing to throw a tantrum. Service is always top notch! Always.
(3)
Mironda R.
"Not overly excited one way or the other" I had brunch here with a friend. The highs - it really is perfect for people watching.. so be mindful of how distracting that can be if you are on a date, lol. With your friends.. awesomeness. Great light, open windows, prime location. The mehs - The menu. IT definitely caters to those who love everything pig! There area few other options, but I still felt like hmm. I can get THIS anywhere. I ordered the salmon sandwich with the papas frittas (the fries.. they were tasty). The sandwich provided sustenance. Yes.. that's the word I chose to use. My friend ordered the soaked french toast and he said it was quite yummy. IT was too rich for me. The bathroom is itty bitty, so don't come with a small bladder! But the service was fantastic. People really loved their job and it showed! I'd come for drinks but not sure if it would be for eats.
(3)
Kerissa B.
Francesca's has many a gluten free item. I had a pasta that was covered in delicious cream and veggies and chicken and it was oh-so good. Couple that with a table by the window on a breezy day. Perfect for people watching. This Texas girl very much enjoyed it.
(4)
Christy L.
Everyone seems to love the Francesca's chain but I've never been wowed by any of the restaurants. Forno is no different, except for perhaps that the atmosphere is a little different. More hip, diner'ish, perhaps to fit in with the rest of the neighborhood. I was beyond starving when we arrived and couldn't stomach the flavorless, dry bread that showed up at our table immediately. Fortunately, service was fast and our meals arrived quickly. Our pastas were fine. I was so hungry anything would have been fine to be honest. Well, anything was fine but the dry, flavorless bread. Marinating it in olive oil wouldn't have even made it palatable. If you're in Bucktown and there's no where else to eat, try Francesca's. Otherwise, there are plenty of better food options nearby. And you can definitely find less commercialized Italian throughout the city.
(2)
Celina D.
I think this place is a completely underrated breakfast spot. Always fast and delicious. Not packed, great atmosphere. Their potatoes are some of the best I've ever had and they have a version of eggs benedict on top of a fried risotto patty!! Not to mention there's a glazed in the corner where you can get bad ass donuts. Basically you should come here for breakfast.
(5)
Jacob A.
The food here is average at best. I've gone here a couple times and it seems that the food is just ok. The doughnuts that are sold here are very delicious! Reason I'm giving 3 stars and not 2 is because the service here is really good. Staff has always been friendly, nice and prompt with everything. Our server John rocked! Try and request to be in his section.
(3)
Daniel G.
Usually I get the whole wheat pasta and tomato sauce. Avoid the Rustica pizza.
(2)
Drew B.
Came in here with my friends during Wicker Park fest, and while the food was great, the service was horrible. And believe it or not, sometimes I would rather have great service than great food. Great service should be a STANDARD, not an exception. Our waiter, Glen, was short and rude with our table. There may have been some misunderstanding about two people at our table sharing pizzas, but when Glen thought they were sharing two of the same pizza, he snapped and said "then you're not sharing your own pizzas you're each eating your own pizza," with the most attitude I've experienced from a waiter in a long time. Along with that, check-ins to the table for beer refills were nonexistent and we had to wait about 10 minuts for the check. I think some retraining is in order, although you really can't "teach" customer service.
(2)
Rose A.
I usually love this place. Historically, the food is simple and great and the service is well intended and attentive. We went there tonight and the new menu was not good. The red flag was the same dish mentioned twice on the menu...attention to detail? No. We had the octopus (over dressed cold salad with lukewarm charred salty octopus), calamari (or saltymari), and cavatelli (over pestoed and super al dente). Summary...service great, food lame. 3 stars for what it used to be, but really one star for what it is.
(3)
Rosy G.
If you love thin crust pizza, this is definitely the place for you. The ingredients are super fresh and it's a great place to order different menu items and share. I've been here a few times and can't get enough of the pizza. We ordered the Diavola with smoked mozzarella - to die for. They were kind enough to not make mine with meat. They have other great dishes on their menu (I'm just a die hard pizza fan). If you like Moscow Mules, be happy to know that they serve them in the copper mugs :) Another plus is that they are right off the Damen stop on the blue line. Definitely one of my favorite places in Wicker Park.
(5)
Rebecca R.
I love Francesca's....usually. All the other locations I have been to have not disappointed me with food or service. While the food was pretty good here, the service was not. Our server seemed to be way too cool to spend more than five seconds with us. My dining partner and I were so surprised because the place wasn't busy and we typically have had great experience. I will be sure to skip this location in the future. Not worth another visit for crap service that left a bad taste in my mouth.
(2)
Danielle S.
We came here for "brunch" (I would have considered it breakfast). We were seated right away, and our hostess happened to be our server. We were given water right away, as well as coffee. The service was great overall. Anything we needed came right away. They had a pretty limited breakfast/brunch menu. Everything sounded reallyyyyy good - I had a hard time deciding what I wanted! The baked goodies were tempting, but I did not try them. We decided to get the Amaretto Soaked French Toast and Arancini Benedict. Sounds amazing right?? Meh. That's how I felt. Disappointing. The french toast had no taste of Amaretto, and overall was bland. The Benedict had a weird plastic taste to it. Not sure what that was about. We didn't finish either dish. Sad. Luckily they are pretty cheap, so we didn't waste that much money.
(3)
Steven M.
By far my favorite here is the number 4 pizza. So good! The place itself is particularly nice in the summer because they open up the wall on the Milwaukee side and you get to take in the whole six corners vibe while you eat. Definitely one of my favorite places to eat in the area. Also the gf loves it because of all their veggie options! It can be challenging to please both of us at the same time, so kudos to you, Francesca's.
(4)
Mitch K.
My mother is a big fan of the Francesca's in Naperville, so it only seemed logical to come here when she came to visit. Great atmosphere (especially when the windows are open) and good food/drinks. Have been here four or five times since my initial visit and the place maintains a superb level of consistency.
(4)
Gordon W.
My husband and I went there on Sunday for "National Spaghetti Day". We saw an add online for $4 pasta dishes at Francesca's(selection of 4 different types) and clicked the link and this location was listed as participating. When we arrived the place was almost empty which was strange for having this promotion. We were promptly seated and apparently became invisible after that time. After waiting 10 minutes for someone to come to the table I finally went up to the bar to ask the bartender if this promotion was indeed happening as advertised. He had no idea but was able to interrupt a personal conversation between 2 other people "working" there to ask. The guy said no it was not a promotion at this location because they have a "different menu" I told him that no one bothered to come to our table for me to ask and didn't even receive an apology. As we left(they didn't seem to care) the 2 guys at the next table told me they came in for the same promotion. They were sharing a small cheese pizza and waters and I'm sure getting out as soon as possible. We will not be back. While I can understand a "screw up" in advertising a promotion, I can't forgive rudeness. Sorry, we will not be back. Plenty of places in Chicago that know service is key.
(1)
Rachel H.
Time for a little update since Francesca's Forno has completely overhauled their menu. I may as well follow suit and overhaul my thoughts on the place. The interior is still as warm and homey as ever and the food, though a completely new array is as good, possibly better. One word of warning, and yes I know it's an Italian restaurant but this really goes farther than what one would expect, EVERYTHING is accentuated by garlic. The air smells of garlic. Most of the dishes are accompanied by garlic listed as an actual ingredient on the menu which in the case of the very tender pork shoulder I had appears in the form of garlic puree. This will cause some people to dance, praising the garlic gods, and others to clutch their Tums and Pepcid. I did a short jig and grabbed a Tums. Service was attentive and the desserts were delicious. They also have a cocktail that involves ginger beer, nectar of the gods. Unless you're the garlic god. Then it's garlic juice.
(4)
Caitlin G.
I went back here a few weeks ago and the service and food was less than stellar. We requested bread three times before it came, and it was a bus boy who finally assisted because our waiter was nowhere to be found. The waiter was not personable at all and the menu was different than what was online and what I was looking forward to. When the food did come, it was just meh.
(2)
RJ W.
CRAPPY FOOD.. sand in our mussels that was accompanied by a sauce with ZERO deftness in presentation including some aromatics that were grossly oversized and chunky, undercooked and flavorless pizza and a mushroom pasta where the 'chef' apparently had a bunch of sage he needed to get rid of because it absolutely overpowered the dish. Plus side, service was great and a reasonably priced wine menu and a great location. Perhaps the owners/managers should pay attention to some of these reviews. Friday night and not full... there is a reason for that. See above.
(2)
Angela C.
Between this detailed review and another one star detailed review on Open Table I have heard NOTHING from the restaurant management. That is how much they care. Just FYI. Sad. :(
(1)
Halina Y.
ARGGGHHHH! I don't think I've ever been "MAD" at a restaurant like I was at FF. I was visiting friends who live nearby and went to FF for brunch. We had an open table reservation, yet still waited an additional half hour. (raising my eyebrow now). Once seated our server disappered for a good 5minutes then came back to take our drink and food order. I don't care if you're busy- you should realize our group of 6 just patiently waited for our table- so you can take a second buddy and wait while we ask you some questions! Anyway- I got my hot water/tea right away however no one was served their coffee/latte's until their meal was served. Really? Also forgot two orders of bacon and at that point we just said "forget it". I ordered the Monte Cristo. My meal was probably the most depressing meal ever served at a brunch. I wanted substance and this was far from it. Even the presentation looked sad. One little mcmuffin sandwich with probably 6-8 potatoes. I highly suggest ordering the BYO omelettes, everyone seemed to have enjoyed theirs. bottom line- maybe it's good for lunch/dinner but I will never want to go back there solely on my brunch experience. I'd hate to feel like I did totally wasting $20 on a stupid sandwhich that took me an hour to even eat.
(1)
Kathleen O.
Let's just start this review by saying I went on a hot date a few weekends ago with my man and my boobs looked A-Mazing! Francesca's Forno sure as hell played a lot of Michael Jackson, which was awesome because a gigantic pop art painting of the King of Pop is located directly across the street, God-like in the Flat Art Center's window! A huge music boner happened.... We didn't order off of the wine menu and that may have been a mistake. My man ordered the Proper Negroni which had a decent composition but it was served on the rocks. A negroni should be served up or notated otherwise. My fancy ass ordered a Little Sumpin' Sumpin'. For our meals, I ordered the Capatelli + Mozzarella and my man ordered the Cappa + Egg (sub sausage rather than Cappa). They were pretty awesome about the substitution and my boyfriend said it was great. There really was nothing too special about the Capatelli, but I can say that it was the perfect portion amount. Overall, I give this restaurant a high 3.... maybe it's because I didn't have the wine. I'll have to give that a go on round 2!
(3)
Kavi P.
Been here a few times now- love this place! Menu is always varied, but always something good or worth trying on the menu. Good ambience and friendly staff. In addition with my entrees, I've always gotten sides of vegetables....get the pesto and cashew squash and zucchini!
(4)
Fabio D.
I was strolling around Wicker park neighborhood when I started to be hungry; I saw Franscesca's Forno and I decided to get in because the the place looked very nice. I didn't expect to eat real italian food, so I was very open mind. The food was quite good and so the service.
(3)
Meredith B.
I had brunch here for the first time today, and it really impressed me! This is one of the few places you can get a reservation for brunch in Wicker on a Sunday and I'm very glad we did! We were seated right away, but our seat was slightly annoying - they will put you at a communal table (like a six top?)) which I understand, but when I'm out for brunch with girlfriends we tend to have conversations inappropriate for random strangers to overhear. Also the seats by the back door get really cold in winter because people keep coming in to get doughnuts - Glazed and Infused operate out of the back. I seriously need to try one of those doughnuts next time. Anyhoo, since yesterday we were out for St. Patty's, none of us were up for cocktails but they do have a nice selection. I got fresh squeezed orange juice and Baked Eggs Florentine and it was a super satisfying brunch. The eggs are clearly served right after being under the broiler - the Fontina on top is hot and slightly browned, the egg yolks are runny, the spinach is creamy, it's awesome. Maybe a liiiiiittle too much cheese, but that's not really something to complain about. Served with nice crispy pieces of ciabatta toast, I would order this again anytime. Baked eggs are amazing and one of my favorite brunch dishes, and you don't see it all the time on menus. Prices are pretty reasonable, food is consistently good, and service is friendly. This place is so reliable, that if I can't get in to a newer, trendier restaurant nearby I'd always be happy to stop in here.
(4)
Julia F.
Nice location! Service... A little pushy for my taste. The sangria was excellent! My husband ordered pizza which was good but not great, a little bland. I ordered the hen pasta which was DELICIOUS but so so small, i left the place hungry. It was actually extremely small, i could see the base of the plate without even starting eating. Prices are a little bit high though with that location, it makes sense. Nice view of the people walking around.
(3)
Alex H.
The food was good the service was great until I found a fingernail in my pasta. Then never heard from the waitress again until she brought the bill. Never heard from a manager or anything at all worst way to Handel a situation. Worst customer service!!
(1)
Miranda G.
Mushroom risotto was the perfect vegetarian option. My friend liked the orecchiette too! Service was fast and friendly, happy to refill water cups and bread baskets. Overall, a great lunch! Would like to try their cocktails next time.
(5)
april w.
Good for people watching! There was no line when we went on a Friday night around 7pm. We had pizza and pasta. Pretty good!
(3)
Chelsea N.
The food was fantastic. In warm weather, they leave the huge windows open and there's a nice breeze. We came in for lunch to get sandwiches and a glass of wine. Our waiter was really fun and knowledgeable. He steered us well in the direction of the perfect wine for our food and gave us generous samples to help us decide. I got the ham sandwich and mom got the chicken. They were amazing, but we both loved the ham best. Great lunch spot, probably good for nightlife too.
(5)
Emily H.
Forno is a must for gluten free pasta lovers. They can add GF pasta to almost any dish on the menu. I'm a sucker for burrata and theirs is one of the best salads in Chicago. The pork ragu pasta was so delicious, almost licked my plate! I didn't have room for dessert but fortunately I forgot my credit card after a few too many Moscow Mules & had to come back. :-) When I returned to grab my card, the manager gave me & the two children I work with vanilla bean gelato on the house as we waited for the bus! So generous!
(5)
Jim H.
Don't know about the rest of the menu, but the chicken sandwich I had was excellent. 8/10, would eat again.
(4)
Heather M.
We had a solid meal here. Simple food, fun atmosphere, friendly service. Not sure what else you can ask for. I need to throw in a huge plug for the Garbage Salad. In a pizza and pasta emporium, it took a lot of restraint to be good and order a salad. I was rewarded handsomely with a giant plate of everything delicious that you'd find on a fine antipasto platter, all chopped up with lettuce and a creamy parmesan dressing. Heather - 1, Diet - 0. I highly recommend this salad. Each bite was a delight of flavor and variety. Otherwise, meatball sliders, awesome, pizza awesome, cocktail list fun. Bonus points because it seems to be a mostly hipster-free zone, which is AMAZING in that area. It's probably too mainstream. Or they shun it because it has Valet (which was speedy, by the way, thank you very much.)
(4)
Adam K.
Line at big star was an hour, with a hungry child in tow not wanting to sit outside or wait a long time, I was attracted to the large open window and awesome view of the 6 corners. Flamboyant, faux hawk wearing host sat us right at the window facing damen which was great. I saw 5 different shades of hair while we waited. & about 6 different chicks I wanted to wifey. Crowd was a mix of wanna be euro trash, waspy north shore suburban & well to do elderly people. Took a waiter 15 minutes to come to our table. Then he was very ineffectual, stating nothin about th specials, I ordered one anyway, the risotto. It took about 20 minutes for the hummous to come out. Cmon, man . But then I saw the bread was toasted, OK. Pass on that one. Absolutely NOTHING on the menu that would please a child's palate. Not saying you have to have a kiddy menu, but at least some mozzarella sticks? When I asked for yellow mustard, it was like I was asking if he is going to vote for Mitt Romney. Strawberry margarita is awesome. Tangy and not too sweet. They should keep it on the menu year round. The waiter made sure to talk to the cute dark skinned girls at another table for a while however. Food came out ten mins after apps, weird. Give me a moment man! Risotto - good not great. Creamy as hell. At least you get a lot of food for $13. But then like 1 hour later it was sitting in my stomach like a rock. Burger - not good meat quality. I asked for it medium its for sure well done. Not a huge deal. But for an $11 burger, I want some quality meat. Tried to charge me 21 for the risotto, fuckers. I caught that shit. WTF tho? Theres only 1 fuckin risotto on the menu & u try to hit.me for $21? Fuck you. My baby ate like 1/3 of the $11 hamburger & she scarfs down $3.99/ lb steak on the regs, so the meat quality must be poor. Not impressed by this place, not my scene / crowd. The view is excellent however, great for people watching. I am concerned this hood is going to start attracting people who frequent this place, lots of money with no taste.
(2)
Janice A.
Small menu. Food was good but nothing special. Appetizer, pasta and pizza choices. Cool atmosphere. Hard to find parking, attentive servers.
(4)
Julie O.
The staff is really amazing. I had three different men check whether I was ok with getting a different kind of tea. They were patients with our big table. The food is great and the portions are huge. Order donuts.
(5)
Olga T.
AMAZING BRUNCH!!!!!!!!! We had a layover in Chicago and decided to stop at Francesca's for brunch! WOW it was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Their bloody mary's are killer!! Def a solid recommendation if you're in the area.
(5)
Ed M.
Had a date here a few weeks ago and we ordered an appetizer, salad, pizza and pasta. Everything was great. Sat at the bar and the server was very friendly and attentive. Great meal and atmosphere. Went back this weekend for a late lunch and again everything was great and we sat by the open windows and people watched. Very enjoyable experience from beginning to end both times.
(5)
Jeff R.
Overall was good food but just seems over priced. Probably won't be going out of my way to go back.
(2)
Michael N.
As other reviews have stated the food is very average. I've had much better Italian food even at larger Italian chains. My pasta dish was put together separately because parts were hot as they should be and parts were barely warm. The pricing is fair for the quality and our bill was just over $100 for 4 people including drinks. The service is top notch though. Our waiter was spot on, friendly and prompt. The brunch is much better and I would come back for, but likely won't return for dinner.
(3)
lauren a.
Italian food? Come on. Tried this place for dinner last night and we were beyond disappointed. The menu was odd for any restaurant, let alone Italian. I asked for a more simple dish of pasta in a tomato basil sauce (as the other, francesca's restaurants have made spectacularly) and the waitress assured me this would be no problem. What was brought out i swear tasted like it came out of a can, zero basil, spicy, and luke warm. What?! Never have i been turned off by a pasta dish. My boyfriend ordered the pepperoni pizza and couldn't eat more than one piece. Undercooked. You'd think the waitress would ask if there was something wrong with the food after seeing how little we'd eaten. No. In all fairness, my boyfriend said his shrimp app was decent, hence the 2 star review.
(2)
Corine H.
Loved it! Great atmosphere and music. Great food with some new different flavors. Kids menu gets them An extra star!!! Good service.
(4)
Amanda B.
I go to Wicker Park a lot since I live close by and for some reason never went to this place until one Sunday when my brother, sister in law, and me were walking around looking for someplace to have brunch. We walked in and got seated right away which was nice. I order the monte cristo and It was amazing. The food was soo good and was a reasonable price. The only downfall was that our waitress wasn't very friendly but perhaps she was just having a bad day. I will definitely be coming back here to try more of there food:)
Francesca's restaurants are always consistently good, but I especially love Forno. The atmosphere is different from the others-- more modern, casual. And the food is delicious. I'm a huge fan of the grilled corn panzanella and their pastas are always spot on. Also, $10 wine flights on Mondays-- definitely one of the best deals in the city!
(4)
Kori E.
I came here for brunch for the first time and it was so good! The menu has so many delicious options, but I was feeling a little heavy from a long weekend of eating and drinking so I ordered the Chopped salad. It was very light and refreshing with hearts of palm, carrots, tomatoes, green onions in a red wine vinaigrette dressing. My dining companions had the blueberry pancakes and the bourbon soaked french toast. I am more of a french toast girl so I enjoyed those better. Everyone was super satisfied with their choice. Definitely check them out for brunch! They also are opening the donut shop in the back,Glazed and Infused, and were giving away free donuts as we left and O.M.G., this is going to be deadly across the street from the train every morning!
(4)
Keith S.
Location was great and easy to find parking. We ordered the bruschetta and a pizza. The bruschetta was pretty bad. Basically toasted bread with greens a few tomatoes and cheese. Not good at all. Waitress came by to ask how everything was and we told her we did not really enjoy the dish and she said, "that's just how it is, ENJOY." Pizza wasn't that great either. Not enough sauce and took too long to cook. She charged us $3 for half toppings! Totally not worth the price and they were pretty rude. Never going back.
(1)
Jackson H.
This is my go to spot for a great lunch. Right at 6 corners and a few blocks from my condo. This place has great service, decent portion sizes and good cocktails! Grab a table and sit by the window or hang at the bar and chat it up with one of their friendly bartenders. (Linda is my fav)
(5)
Elizabeth L.
Have always been curious about Forno (love the Francesca's in Little Italy). Staff was super-charming, restaurant is large with a cozy feel. Sister loved her cavatelli, the primavera was decent as well. Beet salad was fresh and perfectly portioned. A cute date spot.
(4)
Leslie G.
I came here several times before they changed the menu and the layout and thought it was a pretty solid Italian restaurant. However, when I returned for the first time since the changes, my opinion became a bit more negative. For starters, the layout is very awkward now. The bar area used to be sort of off to the side and now it's in the main dining area. Since this is where people wait for tables to become available, it feels extremely cramped around that area. In addition, there are small tables where people stand and wait that are farther out from the bar basically in the dining area. One of these tables was right behind us and it felt very claustrophobic while we were eating to have people basically hovering over us. This restaurant also gets extremely loud as it fills up. It's one thing to have noise from people talking, but to have blaring music on top of that just seems unnecessary. As for the food, I seem to recall that before the makeover, the menu was much more extensive, but maybe I'm imagining that. We started off with the bruschetta, which was amazing--probably the best part of the meal. For my main course, I had the monkfish with linguine. The fish itself was fine, but I wasn't a huge fan of the pasta--something about the sauce didn't really complement the fish all that well. I will probably come back here at some point, but I will try to come at an off time to avoid a crowd.
(3)
Shannon M.
Part of the Formidable local Francesca's family, this was in a nice location near the Six Corners of North, Milwaukee and Damen. I was so-so about the place. Why? Pros: - as stated, convenient location in Wicker Park. And on a day with lovely weather, the huge windows were open, allowing a nice air flow and good people-watching. - Brunch runs late on a Saturday (til 3!) - The food. Friend ordered bourbon-soaked French toast; I got the savory pancakes made of polenta with pancetta mixed into the batter and bits of maple butter. We ate like it was going to be taken away from us. Cons: - Our waiter seemed to be off in his own world. Big-time flake, and didn't seem to have the "timing" down that's necessary for a server, though the place was not crowded (i.e., wasn't like he was juggling 20 tables or anything.) Example: Busboy seated us, asked about drinks. Friend ordered iced tea, which hadn't come by the time waiter did. Waiter: "Do you want drinks?" Friend: " I ordered with the busboy but it hasn't come yet." Waiter: "Oh I'll see about that." (wanders off; eventually returns) "Anything else?" Me: "Well, I'd like to get some lemon for my water, but also..." Him: "Oh, okay." (wanders off again) Me (to his back): "...we're ready to order now..." etc. - you get a carafe of water at the table, but it was room temperature and smelled, uh, funky. Couldn't get the waiter's attention to ask for ice, finally stopped trying. - Speaking of funky smells, the ladies' room had that smell that says "we have old weird plumbing but we don't really care" - also, my pancakes came with a small cup of maple syrup with a jaunty strand of someone's hair poking out (not mine, and not the curly-haired busser). Eeek. I called attention to that IMMEDIATELY. There are a couple of Francesca's locations out in Naperville, where I live, and I've been to one some time ago and never felt the need to go back. The food at this location bumped up my opinion but the service kept it hovering where it was. Hope the kitchen gets hairnets.
(3)
Alina S.
Spacious tables around the perimeter with open air and people watching, quick service, and good food.
(4)
Jason T.
My wife and I absolutely love this place and regularly come from the South Loop to have dinner here. The restaurant itself offers great views hustle and bustle of Damen North Avenue intersection, and the food is wonderful. The Brussels sprout appetizer is fabulous, as well as the beet salad. The entrees are very good, but I specifically enjoy all of their homemade pastas. The value is also great with most entrees under $20.
(5)
Allison K.
I went for dinner on a Friday night with 3 friends. The service was good, very friendly waiter, refilled wine in a timely manner. I had been to other Francesca's locations and had great food so it's no surprise this was the same. The waiter said they just got a new chef and menu and we ordered the burrata to share and I had the black pepper papparedelle with pork ragu. Burrata is always amazing and this was no exception. It was served with a pesto and some sliced peppers and it was delicious on some toasted bread. The pasta was maybe the best pasta I've had in Chicago. Loved the black pepper flavor in the pasta itself and the pork ragu was a delicious complement. Highly recommend this place!
(4)
Becky P.
Three haunts I am required to visit every time I'm in Chicago: Wrigley, Violet Hour, and this place. Amazing food and atmosphere has always made for great nights with a pack of friends.
(5)
Kristen H.
Wow, this place was amazing! My boyfriend and I just had to stop here, we didn't know what they even served but we were completely enticed by the smell. I usually hate eating italian food right before I am about to drink, because it gives me a stomach ache, but this pasta was amazing. We tried the white pasta with the egg on top with little bits of sausage in the pasta. The sangria was amazing as well; one glass made me tipsy for quite a while and I am a sangria fiend! The service was very attentive and I never felt abandoned by our waiter.
(5)
Morgan N.
Checked out this place for brunch and it was delicious. The coffee was great! I think it's Intelligensia. For brunch, I had the arancini benedict, which was fantastic. The house papas have a good flavor, very soft, and there's a huge helping. The hollandaise sauce on the benedict eggs was delicious. I had a really great time. I also appreciated that my friends and I were able to stay long after we finished eating; some places in Wicker Park give you the side-eye and ask you to get out.
(4)
Jessica S.
Very pretty decor here, friendly service. My friend and I both had the rosemary lemon chicken. I like the presentation in the cast iron dish. I would stop in again. There was no wait here, which was nice after being told 40 min at Big Star.
(4)
Daniel R.
Place is pretty cool. Stopped in for a late lunch and I had the Blueberry Pancakes and my date had the Ravioli and we were both pretty pleased. Serves a bit short from excellent but food was on point
(4)
Kelly K.
Diavolo Pizza was... Tha Bomb. My server, Amanda, was exceptional. Olive oil, fresh grated parm, perfection.
(5)
Randal A.
I'd say 3.5 stars is accurate. Stopped in pretty late knowing the kitchen was still open. Seating is spacious and they have an excellent location. The pork belly appetizer was good, but I've had better. My wife had a pasta dish and I thought we might need to order another because the portion was tiny. In any event, she still enjoyed it. Can't say I'll go out of my way to make it back here, but I'm not ruling it out either.
(4)
Zach F.
Forno is one of our regular dinner spots so we decided to have our post-baptism lunch / dinner for a group of 18, here on a Sunday afternoon. When we first arrived, another group of people was occupying part of the space that we were to be seated. Tony, the manager, and the rest of the staff were apologetic to no end and sat half of the party as well as brought out some appetizers and drink orders. After about 15 minutes, the other party left and we were all seated. The waiter John was great throughout the afternoon and Tony was over every so often to ensure we were all ok. We had ordered a handful of various apps and main courses which they staggered out throughout the 2 hours we were there. The food was awesome, as usual. We also had a few dessert platters, which were magnificent. The dinner went off without a hitch and our entire family loved the food and atmosphere. The restaurant also bought us a bottle of presecco and the dessert platters for "our troubles." We will continue to frequent Forno and recommend it to anyone looking for a nice easy meal or for a medium sized group.
(5)
Andrew W.
It's not terrible per se, but definitely not a top choice, which is a disappointment given Francesca's great location. I came here for lunch with a coworker. I ordered some chicken wings and a Negroni up, and my coworker ordered a beer and burger. Everything arrived very quickly, with our drinks coming first. The first thing I noticed was that there was ice in my drink, so I guess the waiter didn't know what a drink served "up" means (shaken/stirred on ice, strained and served without), but that's not a huge deal since he wasn't the bartender and Negronis are traditionally served on the rocks anyways. The chicken wings were decent, not spectacular, but they were surprisingly filling for chicken wings, which are usually more of an appetizer than a meal. People watching from Francesca's is fun since the windows are huge and the North/Damen/Milwaukee intersection experiences heavy foot (and other) traffic. Given the nice location, pleasant decor, and decent food, Francesca's is worth eating at, but not going out of your way or making special plans to do so.
(3)
Dan R.
We've been going to Francesca for quite sometime and I always had good experiences there. Service can be slow at times, but they get very busy and it's nothing that will make you angry or anything. I love the seafood plates, and pretty much everything else I have tasted so far. Brunch menu changed last time we went there, it everything looks and tastes delicious. Bloody Marys are yumi, and they have a great selection of wines to offer you with your food. Bartenders are quite nice and helpful.
(5)
Robert B.
Once again a great place! Did I mention the secret spot is to sit at the bar. Plenty of room and never a wait
(5)
Scott F.
Tasty food, which I have found rare in Italian restaurants lately....so that deserves some star quality right there. The problem is in the pricing of pasta dishes and the lack of soup/salad offered with the $15 plate of noodles. Maybe it's a trend, but I still think it's part of a meal considering the $69 tab for two on a Tuesday evening. Who's with me?? Anyway, I had a great time with amazing company that made me not think of the bill and lack of minestrone too long!
(3)
Marcy M.
Holy cow! This is what a treat should taste like!!! I really wanted a nice dinner- sat at the bar and ordered. Wow!! Surf and turf changed my life. I was nervous as it was a lot to spend on dinner- but it was worth it- and generally speaking- that's not always the case. I had an amazing bartenders who walked me through the wines- she hit it spot on. The lobster was amazing, the steak perfectly cooked on top of a portobello mushroom. WOW!!! I actually ordered dessert! She suggested the affagato. What an amazing way to end a meal! This was an amazing experience from start to finish. I will be back for my next special occasion!!
(5)
Allison F.
I do enjoy going to Forno for brunch (for dinner I am a fan of the original Francesca's). The drinks are great; I am a big fan of their bloody mary. This place does get crowded, especially when it is nice out and they open the windows so be sure to get there early or be prepared to wait. Service has always been phenom though and I can't complain. I get the benedict almost everytime I go because it is SO GOOD. Not kidding, perfect amount of spice and sweet. The minus 1 star is because their dinner quality just isn't the same as the other Francesca's joints. Still quality but for dinner in this neighborhood there are better places for italian.
(4)
Michelle C.
Great atmosphere for a night out with your significant other or a rendezvous with your friends. Food is okay- moderately priced between $12-$20ish for entrees. You pay more for the location and the ambiance than for the food or the service. Bruschette was delicious. The bread was on a thick slice of bread- warm diced tomatoes, a wedge of fresh mozarella and fresh basil on each slice. For entrees, we ordered chicken saltimboca. It was very much like a chicken parmesan with linguine- two breaded chicken breasts with linguine on the side. The marinara sauce was what made the dish. Cavatelli Forno wasn't as good as the saltimboca. I never thought it would be possible, but this dish had too much cheese melted on top. It was a bland pasta-and-red-sauce dish... I wish I had gotten linguine vongole. Dessert- get the hazelnut gelato! The service was a bit on the slow side. It took about 10 minutes for the server to gree us on a Sunday night. The entree orders weren't taken until we were finished with the appetizer.
(3)
Bethany B.
I've been here for dinner before and it was solid, but I never felt compelled to write a review. I went today for brunch (new menu!) - and now I am. The french toast was amazing. The perfect amount of lightness and sweetness. I think this now rivals Jam's french toast in my book for the best french toast in Chicago. Also tried the eggs benedict, which was very good as well. They use polenta cakes instead of english muffins, which worked well, and the potatoes on the side were perfect (I usually don't eat the hash brown sides that come with almost every breakfast / brunch dish, but these made the exceptions list). I've heard the dinner menu has been re-vamped so I'll likely be back to try that...but in the meantime, brunch is highly recommended!
(4)
Brittany V.
I had a solid dinner last night at Francescas with the boy. I definitely enjoyed our time there. The food was excellent, and I loved the decor. I know a lot of people complained about everything since the remodel, but I had never been there before, so I don't really have anything to compare it to. I do wish that there was different music playing. It was 80's all night. Now I love me some Michael Jackson, but I really really don't think it fit with the atmosphere. Our server Erica was also great, but I could tell she was very overworked. It took forever for her to get to our table, and I could tell she was running around. Thankfully it didn't effect our experience, but is just something to note. Bottom line, great for a nice date night or meeting up with friends!
(4)
Sara P.
Once I looked at the menu, I was pleased. After spending a few weeks in Rome this summer, I felt delicate pangs of longing for Italia! And that's a good thing to feel when I look at a menu at an Italian restaurant in Chicago. I wasn't too hungry, so I got the Caprese salad. It was very good, just a touch heavy on the oil, but I suppose it's a personal preference thing. It wasn't drowning or anything. Presentation was lovely. The bread was delicious, as was the butter! I was very pleased because I'm definitely a bread lover. I didn't get the pizza, but my friend did, and it was quite delicious. I'm sorry to say I forgot what kind it was. Some people at the table next to me also got pizza and it looked and smelled delicious. A tad on the expensive side, but lovely for dinner, and it has a romantic ambiance. It's also good for groups, many of which I saw. Seating was a little crowded, but not bad. Waitstaff was quick and kind.
(4)
Sarah N.
I was pleasantly surprised during my visit to Francesca's Forno over the weekend. My sister and I were trying to plan a big group dinner, and everything else was booked, so we ended up here. With a few vegetarians and vegans in the group we figured we could at least get a salad, but they actually had some great vegan options. The veggie panini and special risotto could both be made vegan, and our waiter was very accommodating to our requests. The atmosphere is kind of cool, but it feels a little chainy and it can get quite loud. Overall I thought it was a good place to get dinner with a group.
(4)
Brett F.
I like the Francesca's Family of restaurants.... especially Francesca's Amici and Mia Francesca. I pretty much knew what to expect when going for lunch last week at Francesca's Forno for the first time. The menus for all of the locations vary slightly, but you can always count on solid Italian basics; pastas, pizzas, calamari, gnocci, several fresh fish options and salads for the herbivores. The decor was spot on in traditional Francesca's style with a bit of a rustic twist... warm woods, colorful Italian style - you know the drill... A slight nuance however at this location was the butter served with that warm, crusty bread. It was heavily combined with garlic, parsley and chives and so very good that even my iron clad willpower was defenseless to it's temptations. Slather me up and call me silly, I'm Miss Garlic Butter USA. I managed to avoid the carb caboose and stick to some nice greens for a light lunch. I chose the Insalata Con Uova. With baby greens, grilled asparagus, fried egg (I know, enough with the redundant runny eggs already), lemon vinaigrette and truffle oil; it made my mouth water just reading it off the menu. The salad did not disappoint and was delicious; tangy, savory and salty all at once. More than I could ask for... well, technically more would have been alright by me. Either I was especially hungry that day or the salad was not nearly enough for an entree size portion, I polished off the entire plate (which I rarely do) and was still wanting more. Plate licking is reserved for the homestead only. I also sampled the chicken special, generously wrapped in prosciutto, served with pasta and an amazing homemade marinara. Much larger portion. Much happier belly. I'm going full blast with this one next time... take my advice and go for the gusto here, you won't feel guilty to leave the greens for the rabbits.
(3)
Brittany C.
In the midst of this bustling intersection lies this wee Italian restaurant that appears to always be hopping. I must try! So, on a Friday night, a group of 4 made the trek via automobile to Francesca's Forna. The driving decision cost us $10 bucks, not too bad for such being smack dab in the middle of the hot spot known at Wicker Park. The service was good. Although they were busy, they didn't rush us to place our order. She was attentive, but not over-bearing. Perfecte! Bread on the table: A must! Apps: Calamari and Beat Salad. I have had better of both, but they were tasty enough and no one had any major complaints. Dinner: I agree, the portions are a bit small for Italian, but the prices are very reasonable and the food is flavorable, so it's not a deal-breaker. My mushroom linguine was great and I yearned for more the next morning; To me, that means good Italian. The rest of my group liked their food fine, but did grumble about the small portions. Wine: Good list, fair prices. Decor: Rustic, bordering on bland. Made up for by the view from the large windows. The tables are VERY close together in this small space, but I got over it soon after I sat down. Don't forget to make reservations! A repeat is inevitable. Yum!
(4)
lana v.
This review is for brunch only, I have not had the chance to eat dinner here. We came here for my father in law's birthday brunch. The servers were great, came up right away with water and got our drink orders. They gave us a kids menu and crayons for our daughter, and were helpful in answering questions on the menu. For the most part the food was very good, my biggest complaint was the blueberry pancakes which were covered in some blueberry sugar sauce that overpowered the whole pancake and made it almost inedible for me. The fruit and yogurt was really good, and the breakfast sandwich my husband got was great. They take reservations which is a huge bonus, but the place is very small, and the bathrooms are tiny which is a little annoying.
(4)
Law S.
Have been to this location probably seriously about 50+ times and have always loved it. Went over the weekend for the first time post-renovation and was pretty disappointed. The overall ambiance of the interior design is not as cozy as it used to be. We waited a substantial amount of time after our reservation to be seated (about 45 min after said time), but we were catching up with friends at the bar, so it was not a big deal. Also, they did send some appetizers over as an apology, which was nice. Cons: Menu change, no rigatoni, NO CALAMARI! Among other things, it seems like odd things were omitted from the new menu with questionable substitutions. Standing elliptical tables in the bar area are weird. You feel like you are towering over the tables behind them and there is not adequate clearance for standing room plus traffic flow in the bar, when full. Used to be our staple for quick, good Italian and a great place for a sure-fire last minute for out-of-town guests. I fear this is no longer true, not sure when I'll be back when there are superior options. :(
(2)
ZZ K.
YUMM!!!! Love the atmosphere - can be very laid back or dressy, depending on you! We were in our work clothes...some people were there in sweats. Service - was very nice, attentive, offered great suggestions, but still gave us space. Food - We did the Thursday special $23 for app, main meal and dessert...you can pick anything from the whole menu (including specials) and they don't skimp on the portions!! We were full after the appetizers...oh and yummy bread with garlic butter!! We had grilled octopus salad with tomatoes, onions, green beans and potatos and fried polenta with grilled beets and pistachio sauce...DELISH!!! Main meals - Seafood linguine and a special which was Mahi Mahi with couscous salad...again Very tasty!!! We took most of the main dished home, including one dessert! We couldn't help ourselves and split the chocolate banana bread pudding. It was small enough to hit the spot...and was nice combination of bananas, chocolate, warm cake and ice cream. Go...manja, manja!
(4)
Edzellou A.
We had brunch here few a few weeks back: overall not bad, but not excellent either. My husband's bacon & eggs meal was pretty good, with a generous portion size; however my sweet pancakes were a bit dry and fluffy, and while the espresso was OK, the milk was scalded. The service was nice and friendly, though, without being overattentive, which was great for a long, lazy Sunday brunch. We would likely go back again at some point but will probably check out some other places nearby first!
(3)
Elizabeth G.
really enjoyed this place! Pretty good food, Fun service, good atmosphere and large mimosas...whats not to like?
(4)
Sean D.
Been wanting to check this place out for a while now. I have heard many good things about the food. Located in prime real estate@ the corner of Milwaukee and Damon right next door to the Double Door. Us foodies have many choices for fab-food in this area. Came here on a Sunday evening about 5:30, and the place was empty, some may think this is a bad thing, but quite the contrary. We were greeted with prompt service and were able to select our own seat. The bread (2 types sliced baguette and soft) they give with an AMAZING spicy red pepper herbed butter. The entree that I decided on was a Sunday special, Spicy Spanish-Style Octopus with Bone Marrow. It was spicy and delicious. The portions are perfect. I washed it all down with a Lagunitas IPA....Perfect COMBO!!!
(4)
Joey B.
I once had a great Sunday brunch here, but that was apparently before they closed for renovations. So we tried it for dinner on a Friday night, and I think this place has changed quite a bit. Appetizer: Artichoke something - the heart of the artichoke was removed, rendering this appealing looking appetizer completely inedible. I suspect they removed the good part for another dish and served us what was left. REALLY DISAPPOINTING. Drinks: Probably the only thing saving this place was a very friendly bartender who knew how to pour a decent drink. Dinner: Mushroom spaghetti dish was flavorful, but nothing you couldn't make in your own kitchen in about 30 minutes. Not really worth going out and paying for. Fire-roasted chicken was actually pretty good, but the vegetables that it came with were disgusting - not ripe, burnt, poorly cooked. Plus the whole thing was floating in this sauce that tasted like pure salt. I think I would go back for drinks on a Friday/Saturday night, and maybe order an appetizer or something (NOT THE ARTICHOKE) but probably not go back for dinner. In summary, I'm pretty sure what used to be a solid restaurant has turned into a bar with a food menu as an afterthought. Really disappointing. In a city full of great Italian restaurants, Francesca's leaves a lot to be desired.
(2)
Andrew H.
Went here for a light late meal. I had the following: Free bread basket. White truffle pizza with mushrooms Caprese Salad Grilled asparagus Everything was honestly just ok. The pizza had way too much cheese on it and was greasy. The flavor was alright, but that's more because it had truffle oil on it, which could make cardboard taste good. The "grilled" asparagus was over charred, to the point where the tips were honestly crumbling and straight up black. That is burnt, not "grilled." The Caprese salad was decent. The highlight of the whole meal was the free bread, and mainly THE BUTTER. Oh man that butter. So good. I wanted to get some of it to go, and in fact the girls sitting behind us did....it stands out.
(3)
Heather C.
Francesca's Forno was a great spot to go with friends on a recent Saturday night. OpenTable reservations were easy to make, and the ambiance was nice and moody without trying too hard. Some dishes were better than others, but at $13-16/entree, we left full and happy. Plus, after wincing at too many $15/glass wine lists recently, I was happy to see good vino priced at $7 a glass. Parking -- even valet -- is a nightmare, so give yourself a few minutes if you don't want to be late to meet your dinner guests.
(4)
Mikinzie S.
Amazing veal dinner is well worth the price. Great waitstaff, very attentive. Glass was never empty. Have the tiramisu with an espresso for dessert..you will thank me later.
(4)
Dan H.
Like many of the other reviewers, I came here forgetting about the renovation and menu changes. I love the Francesca's chains but wasn't impressed with Forno's new menu or ambiance of the restaurant. Not only did we have to wait for 30 minutes for our reservation, but they tried to sit us at a table with other people. They claimed that these were community tables. I could understand sitting with others if I was with a friend but I was on a date and I wasn't feeling that. Unfortunately after we declined to sit there we waited another 30 minutes without any communication from the hostess. They did try to make up for the lack of communication with a tasty appetizer, but it sort of ruined the night. Overall the feel of the restaurant was very different, and I have agree that the high oval tables were people stand are awkward. The menu was very limited and not what I was expecting. Service was good, portions were small. Probably wont go back.
(2)
John K.
A burger at an italian restaurant?? Are you serious! I went to francescas when I first moved into the neighborhood 5 years ago and it sucked. Then I went back 1-2 years ago and it was great. It was like one of my favorite menus. The food was simple italian: fresh ingredients + small amount of butter or oil. The chef was outstanding. He changed the menu often. It was great. Then, they changed chefs, and the new guy screwed up the menu. Would rather eat italian at via carducci, club lucky, ripasso, antico... What a waste of a good restaurant.
(1)
natalie v.
this is deffinitely one of my favorite brunch spots. They never have rushed me out of here, not even when they are busy. Some places try to turn their tables really quickly to maximize profits. You're given lots of time to relax after your meal. Here's why I can't stay away from Francesca's: their braised lentils with 2 sunny-side-up-eggs, sauteed spinach and pecorino cheese. This, my friends, is what it's all about. It doesn't look like a ton of food, but you're STUFFED if you actually consume the whole meal. The flavors are so rich and wonderful. You can order a great bloody mary too, but what I love is their Salty Dog (vodka and grapefruit with a salted rim) - especially when they have fresh pink grapefruit juice. It's tangy, sweet, salty and strong. You will want a second one. And maybe a third. Another reason Francesca's is great? They have brunch on Saturday as well as Sunday. I've said that's a huge draw for me - Saturday brunch. Oh...and they're very accomodating for large groups. I've yet to come here for dinner, but plan to on a night where they have a $23 - 3-course menu. Their dinner menu looks great.
(4)
Neha M.
I ate the spaghetti with mushrooms in a veal-truffle oil sauce. It was amazing. So amazing that I finished my entire plate before my boyfriend had even eaten the first half of his dish. Classy, right? I don't know about their other food, but I'm coming back for that spaghetti. It was perfect. The hostess and the bar tenders and my server were all really sweet. The only things I didn't like were: the cocktails, and the actual bread in the bread basket. It wasn't warm or soft enough.
(4)
Desirae K.
Mixed Feelings. Love: .........You'll never have to wait for a table for brunch .........Yummy Bloody's & a variety of Mimosas .........One of the best caprese I've had in this city .........Beautiful big windows facing the street, great for people watching. No Love: .........Service from the wait staff is so unpredictable it drives me nuts. Good news is the bussers will never forget you, you'll always have plenty of water. .........Garlic toast, prosciutto w/eggs. Forget it! It's basically 2 tiny pieces of crusty baguette with no garlic flavor topped with a thin layer of prosciutto, buried under a salad, topped with 2 poached eggs. Not filling, no taste, not worth it.
(3)
Amy S.
This place is consistently good and 100% taste bud and tummy satisfying. Having been to a few other restaurants from the Mia Francesca chain I have yet to be let down at any location. It had been a few years since my last visit and it's nice to see that the food and quality hadn't changed much. Francesca's Forno is the 15th and newest member of the franchise and features "small plate dining, which encourages sampling" as their website states. This is a quaint, simple Italian spot where the food is rich with flavor and and the service is friendly and accommodating. You also get a great view of the 6 corners of Milwaukee, North and Damon through their large corner windows which line the walls. This location features a wood burning oven (yes!) and glass encased antipasto bar and I think, fits very well in this artistic community. We went here for a large birthday party and it was such the perfect choice for a group. Everyone ordered something different off the menu and from what I could see, licked their plates clean. My boyfriend and I shared a bowl of minestroni soup and an OMG deliciously prepared pear-prosciutto-gorgonzola-arugula appetizer which was the perfect combination of salty and sweet. A must order! I was bummed to learn that they had run out of my favorite salmon and lentil dish, but we got to try the moist juicy and flavorful pork tenderloin and mashed potato entree instead that quickly made me say "salmon? who?" Even saving room for desert the Lava Cake with Vanilla Bean Gelato was orgasmic and we were glad we saved some room! Great for a group or a romantic night for two, this place had us all speaking Italian by the end of the night (though that also could have been due to the great drinks).
(5)
Brian C.
I don't understand the negative reviews! We were visiting Chicago from Seattle for the long Labor Day weekend and stumbled upon this place as we were wandering around the neighborhood. It looked crowded so we almost didn't go in, but their large windows were open and their menu looked interesting. We found two seats at the bar, ordered a couple of cocktails, and decided to have dinner at the bar, too. The two women behind the bar made us feel at home immediately and, when we ordered the lamb meatballs and crispy potatoes with prosciutto, they both said they were two of their favorite dishes on the menu. And now I understand why! We also ordered a house salad and those three dishes together were plenty of food for two hungry people with healthy appetites. And the manhattans were really good, too. In a nutshell, we had an unexpectedly fun, romantic night, which was due in large part to the friendly service and excellent food. I'd recommend this place without hesitation.
(5)
Rodrigo P.
Can't complain about the quality of the food, but the portions are below the average for a Italian Restaurant. I don't recommend to go there for a romantic dinner, or even if you're looking for a calm and quiet dinner. Gone there for dinner with a friend, expecting to have a pleasant conversation during a quality meal. As I said, the quality is unquestionable, but it's a loud place. Besides, I don't know why (I had a reservation for 2), the hostess put us on a shared table (with a particularly loud group), what made impossible a private conversation. My final impression was that Francesca's Forno is a great place to go with many friends and have fun, but expecting to spend a little more than the usual if you're hungry.
(3)
Claudia H.
We had a great dinner. We had a 2 yr. old with us and I was skeptcal because review said not kid friendly. That was far from true. Everyone was great. There was a kids menu, crayons and a great staff. Dinners were excellent.
(4)
Nasheed A.
Awesome Food!! I went for brunch and ordered their vanilla creme french toast and it was delicious. The portions are pretty generous. I ended up taking mine home. This place is definitely value for your buck. Hands down one of the best places for Italian and brunch in wicker park!!
(4)
Carri A.
This is more of a 3.5 star review, but by the powers of rounding it becomes an even 4 stars. The bruschetta on special tonight had some sort of ham on top which I was told was quite good but my vegetarianism kept me from partaking. But still, the appetizer minus the meat was still quite tasty. I had the Ignudi alla Fiortentina and was pretty blown away from the perfectly cooked gnocchi, though a little more tomato sauce would have made the dish phenomenal. The service was slightly sparse and the prices are appropriate enough. The decor is really nice - casual but classy. And the windows bring in a lot of light and is a great spot for people-watching. Interesting characters at that corner. I wont be running back but will love to try the brunch out sometime.
(4)
Kellye W.
How is it that in two separate visits they managed to mess up salad a total of FIVE times!!?? I popped in for what I assumed would be a quick lunch on a warm Monday afternoon. I ordered their Garbage salad and asked what veggies where on the salad, onions weren't mentioned so I ordered the salad. When it arrived ONIONS all over the salad!! I told the waitress she never mentioned onions, so please remake without onions. No problem. The new salad comes and it doesn't have onions but it also doesn't have hearts of palm either!! The menu clearly stated that HOP will be in the salad. So I send it back again. FINALLY, it comes out the way it should. The manager was very nice and comped the salad. Thank you. Yesterday I went with my cousin (I would've stayed away) and we decided to share the Chopped salad, no onions but guess what? There were onions on the salad!! Really? Really? We send our salads back. They come out again and they STILL have onions in them, so we order the Garbage salad. At this point I'm not sure what's going on here. I've never sent so much food back in my life!! The Garbage salad arrived and it's drowned in dressing. Come on now!! The lettuce is literally soaked in dressing, I can't even taste the veggies!! My cousin who is "very saucy" doesn't mind and eats hers, as you can guess I sent mine back. Never again will I order salad from this place.
(1)
Eric P.
Hostess here are horrible. We walked in and asked how long the wait. She said 30 minutes, 20 minutes pass without any acknowledgement.. Went to as; said we were next.. 1 hour later and 15 tables being seated and again no acknowledgement. We ask they say people aren't leaving.. Really? Horrible experience.
(1)
Miss O.
Maybe I'm not an Italian food person. Call me Julia Child if you want. Mediocre food, but I'd go back for the summer corn any day.
(2)
Lauren S.
I can't believe I haven't rated/reviewed Francesca's Forno before! I think it's one of the most comfortable, homey, delicious, and completely reasonable restaurants in the city. Forno seems a little younger and fresher than others in the Francesca's chain (though all are great). I love the warmth and rustic wooden accents. It does get crowded, but I've never had a problem getting a table. You must try the octopus appetizer, pasta al funghetti, and the banana bread pudding-ish dessert (you'll see). These three together make up one of my favorite meals ever. BAH, now I want to go! Also, props to my waitress recently for recommending the perfect glass of red wine based on my vague description of taste.
(5)
Carol J.
Really, I've never reviewed Francesca's Forno? Because I've dragged more than a few Yelpers across the doorstep of this warm and cozy (albeit loud) Wicker Park outpost of the Francesca's empire. Brunch: Lots of options, everything delish and did I mention bellinis, mimosas and prosecco with black currant syrup? There is nothing more to be said. Dinner: Love the pasta offerings, the secondi veal, chicken and other various options. Always enjoy the seasonal salads and the antipasti that are big enough to share. Simple food with well balanced flavors and quality ingredients. Desserts: Yum. From molten chocolate cake to tiramisu to gelato to whatever amazing concoction is on the menu, they are all superb. Wine: List is very approachable with lots of unique wines at all price points. Love it!
(4)
sharon p.
We absolutely loved this place! On a recent trip to Chicago found this place out of the way from the Chicago everyone goes to see. However, what a find!! Our food was delicious and priced well for what we got. We had lunch there, was not packed but a nice casual atmosphere. We had the number 4 pizza it hall all kinds of meats on it with a salad so good. We also had the Italian Cubano delicious. We had the crispy potatoes with the lemon aioli and peppered bacon soo good. If I lived in Chicago I would definately go back!
(5)
Tammy W.
Always have loved the Francesca's chain of restaurants. However, this one was a disappointment. The decor is great, service was awesome (John is a very attentive server), but the food fell short as did the wine list (Only ONE cab available at an Italian restaurant?). The menu was limited and portions were small. Not the traditional Francesca's fare. It was a little more obscure like bruschetta with salsa verde, grapefruit and a tiger prawn. Kind of random. Many Italian restaurants to choose from in this area, not sure this one is a keeper.
(2)
Jona W.
What in gay hell has happened to this place? It's a shame that I have to sit here and echo what everyone else is saying: that I remember so many good times here in this old go-to Italian spot. So many great breakfasts with out of town visitors in the sunny, cozy dining room. And don't even ask me how many times I came here with my best friend at like 10:00 at night just to order 3 desserts and 2 spoons...quite the lady nightcap if I do say so myself (and I do). So now where that long wall with the bench seating used to be, there's this big light-up bar, and even though they're playing Radiohead at a reasonable volume in there, you can't help but hear UNTS UNTS UNTS UNTS in your head because it's glowing in there like the backdrop at a Vanilla Ice concert. Just weird, weird ambiance. Then the server comes over and he is neither a cute girl OR the guy who used to work there who looks like Jack Black. (And if you're a returning, pre-renovation patron, you panic for a second like "Oh my God WHAT HAVE THEY DONE WITH JACK BLACK WAITER?!?!" But relax, he's okay, he works at Longman & Eagle now. However, I don't think the pretty waitresses fared so well...they were unfortunately sucked into the vortex that ripped through the middle of the 6 corners when this place re-opened and channeled another dimension because of the overflow of douche energy between two commercial banks, a Starbucks, and some horrible place called "Cafe Absinthe." For more information on this phenomenon, please see A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking, Chapter 17: Douche Vortex.) Anyway, so the server is wearing a band t-shirt and is just a super nice guy who's just coolin out and doin whatever and if he happens to be walking by your table he'll stop and say wassup. He stopped and told us "how this menu works," which made me laugh because I thought he meant how to unfold & read it. NO. He meant that the foods were SO special and SO precious that there was a certain way to order them! "These are all small plates, 'kay? Which you may not be used to. It's def less food than you're used to." Translation: that means it's more special!!! Definitely too special to just say "small plates to share" or "tapas." You wouldn't understand, nevermind. You're not used to anything this special. Dummies! He went on to recommend a few appetizers. He mentioned that his favorite was this thing with watermelon in it. That's what he said: "This one's my favorite, it's got watermelon in it." Call me stupid, I didn't realize that when waiters in places like this, where the menu comes with instructions, recommend things to you, it means that it hasn't been selling well. Also, when Brad Chad the Waistaff Wonder says "watermelon IN it," he means that what you're ordering is a midsection slice of watermelon, cut into pizza triangles, dotted with cheese, mint leaves, balsamic vinegar, and of all other things under the sun, chopped olive thingies. God, it was horrible. It was like someone took a big dirty shit on the flavors of summertime. "It's not for everyone!" Brad Chad joked when he cleared it from our table after we each took a single bite. Well, thanks for telling us that when you recommended it to us, Chadders. High five brah. The whole menu was like that. It's like they took a few months off, got really stoned, and wrote the menu. "Know what would be goooood? If we took like, watermelon?? No, hear me out! Dude! Dude! So we take watermelon and cheese..." One in our party ordered the mushroom spaghetti and said it was good. My other companion ordered the trout with potatoes. The fish looked leathery, so I tried one of the potatoes and it was grease-soaked and salty. I ordered the beet salad and it was just weird and over-beety, giant choke-sized chunks of beets. But they put it on a cute oddly-shaped plate and put all kinds of weird shit on it, like bite-size bits of honeycomb, so, you know, it was totally gourmet. I also got the spinach and ricotta dumplings and they were just little flour-flavored pasta balls drowning in half a cup of grease, some kind of brown chunks at the bottom of the bowl, and Ragu on top. This tiny bowl cost me $12. For that amount, you can get a dish the size of a Ford Festiva and a kiss on the forehead at places like Buona Terra. Am I being too harsh? If you're a prior-to-renovation patron, you'll think I'm not being harsh enough. If you've never been there and you like to eat overpriced, crappy mixtures of weird foods with fancy sounding names, knock yourself out, you're going to love it. As for me, I won't be back, not even to try their modern take on breakfast, because the morning is the worst time to be sad and disappointed.
(2)
Jimmy P.
We've had some mixed opinions on our orders here. Great: Roasted half chicken with vegetables. Juicy, large potion, bursting with flavor and fresh vegetables. Great authentic Italian. Good: Gnocchi - flavorful but too heavy and over saturated in olive oil. Beef Carpaccio - drowned in strong flavored vegetables, oil and seasoning. The portion was fantastic, but I struggled to taste the beef. Bad: Salmon - had that slightly old fish smell. Salmon spoils slow so that's a really bad sign.
(3)
Steve M.
I am a little conflicted about Francesca's Forno. We went there for dinner at 9:30 on a Sunday night, and avoided any sort of rush/frenzy (a good thing). Our waiter was superb. The bread and butter(ish dip) they put on the table was really yummy. Dessert was great -- a special vanilla bean cheesecake w/ graham cracker crust and fresh berries. However, both of our appetizers, and to some extent our main courses were "Ok." Yes, if I had cooked my linguini de frutti di mare at home, i would be WAY proud of myself. However, when I go out to eat (and drop $110 on dinner) I want to be WOWed by the food! And, I just wasn't blown away. It was good, but just not amazing. I'll still go back and give Francesca's Forno more of my business though. I saw some pizzas that looked pretty dang good, and their tilapia special also sounded good.
(3)
Crystal F.
Love Francesca's Forno brunch menu with its healthy and creative Tuscan style offerings. Absolutely crazy over the arancini benedict, the fried rice balls, which seem like they would be Italian street food. Those arancini dipped into the egg yolks coupled with flavorful pancetta are off-the-charts delicious. It gets pretty noisy there; probably bad accoustics. But I forgive them all of that for the memorable meals.
(5)
Emily D.
In honor of a Wicker Park Rat. This review's for you! I never drive to Bucktown. I remember in high school, North Avenue was my artery in and out of urbanity. Coasting through The Crotch wasn't anything to bat an eyelash at, but now? Gridlock. On foot it's even a game of Frogger, with Francesca's Forno as the one-up prize. I love any restaurant that lets me people-watch without restraint. I love shabby chic and unique. High-backed chairs, splintery tables. It makes the sweaty trek on a summer day all worth it to sit back and relax for a brunch spell. And I really wanted to love to food, 200+ reviews later. I dined with some brunch aficionados. My new dear friend is the GM at Bistrot Margot, so she knows her shit. We ordered savories as mains and a sweet to split and, say it with me: "Meh." But I want to go back, because while my Garlic Toast E Cerfoglio lacked it's primary ingredient (though whenever anything calls for two cloves, I add six. . . it's an illness), I think there's more to be had here. So, three for now, four for later? On my way back to my hot (lit'rally) Ford Focus, I spotted a rat making the trek with me. That hot footed vermin made it across the treacherous six corners unscathed. My curb buddies and I had an honorary round of applause. Well done, Senor Raton.
(3)
Amy W.
This is my boyfriend and I's go-to-place for good italian and ambience in wicker park. The new remodeling makes more space in the restaurant with a more appealing bar. The food is ahhhmazing... especially seafood pasta. It's fresh, flavorful, and they zest it up with some heat and spices. Sit by the large windows - this is a wonderful corner for people watching as the neighborhood is an eclectic mix of people, pets, and sights.
(5)
Sarah Beth B.
I have only eaten brunch here, but it was really yummy. I came with a girlfriend because we wanted an easy boozy brunch, and she thought this was the place. For the most part, she was totally right. We both ordered bloody marys, which I think was my problem, since it turns out I don't like bloody marys. But if you DO, this was basically like drinking a doctored up cup of cold soup with an entire salad on top, which is apparently the point. There was an entire menu of fizzier, fruitier breakfast booze, which I'll be sure to hit up the next time I go. As for the food, it was delicious. I got the french toast, which was light in a really perfect way, and topped with mascarpone and fruit and I think there was even some chocolate on there. It was about 2 seconds away from being bread pudding and totally delicious. My friend had the brunch egg special, which I also remember being really good. Francesca's wasn't close enough or memorable enough to get 5 stars, but it probably deserves 4 and a half. I'm taking away that other half star just for the terrible signage on their awning. It totally hides the cute decor within, and would absolutely stop me from going in without a friend's recommendation.
(4)
Shayna N.
Don't be fooled by their tacky awning. Once you enter Francesca's it's cozy wooden tables, large windows, and bustling business make for a great atmosphere. I made reservations for a Sunday brunch for 4 people. It was quite a delightful experience. I tasted the individual brunch pizza, with eggs and arugula on top. My egg and greens salad was also delish. Bloody Marys and mimosas. Also VERY good. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who lives in the vicinity.
(4)
Leanne M.
Nothing. That's what I can order on this menu. "All the sauces have a chicken base" says the super sweet server. And I thought all Italian restaurants were veg-friendly. I learn something every day... Sigh.
(2)
Andre H.
This was my first time going to Francesca's Forno. Me and two friends were looking for a place neither of us have been before so we decided to give this one a shot after finding out one of the other places that we wanted to go to was no longer in business. First impression was nice. I liked the atmosphere and the waitress was very nice. The menu seemed kind of limited in my opinion but they had an extensive wine list (slightly expensive). I ordered Monkfish Puttanesca (Grilled monkfish, octopus, capers, black olives,anchovies, onions, tomatoes).It was decent, nothing to write or call home about for the price. It wasn't bad ..... it just wasn't great. That was only one dish and I do plan to go back to try a couple other things but I'm not as motivated to make that happen anytime soon except for brunch....maybe.
(3)
Brooke T.
My roommate went here for brunch with another friend and just loved it to pieces. Couldn't stop raving about it. So with another friend in town we decided to try it for dinner. The atmosphere was cool - kind of rustic Italian with a really good contemporary music selection. Unfortunately, the chairs were totally uncomfortable and the tables were arranged in such an odd pattern that I ended up with the girl behind me banging her chair into mine constantly. Not awesome. As for the food....let me start by saying I'm a commercial Italian food nazi. It's true. So, by the look of the menu, I liked that it seemed like they were doing REAL traditional Italian dishes - not Americanized crap. The server was very accommodating. He helped us pick good wine pairings and was knowledgeable about each wine and each dish. He helped me decide on the daily special of beef ravioli with marrow and a brown butter sauce. And because I really wanted the campanelle (because it had peas in it) - he had them add peas to my ravioli! He was great. The ravioli were delicious, and my companions each had two salads that were really yummy (the squid salad and the watercress/pear/pine nuts/goat cheese). Unfortunately I thought their rigatoni was bland and boring. Overall the seating arrangements could use some work. The bar looked interesting, but unfortunately I did not get to check it out. The food is really good, generally. Of the four dishes we ordered, only one was a thumbs down (to me, it should be noted - both of my companions enjoyed what they had). Those are pretty decent odds. I think if I go back, I would do more of an Italian tapas style meal with carpaccio and some of the salumi/formaggi dishes/salads. All of it looked really fresh and delicious.
(3)
Angela L.
Francesca's Forno is amazing. I've been here twice, once before the remodeling for a New Years Eve dinner, and just recently brought my mother here for dinner. I love the remodel! The look and feel of this place is great. Both times that I went, I came without a reservation, and never had to wait long. Their bar is great, so it is nice to have a drink before dinner even if you do have a wait. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful! What really makes this place is the food!! Wow, everything I've ordered here was cooked to perfection. All of the ingredients tasted so fresh and were perfectly seasoned. Everything is priced very well too. The quality and type of food that they serve here would easily be priced double their amount at other restaurants (and I am so thankful it isn't). I recommend this place to everyone! P.S. They've recently changed their menu, and it is definitely worth a try!
(5)
P S.
What a lovely place for brunch! I sat down already excited to return, and shall. The peach bellini and pear mimosa were delicious (and not overly-fruity, which is what puts me off most mimosas and things similar to it), and I absolutely loved my Tegame which was fantastic with its tender, spicy sausage and perfectly-cooked potatoes. My eggs while not over medium as requested were still fresh and delicious. Maybe I was ravenous but after I devoured the whole thing I looked at my brunch buddy and said, "I think I'm still hungry" and she, after her steak and eggs, said the same thing. In hindsight we should have gotten an extra order of potatoes or something since it felt to me that the portion was slightly smaller than I prefer for the first meal of the day. Regardless, our server was sweet, Joe was so very friendly and the bill was very reasonable. I am very much looking forward to my return visit.
(4)
Erin M.
I've eaten at Francesca's Forno several times and feel the need to write a review because I always leave Francesca's happy. The service is friendly and not over-the-top. The pasta is AMAZING. Dessert is always delicious. The atmosphere is comfortable and cozy. A glass of wine is not ridiculously expensive like it is at some other restaurants. Bottom line: I'm always happy when I leave this restaurant. I have nothing bad to say about it. Yummy Italian Food, service, and atmosphere!
(5)
Ajanta C.
Went here for Sunday late brunch.. food was delicious!! We tried the french toast and the pork hash and we wiped off every last bit off the plate! The portion size of the french toast was a little small but the pork hash is humongous so it balanced out.. definitely going back again!
(5)
Dave R.
It took a while for our table to be ready, but once we were seated a group of 4 of us had a pretty darn good meal here. We had two of the side dishes as appetizers. The brussel sprouts (bacon on the side) and the grilled asparagus with parmesan. The asparagus was quite yummy. Actually, the bread was so good and we ate enough of it I should call it a third appetizer. It came with a delicious herb butter and also olive oil with herbs and red pepper flakes (be sure to shake the oil bottle to get the flakes when you pour). I had the Mahi Mahi for my entree and it really was delicious. The tomatoes and other vegetables were perfectly cooked with a great tang from the lemon. And the fish itself was cooked and seasoned perfectly. I instinctually squeezed the lemon slice it came with on to the meal, but I think I over did it because they already had zested up perfectly. I will say that while the service was generally good, it seemed sometimes our requests for things like the wine menu, or more bread seemed to be forgotten until we asked again. Not a big deal, but it happened a few times so its worth mentioning. The big windows on to six corners were pretty cool for people watching as well.
(4)
Caiti C.
This is absolutely my favorite place in the entire city for a weekend brunch. I live in Lincoln Park (there's really no easy way to get to Bucktown), but I make the special trip to Francesca's Forno at least once a month with my friend Jason. I get the same thing every time Garlic Toast E Cerfoglio (italian garlic toast topped with poached egg, prosciutto, watercress, tomato & olive oil)--and I'm not a creature of habit, I like to try new dishes, but I literally crave this dish almost every weekend. It's something about the combination of the crunchy toast, salty proscuitto and perfect poached egg that I dream about! It's also really refreshing with the addition of the fresh tomatoes and watercress and the added bunch from the quality olive oil completely rounds the dish. Forget other lines for brunches around Bucktown. The smiling host (not sure his name, but he is always so nice!) to the views of the busy street outside, Francesca's Forno is great for people watching and enjoying great conversation with friends. Trust me you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Elizabeth B.
Special chairs, special location, special tables, special ambiance and lackluster food. I went here with a date on a super snowy December evening. That's right, I went here almost 3 months ago and I am just getting around to writing about it now because it was THAT uninteresting. We were one of just two couples in the whole restaurant. I had Bucatini alla Amatriciana and he had a chicken dish. He drank 3 dirrrty martinis and said they were good. I think the place looks nice but they would have to change the menu for me to want to go back. For such a spectacular place, they serve some pretty average eats. So much potential so little success. Stars given for great service and cool (if out-of-place) music.
(2)
Matt W.
I have been here several times in the last few months after hearing about this place. First off, the atmosphere is always great here. It's not the biggest and busiest restaurant around but that's one of the things I like about it. Another thing I like about it obviously is the food. You can't go wrong with any of the appetizers, I have had a chance to taste them all and loved each and every one of them. I have gotten pasta every time but I think I am going to get either chicken or halibut next time. Thanks for the great dining experience all around.
(5)
Kyle H.
Yes, the herb butter on bread is great! I love this place on the Triangle of Milwaukee/Damen/North, it's great for people watching inside and out. Staff is uber friendly and had good recommendations food and wine-wise. I like the pasta carbonara and the dumplings. The portions were just right. You're not going to go home with a big foam container like other Italian restaurants, but that's okay! The vibe is funky but nice enough to take a date to. Each wood table is different and so are the chairs. I would like to see more red wines by the glass, but was pleasantly surprised by my Valpolicello. I hear this place gets loud on the weekends, but it was fine during the week. Highly recommended!
(4)
Kristine M.
I can't understand why this place has so many good reviews. I went here on a Wednesday night for dinner. The waiter was way constantly at our table pestering us to see if we were ready to order and what we wanted. It felt like he just wanted to shuffle us out of there as quickly as possible. The food was also terrible. We ordered this roasted corn dish, but it was deep fried in something that tasted poor. I ordered the clam and mussels dish on a bed of pasta. The pasta had nothing on it. No sauce, no flavoring, nothing. Just pasta with this seafood that tasted like it had been fermenting in a fish tank for a while. This place always looks crowded, but avoid it if you want a better dining experience.
(1)
angela p.
It was definitely a-okay- nothing amazing, but nothing bad. On Tuesdays and Thursdays they offer a 3 course meal for $23, and you can choose from almost anything on their menu. Well, don't mind if I do! The calamari was good, the artichoke was good (although I've discovered there is no dignified way to eat the damned things); the ravioli ai tarfuto were alright and my boyfriend claimed his pizza bianca was good. Dessert was good, too. So, it was a pretty middle of the road Italian place. Definitely worth the prix fix menu.
(3)
Grace L.
We didn't make any fancy reservations for Valentine's Day, so we just popped into Francesca's thinking they wouldn't have anything exclusive going on. We were seated immediately. The atmosphere is pretty casual and lively, which I liked...however, not such a fan of the basket of cold bread, or the pasta sauce that tasted like they had dumped way too many bottles of wine into it. The desserts, however, looked heavenly...but alas, I was too full after the meal for any dessert...that and they were out of the chocolate-raspberry tart that I wanted. I changed my mind when I saw the awe-striking tiramasu that the table next to us ordered...but by that time, we had already gotten the check, so I left Francesca's dessert-less. Overall, though, I'd say this is probably a great place for a fun date, although it's probably better to skip the meals and just go for some wine and dessert.
(3)
Eman S.
New Year's Eve started with reservations at Francesca's and it was a great start! The first thing you notice when you walk in is the incredible garlic bread and pizza smell. It makes you hungrier just walking in. When you sit, you get a bread basket with the best butter spread I have ever had...and I HATE butter on bread, but I ate some of this. We then ordered the bruschetta and that too was delicious. I do recommend using a fork and knife to eat it and not your fingers because the toppings are pretty high. For dinner, I had the rigatoni with chicken pesto and it was so good. Others at the table had the lobster ravioli (she said it was just okay) and the 1/2 chicken with potatoes (he said it was just okay). The bill for 4 people, appetizer, bottle of wine and four meals was $120. Not too bad.
(4)
Vinay D.
Went here for lunch because Bongo Room was crazy packed...and I'm glad we did! Great wait staff, great food, no complaints! -Possibly the best glass of OJ I've had at a restaurant.
(5)
Carly H.
I love the Francesca Chicago chains, they usually provide great service and great food for a good price. Not surprise that Francesca's Forno fit the bill.. While searching for apartments in bucktown/lakeview/lincoln park and hunger stuck I caught a glimpse of Francesca's Forno, i knew that i would be ok.!! Great place to try.
(4)
Ayako M.
Who knew they served brunch here?!? This is the perfect place to get seated right away when you don't feel like waiting an hour for Bongo Room or the like. Service is always friendly and unobtrusive. Awesome Bloody Mary's and the Tegame with sausage is freaking delish!
(4)
Abby T.
Slow and steady wins the race.......especially when it's paired w/ consistency. Disappointedly removing 1 star.... Unfortunately my last visit to FF was not as great as previous ones. The bread was really grossly stale! :-/ That does NOTHING for the mouth-watering butter. The bread has been fabulous on a Sunday and Tuesday. This time I came on a Thursday. Worth noting if you come, really looking forward to devouring the bread and butter like me. :-) Also, this time there was no balsamic on the caprese when I could swear last time there was. But I will say this, the pizza w/ portabella mushrooms I had during this visit was the bomb!! :-P
(4)
Sarah H.
Overall, a great experience! I'll definitely be a repeat offender. :) We went on a Monday evening and it was pleasantly busy but no wait time to sit down, and the wait staff and managers were totally on it - they checked on us enough that I was never in need but not so much that it got annoying. The food was great and fairly priced - I'll probably go back JUST for the bruchette appetizer! My friend's meal size was pretty good (enough to take some home) but mine left a bit to be desired in terms of the portion. I could have easily eaten about twice as much (I'm not huge...it was just a small portion compared to others). Unfortunately I forget what it was, but basically a fancy version of baked mostaccoli..maybe 3rd down on the pasta menu? Anyhow....although I wasn't impressed with the size of my main meal, the wait staff, excellent atmosphere, otherwise impressive food, and location were all big winners for me and I definitely plan to dine there again! This is definitely one of the many gems of Wicker Park!!
(4)
HY S.
I was visiting Chicago just before Christmas and happened upon Francesca's with the help of an iPhone and yelp. As an out-of-towner coerced into making a restaurant decision mostly to get out of the bitter bitter cold, I had resigned myself to a mediocre and over-priced meal but was very pleasantly surprised. Thanks yelp! The space itself was interesting. Not exactly cozy and almost spartan with its loft/industrial/exposed pipes and high ceilings look, but maybe I was just cold -- I think I wore my scarf throughout dinner and had my coat draped over my legs. The restaurant is on the corner of a busy intersection and has 2 walls of windows which would make for great people watching. I guess it's kind of romantic too being all dimly lit with candles (I think?), although I was confused to hear Everclear circa 1994 was setting the mood. I gave into a craving for risotto, disregarding my better judgment for what's usually soggy, flat, flavored rice, and was impressed (even 3 months later) by perfectly cooked arborio with just the right balance of cheese, wine, and stock. Also, the sausage in the risotto kicked ass! We also ordered the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin which reaffirmed for me that anything wrapped in bacon is going to taste awesome. The portions were generous and we ended up taking almost half of our meal home. Unexpected bonus: 1/2 price bottles of wine (Tuesday?) Great food, appropriately priced, pleasant atmosphere. I'd definitely go back if I'm ever in the neighborhood.
(4)
Aaron G.
It's always very good. The sausage pizza was fantastic. Trout was good as was the risoto. The pork shoulder could have been a complete knock out but it was just a bit overdone.
(4)
amanda g.
the brunch is really good. the dinner is decent. the staff is really great. we've been here for brunch 5 or 6 times recently. we've had almost everything on the brunch menu and its really pretty great. some favs: pork hash savory pancakes sweet pancakes the coffee cake special (i think they only have this on sundays) is absolutely delish. we went here a couple of weeks ago for dinner and were less impressed. some of our dishes were good and some were pretty meh. i think we'll stick to brunch.
(3)
Harli B.
This place is wonderful- since their new rehab last year the atmosphere is gorgeous. Not to mention their food is fabulous at brunch or dinner. The drinks are what keep me coming back. The bartender Anna is one of the coolest bartender's I've come across and their customer service in general is amazing. Definitely worth going!
(5)
Jeff S.
This place was so much fun. Went on a Thursday night, got out of the cold and into a really great atmosphere. Awesome people watching from all sides of the huge glass windows and a great marble topped counter to an open kitchen. Our server was Mike and he was attentive and really funny. We got started with bruschetta and the meatball sliders. Bother were DELICIOUS. For an entree I had the pot roast pasta, a great stick to your ribs dish and my girlfriend had the grouper which was cooked to perfection. We split the apple tart for dessert which was huge, and also very good. Glad we split it. Bussers were great and kept up with getting us new silver, refilling water and clearing dirty plates like clockwork through the whole meal. Overall an awesome experience at one of my new favorite spots in WP. I see some negative reviews from early on in their reopening but THIS PLACE HAS HIT THEIR STRIDE! CHECK IT OUT NOW!
(5)
Vivian Y.
I've been here now, three times and each time I really enjoy it. Twice for dinner, once for brunch. The Brunch is perhaps the best deal around - expect to pay about $10-12 per brunch entree, but the quality is what makes it a great steal! They use fresh ingredients and offer creative, rustic Italian selections. Dinner is also wonderful as well with a great wine list - but be forewarned - the NOISE can be deafening....very very LOUD. Don't miss the plate of Procuitto, beef carpaccio (ask for it, it's not on the menu). Pizza's are great - thin crust, light and fresh. Hubby had the new york strip and WOW..one of the best strips I have ever had (I am a filet fan) - it had this gorgeous crunchy and cripsy, slighly fatty skin to it..had to explain but the flavor was soooo good. Polenta however, was really water - I like polenta to the consistency of creamy mashed potatoes but this was like apple sauce.... Still yummy....one of my go-to Italian joints in the city!
(4)
Nicolas H.
I like this place. They have your traditional italian fare, but also some more interesting menu choices to keep it different. We started with their free bread and homemade butter and it was awesome. We also had the Insalata con Uova (greens, asparagus, parmesan, fried egg, and white truffle oil). One of the better salads I've had in a long time as the truffle oil and runny egg combination was perfect. For the entree I had the special which was the Pork Belly. Easily the biggest portion I've ever had, and at ~$15 it seemed like a steal. So so good...
(4)
Michelle P.
I first experienced Francesca's in Naperville and had an incredible dinner. When I saw the Francesca's in Wicker Park reopened I was eager to give it a try. The food was decent but it was the service that earned Francesca's a 2 star review. When we asked our waiter, Victor for suggestions he was very brief and stated which one was more popular. He spent very little time at our table and if it was not for the efficiency of the bus boys our experience would have been horrible. When Victor brought the bill back he just set it at our table without even a thank you. Thankfully there are plenty of other great Italian restaurants still left in the city!
(2)
Irina G.
Craving authentic italian? Holy crap, delicious. Went here last night for the first time, and I will definitely be back to explore more of the options. I'll tell you what I know as of now. There were three of us so we split 2 appeteasers and 2 entrees - here goes: The bread was freakin fabulous! It came with a sort of garlic-basil butter that i couldnt stop eating, i would come here for just bread alone, no joke. Butternut Squash Soup with Goat Cheese Crouton - WHAT!? this was such a wonderful creation - i love halloween simply because of all the pumpkin/squash food creations - why dont these stay in season all the time???? anyway, the goat cheese idea could not have been more brilliant, the goat cheese melted perfectly into the soup creating a bit of a sweet/salty taste that simply flourished on my tongue. Calamari fritti- classic italian tease, i use this as a test to see if the italian place is Irina-worthy and these were made to perfection! not greasy, lightly crispy and fabulous spicy marinara... Mushroom Cream Dumplings (dont remember what they're called in italian lol) - essentially square gnocci in a creamy mushroom sauce, and they did NOT jip me on the mushrooms, we basically licked the plate clean. Linguine al pescatore/frutti del mare - fabulouso - spinach, tomatoes, scallops, shrimp, mussels, and plenty of it! We had a pescatarian in our group but this definitely pleased all our palates! Overall, great atmosphere, big place, comfy, fabulous service, I only have it one star less than a perfect because their dessert menu was pretty generic, but we didnt try it either, so who knows? Next time, I'll be experimenting with the wine and dessert menu in addition to the food, but as far as it goes for food alone, AWESOME. The end. :) Fettucini
(4)
Marie G.
What happened to you, Forno? You used to be the bastard child of Francesca's restaurants, giving their standard Italian menu a kick in the pants with inventive small plates, unique salads, and a carefully selected wine list. Now you've gone and changed your menu entirely to match the others in your chain. If I want boring Lincoln Park food, I'll go to the Francesca's near my house. If I want standard Italian food, I'll go to Club Lucky. Too bad you had to become another Stepford Wife of the Francesca's chain. It looks like this Chicago based chain is one step closer to becoming the Olive Garden.
(2)
Ingrid G.
Brunch on Sunday with a party of 7 adults and one cute little baby in a stroller. Most of the reviews were right on. We did have a reservation and got seated promptly. The place is extremely loud, however very friendly and attentive service. The brunch selections were very very good, and different than the typical brunch fare you get at the other places. My aunt bogarted my side order of polenta--when it came out she pretended like she ordered it. She really seemed to enjoy it. I wouldn't know since I didn't get any.
(4)
M R.
Service could have been much quicker. Food was good, yet I think a bit overpriced but after all it is on the heart of Wicker Park. Overall, perhaps the best in the near area.
(3)
Jolie R.
I should always go with my gut instinct.....do NOT order gluten-free pasta at ANY restaurant. However, since it was my own fault, I won't dis the place. The salad was stupendous - Insalata con Uova - greens, grilled asparagus, shaved parmesan cheese, lemon vinaigrette with a fried egg on top. Very different and very delicioso! Hubby had the Paccheri alla Laticastelli, which he yummed over and over, wishing the bowl was bigger (although he had a mound of it that was quite big in his bowl). I ordered the Spaghetti al Funghetto, which was gluten-free if requested. The original came with a brandy-veal sauce and white truffle oil, but the gluten-free didn't have the sauce. Shoulda stuck with the original!!! I'm kicking myself - the sauce and mushrooms were very salty, but I don't know if that was from the substituted oil and garlic or what.... Other guests at the table ordered Pollo alla Voltostana and Pollo Arrosto alla Salatino, which they declared to be magnifico!! Dessert was a round of flourless chocolate cake, apple tart, gelato and fresh berries, which was shared by all - sweet and a great way to top off the meal. I'm taking away 1 star for the waiter who hung over our table as he talked....it was wierd. Otherwise, we'll be back for more and I'll make sure I order original food!!
(4)
Jennifer B.
Good God the food at Francesca's Forno tastes great. I mean...WOW! They just put a new entree on the menu for Fall...pumpkin ravioli! Who knew pumpkin tasted like heaven? The food here is exceptional, and the service gets the job done. It is difficult to hear in this restaurant though....it is LOUD. Loud like it's the first thing you'll recognize upon entering, and when walking outside after your meal you'll breathe a sigh of relief that you can hear again. For some reason, this restaurant doesn't seem to match with the neighborhood. I don't know...it's hipster central at Milkaukee/Damen/North and then here sits Francesca's Forno, with it's traditional look and feel. Hip or not, I'm definitely returning to this spot for their amazing pastas.
(4)
Lara K.
They gave me the wrong pizza and did not take it off my bill!!
(1)
Mae S.
You guys gotta try Funghi e Taleggio pizza for $10. Wild mushroom, taleggio, tomato, and white truffle oil. It's fantastic! Make sure to tell them not to burn the bottom though cause it'll completely change the taste.
(4)
Jeff H.
Excellent, excellent service. Good coffee and lots of refills. Tomato pork hash was way too salty. Wife's baked egg thing too greasy and fatty, but I am sure some people like it that way. Good people watching.
(3)
Brandon C.
I hated the portion I got at this place for dinner. Italian is supposed to be filling and tasty. This was about half of a meal I would expect at an Italian joint. The food was bland and cold. I will not be back.
Super-simple review... outstanding food, service, and atmosphere. My entree was the NY strip with gorgonzola... yum. But the winner was Holly's risotto of the the day which included italian sausage and spinach. Oh my! We topped it off with some chocolate lava cake which made Ty smile a chocolate-speckled grin. Why are 9 year-old boys seemingly allergic to napkins? Our waiter was super-nice and the ambiance is very friendly. The only (negligible) ding was it took a while for them to prepare our (incredible) food. Whatever. 5 stars!
(5)
Josh G.
Last night was my first dinner here and over all it was good. I thought the restaurant was pretty busy for a late dinner on a Wednesday night, but even so there was no wait for a table for two. No sooner had we been seated when someone came over with water, big thumbs up for me. Our server gave us just the right amount of time to get situated before coming over and giving us the specials. Our server was very friendly and answered all our questions about the food and wine. The only problem I had with the atmosphere was it was just a little loud but again, the server was great and was happy to repeat anything we asked. For dinner I had the Ignudi alla Fiorentina (ricotta & spinach dumpling in a brown butter-sage sauce) and my date had the Pollo Arrosto alla Salatino (roasted half chicken with Italian sausage and herbs). I think a lot of people would be surprised at the small serving size of the pasta that I got. I will admit it was a bit small but since it was delicious and I like to keep dinner on the lighter side I was totally satisfied with it. I didn't try any of my date's dinner but the report was that is was also enjoyable. The wine we had was fantastic and this is coming from someone who doesn't drink much. Unfortunately I can't remember the name but I'll edit the review later if I figure it out. For dessert we shared a creme brulee with fresh berries. I love creme brulee and this one didn't fail me, especially the fresh fruit on top. The strawberries and blueberries were perfect. Over all I thought this place was very tasty. Since it's not in my neighborhood I probably wouldn't go out of my way just to go here but it was well worth the trip and I would easily go back if I was in the hood.
(4)
Tu'ens N.
There are a few things I didn't like about Francesca's Forno. First, the menu is not very interesting - almost all the dishes are dishes I cheaply, easily and regularly make at home. I got the Baresi pizza, and it was UNBELIEVABLY salty. I mean, like super-pretzel salty. Even though it has prosciutto I think that they poured salt on the pizza... The taste was not bad besides the extreme saltiness but still not even in the top 20 pizzas in town I can think of off the top of my head. One of my forks that came with my setting was very dirty with cheese or something stuck all over it, which happens of course, but I think someone should have checked the forks before wrapping them up in napkins especially since it was really obvious. Our server was very attentive and the ambiance is good. The Francesca's salad or something was pretty good as well. I don't imagine going there ever again unless its just a matter of convenience.
(2)
Peter R.
We ate here for my birthday last month. It was a busy Saturday night, and we were seated as soon as all of us arrived. The service was OK, and I can say the same about the food. My overall opinion of the restaurant is good, and I'm sure if I go back I will order the dish I originally wanted. The atmosphere was good, but I just thought they should'nt be playing Top 40 hits inside a Trattoria. I will say that I enjoyed the Tiramisu and that my chicken dish was adequate. I will give this place another try and maybe it will leave me with a better taste.
(3)
Ellen M.
I have never had such nice service and food while listening to 'Nimrod's Son,' and I loved watching all you pretty things walk by from my window seat. I guess you have to get here for early weekday dinners, 'cos it was empty and the service was awesome. The herbed butter rocked. You can order one entree each, or choose 3-5 smaller portions. Kathleen O. and I split everything. Good carpaccio, fresh tomatoes and spinach. The octopus salad was delicious, and the ricotta cheese in the traditional ravioli was perfect - ricotta just a little dry, how I love it. The portions were all pretty small but with nice presentation, so we ordered two desserts to share thinking we'd daintily tuck into little petit fours and fruity thingies, but darn my cellulite if they weren't generous. Don't get all dolled up. Or, get all dolled up. This is not your father's Milwaukee Avenue.
(4)
Annie W.
This place is really good Italian. Not overly greasy or saucy with quick service. I've gotta remember to try it for brunch, too. I'd recommend the pinoli e caprino insalate (watercress, arugula, PEAR, etc) and linguini con frutti de mare (this thing was chockful of seafood!). On a not so hungry Monday night, a friend and I split this order and it was the perfect amount and very reasonably priced. The best part is at the end when you leave the restaurant. Don't forget to check out their bowl of unique Italian wrapped candies!! I grabbed a couple but should've grabbed a handful. Flavors such as chocolate liquor, coffee. YUM!
(4)
Zach F.
My girlfriend and I were able to call at 7:15 on a Saturday night and get a reservation for 2 at 8:45/9PM the same night. When we got to the restaurant I was surprised by the size (it's bigger than your average Italian restaurant) but in a good way. We were seated immediately; I think we were lucky to get that reservation since the place was completely full. -1 star for spotty service at times: when we first sat down it took longer than necessary for someone to attend to us, and took excessive time bringing drinks (1 beer, 1 glass of wine) The food here at F. Forno's was amazing, some of the best Italian I've had in the city. Delicious without being pretentious and a GREAT value. We had bruschetta with figs and bacon for an appetizer (special of the night) that was delicious. I had the Pane Frattau pizza, it was covered with prosciutto and cooked to perfection. My girlfriend had the mushroom pasta and the portion was large and cooked perfectly. Great place off the beaten path, if you will. We'll be back!
(4)
Allyson R.
Had dinner there on Friday night with a girlfriend. Parking was a nightmare, but of course, that's Wicker Park for you. Dinner was quite good and they had some nice wine selections. However, I felt like the tables were a can of packed sardines; was not a great option for having a conversation. Their molten chocolate cake was to die for and probably the best part of the meal. The reason for the 3 stars was the fact that we split the check, but I was charged for the whole meal on my credit card. Still waiting for the charges to be reversed and for the real amount to even show up on my statement. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the mistake works itself out.
(3)
Vickie L.
Love this place. Food is always good, atmosphere is always great. People are young and attractive. The only thing I do NOT love is the wait. We made reservations (for my birthday!) for 8pm, we didn't get seated until 8:45! After nicely complaining about 5 times, the waitress said the manager was going to provide us with free appetizers, they brought out 3 kinds. In terms of apps, nothing was too spectacular. I always get a pasta dish and am never unhappy. Portions are good, but not so big that I feel wasteful leaving a few bites. Last time I got a pasta dish with seafood - very good. The manager also said we'd get free dessert, so we got 3 of them. All were very good, my fav was the brownie with vanilla ice cream (no one ever does this dessert wrong). After all the discounts, our meal was quite reasonable :) I suggest if it ever takes more than 20 minutes for your seat, make sure to complain so you get something comped.
(4)
Courtney B.
Big fan. I've always just noshed at the bar here. Last night we had a party of 6 and sat at the corner table where the two windows come together which made it feel like we were sitting right on the street. Great people watching, really fun. The calamari and goat cheese apps were excellent. Our server, John, helped me decide on a couple different wines for the table since I am not too familiar with Italian wines. After reading some YELP reviews yesterday I ended up ordering a couple of highly recommened dishes and wasn't disappointed! The asapragus/egg/truffle salad was mouth-watering and the seafood pasta was packed with shrimp and scallops. I couldn't even eat half, it was so big. It'll be a nice late snack for tonight. This is a really great choice for a family dinner. Lots of bread and herbed butter with nice wine and a great atmosphere to relax and enjoy a lovely meal.
(4)
Shang S.
We came here on a weeknight for a girlfriend's birthday dinner and they were extremely accommodating for a group of 9. We waited at the bar for maybe 10 minutes before we were seated. We had various people share dishes or order individual dishes, and everything came within a reasonable schedule and all was correct. The food is what I would generally expect from an Italian restaurant with these affordable prices, but it's nothing particularly outstanding or bad, which is what I usually assign 3-star ratings to. The service was attentive all night, and we had a great time.
(3)
Kristin V.
I have been here 4 times because I live in the neighborhood. It is a trusty place and normally I would give 4 stars or higher. But, I don't love the brunch menu, to be honest. I got truffle egg toast and it was on a bed of dry mixed greens with a little piece of toast. My friend got the skillet and was very disappointed with the taste. my other friend got Eggs Benedict and we all had food envy. Hers looked awesome and she ate it up without sharing. Anyway, eat the eggs benedict or don't bother.
(3)
Kymberly J.
mmmmm...What's better than a good italian meal on a cold Chicago night? I loved the interior and the atmosphere but I have to say the music didn't go with the surroundings. I don't think " you spin me right round" goes with a hearty Italian dinner. But hey! that's me! So anyway, I had the risotto special and my friend had a rigatoni dish. Both were excellent. The rigatoni had a firey flavor like they stuck it in a brick over for a few minutes. Yum, it was like nothing I'd ever tasted before.
(4)
Sarah R.
I've always been a big fan of all the Francesca's I've been to. This one.....not so much. They just remodeled, and the space is beautiful. But the service and the food left something to be desired. We were a party of 6, waiting for one person who was going to be really late. We told them this when we first got there. No one ever came to our table. After over 20 minutes, we flagged someone down, and a server came over. He said that he thought we were waiting for someone. Yeah, but no greeting? No drink order? No offer of apps while we wait? Nothing at all? We ordered a few bottles of wine, and they took an above average time to land on the table. Our server seemed like chatting with other staff took priority over taking care of us. We finally ordered, and I think I was the only one at the table who liked my dish. I got the pork shoulder al forno, and it was a bit greasy, but I did enjoy it. I tired bites of my friends dishes, and agreed with their descriptions, under seasoned, greasy, chewy and boring were some of the words I heard from them. If you have a craving for Francesca's, hit up OG Francesca's (Mia on Clark Street), or the one on Taylor.
(2)
Naomi L.
I can't take allot of these negative reviews seriously! it inspires me to go more to these places lol! As for Amanda's nasty review um it was brunch and when you go to brunch you gotta wait- The whole of Chicago is going. try NEW York city lol! we went to FF on a Friday night it was escellent , service, presentation quality of food and back ground atmosphere. The pinot noir wasn't the best but this isn't a fine dining wine bar, so you get what you pay for. we will be back !
(5)
Rick W.
A solid place to go for a meal. Great bread and garlic butter, several entries are good. Not a big fan of the salami pizza. Very nice ambiance and a great location.
(4)
rebecca s.
I met a friend here for brunch a few weeks back. I wasnt so sure about it at first but i ended up having a great meal. We sat at the bar and were offered drinks on the house. I guess the bartender was trying out a new drink. Food was served fast and was super delicious. Surprisingly this place gets pretty packed for brunch. I would totally go back.
(4)
Dana H.
Ate here for 'Dining Out for Life'...was impressed... Super casual Great menu...everything you'd expect from an Italian restaurant Affordable wines Friendly staff The Spaghetti al Funghetto and Fichi, Prosciutto and Gorgonzola pizza were both delish. We will return!
(4)
Jen S.
This place is either very good or very bad. Its weird becuse you get to have both at the same time. Its like a sandwich with deliciousness on one side and ickyness on the other. The wait sucks, but I expected that. The staff was bizarre. The host was so over the top happy to see us I was worried that he mistook me for someone on americas most wanted and was planning on collecting a huge reward. My actual waitress was absent. we got bread at the end of the meal. (Unless bread is a traditional Italian after dinner mint?) Every time she did show herself she kept asking where she knew me from. Its possible that she eventually remembered where she knew me from, decided she hated me and took it out on me by ignoring me. Whatever. The cheese was good, but its not like they actually make the cheese, you know? Its just cheese. And that was the best part of the meal- everything else was just ok.
(3)
Brian W.
This place very well could be my new favorite Italian spot in the city. Having ate their last night and leaving with a well satisfied stomach. We walked in a little early and they hadn't opened the kitchen just yet. However our server John was more than willing to seat us and get us started with some drinks. He was very nice and joked around a good deal with us. We started off with their fried calamari, it was very lightly battered with a graham cracker crust. It wasn't greasy and you could just get a hint of the cracker in it, probably some of the best fried calamari I've had. Our eyes were probably much larger than they should have been. We ordered spaghetti al funghetto, bianca pizza, and the linguini con frutti di mare, a few sides of funghi trifolati and patate alla calabrese. The portions weren't too large, which was a relief. They also sauced it the pasta in a more traditional manner, which is to lightly coat the pasta and not overwhelm it, thank you! My spaghetti with mushrooms was awesome, it was bursting with flavor and the white truffle oil helped the mushrooms and mascarpone reach their full potential. The potatoes were super creamy and just sort of melted away when they touched my fork. Being down in Wicker Park it's a fun spot to people watch from as well. It's like a miniature parade of fixees,hipsters and hypebeasts. Great atmosphere and not pretentious, I'll return here again soon.
(4)
David B.
My visit to Forno was very Yin and Yang. To start, we made a 730 reservation and were seated at 9. Yes, it was a Saturday night and VERY packed, so I understand getting seated late, but 90 minutes late? Craziness. Now you ask, why in the world would you wait 90 minutes??? The reason was management being so nice about everything. We were waiting at the bar having drinks, and about 30 minutes into waiting, we were served bruschetta. About 60 minutes in, we were served free drinks. Yeah, probably doesn't make up for a 90 minute wait, but given that I was with a group of friend and we were all waiting contently at the bar, it wasn't that bad. Once seated, the rest of the night went nicely. Very good service in a nice and fun ambiance. And more importantly, the food was really good! I'd probably return to Forno on a weeknight when its less busy. Its a fun place with solid service and at decent prices.
(3)
Jacqui C.
I won't write a long, babbly review since this place is already well-reviewed already. The food here is phenomenal. I have gone with friends several times now and have always been blown away by the appetizers (last night we had a cheese plate and some sort of pepper dish stuffed with cheese), the salads, and the entrees. My friend and I are addicted to the sausage rigatoni. Another friend loves the rissotto. Another friend swears by the frutti di mare. On top of it all, we are continually shocked at how freakin' affordable it is. Whenever our bill comes, we always wonder at first whether things were accidentally left off. It's amazing. The deserts are fabulous as well, and our FAVORITE SERVER is Ellie. She's spicy and hilarious, and makes fabulous recommendations on what to eat that night. She also remembered us from last time and brought us free flutes of champagne just for fun. We will continue to go back here and ask for her section. The only thing that sucks about Francesca's Forno is that it's so (apparently) popular that you have to make reservations or else you're screwed. However, I'm happy to do it. The experience is great.
(5)
jeff c.
Nice ambiance. Food quality pretty good, albeit portions rather small. Hostess very nice and quite professional. Service slow. Seems like wait staff and runners do not talk to each other (language barrier?) as there were three mistakes with our order. Wait staff dressed in super casual street clothes...should have black pants and white shirts in this type of quality establishment. Linen table clothes would be nice too. Oddly, music was all 70's rock and roll like Bob Dylan and the Doors...weird for a fancy Italian spot. I would go again but this place needs some polishing....
(3)
Amy S.
The brunch is YUMTASTIC! I had the salad with the egg on it and asparagus...delicious! The only bad thing is that I ordered toast after I got my meal (I thought it came with it) and it took about 15 minutes. The atmosphere is claustrophobic because the tables are SO close together...but it's ok.
(4)
Christina D.
After trying desperately to find a nice (but not too complicated or fancy) place to eat for when my roommate's parents were in town, we decided on Forno. I was initially hesitant- although I had never eaten there, something about its smug manner of just being right in your face at the six corners made me dislike it. Luckily, I had an experience that proved my first impression wrong. As a big group trying to make a last minute reservation, we surprisingly had no problem getting a table on a Friday night at this busy joint. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable about their different available wines and my roommate's parents were delighted. I ordered a mushroom risotto of some sort and it was pretty damn delicious- and I have high standards for risotto! The service was great, the atmosphere a bit noisy but not very annoying, and overall it was a positive experience.
(4)
Andrea C.
on my first trip out to wicker park my boyfriend and i landed here. we had to fuel up before commencing on a search for the marc by marc jacobs store (i had forgotten to yelp it before leaving...oops!)... anyway, after perusing the block for tasty looking restaurants we landed here. prices are very reasonable for brunch and the food was very very tasty. they were serving brunch, so i had a bloody mary and he had a mimosa (both really great...$6). for my main course, i had a sandwich (w/really fresh mozzerella) and delicoius pasta salad!! i think bf had pancakes? either way he and i could have licked our plates clean. it looks like their menu changes often, which is great...and the prices were reasonable. id definitely go back!
(5)
Nicole B.
Nice decor. Great and cheap lunch prices. Friendly staff. I ordered a caprese salad and a glass of wine, and everything was deelish.
(4)
Varvar Y.
I've been to this place twice. Once for brunch and once for dinner. Brunch was pretty plain(3), but dinner was fantastic! Both times we were greeted by the same super jolly man. We always get a kick out of how happy he is, but it's nice and welcoming. Dinner was so tasty that I wanted to lick my plate (and my bf's). And the garlic butter is to die for! I would have packed it if I had leftovers. The service was good. Chocolate lover's - I highly recommend the lava cake. It's up there with Roy's lava cake. Yum....
(4)
anna k.
Walked in @ 7pm and was lucky enough to get a table by the window. My guest was a couple minutes behind me so I started at the bar. I got a glass of wine, he arrived and we sat. We were having a great conversation and the restaurant was really busy, but it took about 15 minutes(maybe longer?) for the waitress to approach. Jenn was super sweet and apologetic, we were fine in our own company. Wine list is super affordable and so is the dinner menu. They sent out the Mussels to the table for the wait and they tasted fresh and but cold. Pasta with clams and bone marrow had great flavor and the clam & belly pizza was tasty but the center was very soggy. Regardless of the few misses, I'll definitely be back. The vibe is super cool neighborhood staple.
(3)
Thomaz P.
Very very good place for a very decent price. Very trendy decor and servers.
(4)
Johnny B.
Francesca's Forno is the Family of Francesca's Wicker Park location. Appropriately, it is a much hipper and relaxed restaurant than the other incarnations. Not to say it doesn't match up to the other Francesca's; when it comes to the food, it met my lofty expectations. I don't know if Francesca's has overly high expectations of their wait staff, or if I have just been lucky, but for my second straight visit to one of their venues, I was extremely impressed with our server. He was very knowledgeable of the menu, offered great suggestions and stopped by at all the right times. We started with a pizza. Actually, we started with the bread. And continued with the bread. And continued with the bread. Francesca Forno's bread is out of this world! It is chewy with a hard crispy crust and they provide you with herbed butter AND seasoned olive oil. I couldn't decide which topping was better, so I kept grabbing more pieces to aid my decision. It's still a toss-up. After two baskets of bread, and probably 8 pieces for me alone, we received our pizza appetizer. It was three cheese with prosciutto, figs and a Chianti reduction. It was a delicious blend of ingredients, with each bite bringing out different flavors. For entrees, she had a delicious gnocchi in a brown butter sage tomato sauce. It was very good, but paled in comparison to my spaghetti with mushrooms in a veal broth, truffle oil sauce. It was rich and savory, and quite possibly the best pasta I have ever tasted. Still early in the year, it has a strong hold on best things I ate in 2008. Despite the massive amounts of bread consumed, my better half's extreme love for Nutella overruled our stomach's plea for no more food. We split the crepes with Nutella and cream. They weren't out-and-out amazing, but they will certainly greatly please any Nutella freaks out there. Francesca's Forno definitely has a more unique feel than its sister locations. The parent company did a great job of adapting their plan, tweaking it to the neighborhood, and still delivering some of the best Italian dining in the city.
(5)
Erin S.
Went here Friday night for dinner and drinks. Had the bucatini alla amatriciana, and overall was not that impressed. Wasn't a well put together dish and was just okay. I was just a bit underwhelmed after hearing good reviews about the place. Boyfriend had the braised pork shoulder which he really enjoyed. However, the food - probably 2 stars. One extra star for the cozy ambiance. If coming here esp. on a Friday - make reservations - the place was packed.
(3)
Charlene C.
We had a delicious meal here. We sat near the window and enjoyed the activity of the people walking by - especially the mime who was performing for a taping of some sort. My daughter and I shared a special salad of watermelon which was delish. I opted for the Mushroom+Marscapone Pasta; incredible. It was so smooth and delicious with perfectly cooked mushroom in a creamy sauce. Rich? Yes! I wanted to eat every bite, but couldn't so my daughter got a nice little carry out for another time. :-) It's a busy and hopping place. The meatball sliders looked incredible (someone at the bar behind us ordered them) so perhaps on another trip to Chicago, we'll give them a try.
(5)
Suzen R.
The brunch menu was limited but it was good food. The washrooms were too small to be accessible for wheelchair users. The layout of the restaurant was fantastic! The food was great too. Next time I would not go for brunch.
(4)
Tanya M.
FUCKING ORGASMIC! i've eaten here a few times and everything is always incredibly good but Friday night, it was the best meal i've had in a long time. the names of the dishes are in italian so i dont remember the name of it but i had roasted chicken with a very thin amount of cheese on top with sauted mushrooms and this delicious juice/brown sauce poured over it all and my god it was good. I also had a side of spinach with olive oil and garlic, perfection. and they serve you this herbed butter with the bread that you cant help but try to control yourself from slathering butter over everything. the tables are closer then i like and everyone is really loud in there and at times it seems as if the people next to you are listening to your conversation but what can you do. And I tried to order an allagash white but they were out or they stopped serving it, not sure but the waiter suggested the only goose island beer on the menu, and although i wasn't familiar with it i decided to try it and it was gooood. and on tuesdays they have 3 courses for $30, definitely try that out. you'll be stuffed. OH MY GOD, i almost forgot about the dessert! we shared the flour-less chocolate cake which had a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. so delicious. and the portion was just right, not too big like most places. they probably understand that you are already full but just cant help but finish off with something sweet. good coffee as well.
(5)
K H.
Thank goodness they got their old menu back. This place is reasonably priced and the food rocks. They had a bad period where they completely changed the menu, but all is well again. Love the beets. The risoto is always a winner as is the half chicken. Better to go late because it's really busy around 8 on weekends.
(4)
Chris W.
What a treat to be able to dine here! I cannot say enough good things about the menu but wow you will be amazed. We went as a group of four and shared a bunch of small plates and we left full. I would definitely go back!
(4)
Andrea C.
Hands down one of my favorite places for brunch in the city. I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a table (compare this to the insanity that is Bongo Room right down the street) and the food is always fantastic. I've tried pretty much everything on the brunch menu and have never been disappointed. Love this place - perfect location for shopping, the farmer's market and people watching!
(4)
ANA R.
My boyfriend and I absolutely LOVE this place. Whenever I eat here, I find myself humming an "mmmmm" throughout my entire meal, seriously! The food has such rich flavor -- nothing mediocre or subtle about it! It's gourmet Italian to savor and treat your taste buds. The setting is pretty calm and cozy, nothing like the busy streets (hello five corners intersection!), with dimmed lights and sturdy, heavy wood fixtures. Our service is usually nice -- nothing too significant here. Parking is the only hassle when we come to eat here. But it's quite worth it.
(5)
Bethany H.
***An Update : This place seems to have listened to many of the not-so-impressed comments from right after their revamping. Service and ambiance have improved, the menu is back up to its older standards (for the most part, but still more casual). Raised my rating to 4 stars. Formerly a semi-fine dining establishment, this place closed, re-opened with windows that roll back to admit the outdoors, and became a loud, very casual italian joint. Though the food is still very good, the atmosphere will disappoint those used to Francesca's before summer 2011. Our evening was marked by an offensively loud group at the bar (who it appeared had been served way too much by a bartender who was a friend. I assume a discount was involved, as it would rack up quite a bill to be that sloppy drunk at this place's prices). Shouting and falling all over your friends while barely balancing on your chair is not my idea of good restaurant behavior. And that's an indication of the kind of crowd Francesca's now invites. Fashionably disheveled twenty-somethings who do not bother to remove their Bieber-billed hats regardless of their dates' cute dress added to the disillusionment. For those who enjoyed Francesca's of the past, the food quality will not disappoint (and even seems a bit lower priced). Several of the cheeses for starters were awesome, and our server was fantastic, offering honest suggestions and prompt attention. In fact, service overall was very good - the behavior of the staff stood in contrast to the clientele in general. Final Answer: Though I may be back I'll never bother to put on decent clothes to come here again. Come for the food (and in the summer the open air) but don't book this place for your anniversary or other quiet special occasions.
(4)
Brett K.
One of the largest servings of meat I have had out at a restaurant and not just big to be big. The pork shoulder was massive! The crust was perfectly crisp and the meat perfectly tender. My girlfriend will probably give a 3 star review here as she wasn't nearly as happy as I with hers (I think it was a pasta dish) but I literally could not have asked for more. If you are in Wicker park often and pass it a lot it's time to go in and check it out. I hear the pizzas are awesome to.
(4)
Ken N.
So0000 sad. This used to be my go to italian in the hood. Been here at least 25 times. Just good reliable food....not anymore. since the relaunch it has gone way downhill. - food is ok, but not nearly as good as the old menu. The size of the plates are also much smaller. - No more bread and olive oil...or even salt n pepper for that matter - but they still pile like 5 little plates on your table for some reason. I used to love the bread too. - Service sucks. I felt totally rushed both time. Hostess must have paced by my table at least 15 times. cleared plates as fast as possible and pushed us out the door. One time WITH a reservation they sat me and my wife at a 6 top. so it was us two sitting next to a foursome. total awkward. chairs are way too close. If you are going to have communal seating it should be a table of at least 8 or 10 or more with ample room. I tried it out twice. Both time very disappointed. won't be back. For Italian I'll go to Lucia's or Antico (top tier GREAT FOOD)
(2)
Bridget S.
My cousin, who was visiting on business, and I had a lovely dinner on a snowy, cold Wednesday night. The restaurant was not very full, though we were sat right next to another table. Initially I was uncomfortable at the close proximity, but quickly got over it (in fact, they were quite funny and "borrowed" our bread). The menu is a good size - not too overwhelming. Large menus scare me and I can't make decisions. I went with the risotto of the day and my cousin got some chicken dish (I am so eloquent). We had the appetizer special, which was a delicious bruschetta. I don't recall the wine my cousin picked, but it was a dry Tuscan merlot. For dessert we split an incredible, warm, flourless chocolate cake topped with mint gelato and berries. Awesome. The service was great, as well. Our waitress was knowledgeable, friendly, but not phony. She was attentive and even corked our un-finished bottle of wine to take home (even going so far as to seal it in a plastic bag and include a copy of the receipt so in case we were pulled over there would not be an issue). The busser was very quick with refilling my water and the food runner announced which dishes he was presenting. The interior is what first drew me inside. Sort of rustic, mis-matched wooden chairs, a great tile floor...simple and tasteful. It's Italian...but it's not cheeseball OliveGarden-Italian. While I can see how it could get very loud on a busy weekend night, this particular night was fantastic. Was it odd that they were playing The Smiths and Pixies in this Italian restaurant? Maybe. But c'mon...this is the heart of Wicker Park here! Besides, I never complain when I hear the Smiths. Prices were reasonable. Servings were NORMAL - not huge American-sized portions. I originally put four stars on here, but after writing this review, I'm making it five. I can't think of any reason why I should ding 'em one star!
(5)
Adrian L.
We entered Forno during a brisk walk down Milwaukee St on w whim. Well not quite a whim, it looked very warm inside and there were some very interesting dishes sitting atop very cool roughly hewn wood tables. One of the most important courses for breakfast is the Bloody Mary course. It whets your palate, wakes up your buds and takes away any edge you may be feeling from the night before. I would almost suggest not leaving the house without first enjoying one or two. Do I even need to say what we started with here? Forno's BM was pretty solid. A nice amount of tang, but I think it needed a bit more depth to it, and a dash more vodka. It come with a lager chaser which i though was a nice touch. The menu had so many nice thing on it i was wishing that i had two more stomachs (dearest Cthulhu, why did you not make more ruminant like, or give me cool flesh ripping talons). Anyway, i settled on the Ouvo alla Diavola. The eggs were cooked very well and nicely cheesed-up, the sausage was good and i lover the crisp crust of the fried polenta. My friend had Lenticchie con ouvo. The sunny side up eggs were cooked to perfection and the lentils in this dish were amazing. The servers at Forno always made sure our coffee was full and that our food was good. Like i said i loved the tables and the whole restaurant had a nice feel to it, i could definitely see me going back there to enjoy a few more brunches at their big windows watching Wicker Park denizens able along.
(4)
Dane K.
I was actually pleasantly surprised at this location of Francesca's... I figured being in Wicker Park, this might be the red headed step child location of their franchise. It turns out it was actually *very* good... (and dare I say, I preferred the food over the Taylor St location? Though this location was really loud and bustling comparatively) It was extremely crowded though... Reservations are a must in the future... we called and asked for reservations, were told 9pm was the soonest, but we could come in and wait and hope for the best... ("if you come *right now* I have a table for 3")... We get there and he told us 20 minutes. Fine, we went to the bar for drinks... We should've ordered an appetizer at the bar, the wait was probably 45 minutes. Again, not totally his fault and even a little predictable. The host was very nice about it and kept giving us updates on our table ("they're paying their bill" ... "they're drinking coffee" ... "they paid their bill, drank their coffee, and now they're just sitting around!" ... he started getting frustrated and really wanted to turn the table). When we were seated we ordered grilled calamari. Amazing... The best grilled calamari I've had in a long, long time. No rubbery consistency whatsoever, perfectly cooked with a nice char flavor. We consulted the waiter on entree recommendations. I was in the mood for something really meaty, which seemed to only leave 3 options or so. He said the lamb shank special was great, but Brian wanted that... So that left the pork chop, which he kinda hinted wasn't his favorite thing but said it was the chef's favorite. My sister ordered rigatoni. Brian loved his lamb entree, but I'm told I can't report on his meals anymore... he wants to. :P ... My pork chop was the thickest cut pork chop I've ever seen in my life. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone that still thinks trichinosis exists and orders their food overly done, but I liked it at a nice medium... Parts of it were closer to medium rare though, it was a really thick cut. A slightly thinner cut would've been easier to cook to a consistent medium, but overall it was pretty great. It was topped with a mustardy charred sauce that gave it nice flavor. The beans it floated atop were great, too. My sister said she liked her rigatoni, the noodles themselves were huge. For dessert we ordered and shared a flour-less chocolate cake, which was topped with mint ice cream. it was good, but ... kind of boring. and the ice cream was probably covering up for the lack of excitement. Entrees varied in pricing, with the pasta entrees being cheaper and some of the specials coming closer to $30 and some over that even. The decor wasn't too much different than the previous Soul Kitchen, I think they even kept their funky chairs. I'll definitely be back for the Tuesday night special.
(4)
R. A.
I have never ever been a fan of any of the Francesca's restaurants. Sorry. Huge portions, heavy sauces over flowing the plate, olive oil dripping, pasta in everything. For the love of God, Pasta is NOT a side dish!!! ...So...as I was saying...no Francesca Restaurants has ever got a blessing from me...until Il Forno. This is the closest you will get to a restaurant in Italia. Been here many times, I live 2 blocks away, the food is great, the portions are perfect, the prices perfect for the value, service is great, tho they could use some 'younger" waiters. Do not judge me, it is what it is (p.s. I am not 'that" young myself).
(5)
Nick S.
The service is excellent, the food is near perfect, the restrooms clean and the ambience is great for a dinner date or to catch up with an old friend.
(5)
Jackie R.
I am not an Italian food fan. This usually elicits very, very strong reactions from people. Horrified, even. That being said, I was hungry and my friend wanted Italian food for dinner. I decided to give in and head over to Francesca's because at least it was close. However, I had a really great dinner. The restaurant smells delicious, the staff was friendly and accommodating, and I decided I may not be completely anti-Italian food after all. We had a bruschetta appetizer which was great. For my entree I had one of the daily specials, spinach-risotto dumplings in a light tomato sauce. If they have this when you are there, get.this. One of my issues with Italian food is I often feel that it is very, very heavy, but this was a tiny dough ball of goodness. Super flavorful. My friend had the ravioli bolognese, which I tried and was also good, but dumplings are more my style. I had a really good experience here and am probably going to have to amend my stance on Italian food.
(4)
Midori G.
Damn yummy asparagus frittata. I also really liked the copper, pseudo industrial, Italian cafe decor, and the mismatched chairs. And I also really liked our server; he was very friendly and kept us posted on when he would be taking our orders, etc, made for a very stress-less and quick meal.
(4)
M M.
One word ....GREAT!!!
(5)
Evan T.
I dined here last night with some friends. The host took our name and told us it would be 20 minutes for the four of us to be seated. We went to a high-top table to share a bottle of wine. After about a half hour my friend checked in with the host who said we were next. After fifty minutes they sat us at a table right in the entrance without apology. Upon saying something to the host he moved us to a new table (which was much better) and said he would pick-up some desserts to compensate us for the wait, I thanked him. We finished our meal which was very good and never saw the host or the desserts. I had a pasta dish with pancetta, basil marinara sauce and red pepper flakes which was awesome. My friends had the margharita pizza which looked very good.
(3)
Wendy L.
I love this place. I agree it can be a little loud and a little crowded for late night dining. But if you go a little earlier it's not bad at all. The service is always great. The food is phenomenal and I love the casual atmosphere. I've gone there dressed up and I've gone in jeans and never felt odd. Some people are rude and take up tables a little longer than they should -- seriously folks, when you're done with your drinks and your meal, it's time to go, there are people waiting. I love the eclectic wooden tables and chairs, it's very Wicker Park. It's not trying to be anything that it's not.
(4)
Drucilla D.
I love the location, however, I don't know that I'll ever need to visit this restaurant again. For the ambience, I expected there to be a much better menu - the one page paper thing did not really cut it. Food was okay but service was incredibly slow. Also, spilled oil on the wood floor makes for a VERY slick surface. I would tread slowly...
(2)
Leang E.
From the moment my roomie and I walked in the service was just outstanding - from the hostess, the server, and the rest of the waitstaff. I could have confused it with a 5 star restaurant! The atmosphere is more casual than Mia Francesca's on Clark. It was a weekday dinner, and so the restaurant wasn't packed. We split the proscuitto and cheese balls which were very rich and delicious as the appetizer. I had the tilapia special, and it was as good as the waiter described. The tomatoes had a very rich flavor in the sauce, and it exquisitely complimented the fish. I thought the portions seemed smaller than Mia Francesca's on Clark, but perfect for one person. I had the Marscapone Cream and dates for dessert, and it was phenomenal. I have never felt so guilty in my life eating the thing. The presentation itself was damned impressive. One of the servers came and put the dates and sauce on there, and it was almost too pretty to eat. You have to have a sweet tooth to appreciate this. I'm just going to end on saying that this place is a little too convenient for me to walk to.
(5)
Urszula H.
Went here for brunch on a Sunday with a friend. The service here was beyond excellent. The atmosphere cute and quaint. Not crowded at all. My only complaint was that as a vegan, all I could order was a side of fruit. I understand that vegans are quite a small minority and many restaurant owners do not feel they need to take us into account, but adding some kind of vegetable dish (even a plain salad) would be appreciated by many more than just vegans. I didn't get a chance to look at the dinner menu, so maybe they would get more stars for that, but I don't go to restaurants for the service alone.
(2)
ali a.
After walking by this place a million times, I decided to go with some friends. Although they were a little slow in taking our reservation, I thought the food was great. Its sorta tapas style so we ordered a bunch of different things. It ended up being pretty cheap with wine and good. Definitely worth checking out.
(4)
Dana P.
LOVED this restaurant and would eat here everynight if I could! Andrea's review was right on from last night (since I was dining with her), although she forgot to mention the delicious mushroom pizza we had in addition to the rest of all that food for $28/person. The wait was a little annoying since I was so hungry when we got there, but the food was well worth the wait.
(5)
Claire E.
Impeccable. Service, price, selection - I'm consistently left wanting nothing more. One of my standards.
(5)
Liliana S.
I've only ordered carryout from here so havent had the total dining experience but their brunch was delicious! I ordered a tuna sandwich and a caprese salad. It was delicious and served to perfection. They provided a loaf of bread with various sauces and a homemade butter. Delicious! I've been meaning to go in and have dinner. Brunch for two to go was less than 20 dollars. Not bad.
(4)
Ross B.
On vaca in Chicago's Wicker Park, we followed Yelp comments to find Francesca's for lunch. We ordered 2 salads, one caprese and one arugala with warm pear and blue cheese. Very yummy. Service was personable, and it meets our standard test that we would go back anytime.
(4)
igor I.
This place consistently impresses me. They change things around a bit which is good and bad. The carpaccio is phenominal, the caprese is really good (it's the balsamic reduction, I think they put wine in it) and the naked ravioli in a brown butter (name changed) used to be my favorite thing, but now it's not that good.
(5)
Karen L.
This is a nice Italian restaurant that focuses on small plate dining. The food was decent and the prices were reasonable for the portions. The servings weren't as small as Spanish tapas but not as large as entree portions. I dined with 2 friends and we split 5 dishes and we were full. There are definitely some dishes that are larger portions and would be enough for an entree for one. We had this gelato ice cream sandwich dessert that was so cute and innovative! The one thing about this place, though, is that it was LOUD! The three of us had to basically yell across the table throughout the whole conversation. I wouldn't recommend it as a first date place.
(3)
J J.
I have only experienced brunch here, and am a weekly regular. The bloody mary's are amazing!! I haven't seen a meal that doesn't look delicious and the prices are reasonable for what you are getting. I reccommend it to anyone that wants to have a great brunch!
(5)
Amanda G.
Francesca's Forno is surprisingly yummy. Their menu is not normally what I crave, but somehow they always have a special or something that I am so happy with. They are in a great location with great views of Bucktown/Wicker Park. Service is consistant and good. We have come here with out-of-town friends numerous times and it's always a hit.
(4)
Gwen D.
I've been here a handful of times, and always had a pleasant experience. Most of the time we sat at the bar, and ordered some appetizers before going out. The pizza is good, not blow you away, but good. I had a salad with pears a few weeks back and it was great too. I like the smaller plates, and actually have never had any entrees. It's always really loud here, but the service is great. I don't think I could bring my parents, they'd be too overwhelmed, but it's great for a group of friends. A few weeks back I had Sunday brunch. Really enjoyed it, they were packed and I never felt rushed. My eggs were great, and by friend had a tuna crostini, that looked amazing. Definitely will be back for brunch again.
(4)
Little T.
The food here is good, but what is great about this place is the wine and the cocktail tables by the bar - a little more space to chat than the bar itself, and the comfort of not being pushed to turn the dining table. The artichoke fritters are heavenly and the proscuitto with a selection of cheese (the truffle cheese is divine) keeps me coming back. The bartender is very nice and makes great recommendations. Great mimosas if you're enjoying brunch here!
(4)
James Z.
I wish we could have enjoyed the food. The night we went to Francesca's Forno, the unrelenting noise from a single table made it difficult to hear each other, let alone concentrate on the menu. We were ready to order, but had reservations about staying. The waiter was not around that moment, so we just left without even ordering. We told the greeter why we were leaving, but no one cared enough to suggest a return visit.
(1)
Emily E.
This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. I've been here about twelve times, and I like everything I've ever gotten here. Celebrated many a birthday, anniversary, you name it, and everybody i bring loves this place as well. The menu is small, but everything is delectable (particularly the daily risotto--changes often but is always delicious!). The service is always entertaining and friendly, and on Monday nights they have half-price bottles of wine (always a good time). Being a poor student who likes to eat out, it's important to find places that serve high-quality dishes for reasonable prices--francesca's forno is one of them. The wine can get pricey, but if you jsut come for the food you'll leave fat and happy, without having spent your whole month's budget. Will keep going back for whenever I need a trendy, not-too-expensive, and delicious italian meal
(5)
elizabeth n.
The small portions and rustic atmosphere make Francesca's Forno a great place to go with friends or a date. The smaller portions allow for sharing and trying different entrees, appetizers and desserts. The restaurant does get packed so try to make a reservation beforehand. Otherwise have a drink while you wait at the bar.
(4)
Rich F.
Ok Italian food...nothing special. Unpretentious interior (the servers wear t-shirts) with somewhat loud music. The soup special was bland (beef broth w/ onions, escarole & white beans), but the seared brussel sprouts w/ pancetta rocked. I've had brunch here before and it too was OK. Kudos for custom making the salmon entree to accommodate my date's food allergies, otherwise it's like I said...just OK.
(3)
A M.
First time I've ever had brunch here, it was delightful. I had the Truffled Egg Toast. It was cooked perfectly. This was very similar to something that I had in Seattle. We went to Georgetown Truckstop and they had this egg cereal that was out of this world!
(4)
Nina W.
As a passerby, I would have never guessed that Forno would attract so many families, but it does. Sure, the food was relatively inexpensive, and the drinks were reasonable, but there is something to be said about atmosphere at restaurants. I understand bringing a child to a restaurant. Hey, parents need to get out to, but don't bring your baby when it's their nap time or during dinner. They're fussy and they ruin the atmosphere for other patrons. Bring your children here for brunch on the weekends. It's the perfect time. Sure, they'll never say anything, but trust me it bugs people. With that said, I had the gnocchi, which was absolutely delicious along with a bellini, which was also very good. We finished our dinners with a piece of tiramisu and spent under $60.00 for two entrees and drinks. If you want to go out for a nice, quiet, romantic dinner then this place isn't for you. I have been here for brunch a few times and it is excellent. Check it out when you get a chance.
(4)
One T.
I seriously love this place. But I will say this - I've never gone during peak dinner time. My friend and I like to go there on a Saturday afternoon for a light lunch and people watching. The olive plate is great - but addictive. I think my body was swollen from all the sodium for days, hehehe. The food was incredible, the service was great and the music was the best part of all. It was a Ben Gifford day last time I went - Postal Service and Death Cab the whole time I was there. Which was pretty sweet.
(4)
G G.
I just returned from northern Italy and the food at FF feels very authentic. The food is rich and complex and forces you to enjoy every moment.
(5)
Rory B.
go for brunch... try the salty snoop... if they don't know what you're talking about bust a cap in their ass... it's also pretty dope to sit at the bar with your companion and smoke cigarettes, eat a few appetizers and drink some of their affordable bottles of wine (they've got some dope shit in the $19-25 range)...
(5)
Sandy D.
Very good service! The two bartenders were waiting on the two stool tables off the side by the window. ( this was a really nice spot for two.) We got the caprese salad which not only looked great but taste great! the grilled skirt steak was not the best quality, but it was seasoned right and it was perfectly cooked as i ordered, medium well. the house salad was generous with tomatoes and cucumbers, some restaurants have one piece of each. the wine selection was equally fair with very nice selections. the two bartenders (girls) delivered supurb service! our table was constantly cleared, we were never dry and they were very very friendly. (hum, maybe too much, i wonder if they flirted with my boyfriend). anyway, we wanted to say thank you for such nice service and they took a shot with us. one thing i noticed, the cooks were very concious of their clientele, i can sense that they thrived from the full house and they looked like they enjoyed their cooking art. i cant wait to return!
(4)
Jen W.
This Wicker Park location is great for brunch. Most times you can be seated immediately (unlike Bongo Room down the street) and the food is very good and reasonably priced. While not a vegeterian, my roommate is, and they have a dish she really enjoys. Also, they have great bloody marys and the staff is friendly and personable. I would definitely recommend checking it out.
(4)
Chrissy S.
Love this place. There's nothing like the mushroom pasta entree or the ricotta/honey appetizer. First time I went we had to wait 30 minutes for our reservation (booooo) but second time was great. My only complaint is that they pack you in like sardines into the dining room! I think I actually elbowed the person at the table next to me.
(4)
Alec E.
Outstanding. That is what my experience was at Forno on a Saturday night. First off I went with a 12 year old, my roommate and myself, not exactly the most glitzy or experienced diners. As soon as you walk in you're hit by an overwhelming noise... Any other neighborhood and this would seem out of place, but in Wicker Park it was almost welcomed. To the 9's from start to finish.. Not wanting to bore my young diner with waiting for a table, I jokingly asked if I could leave a cell # to call me when a table was available. I was willingly abliged, even suggested to try the record store. Upon receiving our diner call, a quick 15 min later, after strolling down to the record store we came back in and were immediately seated. The seating itself was an experience, while the restaurant was possibly too cramped for most people, the table was comfortable, intimate and warm. The view from most of the tables is of the North/Damen/Milwaukee corner, and its fantastic to watch. My roommate and I had problems keeping our eyes on our own table or even in the room, seems the best looking women in Wicker Park were sitting all around us or walking past the corner panoramic window. Everyone how ever was dressed casual as plenty of shorts and sport shirts could be seen. Our waiter was initially very attentive and informed us immediately that he'd be right back. He was very knowledgable of the menu and offered translations and descriptions readily. Myself, being lost by the amazing array of choices, I asked for a suggestions. The waiter didn't tell me the ravioli was good, he suggested 4 dishes and why they should be my choice, not simply the most expensive dish on the menu. Or as happens quite often in Wicker Park, "I don't eat meat, pfft.". I let him complete my meal by suggesting the side and the dessert. To the food. We received our dishes, wine, and sides very promptly. The bread was not to my guests liking as it was "too hard", I found the spiced olive oil, the garlic butter and the bread to be perfect. My double cut pork chop ($18) was easily a $30+ pork chop at anything near Michigan Avenue, the peach on top, the perfect cooking, and the incredible sauce sealed the deal, this is a must have! The dimmunitive friend had a seafood pasta ($12) that was very good, while a little confused about the shrimp still firmly attached to their tails she thoroughly enjoyed it. My roommate's meal also looked quite good, it escapes me what he had as it was scarfed down in record times. My house cabernet was also a fine selection ($9). In addition we had a side of Potatoes in cheese fondue ($5), to be put it lightly this was also a must have. It sounds simple but a pair of small potatoes expertly baked, flash fried, then sitting in a cheese fondue is a knockout. Then there was dessert, diminutive friend = dessert. The youngin had a warm fruit tart topped with vanilla gelato ($6). Fresh whip cream and caramel were applied at table side. My roommate and I each had the special of the day, a rich flourless brownie topped by vanilla gelato (a rich ice cream made with cream basically), fudge and some nuts ($6). The three desserts were expertly prepared and fantastic. 3 excellent meals, 1 wine, 2 iced teas, 3 deserts, and a side = $81.00 well spent. Seating time for a Saturday night, fantastic location, expertly prepared food, warm atmosphere, excellent service (from host & hostess to knowledgeable waiter and eager to please bus service), and the total bill I give this a 5, as long as you don't mind it loud!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
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.
John H.
Really good food. Nice atmosphere too. No complaints apart from a wine out of stock.
(5)Tera D.
I didn't have very high expectations for Forno, considering the luke warm Yelp reviews and the fact that I've been to MANY of the Francesca's chains and find them to be just ok - never a memorable meal. But we got a coupon in the mail for $15 off dinner, no minimum, as long as it's a week day. On top of that, the coupon mentioned that Tuesday is half price appetizers, so we couldn't pass it up. Ironically, our waiter (who was all around terrible and the reason for the lost star), tried telling us at the end of the meal that we couldn't use the coupon since we were taking advantage of the half priced appetizer special, which of course makes no sense since it's not two coupons, it's a restaurant-wide special and 1 coupon, plus the coupon says NO WHERE on it that you can't use it on the night with specials. He went to talk to his manager and she must have told him it was totally fine because he did it without us even having to put up a big stink. So watch out for that. But on to the food - we shared the roasted Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, meatball sliders, salami bruschetta and ribs and mac. The sprouts/cauliflower was outstanding, super unique and flavorful, as was the bruschetta. The meatball sliders were pretty standard, and the only item I wouldn't necessarily get again. And the ribs and mac....holy crap. It's deep fried ribs! What!? SOOOO good. The mac is just ok, so don't get the side dish mac, go for the entree ribs and mac for sure! Worth every penny!
(4)Chris D.
If you are looking for a solid Italian meal, then this is a pretty good place to get it. I have nothing negative to say about Francesca Forno. Great location. Professional servers. Good wine selection. Decent menu selection. They removed my favorite Ribeye years ago so I don't frequent this location as much as I did. The Half Roasted Chicken I had recently was absolutely delicious. I'll keep pushing to get my Ribeye back!!
(4)Stephanie S.
So, we had been to Francesca's before the remodel a few times. We always loved the food, but it was sooooo noisy and the chairs kinda sucked. I really like the new layout and decor of the place. I think they did a really nice job! The food we had was really amazing and the wine list is very reasonably priced! I don't think there is a bottle over $60? We had 2 of the specials, a procuitto app and a pasta entree as well as the lamb meatballs. Yum all around. Our table was slightly uneven and the wine bottle kept sliding towards me, but hey I can't complain about that, haha. Anyway, we would definitely be back! Since we live so close probably during the week when it is a little less crowded, but worth the wait! It is still a lively atmosphere but not quite as loud as it was prerenovation.
(4)Mary Kate D.
Went here for brunch yesterday with my family. Food was great but the service was slow and not personable. Our drinks sat at the bar for awhile before they brought them out. My bf and I had the monte cristo for brunch and it was very good. Great location, and food but poor service.
(3)Kailinani L.
After a long day of doing the tourist thing the hubby and I stumbled in to this place on a lark. The aromas upon entering were magnificent! The dining experience to follow did not disappoint. We both ordered off the daily specials. he had the lamb ragout and I had a pumpkin risotto. His lamb was incredibly tender, wonderfully seasoned and served over wide pasts. Elegant for such a potentially heavy course. The risotto was a symphony of flavors in each bite. This meal is easily in the top five meals I have enjoyed-ever. The service was good. prices were very reasonable. A final note- the Pinot grigio served is only available to restaurants which is too bad because that was PERFECT. Maybe the owner would consider opening this restaurant in Honolulu????
(5)B G.
Based on the food, I've never had a BAD experience here, but never anything out of this world. every time I've eaten there, I just get the sense that I'm getting ripped off. First time there, I ordered the charcuterie plate and, to me, most of the meat on there tasted more like cheap pre-packaged deli meat. Everything on it had a decent portion, but I just felt like the meat came straight from a package and onto my plate. It was not exactly satisfying. Next time I was in I had a pizza. I was pretty tasty and an excellent size for $13. It had arugula and rosemary ham on it. A little excessive on the arugula, but, it's just greens atop a salad... Very easily removable. I liked the pizza but wasn't totally wowed by it. Service there has always been prompt and very friendly. I'm sure I will be back at some point seeing as I live in the neighborhood, but it wouldn't be at the top of my list.
(3)James B.
Good wine list food was good. Didn't blow me away though. Pizza was good. Meatball sliders were amazing.
(3)Cassidy S.
Had a very fun night at Francesca's with a friend. Waited ten minutes for a table with our reservation - but on a Saturday, one can't complain. We were given a small table near the windows, which had been opened for the beautiful weather. I was seated in the aisle and had to cram toward my friend because the host and busboys kept hitting my chair. Our server was clear and answered all our questions about the exciting menu, which had intriguing ingredients but was more vague about portion size and presentation. We didn't mind - we tried dishes that sounded unfamiliar and enjoyed all three, from the hen egg to the potatoes dish (our server's favorite). Our wine was delicious, but upon bringing it to the table, I noticed that the vintage was incorrect. I had picked it because it was a good value for an older wine, only to find that our bottle was two years younger. Though disappointed (as a wine fan, I like restaurants to keep updated wine lists!) and wishing for something with more body and weight, we enjoyed the wine. It was soft and went with everything, as we were promised. Overall, a very fun place to visit. Creative menu, trendy atmosphere, excellent design - dark colors, but well-lit. The noise level did get pretty loud, but it was a Saturday night. What else would you expect?
(4)Yen D.
I can't believe this place isn't more crowded for brunch! I'd read about it on yelp and walked over a few minutes early in case I needed to put our names on a list and we'd have to wait for 40 minutes like we did for Birchwood. I was seated immediately on Sunday morning and the place was at half capacity, if that. Service: excellent. Friendly but not in-your-face, our waiter had personality but didn't slap us with it. Water was refilled promptly but not intrusively (see my review for South Congress Cafe in Austin). Coffee as well. Ambience: not too loud, not too quiet. I didn't feel out of place reading my paper and sipping water, nor on our date, but I would also feel great coming with six people for a birthday brunch. Not a lot of kids (no kids), which is also nice. And while it's trendy because it's at six corners, it's not intimidatingly hipster either. Menu: it was tough to pick from all the goodies! We'll definitely come back to try more. I spent ten minutes picking out our order, and then when boy came and joined me they handed us the special brunch menu, and we had to start all over. Ordered one of the specials, eggs sarnou, and a frittata with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and basil in it. Both came with their HOLY POTATOES BATMAN these potatoes are amazing! They're smashed, flash-fried, and dusted with deliciousness. So so good. Both of our dishes were incredibly solid. Loved that the eggs sarnou came on artichoke bottoms instead of an english muffin: it was eggs florentine (eggs benedict with spinach instead of ham), but done so well and so interestingly. They didn't cheat and just cover everything in a heavy sauce of wonder, aka egg yolk and melted butter, but used the hollandaise as you should: to enhance the meal rather than overpower it. It was beautiful with the artichoke and well-poached egg, which was neither too runny nor too done. The frittata had great moments, when the juicy mozzarella melted so well with the egg and basil and prosciutto, but there was just too much egg on the edges with nothing going on in them. It's like when you're at home making your sandwich, and then realize that you've got huge swathes of bread territory unclaimed by other foods. And instead of fixing it, you just eat those big pieces of bread. Only instead of bread, it's egg. This was the ONLY low point of our meal. We're definitely coming back for brunch! And glazed and infused is inside the store, and I want to try that again too.
(4)Cat G.
Loved it. I came here for a work dinner and our waitress patiently explained various dishes to us and was very accommodating (groups of 30 are hard on any restaurant, let's be honest). I had the risotto of the day and it was delicious - perhaps a bit heavy, since I was stuffed by the end of the meal, but great regardless. It's a bit of a trip for me to get up here without a car, but if I'm in the neighborhood, I'll be back.
(4)Alan L.
Wicker Park is quickly becoming a favorite neighborhood of mine in Chicago, with places like Francesca's Forno the reason why. The food is delicious, the prices are reasonable. I ordered the pork shoulder with a side of the mac and cheese with bacon. The pork shoulder was great, but I have a soft spot for the mac and cheese. No doubt because it had some bacon in there. Grab a table by the windows and people-watch: that's half the fun.
(4)Amethyst A.
I am definitely a fan of this wonderful restaurant. I love the atmosphere and since their remodel the place looks gorgeous. I have always had great customer service every time I have gone to eat at Frencesca's Forno. They have a great selection of wine and I always enjoy their pastas. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because of the rotating menu. I really wish they would keep some of the same pastas around. I went there recently for Valentine's Day and had been craving a pasta I had there a few times before. I was looking forward to it all day and then when we got there, it wasn't on the menu anymore. Now, I'm not saying the pasta that I ended up getting wasn't good. It just wasn't AS good as the one I was looking forward too. Still love this place and would (and have) recommended it to people many times!
(4)Julie W.
Oh, Francesca's. I'm disappointed in you. I'm a HUGE fan of the Francesca's on Clark but I was really disappointed with Forno. My friend and I walked in, having a craving for pizza. What better place to go for some good Italian (real) pizza. We started with the Bruschetta, which I was not very happy with. The flavors were...exotic. Fennel, goat cheese, and some sort of salami? Interesting. But the flavors all mixed together and left a not so pleasant taste in my mouth that would not go away. Bummer. A few tomatoes or some balsalmic would've been awesome. Don't fix what isn't broken! We shared the #1 pizza but added prosciutto on half. I swear there was a whole pig on our pizza! Great if you love prosciutto. The pizza was good, average. The dough tasted a little...yeasty. It had an odd taste to it, like it needed to be cooked a bit more. But the crispy parts were great! The tomatoes and cheese was delicious. The herbal butter for the bread was very good. Honestly, my favorite part of the meal since the bruschetta's flavors overpowered the pizza. Honestly, I'll probably be back to try something else. The risotto special looked amazing but we were trying to stay in a budget. Our server was great, very attentive and nice. Overall, I love Francesca's and I refuse to believe they have a black sheep in their arsenal!
(2)Kevin A.
CAN WE HAVE FORNO 1.0 BACK? I've been going to Forno for years. It's always been a great go-to when I can't decide where else to go. The location is perfect for meeting friends, the food is reliably good, the price is right, and it's easy to get a reservation. That said, I'm not in love with their renovation. I know people in the Midwest are obsessed with dirt in their food, I mean al fresco dining, and the open windows seem like a great idea, but...let's be honest folks. Six corners is full of wackos on the street. From scraggly blonde dread-locked ragamuffins playing guitars with mangy dogs in tow to peg-legged hobos panhandling for their next fix, these aren't the people I want to have my back to in an open window as I sit down for a nice meal. Case in point: On a recent visit it was incredibly distracting to look up from my pasta to see a train wreck of a woman pacing back and forth mere feet from us with her slick, greasy unwashed dirty blond hair wearing a sports bra and exposing her giant gut that sagged a good 2-3 inches below her waistband as she smoked her off-brand cigarettes. Not exactly appetizing. Plus with all the street crime in the area, how easy would it be for someone outside to reach in, snatch a purse from someone with their back to the street, and take off? I'll go back to Forno, but I think next time I'll make sure I get a seat far, far, far from the windows.
(3)Neha N.
Service is top-notch. The hostess and our waiter were very pleasant. I made an open-table reservation about 15 minutes before getting there and got seated within a couple minutes of arriving, even though the entire restaurant was packed. I got the mushroom pasta with marscapone and brandy sauce. So good. They were very accommodating when I asked for no veal in the pasta. They also had a couple other vegetarian options as well. Francesca's is celebrating Halloween by having "8 days of Halloween" with different themes for 8 days. Love it when restaurants get in the spirit too.
(4)Erin Z.
I've been to Francesca's Forno three times this year... Twice for brunch and once for dinner. Brunch - A resounding 5 stars Dinner - A measly 2 stars Which is why I rate it a 3. The brunch here is some of the best I've ever had... the house benedict is incredible and takes on an italian flare with a risotto cake instead of a muffin and prosciutto instead of bacon... poached egg, hollandaise... brilliant. My recent trip for dinner however was not impressive... I had the Chicken Saltimbocca which was nothing like I had imagined it would be. The chicken came out bone on... which usually is ok as long as the chicken is slow roasted and the meat falls off; however, that was not the case. My last piece of criticism was the sauce... something reminiscent of the sauce in Chef-Boyardee. Simply bland and not noteworthy. Without a doubt come on in for brunch... skip this place over for dinner.
(3)Nathaniel C.
Unfortunately I had a pretty bad experience here. We were seated by a window on a chilly day, They forgot about us, took 20 mins for someone to come by and they were not that busy at all (they did apologize kindly) Once given our food (potatoes/french fries, burger, eggs) we were told they had run out of ketchup (who runs out of ketchup?). The burger I ordered was definitely not the greatest but the potatoes/fries (what ever they are) were actually pretty good. Best part of this place is the donut shop inside, "Glazed and Infused", which isn't even part of the restaurant. The environment is clean and trendy, and you might have a better time than I did, If they remember you're there.
(2)Stephanie H.
I was here last week for dinner, and I really enjoyed my experience. The ambiance was perfect for the summer time with the open windows and people watching. I ordered the grilled salmon, and my friend ordered the rosemary chicken. I really enjoyed my salmon, but didn't touch my roasted peppers. (I'm not a fan of peppers, but there were also WAY too many.) My friend said he enjoyed his chicken. The bread and butter was also delicious. Our service was excellent; our server checked up on us regularly, but it wasn't overkill. The only thing I found confusing was that the servers wore regular clothing, while the host and bussers wore logo tshirts. But that's a minor detail!
(4)Jamil T.
Visited for a date night with my girl this past Saturday. It happened to be an executive decision as we had originally planned to dine at Papajin's down the street before hitting up Emporium Arcade Bar. However Papajin's was practically empty on a Saturday night during dinner time with only 3 tables seated. A bad sign in my book. Especially with groups of people loading up on grub at surrounding establishments before heading off to their Halloween parties. My girl told me people usually order take-out from Papajin's and that's possibly why it's so empty. Plus it was a cold night, so we wanted something hearty. To be honest, I lived in Wicker Park a couple years back, off of the Damen blue line stop, so I always passed by this place, but never ventured in. From the outside, it looked too pricey and fancy for me. Once we stepped in the door though, that preconceived notion was shattered. Instead we were met with a really hip and fun vibe. It was busy and bustling as always. The staff seemed vibrant. Some of them were dressed up for Halloween.We had a 20-minute wait that didn't seem that long while we were waiting at the bar perusing the drink menu and watching the football and baseball games. Our waitress was very chill and helpful. She suggested the Coppa+Egg, which I ordered. My girl got the Mascarpone. With two glasses of wine each and a side order of Rapini and dessert, we were very happy with the food, service, and dining experience. The butter that accompanied the bread basket was delicious. The bill came to about $85. Not too bad, considering. Will definitely be back for another date night.
(4)Vince N.
I was pretty skeptical at first, considering the endless amounts of eateries around Wicker Park. What made my experience at Forno was our server, John. This guy went above and beyond, always refilling everything, making sure we have enough bread, all that good stuff. He kept on saying "I'm here to serve you, I work for you" and who doesn't like the sound of that?! The food was good, but nothing out of the ordinary. My positives are the great customer service and the obvious location on the corner of the 6 corners. Def. a cool spot to people watch. If all else fails and all the other WP restaurants are full, give Forno a try.
(3)Josh G.
Great prices, atmosphere, and location.
(4)Randall N.
Apparently this place is italian. While I was there I thought it was a spanish tapas place. Then again I only had a drink....which was strong and delish. It was a tequila and hibiscus drink. It was spendy but delish. We were there late and had already had dinner so we didn't eat anything. I would love to come back for brunch though and their late night donut window looked incredible. I loved the decor too. It was slightly upscale but casual too.
(4)Nicole C.
I really dig the Eggs Benedict -- the classic with an Italian twist: prosciutto and pesto sauce (see photo). Served with roasted potatoes and ketchup. I also tried the breakfast pizza (thin crust pizza with egg, sausage, cheese, and arugula), which was also very good. When every other brunch place in Wicker Park/Bucktown is packed on Saturday and Sunday mornings, this is the place to be. We didn't have to wait at all and there were several tables to choose from. One complaint: no chocolate milk. :(
(4)Mia P.
The first time I went here, I would have given it 6 stars if I could. But since then, they changed the menu (decreasing it by over half it seemed), and have kept that same dinner menu for moooonths. I know that's how Francesca's roll. They don't have much of a menu, but that's why I loved it when I first came. It had so many options. The food was absolutely delicious. Pork ,chicken, steak, polenta, salads...My parents dubbed it "the best Francesca's they've ever been to". Unfortunately they have since then lost that title. I still liked it the first time I had come back with the smaller menu, (almost like a lunch menu). I was definitely disappointed, but they had a chicken with prosciutto dish that was good and amazing bruschetta. I had come back another couple times, ranging from fall to spring, hoping the menu had changed or increased, but it never did. Don't menus change for the season?? So disappointing! I think they also changed the bruschetta, or ran out and impromptu made us some that was no where near as good as I had once recalled. (The tomatoes didn't have that marinated taste, just oily). Even more disappointing!! The service is always friendly, but I can't bear to be disappointed again. Maybe I'll wait until next year and hope the menu has changed.
(3)Dahlia V.
This is my boyfriend and I's dinner spot. The ambiance is great! I want my kitchen and dining room to resemble this place. We always try different things when we pop into Forno's and have never been disappointed by any of our dishes. We always start off with a appetizer and split two entrees. I literally dream about their muscles and this one desert that I had there with some girlfriends. I can't remember what it was called but I'm almost positive it's the only peanut butter item on their desert menu. It's to die for!!! I want it right now!
(5)Charlene S.
The food wasn't bad. Went for brunch. Sorry Mikey didn't like your curt customer service
(2)Lucy B.
This place has great ambiance, you really feel like you are in the heart of a bustling city when you are inside. It's dark with nice lighting in the evening, so it would be good for a date, dinner with a group etc...They give you very yummy bread for the table to munch on before hand. The wait staff is friendly...we sent a drink back once and the waiter was more then accommodating and didn't make us feel bad at all. (And brought back a way better version of the same drink). My only complaint is that I always order the same salad (because I love it!) and it seems to arrive differently each time...i.e. sometimes it will have tons of beets. Sometimes no beets....silly, but when you like something you want it to be what you expect I guess.
(4)Carmen T.
I love this place! Pizza is great and service is always friendly and professional. I haven't had a meal that wasn't good. My only reason for the 4 stars is that they don't have enough staff to really keep things moving. I feel like the servers have too many tables at a time (takes forever to get them to come back) and they only had 1 valet last time we went. I would still recommend this place for a good night out.
(4)ben w.
We went here for brunch yesterday, simply outstanding on all fronts. The menu was unique but not too out there, lots of delicious options. The portions were excellent, I almost always clean my plate, the braised pork shoulder hash was more than I could handle. Excellent coffee, Intelligentsia. Everything I saw being served made me jealous, the sandwich looked like it would feed a small family. But the best part was the service. The servers were extremely helpful and considerate. I especially noticed their extra attention to kids, going out of there way to make sure they were getting proper seating and rearranging tables to accommodate families. I will most definitely return.
(5)Audre L.
This place is a great option for a solid, hearty, hot meal in Wicker Park as you are finishing up day drinking, or you can get started here with their brunch. The food is probably like a 3.5/5 for me, but the location, seating arrangements, and open windows pull this review up to a 4. Also, their wines and drinks will definintely keep the buzz going when you're here. Not bad.
(4)Craig U.
I dig the Forno. The food has been good, and occasionally really good. Pretty limited menu but the pizzas are strong and occasionally they'll have a sandwich that is great. The location is great, especially on a nice day with the windows open. The bar staff has always been really friendly and personable as well without being overbearing. They're really a 3.5... I just wish they had some more sandwiches on the menu, because the ones I've had have been pretty good.
(4)Brent W.
I recently remarked in a review about how great "things unexpected" can be. This is another textbook example. Here's the deal: We were going to Big Star for some tacos later on a Sunday eve. The snarky, uppity host almost seemed to take pleasure in stating "well just so you know it's over an hour wait"...I then took equal pleasure in walking straight away not even acknowledging her. I know, i'm a complete juve sometimes, I admit. So we walked up the street and rounded the corner of Forno where they had all the door/windows open to the Milwaukee side of the street. It was about 3/4 full and had a great energy about it. We're there. I should also note that the interior design is phenom and fits the neighborhood perfectly. How i've not eaten here before this is beyont. No wait and we landed a corner spot right next to the open window seating. We order a few drinks and the mussel's with white wine sauce. Now i've put on record that Francesca's on Bryn Mawr has the best mussel dish in the City of Chicago, they are insanely good and the red sauce they are bathed in is truly "shot worthy", as in i'd be happy to down shots of the stuff. It's that good. Well, i'm here to say that the Forno mussels in a garlic white wine broth are equally good and give Bryn Mawr's a good run for the money. Woah, how'd they do that. Love. We decided to share a sandwich and left it up to our very personable and capable server, great choice in hindsight....I was looking more at the Italian Cubano, she was eying the Prime Aged Burger w. Blue Cheese. When the burger arrived it looked a TEN in appearance, incredible. It came w. their own crunchy roasted potatoes with a chive/garlic aioli. This was w.out a doubt one of the best burgers i've ever eaten and i've eaten a bazillion of them. Actually this whole experience from the service to the food to the atmo to the company was a 5 star treat. [x] WILL be back !
(5)Joseph L.
The Cubano sandwich. It's so good I want to use expletives. The best sandwich in Chicago. It rivals Santa Monica's Bay Cities deli God Mother sandwich. Try not to gorge on the bread and garlic butter.
(4)Peter S.
I'm a little ashamed to admit that this place has often been a 'second choice', but it has been so great every single time it absolutely deserves to be first string. I tried it the first time when another neighborhood joint had a 3+ hour wait and had a great open air dinner. A few more great meals later we went for brunch which was phenomenal. I had a modified eggs benedict on fried risotto cakes that absolutely made my day. Those around me (around 6 people) all raved about their respective fritatta, breakfast sandwich, and of course the donuts. So long story short, this restaurant isn't a backup--it's a damn good choice on its own!
(4)Tiffany K.
I came here on a week night with a couple girlfriends of mine. This is the perfect place to catch up with friends! We ordered a bottle of wine, suggested by our waiter. We loved the wine but the food was even better. We started off with the meatball sliders and steamed mussels that came with a side of fries. The latter was my fave out of the two and will make sure to order it when I come back. I wanted something light and went with the chopped salad. It wasn't as good as I expected it to be. My friends ordered pasta and they said it was good. So, the next time I come back, I'm definitely going to order pasta! Overall, my experience (as well as the girls) at Francesca's was great and we plan on coming back soon! *Parking is a pain in this area so you're better off taking public transportation.
(4)Vanessa R.
My boyfriend and I went to Francesca's for brunch on a Sunday afternoon and it was an amazing experience. I had the Breakfast Monte Cristo. It was delicious! The hash browns are like no other, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Top them off with the spicy tomato jam and your mouth will water for more. The English muffin was the perfect amount of sweet and salty. My boyfriend had the Fritatta Saltimboca, it was also cooked to perfection. If you are a fan of prosciutto and pancetta this dish will satisfy your taste buds. Also, the "Fresh Start" cocktail will definitely wake you, it's LOADED with bourbon :-) Francesca, we will be back!
(5)Claire W.
Perfect for a nice dinner on a quiet Sunday night. Service was good... we had the bruschetta and lobster ravioli with shrimp in a tomato cream sauce, which was thoroughly enjoyed - we used the free bread to soak up the last of the sauce.
(4)Erica P.
Awesome service. Great ambiance, perfect for people watching, lively but not obnoxious. Would make a great date spot, or place to go with friends. Shared the polenta fries (different but still delish) and I had some ragu pasta, which was very good.
(4)Tiffany L.
I LOOOOOOVED the linguine with seafood in spicy marinara. It's not overly spicy, and the seafood included were shrimp, scallop, squid, and mussels. The shrimp was HUGE and perfectly cooked. The scallops were also cooked well. I also enjoyed their herb butter, but my date told me to stop putting butter in my purse (another story for another day). My date got the risotto of the day, which was served with short ribs. The risotto was good, but I've had better short rib. For a Saturday night, it wasn't super packed so it would be a good place to go if you need somewhere w/o a reservation.
(4)Gina T.
Walked past this place, and saw the great looking plates of food people were enjoying from the outside, that we decided to head in for a taste of our own. It was Brunch time, and were we ever ready for it. I ordered the Eggs Sardou - a variation of eggs benny. instead of english muffins, the base of the benny was grilled artichoke hearts, topped with spinach, and perfectly poached eggs on top and I got the hollandaise sauce on the side. What a combination! It made for a nice lighter version of the traditional benedict. The flavours were perfection! It came with a side of their cripsy breakfast potatoes- which where DIVINE! It had a bit of a kick to them - I think it's jalapenos thrown in there. But best breakfast potatoes I have ever had! I also had the garden margarita. It was more of a savory drink - I thought it tasted like a stronger (tequila based) caesar and but less salty. It had Jalapeno Infused tequila, strawberry and basil. My friends had ordered the arancini benedict, The arancini was the base of the benedict cripsy and so cheesey! It was a really heavy dish. But oh so tasty! So rich- so good! My other friend had ordered the french toast it had a bit of a citrus kick to it, and was topped with peaches. I'm not a huge citrus in dessert/brunch items so it wasn't exactly my favourite, but it was still tasty. The portions were decent There was enough food for brunch. Service was quick for sunday brunch prime time, and it had a great atmosphere as well!
(4)Andre W.
I was informed they do brunch (I had no idea) Went over this past Sunday after hearing their brunch was off the chain. Not crowded at all and was seated immediately. Started out with the pear mimosa and my girl had the peach bellini. Her peach bellini was much better than my mimosa. For my meal, I got the Garlic Toast e Cerfoglio which is Italian garlic toast topped with a poached egg, prosciutto, tomatoes, watercress & olive oil. It was very good! She got the Italian BLT which looked very delicious. I tasted the fries that came with her meal and they were damn good. I made it obvious that I was thinking about having a bloody mary after seeing how great they looked as they were going to many other tables. Our waitress was nice enough to bring me a complimentary one and it was SPICY! Spicy but good!!! It also came with a shot of lager Another reason I like this place is because of the big window that you can traffic watch (people & cars) out of on the busy corner of North/Milwaukee/Damen. I have always walked by during dinner hours and it always has a nice crowd inside, especially in the summer. Nice staff with old school tunes playing while you eat. Pretty good menu full of goodies I plan on trying soon. If you don't feel like waiting for brunch at Bongo Room go ahead and walk a little ways west and enjoy some good food here.
(4)Arielle M.
Olive Garden + Sports Bar = sad former regulars I hate to say it, but I had a terrible experience in the renovated restaurant. I was hoping it was a one time thing, but I've asked around, and I guess it's not. The new version has a tiny menu, disjointed layout, and strange vibe. It's like they tried to turn their restaurant into Olive Garden. Don't fix something that wasn't broken. Giving a second star for the herb butter alone. And please don't play the Best of the BeeGees at full volume at 5pm.
(2)JR O.
Now that was a delight! Saturday brunch on a lovely day with linen pants and a fedora hat, an eager waiter and great GREAT food. Go here!
(5)Jane E.
Great location with good food. The staff is fun to talk to and they always help you find what's happening in the area. It's a good place that is a bit more low-key to start a fun night in town. :)
(4)Ashley B.
First of all, my dog is named Franchesca, so I thought that was cute. I had dinner here with my boyfriend, mom, and sister. We had a bottle of some pretty delicious wine and we each got a different pasta dish. I got a seafood fettucine, which I loved, but wasn't the best I've had. I thought my boyfriend's risotto was much better. After dinner was done, we tried out three desserts and wow, they were delicious! Overall, a very solid place for some delicious Italian.
(4)Tita P.
2 1/2 stars! I have walked by this place several times and thought it would be great place to dine with friends from out of town. Well, we made a reservation and it still took a while to be seated. The food that we ordered was not really that great and two entrees had to be returned because one was cold and the other was incorrect. The only highlight and reason why this place is getting a half star is the hostess/manager. I did not catch her name but she was great. She provided us complimentary appetizers because we had to wait and she realized our order was incorrect before our server did. This may have been an "off" night and based on the service of the hostess/manager I would not be against returning at least for a few cocktails.
(2)Paul H.
I've been here a couple of times and havent been disappointed yet!
(4)Corinne M.
Went here on a weeknight for dinner. Overall, the experience was nice and I will definitely come back. I had a sausage and pasta dish and my friend had the risotto. Probably one of the best risotto's I've had in the city. I liked it more than La Scarola, which is famed for its risotto. The bread was yummy and the wine that the waitress recommended was tasty. Dessert was stellar, I had a special and my friend had the creme brulee, which was excellent. Though not unpleasant, our waitress was excessively salesy. I could have done without that. I got the feeling that her style of service was the exception rather than the norm there. Good food.
(3)Mariella C.
This place is very loud, like Iberico loud, except the food isn't worthwhile. Frankly, they have toooo many people working there for such a small place. Last time I was there the set up was focused on a more restaurant atmosphere/layout. The tables were out by the windows, and the bar was near the entrances. They now have this gigantic bar that takes up half the space reserved for tables, so as we sat down to eat, we were right next to extremely loud trying to hard girls drinking. It wasn't exactly a pleasing experience. And like I said, too many people are working there. Someone brought us drinks, then we had our waiter, then we had the busboy, then we had the assistant to busboy, and they the host, all walking back and forth in the aisles that can't fit more than one person at a time. The food is meh. I had clams and whole wheat pasta. They seemed to have forgotten to add anything else, it was simply that. Not even salt. It was the blandest italian I've ever had. We had a sausage appetizer, and that was pretty good, but nothing I couldn't have gotten anywhere else. And as the bus boy pulled away the plate as soon as were done, the liquid from it spilled onto my jacket, and he didn't even notice. But then again he was working with like a foot of space at the time. I will never return here, not because its a horrible place, but with the loudness, the drunkness and the blandness, there really is no feasible reason to return.
(2)Dona K.
This place was so disappointing. We went for dinner and I could not believe how poorly prepared the food was. Appetizer: Mussles. Too salty, but edible. Entrees: Monkfish & Grouper. The monkfish was so over cooked it had dried out and resembled shoe leather. And the Grouper was SO SALTY that we couldn't even eat it. The crispy potatoes that accompanied the grouper were good but they occupied the whole plate and there were entirely too many of them. Plus since they are deep fried and greasy it made the whole plate look rather unappetizing. The waiter was nice but a bit of an airhead. For dessert we shared the Crostata di Mele which is supposed to be an apple tart but it was more of a very doughy apple pie. For a place like this I expect them to know the difference between a properly done tart and a goopy apple pie. Perhaps this place is popular because the name Francesca's is known (for whatever reason) and Forno is in a prime location. And a lot of people must be acclimated to eating overpriced, terrible food.
(1)Jenny R.
Such a cute little boutique!! I have such a hard time whenever I go in because I want to buy everything but my budget tells me otherwise! Seriously though, last time I was here for an hour and a half! There's so many cute things and they are inexpensive compared to the other local boutiques!
(4)Ross R.
We went here on V day because they had open reservations at the last minut....I mean because I made a reservation weeks in advance. The food was excellent. We had the chopped salad, brusselsprouts and cauliflower, and a marguerita pizza. All the items were excellent, service was swift, and those three items were plenty for the two of us. They had some nice beers on tap, and the wines by the glass were reasonable pours.
(5)Mahsa T.
We were glad that Francesca's could accommodate our party of 6 after we left another nearby restaurant that had an hour-long wait. Service here was excellent. I love it when a restaurant is good at refilling my water. Bonus points for that. For an appetizer, we shared a pizza with prosciutto, artichoke, mushroom, olive (and egg, although we passed on the egg) and it was very good. I ordered the salmon with asparagus and unfortunately the salmon wasn't that good, it tasted like it had been frozen not fresh and when you cook frozen fish, it just kind of falls apart and doesn't taste right. I should have known better than to order fish, although my friends ordered the tilapia and were happy with it. What I should have ordered was the spinach-filled pasta because that was excellent! It came in a creamy cheesy sauce and was damn delicious. They offer half-price bottles of wine on Monday nights, so it was great to get a dirt cheap bottle of wine to share. Overall, a very pleasant experience.
(4)Kimberly M.
Great little restaurant in Wicker Park! I love the bar area where the windows are open to the street on a nice day! Had dinner here St. Patrick's Day weekend! It was fabulous (along with the weather) so sitting at a table in the bar area overlooking the street was fabulous! Food is great and service is great!
(4)Josh V.
I've been to Forno for dinner a number of times, but not recently. I generally prefer Forno's older sister restaurants for that meal, namely Mia Francesca or Francesca's Bryn Mawr. Where Forno really shines, in my opinion, is for brunch, which is served on Saturday and Sunday. I think a lot of "regular" restaurants that also serve brunch get overshadowed by the places that specialize in it, which is a shame. There a number of places that serve a brunch as good as or better than their dinner. But then again, it means I can get a delicious hot savory brunch meal without the wait at the trendy brunch places. Francesca's Forno puts together a heck of brunch. There is a good mix of sweet and savory (though I go for savory nine times out of ten) and both times I've brunched here the place was uncrowded and the food was very tasty. On top of that, there is excellent people watching from here! They also serve mimosas, bloody Marys and a few other breakfast cocktails.
(4)Jennifer L.
Fairly authentic Italian food, per my fresh-off-the-boat friends!! We love this place. Like most Chicago restaurants, it's too small and too noisy and crowded - but the food is AMAZING. Everything here is good - the wine, the appetizers, the main courses, even the espresso! We've always gotten pretty good wait service as well! This place is a MUST TRY.
(4)Charlie S.
The food is awesome and it's a cool vibe. Great location overlooking the six corners in wicker park.
(5)Molly D.
Everything was awesome. Only reason I could not give a full 5 stars is because they don't gave enough nut free dessert options for people with allergies!
(4)Pavithra M.
We happened to be at Adams Park on the Fourth of July and needed to grab a meal before heading home. Our group had four couples, one preschooler and three toddlers. After looking through many places on yelp, we found this to be one of the few places open on that day. The good parts - the staff was very child-friendly and the owner came around the talked to the little ones; he did not seem to mind the staring and the babbling in the least :) We were seated almost immediately, and the staff were courteous, well-informed and friendly. We also ordered dessert at the end of the meal and needed to get it ASAP because of all the impending bedtimes. The server brought the dessert out in record time! The not-so-good parts - I ordered the fish of the day, which was a little dry and average tasting. My husband got the fettucini, which was also average. No complaints about it, only that it was just ok. The restaurant also had weird acoustics, which made everything seem very loud. I guess I should be happy about that because we had a table full of noisy little kids, but it was somewhat overstimulating to eat wtih so much background noise. I would like to say we did not order the right things, but noone in our group seemed overly impressed with the food. Despite that, we had a pleasant dining experience.
(3)Thomas B.
I've dined here a couple of times and been extremely satisfied on both occasions. My most recent visit included a group of ten during a Sunday Brunch period and the service remained high! Our server from New York was excellent, despite his commentary about America's best city! The food was excellent, especially the chocolate covered french toast and the egg frittata pictured here. My only complaint is that they do not post their current menus on the website.
(5)Susana D.
Excellent sage or you-pick-the-ingredients omelettes, creative potatoes, good people watching out the big windows. Great when Big Star is mobbed (meaning any time).
(4)Joram C.
This place was good. They have a bit of a "different" take on Italian, namely the bruschetta, but change is the only constant so you cant be too harsh. Wine list was good, menu wasnt huge so you dont feel the pressure. The open kitchen bustles and you can people watch through both sets of windows, so its kinda like being in a European bistro or something. This is a good spot to take your friends who only wear T-shirts and Jeans when you want to "show them some class......but not commit to making it a big thing"
(3)Michael A.
Food was good, however, at least one piece of sausage on our pizza was nearly raw. Of course, we noticed it on the last piece (because the pizza was otherwise excellent). Waiter removed the charge for the pizza from our bill. Service was good, and the bruschetta was amazing. A solid if unspectacular place in the neighborhood.
(3)Dishan W.
I'm a little confused as to what I'm missing here. Sure this place is decent but the most I can possibly give it is 3 stars, it's more of a 2.5 location for me. Nothing about the dining experience stood out for me, their service while friendly was not all that great, our server was being trained (shadowed by her manager I presume) so I don't take any marks away from here for not being familiar enough with the menu to give us her personal take on things, she did a good overall job but small things that should have been done right such as taking our drink orders without much delay and in turn not taking a long time for a glass of wine to appear by me, and how the very stale and cold our bread basket was. Sure complaining about free bread seems a little unjust but they could have at least warmed them up a bit. Being filled with cheese was also a little unnecessary, what's wrong with giving us the option of adding just butter on them? I ordered the risotto and it came in a large more thick than creamy portion which while OK was not great. I think I feel a little put off by Forno's as it looks like it's a better place than it is, walking in the interior lacks charm and did seem very "chain restaurant" ish. I must admit that my two dining companions didn't seem to mind their dishes too much, so I suppose it's just my bad luck that I didn't love my risotto and I probably had higher expectations for Forno hence leaving it more room to disappoint me. I would recommend you check out some other restaurant in the area before deciding to spend your evening here. But if you must come in, I suppose you will be able to get yourself a decent meal.
(2)Jen G.
I was really excited to check this place out after their remodel and menu revision. The first time we went, we had a very mediocre brunch that didn't make us want to return. At that point, I definitely would have given 2 stars. Unfortunately, all the work they did only makes me want to add one more star to that. The decor is nice. Kind of American-Italian night-clubby dinner spot. The music was loud and distracting, and inappropriate for the setting. I found it weird to listen to rap music while slurping my pasta in what I think is supposed to be a somewhat rustic Italian space. The service was good, but not super. We had a party of 4, and our dishes didn't come out together. With each course, one person waited while the other three stared at their food. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure my entree got screwed up in the kitchen and they had to re-fire it. I guess I'm glad they noticed before they brought it out, but they had already delivered everyone else's plates. The food is also good, but not spectacular. Both the kid and I had the beet salad to start, and we agreed that it tasted great when we first started eating, but the more we ate, the less we liked it. I did like my pasta, though. I got the Mushroom & Mascarpone, which is made with spaghetti. I asked them to make it with a plain red sauce instead of the brandy-veal sauce listed on the menu, which is what I am sure necessitated the re-fire. I will admit that it was actually very delicious, and I took home what I didn't eat for my lunch the next day. We didn't even look at the dessert menu. So I guess I'd be willing to give it one more shot. Maybe next time they'll wow us. Who knows.
(3)Sarah M.
Good place for a snack, but not necessarily a meal. Pricing is a tad on the high side and the television was blaring with some kind of sports event being shown... Both contribute to my initial opinion and my overall rating. The brunch may improve my rating if I ever go back - there were some delicious sounding items, I will concede! The staff were pleasant, though pushy at times. The atmosphere was confusing - mainly because of the loud television volume at the bar...and that this otherwise semi-cosy setting even had a television. My tomato and parmesan soup was rich and creamy and my friend and I split the bruschetta. I'd recommend both. Not a fan of the Francesca's chain overall though, just for disclosure.
(3)Tom D.
I thought this was a great deal for portion and price, and that the bar offers competitive drinking prices. The pizza was the best part, but the salmon was cooked well and the brussels sprouts were delicious soaked in blue cheese and olive oil. Hefty portions are unlike the rest of this social neighborhood, as they are plentiful and focus more on quantity. This is a solid restaurant with great real estate for people watching.
(4)Frances C.
definitely not my cup of (senna) tea. On two separate occasions, I've come here and left with a horrible taste in my mouth. And not from the food, because I've never even had the food. Let me explain: I've come here twice in the 2 o'clock hour for lunch. In those two times, I've been informed that their pretentious, 5-item brunch menu is in effect until 3. If you're looking for something other than uptight frittatas and pancakes ala snob, look elsewhere. You know what a real italian cafe/restaurant owner would do? Ask us what we wanted, what we were looking for and then make do. Who serves brunch until 3? That isn't a breakfast place anyways? Francesca's, you need to reevaluate everything you're doing. On both occasions, my party and I have opted to get up and leave. Their response? "Ok, have a nice day!" which leads me to believe they could care less about my patronage. Nice one, team! If you're looking for good food of the Italian persuasion, go down Damen to Cafe De Luca or over to Division to Via Carducci. This place needs to get shut down. That prime real estate should really belong to a winner.
(1)Emily M.
Always a solid brunch or dinner spot. I live in Wicker Park and this is the type of place you can wander into without reservations during peak dining times. For brunch I love the Arancini Bennedict and Monte Cristo. For dinner, the mushroom + mascarpone is my fave. Their daily fish specials are always fresh, healthy and tasty. My hubby goes to the sausage + rapini and sometimes their daily risotto special. Oh, and their mussels are killer...make sure to dip the bread in the juices...yum! Consistent delicious food and very solid service.
(4)Lisa H.
After having awful treatment at Piece down the road on North Ave, my friends & I redirected our early dinner group to Francesca's Forno. Straight off the Blue line, I've been eyeing this place out for quite a while. Upon entrance, we had the sweetest host who was incredibly jolly & directed our group to the table next to the window! Our server was from Boston, and went to the same college as one of our friends. We knew we were in good hands ;) Looking at the spectacular menu options, we were absolutely spoiled for choices! Antipasti: Should we get the Cavolini with Brussel sprouts, parmesan, mint, lemon, and olive oil? Or the Cavofiore with Roasted cauliflower, red onion, raisins, and chili flakes? Mmmm.... Insalate: You got me at Pinoli e Caprino: Watercress, endive, arugula, pine nuts, julienne pear, and goat cheese....!! Entrees: We couldn't resist the Salmone alla Fresca: Grilled salmon, asparagus, avocado, red onion, basil, tomato, lemon and olive oil. The plate came so beautifully arranged, even my younger sister (who normally hates anything "Green") couldn't help but gobble down all the salad!! On Sat, they had a special $10 off wine selection. We had a fantastic red from Southern France, 2006 for less than $20. What a steal! I have to give Francesca's 100% on service, quality, presentation, and amazing flavors. Only precaution: watch out for the expensive price tag! This is a place to take your parents to!! But hey, you pay for the quality ingredients and no-skim trimmings!
(5)Jess T.
Fantastic breakfast and only $8!
(4)Erin H.
Amazing food! When Forno first re-opened, there were some service issues. But, it looks like those are all ironed out.
(5)Art C.
We stopped by late Sunday afternoon for a coffee and small bite. We were seated quickly. Our server acted like he'd rather be somewhere else than work, he forgot to bring a tea bag with my tea, my partner's coffee was cold, when she asked for some hot coffee, he returned with another cold cuppa joe. The light food we had (a Monte Cristo) took about 20 minutes to make its way to us, it was nice and hot, and tasty. Overall I wouldn't waste my time with a repeat visit, they were way too casual in their service.
(2)Paul R.
Food was good, not great. What we struggled with was the service of the busboys and music. Let me explain, conservatively our water glasses got filled 15 times in 1 hour. Glasses that were 3/4 filled and busboy would reach in front of us to top it off. What really irked us is that they asked my wife 4 times if she was finished with her meal because ahe had put her fork down. She still had half a plate. At one time I looked at the guy and said " stop". What's the deal with the 80's throw back music? Flock of Seagulls, Aha... really? Saturday night, 7:30, italian restaurant ? Yikes manager.
(2)Moiz B.
Blueberry pancakes are great. Coffe is fresh. Service was prompt. Atmosphere is great, airy and clean. It's a decent brunch location in the wicker park neighborhood.
(4)Karen B.
great for people watching on a nice day, but mah... on food. Went for brunch and wow the mimosas arent cheap,, i think i paid almost 8 dollars a drink. My food was fancy, tasty but fancy. The potatos are good, but overall i wasnt wow'd!
(3)Cheryl B.
Oh Francesca's. WHY did you have to change your amazing menu to something mediocre? The old, pre-renovation Francescas - FIVE stars. Seriously. LOVED going here and was so addicted to their Caprese Salad (simple yet delicious, and could never replicate the same goodness at home or elsewhere) that we used to stop by and order takeout at least once a week. Old Francesca's was a neighborhood staple with decent portions, wonderful food, and reasonable prices. Called to order take-out after they reopened. Of course, none of my old favorites were on the new menu. Menu is not posted online anywhere. So, no take out order from us. Fast forward to last Friday when we decided to dine there with friends. Was quoted 30-45 minute wait which ended up being slightly over an hour. They encouraged us to order drinks/food at one of the floating bar tables near the bar while we waited. Bar service was pretty awful, the server was obviously busy and had too many tables. 4 of us ordered some drinks and 2 small appetizers. $70 later and we were off to our table. **A note on the tables - with the renovation they have expanded the bar area and limited the entire back area to 6 person high tops. They seat multiple parties at these tables and it just feels awkward. I'm all about community/sharing tables at other restaurants around town, but those tables are generally bigger (8, 10, 20, etc). Not 6 tops. The 4 of us were seated with another couple. It was pretty cramped. Not a fan. ** After waiting nearly an hour and ordering a bottle of wine, the server informed us they were too busy to prepare any of the pasta or meat dishes, so they were only serving appetizers, salads, and pizzas. Um, ok. That would have been nice to know before we waited an hour! On a side note you think they could have brought us a round of drinks or discounted our bill for this, but no. The chef did send over a small appetizer of veal meatballs... We ordered a huge cheese platter and we received 4 pieces of bread/toast for 4 people. Seemed pretty skimpy. They also used to serve delicious breads, butter, olive oil and that's gone. No more yummy bread. The 4 of us ordered 3 more pizzas and another bottle of wine (racking up quite a bill). Pizzas arrived and they were pretty good, not sure they were worth the price or waiting so long for though. If you are looking for the delicious food of an old neighborhood favorite, think again. All of the food was good but I felt some of it was a bit overpriced and did not compare to the old menu. Overall, a disappointment. I will miss the Caprese Salad forever!
(2)Joann H.
O M GAWD!!!! This place was amazingly delicious! We went for brunch this past Sunday and boy what a great choice. We started off with a home made coffee cake with raspberries in the middle and tiny bit of whip cream. Great with our coffee and mimosa while we waited for our meals. My daughter ordered the pork hash which was delicious and I ordered the Monte Christo which consisted of 2 english muffins with pancetta and a poached egg, a side of polenta cakes and spicy tomato jam. Totally hit the spot. My friends niece ordered the bourbon french toast with toasted pecans which looked amazing too. Ok enough of the word "amazing". Service: The staff were totally on top of everything. Not to mention sweet, funny, and on point with refreshing our coffee, collecting our plates and just making sure we were comfortable. I cannot believe how satisfied I was with the overall experience. I will return for more grub at FF. YUMMMMMERS!!!
(4)Kelsey K.
So the hubs has lived in the 'hood for 15 years and hadn't ever been here so it seemed like it should happen. He started an awesome new job and I thought that was reason enough to make Francesca's happen so we went. We were NOT disappointed at all. The service was superb and the food was spot on making it a 5-star contender.YOU MUST GET THE BRUSSEL SPROUTS AND CAULIFLOWER AS IT IS AWESOME!! We also got a wine flight which was rich with well-thought out flavors and the server was very knowledgeable about each of them. The thing that takes it from 5 stars to 4 is that my husband LIKED but didn't LOVE his pasta special (it was a rigatoni thing with meat... sorry for the lack of specificity). I loved the whitefish with clams, so definitely get that. We'll definitely go back as it is a good meal and a great experience but Buona Terra is still #1 for Italian in the Bucktownish area for us!!
(4)Lauren B.
I can't get over the service my friends & I had at Forno this past weekend. Overall, the food & ambiance was great for a girl's brunch, but the service was as bad as I've had in Chicago in a very long time. I found this so shocking as Forno falls under the umbrella of such a great restaurant group, Francesca's. We had a reservation for noon and our food didn't come to the table until 1:20pm. Not because the kitchen was backed up but because we didn't place our order until almost 1:00! I will admit, we were chatting and indecisive, but we were ready to order for over 20 minutes and our server was no where to be found. At one point, our server told us they would give us "a minute" and without exaggerating didn't' come back for 15 minutes! Few other lowlights.... -We ordered a round of drinks & never were asked if we wanted another. -Anytime we needed the server we had to flag them down rather than them checking in on us -One of us had expressed they didn't like their drink & were hoping to ordered another instead, the server said he had to ask the manager, came back and took away the drink, but never asked if she wanted something else! The funny thing is, I would have gone back for the food, but Francesca's Forno needs to work on the service.
(2)Kathleen M.
AMAZING SERVICE!!!! Went out of their way get the drink that i wanted. Food was amazing! Especially their Mascarpone Cheesecake.
(5)Christopher E.
Definitely a step down from before the renovation. I'll give it another try or two, I'm sure, since I'm in the neighborhood. But what was once my go-to when I had a hankering for Italian has become much less cozy and endearing. I found the introduction from the table busser a bit jarring. The wait staff should introduce themselves, but too much interaction with the busser, and the service hierarchy becomes a bit grey. Also, and I apologize if I'm hing up on this, but no bread basket. No bread, no olive oil. No salt, pepper, oil, cheese... nothing on the table to dress my meal with. It didn't need it, so I didn't need to ask, but still. The atmosphere has taken a step towards Olive Garden, with the new faux-cellar brick work. I nearly expected the Chianti my wife and I ordered to arrive at the table in a fiasco. Total meh.
(2)Terri V.
Well, a was attempting to "revise" a review that was favorable, not that this is unfavorable, just adjusting. I can not find it anywhere...too bad. The only 2 things keeping me from a 5star is I miss the Francesca's Salad. I would go every week at least if it was still there. I mean it is a signature salad! I was told that this location is considered the "black sheep", so they are a bit different. I agree, they have always been different, but don't toss this signature dish away. Seriously, bad move. The food is otherwise still great! So great, I thought, I am going to grab a gift certificate for a friend. I am sure they could use it wherever, but they like this Bucktown neighborhood. Well, no gift certificates to be found. Odd... The reason I am giving 4 stars and not 3 is that I am hoping things will improve, and I was a big fan before. Hey maybe they had a huge rush on gift card sales over the weekend...(back up plan?)
(4)Laura C.
I had a gift certificate from a student of mine, and was really excited to try out a new restaurant this past weekend in the 6 Corners area I have frequented often in the last two years. We were promised a 15 minute wait by a waiter who was filling in at the host station, which became a 45 minute wait while we had a glass of wine at the bar. 15 to 45 never brings anyone joy. There were three different people covering the host stand: two waiters and one hostess who I don't think ever saw my name written down. We finally got seated, and had to eventually ask for bread after 15 minutes of seeing other tables with bread! Like other reviewers have said, the bread and butter were excellent. Yum! As for the menu, I had the pesto and chicken with gnocchi-ish pasta which was tasty. My date never received the soup he ordered :( and then got a mushroom linguini which was sub-par at best: dripping with too much olive oil and lacking any other taste. Yuck! The location is awesome, with so many bars around. I won't be back here :(
(2)Christine K.
The husband and I came here a few days ago after the recent renovation. They changed the main dining area to include a bar with spaces for patrons to stand. I guess they are trying to add the non-dining-after-work-happy-hour crowd, which I like b/c I find the atmosphere to be more lively. The husband, baby, and I sat in the main dining area, which had ample room for our stroller. Our server (can't remember her name!) was extremely nice and prompt. We ordered the grilled sweet corn appetizer with truffle oil. That was gone in about 3 seconds. If you like the taste of white truffle oil, you will LOVE this! The husband got a corkscrew/marinara pasta dish while I got the spaghetti with mushrooms and truffle oil (again-I love truffle oil and can't get enough). My pasta dish was amazing...the husband licked my plate clean. For dessert, we had the apple tart. Very good as well. The manager came around to ask how everything was which was a nice touch to know that someone was making sure patrons were happy. Everything - from the new decor to our server to, of course, the food, was great! I will be back. The only reason I deducted a star was b/c of portion size. The pasta dishes were noticeably smaller than before - I wish there was more of everything!! Still loved it though.
(4)Robert B.
I have dined here a handful of times and have never really been impressed with the food. That coupled with the fact that every time I'm there I feel like I am being rushed to order, eat and get out makes it definite I wont be back.
(2)Ariel L.
Brunch Review Only. There are plenty of good places for brunch in Wicker Park & Bucktown, but I had been ignoring the one closest to me for some reason, and so I decided to go to Forno yesterday. What a delight! The Wait: Getting a table was no problem, which for this area can sometimes be quite difficult. If you have ever driven past Toast on Damen or Bongo Room on Milwaukee on the weekend, there are lines out the door, and the waits can be an obnoxious 45 Min's to 1:30. No thank you. So getting a seat right away was great (it was 10:45 when i went). The Food: I had one of the best brunch meals ever. It was the Oviollol Diavolo (i probably totally misspelled that). It was eggs, Italian sausage, pomodorro sauce and fried polenta. WOW! Best brunch meal i have had this year. I also tasted the Eggs with Lentil beans which was much lighter but also very flavorful. The rest of the menu looked great as well. The three of us didn't drink, but we did have coffee, and the bill for the 3 of us was a reasonable $40 total. The servers were great and not pushy. The noise level was low so we could talk comfortably. And then what a great view of the neighborhood while you eat. Next time I will try a different dish just to make sure i wasn't lulled into writing such a good review by the two dishes i tasted. I imagine though that the rest of the menu is equally good. Can't wait for my next meal there.
(4)Rahshonda K.
I really have been wanting to try them for a while now and finally had the chance. One star gone only because the valet was horrible. One person to do valet on a Friday night....huh!!!!????!!! I digress! The atmosphere, music, and service was GREAT!!!! We had a reservation only had to wait about ten mins before our table was ready which was no biggie it gave us a chance to order some great drinks and appetizers. Everyone enjoyed their meals the clam and pasta was Awesome! However the trout had to go back for another fish dish but overall the Food was great! For dessert we ordered the baked pumpkin cobbler with vanilla gelato and it was OMFG Awesome!!!!!! I loved the coziness of this place and I really will definitely visit again!!!!!
(4)Laura M.
We went in here today for lunch and it was very very poor. Considering they are charging double what the majority of the local food places are then they need to up their game to match the prices. I don't mind paying for good food but this food was terrible...I ordered a pasta dish which claimed to come with garlic, chili and sausage...it actually tasted of nothing, was not in a sauce but drowned in melted butter and the 'sausage' was gross minced pork. My friend had the risotto which was again, tasteless. Our server was alright but he was not in any way charming/friendly and it took aaaaages for him to come for our order. Give this a miss, Italian done very badly.
(1)Michael G.
The salads were good. The server disappeared. The risotto was good. She never came back.
(3)Tiffany L.
Ehhh...it was ok. It wasn't great by any means. We took the in-laws there and they seemed to like it just fine, but husband and I won't be rushing back. My shells and asparagus dish was completely flavorless, husband was less than impressed with the Frutti del Mar. I'm all for packin' in the people, but their set up is just insane, we could barely find an escape route when it was time to leave. It was what it was, we were excited by the reviews and then left disappointed... I seriously can't get past how flavorless my dish was, perhaps I chose poorly, I don't know... but it's my opinion that there should be nothing flavorless and that crappy on the menu... Service was nice enough, but insanely slow. It was so hot and miserable, yes it was November, it was a little warm, crack a window...
(2)Grant C.
Unfortunately i have to give this review. We made a reservation at 8 o'clock and at 9:10 our party was still not seated. Not only were we not given updates by the staff but were completely ignored. Our party consisted of many extremely successful restaurant owners in Chicago and they were even at a loss for words. We had to leave Forno and patron another establishment. I have eaten here on many occasions and have loved the drinks and the atmosphere. Unfortunately their management skills came up lacking. Their food is great. Their customer service is not.
(1)nicole d.
Services was fabulous, atmosphere is great and food is good! Went here on a Monday night and was delighted to find out it was 1/2 price bottles of wine night! We got a bottle of red, Ellen something, I told ther server I needed something light and she recommended this one and it was perfect! I am gluten free so it is so nice to be able to order most of the menu, I got gf pasta with veggies and it was delicious. Then came trying to decide on dessert...there was no clear "gluten free" option on the menu so when asking questions, the server mentioned they do have a flourless cake not on the menu - sold! and it was soooo goood...yum! Loved everything about this place and I will def be back!
(4)Shradha A.
The earned stars: 1) Service - great attentive polite service, not hovering or disturbing, yet around and ready 2) Place/ambience/style - it's a nicely made place, the right size and not too loud or crowded 3) Vegetarian options - their menu had several choices for vegetarians!! Missed stars - food, food, food -- the food was a little too much on the "creative, experimental" side and neither my gnocci equivalent in spinach-and-cheese was delectable, not my friend's pizza... The goat cheese in tomato sauce is actually just like the Spanish dish queso de cabra. The place also has small portions - do don't think about leftovers for a second meal...
(3)Brian J.
Dropped in for dinner before heading to Double Doors for the NY Eve show. Due to snowstorm and traffic (coming from MKE), we missed our rez by over an hour , yet they honored. It was v. busy, and we eventually had to hail a nearby waiter for svc. "Michael" wasn't assigned to our table but read my signals and immediately took over efficiently and seamlessly. Bravo, Michael! Kudos and give the man a raise. I tipped heavily. The crab-stuffed ravioli was good not exceptional. The Belle Glos "Meomi" Pinot was def above average.
(4)Anna P.
So happy I discovered this little oasis right in the middle of the craziness of Bucktown/Wicker Park. This was my first foray into the Francesca's empire so I wasn't quite sure what to expect, I just wanted a place where my boyfriend and I could have a nice, relaxing dinner of yummy Italian food, and that is exactly what we got. Service was very friendly and attentive, including the busboys refilling our water glasses. The atmosphere is pretty nice - we had an early dinner (6pm on a Wednesday) and it was pretty much empty when we arrived, but even when we left at the height of dinner time it wasn't too crowded. The only annoying part was a screaming girl at the table next to us who clearly never learned to control the volume of her voice, but that wasn't the restaurant's fault. Food was delicious - we started off with the breadbasket which had a nice assortment (focacccia, dreamy!) including a very tasty seasoned butter with spices and garlic and basil. We started off with the beef carpaccio and beet salad, both really delicious and well made, then split the pizza with figs and prosciutto. They have a really good italian beer and wine selection, and our waiter made the perfect recommendations for us on those. This isn't the best Italian in Chicago, but it's definitely great if you're in the area and want a reliable, tasty Italian meal for a fair price.
(4)Erron D.
Good food; good music.
(3)Shannon M.
My go-to brunch spot because you never have to wait for a table, Francesca's has a-mazing, a-typical entrées like Diavola (sausage and polenta) & truffled egg toast on a bed of greens. Wash it down with a blackcurrant prosecco. This is also a great place to take groups, kids and out-of-towners who want the best view of the Wicker Park-Bucktown neighborhood. I also adore their pre-fixed menu specials on Tuesday. I literally have dreams about their goat cheese and honey appetizer. Plus the staff is incredibly friendly and remembers the regulars, like me. Love-it.
(5)Karen B.
This place is awesome! I love the atmosphere, the staff is always nice, and the food is great! I am obsessed with their pizzas!
(5)Greg S.
Wonderful pork hash! Fantastic! Was visiting Chicago and would absolutely go back to this place.
(5)James W.
MY wife and I dined at the bar on Saturday. We had a great time watching the street scene on the Milwaukee/Damen/North Avenues intersection. It was free entertainment because of all the halloween parties going on in the City. I really like this place because the service was friendly and good, food was really tasty and, I thought is was a good bargin. We ordered three items, 4 drinks and, one desert. We were satisfied with the portions. I will go back again.
(4)Jackie Q.
Love Francesca's! Their pasta is delicious, they feature great live music, and the staff is wonderful. Never had a bad experience!
(5)Dana G.
This restaurant is a people watching mecca! I'm pretty sure Francesca's Forno is aware of it too. Even if you don't get a seat that faces the window, there are strategically slanted mirrors on the walls. So you still can catch all the action that is Wicker Park's corner of Milwaukee and Damon without straining your neck. The service was on point and unpretentious. Our server seated us right away and wasn't overbearing. He explained all the specials and told us what they had run out of. I ordered a mushroom pasta dish and it was fantastic. The leftovers were even good reheated (I filled up on too much bread and seasoned butter.) The bf got a spicy seafood pasta with Bone Marrow. Although bone marrow completely grosses me out, I had to try a little bit. Thank god the dish was good and spicy and had other flavors going on, because I was correct in thinking it's just not for me. He enjoyed it though! Late Sunday afternoon it was quite empty when we arrived but started filling up later. It is very cozy and I think each chair in the restaurant was different. I love when places do that! I am definitely going back to try more dishes from their menu (it changes every two weeks according to their website.)
(4)Jill K.
Dear Francesca's Forno: I BEG of you....PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bring back the Ignudi dinner entree and Uovo Diavolo brunch entree!! I will still give you 4 stars, because you have a great atmosphere and the rest of your food is still great. But unfortunately, I can no longer call you my "go-to" Italian place, because you got rid of two of the most delicious things I have ever tasted! Please, help a girl out and bring them back!!
(4)Amber C.
I wish I could give 3 1/2 because I truly feel they deserve more than a 3, but they're not on par with my other 4 star reviews, so I can't give a 4. Eitherway, most of the items I had here were average. The one dish that really stood out was the brussel sprout and cauliflower salad. We ordered that on a rec from our server and it was amazing. It was actually so good that I've been craving it ever since. Other than the mostly mediocre food, another reason for the loss of stars is the wait. I made a reso weeks in advance. When we arrived we were asked to wait at the bar. Ok I get it, it's Saturday and you're crowded, cool... It'll probably just be a few minutes right? Not really. It seemed like 45 minutes, but was probably closer to 30. But still! What was the point of the reservation?!
(3)Olivia M.
I had a sandwich here that was essentially covered in pickles. I should've taken a photo because I'm not exaggerating one bit. They also gave me a side of pickles. Who the hell needs that many pickles? I spent $17 dollars on a shitty pickle sandwich. Also, their online menu does not match the menu in the restaurant.
(1)Phil F.
Pretty solid modernized italian fare. Good atmosphere, awesome view of the street action. I always go for gnocchi, and they are lil yum yums here. Their carpacio is sooo good and just so yummy. The pizza that we got was quite greased up though. That sucked. Overall, I love the brand and look forward to eating their food.
(4)Fawn A.
Stopped in for a late lunch with 1 year old in tow. Very accommodating. Chopped salad was tasty, #1 pizza was lovely, but the crust could have been a bit crisper. A pretty cool place. Big plus, the staff was very attentive.
(4)Kristin R.
I went here today for brunch and it was amazing. They have a somewhat limited selection from which to choose, but they seem to have most of the basic breakfast staples, with a unique Italian flair. I saw a few plates with mascarpone, but I decided to order an egg creation: scrambled eggs with italian sausage, fried polenta and pomodoro. And it was truly amazing. The sausage was spicy and added just enough kick to give this dish something really special. I will order it again the next time I'm here. Also, they had some of the best bloody marys I've ever had. They are super spicy but they give you a little glass of beer to help you wash it down if you happen to choke on a red pepper flake or something. I don't think they use red pepper flakes in bloody marys, but you get the point: they are spicy! And only $6 which I don't think is 1/2 bad. The service was pretty OK, but this is why I have awarded only 4 stars instead of five. I felt a tad rushed by our waiter, and I never once got a refill on my coffee, which would have been nice and welcomed. But, based on my first experience here, the food is fantastic and I can't wait to give it another shot, perhaps try something different and splurge on one (or two) bloody marys.
(4)Anika A.
Creative and delicious menu. The bruschetta wasn't traditional but amazing! Also, loved the mushroom pasta it was very light with a tad of cream.
(5)Joshua M.
I went here for a first date, suggested by the other party. It's a bit loud when they get full.. Not exactly a great first date atmosphere, but the place is really great. The food is good. The service is excellent, and the waitstaff has a very good understanding of the menu and it's evident that they really enjoy giving recommendations on the food. I have to go back for the brunch one of these weekends. The prices are fair, and from what I understand the menu changes every two weeks or so. The food is fresh and delicious. I can't believe I had never been here before. I don't really like the layout, and it's kind of weird that all the tables have a hodgepodge of different types of chairs. It's like they've been shopping goodwill for their seating selection. The waiter even told me, "You should sit in this chair. That one's bad," when I was sitting down. What's up with that? I had an opportunity to meet the manager while I was there. He was great. He seemed genuinely interested in the restaurant, and that goes a really long way in my book. Four stars because the food is delicious. Not five because the layout is just not that great. How come there isn't an option for "good luck" under the parking questions? This IS Wicker Park, after all.
(4)Luna H.
I've been here once with my boyfriend and we both really liked it! It was kind of improvised, we just wanted a nice place to have wine and cheese more than a proper diner and we ended up here just by chance. As I said, we didn't want a proper dinner so we didn't ask for a table (we went to the bar instead). I think it was a good decision because the tables seemed small and too close to each other, nothing really intimate or nice. The food, however, was delicious! We had a bottle of Albarino wine, delicious spanish white wine, and an offer of 3 appetizers for $17, which we thought was a good deal. However, I have to admit that it was really noisy and the music was horrible. MTV hits is not what I expect in a nice italian restaurant! They loose a star just because of this.
(4)Shalin D.
A lot has been said about the food and the ambiance at FF. I've even seen a fair amount of reviews comparing FF to other restaurants in the Francesca empire. This review, however, focuses on something little talked about: FF's location. I'm not talking about the inside. Just the outside and how FF's position makes it possibly one of the best people-watching spots in Chicago. First of all, the restaurant is located smack dab in the middle of Six Corners. Nestled between Milwaukee and Damen, the restaurant has a front row view of the crowds exiting the Blue Line and the music diehards lining up outside the Double Door on Friday or Saturday night. It also has visual access to two of the most architecturally significant buildings in Wicker Park: the Flatiron lofts to the east and the Flatiron skyscraper to the north. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of an artist at work in the lofts or one of the eccentrics changing out the activist posters plastered in the loft windows. The eastern view from FF was particularly great during the Around the Coyote Festival (when it used to be at the lofts). Artsy kids from all over Chicago entered and left the building; and, if you're like me, artsy kids is just another phrase for eye candy. Second, the restaurants owners were smart. They don't obscure the view of Six Corners with drapery. No curtains. No blinds. No shades during summer. They didn't even decorate the restaurant fully (it's rustic inside - rough-hewn wood and neutrals dominate) so as not to distract from the view. The windows are large and there's always that strange but exhilarating moment when you look out the window and capture a pedestrian looking back. But, unlike your friend on the outside, you have a bowl of pan-seared gnocchi in butter sauce and a chianti in front of you. Of course, since this is a restaurant review, I'll include some notes on the food. It's simple, good, and tasty. Just like Mia Francesca or Francesca's Amici (in Elmhurst), the menu is divided by course and everything is reliably good. There are few poor or stellar dishes. Come for the view, stay for the dinner.
(4)Denise R.
I came here with a friend on a Friday night. I think the openness of the restaurant and the smell of the food attracted us. There was a small wait but we were sat shortly after hitting the bar for some bevs. I guess because of the aroma that brought me into the restaurant, I expected the food to have flavor but all of our dishes completely lacked flavor. My salad was okay. They basically throw a piece of a head of lettuce on a place with some dressing. I ordered the chicken dish and my friend ordered the spinach dumplings and the portions were tiny! My chicken was supposed to come with potatoes and there were probably like 3 tiny pieces of potato on my place. Unfortunately, those were the most tasty things on my plate. The chicken was bland and was covered in a ridiculous amount of arugula. The dumplings were pretty tasteless too, however the texture was good. And it was served in a decent sized bowl that was less than half full. Service was decent. The server didn't seem very confident in any of the dishes when I asked her what she recommended. However, everyone was friendly. Another thing that slightly annoyed me was how they added those standing tables right next to the dining tables. We basically had a guy's butt over our table the entire time as he felt the need the bend over and lean onto his standing table the whole time. We did get some great pics out of it =)
(2)Laurie C.
Extremely small portions. My husband and I went here the night before a race for some carbo-loading (a la Michael Scott). This was our big chance to stuff our faces, guilt-free! While what we had was good, we unfortunately both left still feeling hungry. We split the grilled corn appetizer with truffle oil, which was amazing. I wanted to lick the plate. We also ordered the spaghetti with mushrooms and truffle oil, which was tasty, and the spinach dumplings, which were ok. However, the portion sizes, especially for the dumplings, were ridiculously small. Maybe our expectations were too high since we were planning on chowing down, but it almost felt like we were getting pranked. Prices were reasonable, but now we see why. I probably won't return. The atmosphere is a big improvement over the old look, but the food failed to impress.
(2)Alden V.
Stumbled upon this place after declining a 2hr wait at Piece. Food was great. goat cheese and calimari app were good. I had a spicy sausage pizza which was fantastic! Prices are very reasonable for the flavor. Ambiance is warm and comfortable, I love the open kitchen. The only reason this gets four stars is because it didn't WOW me. That said, I will definitely be going back. Solid Italian.
(4)Justine L.
We came to Francesca's simply because of its convenient location and it's seemingly low prices. And it was a good choice! We had the seafood linguine and the mahi mahi special. The seafood linguine came with quite a lot of seafood! Approx 4 shrimps, 5 muscles, 3 scallops, some squid, and possibly more. The sauce was also one of the best I've had- spicy but not overpowering. The mahi mahi was cooked very well came with strings beans, onions, tomatoes, and spinach. The sauce was the perfect consistency, so that you could still taste the fish and its texture. We opted for dessert (which we don't always do) and got the apple & blueberry puffed pastry with vanilla gelato. The pastry was so crispy and fulffy, even though it was topped with gelato. The fact that there was gelato rather than ice cream was a very nice touch. The staff was also very friendly and attentive. From our waiter, to the host, to the bus boy- everyone came by with a smile and asked how we were doing. The service was definitely the topper on the cake.
(4)Bex F.
A few years back, before the renovations, the hubs and I came here for dinner. We really enjoyed it and had a great evening. Flash forward. We decided to come back, forgetting the whole renovation thing and not realizing they changed the entire menu. Big bummer -- I was so looking forward to the lasagna. Now the joint is just another cookie-cutter Scott Harris venture, exactly like DiSotto and Davanti. Really, just rename the place, because that's what it is. The formula doesn't work for me; I'm not into snobby Italian food, but that's just me. Being a picky eater, I struggled to find something on the menu and settled on the grilled chicken. Overcooked and had no flavor. At the top, the appetizer and salad (Caesar, and was actually the best part of the meal) flew out of the kitchen far too fast. We felt like all they wanted to do was flip the table as fast as possible. Our server was pleasant, the manager coming by twice to see how everything was was annoying. The whole thing was disappointing and a repetitive formula. Give it up Scott -- it's boring and really not all that good. You've forgotten what the people want.
(2)Arch R.
Been there twice...it's in a great location, right on the six corners of Wicker Park..my old hood in Chicago. The first time I went there was for dinner and I remember being quite pleased with the food. The only drawback was being placed on a table in a very congested part of the restaurant so I felt like people were always trying to navigate around our table and that got to be annoying. The second time was for brunch; they have quite an innovative brunch menu rather than the standard omelettes. I got the bluberry and ricotta pancakes which were fluffy and melted in my mouth. My friend got the bourbon flavored french toast which was unbelievable as well. The ambiance of the place is great and it's great for the summer because it has large french windows which open out into the street. I also love that the last time I was there, there was a tiny little dog under the table next to us; if this place is dog-friendly, it gets a star just for that!
(4)Susan C.
This place is really good, and has a great atmosphere. Their bread with garlic butter they serve prior to dinner is so addicting you will be eating that the whole time you're there! I ended up ordering the pizza...I believe it was pepperoni & sausage and it was quite delicious. My friend ordered the Cuban sandwich and she said it was fantastic as well.
(4)Kathleen O.
The host and waiter were great! Food was ok...nothing to write home about. We had bruchetta, which was good, but missed a little flavor. It needed some garlic or something. WFor the entree we had the Margarita PIzza and felt the same...missing some flavor and the Buccatini pasta. The pasta was the favorite of the meal. The tomato basil sauce was very good. Fresh and tasty (at last!!!) Overall, it was an ok experience, but definitely not at the top of my list for Italian in Chicago.
(3)Craig G.
Always wonderful. Great service, warm atmosphere, amazing food. We go there for their many fine gluten-free offerings. I just wish they offered GF bread like the Arlington Hts location has.
(5)Susan L.
Noisy just like all of the Francesca's outposts. Shitty slow service. Unless you like egg dishes for brunch, you will leave hungry. I plan on avoiding it at all costs.
(2)Eme L.
Great service and good food. Not quite as "polished" as Mia Francesca, but this location has a great neighborhood vibe. Plus, they have a $23 3-course (all options on menu - Tuesday/Thursday only) special that really can't be beat. We had calamari (nothing special, but good), linguine with shrimp and scallops (very tasty), rigatoni with sausage (rustic and good), and tiramisu (delicious). No transcendent dining moments, but good solid food in a lovely setting.
(4)dave k.
I've had Sunday brunch here twice now, and both times it's been excellent. The Italian BLT is great, as are all the egg dishes. All the plates come with a bit of salad which is a nice touch. The food seems very fresh and delicate, without being pretentious. Bloody Mary is a must have - comes with a celery rim in a pint cup, garnished with a pickle, an olive, a greek pepper and a beer back - very nice. This place is also large and casual, which is nice for brunch. I've never had to wait, and the servers are friendly and don't rush you out. A solid spot for interesting brunch.
(4)Jennifer L.
I must be getting old, because after having a tasty meal at Francesca's last night, all I can remember are a) how noisy it was b) how hard it was to read the menu, due to the dim lighting and tiny font, and c) the uncomfortable chairs. I think I would enjoy going there for lunch on a weekday, though. I'd just need to bring a chair cushion.
(3)Escape C.
I've been here multiple times with girlfriends or on dinner dates with other couples. It has a nice dimly lit, yet upbeat atmosphere. The service is always ok, and the food comes out ridiculously quick. Regarding the food itself, they do have wonderfully fresh salads, and very nice fresh mozzarella . With that being said, I find many items on the menu to be pretty mediocre at best. The pastas and meat courses are just somewhat bland and uninspired. This is the perfect place to go if you are wanting something on the lighter side. If you are itching for some good italian cooking, probably not a top notch choice for you!
(3)Mike R.
The Spaghetti al Funghetto, dish was great! It's a spaghetti and wild mushroom dish with mascarpone cheese, marjoram, brandy sauce and white truffle oil. So delicious!
(5)Jess P.
I had an amazing solo weekend brunch here. I'm now totally convinced that eggs and sausage should always go over polenta squares, and you should always add spicy tomato sauce. It was bright and sunny and the decor was remarkably tasteful.
(4)thomas f.
Great place to dine, our roasted half chicken was moist and succulent and fell off the bone, my friends pasta stuffed with ricotta cheese was also delicious , the only GREAT disappointment were the lamb meatballs, I was expecting something tender, similar to a beef meatball, I couldn't even get my fork through it after applying a LOT of pressure, had to break out a steak knife to get through it, it was very rubbery. I add breadcrumbs and simmer my meatballs in sauce for a few hours, they just melt in your mouth. Maybe I should open a restaurant.
(4)Lena M.
$5 martinis on Weds. Hooray! Not much on the menu for vegans though, unless you get creative. Beet salad was yummy-minus the cheese. The balsamic vinaigrette dressing can be substituted on any salad, as it is the only one without egg/dairy. Made a meal out of the sides because none of the pasta dishes were safe. The manager stopped by briefly to ask how our meal was, which was nice. Loved the mango sorbet!
(3)Stef B.
Even though we moved out of the area, we come here for brunch at least every other month. I cannot get enough of their Frittata Del' Giorno (chef's selection, open face Italian omelette) when it has the asparagus and the cheesy potatoes. I usually end up eating all my potatoes first, then order another side dish of them to pick at while finishing our Mimosa's. We are Mimosa fanatics, and their's are great! I highly recommend this place. It still very classy even though you can walk in hungover. I have never been here for lunch or dinner.
(5)Mariela S.
If you are thinking in having brunch at this place, DON'T. You can make the same, even better, at home and avoid the nasty and inattentive service. I went there with a couple of friends and got the prosciutto panini. THE WORST I ever had. The bread were the cheapest white slides you can get in Target (toasted), the eggs were nothing to write home about, and there was ONE slice of prosciutto that it was cooked and therefore smelled and tasted like vomit. We waited 15 minutes to get coffee and 30 minutes to get the breakfast.The only thing this place has going for it is the location.
(1)George D.
Thumbs up for Francesca's Forno. I've been here for dinner three or four times and brunch twice. I don't remember having a single bad dish, which is pretty impressive for a small plates concept. It's hard to stand out as an Italian restaurant, but there's some original dishes on the menu, and everything is done well. Brunch here has been a recent revelation. It's one of the rare places you can just walk into and get a table without waiting. The food is good, and there's even some lighter things on the menu (the girlfriend has gone with granola and yogurt both times we've been here-- sacrilege at a place that serves eggs and pancakes-- but it was pretty good). The room can get very, very noisy, but one big plus is the massive windows. From pretty much anywhere in the restaurant, you can watch the current mix of lonely goth, stubborn hipsters and trixies trying to "slum it" that currently parades around Wicker Park while you eat your dinner.
(4)Hailey M.
Finally! Forno has gone back to its old menu. Although I was really starting to like the Mia menu, my boyfriend was not so much so we had really stopped coming here. We will now be back on a regular basis, especially Mondsays for half-price wine!
(4)rachel c.
Both brunch and dinner here have been very enjoyable experiences. Brunch is a great for a few reasons. It is typically not too crowded on a Sunday, yet food is unique and delicious. Dinner on weekends is super crowded yet cozy and fun. Food was really tasty. Everyone enjoyed their dishes from pumpkin ravioli to 1/2 roasted chicken to meatballs. And desert looked amazing. Finally, Francesca's is gluten free friendly, with a gluten free menu (pastas) and can make most entrees gluten free.
(4)Vivian B.
I have only ordered delivery from this restaurant. The food is so good I wish it was cheaper so I could order it every night. The arugula salad is awesome, the bread they send with delicious butter and oil would be wonderful if I was ever hungry enough to eat it. I usually get the linguini with seafood (it changes depending on what they have fresh and my boyfriend gets the ravioli. However I need to point out that one night we got the salmon and I wasn't really a fan of how they prepared it. Overall though great food.
(4)Stephanie K.
After hearing positive reviews for Francesca's Forno and consulting Yelp, I dragged my parents out of the suburbs for my birthday dinner and into Wicker Park. If memory serves correct, we went on a Tuesday and they were offering a $21 prix fixe menu, and since entrees were around $20 anyways, you really couldn't go wrong. Here's how my menu played out - with comments on each dish: - Appetizer: Pinoli e Caprino, a watercress & endive salad with pine nuts, goat cheese and pear. Good salad, not 'wow-worthy' though. - Entree: Funghi, Taleggio, e Cipolla, basically a wild mushroom pizza with truffle oil. Not a fan of this - probably should've ordered a pasta dish or the pizza with figs. - Dessert: Gelato Sandwich, chocolate hazelnut, pistachio & vanilla gelato. You can't really go wrong with good gelato. Period. Would I go back? Maybe. If someone else was paying. Would I recommend it? Nah. Too many other exceptional places to bother with the decent ones of the world.
(3)Tuya S.
The stars are for the courteous staff, bread, and side order of potato. For main entree I ordered ham risotto. My date had to finish it off because the rice was half cooked, the chicken broth not completely absorbed into the dish, and lacking any taste of cheese. I noticed they have real Italian style pizzas. However when I asked if they serve pizza tonno the wait staff did not know what I was talking. oh well
(2)g h.
5 stars for doing the right thing and going back to their original menu concept!! The best thing about Forno was that it was different from the rest of the Mia clan of Italian food. The word on the street is that sometime next week they are returning to what made them a neighborhood favorite in the first place! The Italian small plate concept was great and I look forward to going back and trying some of those creative Italian favorites that I have missed these past few months! Thanks for listening to your customers and bringing back the good stuff!
(5)Michael U.
The menu is somewhat interesting and the food was pretty good. I had the baked ricotta and the crispy potatoes, which were both tasty. The service was poor and my Manhattan, which sounded great on the menu, was nothing but rye in a martini glass. Call me crazy, but if I wanted straight booze, then I would have asked you for straight booze. When I order a classic cocktail, I want it to taste like a classic cocktail.
(3)Tish N.
I went on a Tuesday with my friend. We are all about good food and finding deals and this takes the cake. I really enjoyed my steak and herbs..it was perfectly seasoned and tender. The polenta was creamy but slightly bland. I adored the creme brulee..it's worth another trip alone. I think I'm going for the pizza next time.
(4)Merrill H.
Time to add review # 73 to Francesca's Forno! This is a very crowded, very popular restaurant in the Wicker Park area of Chicago. We came here for the Tuesday Special-- order any appetizer, any entree, and any dessert for $21. Definitely worth the price. For my appetizer, I ordered a plate of olives, which were good, but there were waaay too many on the plate and they were extremely salty. Much more than what I'm used to. The other people in my party ordered a caprese salad, which was delicious, and soppressata e caciocavallo. The soppressata was ok- tasted like standard salami and cheese. Entree was an shell pasta with asparagus in a ricotta cheese sauce. Too much ricotta, but the pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente. I very much admire a restaurant that can do this. :) Dessert for my two companions was a creme brulee, which was nice and light. My dessert was the torta lava which was fantastic. A bit too dense for me, but I liked having the mint chocolate ice cream that was melting on top. YUM. Also, they make some good drinks. I had two bellinis and I was good to go! I would definitely come back, but it's so far away from home! :(
(4)Claudia B.
I really want to give it 4 and half stars, but since yelp won't let me, I've rounded up largely due to the delicious chocolate chip bread pudding with banana gelato I had the last time we had dinner here. We really like Francesca's Forno and typically come for dinner about once a month. There are not a whole lot of surprises on the menu, but the food is good, the portions are normal-sized (i.e. this is not the place for you if you want a bucket of pasta) and therefore the prices are reasonable. Pretty decent wine list. Super friendly wait staff, fairly casual and comfortable, while still nice, decor and a great vantage for people-watching make Francesca's one of my favorites.
(5)Devansi P.
I went their for dinner on Friday and to my surprise we didn't have to wait... the waiter was very nice... we got a great bottle of white wine... my entrée was ok but the turtle cheesecake was absolutely amazing... I would go back there just for the turtle cheesecake.
(4)Melissa E.
Been here twice, last year for brunch...yummy and this past Saturday for date night with my sweetie. This place is very cute: dark, boisterous and awesomely large windows perfect for people watching. We were seated at a table right in front of one of these windows which was awesome. We loved the bread and herbed butter. Our entrees were good and desserts very yummy but server was meh. He "forgot" to put our app order in which was disappointing. He did make it up to us by buying us dessert but the boyfriend had to keep reminding him for refills which was annoying. All in all we may be back but there are plenty of places in Chicago with better service for the price.
(3)Brian M.
Been here a few times since the remodel/update and really love the modern Italian menus they have switched to. I also really appreciate that the menu changes frequently but I can still find something delicious on it every time I'm here. Right now my favorite dish was the pork shoulder over creamy polenta. Really great job braising that pork till it falls apart. Reminded me of an Osso bucco from carluccis that is twice the price. Also tried some homemade raviolis stuffed w pancetta and mushrooms. My fiancé loved both dishes. The grilled calamari app was good not rubbery at all, and the smokiness you get from grilling the calamari played perfectly off the sweet Italian vinaigrette they tossed it in and then served it over escarole. Definitely do not skip drinks. I had a few Moscow mules served in legit copper mugs, awesome drink with orange bitters gave it a different twist while still packing the taste I'm used to. I think this is a great restaurant with reasonable pricing, and can safely give this 5stars now that I've tried them a few times since the remodel.
(5)Erin J.
We decided to go here after reading the spectacular reviews for Mia Francesca, one of Forno's partner restaurants. As we live closer to Forno, however (and because we're slightly lazy) we opted for Forno instead. We left wishing we'd have gone to Mia Francesca. The reviews are on the money when they say the seating is close and it gets loud. Expecting this going in helped, but when we arrived the host took 3-4 phone calls before he even looked our way. OK, fine, he got slammed momentarily, we will not let this deter us. We were sat at a small table between 2 other couples, and I will warn you: God help you if you get sat next to a loud talker like I did, because not only do you have to try not to broadcast your own convo to the whole restaurant, you have to attempt to block out the other conversation and in my case, really try to avoid glaring. No one likes the glare... The wine selection was pretty good. Our server recommended one of the wines on the special card, and upon checking it out, of course he would, as it's $87/bottle. We ordered the grilled calamari, which was fine, if a little rubbery. The oil it was served in made a fantastic dip for the crusty bread we were brought. It would be the last time we would see our server for maybe 40 minutes. I got the gnocchi-like dish and my companion got some large half-shell and veg dish. My portion was fairly small, or maybe it was because it was served in a HUGE cereal bowl and my perception got thrown off. Either way, it didn't fill me up. Then, my companion says to me after trying his dish, "You know...this tastes like pasta with some kind of canned vegetable soup poured over it. Like Campbell's soup, without the broth." I tried it; I was surprised; he was right. The pasta tasted good, had its own flavor; but the other ingredients...it was crazy, because I could SEE that they were fresh, but they really did taste like canned soup vegs. :( All that having happened, we were eager to get out of there. The next time we managed to snag our server, I asked for the bill. He asked if we wanted dessert. We said no, we had other plans. Not even a coffee or an espresso, something to send us off? NO, thank you...just the check, please. Fifteen minutes pass before he comes back, sans bill. He apologizes, says he's just gotten super-busy, and he takes my card. He's back with the receipt within the minute with another apology, undoubtedly sensing his tip had been withering. Unless I'm with others intent on going to this place, I won't be back. I may try out Mia Francesca, however...
(2)Ellen F.
My mom always asks to go here for brunch when she's in town. The frittata is generally a good bet. If you go early (around 9 -10am) before the Wicker Park/Bucktown brunch frenzy begins, you'll be able to enjoy a more quiet, intimate atmosphere. They do a nice job with dinner as well. The food is tasty and the service is good. The floor-to-ceiling windows and location make for great people watching. The only drawback is that the dining room can get a bit loud and crowded when the restaurant is full. I'd say, if you don't mind waiting, go for dinner. If you're not in the mood to wait, or don't have the time, the central location makes it a great spot to have lunch while you're out shopping.
(4)Vincent O.
This was my 1st time at this Francescas. I usually go to Mia Francescas in Lakeview which I think offers a more appetizing menu and feels a bit more upscale. We had the Ignudia alla Fiorentina (Spinach and ricotta dumplings) which were good and the Paccheri alla Laticastelli (Rigatoni with tomatoes and sausage) which was also good but also a little watery and really missing some spice or something. Both dishes seemed like the needed something to take them from being just good to delicious. Aside from that I really do like the space (even though I could hear the drunk guys on the other side of the room) but to be honest I am not a big fan of the neighborhood. Oh well, you can't have it all...
(3)Jennifer W.
Love this place!! Haven't been here in a few months, but had an amazing pizza few times. It had figs and Prosciutto, just loved! I see that it's not on the menu anymore :(
(4)heather d.
After my 3rd time dining here i decided I really like this place. Food is good, reasonable and you can get a table on a saturday night at a moment's notice. I really like the pizzas and pastas and usually stay pretty basic, but always leave full and satisfied.
(4)lola d.
I hate this place because It sucks me in all the freaking time! The salads are made with the freshest ingredients, the pizzas are heavenly, the pastas are never overcooked or raw, the risotto specials are unique and rich in taste, the $21.00 Tuesday special is a steal, the Peroni is served in a cold frosty pint, the endless wine list, the noise, the music, the view of the hustle and bustle of Milwaukee street, the friendly staff, and the list goes on and on and on...
(5)Christine T.
went there for a sunday brunch... when we sat down and started debating which of the many items to get since they all looked good - but the people at the table next to us (who had just finished their meal) interrupted us and told us that basically almost everything we were thinking about was "disgusting." we were not phased and ordered the specialty breakfast pizza and the pancakes with sausage with a side of the pecorino fries, one bellini, and a salty dog. im glad that we stayed and didnt listen to the table next to us (not sure what they were thinking) because it was all great! i would definitely go back and try their dinner menu.
(4)Bill C.
What a great little place. I went there last night for the 3rd time, and all three times I had great service, and the food is always tasty. What really pushed me over the top was our waiter. My girlfriend asked the waiter about a dish she had that was on the specials menu during our last visit. She was bummed to see that it wasn't on the menu, but the waiter was like: "We can make that fore you, no problem". Sure enough, they did! And it was awesome! The other thing that really suprised me was that we causally mentioned that our weeding was this weekend. At the end of dinner, he suprised us with a free desert that had two candles in it. What a nice touch. If you looking for a great place to eat, this is definitely it.
(5)Mike C.
OMG everything on the menu is great. Don't fill up on bread, although it's darn yummy. I went only once, just after they opened. They didn't have their liquor license yet, so we could BYO. Score!! For a chain of restaurants, Francesca's definitely beats the stereotype. Go there! Now.
(5)Abby T.
Yum yum yum yum yum yum yum!!!!! All I really need to say is Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding! But I will say more. I have eaten here 4 times in the past few months, and have NEVER been disappointed. The Gnocci is fantastic, and I love the little bread baskets and the homemade butter you get when you are seated. Try anything here, and you will be pleased. Just remember! SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT!
(5)Ella B.
So many good things to eat in Chicago!...It was a Sunday and Wicker Park was our stop for the day. We had just gotten off the "el" and we were hungry! We had two choices, the Absinthe Cafe or Forno. We went with Forno b/c I liked the simple wood deco and we were very very pleased. The bf got the prosciutto sandwich with mozzarella and tomato on a franchese roll. Comes with a side of watercress salad. Great sandwich & salad, definitely 5 stars. I got the lentil dish with sunny side up eggs. Also delicious! Sounds weird, ie: lentils and eggs... but very yummy. Despite it being so carb-y already, i think a small piece of bread would have been good with this dish. Although, we didn't order it, the bloody marys looked really really good. We were only there for the Sunday brunch, so we're not sure how the other meals are, but next time i'm town, i will definitely stop in for a meal!
(5)Sarah B.
We waited over an hour for our reservation here on a Saturday night for a birthday party - after they called the member of our party who made the reservation three times to confirm the day of our dinner! They totally ignored us for the first forty-five minutes we were waiting, but then they compensated us with a free round of drinks, free (and yummy, if garlicky, bruschetta), and at the end, a free sampler of four different full-size desserts (the creme brulee was especially delicious). As for the dinner, I had a pizza which was mediocre. It would have been nice if they had been more apologetic about waiting for our reservation earlier in our very long (hour and fifteen minute) wait for our table after our reservation time.
(3)Lori Taylor R.
Fantastico - Francesca's Forno! The Monday special for half priced wines is quite the treat. The server was assiduous and the pasta was fresh and flavorful! We will be back.
(4)Summer P.
Officially 3.5 stars for Francesca's Forno; I liked my linguine con frutti de mare but it was slightly over-shadowed by three other things... 1. There was a super drunk girl there being held up by her boyfriend (seriously) -- it was St. Patrick's day -- and I felt really sorry for that guy! 2. Our waiter was a little odd throughout our meal in the restaurant and at the end of the night used our credit cards to settle another table's bill. 3. The bread pudding concoction is delicious and I would go back just to eat that -- a girl at the table next to us actually used her finger to wipe her bread pudding plate clean (also hilarious)...
(3)Paige W.
As night descended upon Wicker Park, the orange fluorescent light from Milwaukee/North/Damen pouring in through the floor-to-ceiling windows at Francesca's Forno, an aging male server sauntered up to our table mid-meal. He had crazy eyes. "I'm sorry to intrude, ladies; let me just ask you one question," he said. "Isn't it great going out to dinner with no guys around?!" And indeed, it was -- especially after Crazy Eyes finished telling us about threatening his daughter's fiance with physical violence and left us alone. Rewind, though: We walked in for our 6:30 reservation to a comfortably hopping but not packed-to-the-gills dinner crowd The echo-y room's volume was already at a healthy roar, but we're shouters anyway, so two glasses of wine later, we easily rose above it. So to speak. I was reading the night's specials from the laminated placard in my best Giada voice when our very good-humored server came over to finish the job herself. She took my barbs and work stress-induced giggles in stride and was fantastic the whole time we were seated. She had plenty to recommend from the menu -- bacon-wrapped figs stuffed with blue cheese; Spaghetti al Funghetto with mascarpone and brandy-veal sauce; Pasta Gnudi, ricotta and spinach dumplings in a sage brown butter tomato sauce; and the ravioli special stuffed with shrimp and scallops in a lemon and olive oil dressing. (At our table, we tried all but the special.) We ate ourselves stupider than usual with my two major food groups, carbohydrates and cheese-based dairy, and I realized only in stuffed-silly retrospect that there was nothing special about the food. It tasted good and filled a certain need -- total food-induced oblivion after a stressful week -- but it was largely unremarkable. There are other Italian restaurants I'd go back to first (including Mia Francesca, actually), but I'm happy I tried Francesca's Forno. The man who greeted us when we arrived, who I can only assume is the owner, had crazy eyes too. But in a good way, I guess. He was gracious when we arrived and as we put our coats on to leave, even offering to stop running around for a moment to take our picture before I dashed out to catch that elusive #50 bus home. Too bad I didn't have someone to meet me at my stop with a wheelbarrow to get me home.
(3)Jonathan F.
Great food. Wine list was a little lacking -- who only has three cabs on a list and none by the glass? Got a meritage so it wasn't so bad. The Insalata alla Francesca salad was pretty good! Nice presentation. The Filetto e Polenta was nice too. Meat was cooked properly. My date said the Salmon rocked and was in her top 2 ever. Overall it's pretty friggin' good...and our waiter looked like Nacho Libre. Classic.
(4)Alice O.
I've been here twice on Tuesdays for the 3 course Pre-fixe dinner for $23, which cannot be beat. You get full sized portions of any appetizer you want, entree, and dessert. I'm not a big dessert person but the creme brulee is delicious. Last time I was there I had the tilapia, which was amazing and the goat cheese and fig for my appetiter. I hate wasting food but I couldn't finish it all. Definitely will come back again.
(5)M J.
This place is amazing. Sylwia (the manager?) super nice and friendly!!! The truffle oil mushroom pizza AMAZING(!!!) salads are great too. I've been going out of my way and getting the pizza to go. I eat the whole thing by myself at home and feel guilty for the next two weeks, but I can't stop!!!
(4)Matthew S.
I figured I'd pile on to the mountain of reviews for this place with a specific surprise (happy, yes). The service here kicks ass, especially during the late morning brunch-slam. I came here for the first time with friends at 11ish, expecting a 3 year wait and grumped-out service. We were seated almost immediately, even though it was packed, and our server was awesome. On top of that great food...everyone loved what they got. My one gripe was their Bloody Mary's were jacked full of black pepper, so if you like that kind of back-of-throat burn, saddle up. Yep, I'll be back.
(4)Kristine B.
I got the panettone, which was delish. After several attempts to make my own and have it turn out not a runny messy mush of egg batter, I was quite happy to find some place that would make it for me. And the marscapone was incredible too. We arrived just as they opened on a Sunday morning, which was fortunate, because by the time we left, the place was PACKED. Would go back again, but would prob try the same time because I'm not a huge fan of waiting.
(5)Julie M.
First off, my dining experience was much benefitted by the fact that my party got to sit in the big corner table by the windows. We called a little bit before we left the house on a a Friday, and then got there around 7, just as it was filling up. I could see if you arrived later than you might have to wait a bit. I ordered a goat cheese and watercrest salad (tasty!) and split some salumi and calamari with others. I also tasted a tomato and mozzarella salad, which was really good too. I probably should have stopped eating right then because the salad was huge, but I still ordered an entree, the gnocchi, which was simple, but very good. Also, it wasn't a huge portion to push me over my limit. Overall: quality food and a very friendly and helpful host helped make the night very enjoyable.
(4)Rebecca H.
I won't go into all the reasons, but I was recently tasked with organizing a dinner for 12 people, many of whom I do not know, in Chicago, a city I haven't lived in for five years. It needed to be fun, special and affordable, as well as easy to get to on the el. I am forever indebted to you yelpers, who made it clear that this was the place. The service was great, despite being slammed. The food was really really good - especially the mushroom pasta - people in my group were moaning about it all the way back to our hotel. This is not a romantic date spot, but for groups that are looking for a fun night, and want to save their money for boozing it up after dinner, it is perfect, and the quality of the food will surprise you.
(4)Karen C.
We came here for dinner. Very cozy atmosphere with great service. Our waiter was friendly. Their food was great! We first got the bread. It was ok. The garlic butter was good. I ordered the Risotto del Giorno which was really good and cheesy. It had prosciutto (cured ham), asparagus guyure cheese and (swiss?). It was the special for the night and was $13. I would definitely come here again.
(4)Vanessa P.
I think that this place is a solid 3.5 stars. I like the decor, the mismatched tables and chairs. For the most part, I like the menu. I have had some hits and misses, but that's to be expected. Dinner: The beets with the goat cheese and hazelnuts is surprisingly good -- and I'm not a fan of beets, either. I also have had the olive assortment (oooh, olives) and the caprese salad, which was just ok. For dinner, I think that the ricotta and spinach ravioli/dumpling was excellent. That brown butter sauce is very good. The risotto is usually pretty good as well. Brunch: I have liked everything that I have had here for brunch. But, I always seem a little disappointed by the brunch menu options. I think that I expect more of them. The granola and berries was good, as was the french toast. But it was nothing special. The one thing that I can say is great the few times that I have had it is the fritatta. That thing is amazing. Definitely a must try.
(4)Julie H.
How I love thee, Francesca's Forno... let me count the ways. In fact, I think I'll make a list: 10. the bread w/ herb butter 9. frisee salad with fried egg, Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette, and truffle oil (still fresh in my mind, I ate some last night) 8. the pasta (I can't pick just one) 7. fresh fish (the selection changes all the time, but its all good) 6. tartufo (peanut butter goodness) 5. the bread w/ herb butter 4. the cheese selection (try the ricotta, you won't regret it) 3. beet salad w/ goat cheese and hazelnuts 2. roasted chicken w/ potatoes (its perfection) 1. gelato sandwiches! UPDATE: I've since tried their brunch - its amazing!
(5)Alysha P.
Had brunch AGAIN here last Sunday.....ordered the truffled egg toast and it was f-ing fantastic......like a little hug on a plate....mmmmmmm!Also had those pecorino fries.....and a peach bellini......service was pretty spot on and overall.....another stellar brunch at Francesca's......yay!
(5)Colleen J.
I love tapas-style dining, and this place has it, Italian style. I've been here a few times, for lunch and dinner. I've been pleased with the service each time: fast, friendly, helpful with the menu. The mushrooms on the appetizer section are scrumptious. The pizza is good, and the pasta was pretty good. It's located in the heart of Wicker Park, on the corner of Milwaukee and Damen, right next to the Damen Blue Line stop.
(4)YerMah L.
The food is decent... the atmosphere is good... you can have a conversation without yelling at the people you're with. I like that the bar is a little separate from the dining so that you can smoke away from the food. It's by no way stellar food... but I would go back... actually, I think I have. My one qualm is the curse of that server from NY! I forgot his name... but he's waited on us twice. Both times I was with two different people who actually are from NY and he suddenly turned into an expert. (Though he hadn't been back since the late 70s....) Anyways... I see that they have brunch... I should check it out.
(2)Luis L.
This place only gets three stars from me. The food was just good, but nothing special. I went for dinner and had the pork chop with apricot glaze, and my date had the buccatini pasta with some tomatoey sauce. Neither offered anything particularly special in terms of flavor, presentation, etc. The pasta was served in a nice big heap, but the bucatini was, um, lacking in texture, and freshness (or something). The pork chop was lacking in flavor, although the glaze was very nice. Isn't there a saying, "never order pork at an Italian restaurant" or something like that? Anyway, I agree with the other reviewers, the garlic and herb butter they serve with bread before your meal was VERY tasty. Their salads seemed entree sized to me. Fresh and yummy. You shouldn't listen to my review because I am very picky when it comes to Italian food. It has to be really outstanding, and the food here simply isn't. However, the dining room is LOUD! I don't mind noise, but I could hardly hear my dinner date. I'd say, go here if you want to have a raucous time, but if you want to have a conversation with your friend/date/companion without having to SCREAM, go somewhere else. Had I known how loud it was going to be, and how average the food is, I would have gone somewhere else with my date. HOSTESS, WAITER, BUSPEOPLE, were all amazing. If it weren't for them, I'd have taken one star away.
(3)Blue S.
Everything about this place is AWESOME! Definitely a treat everytime we go.
(5)Mark S.
Yeah, if you like the other Francesca's places, I suppose you'll like this one- reasonably good quality food, bustling crowded scene, t-shirt uniformed waiters who are very nice running around, etc. I don't like the other Francesca's and really don't care for places like this in general- you might find it polished and streamlined, strikes me as kinda corporate and soul-less. I won't be surprised one bit when the day comes that they open some Francesca's variant out in a suburban mall. But whatever, the place is popular for a reason, I doubt you could order anything that is really flat-out bad here. I'll say that they're really skilled at infusing anything they grill with copious smoky flavor. For good or bad, subtle flavors is not what this place is about- the menu told me I had asparagus in my salad, could have been tasty match sticks. Last time I was here with a group of friends for a 6:30 on Saturday night reservation I was struck by the fact that the place was practically CRAWLING with little kids. So if you're a Bucktown or Lincoln Park yuppy couple and you want a place to let your little rugrat run around- this place seems to be popular for that. I'd go back I suppose, but not unless somebody I'm with really wants to.
(3)Kari S.
Yum yum yum, my salmon entree was so delicious. Perfectly cooked (slightly undercooked the way salmon should be) and the flavor was so robust in a good fish way. I love the bread here, the wine selection, and the salads. All in all a very safe place to take friends and family.
(4)Alfred A.
The best italian food I have ever had--swear to God. The first night I was in Chicago I found this place in Wicker Park. My friend's and I were like let's eat here. The waiter was totally bomb. I ordered off the menu. She was like what do you want, and I was asking for something like Alfredo Fedechini. She said sure, we could do that. Conventional restaraunts don't usually have off the menu items. The food was fantastic, and so was the service. Did I mention that it was really inexpensive. Anyway, I could ramble on for ever, but just check them out. love, alfie
(5)Amy R.
A long time ago, I think I could have been blown away by this place, but I just can't get over the closeness of the tables and loud atmosphere. I also got cold water sloshed on me by a passing waiter without notice or apology, so that didn't help. I just think it was too 'busy' for my taste, but some people like that, so take it as you may. The food is average Italian fare. We had the bruschetta appetizer, which I recommend, and I had some kind of pasta with sausage, which was kind of light on tomatoes and lacked enough flavor. The table bread wasn't anything special.
(3)Cindy C.
I had dinner here a couple weeks ago on a tuesday when they had the prix fixe special. There were 4 of us and we all got the prix fixe since it was such a great deal. If I remember correctly, it was $23. You get to order 3 courses (1 app, 1 pasta or pizza, and 1 dessert.) All of our appetizers were delicious, and most importantly, full sized...as were the entrees and dessert. I was pretty much stuffed by the time we were done w/ the apps. Absolutely loved the bruschetta and the app with the thinly sliced pair and cheese (sorry forgot the name!) This was my 2nd visit here. I will be back again! All of my friends were extrememly pleased with the place too.
(4)K B.
3.5 star brunch review. Everything I've tried is decent - it's just not going to be your typical breakfast foods. The Baked Uovo Florentina was pretty delicious (and I added a side of sausage - which turned out to be a ton of sausage), and the other time I had something not on the current menu that rocked (should never have been taken off). Sidro di mele was a delicious cocktail (we tried about 6 and that was the best).
(3)Dallas F.
This place was good, not as good as the other Mia Francescas, but still good. Its in a great location for people watching and the staff was really nice. My lasagna was tasty as was the bread they bring out before your meal with delicious butter. I pretty sure I would have eaten more of my entree had I not inhaled that buttery bread goodness.
(4)Brandon B.
Overall a very nice place, typically very crowded with a long wait at peak times, kind of a special occasion type of place for me. Overall didn't feel like I got a ton for my money, despite the good quality, which is the only thing that would knock it down a notch for me. Get here early if you are going to go! Service is very nice and its quite crowded, makes for a fun social experience but don't go if you like your space. Great location, watching pedestrians dodge the cars at the 6 corners!
(4)Jason L.
Fantastic ambience and food. Excellent wine. I can't say enough good things about this place. Very crowded on weekends. But of course... That's what happens when you do things right. Make a reservation.
(4)Aimee C.
With my days in Chicago waning, I'm trying to make sure I hit my favorite spots as well as making sure i don't miss any must see must do restaurants. I'm a big fan of the francesca family restaurants, from LP to Little Italy, the consistent fare and enjoyable time. I was seated with two of my favorite people in the corner window seat on the damen/north/milwaulkee intersection and it was a perfect afternoon filled with cured meat, cheese, wine and a never ending barrage of entertainment from people watching.
(4)April W.
To be fair I didnt eat here. A friend and I stopped in for a Sunday Bloody Mary and the bar was not good. The bartender knew nothing of the wine list but did offer to go ask someone. The bar was dirty and greasy feeling and the bartender came to take our order while texting on her phone. Normally a huge fan of the Francescas chain, but will not be returning to this francise.
(2)Jessie B.
I have to say that Francesca's Forno is one of the FEW places that I have been to, and continuously have had a 5 out of 5 star rating. My favorite is brunch. I recommend getting in their earlier around 10 or 11 a.m. before the noon rush comes. They have a rustic Italian atmosphere. Maybe it is their open & friendly staff, the nice robust coffee, or the wooden tables and chairs. As soon as I walk in I have a warm feeling all over me. But this is ALL before I order. I recommend the dish with the polenta, with the diablo sauce. It has a funny name to it, and I am sorry I can't remember it. But I JUST LOVE THIS DISH! Gobble it all up all at once. So just for that I go back. And it is cozy, and everything I have tried makes me feel complete after eating it. If you don't have a clue what to get. The service here is amazing. They are always friendly. And it is really worth the extra dollar to get the home-style potatoes. YUM!
(5)Lois A.
I would write a long review about my favorite things to order from here but then I would just be craving them all night. I like going here early because it's a really great little date spot when you have it almost all to yourself.
(4)Brian C.
Just got back from dinner and Forno is solid Italian in the apex of Wicker Park. Being only a few steps from the blue line defiantly attracts numerous guests so expect a wait. The staff was quick with the standard; bread, garlic butter (fantastic), and seasoned olive oil ( seasoning settles to the bottom of the decanter = very hard to get out). In our group of four the margarhita pizza was popular, two people ordered it and the general attitude was that it was pretty standard wood fired pizza. The salad with fried egg was great, a perfect runny egg with wonderful lemon vinaigrette. The Pollo arrosto was fantastic, half a chicken with plenty of sweet sausage in a rich sauce. The chicken was done perfectly and soaked up the sauce to add to the flavor. The dessert menu looked very tempting but having 4 poor budget minded guests we decided to skip it. The bill for 4 entrees and a few drinks was just about $60 and we all feel like we got our monies worth. We will be back to Forno, I hear the brunch is amazing so next time we will have to stop by a bit earlier. See you there!
(3)jamie k.
Okay, first of all, I'll admit, I have a few friends who work there... but, moreover, I really like this place! Last night was the 2nd time in 2 weeks I was there for dinner on two separate special occasions. The food is just exceptional! The last two times the fish specials were maybe the best prepared fish I have ever had at a restaurant. Also...Cheese Fritters..(okay, it's really called something a lot more romantic and Italian..) are like little pillows of heaven. Seriously. And the salad with the egg on it! (I sound so sophisticated this morning..perhaps a sign that the wine is excellent also) The brunch is so so ... but I give this 5 stars for the dinners.. The ambiance is cool, the furniture is all rustic and mismatched, the location gives you excellent people watching. The tin ceilings look beautiful..but cause the place to get a bit loud sometimes.. oh and I have yet to wait for a table!
(5)Lindsey S.
When my friend suggested this place for brunch, I was a bit skeptical because I'd really thought of it more as a dinner spot. However, it was nice to walk in at 1:30 on a Sunday and be seated right away. The interior is cute, with mismatched chairs and tables contributing to a rustic feel. The service was pretty bad. Our original server asked if we had any questions about the menu, left to give us a time to decide and then never came back. He was replaced (twenty minutes later) by someone else. The brunch menu had a wide variety of choices. My skillet of eggs, sausage and potatoes was delicious and someone else I was with got a tuna melt, which looked awesome. Another of my friends, however, got the french toast and complained that it tasted chemical-y. I didn't believe her at first, but when I tried a bite, I did noticed a really strange taste -- almost like a dirty sponge or something. Gross. Somehow we saved room for dessert (I know, who eats dessert with brunch, right?) and it was very good, but not enough to save the rest of the meal. I might give Francesca's another try for lunch or dinner, especially because the prices are reasonable and it's centrally located in the heart of Wicker Park, but I won't be rushing back for brunch. The quick seating doesn't make up for the extremely slow service and inconsistent food.
(3)John H.
Read Shradha A. and Brett D.'s reviews. (I am lazy) I loved the food, but felt too close to other dinners. I thought the place was fun. There is no parking so you either walk or take a cab. Service is fast.
(5)Giovanna B.
Are you feeling... lucky? Well, it's all about chance at Francesca's! I have been there often enough (call me a pseudo-regular) to detect a certain "pattern" to the place: One day you'll get a meal that is quite delectable, but on a different day it will kinda... well, I don't want to use the word "suck", but it does on those unlucky days. Yup, it's all about hit or miss. However, today, my four stars are based on one of the good days. Yay! I very much enjoy the herbed olive oil they give you to snack with bread, and the garlic butter is quite delish. As far as appetizers go, I'm not too thrilled about the tuna... I think they just empty out a can of the divine fish onto a bowl and make it pretty - not one of their finest dishes, but kudos for the presentation***. I do, however, highly, HIGHLY recommend the bruschetta, especially if you are a "fungi" lover (get it? Fungi? Fun-gai? FUN GUY?!?! carrying on...); it is, simply put, scrumptious. The entrees are decent, but I would advice getting the specials - they change quite often and can be quite tasty, making me wish they were part of the main menu. The pizza entrees can be kinda salty (especially on the bad days), so watch out for those! They best part of the dining experience at Francesca's Forno is the dessert menu. Let me be more specific: The best part of the dining experience at Francesca's Forno is ordering the dessert platter. When I go in a group, we never fail to order these four different desserts served to share amongst all (and you save a couple of bucks too =). The menu explicitly says: "Chef's choice", but not *once* have we gone when we weren't able to get the desserts *we* wanted - all it takes is flashing a dashing smile to your server =) My favorites include the creme brulee, the chocolate bread pudding, the peanut butter ice-cream scoop stuffed with (you guessed it!) peanut butter, and the chocolate lava cake with mint chocolate chip ice-cream on top. Great. Now I'm hungry. Besides the food on "bad days", I haven't really had a bad service. The place can get crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, and it can be a pain to trek the tables, but it still has a friendly and comfortable feel to it. Best of all, it's situated right at the corner of North, Damen and Milwaukee, making it a people-watcher's haven. And you might even get to see a cab run over a pedestrian or two. I have spend many an-evening at this restaurant with family, friends, dates, etc etc etc, and I think I will keep going back for more =) *** Please refer to my review of "Il Covo" for this pressing issue
(4)Pickle P.
Half-off bottles of wine on Mondays - pretty cool deal. Also, great bread!! Enjoyable evening out, but the food is a bit too expensive for the amount you are getting and the quality. The service staff seems really friendly and knowledgeable about the food AND wine, so that is a plus. But, sadly this place does not fulfill that neighborhood, authentic, intimate Italian restaurant feel I was going for.
(3)Lindsee R.
I ended up here quite a few times last winter and was underwhelmed every time. Mostly, there wasn't enough flavor in anything we ordered. I see the menu has changed a bit, maybe I should try again.
(3)Lindsey N.
It takes a lot for me to be disappointed in a restaurant, and Francesca's Forno did a decent job of being less-than-expected. We started off a friend's birthday night with reservations at 8:45. We were told, "Your table will be ready in less than 5 minutes." There was no room at the bar to hang out while we waited, so we had to stand in the back near the bathrooms...for 20 minutes. That's ok, I was in good company. Once we got to our table, we got baskets of bread and garlic butter, which was amazing. It took another 15-20 minutes for our waiter to come by to finally take our order. After polishing off a basket of bread, we asked for another, which our waiter said he'd get right away. The bread never showed up. One of my fellow diners dropped her fork on the floor and asked for another. The waiter said he'd bring one back right away. He never did. When the food arrived, she still did not have a fork. I ordered the Carpanelle con Pollo, which was described as pasta and chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, peas, and a creamy parmesan sauce. My meal was "just OK," however it was very large portions. The sun-dried tomatoes weren't. I had two or three large chunks of cooked tomato mingling with the pasta. Someone else at the table who'd ordered the same dish complained that she only had two or three small pieces of chicken in her pasta. The pasta was warm when it came to us, but not hot. While we waited for the check, several of us had put on coats because it became uncomfortably cold (and we were nowhere near the door). Maybe the waiter was having an off-night, or the chef wasn't completely on his or her game, but I was disappointed in just about every aspect of the meal and the ambiance. It will not be a restaurant I would recommend for dinner. However, other Yelpers have written good things about their brunch, so I'm not going to completely write Forno off.
(2)Jessica P.
On a work-related trip to Chicago, we discovered this place on Yelp (big surprise!) and headed out to Wicker Park for some Italian cuisine. We had no reservation and no wait. The food was amazing, from the pear carpaccio to the dumplings to the lava cake for dessert. I generally find Americanized Italian food bland and boring, but this place is neither. We were all very pleased with our meals and with our server, who called us all "princesses." It was a wonderful start to our trip.
(5)Mel A.
I love Francesca's! It can be loud on weekends so it may not be the best place if you want to catch up with old friends, but the food and service has always been great there. GREAT desserts, too.
(4)Cori H.
This is one of my Chicago favorites. I have yet to experience a bad dish from this establishment, and the food and service have been outstanding. I would definitely recommend sharing dishes when dining with a group. From experience, this is the way to go. The dinner menu features a Risotto del Giorno (Chef's daily preparation), which is a must try.
(5)emily b.
what a fun tuesday night! $23 for three courses? affermativo! (which, hopefully according to googleTranslate is "yes please" in italian) i'm not big on going out for italian because i usually like to indulge my eating-out on something i wouldn't cook for myself; however, i'd never cook 3 courses for myself in one night, so i guess this fits the bill! of course, points, er, stars, for giant windows overlooking the nonsense that is milwaukee/north/damen. more stars for the eclectic mix of chairs (i love mismatching flea market dining chairs so much it's just silly), stars for a bustling warm atmosphere and what my friend called "the best creme brule she's ever had". let's finish this constellation of stars for the outstanding selection on the prix-fixe menu. oh, and the giant mirrors so if you aren't facing the big windows, you still can catch the action. points off for my wine experience. i wanted a bottle that wouldn't break the bank but would be something other than a riesling and our server seemed to miss the mark here. they were out of the original bottle i requested and they kept trying to up uP UPsell us on a more expensive bottle that the server then couldn't open with her wine key until playing with it at our table for a SOLID four and a quarter minutes. (awkward!) it won't become a staple in my dining out repertoire, but i think it will at least make it to "hey how about that italian place we went that one time and it was pretty good even after waiting for our wine for so long" status.
(4)Christiana S.
This was a nice alternative to the Bongo Room (which still had a 45 minute wait at 1:00 on a Saturday..... wtf?). My first impulse is to say that this place is expensive since brunch for two ended up costing $60 (that includes tip). However, it should be noted that I ordered 4 mimosas. And even though they're only $5 a pop, that does start to add up. I also followed my breakfast with dessert, which, now that I think about it, is kind of weird. As far as the food goes, I went with the chocolate chip pancakes with fresh fruit. (They're supposed to be served with mascarpone as well, but I hate mascarpone so I opted out. Also, as an aside, 'mascarpone' is misspelled on their menu.) They were good, not the best ever, but good nonetheless. My boyfriend had an omelet with asparagus and other stuff. He liked it. The aforementioned dessert was incredible. I opted for the torta cioccolata, which was chocolate mousse and cake topped off with toasted hazelnuts. It was SUPER delicious. Actually, all of the desserts sounded great, so I'm planning on going back and trying every single one. You know, just to make sure. The only *slight* downside? It seemed like there were a lot of kids here, which I actually thought was kind of unusual for the area. Still, they all seemed pretty well-behaved, so I guess it's a non-issue. And since a lot of these reviews have commented on the music: we got to listen to Verve Remixed Volume 3. Which I love dearly, but am getting a little tired of. Still, good brunch music. Anyway. I'm looking forward to going back for dinner..... (Maybe for the three courses for $21 thing they do on Tuesdays.)
(4)Gina T.
Great location in Bucktown.. My hubby and I have had 2 very good experiences and one so so. We both highly recommend the risotto and antipasta. Cocktails are good but pasta could be hit or miss. We'll be back. Would love to see more flavorful pasta dishes.
(4)Clare K.
MUCH better than the francesca's on lakeview. the thing that i like most about the francesca restaurants is the fact that they serve normal sized portions. at first it's a little disconcerting and you say to yourself: "where's the rest of my food? i could eat almost all of this without vomiting!!!" but then you realize that the fact that the food is good more than makes up for the fact that your dish does not consist of what would be an entire box of pasta. the desserts are great here. and the added bonus of not being served MASSIVE portions is the fact that you can actually eat the dessert! ingenious! great spot for people watching, as well. the music is funny though--you are totally reminded that you are in wicker park--but that is not a bad thing for me.
(4)Lily H.
I really like this place-- they have a great brunch on the weekends and unlike several other Wicker Park brunch hot spots, Forno can always seat you right away. People watching from the huge windows really can't be beat (and neither can those killer Bloody Marys with the amazing beer back!). Fun. Delicious. Good ambiance. Totally bangin'. Dinner here is also gustatorily happening. I love the scrubbed down tables, all of the reveling scenesters and tempting Italian eats-- Mangiammo!
(4)cara r.
We had a girls' night here a few months ago, and none of us can stop talking about it! With a bottle of wine for three of us and a martini for the 4th, four entrees, one side, one appetizer, and two desserts, the bill (WITH tip) was only $30 a person. I had a pasta dish with fresh ricotta and asparagus that was to die for. and our side of cheesy potatoes was fantastic. The most confusing thing about the restaurant is which door to go into for the front! The "front entrance" is on Milwaukee, with the Damen entrance leading to the bar. It was loud, but homey and comfortable, and I can't wait to go back. Definitely more low-key than the other Francesca's.
(5)Crystal M.
I had brunch here this weekend. The Good: I had the open faced omelet and it was filled with large fresh vegetables, not just teensy bits added for color. It was impressive. My friend had the classic pancakes with bacon and he seemed quite pleased as well; apparently the bacon portion was noteworthy. The Bad: The side potatoes were mediocre and covered in a tasteless cheese. Our server was so over-zealous when she was interacting with us that it scared me. In contrast, she wasn't really the most attentive server; she was just hysterically enthusiastic, but absent. There is a "chain" vibe in here. It's not really a neighborhood joint, and like Bin down the street there's no real point in going here unless you are pressed for time (there's no wait on a Sunday morning) or with a large group (they can accommodate you). Conclusion: The food is good. The experience is mediocre. There's better stuff to be had in this area.
(3)Jennifer R.
Came in here on Friday with 3 girlfriends and it was a great way to start the night. The Caprese Salad was amazing! We all loved it. I made my own pasta - just rigatoni and arrabiata. FF was very accommodating with my request. And, it was really good! My friends kept eating from my bowl : ) The other girls ordered Liguini with Clams (one of the specials), Pizza Marg., a salad (but I can't remember what kind) and side of asparagus. We were all pleased....and the wine was very good at $6 a glass.
(4)Leigh K.
I can't believe I haven't yelped about the amazing experience that my boyfriend and I shared at Francesca's Forno on our four month anniversary. As we were looking over the menu, The Pixies and then Magnetic Fields blared from the speakers. From the first bite into the warm bread I'd smeared butter onto, it was true love. This place is a keeper. For a starter, we picked Carciofi alla Romana, which was one of the most interesting tastes I've rolled around in my mouth for some time. It's artichokes, lemon, mint, and bread crumbs. It was a truly subtle touch, but the mint really smacked down your idea of what artichokes should be flavored with and I loved it. We each got the same salad: Pinoli e Caprino, comprised of watercress, endive, arugula, pine nuts, pear, and goat cheese. Honestly, this is one of the best salads that I have ever had. The goat cheese is placed atop the salad and is slightly warm and each bite is just pure heaven. I tried to ration the goat cheese so that I'd have just a little bit in each bite. The fact that this salad is $6 is cryincrazyamazacrazy because most places that would serve a salad this good at such a nice portion would charge you at least $9. My invisible hat off to you, Francesca's Forno. For my entree, I ordered Penne con Carciofi e Prosciutto (minus the prosciutto), which Zachary ordered the ravioli. Entree winner: Zachary. While my pasta was delicious, the ravioli was wonderful...some of the best I have ever had. We were so full, but for you, Yelp, to write as thorough of a review as we possibly could, we struggled on and split their gelato sandwiches, which were every bit as delicious as they sound. A five star meal that totaled $67 (pre-tip), where we split an appetizer and dessert, and we each had a salad, an alcoholic beverage, and an entree. In every way except for one was this an amazing experience. When I had asked for my dinner to come without prosciutto, it arrived and I dug in, only to find a stray piece of prosciutto towards the bottom of the dish. Now, I don't know if it was a case of a cook accidently dropping that piece in or the server forgetting to tell the cook and then picking out the prociutto herself, but I let it slide because everything else was utterly enjoyable. This place is tops and I won't let that one thing bring my star rating down.
(5)Sooyon H.
I've been here several times. . . I love that they have portion-sized dishes. The last time I came here, my friend and I ordered their caprese for an appetizer, which was pretty standard. We ordered one of their special of the day pastas, which came with seafood in a spicy, marinara sauce. Every time that I have ate there, despite the tight seating. . . I've never had to wait to be seated.
(4)Shannon K.
Forno is a solid choice for Italian food - tasty dishes that are an appropriate size, a great location, consistently good service. I've been there 4-5 times for pasta, but tonight, our waiter Greg was a wealth of knowledge, so we explored the Dal Forno E Griglia (translation - no idea...) portion of the menu. When I asked about the chicken dish, we learned what pigs in Parma eat to make the best prosciutto. We started with the Pinoli e Caprino salad - yummy pears and goat cheese. I had the Pollo alla Valdostana (chicken, mushrooms, fontina, prosciutto) and BF had the Lombo di Maiale (bacon wrapped pork tenderloin). We then ordered the tastiest bread pudding - chocolate chip with banana fudge gelato, caramel and chocolate sauce. I coule have licked the plate clean. Luckily, they took it away before I could embarass myself.
(4)Andrea R.
There are very few restaurants in Chicago that could fit a party of 6 in last minute on a Saturday night. After being denied by many restaurants I tried Francesca's Forno at 5:30 pm on a Saturday with the hopes of getting 8:30 pm reservations for 6 people. The guy hesitated at first, but then said he'd be happy to fit us in. I was thrilled, but unfortunately we weren't able to sit right down when we got there and it ended up being a 40 minute wait. Besides the wait and slow service I thought the food was great. We decided to split many dishes including the caprese salad (the best I've had in a long time), rigatoni (pretty good, but not sure if I'd get it again), salmon (very tasty), and ordered every side on the menu (the potatoes and the spinach were my favorites). We were full and happy after the meal...and especially happy that all that food and a few glasses of wine came to $28/person! Overall, Francesca's Forno was a great find and I'll be dining there again in the future. I just won't plan on going here when I have somewhere to be later in the night since the service was a bit slow. Edit 1/28/07: My friends and I headed to Feast for brunch and didn't want to wait for 45 min. The nice hostess at Feast suggested the brunch at Francesca's Forno so we headed on over. I didn't have high expectations since it was pretty much empty, but the brunch is as good as their dinner. W ordered an eggs benedict like dish over garlic toast, chocolate chip pancakes with berries, and a fritatta. Everything was delicious, especially the fried polenta and parmesan fry side orders. e
(4)Laura H.
Good service, standard food, kind of loud. Be warned: Do not expect the same menu as the other Francesca restaurants. I went in expecting a huge bowl of pasta to fuel me up before my 20 mile run (which turned into 22 miles thanks to my friend's watch). However I got a small bowl of penne with a few chunks of eggplant for $12. I understand that the restaurant is going for a "tasting menu" as explained to me by the waitress. However, when I get tapas at , for instance, cafe ba ba reeba, I don't pay more than $6 or $7 for each dish. Long story short, I ended up dominating the bread basket to get my carb on. Sorry to everyone else at the table. :) On the plus side: Great service. The bread basket and my water glass never went empty. Dessert. You MUST order the tiramisu. Trust me. Side notes: It gets crowded, so make a reservation. Might not be the best date place on a weekend. I felt like my friends had to shout to hear each other.
(3)jen e.
Went the other night with a friend for dinner. Had the Carpaccio which was amazing and topped with a huge portion of cheese, tomatoes, and mushrooms. I had the Spaghetti Fungighetto, it was pasta with a mushroom sauce, mascarpone and fontina cheese, and a white truffle oil! It was all lovely, I don't even enjoy the texture of mushrooms, but love the flavor and adore truffle oil! The desserts were ok, we had the creme brulee and a apple tart, those could have been better. The service was a little pushy at first, wanting us to order ASAP, but she seemed to back off as we were chatting and catching up. I will be back!
(4)shellie a.
Love this place - been there multiple times and had great wine, food, and service. Weekend nights it gets super loud you can't hear each other talk. It's a great place for people watching right at the 6 points. Love the mismatched chairs and vintage ceiling.
(4)Aaron T.
I went to Francesca's Forno for a casual Friday dinner. I had low expectations, yet this place failed to meet them. If you live in this neighborhood, I have no idea why you would go here to eat when there's so many great restaurants around. We started with fried calamari. I think I've had worse calamari before, but I'm not sure when. Maybe I should have steered clear of seafood for my first attempt at this place, but I don't think fried calamari is that hard to do well. I honestly can't remember what we ordered for our main courses, but I do remember being unimpressed. Neither of us finished our main courses either. On the up side, the food here is cheap, they have good drink specials, and the service is good. Unfortunately, it's a restaurant, not a bar (although there is a bar area). If you want good Italian food for an honest price, walk the extra few blocks and go to Club Lucky.
(2)Lindsay M.
I must say that I LOVE the food and the people. However, the music is almost making us think about trying to find another go-to-neighborhood place. They used to incorporate the vibe of the neighborhood and it previous tennant (Sould Kitchen) through music (primarily early 90's alternative which was the relevant genre when Bucktown started to "come of age" in it's present form). But, now ... 50's nights and the 80's. I just had a tasteful dinner with the Bangles playing. Was tempted to pay the check early and just get out of there... It is sad because the food and staff is/are some of the best in the neighborhood and the new layout and menu is worth being everyone's favorite place.
(3)Joscelyn M.
I've just been for brunch and really liked it. The garlic toast with egg and prosciutto is awesome. And don't even get me started on the chocolate pancakes. It's never too crowded, too, so a great option if the wait at Bongo Room is too long!
(4)Carrie S.
This Italian restaurant in the epicenter of Wicker Park/Bucktown/Damen Street's pretty good. We came here for my bf's birthday party dinner. Since my dinner guest numbers kept fluctuating, I changed the number of people twice in one day. The host handled this well and seemed okay about it. We got here right before the crazy 7p.m. Saturday dinner rush. We were seated promptly and had some pleasant service. Their bread and butter is also amazing. Soft, buttered bread with a pesto like butter definitely started the dinner out right. For an appetizer, we had grilled calamari which was the app of choice that weekend. Their grilled calamari tasted light, crunchy, and overall delicious. They gave us a huge portion that the birthday boy finished off after his entree. I had the linguini with scallops and shrimp. I really enjoyed the mix of hot spicy and cool seafood. Everyone else's entrees looked just as delicious. Francesco Forno's gets docked a star because it felt rushed throughout our dinner. For such a nice Italian restaurant, we were ushered in and out like it was the Olive Garden. Good experience, just don't make me feel like it's some cheap casual restaurant when it's not.
(4)Kristen S.
A great place for a warm, delicious meal! We came here for dinner on a Saturday evening. We had the soup of the day (creamy tomato with marscapone and basil), caprese salad, ravioli, pollo con crostini, tiramisu and a latte. All of the food was just amazing! Such a unique combination of flavors and beautiful food. The chicken (pollo con crostini) was cooked absolutely to perfection. The caprese salad was incredibly fresh - the tomatoes were so full of flavor. A minor complaint that the service is slow. Even when they are not busy, people here take their time. Also, my husband ordered a Coca-cola, but our server came back and informed us that they were "out of it". How does a restaurant run out of Coca-cola?
(4)Da J.
Had brunch here on Mother's Day and loved not having to wait for a table! The two of us split the Garlic Toast and the eggs and sausage dish that I still can't pronounce. Both were perfect and complemented each other well. The garlic toast comes with a couple poached eggs with some tasty greens, fresh (and I mean FRESH!) diced tomatoes, savory prosciutto. The eggs (with cheese of some sort) were piled on top of smoky, zesty italian sausage with a delicious tomato sauce and crisp polenta. Everything tasted great and the portions were perfect. I'll definitely be back!
(4)Matt N.
Not a place I would normally spend so much on a lunch at a "kind of chain" (32 dollars for two 'tizers, entree, and a bottle of dolcetto d'alba) but my friends and I needed a real restaurant in bucktown that was open for late lunch... you would be surprised of how many aren't! I tried the eggplant, spinach with shell pasta, shrimp with pasta, and mine (the best one) spaghetti al funghetto (al dente pasta, mushrooms with mascarpone in a brandy wine sauce, yum-E). Pre meal bread was plentiful and they served it with a really good garlic herb butter. The location is probably one of the best in the city, right in the heart of the six corners of wicker park and the interior is pretty cool, feels like an italian place. Service was attentive (although low crowd since it was an off time). I have been to their St. Charles location (**WARNING** trip to suburbs not recommended for all) and would say that St. Chucks is slightly superior in food quality and overall ambience.
(4)Alex R.
Quality Italian food that won't blow you out of the water. I got risotto that I enjoyed but it seemed like something I could have made myself. The prices are pretty reasonable for the area though so overall I would say it was a good value.
(3)starbrite y.
One of my favorite places to go for Italian. Good flavors, fresh ingredients, fun and lively atmosphere. It can be a tad loud at times and wait times are bad. Then again, it's a good sign- people want to eat here! I'd recommend reserving a table before going.
(4)B B.
The new open air design is sure to be a hit. The food is always fantastic and the staff available at any second. One of the best gems in Wicker Park and Bucktown.
(5)Alexis H.
As a regular diner at the other Francesca's locations throughout the city, I have to admit that I held pretty high standards for Forno when I ate there the first time a couple nights ago. While there was nothing really wrong with the restaurant, I don't quite feel like it deserves to be a part of the Francesca's family. Here is my main problem: Francesca's restaurants update their menus almost daily. Forno uses same menu all the time. What this means - The chefs at Forno are not using the best ingredients available depending on the season. This is a REALLY BIG DEAL to me. So big I felt the need to capitalize. The reason I love Francesca's is that they always make the best meals with the best options given the time of year. I have never, ever had a bad meal at a Francesca's restaurant. Never. This is why my mediocre pasta at Forno the other night really let me down. The waiter was great, the bread was amazingly fresh, and the atmosphere was warm and lively. That being said, I'll take mediocre pasta if I'm expecting it (see reviews for Noodles & Co and Zen for proof), but mediocrity and Francesca's should never co-exist. Forno, I expect you to do better.
(3)Sunshine A.
I went to Forno's once with my boyfriend after he told me about the clam pizza that he had been craving after going with a few of his friends.... this was a few months ago... I had the Capellacci Tradizionale and was pleasantly pleased, I thought, hey, average Italian place....the pasta shouldve been good. Then came dessert...I ordered the vanilla bean creme brulee which was TO DIE FOR!! After my first experience with the restaurant, I decided I should go back for dinner with a few friends. I checked the website out, and to my surprise there was $21 three-course specials on Tuesday evenings. Perfect!!!! So last night my friend and I made reservations (which werent needed because the place wasn't that packed at 7pm) to check it out. She ordered a steak dish w/ polenta and I had the lemon zest talapia. She absolutely loved her dish, I'm not a steak eater but the polenta was soo good. As far as my talapia...it was good, but just a little to zesty for me. Oh the appetizers! How could I forget? We had the traditional bruchetta and cheese fritters....both were excellent... and my favorite part of dinner.....DESSERT I recommended the creme brulee and my friend loved...i ordered the lava torte with mint choc chip gelato... not the BEST gelato Ive had, but it was definitely good!! I will definitely go back for that deal....just make sure you are hungry because that's a looot of food... happy eating!!
(3)Molly L.
My friend introduced to me this restaurant a week or so go and I am obsessed. The prices are very reasonable and after two appetizers, two entrees and a bottle of wine we each only owed $45 dollars. Everything on the menu looked great and I don't think I have met a waiter more enthusiastic about the food. I had their spaghetti with mushrooms that was served in a veal-brandy sauce and their caprese salad...both were delicious. This is not your run of the mill Italian restaurant. They offer a creative and updated take on Italian in a laid back and fun atmosphere. I will definitely be heading back.
(5)Michael R.
This place took a sharp nosedive. The menu used to be crafted -- inspired... Now it is cliche Italian - What a disappointment. We couldn't find anything on the menu any more exotic than what you'd find in Schaumburg. Olive Garden has a more original menu. The only thing the new Forno is missing is a large panoramic painting of the Italian countryside.
(1)Sara P.
Greatest restaurant for a Sunday evening with friends. We had perfect service and a great meal ... a heavenly bottle of wine and walked out satisfied (leaving a large tip). Next day ... we get a call saying we stole from the restaurant and did not pay our full bill. We have credit card receipts to prove this allegation false, but I will never feel the same about a restaurant that demands we come back to pay for a meal a second time. I hope these people can get their act together because it is a shame such a good meal was ruined. None of us will ever go to this restaurant or any of the others ... This was a few weeks ago and I am still beyond pissed just thinking about this situation.
(1)Jessica Y.
Update - stopped in for pizza after the line for Piece was incredibly long one night during March Madness. We were pleasantly surprised with the pizza we ordered - it was delicious!!! We got the fig pizza, which had prosciutto, Gorgonzola, mozzarella, and figs. Very different, but great flavors together. We also got the pizza that had tomatoes, field greens, mozzarella, and balsamic drizzle which was equally interesting a delicious. Our server was friendly and attentive. An all around great experience.
(4)Jasmine J.
Forno has yet to disappoint. We haven't tried brunch, but my boyfriend and I love to come here for dinner. We enjoy the atmosphere and we love the food. The Fichi alla Forno (gorgonzola figs in pancetta) appetizer is delicious and the standout entrees for us are the Pollo Arrosto (roasted half-chicken and sausage) and the Ignudi alla Fiorentina (indescribably delish gnocchi). We also love the Ricotta e Miele (Ricotta and honey). We've had great service every time we've been. I suggest Forno any night of the week for a good Italian meal and it's perfect for dinner with maybe old high school friends or friends from the suburbs. It's good food that's moderately priced, in a cool neighborhood, with a bit of city flash, without being overwhelming or pretentious.
(5)Samantha K.
I have always been a fan of Francesca Forno, but just tried their revamped menu and was blown away. If you haven't been in a while, or have never been, now is the time to check it out. We started with their new tuna sashimi appetizer and the calamari. The sashimi was so delicious and refreshing, garnished with roasted peppers, and arugula and crunchy bread. A great way to start off the meal. The calamari was very lightly breaded, not giving you that "I just ate a ball of grease feeling" and the dipping sauce was delicious. For our main course we had the new chicken that had capers and brown butter sauce. It was very good, but the star of the show was the new gnocchi. I love gnocchi most of the time, but my fiancee does not and this made him a believer. The truffle cream sauce with nice slices of parm made this dish truly decadent, like chocolate mousse decadent. We were too full for dessert this time around, but if you aren't, check out the banana bread pudding...it's to die for. The service should not be outdone by the food. We had a fabulous waiter... he gave excellent recommendations on both food and wine and actually remembered us from a previous visit! Good service always leaves a sweet taste in my mouth. Check out Francesca Forno's new modern twist on good italian food.
(5)Justin S.
I hadn't been out to wicker park in 4 months and was looking for some place new to eat out at. Walked by here cause its conveniently located right in the off of Milwaukee, damen and north aves. Limited menu for brunch but still a decent selection. I went with the chocolate chip pancakes which is slowly becoming a breakfast staple for me. They were awesome. Its rare for me to eat a breakfast with no meat, after all I love sausage ham and bacon covered in maple syrup, but this dish was great, The fruit, cheese, syrup and pancakes were awesome. Nothing left and I know the women next to me who ordered the salads, as delicious as they looked, still regretted not going with the pancakes.
(4)Rebekka T.
I honestly thought this place was going to be a depressing soul sucking experience. I still harbor resentment towards the big timers that have moved into Wicker Park and made it look like the rest of the midwest. Bitch, gripe, you've heard it before. Hello Bank of America, Starbucks, Chipotle. Even though I secretly look for you when I'm in the burbs, when I am in the city, I must avoid you at all costs , clinging to my thinning ideals of youth and independence. I thought FF was part of this wave of landscape insipidness installed for the benefit of the upwardly mobile and suburb destined. Not that it's totally innocent, there is the horrible flaming awning which is what made me think it was another awful chain. But the food was actually good. Who would have guessed? I wanted to give it 3.5 stars because I wouldn't say I'm an outward "fan", but more like a grudging supporter of a lesser evil.
(3)K M.
I went here this weekend with a group of girl friends. We ordered the pecan french toast to share as we waited for others to show up, and the chef brought out an order of blueberry pancakes with the french toast (on the house!). The pancakes were unbelievable! Of everything ordered, I highly recommend their take on Eggs Benedict (crispy risotto instead of an English muffin and prosciutto instead of Canadian bacon). It was unbelievable! Over all, great service, great atmosphere, plenty of space. It would get 5 stars if the portions were just a bit bigger.
(4)Melissa H.
This is a good restaurant but its not something I'd go out of my way to go to. The atmosphere has always been really loud, definitely not good for an intimate dining experience. On the other hand, the food is good. Some of my favorite items on the menu: Pinoli e Caprino salad and the Spaghetti al Fungeto. Reminiscing on my visits here the food was really good, but for some reason it doesn't appeal to me. I guess the loud environment effects me more than I realize. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, I just realized how much I like a nice, quiet, and cozy dining atmosphere.
(4)kevin b.
went here for sunday brunch with some friends. immediately impressed by the atmosphere, design of the restaurant. had to wait a few minutes for a table, but nothing serious considering location/time/day/having 5 people. got to marvel at the wood-burning oven and bartender making finely crafted bloody marys. food was great! i got some garlic toast thing with eggs and watercress and olive oil and tomatoes on top and it was EXCELLENT. only complaint is my portions were a little small. other than that, great location/food/environment/staff/everything!
(4)Marissa D.
This review is just for their brunch. Which is fantastic, if i I do say so myself . I don't know why more people aren't coming here instead of waiting outside Bongo Room. My Mimosa was very good. A few others at the table had Bloody Mary's - one of which I succeeded in stealing halfway through our meal whilest trying not to appear like a lush to the boyfriend's friends who I was meeting for the first time (so to sum up: mimosa and stolen bloody mary = good). Ok - the foods. My granola/yogurt/fruit dish was perfect, just what I wanted. For those more eager to fill their stomachs, the french toast and the egg polenta dish with some sort of meat and tomato sauce were the big winners. I decree that I shall come here for DINNER because brunch went so well. And henceforth, upon consummation of this meal of food, I shall add to this review my thoughts on the ENTREES and DESSERTS of Francesca's Forno. Until then, dear subjects, good day.
(4)Tiff B.
I've been here for both brunch and dinner and have had excellent meals both times. I'm usually wary of Italian restaurants simply because there are so many terrible ones out there. But I was pleasantly surprised by Francesca Forno's. At brunch, I had a polenta and eggs dish that was delicious. I don't remember the actual name of the dish. For dinner, I had the risotto of the day and for dessert we shared the chocolate chip bread pudding with gelato. Alll of it was awesome. The portions were generous without being obnoxiouslly huge. And the service both times was excellent. I also love that they give an option of both garlic butter and olive oil/ground pepper/parmesean cheese with their fresh, crusty bread. Oh, and supposedly they deliver now!
(5)Katherine R.
I was blown away by my meal on Tuesday night. Literally, for the first time all year and the first time in a long time. The goat cheese and crostini appetizer, is really good, but really standard. Cafe Ba Ba Reeba has it, among other places. I guess there is not much you can do with it to change it up. The only thing about it was they gave you four pieces of crostinin with it. Really? Because figure at least two people are ordering this as an appetizer...so two pieces to devour a huge hunk of goat cheese and tomato sauce? The bus boy was on to us and brought more bread over; nice considering our server was M.I.A for the entire time we were there. The insalata con uova (Italian for egg) was hands down, the best salad I have ever had in my life. Argula, lemon-oil vinegarette, light parmesan shavings, grilled asparagus and a fried egg. I must have looked like I was eating my last meal to the surronding tables, because I inhaled this salad. It was freakin awesome. My other two gal pals completely agreed. I mean, wow. Still thinking about it two days later... I ordered the rigatoni something, pretty good. Nothing to go on about, but it was good. They were nice about the sans meat substitution, which is always appreciated. The torta lava and the tiramisu were both fantastic as well; this place just all-around has great food. Our server? In a word, absent. He was very attentive to his other tables, but seemed to have a sight problem, because he would rush past our table without stopping. The tip we left, 100 percent belonged to the bus boy. Cute bartender too! :)
(5)Madelyn H.
went back to francesca's forno with an out-of-town friend and had an equally delightful experience. in fact, perhaps a little better than my first time because i now knew to try the insalata con uova (salad with asparagus, lemon vinaigrette, parmesan, a fried egg and truffle oil). perhaps it's my recent obsession with fried eggs, but i loved this salad. i also tried the bucatina alla amatriciana, but quickly realized i should have followed my fiance's lead again and gotten the ignudi alla fiorentina because it's soooo good. must eat: insalata con uova!!
(4)Kailee K.
Love love love this place! Brought a friend to Chicago for the first time and met old college friends for dinner. The food was fantastic and service was great. We were late for our reservation and they were extremely understanding. I really enjoyed the open windows and vibe of this place. We had the roasted corn, potatoes, pizza and watermelon with the balsamic reduction! My recommendation: Eat here people!
(5)Phil O.
Our favorite brunch spot. When we can't decide on a new brunch place to try, we will always end up at Francesca's. We brunch fairly early so there is never a wait and we always get the same server and she is fantastic. The food is great but our service is always amazing. Try the Panino Bisteca, it is heavenly.
(5)Purnima M.
This was surprising, and I mean that as a compliment. We chose this restaurant to begin our Friday evening mainly because of its convenient location - and our ultimate dining experience was an unexpected bonus. The space is loud and bustling, but we got a great corner table so we didn't have to yell and could people watch out the window at the same time. And the food was wonderful - from the potato fundue appetizer, roasted beet salad, to the pizza topped with a fried egg (!), and gnudi dumplings. Even a custom order by a friend turned out to be a fresh combination of pasta tossed with olive oil and toothsome roasted vegetables. I'd say, don't bother with the reservations. Put your name down, don't be fazed by the crowd, and spend your hour's wait at one of the many fine watering holes nearby.
(4)Stan W.
Forno is almost always packed. Its pretty annoying since I like coming here. I can't say its worth a long wait for but if you can get seated then give it a shot. The food is definitely above average and reasonably priced. I especially love the bacon & egg salad and the roasted chicken, though the last time I got that it wasn't all that good as the 3 times I've had it before. Oh, and I know some folks who recently got food poisoning eating here. But they've been back since (and so have I) so it must not've been all that bad.
(4)Tommy M.
Mmmmmmm, wild boar. The place is pretty cool, the tables were all different, which is neat. The food was really good, but I didn't think my bowl of pasta was big enough. Usually at italian restaurants they should give you enough pasta that you have enough for lunch the next day, but I scarfed it all down. Maybe it was because the wild boar meat sauce was so delectable.
(4)Ilya B.
I love this place. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, the staff is friendly, fast, and accomodating and the food is really good. If you're looking for a romantic evening, I wouldn't come here but otherwise it's a must try. I've been to many of the finest Italian restaurants in Chicago and Italy and this place can hold it's own with the best of them. The portions are generous but not Buca De Beppoesque (too big). The prices are reasonable; especially for Bucktown/Wicker Park. We've gone on Friday nights without a reservation when the place is packed and been seated (party of 2 or 4) within 30 to 40 minutes. We've also gone early on Sunday nights with our 2 year old and had a great experience as well. The waiter we had did a great job interacting with our son. Some of my favorite dishes are the pastas, especially the frutti de mare, the salad with rocket, apples, goat cheese and pinenuts and the fish specials are always really good. They have awesome gelatos (try the chocolate chip/banana) and the bread pudding is amazing. My wife is more picky than I am and they will change any dish to accomodate your needs. Honestly, I've never had a bad meal here and they are always changing their menu which I love (Hint to Le Bouchon). I could go on and on but you'd be better off trying it yourself then listening to me so go now.
(4)Mindy V.
Always delicious. Although my wallet was stolen while I was there (hence the 3 rather than 4 stars) and I noticed some shady people haning out the next time I went as well. Good solid italian with yummy Italian meats and cheeses and great pasta and pizzas. Just watch your wallet!!
(3)David D.
Now, I'm not super high on the totem pole in regards to eating at medium/high price restaurants, but I always have had a good experience at Francesca's Forno. It's loud, and a touch crowded, I will say that. Me and my girlfriend went yesterday for the Tuesday $21 three course meal, and it was super good! I got the Trout, and I was expecting a tiny little fillet. The piece of fish I got was huge! And delicious! For dessert, I got the chocolate torte with mint chocolate gelato, and it was super good too. I can't say Francesca's is something to over hype, but my experiences have always been good there. Check it out on Tuesdays, for the doubtful.
(5)Amy J.
Honestly, just okay! I've been to a lot of the other mia francesca chain restaurants (La Sorella in Naperville, Mia Francesca downtown) and I was just not impressed with this place at all. In fact, I went in a group of five, and no one was overly impressed with their meals at all. Two of us got the "naked ravioli" which is supposed to be a menu speciality--it was just okay. Portions are small, environment was kind of dull. I just didn't find it that impressive at all, especially compared to the other restaurants.
(3)Natalie C.
My friend Jana and I went for a late brunch on a Saturday. Since it was about 3pm, there were plenty of tables open and we were seated right away. I love the interior of this restaurant. The high ceilings, wood tables and the large copper mirrors give the place a warm, rustic feeling. I ordered the Forno Bloody Mary, which was spicy and came with a chaser of beer. Yum! Jana had the Bellini which was small but delish. I ordered the Frisee Salad with fried egg, Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette, and truffle oil. Good but a bit too salty. My friend ordered the Uovo alla Diavola with spicy italian sausage, eggs and polenta. It was remarkable. I will definitely be back for another Bloody Mary and to try something else.
(4)Eliza M.
Not bad, not great. Overall, I've had pretty good food and decent service but never found anything too special about this place. There's better Italian in the 'hood.
(2)J J.
Overrated, as are most things in this neighborhood. Dining area is horrible: wobbly tables are miniaturized, and patrons are squeezed into them in already cramped dining area, allowing you to overhear everyone else's conversations. Quaint? No, more like annoying. And only positive about the food = it was served hot.
(1)Laura D.
Disappointing. Usually rave about the Francesca's. Went for a solo late lunch on a Friday that happened to be Good Friday. Business was winding down when I arrived but I could see it had been a madhouse. The problem was there was only one server and he apparently was overwhelmed by the time I arrived starving. I'm very easy going and considerate with waiters because I've worked in the service industry; but...I got the Eye-Roll treatment and a rude and short answer when I quickly asked what the salad was like that came with the paninis. A good surprise was that it was Romaine lettuce, not iceberg as I was told. It also had crispy carrots, tomatoes and cukes. The caprese panini was tasty and so was the salad and a large portion too. Alas, I knew I couldn't take it home because my waiter never checked back with me about the food and basically vanished until I stood up to get my bill so I could get back to work. I couldn't help but think that he figured a single diner wasn't worth his time because he chatted up the 3-tops at the expense of basic courtesy towards me. Big Q: Why does management have only one server on a Friday-period-but especially one that many have off work due to a holiday? The food was good but not good enough to tolerate the poorest of service in any economy.
(1)Sara P.
This place is great. Went here on a Friday night with some friends- one of us had been there before, the rest of us were newbies. I would definitely come back. I thought everyone at the table was going to lick the butter dish- for some reason, their butter is really really good on their bread. We had the calamari, which was excellent. I had the ravioli dish as my entree, and it took everything I had not to finish the whole thing. The best part of the meal was seeing how inexpensive the check was. I definitely recommend this place!
(4)nicole d.
Had a very nice, relaxing brunch here on Sunday. After reading other reviews we steered clear of the truffle toast. I had the eggs benedict with pesto & prosciutto; my husband had the steak & eggs. Everything was perfectly prepared & tasty. The fried potatoes we both got with our eggs were really nice & crispy without a hint of grease...only minor criticism is that we thought the pecorino truffle fries would have been a better complement to his steak than plain hashed browns - we'll ask them to substitute next time. The bloody marys were great - spicy with a beer back & in my opinion a great deal ($6 for a pint glass sized cocktail). We were seated as soon as we walked in the door. Service was very friendly without being obnoxious. As others have noted this is a great people watching spot. We'll definitely be back.
(4)Irene I.
It's all about the butter. I'm not the biggest fan of Italian-American food, but I must say that FF's has the best herb butter I've had in town. It's so good that I wish I could purchase some for my home. The portions at FF are perfect for one person, which is the way it should be. The noise level can get a little out of control if you go during rush hour (after 7 pm), but the prices are very reasonable. You can easily get away with spending about $10-12 per person and be more than satisfied. The antipasti selection is also a good route to go if you're not sure what to eat. I've tried the zucchini and the young artichoke in lemon juice with olive oil. If you get 3 antipasti, it's $14 and they're individually priced at $4-6. Service is spotty, and the seating isn't the most comfortable as the tables are jammed right next to each other, but the food is reliable and delicious.
(3)Nathan B.
Awesome! Great place to people watch at the Damen-Milwaukee-North six way. My fiance and I decided to grab some Italian on Cinco de Mayo (not feeling the wait at any Mexican spots...). We wandered into Francesca's Forno and were pleasantly greeted and sat next to the window facing Milwaukee. Great little wine list and a good selection of bottles and draft beers (Bells, Peroni, I had a Moretti). We split an app of Caprese Salad which was delicious, it had some really tasty spinach puree on top. For entrees, my gal had pasta and I had beef tenderloin (awesome). Our waiter was great! He was very attentive and not overbearing in the slightest. Our total tab for Two drinks and app and two large/delicious entrees was $59, a bargain in my opinion for a really nice dinner/date night. See you see Francescas!
(4)Christina S.
I've been here twice. Both times, the service and food were excellent. Both times, I couldn't believe how LOUD it was! During the weekend dinner rush, it's seriously ear-piercingly, mind-numbingly loud. Sorry, but all the risotto in the world isn't worth an evening of reading lips and screaming to be heard above the din.
(3)Amar B.
Was there on a wednesday, the dining area was inviting in a non-snobbish kind of way. Waiter was really nice, portions were big. Definitely recommend the italian sausage, peppers pasta dish. Beet salad and asparagus was great, the food was good, so was the red wine the waiter recommended. Will definitely come back.
(4)Steve I.
I've been here a few times before and we went again last night for the 3 course dinner special which includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert for $23 (excluding drinks of course). You can order anything off the menu and the portions are the same size. My appetizer was the beef and sausage meatballs in a tasty marinara sauce. They are huge so share. My wife ordered the calimari. We ate half the order and took the rest of it home. My main course was linguine with shrimp, scallops in a spicy marinara. The shrimp were delicious and the scallops were melt in your mouth good. I guess someone paid attention in cooking school on how to cook a scallop. My wife had tilapia which she thought was pretty good, although I am not crazy about that particular fish. Now, for chocolate lovers here it comes: Torta Lava. This was my dessert: a flourless chocolate cake with a liquid chocolate center, a scoop of vanilla gelato on top in a raspberry sauce. This is definitely a dessert to be savored. My wife had the tiramisu which was excellent as well. Service was spot on and we never felt rushed. Top it off with a Knob Creek on the rocks and all was right with the world.
(5)Mollie O.
Despite the fact that it is a franchise, I really like this place. From reading the reviews I think you have to arrive on weekends pretty early to beat the crowds and yes, babies. The food is quite excellent and you might also get to try new things, like, say, beets. Cute decor and excellent background music.
(4)T. T.
Decent food. Great ambiance. OK service. Enough said.
(3)Martha Z.
I think I am developing an obsession for Francesca's. The portions were perfect, they really got my coma going. Sure they aren't buca di peppo size, but I can't eat all that food anyway. Our waitress helped us pick out the perfect wine. With every sip I felt my troubles melt away. The new wave music really set the rhythm of me shoveling forkfuls of delicious linguine in my face. We split a chocolate chip bread pudding with banana gelato, it was hard to share because we both liked it so much. I see a tuesday night pre fixe at Francesca's forno in my future!
(5)Michelle R.
Very very loud restaurant, hard to carry on a conversation. Food was good, but nothing to rave about. Service was good & we got a table right away. The manager did come over after our meal to try & bribe us with a drink at the bar to give up the table because there were people waiting, which I thought was kind of tacky.
(3)Alex K.
Went here for dinner with a larger group. Ended up waiting for a while after our reservation, which I don't really blame them for - it was busy. They gave us some free appetizers to make up for it, which was cool. My food was pretty tasty - but came out pretty cold, and the portions were unexpectedly small. The place was overall OK but I can't recommend it for big groups. The waitress was very cool and put up with a lot of craziness, though.
(3)Eva J.
So many Italian places in this city, but I keep on coming back here. Food is delicious. Prices are reasonable. Service is friendly and expedient. It's always loud and jumping. Lights are dim. Always good. What else can you ask for?
(5)bill s.
Stopped here one evening for dinner with my wife and my son who lives in the neighborhood. We had 8pm dinner reservations, went to the bar, ordered a drink and were seated by 8:15 or so. Older guy was our waiter and from NYC, we we share the same age and geographic demographic. I had the fish special, my son had the risotto, and my wife had some ravioli. All were nicely done, good quality ingredients. Overall a rather nice experience, will go back. Downside is that the place is damn noisy, even by Chi standards. Lots of hard surfaces, tables close together, no real sound absorbing materials. Really hard to carry on a conversation in a normal tone.
(3)Nikki L.
This place is pretty good. I've been here a few times, service is good and food is good too...Try the dessert that chocolate cake with hazelnuts are amazing! Sinful, I'd go back just for dessert.
(3)Kerry D.
I'm going to stick with Mia Francesca from now on...much better food and service- although I liked the atmosphere of Forno. I chose it for a budget night, I'd been told it was cheap-ish...Our bill was higher than it has ever been at MF.
(3)Jay R.
The food is high caliber. I don't know why I didn't review it yet, but everything I had there was incredible and rather authentic (Proper Italian versus Italian-American dishes). It is not cheap, but not terribly expensive either. I'd get reservations, though, the wait can be long.
(5)Kara H.
a friend and I walked into Francesca's at 7:30 on a Friday night with no reservation. they found us a table immediately. Best service I've ever had. our waiter was very attentive and reccomended an excellent wine. the manager even came to our table when we were done to ask if we enjoyed everything. the food was great and the service was phenomenal.
(4)Cory A.
I visit Francesca's Forno once in a while when I happen to be in Wicker Park, and although it's nothing super special, it still feels nice to go in and have a meal. I usually get a pasta dish and other than needing some salt, the flavors are usually there, and the bread and butter you get at the beginning is better than most places. The problem that this place has, is inconsistent service. Sometimes it's good, and sometimes it's terrible. Even when it's busy, serving tables effeciently is something that can't be swept under the rug. Last time I was there, my server had 5 tables on a friday night, and instead of making rounds evenly to make sure everyone had what they needed, she spent most of her time at a table of men flirting and never even brought the soft drink I ordered and reminded her of twice. Restaurants that serve the best food, still need to have the best servers. And it's safe to say that Francesca's Forno doesn't have the BEST food, so it would be common sense to either train or let go some of the servers who can't cut it. I'll return if I happen to be in the area and don't hear of another nice restaurant, but I hope the service is better.
(3)Amy D.
So yummy!! I loved all the cheeses. I was able to enjoy all the cheese I wanted here. I didn't realize it was so huge until it came out or else I wouldn't have gotten my entree which I was very sad I couldn't finish. Wasn't able to try the dessert, but would love to next time. Great ambiance.
(4)Dani R.
I have done Sunday brunch and dinner there. I recently went for $23 Tuesdays. What a nice deal. It includes three courses. Really worth it. The spaghetti with mushrooms was great. I also love their brunch. Try is for all different meals.
(4)K M.
Five stars cause I didn't pay. Took awhile to be seated, but after the meal I had no complaints. Bread was fresh and chewy with the best butter ever (had garlic and herbs). For appetizers we had the pears with balsamic reduction and goat cheese, along with the cheese fritter appetizers. Then onto the meals, I had the short ribs risotto, Boyfriend had the chicken with sausage and peppers, Friend had the cheese ravioli, and her Husband had some fish. It was all very very good. For dessert we had the bread pudding with gelato, which was reason enough to never leave. Will be back.
(5)Joe V.
Went here for the first time on a Tuesday night. Glad I did...as on Tuesday they have their 3 course entree special for $21! What a steal. The food was exquisite, the service excellent and the martinis heavenly. I will be going back for sure.
(4)Joe M.
It's Saturday morning, about 9:45am, for some reason I'm awake and so is my roommate and a buddy in from out of town. We wanted to go grab some breakfast at some place on North Ave that is supposed to be great but they had a wake of over an hour. So Fracesca's Forno it was. When we walked in it was completely dead. We were seriously the only three there other than the staff. Needless to say we had amazing service. We all had Bloody Mary's, which looked more like a salad in a glass, however they tasted amazing and came with a complementary 8oz beer, for what reason I do not know, but it was a nice touch nonetheless. Our food was GREAT. Original in every way. I have never had eggs and ham and toast prepared so well. The only downside was when the bill came and it rounded $80 for the three of us. Just too much to spend on breakfast, no matter how good it is. I'm giving FF 4 starts because it was truly worth it. However I don't see myself going back for a long while.
(4)Betty B.
Oh Forno. I love your brunch. And those fries. Truffle oil is the most magical thing in the world. And the Truffle egg toast is so so so good. I have only had lunch here once and it was delicious too. My server is Ellie and she makes it so worth it. I get a bloody mary as soon as I sit down. Magic.
(5)Yujin A.
This Francesca is not as fancy or expensive as the one in Lakeview (Mia Francesca), but their food was excellent. It is definitely a better value than MF. I also went there for brunch once, and it was one of the best brunches I've had in a while. I love their cool chairs and location. I live too far away from it unfortunately, but I'd recommend this place if you live in Wicker Park.
(4)Joanna B.
When we called around 1:30 we were told that brunch was being servfed on Sunday until 3:00. So we went in and were seated right away. The waiter was very good recommending different brunch ideas. Everyone at the table got something different and everyone licked their plates clean. I had the pancakes with marscapone cheese, chocolate, banana and fresh fruit. They were delicious. I also recommend the sausage. My aunt had the bloody mary and love it. I would go back and recommend this place to others for brunch.
(5)Nicole L.
What's worse than a bunch of starving/hung-over girls and 1 hour waits for brunch? After losing patience with being added to the wait list, we decided to venture to Francesca Forno, an adorable Italian eatery in Bucktown. As they are owned by the infamous Mia Francesca, we knew we couldn't go wrong. Not going to lie, the portions were a little small given my hung-over state, however, the quality was amazing and I was impressed by the original dishes. We enjoyed chocolate chip/banana pancakes amongst several other unique egg specials. I would be very interested in checking out lunch and dinner as well.
(4)Mindy S.
I went here for brunch the other day with some of my friends, and I was quite impressed. I would never think of this place for brunch, but someone recommended it and I'm happy we got to try it. Our party of 4 got in no problem which was a nice treat compared to the other popular brunch places with the long waits. We split a few dishes amongst the table and the fries were definitely our favorite. Yes, I realize that's not breakfast, but we just had to try them. The garlic toast was also one of our favorites. Overall a nice change and a very reasonable meal. I'm excited to go back and try it here for dinner.
(4)Netty L.
Ricotta and radicchio dumplings.
(5)Ren H.
The portions are huge here so its a great date place but it can get kind of noisy and uncomfortable..
(3)Lulu L.
Well, the bread was good....ok, the sauce on the pasta was good too. My husband ordered the beef tenderloin and it was too fatty and not tender enough for my liking. The sauce it was served with was overpowering. I ordered the pasta special and it was just ok. Oh, I also ordered a the beet appertizer, and again, whatever oil or sauce it was tossed in detracted from the flavor of the beets. Probably won't be dropping $100 there again for a dinner for two with a few glasses of wine. If you go, stick with the pasta dishes. And as everyone else has mentioned, it's annoyingly loud.
(2)Jennifer k.
Incredible food. Seriously. The only reason that I wouldn't give it 5 stars is the noise, the wait and the service. It is extremly loud there. we ended up eating at the bar because the wait was way too long, you'd think that you'd get better service sitting at the bar, but you don't it's just that busy! i would definitely recommend their Carpaccio! It's enough for two, but next time, i'm not sharing.
(3)Dave K.
Saturday brunch, around noon, no wait. And the bill was no more than $16 for two people. You should know ahead of time that the chocolate pancakes are pretty good. They put bananas and strawberries on top, and even throw in a little mascarpone. The chocolate is in small rectangular shapes--not chips--and is of fairly high quality. John was a particularly friendly and attentive waiter. Do be forewarned: if you sit in one of the seats facing the window that looks out onto Milwaukee, bring sunglasses. The reflection off of the white building across the street is REALLY bright.
(4)Jamie B.
I'm an atmosphere gal. Give me a little sunshine, fizzy cocktails on a Saturday brunch and an open air restaurant and I'm onboard! Food is good atmosphere is nice. Perfect place for brunch with girlfriends and fun shopping around the corner. Cheers!
(4)Lauren M.
What happened?? Francesca's used to be my favorite local brunch spot. It never had a long wait and consistently served great food and provided a wonderful atmosphere. Is there a new owner? How can a place go from the tops to the bottom so quickly. The menu has been different the past 3 times I've been here. It's like as soon as I find a favorite new menu item, it's gone. And not just that, the quality of food and the service has gone down significantly. I was so disappointed in my omelet my last visit.The chef cooked the sausage, tomatoes and cheese together, then poured it into what can best be described as an egg taco - not fluffy, but more rubbery in texture. The cheese was melted (browning) to the sausage but not at all to the egg! It was heartbreaking for a cheese lover like me who was expecting melty goodness of a traditional omelette. The entire atmosphere has also changed- with the installment of hightop shared tables. Forno, one of the best parts of your location are the giant windows overlooking 6 corners. Why on earth would you block that view with GIANT shared tables? I do not understand this decision at all. They take up a ton of space, block the windows and do people really enjoy sharing a table? I mean, really?? What happened to the cute, cozy and intimate feel you once had! Now, all of this being said, my boyfriend loved his breakfast hash. He's cool with anything meat and potatoes. I remain unimpressed and nostalgic for what once was my favorite place to brunch.
(2)Renaud S.
Nice place, with good atmosphere. Was here tonight for a glass of wine and a cocktail. The choice for wine is very good, they have 3 pages of red wine on the menu, it's great. There are also a few cocktails and spirits. As far as I could see, the meal menu looked good, but I can't tell more about it. Also, the staff is very friendly, I usually appreciate that a lot.
(3)Clark M.
Francesca's Forno USED to have seating, food and service similar to the other Francesca restaurants....i.e. Great! Coupled with its fantastic 'people-watching' location, it was a wonderful place for a lazy mid-week lunch, early dinner before a show, or late-nite refuge from the Milwaukee/Damen/North Avenue crowds. Now the menu consists of poorly-prepared fast food (doughy pizzas, greasy hamburgers, and gooey donuts for dessert?). Seating is at wobbly high-top "communal" tables. And service is uncoordinated or lacking. It still has a decent beer and drink list. So imbibe, enjoy seeing and being seen...and move on.
(2)Daniel B.
Good but not overly memorable. Was taken here by a family member and had a good meal but... Not all the dishes were good. One had to be sent back and replaced. The replacement was just okay. So, spotty food. If you have one bad experience here, go back once more and try again. You might be surprised. Twice and you don't like it, give up!
(4)Ava K.
Came here for a drink after having dinner elsewhere. I like the outside area. We all just ordered beers and hung out. It wasn't too busy/loud or too quiet. Good place if you want to have some drinks and chat with friends.
(4)Erika R.
Celebrated my Mom's birthday here. They accommodated 20 of us in a long table. Had a great time with the family. The staff and the manager was really great. I tried almost all their pizza, my favorite would be the spicy pepperoni.
(5)Wrigley F.
Called regarding a special order and Nicholas and Brandon (the two managers) were beyond rude. The entire conversation was finger pointing and them not taking responsibility to make things right. I don't care who's fault something is (and if you are the manager, it is ultimately your's) - but be professional and take responsibility for your employees and make things right.
(1)Jeff B.
Consistently good food, friendly staff, casual ambience, perfect for a group, alone or a couple.
(4)Food M.
No Taqueria gin. Really? Not great food. Place was half empty at 7pm on a Saturday night What does that say?
(2)Chary H.
Service is great and fast. Came on a Friday afternoon and it was not busy which was nice. My friend and I both had pizza. I had la diavola and It was really good. It was crispy all over even in the middle where some pizzas tend to get soggy. My friend had the funghi which was basically mushrooms and white sauce instead of the usual red. It was very good as well. The fries were a bit on the salty side but that's not a deal breaker. There is a Dazed and Infused counter near the back of the restaurant which is a huge plus. The chocolate donut is soooo delicious and not overly sweet. In all it was a god meal.
(4)Betsy R.
Was walking around the neighborhood a few weeks ago. Huz and I were searching for the perfect afternoon cocktail. We stopped in front of Forno and reluctantly looked at each other. Forno? After our last experience there? But something felt right about it this time, and we entered. I'm glad we did. The bartender was great (as were the cocktails) and we were enjoying ourselves so much that we had some friends meet us there for a pizza. Can't truly vouch for the food since the aforementioned cocktails were pretty boozy, but everything about our time there hit the spot. Forno, truce?
(4)Lynn B.
Great atmosphere. Love that they open the window fronts when the weather is nice. My son and I had a Ramps pizza, it was very good. Service was also attentive. Nice place to pop in when in the Wicker Park neighborhood.
(5)Liz D.
Stopped in here on a whim. Not only was the food amazing, but I had the best iced tea of my life and the server was great. Atmosphere was so relaxing on a sunny afternoon, too.
(4)Jennifer C.
Is officially the Italian eatery with an identity crisis... The music switches from the beach boys to MIA. I could living in this area for two years and didn't even think to go to this place until two weeks ago. While the food and the donuts are perfectly delectable the ambience is extremely #dad. Props for the four different types of vodka selection for the bloody mary, but I must admit $10 for a mimosa is a bit steep.
(3)Sally Y.
I had the eggs benedict here and it was something fabulous. I definitely recommend it. Also, the side of potatoes you get with your meal had bits of jalepeno in it giving them a spicy kick which I also really loved. Not too crowded even though it's in the heart of Wicker Park, and overall the service and atmosphere is good/normal. Nothing out of the ordinary here, but with the crazy long waits at some of the other brunch spots in the area, you won't be disappointed by going to Francesca's Forno.
(4)Tavi J.
3.5 Stars Many of the establishments for some reason were closed along this street and Francesca's was open and booming with business. I like that although there wasn't outdoor seating their windows were huge and open up to make it feel like you are outdoors. We chose to sit at the communal dining table near the window and it's a pretty neat view. Our sever was great, but the kitchen was a little slow. We ordered a side of fries as an appetizer, but it ended up coming out with our meal. I had the Quattro stagioni pizza which came with prosciutto, artichoke, mushroom, olive oil, and egg. Although I'm a meat eater it wasn't missed. I loved the crispy crust and adding a hint of parmesan I asked for on the side it was pretty good. My friend ordered one of the pastas (sorry don't remember which one), but it came with pork and she said it was just okay. I would like to come back and try more of their pizza selections and the sandwiches.
(3)Natalie F.
Fantastic staff and amazing seasonal Menu. Had the mushroom soup and the proschuito di Parma pizza. Still affiliated with Francesca's but has a flair of it's own. Definitely recommend
(5)Rick R.
Very good food and upbeat atmosphere. Really good place to start an evening. Flatbreads and pastas are all good choices. Bonus: They have a glazed and infused serving out the back of the restaurant. June 2015 Update: service has been weak the last couple visits and they changed their menu (not as good any more). Club Lucky is probably a better bet these days
(4)Allison H.
Had a great experience at Francesca's Forno! Each course we had prepared by Chef Dan was incredible and paired perfectly with a variety of Vino recommended to us by Brendan in the bar. I think this may have been the best food experience we've ever had! Everything was great and I would highly recommend the octopus and the burrata.
(5)Teresa C.
I really chose this place so that I can watch the World Cup. There are a lot of TVs and during the summer time, it's a great place to be. I saw that there were a lot of people sitting at the bar by themselves also watching the game (weekday after lunch hours). Despite okay reviews, I figure I would give this place a try. And it was worth my while, but I don't think I will pay $16 for another burger in the future. It was a great experience. The server was very friendly and helpful. The burger was very good, and the french fries was seasoned with what tasted like feta cheese(?). I thought the fries were the best! They do have daily specials. So be sure to check that out if you're curious! :)
(4)Mike T.
Overpriced, uninspired food. If this was a real Italian restaurant, I don't mind paying high prices for quality. But it's not, it's menu is typical tourist trap Italian food that's pretty meh. I ordered a few confits and a pasta dish, and confits were not actual confit, they were just a bunch of things mixed together with too much salt and vinegar, and the pasta was the same way. So-so noodles with way too much oil and salt. Also the dishes they serve are somewhat olive garden style, not actual Italian dishes, just a bunch of italian ingredients combined in odd ways by Americans to please what they think other Americans would want. The food here would make a cook from Italy would cry. It's meant for tourists who visit wicker park because they saw the neighborhood in a tripadvisor recommendation. If you're actually from Chicago I would skip this place.
(1)K O.
Nothing makes you feel more welcome than your waiter coming to your table for the first time - after several minutes of waiting - and the first thing he says is, "do you guys know what you want? Or should I just f*** off?" Really???? One star for the bus boy and host who were welcoming and friendly. The food was good. Sadly, because of our rude, pretentious, server we will not be returning. --someone saw my post on Yelp and commented 30 minutes later saying that they had just left the restaurant and the same experience.
(1)JJ Q.
Short version: I've been there several times over the past three years, for lunch and for brunch, and I plan to go back again when I'm next in Chicago, for the day or overnight. I like the pastas and the variants on Eggs Benedict; anyone can slap eggs on English muffins with a dab of hollandaise and call it that, but I appreciate when a restaurant not only tries variants on the dish but doesn't over-spice or over-sauce it. And even more importantly, doesn't over-Canadian bacon the dish. Good ham or prosciutto, great, but I loved the 'Artichoke Benedict' they did a couple of years ago. The menu does change, so what I liked isn't necessarily going to be available for someone reading this review, alas, but I haven't had a bad meal there yet over . My husband and I have been there for lunch several times, and brunch a couple of times. Brunch, peak hours, is clearly the time to see and be seen, so if you want attentive staff and low noise levels, don't go then! But importantly, the food quality didn't suffer for the restaurant's business levels when we were there at peak brunching time. Though that said, I'd rather return about half an hour to ninety minutes later, after things have quieted down. Disconcertingly, the lunch menu seems to have been "streamlined" about eighteen months ago. While I don't mind the portion size being reduced--they were HUGE previously--I do mind the selection being narrowed, to concentrate (I think) to sandwiches. Might I suggest that the restaurant return to smaller portions of their dinner menu, in addition to the sandwiches?
(4)Shan D.
Came here for a bday dinner. Thought everything was average. My friend ordered the halibut, and had stomach issues after having it. Thankfully I just had the pasta. It was lukewarm when brought to me. Didn't find it that good either. Perhaps the quality has gone down now that it's basically a chain. I'm not sure. But there's better Italian options in the area for sure.
(2)Emma K.
I would totally come back here for delicious brunch food and Intelligentsia coffee, but I would make reservations first to avoid the super awkward seating arrangement we endured last weekend. My boyfriend and I wandered in here after looking at an apartment nearby, and I was surprised when there was no wait. They sat us at a 6 top at which another couple was sitting at the other end. I generally have no problem sitting at a communal table, but a heads up or asking us if it was okay before seating us would have been nice. There were lots of open tables that we were told were for reservations (we didn't see anyone sit there while we were there). The biggest issue with the makeshift communal table is that we were seated on the outside of a 6-top that was in a corner and against a window. When a new couple sat down, all of the ordering, pouring of drinks, handing food was done directly over us. The wait staff spilled water on my boyfriend and his menu. Luckily I learned from that and moved my phone out of the way, but then they spilled hot coffee (for the other couple, not us) on my hands. It was not the most peaceful brunch experience. That being said, the food was delicious. I won the best ordering award with the Arancini Benedict - crispy risotto cakes, prosciutto, poached eggs, hollandaise, and a side of yummy breakfast potatoes. My boyfriend ordered Baked Egg Florentina with a side of sausage which was also good. Two breakfast entrees + two coffees was around $35. Moral of the story is to make reservations or be ready to make some new friends.
(3)Mel I.
Nice place to hangout for Sunday brunch. All other restaurants around he area were so busy with a long wait so we decided to wander around Damen and ended up at this place. There wasn't a lot of people We ordered biscuit benefits to and ham and cheese sandwich. The server was nice. My biscuit Benedict was at par. The sandwich weren't to bad. It was an average experience for us.
(3)Juliana R.
I don't get the hype. Our server was nice, however, service was slow for an empty Sunday night. The food was ok, but we were served cold bread and waited twenty minutes before we could get someone to bring us Parmesan & olive oil. Ambiance was very cute but I would only come back for cocktails. Not the food. Glad I tried it because I always walked by and wondered and now I know, not that good! Go to Buona Terra instead in Logan Square!
(2)Nancy T.
The two stars are for location and nostalgia. I've enjoyed many iterations of restaurants in this spot for decades now... and really enjoyed Forno until about 2012. Since then, the food and service are consistently disappointing. My husband, young son, and I agreed to give it a shot yesterday on our way home from the park - after all, we were starving. Overpriced crap is what we were served, along with nearly-hostile attitude. When I have to beg for hot sauce and salt / pepper to be brought to the table along with coffee refills and my son's beverage (included in the kids menu), it's time to walk on by - even when we're feeling nostalgic for the Forno that used to be. Such an immense waste of a great location. Hey Forno - get a new manager and executive chef!
(2)Rachael D.
Eating brunch here is one of my friend and I's favorite thing to do in the city. They have $6 Bloody Marys and they are delicious! They come with a chaser and a garnish of olive, cheese, and pepperoni. Yum! Their arancini benedict is one of my favorite meals. Order it, you won't be disappointed! Every single time I've had it my eggs are cooked perfectly. The combination of the fried rice ball, prosciutto, poached egg, and hollandaise is out of this world! Plus, the potatoes that come on the side are soooo good! Last time we came we had the donuts and now those are going to have to happen every time we go, too! The service has always been great. Our food has never been cold. I don't have anything negative to say about this place, really!
(5)Kristy Q.
I can't say enough good things about this place. My boyfriend and I have become regulars because of the amazing food, killer drink specials, and kick ass staff. The manager, Tony, is AWESOME and a super down to earth dude. He always takes good care of us and is one of the reasons we always come back. All of the service staff is also very knowledgeable and friendly, too. It is a cozy little place to come in the winter time and makes us feel right at home. Keep it up, Francesca's. We love you guys!
(5)James L.
Solid Brunch. Solid service. Great prices! I'd be back to try more!
(4)Tim F.
My girlfriend and I went here on Friday night, we have been here a few times and it was decent in the past but this particular visit was one of the worst dining experiences we have ever had. They had just changed the menu that day, and we were disappointed to find out that they trimmed it down to three pastas on the entire menu...at an "Italian" restaurant. My gf tried to order the oxtail pasta, but was informed that they have run out of it so she settle for the gnocchi which I ordered as well. This was about 7pm on a Friday night and it was not very busy. About 25 minutes go by and out waitress returns to inform us that they have also run out of gnocchi but can make the sauce with tagliatelle, a pasta that was not even on the menu. Fast forward 10 minutes and we finally got our burratta appetizer which was ok. Now about 60 minutes after we sat down, we still had no entree. You would think a restaurant would be overly apologetic and put some sort of emphasis on your order when they ran out of BOTH pastas you try and order, and are serving you a mashup of random ingredients anyways. We finally grabbed the manager as he walked by and asked for a status update. Our food came out five minutes later and it was extremely bland and the tagliatelle was rubber. The service here was an absolute joke. Our server didn't have a clue what she was doing. She would walk up to our table, stand there like she's about to say Somethjng, then literally walk away. She would pace back and forth, stop at a table for a minute, pace back and forth some more, go back to the same table, pace back and forth again, and disappear all the while passing us by several times and not once checking in on us (again the customers whose two orders were run out of by 7pm on a Friday nights, I expected a sense of urgency to please us.) The manager did comp our appetizer, but I will never again go back here. I simply do not understand what kind of Italian restaurant has only three pastas on the menu and runs out of two of them early on. And just a random thought, they ran out of gnocchi yet the French fries were overflowing. So they either serve frozen French fries or are too lazy to make gnocchi on the fly.
(1)Deejay W.
I went here Saturday for brunch and I had the Aranchi Benedict. It consists of crispy risotto,crispy pork and a poach egg. It was well executed. I arrived around noon and it wasn't too crowded. I enjoyed the atmosphere. I also got the donut trio. It consisted a maple bar with bacon on it, red velvet, and a glazed donut. I'm not a sweet person but the maple bar with bacon hit the spot.
(4)P H.
Great staff, super friendly. Ryan was a great server and super attentive. The crostini was so tasty, great flavor combos....and the steak was perfect. Comfy cool interior without being cheesy.
(4)Fletcher M.
Solid bar selection, food is only decent. Pork belly and corn risotto are good. Skirt steak is well spiced but only average. The seafood and spaghetti are bland. Have a drink and appetizer, go elsewhere for the full meal.
(3)Chris T.
Popped in here on a random night because everywhere else had a long wait, and I was pleasantly surprised. It's fairly quiet, with good service and some unique, delicious dishes. The best dish was probably the Calamari pasta. At first I wasn't so sure about it, the texture was different than what I'm used to in a pasta. But with each successive bite I loved it more and more, and was sad when I reached the bottom of the plate. The Pork Panini was also great, just a little too much bread for my taste. I enjoyed my flight of Wine too. I like when a place has that so I can sample many different flavors, as I'm not a wine connoisseur... yet!
(4)Amy S.
Yum yum and more yum!!! If you ever want well-seasoned Italian food at a reasonable price - this is the place! All the pasta dishes are pretty large and seasonally prepared. The pappardelle and cavatelli are my favorites! End the dinner with a Limoncello shot and you won't be disappointed. Not only is the wine selection generous, but they have a lot of craft beers on hand too. Perfect for the Wicker Park neighborhood, can't wait to come back here!
(4)Joy M.
there were a lot of cool spots we saw as we were doing our touristy stuff around chicago, and since someone was feeling like having italian, we decided to stop here for a late lunch. i always like to look around and see how the place utilizes its space, i feel it adds to the experience of dining at an establishment. the chalkboard menus hung above the all the tables were trendy, as were the wine rack walls lining certain areas. the food portions were huge, as they always are at great italian spots i've been to before. we ordered some calamari for starters, a Tartufotto pizza, some pasta, and the scallops with butternut squash puree. all of it was delicious. we didn't indulge too much in the libations because we still had a bit more sight-seeing and walking to do ahead of us, but i did enjoy one of their mules (which came in their synonymous gold tin) as well as their Snap the Wood which definitely hit the spot. if you're in wicker park, stop in for afternoon drinks and/or a late lunch. -to 'la bella vita.'
(3)Lisa N.
Why do I continue to come back here? The food is just OK, and the service is awful- it must be the location... I normally sit at a table and eat fairly expensive dinners. The majority of the servers are cold and rude, and I have NEVER had one come back to the table after the bill is paid, to thank us for the generous tip. Never. Well, last night, a friend and I stopped in for drinks. Four $10 drinks and food to go. We sat at the bar and got nasty service from the female bartender. I work in customer service and know that sometimes we all have bad days, so I usually try to be extra cheerful and friendly. She wasn't buying into any of it. I give up, I'm done. I'll never spend another penny there. It's too bad, they are right in the neighborhood and super convenient, but I refuse to support a business that treats their customers like garbage.
(2)Saba A.
Dined here with 12 people for dinner on a Friday night and it was good we made reservations ahead of time for 7:30 p.m. Located at the intersection of the 6 corners of Wicker Park, we were at an affordable Italian restaurant with a casual trend. Lot of people on dates to group gatherings, and it was a fun environment. Our server was attentive, and he seemed nervous taking care of a table of 12 but he did well. The beer selection and wine selection is good. We started with a few appetizers that came out quickly. They have a lot of different pasta's and everyones looked delicious. Some orders were smaller than the others but they were prepared hot and were served quickly. I think they also have a doughnut bar towards the end of the restaurant which serve doughnuts for 2.00 a piece and I heard this is a great stop for brunch as well. We had a great time, good food, and company. And it's known to be one of the best Italian eats in Wicker, so I would recommend it for that. Service was friendly, and that always helps.
(4)Carol R.
The bursts was fabulous ! Husband had the ribeye which he asked for med rare and it was done perfect. Will come back again. Kale salad was so so.
(4)Jennifer P.
I typically have loved this restaurant especially for brunch. However I hadn't been for a few months and went back this weekend and instantly noticed a change. All of the changes screamed cost cutting. All of a sudden none of the dishes came with potatoes. You had to buy them separately for $6!!! In addition we asked for a side of ranch dressing and they charged us $3 when in the past it was free. I got the Arancini Benedict and they replaced the prosciutto with ham instead which took away the flavor. In addition the Arancini was bland. We also got a Bloody Mary which is typically our favorite in the city and it was watered down and you no longer got a beer chaser. I can see right through what they are trying to do and I will not be played. I'll take my hard earned money elsewhere
(1)Adrienne C.
A solid 3-star joint....perhaps 4-stars during their open-window season. they definitely snagged an excellent location on the 6 corners. The interior is fun and festive and the food is fine. The service is a bit spotty, but then again we were there on a Sunday morning and maybe the workers were just as hungover as we were....speaking of which, what's with the brunch time music? it's the complete opposite of what anyone would want to hear at that time of day. I felt like the playlist was "The Most Obnoxious Music Ever From The Past 30 Years" (e.g. "i like to move it move it" and "tootsie roll" and other headache-inducing tunes that grate your ears, esp when you're nursing a hangover).....can we turn on some Stan Getz or something equally soothing? Don't get the Monte Cristo. I'd recommend the Tomato Braised Pork Hash or the Arancini Benedict.
(3)Jessica M.
We stopped in for brunch one Sunday. Ordered the donut plate -- which was amazing three killer donuts for like $8 then we ordered some eggs Benedict - they were amazing. Great food, great service. Loved the Bloody Mary's and Mimosas. We will definitely be back.
(5)Leslie B.
Had an awesome brunch here! Recommended by Sunny H., we headed to Francesca Forno on a snowy Saturday morning. Parking was abysmal, but that's to be expected in the area. The restaurant was about half full so we had no problem getting a table. Upon being seated, Aidan L. was staring (like really staring, so embarrassing) at the table next to ours where a gentleman had just received a very large man-breakfast. We deduced from the menu that this gargantuan plate was the Tomato Braised Pork Hash. He proceeded to order this and was a very happy camper. The pork shoulder shoulder was seasoned wonderfully and there were tons of veggies and eggs to accompany it. Always a fan of breakfast sandwiches, I had the Monte Cristo. It was very flavorful, but small in size and the "spicy" tomato jam that came on the side was actually very sweet. Had to add some Cholula. Needing something sweet to go with our savory breakfasts, we shared the blueberry-ricotta-lemon pancakes which were so phenomenal. Light, tasty, filled with blueberries, these were the best pancakes I had consumed in a REAL long time. They also served Intelligentsia coffee which makes me sooo happy. Great brunch option in the area!
(4)Stephanie W.
This is a really solid option in Wicker Park. Food is good. Staff is good. Wait times are not crazy if you don't have reservations, and have a nice bar area. Nothing is spectacular or life changing, but we know we can get a nice Italian meal here on the fly on a weekend night. They have nice wine and beer selections. Only one criticism - the last time we went the busing was very aggressive and really disrupted our meal. I would recommend they dial that down a notch.
(3)Marie M.
I love this place! Consistently amazing food and stellar service. The freshly made gniochi is my favorite, but every week I am surprised with another new menu item to enjoy. The tuesday night special of half off bottles of wine is a great deal to get you in the door, but the food is enough to keep you coming back. Always wonderful service, especially Martha. We have been lucky enough to have her serve us several times and we have always felt like old friends. We feel lucky to have such a great spot to visit frequently and never be disappointed.
(5)Bob R.
First time visiter, picked the place because of menu. Love it. We went for full dinner, what we had was outstanding. We shared the chick pea octopus as an appetizer. She had the scallops, lentle with brussel sprouts and I the shrimp, squid ink pasta with duck cracklings. All were original, really good and at an accessible price. This is original chef prepared stuff you won't find elsewhere. It was great. Ps, very casual, basically a big bar with seating area, good chef inspired food.
(5)Stacey D.
So sad this place used to be great change the menu and its so mediocre. Service has also gone downhill.
(2)Thomas C.
Been here a couple of times with friends for late night drinks and it's a great spot, especially if you can people watch by the windows.
(4)Sarah S.
Oh Francesca's, you're killin' me!! This was always my go-to 5 star yummy convenient brunch place, but they have gone and ruined it. I'll start with the good. The service is still excellent, and there is still no wait. Now, onto the much more upsetting bad. Apparently the just hired a new chef, and soon, they will be reconcepting the entire restaurant to Mediterranean small plates. In the meantime, they've kept the concept, and about half of the menu...kind of. They took away my beloved eggs Florentine. Let's have a moment of silence for the fallen................so I moved on to my second favorite, the Risotto Eggs Benedict. In the past, it had always been a super solid choice, but now it's a total bust. It was exceptionally bland (I used a TON of salt, which I never do at restaurants, and it barely helped), they replaced the prosciutto with a single slice of thin ham, which might as well have not been there, you couldn't even taste it, and they got rid of the potatoes altogether. The hollandaise sauce was also exceptionally bland. Hard to imagine considering the ingredients. How can you go wrong with egg butter and lemon?? The eggs were still properly cooked, as was the risotto cake, but it didn't do much good since there was no flavor. I couldn't finish my meal. It was wikidywikidywack. I also got their bloody mary, which used to be full of spices and had a good kick, as well as a little beer-back. No more beer, no more flavor. You could see just looking at the glass that it was super watered down, and my alcoholic self had trouble chocking down the one I ordered, where I normally guzzle down two, no problem. I think they made a big mistake changing the menu at all in the interim of reconcepting. It gave me something to compare it to, and the comparison is that there isn't one. They used to be full of flavor and deliciousness and now, I really can't see myself going back. I may be the duchess for now, but my estate is officially on the market. The stars it gets is for ambiance and service. R.I.P. Francesca's.
(2)tim d.
We've been coming in 3 times a month for brunch for YEARS. They just recently changed the menu. They got rid many of the items from the brunch menu....and changed certain staples...the potatoes used to be better and with pablano peppers...now they are you run of the mill brunch fare. The bloody mary used to be better and served with a beer back...no more. It's disappointing. I want my old Francescas Forno brunch back!! ...I'm willing to throw a tantrum. Service is always top notch! Always.
(3)Mironda R.
"Not overly excited one way or the other" I had brunch here with a friend. The highs - it really is perfect for people watching.. so be mindful of how distracting that can be if you are on a date, lol. With your friends.. awesomeness. Great light, open windows, prime location. The mehs - The menu. IT definitely caters to those who love everything pig! There area few other options, but I still felt like hmm. I can get THIS anywhere. I ordered the salmon sandwich with the papas frittas (the fries.. they were tasty). The sandwich provided sustenance. Yes.. that's the word I chose to use. My friend ordered the soaked french toast and he said it was quite yummy. IT was too rich for me. The bathroom is itty bitty, so don't come with a small bladder! But the service was fantastic. People really loved their job and it showed! I'd come for drinks but not sure if it would be for eats.
(3)Kerissa B.
Francesca's has many a gluten free item. I had a pasta that was covered in delicious cream and veggies and chicken and it was oh-so good. Couple that with a table by the window on a breezy day. Perfect for people watching. This Texas girl very much enjoyed it.
(4)Christy L.
Everyone seems to love the Francesca's chain but I've never been wowed by any of the restaurants. Forno is no different, except for perhaps that the atmosphere is a little different. More hip, diner'ish, perhaps to fit in with the rest of the neighborhood. I was beyond starving when we arrived and couldn't stomach the flavorless, dry bread that showed up at our table immediately. Fortunately, service was fast and our meals arrived quickly. Our pastas were fine. I was so hungry anything would have been fine to be honest. Well, anything was fine but the dry, flavorless bread. Marinating it in olive oil wouldn't have even made it palatable. If you're in Bucktown and there's no where else to eat, try Francesca's. Otherwise, there are plenty of better food options nearby. And you can definitely find less commercialized Italian throughout the city.
(2)Celina D.
I think this place is a completely underrated breakfast spot. Always fast and delicious. Not packed, great atmosphere. Their potatoes are some of the best I've ever had and they have a version of eggs benedict on top of a fried risotto patty!! Not to mention there's a glazed in the corner where you can get bad ass donuts. Basically you should come here for breakfast.
(5)Jacob A.
The food here is average at best. I've gone here a couple times and it seems that the food is just ok. The doughnuts that are sold here are very delicious! Reason I'm giving 3 stars and not 2 is because the service here is really good. Staff has always been friendly, nice and prompt with everything. Our server John rocked! Try and request to be in his section.
(3)Daniel G.
Usually I get the whole wheat pasta and tomato sauce. Avoid the Rustica pizza.
(2)Drew B.
Came in here with my friends during Wicker Park fest, and while the food was great, the service was horrible. And believe it or not, sometimes I would rather have great service than great food. Great service should be a STANDARD, not an exception. Our waiter, Glen, was short and rude with our table. There may have been some misunderstanding about two people at our table sharing pizzas, but when Glen thought they were sharing two of the same pizza, he snapped and said "then you're not sharing your own pizzas you're each eating your own pizza," with the most attitude I've experienced from a waiter in a long time. Along with that, check-ins to the table for beer refills were nonexistent and we had to wait about 10 minuts for the check. I think some retraining is in order, although you really can't "teach" customer service.
(2)Rose A.
I usually love this place. Historically, the food is simple and great and the service is well intended and attentive. We went there tonight and the new menu was not good. The red flag was the same dish mentioned twice on the menu...attention to detail? No. We had the octopus (over dressed cold salad with lukewarm charred salty octopus), calamari (or saltymari), and cavatelli (over pestoed and super al dente). Summary...service great, food lame. 3 stars for what it used to be, but really one star for what it is.
(3)Rosy G.
If you love thin crust pizza, this is definitely the place for you. The ingredients are super fresh and it's a great place to order different menu items and share. I've been here a few times and can't get enough of the pizza. We ordered the Diavola with smoked mozzarella - to die for. They were kind enough to not make mine with meat. They have other great dishes on their menu (I'm just a die hard pizza fan). If you like Moscow Mules, be happy to know that they serve them in the copper mugs :) Another plus is that they are right off the Damen stop on the blue line. Definitely one of my favorite places in Wicker Park.
(5)Rebecca R.
I love Francesca's....usually. All the other locations I have been to have not disappointed me with food or service. While the food was pretty good here, the service was not. Our server seemed to be way too cool to spend more than five seconds with us. My dining partner and I were so surprised because the place wasn't busy and we typically have had great experience. I will be sure to skip this location in the future. Not worth another visit for crap service that left a bad taste in my mouth.
(2)Danielle S.
We came here for "brunch" (I would have considered it breakfast). We were seated right away, and our hostess happened to be our server. We were given water right away, as well as coffee. The service was great overall. Anything we needed came right away. They had a pretty limited breakfast/brunch menu. Everything sounded reallyyyyy good - I had a hard time deciding what I wanted! The baked goodies were tempting, but I did not try them. We decided to get the Amaretto Soaked French Toast and Arancini Benedict. Sounds amazing right?? Meh. That's how I felt. Disappointing. The french toast had no taste of Amaretto, and overall was bland. The Benedict had a weird plastic taste to it. Not sure what that was about. We didn't finish either dish. Sad. Luckily they are pretty cheap, so we didn't waste that much money.
(3)Steven M.
By far my favorite here is the number 4 pizza. So good! The place itself is particularly nice in the summer because they open up the wall on the Milwaukee side and you get to take in the whole six corners vibe while you eat. Definitely one of my favorite places to eat in the area. Also the gf loves it because of all their veggie options! It can be challenging to please both of us at the same time, so kudos to you, Francesca's.
(4)Mitch K.
My mother is a big fan of the Francesca's in Naperville, so it only seemed logical to come here when she came to visit. Great atmosphere (especially when the windows are open) and good food/drinks. Have been here four or five times since my initial visit and the place maintains a superb level of consistency.
(4)Gordon W.
My husband and I went there on Sunday for "National Spaghetti Day". We saw an add online for $4 pasta dishes at Francesca's(selection of 4 different types) and clicked the link and this location was listed as participating. When we arrived the place was almost empty which was strange for having this promotion. We were promptly seated and apparently became invisible after that time. After waiting 10 minutes for someone to come to the table I finally went up to the bar to ask the bartender if this promotion was indeed happening as advertised. He had no idea but was able to interrupt a personal conversation between 2 other people "working" there to ask. The guy said no it was not a promotion at this location because they have a "different menu" I told him that no one bothered to come to our table for me to ask and didn't even receive an apology. As we left(they didn't seem to care) the 2 guys at the next table told me they came in for the same promotion. They were sharing a small cheese pizza and waters and I'm sure getting out as soon as possible. We will not be back. While I can understand a "screw up" in advertising a promotion, I can't forgive rudeness. Sorry, we will not be back. Plenty of places in Chicago that know service is key.
(1)Rachel H.
Time for a little update since Francesca's Forno has completely overhauled their menu. I may as well follow suit and overhaul my thoughts on the place. The interior is still as warm and homey as ever and the food, though a completely new array is as good, possibly better. One word of warning, and yes I know it's an Italian restaurant but this really goes farther than what one would expect, EVERYTHING is accentuated by garlic. The air smells of garlic. Most of the dishes are accompanied by garlic listed as an actual ingredient on the menu which in the case of the very tender pork shoulder I had appears in the form of garlic puree. This will cause some people to dance, praising the garlic gods, and others to clutch their Tums and Pepcid. I did a short jig and grabbed a Tums. Service was attentive and the desserts were delicious. They also have a cocktail that involves ginger beer, nectar of the gods. Unless you're the garlic god. Then it's garlic juice.
(4)Caitlin G.
I went back here a few weeks ago and the service and food was less than stellar. We requested bread three times before it came, and it was a bus boy who finally assisted because our waiter was nowhere to be found. The waiter was not personable at all and the menu was different than what was online and what I was looking forward to. When the food did come, it was just meh.
(2)RJ W.
CRAPPY FOOD.. sand in our mussels that was accompanied by a sauce with ZERO deftness in presentation including some aromatics that were grossly oversized and chunky, undercooked and flavorless pizza and a mushroom pasta where the 'chef' apparently had a bunch of sage he needed to get rid of because it absolutely overpowered the dish. Plus side, service was great and a reasonably priced wine menu and a great location. Perhaps the owners/managers should pay attention to some of these reviews. Friday night and not full... there is a reason for that. See above.
(2)Angela C.
Between this detailed review and another one star detailed review on Open Table I have heard NOTHING from the restaurant management. That is how much they care. Just FYI. Sad. :(
(1)Halina Y.
ARGGGHHHH! I don't think I've ever been "MAD" at a restaurant like I was at FF. I was visiting friends who live nearby and went to FF for brunch. We had an open table reservation, yet still waited an additional half hour. (raising my eyebrow now). Once seated our server disappered for a good 5minutes then came back to take our drink and food order. I don't care if you're busy- you should realize our group of 6 just patiently waited for our table- so you can take a second buddy and wait while we ask you some questions! Anyway- I got my hot water/tea right away however no one was served their coffee/latte's until their meal was served. Really? Also forgot two orders of bacon and at that point we just said "forget it". I ordered the Monte Cristo. My meal was probably the most depressing meal ever served at a brunch. I wanted substance and this was far from it. Even the presentation looked sad. One little mcmuffin sandwich with probably 6-8 potatoes. I highly suggest ordering the BYO omelettes, everyone seemed to have enjoyed theirs. bottom line- maybe it's good for lunch/dinner but I will never want to go back there solely on my brunch experience. I'd hate to feel like I did totally wasting $20 on a stupid sandwhich that took me an hour to even eat.
(1)Kathleen O.
Let's just start this review by saying I went on a hot date a few weekends ago with my man and my boobs looked A-Mazing! Francesca's Forno sure as hell played a lot of Michael Jackson, which was awesome because a gigantic pop art painting of the King of Pop is located directly across the street, God-like in the Flat Art Center's window! A huge music boner happened.... We didn't order off of the wine menu and that may have been a mistake. My man ordered the Proper Negroni which had a decent composition but it was served on the rocks. A negroni should be served up or notated otherwise. My fancy ass ordered a Little Sumpin' Sumpin'. For our meals, I ordered the Capatelli + Mozzarella and my man ordered the Cappa + Egg (sub sausage rather than Cappa). They were pretty awesome about the substitution and my boyfriend said it was great. There really was nothing too special about the Capatelli, but I can say that it was the perfect portion amount. Overall, I give this restaurant a high 3.... maybe it's because I didn't have the wine. I'll have to give that a go on round 2!
(3)Kavi P.
Been here a few times now- love this place! Menu is always varied, but always something good or worth trying on the menu. Good ambience and friendly staff. In addition with my entrees, I've always gotten sides of vegetables....get the pesto and cashew squash and zucchini!
(4)Fabio D.
I was strolling around Wicker park neighborhood when I started to be hungry; I saw Franscesca's Forno and I decided to get in because the the place looked very nice. I didn't expect to eat real italian food, so I was very open mind. The food was quite good and so the service.
(3)Meredith B.
I had brunch here for the first time today, and it really impressed me! This is one of the few places you can get a reservation for brunch in Wicker on a Sunday and I'm very glad we did! We were seated right away, but our seat was slightly annoying - they will put you at a communal table (like a six top?)) which I understand, but when I'm out for brunch with girlfriends we tend to have conversations inappropriate for random strangers to overhear. Also the seats by the back door get really cold in winter because people keep coming in to get doughnuts - Glazed and Infused operate out of the back. I seriously need to try one of those doughnuts next time. Anyhoo, since yesterday we were out for St. Patty's, none of us were up for cocktails but they do have a nice selection. I got fresh squeezed orange juice and Baked Eggs Florentine and it was a super satisfying brunch. The eggs are clearly served right after being under the broiler - the Fontina on top is hot and slightly browned, the egg yolks are runny, the spinach is creamy, it's awesome. Maybe a liiiiiittle too much cheese, but that's not really something to complain about. Served with nice crispy pieces of ciabatta toast, I would order this again anytime. Baked eggs are amazing and one of my favorite brunch dishes, and you don't see it all the time on menus. Prices are pretty reasonable, food is consistently good, and service is friendly. This place is so reliable, that if I can't get in to a newer, trendier restaurant nearby I'd always be happy to stop in here.
(4)Julia F.
Nice location! Service... A little pushy for my taste. The sangria was excellent! My husband ordered pizza which was good but not great, a little bland. I ordered the hen pasta which was DELICIOUS but so so small, i left the place hungry. It was actually extremely small, i could see the base of the plate without even starting eating. Prices are a little bit high though with that location, it makes sense. Nice view of the people walking around.
(3)Alex H.
The food was good the service was great until I found a fingernail in my pasta. Then never heard from the waitress again until she brought the bill. Never heard from a manager or anything at all worst way to Handel a situation. Worst customer service!!
(1)Miranda G.
Mushroom risotto was the perfect vegetarian option. My friend liked the orecchiette too! Service was fast and friendly, happy to refill water cups and bread baskets. Overall, a great lunch! Would like to try their cocktails next time.
(5)april w.
Good for people watching! There was no line when we went on a Friday night around 7pm. We had pizza and pasta. Pretty good!
(3)Chelsea N.
The food was fantastic. In warm weather, they leave the huge windows open and there's a nice breeze. We came in for lunch to get sandwiches and a glass of wine. Our waiter was really fun and knowledgeable. He steered us well in the direction of the perfect wine for our food and gave us generous samples to help us decide. I got the ham sandwich and mom got the chicken. They were amazing, but we both loved the ham best. Great lunch spot, probably good for nightlife too.
(5)Emily H.
Forno is a must for gluten free pasta lovers. They can add GF pasta to almost any dish on the menu. I'm a sucker for burrata and theirs is one of the best salads in Chicago. The pork ragu pasta was so delicious, almost licked my plate! I didn't have room for dessert but fortunately I forgot my credit card after a few too many Moscow Mules & had to come back. :-) When I returned to grab my card, the manager gave me & the two children I work with vanilla bean gelato on the house as we waited for the bus! So generous!
(5)Jim H.
Don't know about the rest of the menu, but the chicken sandwich I had was excellent. 8/10, would eat again.
(4)Heather M.
We had a solid meal here. Simple food, fun atmosphere, friendly service. Not sure what else you can ask for. I need to throw in a huge plug for the Garbage Salad. In a pizza and pasta emporium, it took a lot of restraint to be good and order a salad. I was rewarded handsomely with a giant plate of everything delicious that you'd find on a fine antipasto platter, all chopped up with lettuce and a creamy parmesan dressing. Heather - 1, Diet - 0. I highly recommend this salad. Each bite was a delight of flavor and variety. Otherwise, meatball sliders, awesome, pizza awesome, cocktail list fun. Bonus points because it seems to be a mostly hipster-free zone, which is AMAZING in that area. It's probably too mainstream. Or they shun it because it has Valet (which was speedy, by the way, thank you very much.)
(4)Adam K.
Line at big star was an hour, with a hungry child in tow not wanting to sit outside or wait a long time, I was attracted to the large open window and awesome view of the 6 corners. Flamboyant, faux hawk wearing host sat us right at the window facing damen which was great. I saw 5 different shades of hair while we waited. & about 6 different chicks I wanted to wifey. Crowd was a mix of wanna be euro trash, waspy north shore suburban & well to do elderly people. Took a waiter 15 minutes to come to our table. Then he was very ineffectual, stating nothin about th specials, I ordered one anyway, the risotto. It took about 20 minutes for the hummous to come out. Cmon, man . But then I saw the bread was toasted, OK. Pass on that one. Absolutely NOTHING on the menu that would please a child's palate. Not saying you have to have a kiddy menu, but at least some mozzarella sticks? When I asked for yellow mustard, it was like I was asking if he is going to vote for Mitt Romney. Strawberry margarita is awesome. Tangy and not too sweet. They should keep it on the menu year round. The waiter made sure to talk to the cute dark skinned girls at another table for a while however. Food came out ten mins after apps, weird. Give me a moment man! Risotto - good not great. Creamy as hell. At least you get a lot of food for $13. But then like 1 hour later it was sitting in my stomach like a rock. Burger - not good meat quality. I asked for it medium its for sure well done. Not a huge deal. But for an $11 burger, I want some quality meat. Tried to charge me 21 for the risotto, fuckers. I caught that shit. WTF tho? Theres only 1 fuckin risotto on the menu & u try to hit.me for $21? Fuck you. My baby ate like 1/3 of the $11 hamburger & she scarfs down $3.99/ lb steak on the regs, so the meat quality must be poor. Not impressed by this place, not my scene / crowd. The view is excellent however, great for people watching. I am concerned this hood is going to start attracting people who frequent this place, lots of money with no taste.
(2)Janice A.
Small menu. Food was good but nothing special. Appetizer, pasta and pizza choices. Cool atmosphere. Hard to find parking, attentive servers.
(4)Julie O.
The staff is really amazing. I had three different men check whether I was ok with getting a different kind of tea. They were patients with our big table. The food is great and the portions are huge. Order donuts.
(5)Olga T.
AMAZING BRUNCH!!!!!!!!! We had a layover in Chicago and decided to stop at Francesca's for brunch! WOW it was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Their bloody mary's are killer!! Def a solid recommendation if you're in the area.
(5)Ed M.
Had a date here a few weeks ago and we ordered an appetizer, salad, pizza and pasta. Everything was great. Sat at the bar and the server was very friendly and attentive. Great meal and atmosphere. Went back this weekend for a late lunch and again everything was great and we sat by the open windows and people watched. Very enjoyable experience from beginning to end both times.
(5)Jeff R.
Overall was good food but just seems over priced. Probably won't be going out of my way to go back.
(2)Michael N.
As other reviews have stated the food is very average. I've had much better Italian food even at larger Italian chains. My pasta dish was put together separately because parts were hot as they should be and parts were barely warm. The pricing is fair for the quality and our bill was just over $100 for 4 people including drinks. The service is top notch though. Our waiter was spot on, friendly and prompt. The brunch is much better and I would come back for, but likely won't return for dinner.
(3)lauren a.
Italian food? Come on. Tried this place for dinner last night and we were beyond disappointed. The menu was odd for any restaurant, let alone Italian. I asked for a more simple dish of pasta in a tomato basil sauce (as the other, francesca's restaurants have made spectacularly) and the waitress assured me this would be no problem. What was brought out i swear tasted like it came out of a can, zero basil, spicy, and luke warm. What?! Never have i been turned off by a pasta dish. My boyfriend ordered the pepperoni pizza and couldn't eat more than one piece. Undercooked. You'd think the waitress would ask if there was something wrong with the food after seeing how little we'd eaten. No. In all fairness, my boyfriend said his shrimp app was decent, hence the 2 star review.
(2)Corine H.
Loved it! Great atmosphere and music. Great food with some new different flavors. Kids menu gets them An extra star!!! Good service.
(4)Amanda B.
I go to Wicker Park a lot since I live close by and for some reason never went to this place until one Sunday when my brother, sister in law, and me were walking around looking for someplace to have brunch. We walked in and got seated right away which was nice. I order the monte cristo and It was amazing. The food was soo good and was a reasonable price. The only downfall was that our waitress wasn't very friendly but perhaps she was just having a bad day. I will definitely be coming back here to try more of there food:)
(4)Laura P.
Eggs bénédict are a must
(4)Anne C.
Francesca's restaurants are always consistently good, but I especially love Forno. The atmosphere is different from the others-- more modern, casual. And the food is delicious. I'm a huge fan of the grilled corn panzanella and their pastas are always spot on. Also, $10 wine flights on Mondays-- definitely one of the best deals in the city!
(4)Kori E.
I came here for brunch for the first time and it was so good! The menu has so many delicious options, but I was feeling a little heavy from a long weekend of eating and drinking so I ordered the Chopped salad. It was very light and refreshing with hearts of palm, carrots, tomatoes, green onions in a red wine vinaigrette dressing. My dining companions had the blueberry pancakes and the bourbon soaked french toast. I am more of a french toast girl so I enjoyed those better. Everyone was super satisfied with their choice. Definitely check them out for brunch! They also are opening the donut shop in the back,Glazed and Infused, and were giving away free donuts as we left and O.M.G., this is going to be deadly across the street from the train every morning!
(4)Keith S.
Location was great and easy to find parking. We ordered the bruschetta and a pizza. The bruschetta was pretty bad. Basically toasted bread with greens a few tomatoes and cheese. Not good at all. Waitress came by to ask how everything was and we told her we did not really enjoy the dish and she said, "that's just how it is, ENJOY." Pizza wasn't that great either. Not enough sauce and took too long to cook. She charged us $3 for half toppings! Totally not worth the price and they were pretty rude. Never going back.
(1)Jackson H.
This is my go to spot for a great lunch. Right at 6 corners and a few blocks from my condo. This place has great service, decent portion sizes and good cocktails! Grab a table and sit by the window or hang at the bar and chat it up with one of their friendly bartenders. (Linda is my fav)
(5)Elizabeth L.
Have always been curious about Forno (love the Francesca's in Little Italy). Staff was super-charming, restaurant is large with a cozy feel. Sister loved her cavatelli, the primavera was decent as well. Beet salad was fresh and perfectly portioned. A cute date spot.
(4)Leslie G.
I came here several times before they changed the menu and the layout and thought it was a pretty solid Italian restaurant. However, when I returned for the first time since the changes, my opinion became a bit more negative. For starters, the layout is very awkward now. The bar area used to be sort of off to the side and now it's in the main dining area. Since this is where people wait for tables to become available, it feels extremely cramped around that area. In addition, there are small tables where people stand and wait that are farther out from the bar basically in the dining area. One of these tables was right behind us and it felt very claustrophobic while we were eating to have people basically hovering over us. This restaurant also gets extremely loud as it fills up. It's one thing to have noise from people talking, but to have blaring music on top of that just seems unnecessary. As for the food, I seem to recall that before the makeover, the menu was much more extensive, but maybe I'm imagining that. We started off with the bruschetta, which was amazing--probably the best part of the meal. For my main course, I had the monkfish with linguine. The fish itself was fine, but I wasn't a huge fan of the pasta--something about the sauce didn't really complement the fish all that well. I will probably come back here at some point, but I will try to come at an off time to avoid a crowd.
(3)Shannon M.
Part of the Formidable local Francesca's family, this was in a nice location near the Six Corners of North, Milwaukee and Damen. I was so-so about the place. Why? Pros: - as stated, convenient location in Wicker Park. And on a day with lovely weather, the huge windows were open, allowing a nice air flow and good people-watching. - Brunch runs late on a Saturday (til 3!) - The food. Friend ordered bourbon-soaked French toast; I got the savory pancakes made of polenta with pancetta mixed into the batter and bits of maple butter. We ate like it was going to be taken away from us. Cons: - Our waiter seemed to be off in his own world. Big-time flake, and didn't seem to have the "timing" down that's necessary for a server, though the place was not crowded (i.e., wasn't like he was juggling 20 tables or anything.) Example: Busboy seated us, asked about drinks. Friend ordered iced tea, which hadn't come by the time waiter did. Waiter: "Do you want drinks?" Friend: " I ordered with the busboy but it hasn't come yet." Waiter: "Oh I'll see about that." (wanders off; eventually returns) "Anything else?" Me: "Well, I'd like to get some lemon for my water, but also..." Him: "Oh, okay." (wanders off again) Me (to his back): "...we're ready to order now..." etc. - you get a carafe of water at the table, but it was room temperature and smelled, uh, funky. Couldn't get the waiter's attention to ask for ice, finally stopped trying. - Speaking of funky smells, the ladies' room had that smell that says "we have old weird plumbing but we don't really care" - also, my pancakes came with a small cup of maple syrup with a jaunty strand of someone's hair poking out (not mine, and not the curly-haired busser). Eeek. I called attention to that IMMEDIATELY. There are a couple of Francesca's locations out in Naperville, where I live, and I've been to one some time ago and never felt the need to go back. The food at this location bumped up my opinion but the service kept it hovering where it was. Hope the kitchen gets hairnets.
(3)Alina S.
Spacious tables around the perimeter with open air and people watching, quick service, and good food.
(4)Jason T.
My wife and I absolutely love this place and regularly come from the South Loop to have dinner here. The restaurant itself offers great views hustle and bustle of Damen North Avenue intersection, and the food is wonderful. The Brussels sprout appetizer is fabulous, as well as the beet salad. The entrees are very good, but I specifically enjoy all of their homemade pastas. The value is also great with most entrees under $20.
(5)Allison K.
I went for dinner on a Friday night with 3 friends. The service was good, very friendly waiter, refilled wine in a timely manner. I had been to other Francesca's locations and had great food so it's no surprise this was the same. The waiter said they just got a new chef and menu and we ordered the burrata to share and I had the black pepper papparedelle with pork ragu. Burrata is always amazing and this was no exception. It was served with a pesto and some sliced peppers and it was delicious on some toasted bread. The pasta was maybe the best pasta I've had in Chicago. Loved the black pepper flavor in the pasta itself and the pork ragu was a delicious complement. Highly recommend this place!
(4)Becky P.
Three haunts I am required to visit every time I'm in Chicago: Wrigley, Violet Hour, and this place. Amazing food and atmosphere has always made for great nights with a pack of friends.
(5)Kristen H.
Wow, this place was amazing! My boyfriend and I just had to stop here, we didn't know what they even served but we were completely enticed by the smell. I usually hate eating italian food right before I am about to drink, because it gives me a stomach ache, but this pasta was amazing. We tried the white pasta with the egg on top with little bits of sausage in the pasta. The sangria was amazing as well; one glass made me tipsy for quite a while and I am a sangria fiend! The service was very attentive and I never felt abandoned by our waiter.
(5)Morgan N.
Checked out this place for brunch and it was delicious. The coffee was great! I think it's Intelligensia. For brunch, I had the arancini benedict, which was fantastic. The house papas have a good flavor, very soft, and there's a huge helping. The hollandaise sauce on the benedict eggs was delicious. I had a really great time. I also appreciated that my friends and I were able to stay long after we finished eating; some places in Wicker Park give you the side-eye and ask you to get out.
(4)Jessica S.
Very pretty decor here, friendly service. My friend and I both had the rosemary lemon chicken. I like the presentation in the cast iron dish. I would stop in again. There was no wait here, which was nice after being told 40 min at Big Star.
(4)Daniel R.
Place is pretty cool. Stopped in for a late lunch and I had the Blueberry Pancakes and my date had the Ravioli and we were both pretty pleased. Serves a bit short from excellent but food was on point
(4)Kelly K.
Diavolo Pizza was... Tha Bomb. My server, Amanda, was exceptional. Olive oil, fresh grated parm, perfection.
(5)Randal A.
I'd say 3.5 stars is accurate. Stopped in pretty late knowing the kitchen was still open. Seating is spacious and they have an excellent location. The pork belly appetizer was good, but I've had better. My wife had a pasta dish and I thought we might need to order another because the portion was tiny. In any event, she still enjoyed it. Can't say I'll go out of my way to make it back here, but I'm not ruling it out either.
(4)Zach F.
Forno is one of our regular dinner spots so we decided to have our post-baptism lunch / dinner for a group of 18, here on a Sunday afternoon. When we first arrived, another group of people was occupying part of the space that we were to be seated. Tony, the manager, and the rest of the staff were apologetic to no end and sat half of the party as well as brought out some appetizers and drink orders. After about 15 minutes, the other party left and we were all seated. The waiter John was great throughout the afternoon and Tony was over every so often to ensure we were all ok. We had ordered a handful of various apps and main courses which they staggered out throughout the 2 hours we were there. The food was awesome, as usual. We also had a few dessert platters, which were magnificent. The dinner went off without a hitch and our entire family loved the food and atmosphere. The restaurant also bought us a bottle of presecco and the dessert platters for "our troubles." We will continue to frequent Forno and recommend it to anyone looking for a nice easy meal or for a medium sized group.
(5)Andrew W.
It's not terrible per se, but definitely not a top choice, which is a disappointment given Francesca's great location. I came here for lunch with a coworker. I ordered some chicken wings and a Negroni up, and my coworker ordered a beer and burger. Everything arrived very quickly, with our drinks coming first. The first thing I noticed was that there was ice in my drink, so I guess the waiter didn't know what a drink served "up" means (shaken/stirred on ice, strained and served without), but that's not a huge deal since he wasn't the bartender and Negronis are traditionally served on the rocks anyways. The chicken wings were decent, not spectacular, but they were surprisingly filling for chicken wings, which are usually more of an appetizer than a meal. People watching from Francesca's is fun since the windows are huge and the North/Damen/Milwaukee intersection experiences heavy foot (and other) traffic. Given the nice location, pleasant decor, and decent food, Francesca's is worth eating at, but not going out of your way or making special plans to do so.
(3)Dan R.
We've been going to Francesca for quite sometime and I always had good experiences there. Service can be slow at times, but they get very busy and it's nothing that will make you angry or anything. I love the seafood plates, and pretty much everything else I have tasted so far. Brunch menu changed last time we went there, it everything looks and tastes delicious. Bloody Marys are yumi, and they have a great selection of wines to offer you with your food. Bartenders are quite nice and helpful.
(5)Robert B.
Once again a great place! Did I mention the secret spot is to sit at the bar. Plenty of room and never a wait
(5)Scott F.
Tasty food, which I have found rare in Italian restaurants lately....so that deserves some star quality right there. The problem is in the pricing of pasta dishes and the lack of soup/salad offered with the $15 plate of noodles. Maybe it's a trend, but I still think it's part of a meal considering the $69 tab for two on a Tuesday evening. Who's with me?? Anyway, I had a great time with amazing company that made me not think of the bill and lack of minestrone too long!
(3)Marcy M.
Holy cow! This is what a treat should taste like!!! I really wanted a nice dinner- sat at the bar and ordered. Wow!! Surf and turf changed my life. I was nervous as it was a lot to spend on dinner- but it was worth it- and generally speaking- that's not always the case. I had an amazing bartenders who walked me through the wines- she hit it spot on. The lobster was amazing, the steak perfectly cooked on top of a portobello mushroom. WOW!!! I actually ordered dessert! She suggested the affagato. What an amazing way to end a meal! This was an amazing experience from start to finish. I will be back for my next special occasion!!
(5)Allison F.
I do enjoy going to Forno for brunch (for dinner I am a fan of the original Francesca's). The drinks are great; I am a big fan of their bloody mary. This place does get crowded, especially when it is nice out and they open the windows so be sure to get there early or be prepared to wait. Service has always been phenom though and I can't complain. I get the benedict almost everytime I go because it is SO GOOD. Not kidding, perfect amount of spice and sweet. The minus 1 star is because their dinner quality just isn't the same as the other Francesca's joints. Still quality but for dinner in this neighborhood there are better places for italian.
(4)Michelle C.
Great atmosphere for a night out with your significant other or a rendezvous with your friends. Food is okay- moderately priced between $12-$20ish for entrees. You pay more for the location and the ambiance than for the food or the service. Bruschette was delicious. The bread was on a thick slice of bread- warm diced tomatoes, a wedge of fresh mozarella and fresh basil on each slice. For entrees, we ordered chicken saltimboca. It was very much like a chicken parmesan with linguine- two breaded chicken breasts with linguine on the side. The marinara sauce was what made the dish. Cavatelli Forno wasn't as good as the saltimboca. I never thought it would be possible, but this dish had too much cheese melted on top. It was a bland pasta-and-red-sauce dish... I wish I had gotten linguine vongole. Dessert- get the hazelnut gelato! The service was a bit on the slow side. It took about 10 minutes for the server to gree us on a Sunday night. The entree orders weren't taken until we were finished with the appetizer.
(3)Bethany B.
I've been here for dinner before and it was solid, but I never felt compelled to write a review. I went today for brunch (new menu!) - and now I am. The french toast was amazing. The perfect amount of lightness and sweetness. I think this now rivals Jam's french toast in my book for the best french toast in Chicago. Also tried the eggs benedict, which was very good as well. They use polenta cakes instead of english muffins, which worked well, and the potatoes on the side were perfect (I usually don't eat the hash brown sides that come with almost every breakfast / brunch dish, but these made the exceptions list). I've heard the dinner menu has been re-vamped so I'll likely be back to try that...but in the meantime, brunch is highly recommended!
(4)Brittany V.
I had a solid dinner last night at Francescas with the boy. I definitely enjoyed our time there. The food was excellent, and I loved the decor. I know a lot of people complained about everything since the remodel, but I had never been there before, so I don't really have anything to compare it to. I do wish that there was different music playing. It was 80's all night. Now I love me some Michael Jackson, but I really really don't think it fit with the atmosphere. Our server Erica was also great, but I could tell she was very overworked. It took forever for her to get to our table, and I could tell she was running around. Thankfully it didn't effect our experience, but is just something to note. Bottom line, great for a nice date night or meeting up with friends!
(4)Sara P.
Once I looked at the menu, I was pleased. After spending a few weeks in Rome this summer, I felt delicate pangs of longing for Italia! And that's a good thing to feel when I look at a menu at an Italian restaurant in Chicago. I wasn't too hungry, so I got the Caprese salad. It was very good, just a touch heavy on the oil, but I suppose it's a personal preference thing. It wasn't drowning or anything. Presentation was lovely. The bread was delicious, as was the butter! I was very pleased because I'm definitely a bread lover. I didn't get the pizza, but my friend did, and it was quite delicious. I'm sorry to say I forgot what kind it was. Some people at the table next to me also got pizza and it looked and smelled delicious. A tad on the expensive side, but lovely for dinner, and it has a romantic ambiance. It's also good for groups, many of which I saw. Seating was a little crowded, but not bad. Waitstaff was quick and kind.
(4)Sarah N.
I was pleasantly surprised during my visit to Francesca's Forno over the weekend. My sister and I were trying to plan a big group dinner, and everything else was booked, so we ended up here. With a few vegetarians and vegans in the group we figured we could at least get a salad, but they actually had some great vegan options. The veggie panini and special risotto could both be made vegan, and our waiter was very accommodating to our requests. The atmosphere is kind of cool, but it feels a little chainy and it can get quite loud. Overall I thought it was a good place to get dinner with a group.
(4)Brett F.
I like the Francesca's Family of restaurants.... especially Francesca's Amici and Mia Francesca. I pretty much knew what to expect when going for lunch last week at Francesca's Forno for the first time. The menus for all of the locations vary slightly, but you can always count on solid Italian basics; pastas, pizzas, calamari, gnocci, several fresh fish options and salads for the herbivores. The decor was spot on in traditional Francesca's style with a bit of a rustic twist... warm woods, colorful Italian style - you know the drill... A slight nuance however at this location was the butter served with that warm, crusty bread. It was heavily combined with garlic, parsley and chives and so very good that even my iron clad willpower was defenseless to it's temptations. Slather me up and call me silly, I'm Miss Garlic Butter USA. I managed to avoid the carb caboose and stick to some nice greens for a light lunch. I chose the Insalata Con Uova. With baby greens, grilled asparagus, fried egg (I know, enough with the redundant runny eggs already), lemon vinaigrette and truffle oil; it made my mouth water just reading it off the menu. The salad did not disappoint and was delicious; tangy, savory and salty all at once. More than I could ask for... well, technically more would have been alright by me. Either I was especially hungry that day or the salad was not nearly enough for an entree size portion, I polished off the entire plate (which I rarely do) and was still wanting more. Plate licking is reserved for the homestead only. I also sampled the chicken special, generously wrapped in prosciutto, served with pasta and an amazing homemade marinara. Much larger portion. Much happier belly. I'm going full blast with this one next time... take my advice and go for the gusto here, you won't feel guilty to leave the greens for the rabbits.
(3)Brittany C.
In the midst of this bustling intersection lies this wee Italian restaurant that appears to always be hopping. I must try! So, on a Friday night, a group of 4 made the trek via automobile to Francesca's Forna. The driving decision cost us $10 bucks, not too bad for such being smack dab in the middle of the hot spot known at Wicker Park. The service was good. Although they were busy, they didn't rush us to place our order. She was attentive, but not over-bearing. Perfecte! Bread on the table: A must! Apps: Calamari and Beat Salad. I have had better of both, but they were tasty enough and no one had any major complaints. Dinner: I agree, the portions are a bit small for Italian, but the prices are very reasonable and the food is flavorable, so it's not a deal-breaker. My mushroom linguine was great and I yearned for more the next morning; To me, that means good Italian. The rest of my group liked their food fine, but did grumble about the small portions. Wine: Good list, fair prices. Decor: Rustic, bordering on bland. Made up for by the view from the large windows. The tables are VERY close together in this small space, but I got over it soon after I sat down. Don't forget to make reservations! A repeat is inevitable. Yum!
(4)lana v.
This review is for brunch only, I have not had the chance to eat dinner here. We came here for my father in law's birthday brunch. The servers were great, came up right away with water and got our drink orders. They gave us a kids menu and crayons for our daughter, and were helpful in answering questions on the menu. For the most part the food was very good, my biggest complaint was the blueberry pancakes which were covered in some blueberry sugar sauce that overpowered the whole pancake and made it almost inedible for me. The fruit and yogurt was really good, and the breakfast sandwich my husband got was great. They take reservations which is a huge bonus, but the place is very small, and the bathrooms are tiny which is a little annoying.
(4)Law S.
Have been to this location probably seriously about 50+ times and have always loved it. Went over the weekend for the first time post-renovation and was pretty disappointed. The overall ambiance of the interior design is not as cozy as it used to be. We waited a substantial amount of time after our reservation to be seated (about 45 min after said time), but we were catching up with friends at the bar, so it was not a big deal. Also, they did send some appetizers over as an apology, which was nice. Cons: Menu change, no rigatoni, NO CALAMARI! Among other things, it seems like odd things were omitted from the new menu with questionable substitutions. Standing elliptical tables in the bar area are weird. You feel like you are towering over the tables behind them and there is not adequate clearance for standing room plus traffic flow in the bar, when full. Used to be our staple for quick, good Italian and a great place for a sure-fire last minute for out-of-town guests. I fear this is no longer true, not sure when I'll be back when there are superior options. :(
(2)ZZ K.
YUMM!!!! Love the atmosphere - can be very laid back or dressy, depending on you! We were in our work clothes...some people were there in sweats. Service - was very nice, attentive, offered great suggestions, but still gave us space. Food - We did the Thursday special $23 for app, main meal and dessert...you can pick anything from the whole menu (including specials) and they don't skimp on the portions!! We were full after the appetizers...oh and yummy bread with garlic butter!! We had grilled octopus salad with tomatoes, onions, green beans and potatos and fried polenta with grilled beets and pistachio sauce...DELISH!!! Main meals - Seafood linguine and a special which was Mahi Mahi with couscous salad...again Very tasty!!! We took most of the main dished home, including one dessert! We couldn't help ourselves and split the chocolate banana bread pudding. It was small enough to hit the spot...and was nice combination of bananas, chocolate, warm cake and ice cream. Go...manja, manja!
(4)Edzellou A.
We had brunch here few a few weeks back: overall not bad, but not excellent either. My husband's bacon & eggs meal was pretty good, with a generous portion size; however my sweet pancakes were a bit dry and fluffy, and while the espresso was OK, the milk was scalded. The service was nice and friendly, though, without being overattentive, which was great for a long, lazy Sunday brunch. We would likely go back again at some point but will probably check out some other places nearby first!
(3)Elizabeth G.
really enjoyed this place! Pretty good food, Fun service, good atmosphere and large mimosas...whats not to like?
(4)Sean D.
Been wanting to check this place out for a while now. I have heard many good things about the food. Located in prime real estate@ the corner of Milwaukee and Damon right next door to the Double Door. Us foodies have many choices for fab-food in this area. Came here on a Sunday evening about 5:30, and the place was empty, some may think this is a bad thing, but quite the contrary. We were greeted with prompt service and were able to select our own seat. The bread (2 types sliced baguette and soft) they give with an AMAZING spicy red pepper herbed butter. The entree that I decided on was a Sunday special, Spicy Spanish-Style Octopus with Bone Marrow. It was spicy and delicious. The portions are perfect. I washed it all down with a Lagunitas IPA....Perfect COMBO!!!
(4)Joey B.
I once had a great Sunday brunch here, but that was apparently before they closed for renovations. So we tried it for dinner on a Friday night, and I think this place has changed quite a bit. Appetizer: Artichoke something - the heart of the artichoke was removed, rendering this appealing looking appetizer completely inedible. I suspect they removed the good part for another dish and served us what was left. REALLY DISAPPOINTING. Drinks: Probably the only thing saving this place was a very friendly bartender who knew how to pour a decent drink. Dinner: Mushroom spaghetti dish was flavorful, but nothing you couldn't make in your own kitchen in about 30 minutes. Not really worth going out and paying for. Fire-roasted chicken was actually pretty good, but the vegetables that it came with were disgusting - not ripe, burnt, poorly cooked. Plus the whole thing was floating in this sauce that tasted like pure salt. I think I would go back for drinks on a Friday/Saturday night, and maybe order an appetizer or something (NOT THE ARTICHOKE) but probably not go back for dinner. In summary, I'm pretty sure what used to be a solid restaurant has turned into a bar with a food menu as an afterthought. Really disappointing. In a city full of great Italian restaurants, Francesca's leaves a lot to be desired.
(2)Andrew H.
Went here for a light late meal. I had the following: Free bread basket. White truffle pizza with mushrooms Caprese Salad Grilled asparagus Everything was honestly just ok. The pizza had way too much cheese on it and was greasy. The flavor was alright, but that's more because it had truffle oil on it, which could make cardboard taste good. The "grilled" asparagus was over charred, to the point where the tips were honestly crumbling and straight up black. That is burnt, not "grilled." The Caprese salad was decent. The highlight of the whole meal was the free bread, and mainly THE BUTTER. Oh man that butter. So good. I wanted to get some of it to go, and in fact the girls sitting behind us did....it stands out.
(3)Heather C.
Francesca's Forno was a great spot to go with friends on a recent Saturday night. OpenTable reservations were easy to make, and the ambiance was nice and moody without trying too hard. Some dishes were better than others, but at $13-16/entree, we left full and happy. Plus, after wincing at too many $15/glass wine lists recently, I was happy to see good vino priced at $7 a glass. Parking -- even valet -- is a nightmare, so give yourself a few minutes if you don't want to be late to meet your dinner guests.
(4)Mikinzie S.
Amazing veal dinner is well worth the price. Great waitstaff, very attentive. Glass was never empty. Have the tiramisu with an espresso for dessert..you will thank me later.
(4)Dan H.
Like many of the other reviewers, I came here forgetting about the renovation and menu changes. I love the Francesca's chains but wasn't impressed with Forno's new menu or ambiance of the restaurant. Not only did we have to wait for 30 minutes for our reservation, but they tried to sit us at a table with other people. They claimed that these were community tables. I could understand sitting with others if I was with a friend but I was on a date and I wasn't feeling that. Unfortunately after we declined to sit there we waited another 30 minutes without any communication from the hostess. They did try to make up for the lack of communication with a tasty appetizer, but it sort of ruined the night. Overall the feel of the restaurant was very different, and I have agree that the high oval tables were people stand are awkward. The menu was very limited and not what I was expecting. Service was good, portions were small. Probably wont go back.
(2)John K.
A burger at an italian restaurant?? Are you serious! I went to francescas when I first moved into the neighborhood 5 years ago and it sucked. Then I went back 1-2 years ago and it was great. It was like one of my favorite menus. The food was simple italian: fresh ingredients + small amount of butter or oil. The chef was outstanding. He changed the menu often. It was great. Then, they changed chefs, and the new guy screwed up the menu. Would rather eat italian at via carducci, club lucky, ripasso, antico... What a waste of a good restaurant.
(1)natalie v.
this is deffinitely one of my favorite brunch spots. They never have rushed me out of here, not even when they are busy. Some places try to turn their tables really quickly to maximize profits. You're given lots of time to relax after your meal. Here's why I can't stay away from Francesca's: their braised lentils with 2 sunny-side-up-eggs, sauteed spinach and pecorino cheese. This, my friends, is what it's all about. It doesn't look like a ton of food, but you're STUFFED if you actually consume the whole meal. The flavors are so rich and wonderful. You can order a great bloody mary too, but what I love is their Salty Dog (vodka and grapefruit with a salted rim) - especially when they have fresh pink grapefruit juice. It's tangy, sweet, salty and strong. You will want a second one. And maybe a third. Another reason Francesca's is great? They have brunch on Saturday as well as Sunday. I've said that's a huge draw for me - Saturday brunch. Oh...and they're very accomodating for large groups. I've yet to come here for dinner, but plan to on a night where they have a $23 - 3-course menu. Their dinner menu looks great.
(4)Neha M.
I ate the spaghetti with mushrooms in a veal-truffle oil sauce. It was amazing. So amazing that I finished my entire plate before my boyfriend had even eaten the first half of his dish. Classy, right? I don't know about their other food, but I'm coming back for that spaghetti. It was perfect. The hostess and the bar tenders and my server were all really sweet. The only things I didn't like were: the cocktails, and the actual bread in the bread basket. It wasn't warm or soft enough.
(4)Desirae K.
Mixed Feelings. Love: .........You'll never have to wait for a table for brunch .........Yummy Bloody's & a variety of Mimosas .........One of the best caprese I've had in this city .........Beautiful big windows facing the street, great for people watching. No Love: .........Service from the wait staff is so unpredictable it drives me nuts. Good news is the bussers will never forget you, you'll always have plenty of water. .........Garlic toast, prosciutto w/eggs. Forget it! It's basically 2 tiny pieces of crusty baguette with no garlic flavor topped with a thin layer of prosciutto, buried under a salad, topped with 2 poached eggs. Not filling, no taste, not worth it.
(3)Amy S.
This place is consistently good and 100% taste bud and tummy satisfying. Having been to a few other restaurants from the Mia Francesca chain I have yet to be let down at any location. It had been a few years since my last visit and it's nice to see that the food and quality hadn't changed much. Francesca's Forno is the 15th and newest member of the franchise and features "small plate dining, which encourages sampling" as their website states. This is a quaint, simple Italian spot where the food is rich with flavor and and the service is friendly and accommodating. You also get a great view of the 6 corners of Milwaukee, North and Damon through their large corner windows which line the walls. This location features a wood burning oven (yes!) and glass encased antipasto bar and I think, fits very well in this artistic community. We went here for a large birthday party and it was such the perfect choice for a group. Everyone ordered something different off the menu and from what I could see, licked their plates clean. My boyfriend and I shared a bowl of minestroni soup and an OMG deliciously prepared pear-prosciutto-gorgonzola-arugula appetizer which was the perfect combination of salty and sweet. A must order! I was bummed to learn that they had run out of my favorite salmon and lentil dish, but we got to try the moist juicy and flavorful pork tenderloin and mashed potato entree instead that quickly made me say "salmon? who?" Even saving room for desert the Lava Cake with Vanilla Bean Gelato was orgasmic and we were glad we saved some room! Great for a group or a romantic night for two, this place had us all speaking Italian by the end of the night (though that also could have been due to the great drinks).
(5)Brian C.
I don't understand the negative reviews! We were visiting Chicago from Seattle for the long Labor Day weekend and stumbled upon this place as we were wandering around the neighborhood. It looked crowded so we almost didn't go in, but their large windows were open and their menu looked interesting. We found two seats at the bar, ordered a couple of cocktails, and decided to have dinner at the bar, too. The two women behind the bar made us feel at home immediately and, when we ordered the lamb meatballs and crispy potatoes with prosciutto, they both said they were two of their favorite dishes on the menu. And now I understand why! We also ordered a house salad and those three dishes together were plenty of food for two hungry people with healthy appetites. And the manhattans were really good, too. In a nutshell, we had an unexpectedly fun, romantic night, which was due in large part to the friendly service and excellent food. I'd recommend this place without hesitation.
(5)Rodrigo P.
Can't complain about the quality of the food, but the portions are below the average for a Italian Restaurant. I don't recommend to go there for a romantic dinner, or even if you're looking for a calm and quiet dinner. Gone there for dinner with a friend, expecting to have a pleasant conversation during a quality meal. As I said, the quality is unquestionable, but it's a loud place. Besides, I don't know why (I had a reservation for 2), the hostess put us on a shared table (with a particularly loud group), what made impossible a private conversation. My final impression was that Francesca's Forno is a great place to go with many friends and have fun, but expecting to spend a little more than the usual if you're hungry.
(3)Claudia H.
We had a great dinner. We had a 2 yr. old with us and I was skeptcal because review said not kid friendly. That was far from true. Everyone was great. There was a kids menu, crayons and a great staff. Dinners were excellent.
(4)Nasheed A.
Awesome Food!! I went for brunch and ordered their vanilla creme french toast and it was delicious. The portions are pretty generous. I ended up taking mine home. This place is definitely value for your buck. Hands down one of the best places for Italian and brunch in wicker park!!
(4)Carri A.
This is more of a 3.5 star review, but by the powers of rounding it becomes an even 4 stars. The bruschetta on special tonight had some sort of ham on top which I was told was quite good but my vegetarianism kept me from partaking. But still, the appetizer minus the meat was still quite tasty. I had the Ignudi alla Fiortentina and was pretty blown away from the perfectly cooked gnocchi, though a little more tomato sauce would have made the dish phenomenal. The service was slightly sparse and the prices are appropriate enough. The decor is really nice - casual but classy. And the windows bring in a lot of light and is a great spot for people-watching. Interesting characters at that corner. I wont be running back but will love to try the brunch out sometime.
(4)Kellye W.
How is it that in two separate visits they managed to mess up salad a total of FIVE times!!?? I popped in for what I assumed would be a quick lunch on a warm Monday afternoon. I ordered their Garbage salad and asked what veggies where on the salad, onions weren't mentioned so I ordered the salad. When it arrived ONIONS all over the salad!! I told the waitress she never mentioned onions, so please remake without onions. No problem. The new salad comes and it doesn't have onions but it also doesn't have hearts of palm either!! The menu clearly stated that HOP will be in the salad. So I send it back again. FINALLY, it comes out the way it should. The manager was very nice and comped the salad. Thank you. Yesterday I went with my cousin (I would've stayed away) and we decided to share the Chopped salad, no onions but guess what? There were onions on the salad!! Really? Really? We send our salads back. They come out again and they STILL have onions in them, so we order the Garbage salad. At this point I'm not sure what's going on here. I've never sent so much food back in my life!! The Garbage salad arrived and it's drowned in dressing. Come on now!! The lettuce is literally soaked in dressing, I can't even taste the veggies!! My cousin who is "very saucy" doesn't mind and eats hers, as you can guess I sent mine back. Never again will I order salad from this place.
(1)Eric P.
Hostess here are horrible. We walked in and asked how long the wait. She said 30 minutes, 20 minutes pass without any acknowledgement.. Went to as; said we were next.. 1 hour later and 15 tables being seated and again no acknowledgement. We ask they say people aren't leaving.. Really? Horrible experience.
(1)Miss O.
Maybe I'm not an Italian food person. Call me Julia Child if you want. Mediocre food, but I'd go back for the summer corn any day.
(2)Lauren S.
I can't believe I haven't rated/reviewed Francesca's Forno before! I think it's one of the most comfortable, homey, delicious, and completely reasonable restaurants in the city. Forno seems a little younger and fresher than others in the Francesca's chain (though all are great). I love the warmth and rustic wooden accents. It does get crowded, but I've never had a problem getting a table. You must try the octopus appetizer, pasta al funghetti, and the banana bread pudding-ish dessert (you'll see). These three together make up one of my favorite meals ever. BAH, now I want to go! Also, props to my waitress recently for recommending the perfect glass of red wine based on my vague description of taste.
(5)Carol J.
Really, I've never reviewed Francesca's Forno? Because I've dragged more than a few Yelpers across the doorstep of this warm and cozy (albeit loud) Wicker Park outpost of the Francesca's empire. Brunch: Lots of options, everything delish and did I mention bellinis, mimosas and prosecco with black currant syrup? There is nothing more to be said. Dinner: Love the pasta offerings, the secondi veal, chicken and other various options. Always enjoy the seasonal salads and the antipasti that are big enough to share. Simple food with well balanced flavors and quality ingredients. Desserts: Yum. From molten chocolate cake to tiramisu to gelato to whatever amazing concoction is on the menu, they are all superb. Wine: List is very approachable with lots of unique wines at all price points. Love it!
(4)sharon p.
We absolutely loved this place! On a recent trip to Chicago found this place out of the way from the Chicago everyone goes to see. However, what a find!! Our food was delicious and priced well for what we got. We had lunch there, was not packed but a nice casual atmosphere. We had the number 4 pizza it hall all kinds of meats on it with a salad so good. We also had the Italian Cubano delicious. We had the crispy potatoes with the lemon aioli and peppered bacon soo good. If I lived in Chicago I would definately go back!
(5)Tammy W.
Always have loved the Francesca's chain of restaurants. However, this one was a disappointment. The decor is great, service was awesome (John is a very attentive server), but the food fell short as did the wine list (Only ONE cab available at an Italian restaurant?). The menu was limited and portions were small. Not the traditional Francesca's fare. It was a little more obscure like bruschetta with salsa verde, grapefruit and a tiger prawn. Kind of random. Many Italian restaurants to choose from in this area, not sure this one is a keeper.
(2)Jona W.
What in gay hell has happened to this place? It's a shame that I have to sit here and echo what everyone else is saying: that I remember so many good times here in this old go-to Italian spot. So many great breakfasts with out of town visitors in the sunny, cozy dining room. And don't even ask me how many times I came here with my best friend at like 10:00 at night just to order 3 desserts and 2 spoons...quite the lady nightcap if I do say so myself (and I do). So now where that long wall with the bench seating used to be, there's this big light-up bar, and even though they're playing Radiohead at a reasonable volume in there, you can't help but hear UNTS UNTS UNTS UNTS in your head because it's glowing in there like the backdrop at a Vanilla Ice concert. Just weird, weird ambiance. Then the server comes over and he is neither a cute girl OR the guy who used to work there who looks like Jack Black. (And if you're a returning, pre-renovation patron, you panic for a second like "Oh my God WHAT HAVE THEY DONE WITH JACK BLACK WAITER?!?!" But relax, he's okay, he works at Longman & Eagle now. However, I don't think the pretty waitresses fared so well...they were unfortunately sucked into the vortex that ripped through the middle of the 6 corners when this place re-opened and channeled another dimension because of the overflow of douche energy between two commercial banks, a Starbucks, and some horrible place called "Cafe Absinthe." For more information on this phenomenon, please see A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking, Chapter 17: Douche Vortex.) Anyway, so the server is wearing a band t-shirt and is just a super nice guy who's just coolin out and doin whatever and if he happens to be walking by your table he'll stop and say wassup. He stopped and told us "how this menu works," which made me laugh because I thought he meant how to unfold & read it. NO. He meant that the foods were SO special and SO precious that there was a certain way to order them! "These are all small plates, 'kay? Which you may not be used to. It's def less food than you're used to." Translation: that means it's more special!!! Definitely too special to just say "small plates to share" or "tapas." You wouldn't understand, nevermind. You're not used to anything this special. Dummies! He went on to recommend a few appetizers. He mentioned that his favorite was this thing with watermelon in it. That's what he said: "This one's my favorite, it's got watermelon in it." Call me stupid, I didn't realize that when waiters in places like this, where the menu comes with instructions, recommend things to you, it means that it hasn't been selling well. Also, when Brad Chad the Waistaff Wonder says "watermelon IN it," he means that what you're ordering is a midsection slice of watermelon, cut into pizza triangles, dotted with cheese, mint leaves, balsamic vinegar, and of all other things under the sun, chopped olive thingies. God, it was horrible. It was like someone took a big dirty shit on the flavors of summertime. "It's not for everyone!" Brad Chad joked when he cleared it from our table after we each took a single bite. Well, thanks for telling us that when you recommended it to us, Chadders. High five brah. The whole menu was like that. It's like they took a few months off, got really stoned, and wrote the menu. "Know what would be goooood? If we took like, watermelon?? No, hear me out! Dude! Dude! So we take watermelon and cheese..." One in our party ordered the mushroom spaghetti and said it was good. My other companion ordered the trout with potatoes. The fish looked leathery, so I tried one of the potatoes and it was grease-soaked and salty. I ordered the beet salad and it was just weird and over-beety, giant choke-sized chunks of beets. But they put it on a cute oddly-shaped plate and put all kinds of weird shit on it, like bite-size bits of honeycomb, so, you know, it was totally gourmet. I also got the spinach and ricotta dumplings and they were just little flour-flavored pasta balls drowning in half a cup of grease, some kind of brown chunks at the bottom of the bowl, and Ragu on top. This tiny bowl cost me $12. For that amount, you can get a dish the size of a Ford Festiva and a kiss on the forehead at places like Buona Terra. Am I being too harsh? If you're a prior-to-renovation patron, you'll think I'm not being harsh enough. If you've never been there and you like to eat overpriced, crappy mixtures of weird foods with fancy sounding names, knock yourself out, you're going to love it. As for me, I won't be back, not even to try their modern take on breakfast, because the morning is the worst time to be sad and disappointed.
(2)Jimmy P.
We've had some mixed opinions on our orders here. Great: Roasted half chicken with vegetables. Juicy, large potion, bursting with flavor and fresh vegetables. Great authentic Italian. Good: Gnocchi - flavorful but too heavy and over saturated in olive oil. Beef Carpaccio - drowned in strong flavored vegetables, oil and seasoning. The portion was fantastic, but I struggled to taste the beef. Bad: Salmon - had that slightly old fish smell. Salmon spoils slow so that's a really bad sign.
(3)Steve M.
I am a little conflicted about Francesca's Forno. We went there for dinner at 9:30 on a Sunday night, and avoided any sort of rush/frenzy (a good thing). Our waiter was superb. The bread and butter(ish dip) they put on the table was really yummy. Dessert was great -- a special vanilla bean cheesecake w/ graham cracker crust and fresh berries. However, both of our appetizers, and to some extent our main courses were "Ok." Yes, if I had cooked my linguini de frutti di mare at home, i would be WAY proud of myself. However, when I go out to eat (and drop $110 on dinner) I want to be WOWed by the food! And, I just wasn't blown away. It was good, but just not amazing. I'll still go back and give Francesca's Forno more of my business though. I saw some pizzas that looked pretty dang good, and their tilapia special also sounded good.
(3)Crystal F.
Love Francesca's Forno brunch menu with its healthy and creative Tuscan style offerings. Absolutely crazy over the arancini benedict, the fried rice balls, which seem like they would be Italian street food. Those arancini dipped into the egg yolks coupled with flavorful pancetta are off-the-charts delicious. It gets pretty noisy there; probably bad accoustics. But I forgive them all of that for the memorable meals.
(5)Emily D.
In honor of a Wicker Park Rat. This review's for you! I never drive to Bucktown. I remember in high school, North Avenue was my artery in and out of urbanity. Coasting through The Crotch wasn't anything to bat an eyelash at, but now? Gridlock. On foot it's even a game of Frogger, with Francesca's Forno as the one-up prize. I love any restaurant that lets me people-watch without restraint. I love shabby chic and unique. High-backed chairs, splintery tables. It makes the sweaty trek on a summer day all worth it to sit back and relax for a brunch spell. And I really wanted to love to food, 200+ reviews later. I dined with some brunch aficionados. My new dear friend is the GM at Bistrot Margot, so she knows her shit. We ordered savories as mains and a sweet to split and, say it with me: "Meh." But I want to go back, because while my Garlic Toast E Cerfoglio lacked it's primary ingredient (though whenever anything calls for two cloves, I add six. . . it's an illness), I think there's more to be had here. So, three for now, four for later? On my way back to my hot (lit'rally) Ford Focus, I spotted a rat making the trek with me. That hot footed vermin made it across the treacherous six corners unscathed. My curb buddies and I had an honorary round of applause. Well done, Senor Raton.
(3)Amy W.
This is my boyfriend and I's go-to-place for good italian and ambience in wicker park. The new remodeling makes more space in the restaurant with a more appealing bar. The food is ahhhmazing... especially seafood pasta. It's fresh, flavorful, and they zest it up with some heat and spices. Sit by the large windows - this is a wonderful corner for people watching as the neighborhood is an eclectic mix of people, pets, and sights.
(5)Sarah Beth B.
I have only eaten brunch here, but it was really yummy. I came with a girlfriend because we wanted an easy boozy brunch, and she thought this was the place. For the most part, she was totally right. We both ordered bloody marys, which I think was my problem, since it turns out I don't like bloody marys. But if you DO, this was basically like drinking a doctored up cup of cold soup with an entire salad on top, which is apparently the point. There was an entire menu of fizzier, fruitier breakfast booze, which I'll be sure to hit up the next time I go. As for the food, it was delicious. I got the french toast, which was light in a really perfect way, and topped with mascarpone and fruit and I think there was even some chocolate on there. It was about 2 seconds away from being bread pudding and totally delicious. My friend had the brunch egg special, which I also remember being really good. Francesca's wasn't close enough or memorable enough to get 5 stars, but it probably deserves 4 and a half. I'm taking away that other half star just for the terrible signage on their awning. It totally hides the cute decor within, and would absolutely stop me from going in without a friend's recommendation.
(4)Shayna N.
Don't be fooled by their tacky awning. Once you enter Francesca's it's cozy wooden tables, large windows, and bustling business make for a great atmosphere. I made reservations for a Sunday brunch for 4 people. It was quite a delightful experience. I tasted the individual brunch pizza, with eggs and arugula on top. My egg and greens salad was also delish. Bloody Marys and mimosas. Also VERY good. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who lives in the vicinity.
(4)Leanne M.
Nothing. That's what I can order on this menu. "All the sauces have a chicken base" says the super sweet server. And I thought all Italian restaurants were veg-friendly. I learn something every day... Sigh.
(2)Andre H.
This was my first time going to Francesca's Forno. Me and two friends were looking for a place neither of us have been before so we decided to give this one a shot after finding out one of the other places that we wanted to go to was no longer in business. First impression was nice. I liked the atmosphere and the waitress was very nice. The menu seemed kind of limited in my opinion but they had an extensive wine list (slightly expensive). I ordered Monkfish Puttanesca (Grilled monkfish, octopus, capers, black olives,anchovies, onions, tomatoes).It was decent, nothing to write or call home about for the price. It wasn't bad ..... it just wasn't great. That was only one dish and I do plan to go back to try a couple other things but I'm not as motivated to make that happen anytime soon except for brunch....maybe.
(3)Brooke T.
My roommate went here for brunch with another friend and just loved it to pieces. Couldn't stop raving about it. So with another friend in town we decided to try it for dinner. The atmosphere was cool - kind of rustic Italian with a really good contemporary music selection. Unfortunately, the chairs were totally uncomfortable and the tables were arranged in such an odd pattern that I ended up with the girl behind me banging her chair into mine constantly. Not awesome. As for the food....let me start by saying I'm a commercial Italian food nazi. It's true. So, by the look of the menu, I liked that it seemed like they were doing REAL traditional Italian dishes - not Americanized crap. The server was very accommodating. He helped us pick good wine pairings and was knowledgeable about each wine and each dish. He helped me decide on the daily special of beef ravioli with marrow and a brown butter sauce. And because I really wanted the campanelle (because it had peas in it) - he had them add peas to my ravioli! He was great. The ravioli were delicious, and my companions each had two salads that were really yummy (the squid salad and the watercress/pear/pine nuts/goat cheese). Unfortunately I thought their rigatoni was bland and boring. Overall the seating arrangements could use some work. The bar looked interesting, but unfortunately I did not get to check it out. The food is really good, generally. Of the four dishes we ordered, only one was a thumbs down (to me, it should be noted - both of my companions enjoyed what they had). Those are pretty decent odds. I think if I go back, I would do more of an Italian tapas style meal with carpaccio and some of the salumi/formaggi dishes/salads. All of it looked really fresh and delicious.
(3)Angela L.
Francesca's Forno is amazing. I've been here twice, once before the remodeling for a New Years Eve dinner, and just recently brought my mother here for dinner. I love the remodel! The look and feel of this place is great. Both times that I went, I came without a reservation, and never had to wait long. Their bar is great, so it is nice to have a drink before dinner even if you do have a wait. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful! What really makes this place is the food!! Wow, everything I've ordered here was cooked to perfection. All of the ingredients tasted so fresh and were perfectly seasoned. Everything is priced very well too. The quality and type of food that they serve here would easily be priced double their amount at other restaurants (and I am so thankful it isn't). I recommend this place to everyone! P.S. They've recently changed their menu, and it is definitely worth a try!
(5)P S.
What a lovely place for brunch! I sat down already excited to return, and shall. The peach bellini and pear mimosa were delicious (and not overly-fruity, which is what puts me off most mimosas and things similar to it), and I absolutely loved my Tegame which was fantastic with its tender, spicy sausage and perfectly-cooked potatoes. My eggs while not over medium as requested were still fresh and delicious. Maybe I was ravenous but after I devoured the whole thing I looked at my brunch buddy and said, "I think I'm still hungry" and she, after her steak and eggs, said the same thing. In hindsight we should have gotten an extra order of potatoes or something since it felt to me that the portion was slightly smaller than I prefer for the first meal of the day. Regardless, our server was sweet, Joe was so very friendly and the bill was very reasonable. I am very much looking forward to my return visit.
(4)Erin M.
I've eaten at Francesca's Forno several times and feel the need to write a review because I always leave Francesca's happy. The service is friendly and not over-the-top. The pasta is AMAZING. Dessert is always delicious. The atmosphere is comfortable and cozy. A glass of wine is not ridiculously expensive like it is at some other restaurants. Bottom line: I'm always happy when I leave this restaurant. I have nothing bad to say about it. Yummy Italian Food, service, and atmosphere!
(5)Ajanta C.
Went here for Sunday late brunch.. food was delicious!! We tried the french toast and the pork hash and we wiped off every last bit off the plate! The portion size of the french toast was a little small but the pork hash is humongous so it balanced out.. definitely going back again!
(5)Dave R.
It took a while for our table to be ready, but once we were seated a group of 4 of us had a pretty darn good meal here. We had two of the side dishes as appetizers. The brussel sprouts (bacon on the side) and the grilled asparagus with parmesan. The asparagus was quite yummy. Actually, the bread was so good and we ate enough of it I should call it a third appetizer. It came with a delicious herb butter and also olive oil with herbs and red pepper flakes (be sure to shake the oil bottle to get the flakes when you pour). I had the Mahi Mahi for my entree and it really was delicious. The tomatoes and other vegetables were perfectly cooked with a great tang from the lemon. And the fish itself was cooked and seasoned perfectly. I instinctually squeezed the lemon slice it came with on to the meal, but I think I over did it because they already had zested up perfectly. I will say that while the service was generally good, it seemed sometimes our requests for things like the wine menu, or more bread seemed to be forgotten until we asked again. Not a big deal, but it happened a few times so its worth mentioning. The big windows on to six corners were pretty cool for people watching as well.
(4)Caiti C.
This is absolutely my favorite place in the entire city for a weekend brunch. I live in Lincoln Park (there's really no easy way to get to Bucktown), but I make the special trip to Francesca's Forno at least once a month with my friend Jason. I get the same thing every time Garlic Toast E Cerfoglio (italian garlic toast topped with poached egg, prosciutto, watercress, tomato & olive oil)--and I'm not a creature of habit, I like to try new dishes, but I literally crave this dish almost every weekend. It's something about the combination of the crunchy toast, salty proscuitto and perfect poached egg that I dream about! It's also really refreshing with the addition of the fresh tomatoes and watercress and the added bunch from the quality olive oil completely rounds the dish. Forget other lines for brunches around Bucktown. The smiling host (not sure his name, but he is always so nice!) to the views of the busy street outside, Francesca's Forno is great for people watching and enjoying great conversation with friends. Trust me you won't be disappointed!
(5)Elizabeth B.
Special chairs, special location, special tables, special ambiance and lackluster food. I went here with a date on a super snowy December evening. That's right, I went here almost 3 months ago and I am just getting around to writing about it now because it was THAT uninteresting. We were one of just two couples in the whole restaurant. I had Bucatini alla Amatriciana and he had a chicken dish. He drank 3 dirrrty martinis and said they were good. I think the place looks nice but they would have to change the menu for me to want to go back. For such a spectacular place, they serve some pretty average eats. So much potential so little success. Stars given for great service and cool (if out-of-place) music.
(2)Matt W.
I have been here several times in the last few months after hearing about this place. First off, the atmosphere is always great here. It's not the biggest and busiest restaurant around but that's one of the things I like about it. Another thing I like about it obviously is the food. You can't go wrong with any of the appetizers, I have had a chance to taste them all and loved each and every one of them. I have gotten pasta every time but I think I am going to get either chicken or halibut next time. Thanks for the great dining experience all around.
(5)Kyle H.
Yes, the herb butter on bread is great! I love this place on the Triangle of Milwaukee/Damen/North, it's great for people watching inside and out. Staff is uber friendly and had good recommendations food and wine-wise. I like the pasta carbonara and the dumplings. The portions were just right. You're not going to go home with a big foam container like other Italian restaurants, but that's okay! The vibe is funky but nice enough to take a date to. Each wood table is different and so are the chairs. I would like to see more red wines by the glass, but was pleasantly surprised by my Valpolicello. I hear this place gets loud on the weekends, but it was fine during the week. Highly recommended!
(4)Kristine M.
I can't understand why this place has so many good reviews. I went here on a Wednesday night for dinner. The waiter was way constantly at our table pestering us to see if we were ready to order and what we wanted. It felt like he just wanted to shuffle us out of there as quickly as possible. The food was also terrible. We ordered this roasted corn dish, but it was deep fried in something that tasted poor. I ordered the clam and mussels dish on a bed of pasta. The pasta had nothing on it. No sauce, no flavoring, nothing. Just pasta with this seafood that tasted like it had been fermenting in a fish tank for a while. This place always looks crowded, but avoid it if you want a better dining experience.
(1)angela p.
It was definitely a-okay- nothing amazing, but nothing bad. On Tuesdays and Thursdays they offer a 3 course meal for $23, and you can choose from almost anything on their menu. Well, don't mind if I do! The calamari was good, the artichoke was good (although I've discovered there is no dignified way to eat the damned things); the ravioli ai tarfuto were alright and my boyfriend claimed his pizza bianca was good. Dessert was good, too. So, it was a pretty middle of the road Italian place. Definitely worth the prix fix menu.
(3)Grace L.
We didn't make any fancy reservations for Valentine's Day, so we just popped into Francesca's thinking they wouldn't have anything exclusive going on. We were seated immediately. The atmosphere is pretty casual and lively, which I liked...however, not such a fan of the basket of cold bread, or the pasta sauce that tasted like they had dumped way too many bottles of wine into it. The desserts, however, looked heavenly...but alas, I was too full after the meal for any dessert...that and they were out of the chocolate-raspberry tart that I wanted. I changed my mind when I saw the awe-striking tiramasu that the table next to us ordered...but by that time, we had already gotten the check, so I left Francesca's dessert-less. Overall, though, I'd say this is probably a great place for a fun date, although it's probably better to skip the meals and just go for some wine and dessert.
(3)Eman S.
New Year's Eve started with reservations at Francesca's and it was a great start! The first thing you notice when you walk in is the incredible garlic bread and pizza smell. It makes you hungrier just walking in. When you sit, you get a bread basket with the best butter spread I have ever had...and I HATE butter on bread, but I ate some of this. We then ordered the bruschetta and that too was delicious. I do recommend using a fork and knife to eat it and not your fingers because the toppings are pretty high. For dinner, I had the rigatoni with chicken pesto and it was so good. Others at the table had the lobster ravioli (she said it was just okay) and the 1/2 chicken with potatoes (he said it was just okay). The bill for 4 people, appetizer, bottle of wine and four meals was $120. Not too bad.
(4)Vinay D.
Went here for lunch because Bongo Room was crazy packed...and I'm glad we did! Great wait staff, great food, no complaints! -Possibly the best glass of OJ I've had at a restaurant.
(5)Carly H.
I love the Francesca Chicago chains, they usually provide great service and great food for a good price. Not surprise that Francesca's Forno fit the bill.. While searching for apartments in bucktown/lakeview/lincoln park and hunger stuck I caught a glimpse of Francesca's Forno, i knew that i would be ok.!! Great place to try.
(4)Ayako M.
Who knew they served brunch here?!? This is the perfect place to get seated right away when you don't feel like waiting an hour for Bongo Room or the like. Service is always friendly and unobtrusive. Awesome Bloody Mary's and the Tegame with sausage is freaking delish!
(4)Abby T.
Slow and steady wins the race.......especially when it's paired w/ consistency. Disappointedly removing 1 star.... Unfortunately my last visit to FF was not as great as previous ones. The bread was really grossly stale! :-/ That does NOTHING for the mouth-watering butter. The bread has been fabulous on a Sunday and Tuesday. This time I came on a Thursday. Worth noting if you come, really looking forward to devouring the bread and butter like me. :-) Also, this time there was no balsamic on the caprese when I could swear last time there was. But I will say this, the pizza w/ portabella mushrooms I had during this visit was the bomb!! :-P
(4)Sarah H.
Overall, a great experience! I'll definitely be a repeat offender. :) We went on a Monday evening and it was pleasantly busy but no wait time to sit down, and the wait staff and managers were totally on it - they checked on us enough that I was never in need but not so much that it got annoying. The food was great and fairly priced - I'll probably go back JUST for the bruchette appetizer! My friend's meal size was pretty good (enough to take some home) but mine left a bit to be desired in terms of the portion. I could have easily eaten about twice as much (I'm not huge...it was just a small portion compared to others). Unfortunately I forget what it was, but basically a fancy version of baked mostaccoli..maybe 3rd down on the pasta menu? Anyhow....although I wasn't impressed with the size of my main meal, the wait staff, excellent atmosphere, otherwise impressive food, and location were all big winners for me and I definitely plan to dine there again! This is definitely one of the many gems of Wicker Park!!
(4)HY S.
I was visiting Chicago just before Christmas and happened upon Francesca's with the help of an iPhone and yelp. As an out-of-towner coerced into making a restaurant decision mostly to get out of the bitter bitter cold, I had resigned myself to a mediocre and over-priced meal but was very pleasantly surprised. Thanks yelp! The space itself was interesting. Not exactly cozy and almost spartan with its loft/industrial/exposed pipes and high ceilings look, but maybe I was just cold -- I think I wore my scarf throughout dinner and had my coat draped over my legs. The restaurant is on the corner of a busy intersection and has 2 walls of windows which would make for great people watching. I guess it's kind of romantic too being all dimly lit with candles (I think?), although I was confused to hear Everclear circa 1994 was setting the mood. I gave into a craving for risotto, disregarding my better judgment for what's usually soggy, flat, flavored rice, and was impressed (even 3 months later) by perfectly cooked arborio with just the right balance of cheese, wine, and stock. Also, the sausage in the risotto kicked ass! We also ordered the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin which reaffirmed for me that anything wrapped in bacon is going to taste awesome. The portions were generous and we ended up taking almost half of our meal home. Unexpected bonus: 1/2 price bottles of wine (Tuesday?) Great food, appropriately priced, pleasant atmosphere. I'd definitely go back if I'm ever in the neighborhood.
(4)Aaron G.
It's always very good. The sausage pizza was fantastic. Trout was good as was the risoto. The pork shoulder could have been a complete knock out but it was just a bit overdone.
(4)amanda g.
the brunch is really good. the dinner is decent. the staff is really great. we've been here for brunch 5 or 6 times recently. we've had almost everything on the brunch menu and its really pretty great. some favs: pork hash savory pancakes sweet pancakes the coffee cake special (i think they only have this on sundays) is absolutely delish. we went here a couple of weeks ago for dinner and were less impressed. some of our dishes were good and some were pretty meh. i think we'll stick to brunch.
(3)Harli B.
This place is wonderful- since their new rehab last year the atmosphere is gorgeous. Not to mention their food is fabulous at brunch or dinner. The drinks are what keep me coming back. The bartender Anna is one of the coolest bartender's I've come across and their customer service in general is amazing. Definitely worth going!
(5)Jeff S.
This place was so much fun. Went on a Thursday night, got out of the cold and into a really great atmosphere. Awesome people watching from all sides of the huge glass windows and a great marble topped counter to an open kitchen. Our server was Mike and he was attentive and really funny. We got started with bruschetta and the meatball sliders. Bother were DELICIOUS. For an entree I had the pot roast pasta, a great stick to your ribs dish and my girlfriend had the grouper which was cooked to perfection. We split the apple tart for dessert which was huge, and also very good. Glad we split it. Bussers were great and kept up with getting us new silver, refilling water and clearing dirty plates like clockwork through the whole meal. Overall an awesome experience at one of my new favorite spots in WP. I see some negative reviews from early on in their reopening but THIS PLACE HAS HIT THEIR STRIDE! CHECK IT OUT NOW!
(5)Vivian Y.
I've been here now, three times and each time I really enjoy it. Twice for dinner, once for brunch. The Brunch is perhaps the best deal around - expect to pay about $10-12 per brunch entree, but the quality is what makes it a great steal! They use fresh ingredients and offer creative, rustic Italian selections. Dinner is also wonderful as well with a great wine list - but be forewarned - the NOISE can be deafening....very very LOUD. Don't miss the plate of Procuitto, beef carpaccio (ask for it, it's not on the menu). Pizza's are great - thin crust, light and fresh. Hubby had the new york strip and WOW..one of the best strips I have ever had (I am a filet fan) - it had this gorgeous crunchy and cripsy, slighly fatty skin to it..had to explain but the flavor was soooo good. Polenta however, was really water - I like polenta to the consistency of creamy mashed potatoes but this was like apple sauce.... Still yummy....one of my go-to Italian joints in the city!
(4)Nicolas H.
I like this place. They have your traditional italian fare, but also some more interesting menu choices to keep it different. We started with their free bread and homemade butter and it was awesome. We also had the Insalata con Uova (greens, asparagus, parmesan, fried egg, and white truffle oil). One of the better salads I've had in a long time as the truffle oil and runny egg combination was perfect. For the entree I had the special which was the Pork Belly. Easily the biggest portion I've ever had, and at ~$15 it seemed like a steal. So so good...
(4)Michelle P.
I first experienced Francesca's in Naperville and had an incredible dinner. When I saw the Francesca's in Wicker Park reopened I was eager to give it a try. The food was decent but it was the service that earned Francesca's a 2 star review. When we asked our waiter, Victor for suggestions he was very brief and stated which one was more popular. He spent very little time at our table and if it was not for the efficiency of the bus boys our experience would have been horrible. When Victor brought the bill back he just set it at our table without even a thank you. Thankfully there are plenty of other great Italian restaurants still left in the city!
(2)Irina G.
Craving authentic italian? Holy crap, delicious. Went here last night for the first time, and I will definitely be back to explore more of the options. I'll tell you what I know as of now. There were three of us so we split 2 appeteasers and 2 entrees - here goes: The bread was freakin fabulous! It came with a sort of garlic-basil butter that i couldnt stop eating, i would come here for just bread alone, no joke. Butternut Squash Soup with Goat Cheese Crouton - WHAT!? this was such a wonderful creation - i love halloween simply because of all the pumpkin/squash food creations - why dont these stay in season all the time???? anyway, the goat cheese idea could not have been more brilliant, the goat cheese melted perfectly into the soup creating a bit of a sweet/salty taste that simply flourished on my tongue. Calamari fritti- classic italian tease, i use this as a test to see if the italian place is Irina-worthy and these were made to perfection! not greasy, lightly crispy and fabulous spicy marinara... Mushroom Cream Dumplings (dont remember what they're called in italian lol) - essentially square gnocci in a creamy mushroom sauce, and they did NOT jip me on the mushrooms, we basically licked the plate clean. Linguine al pescatore/frutti del mare - fabulouso - spinach, tomatoes, scallops, shrimp, mussels, and plenty of it! We had a pescatarian in our group but this definitely pleased all our palates! Overall, great atmosphere, big place, comfy, fabulous service, I only have it one star less than a perfect because their dessert menu was pretty generic, but we didnt try it either, so who knows? Next time, I'll be experimenting with the wine and dessert menu in addition to the food, but as far as it goes for food alone, AWESOME. The end. :) Fettucini
(4)Marie G.
What happened to you, Forno? You used to be the bastard child of Francesca's restaurants, giving their standard Italian menu a kick in the pants with inventive small plates, unique salads, and a carefully selected wine list. Now you've gone and changed your menu entirely to match the others in your chain. If I want boring Lincoln Park food, I'll go to the Francesca's near my house. If I want standard Italian food, I'll go to Club Lucky. Too bad you had to become another Stepford Wife of the Francesca's chain. It looks like this Chicago based chain is one step closer to becoming the Olive Garden.
(2)Ingrid G.
Brunch on Sunday with a party of 7 adults and one cute little baby in a stroller. Most of the reviews were right on. We did have a reservation and got seated promptly. The place is extremely loud, however very friendly and attentive service. The brunch selections were very very good, and different than the typical brunch fare you get at the other places. My aunt bogarted my side order of polenta--when it came out she pretended like she ordered it. She really seemed to enjoy it. I wouldn't know since I didn't get any.
(4)M R.
Service could have been much quicker. Food was good, yet I think a bit overpriced but after all it is on the heart of Wicker Park. Overall, perhaps the best in the near area.
(3)Jolie R.
I should always go with my gut instinct.....do NOT order gluten-free pasta at ANY restaurant. However, since it was my own fault, I won't dis the place. The salad was stupendous - Insalata con Uova - greens, grilled asparagus, shaved parmesan cheese, lemon vinaigrette with a fried egg on top. Very different and very delicioso! Hubby had the Paccheri alla Laticastelli, which he yummed over and over, wishing the bowl was bigger (although he had a mound of it that was quite big in his bowl). I ordered the Spaghetti al Funghetto, which was gluten-free if requested. The original came with a brandy-veal sauce and white truffle oil, but the gluten-free didn't have the sauce. Shoulda stuck with the original!!! I'm kicking myself - the sauce and mushrooms were very salty, but I don't know if that was from the substituted oil and garlic or what.... Other guests at the table ordered Pollo alla Voltostana and Pollo Arrosto alla Salatino, which they declared to be magnifico!! Dessert was a round of flourless chocolate cake, apple tart, gelato and fresh berries, which was shared by all - sweet and a great way to top off the meal. I'm taking away 1 star for the waiter who hung over our table as he talked....it was wierd. Otherwise, we'll be back for more and I'll make sure I order original food!!
(4)Jennifer B.
Good God the food at Francesca's Forno tastes great. I mean...WOW! They just put a new entree on the menu for Fall...pumpkin ravioli! Who knew pumpkin tasted like heaven? The food here is exceptional, and the service gets the job done. It is difficult to hear in this restaurant though....it is LOUD. Loud like it's the first thing you'll recognize upon entering, and when walking outside after your meal you'll breathe a sigh of relief that you can hear again. For some reason, this restaurant doesn't seem to match with the neighborhood. I don't know...it's hipster central at Milkaukee/Damen/North and then here sits Francesca's Forno, with it's traditional look and feel. Hip or not, I'm definitely returning to this spot for their amazing pastas.
(4)Lara K.
They gave me the wrong pizza and did not take it off my bill!!
(1)Mae S.
You guys gotta try Funghi e Taleggio pizza for $10. Wild mushroom, taleggio, tomato, and white truffle oil. It's fantastic! Make sure to tell them not to burn the bottom though cause it'll completely change the taste.
(4)Jeff H.
Excellent, excellent service. Good coffee and lots of refills. Tomato pork hash was way too salty. Wife's baked egg thing too greasy and fatty, but I am sure some people like it that way. Good people watching.
(3)Brandon C.
I hated the portion I got at this place for dinner. Italian is supposed to be filling and tasty. This was about half of a meal I would expect at an Italian joint. The food was bland and cold. I will not be back.
(1)Jen G.
I love the 3 courses, $23 thing they have going on here...and unlike most places, you can pick most any appetizer, main course, dessert from the menu! They also don't scrimp on the portions, which meant I got to enjoy my gorgonzola/fig/prosciutto pizza for lunch the next day (and I even shared some of it!) I also tried the calamari (very good) and an arugala salad that was a special. Just three stars though because nothing was special enough to warrant an exceptional rating. I like the décor and vibe as a whole but didn't find the restaurant particularly comfortably and the service was just OK without enough attention to detail. (busboys robotically filling water glasses; waiter absentmindedly asking if we needed change...) Still, a great bargain and I plan to go on a day without the special to see if it's different.
(3)William K.
Super-simple review... outstanding food, service, and atmosphere. My entree was the NY strip with gorgonzola... yum. But the winner was Holly's risotto of the the day which included italian sausage and spinach. Oh my! We topped it off with some chocolate lava cake which made Ty smile a chocolate-speckled grin. Why are 9 year-old boys seemingly allergic to napkins? Our waiter was super-nice and the ambiance is very friendly. The only (negligible) ding was it took a while for them to prepare our (incredible) food. Whatever. 5 stars!
(5)Josh G.
Last night was my first dinner here and over all it was good. I thought the restaurant was pretty busy for a late dinner on a Wednesday night, but even so there was no wait for a table for two. No sooner had we been seated when someone came over with water, big thumbs up for me. Our server gave us just the right amount of time to get situated before coming over and giving us the specials. Our server was very friendly and answered all our questions about the food and wine. The only problem I had with the atmosphere was it was just a little loud but again, the server was great and was happy to repeat anything we asked. For dinner I had the Ignudi alla Fiorentina (ricotta & spinach dumpling in a brown butter-sage sauce) and my date had the Pollo Arrosto alla Salatino (roasted half chicken with Italian sausage and herbs). I think a lot of people would be surprised at the small serving size of the pasta that I got. I will admit it was a bit small but since it was delicious and I like to keep dinner on the lighter side I was totally satisfied with it. I didn't try any of my date's dinner but the report was that is was also enjoyable. The wine we had was fantastic and this is coming from someone who doesn't drink much. Unfortunately I can't remember the name but I'll edit the review later if I figure it out. For dessert we shared a creme brulee with fresh berries. I love creme brulee and this one didn't fail me, especially the fresh fruit on top. The strawberries and blueberries were perfect. Over all I thought this place was very tasty. Since it's not in my neighborhood I probably wouldn't go out of my way just to go here but it was well worth the trip and I would easily go back if I was in the hood.
(4)Tu'ens N.
There are a few things I didn't like about Francesca's Forno. First, the menu is not very interesting - almost all the dishes are dishes I cheaply, easily and regularly make at home. I got the Baresi pizza, and it was UNBELIEVABLY salty. I mean, like super-pretzel salty. Even though it has prosciutto I think that they poured salt on the pizza... The taste was not bad besides the extreme saltiness but still not even in the top 20 pizzas in town I can think of off the top of my head. One of my forks that came with my setting was very dirty with cheese or something stuck all over it, which happens of course, but I think someone should have checked the forks before wrapping them up in napkins especially since it was really obvious. Our server was very attentive and the ambiance is good. The Francesca's salad or something was pretty good as well. I don't imagine going there ever again unless its just a matter of convenience.
(2)Peter R.
We ate here for my birthday last month. It was a busy Saturday night, and we were seated as soon as all of us arrived. The service was OK, and I can say the same about the food. My overall opinion of the restaurant is good, and I'm sure if I go back I will order the dish I originally wanted. The atmosphere was good, but I just thought they should'nt be playing Top 40 hits inside a Trattoria. I will say that I enjoyed the Tiramisu and that my chicken dish was adequate. I will give this place another try and maybe it will leave me with a better taste.
(3)Ellen M.
I have never had such nice service and food while listening to 'Nimrod's Son,' and I loved watching all you pretty things walk by from my window seat. I guess you have to get here for early weekday dinners, 'cos it was empty and the service was awesome. The herbed butter rocked. You can order one entree each, or choose 3-5 smaller portions. Kathleen O. and I split everything. Good carpaccio, fresh tomatoes and spinach. The octopus salad was delicious, and the ricotta cheese in the traditional ravioli was perfect - ricotta just a little dry, how I love it. The portions were all pretty small but with nice presentation, so we ordered two desserts to share thinking we'd daintily tuck into little petit fours and fruity thingies, but darn my cellulite if they weren't generous. Don't get all dolled up. Or, get all dolled up. This is not your father's Milwaukee Avenue.
(4)Annie W.
This place is really good Italian. Not overly greasy or saucy with quick service. I've gotta remember to try it for brunch, too. I'd recommend the pinoli e caprino insalate (watercress, arugula, PEAR, etc) and linguini con frutti de mare (this thing was chockful of seafood!). On a not so hungry Monday night, a friend and I split this order and it was the perfect amount and very reasonably priced. The best part is at the end when you leave the restaurant. Don't forget to check out their bowl of unique Italian wrapped candies!! I grabbed a couple but should've grabbed a handful. Flavors such as chocolate liquor, coffee. YUM!
(4)Zach F.
My girlfriend and I were able to call at 7:15 on a Saturday night and get a reservation for 2 at 8:45/9PM the same night. When we got to the restaurant I was surprised by the size (it's bigger than your average Italian restaurant) but in a good way. We were seated immediately; I think we were lucky to get that reservation since the place was completely full. -1 star for spotty service at times: when we first sat down it took longer than necessary for someone to attend to us, and took excessive time bringing drinks (1 beer, 1 glass of wine) The food here at F. Forno's was amazing, some of the best Italian I've had in the city. Delicious without being pretentious and a GREAT value. We had bruschetta with figs and bacon for an appetizer (special of the night) that was delicious. I had the Pane Frattau pizza, it was covered with prosciutto and cooked to perfection. My girlfriend had the mushroom pasta and the portion was large and cooked perfectly. Great place off the beaten path, if you will. We'll be back!
(4)Allyson R.
Had dinner there on Friday night with a girlfriend. Parking was a nightmare, but of course, that's Wicker Park for you. Dinner was quite good and they had some nice wine selections. However, I felt like the tables were a can of packed sardines; was not a great option for having a conversation. Their molten chocolate cake was to die for and probably the best part of the meal. The reason for the 3 stars was the fact that we split the check, but I was charged for the whole meal on my credit card. Still waiting for the charges to be reversed and for the real amount to even show up on my statement. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the mistake works itself out.
(3)Vickie L.
Love this place. Food is always good, atmosphere is always great. People are young and attractive. The only thing I do NOT love is the wait. We made reservations (for my birthday!) for 8pm, we didn't get seated until 8:45! After nicely complaining about 5 times, the waitress said the manager was going to provide us with free appetizers, they brought out 3 kinds. In terms of apps, nothing was too spectacular. I always get a pasta dish and am never unhappy. Portions are good, but not so big that I feel wasteful leaving a few bites. Last time I got a pasta dish with seafood - very good. The manager also said we'd get free dessert, so we got 3 of them. All were very good, my fav was the brownie with vanilla ice cream (no one ever does this dessert wrong). After all the discounts, our meal was quite reasonable :) I suggest if it ever takes more than 20 minutes for your seat, make sure to complain so you get something comped.
(4)Courtney B.
Big fan. I've always just noshed at the bar here. Last night we had a party of 6 and sat at the corner table where the two windows come together which made it feel like we were sitting right on the street. Great people watching, really fun. The calamari and goat cheese apps were excellent. Our server, John, helped me decide on a couple different wines for the table since I am not too familiar with Italian wines. After reading some YELP reviews yesterday I ended up ordering a couple of highly recommened dishes and wasn't disappointed! The asapragus/egg/truffle salad was mouth-watering and the seafood pasta was packed with shrimp and scallops. I couldn't even eat half, it was so big. It'll be a nice late snack for tonight. This is a really great choice for a family dinner. Lots of bread and herbed butter with nice wine and a great atmosphere to relax and enjoy a lovely meal.
(4)Shang S.
We came here on a weeknight for a girlfriend's birthday dinner and they were extremely accommodating for a group of 9. We waited at the bar for maybe 10 minutes before we were seated. We had various people share dishes or order individual dishes, and everything came within a reasonable schedule and all was correct. The food is what I would generally expect from an Italian restaurant with these affordable prices, but it's nothing particularly outstanding or bad, which is what I usually assign 3-star ratings to. The service was attentive all night, and we had a great time.
(3)Kristin V.
I have been here 4 times because I live in the neighborhood. It is a trusty place and normally I would give 4 stars or higher. But, I don't love the brunch menu, to be honest. I got truffle egg toast and it was on a bed of dry mixed greens with a little piece of toast. My friend got the skillet and was very disappointed with the taste. my other friend got Eggs Benedict and we all had food envy. Hers looked awesome and she ate it up without sharing. Anyway, eat the eggs benedict or don't bother.
(3)Kymberly J.
mmmmm...What's better than a good italian meal on a cold Chicago night? I loved the interior and the atmosphere but I have to say the music didn't go with the surroundings. I don't think " you spin me right round" goes with a hearty Italian dinner. But hey! that's me! So anyway, I had the risotto special and my friend had a rigatoni dish. Both were excellent. The rigatoni had a firey flavor like they stuck it in a brick over for a few minutes. Yum, it was like nothing I'd ever tasted before.
(4)Sarah R.
I've always been a big fan of all the Francesca's I've been to. This one.....not so much. They just remodeled, and the space is beautiful. But the service and the food left something to be desired. We were a party of 6, waiting for one person who was going to be really late. We told them this when we first got there. No one ever came to our table. After over 20 minutes, we flagged someone down, and a server came over. He said that he thought we were waiting for someone. Yeah, but no greeting? No drink order? No offer of apps while we wait? Nothing at all? We ordered a few bottles of wine, and they took an above average time to land on the table. Our server seemed like chatting with other staff took priority over taking care of us. We finally ordered, and I think I was the only one at the table who liked my dish. I got the pork shoulder al forno, and it was a bit greasy, but I did enjoy it. I tired bites of my friends dishes, and agreed with their descriptions, under seasoned, greasy, chewy and boring were some of the words I heard from them. If you have a craving for Francesca's, hit up OG Francesca's (Mia on Clark Street), or the one on Taylor.
(2)Naomi L.
I can't take allot of these negative reviews seriously! it inspires me to go more to these places lol! As for Amanda's nasty review um it was brunch and when you go to brunch you gotta wait- The whole of Chicago is going. try NEW York city lol! we went to FF on a Friday night it was escellent , service, presentation quality of food and back ground atmosphere. The pinot noir wasn't the best but this isn't a fine dining wine bar, so you get what you pay for. we will be back !
(5)Rick W.
A solid place to go for a meal. Great bread and garlic butter, several entries are good. Not a big fan of the salami pizza. Very nice ambiance and a great location.
(4)rebecca s.
I met a friend here for brunch a few weeks back. I wasnt so sure about it at first but i ended up having a great meal. We sat at the bar and were offered drinks on the house. I guess the bartender was trying out a new drink. Food was served fast and was super delicious. Surprisingly this place gets pretty packed for brunch. I would totally go back.
(4)Dana H.
Ate here for 'Dining Out for Life'...was impressed... Super casual Great menu...everything you'd expect from an Italian restaurant Affordable wines Friendly staff The Spaghetti al Funghetto and Fichi, Prosciutto and Gorgonzola pizza were both delish. We will return!
(4)Jen S.
This place is either very good or very bad. Its weird becuse you get to have both at the same time. Its like a sandwich with deliciousness on one side and ickyness on the other. The wait sucks, but I expected that. The staff was bizarre. The host was so over the top happy to see us I was worried that he mistook me for someone on americas most wanted and was planning on collecting a huge reward. My actual waitress was absent. we got bread at the end of the meal. (Unless bread is a traditional Italian after dinner mint?) Every time she did show herself she kept asking where she knew me from. Its possible that she eventually remembered where she knew me from, decided she hated me and took it out on me by ignoring me. Whatever. The cheese was good, but its not like they actually make the cheese, you know? Its just cheese. And that was the best part of the meal- everything else was just ok.
(3)Brian W.
This place very well could be my new favorite Italian spot in the city. Having ate their last night and leaving with a well satisfied stomach. We walked in a little early and they hadn't opened the kitchen just yet. However our server John was more than willing to seat us and get us started with some drinks. He was very nice and joked around a good deal with us. We started off with their fried calamari, it was very lightly battered with a graham cracker crust. It wasn't greasy and you could just get a hint of the cracker in it, probably some of the best fried calamari I've had. Our eyes were probably much larger than they should have been. We ordered spaghetti al funghetto, bianca pizza, and the linguini con frutti di mare, a few sides of funghi trifolati and patate alla calabrese. The portions weren't too large, which was a relief. They also sauced it the pasta in a more traditional manner, which is to lightly coat the pasta and not overwhelm it, thank you! My spaghetti with mushrooms was awesome, it was bursting with flavor and the white truffle oil helped the mushrooms and mascarpone reach their full potential. The potatoes were super creamy and just sort of melted away when they touched my fork. Being down in Wicker Park it's a fun spot to people watch from as well. It's like a miniature parade of fixees,hipsters and hypebeasts. Great atmosphere and not pretentious, I'll return here again soon.
(4)David B.
My visit to Forno was very Yin and Yang. To start, we made a 730 reservation and were seated at 9. Yes, it was a Saturday night and VERY packed, so I understand getting seated late, but 90 minutes late? Craziness. Now you ask, why in the world would you wait 90 minutes??? The reason was management being so nice about everything. We were waiting at the bar having drinks, and about 30 minutes into waiting, we were served bruschetta. About 60 minutes in, we were served free drinks. Yeah, probably doesn't make up for a 90 minute wait, but given that I was with a group of friend and we were all waiting contently at the bar, it wasn't that bad. Once seated, the rest of the night went nicely. Very good service in a nice and fun ambiance. And more importantly, the food was really good! I'd probably return to Forno on a weeknight when its less busy. Its a fun place with solid service and at decent prices.
(3)Jacqui C.
I won't write a long, babbly review since this place is already well-reviewed already. The food here is phenomenal. I have gone with friends several times now and have always been blown away by the appetizers (last night we had a cheese plate and some sort of pepper dish stuffed with cheese), the salads, and the entrees. My friend and I are addicted to the sausage rigatoni. Another friend loves the rissotto. Another friend swears by the frutti di mare. On top of it all, we are continually shocked at how freakin' affordable it is. Whenever our bill comes, we always wonder at first whether things were accidentally left off. It's amazing. The deserts are fabulous as well, and our FAVORITE SERVER is Ellie. She's spicy and hilarious, and makes fabulous recommendations on what to eat that night. She also remembered us from last time and brought us free flutes of champagne just for fun. We will continue to go back here and ask for her section. The only thing that sucks about Francesca's Forno is that it's so (apparently) popular that you have to make reservations or else you're screwed. However, I'm happy to do it. The experience is great.
(5)jeff c.
Nice ambiance. Food quality pretty good, albeit portions rather small. Hostess very nice and quite professional. Service slow. Seems like wait staff and runners do not talk to each other (language barrier?) as there were three mistakes with our order. Wait staff dressed in super casual street clothes...should have black pants and white shirts in this type of quality establishment. Linen table clothes would be nice too. Oddly, music was all 70's rock and roll like Bob Dylan and the Doors...weird for a fancy Italian spot. I would go again but this place needs some polishing....
(3)Amy S.
The brunch is YUMTASTIC! I had the salad with the egg on it and asparagus...delicious! The only bad thing is that I ordered toast after I got my meal (I thought it came with it) and it took about 15 minutes. The atmosphere is claustrophobic because the tables are SO close together...but it's ok.
(4)Christina D.
After trying desperately to find a nice (but not too complicated or fancy) place to eat for when my roommate's parents were in town, we decided on Forno. I was initially hesitant- although I had never eaten there, something about its smug manner of just being right in your face at the six corners made me dislike it. Luckily, I had an experience that proved my first impression wrong. As a big group trying to make a last minute reservation, we surprisingly had no problem getting a table on a Friday night at this busy joint. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable about their different available wines and my roommate's parents were delighted. I ordered a mushroom risotto of some sort and it was pretty damn delicious- and I have high standards for risotto! The service was great, the atmosphere a bit noisy but not very annoying, and overall it was a positive experience.
(4)Andrea C.
on my first trip out to wicker park my boyfriend and i landed here. we had to fuel up before commencing on a search for the marc by marc jacobs store (i had forgotten to yelp it before leaving...oops!)... anyway, after perusing the block for tasty looking restaurants we landed here. prices are very reasonable for brunch and the food was very very tasty. they were serving brunch, so i had a bloody mary and he had a mimosa (both really great...$6). for my main course, i had a sandwich (w/really fresh mozzerella) and delicoius pasta salad!! i think bf had pancakes? either way he and i could have licked our plates clean. it looks like their menu changes often, which is great...and the prices were reasonable. id definitely go back!
(5)Nicole B.
Nice decor. Great and cheap lunch prices. Friendly staff. I ordered a caprese salad and a glass of wine, and everything was deelish.
(4)Varvar Y.
I've been to this place twice. Once for brunch and once for dinner. Brunch was pretty plain(3), but dinner was fantastic! Both times we were greeted by the same super jolly man. We always get a kick out of how happy he is, but it's nice and welcoming. Dinner was so tasty that I wanted to lick my plate (and my bf's). And the garlic butter is to die for! I would have packed it if I had leftovers. The service was good. Chocolate lover's - I highly recommend the lava cake. It's up there with Roy's lava cake. Yum....
(4)anna k.
Walked in @ 7pm and was lucky enough to get a table by the window. My guest was a couple minutes behind me so I started at the bar. I got a glass of wine, he arrived and we sat. We were having a great conversation and the restaurant was really busy, but it took about 15 minutes(maybe longer?) for the waitress to approach. Jenn was super sweet and apologetic, we were fine in our own company. Wine list is super affordable and so is the dinner menu. They sent out the Mussels to the table for the wait and they tasted fresh and but cold. Pasta with clams and bone marrow had great flavor and the clam & belly pizza was tasty but the center was very soggy. Regardless of the few misses, I'll definitely be back. The vibe is super cool neighborhood staple.
(3)Thomaz P.
Very very good place for a very decent price. Very trendy decor and servers.
(4)Johnny B.
Francesca's Forno is the Family of Francesca's Wicker Park location. Appropriately, it is a much hipper and relaxed restaurant than the other incarnations. Not to say it doesn't match up to the other Francesca's; when it comes to the food, it met my lofty expectations. I don't know if Francesca's has overly high expectations of their wait staff, or if I have just been lucky, but for my second straight visit to one of their venues, I was extremely impressed with our server. He was very knowledgeable of the menu, offered great suggestions and stopped by at all the right times. We started with a pizza. Actually, we started with the bread. And continued with the bread. And continued with the bread. Francesca Forno's bread is out of this world! It is chewy with a hard crispy crust and they provide you with herbed butter AND seasoned olive oil. I couldn't decide which topping was better, so I kept grabbing more pieces to aid my decision. It's still a toss-up. After two baskets of bread, and probably 8 pieces for me alone, we received our pizza appetizer. It was three cheese with prosciutto, figs and a Chianti reduction. It was a delicious blend of ingredients, with each bite bringing out different flavors. For entrees, she had a delicious gnocchi in a brown butter sage tomato sauce. It was very good, but paled in comparison to my spaghetti with mushrooms in a veal broth, truffle oil sauce. It was rich and savory, and quite possibly the best pasta I have ever tasted. Still early in the year, it has a strong hold on best things I ate in 2008. Despite the massive amounts of bread consumed, my better half's extreme love for Nutella overruled our stomach's plea for no more food. We split the crepes with Nutella and cream. They weren't out-and-out amazing, but they will certainly greatly please any Nutella freaks out there. Francesca's Forno definitely has a more unique feel than its sister locations. The parent company did a great job of adapting their plan, tweaking it to the neighborhood, and still delivering some of the best Italian dining in the city.
(5)Erin S.
Went here Friday night for dinner and drinks. Had the bucatini alla amatriciana, and overall was not that impressed. Wasn't a well put together dish and was just okay. I was just a bit underwhelmed after hearing good reviews about the place. Boyfriend had the braised pork shoulder which he really enjoyed. However, the food - probably 2 stars. One extra star for the cozy ambiance. If coming here esp. on a Friday - make reservations - the place was packed.
(3)Charlene C.
We had a delicious meal here. We sat near the window and enjoyed the activity of the people walking by - especially the mime who was performing for a taping of some sort. My daughter and I shared a special salad of watermelon which was delish. I opted for the Mushroom+Marscapone Pasta; incredible. It was so smooth and delicious with perfectly cooked mushroom in a creamy sauce. Rich? Yes! I wanted to eat every bite, but couldn't so my daughter got a nice little carry out for another time. :-) It's a busy and hopping place. The meatball sliders looked incredible (someone at the bar behind us ordered them) so perhaps on another trip to Chicago, we'll give them a try.
(5)Suzen R.
The brunch menu was limited but it was good food. The washrooms were too small to be accessible for wheelchair users. The layout of the restaurant was fantastic! The food was great too. Next time I would not go for brunch.
(4)Tanya M.
FUCKING ORGASMIC! i've eaten here a few times and everything is always incredibly good but Friday night, it was the best meal i've had in a long time. the names of the dishes are in italian so i dont remember the name of it but i had roasted chicken with a very thin amount of cheese on top with sauted mushrooms and this delicious juice/brown sauce poured over it all and my god it was good. I also had a side of spinach with olive oil and garlic, perfection. and they serve you this herbed butter with the bread that you cant help but try to control yourself from slathering butter over everything. the tables are closer then i like and everyone is really loud in there and at times it seems as if the people next to you are listening to your conversation but what can you do. And I tried to order an allagash white but they were out or they stopped serving it, not sure but the waiter suggested the only goose island beer on the menu, and although i wasn't familiar with it i decided to try it and it was gooood. and on tuesdays they have 3 courses for $30, definitely try that out. you'll be stuffed. OH MY GOD, i almost forgot about the dessert! we shared the flour-less chocolate cake which had a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. so delicious. and the portion was just right, not too big like most places. they probably understand that you are already full but just cant help but finish off with something sweet. good coffee as well.
(5)K H.
Thank goodness they got their old menu back. This place is reasonably priced and the food rocks. They had a bad period where they completely changed the menu, but all is well again. Love the beets. The risoto is always a winner as is the half chicken. Better to go late because it's really busy around 8 on weekends.
(4)Chris W.
What a treat to be able to dine here! I cannot say enough good things about the menu but wow you will be amazed. We went as a group of four and shared a bunch of small plates and we left full. I would definitely go back!
(4)Andrea C.
Hands down one of my favorite places for brunch in the city. I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a table (compare this to the insanity that is Bongo Room right down the street) and the food is always fantastic. I've tried pretty much everything on the brunch menu and have never been disappointed. Love this place - perfect location for shopping, the farmer's market and people watching!
(4)ANA R.
My boyfriend and I absolutely LOVE this place. Whenever I eat here, I find myself humming an "mmmmm" throughout my entire meal, seriously! The food has such rich flavor -- nothing mediocre or subtle about it! It's gourmet Italian to savor and treat your taste buds. The setting is pretty calm and cozy, nothing like the busy streets (hello five corners intersection!), with dimmed lights and sturdy, heavy wood fixtures. Our service is usually nice -- nothing too significant here. Parking is the only hassle when we come to eat here. But it's quite worth it.
(5)Bethany H.
***An Update : This place seems to have listened to many of the not-so-impressed comments from right after their revamping. Service and ambiance have improved, the menu is back up to its older standards (for the most part, but still more casual). Raised my rating to 4 stars. Formerly a semi-fine dining establishment, this place closed, re-opened with windows that roll back to admit the outdoors, and became a loud, very casual italian joint. Though the food is still very good, the atmosphere will disappoint those used to Francesca's before summer 2011. Our evening was marked by an offensively loud group at the bar (who it appeared had been served way too much by a bartender who was a friend. I assume a discount was involved, as it would rack up quite a bill to be that sloppy drunk at this place's prices). Shouting and falling all over your friends while barely balancing on your chair is not my idea of good restaurant behavior. And that's an indication of the kind of crowd Francesca's now invites. Fashionably disheveled twenty-somethings who do not bother to remove their Bieber-billed hats regardless of their dates' cute dress added to the disillusionment. For those who enjoyed Francesca's of the past, the food quality will not disappoint (and even seems a bit lower priced). Several of the cheeses for starters were awesome, and our server was fantastic, offering honest suggestions and prompt attention. In fact, service overall was very good - the behavior of the staff stood in contrast to the clientele in general. Final Answer: Though I may be back I'll never bother to put on decent clothes to come here again. Come for the food (and in the summer the open air) but don't book this place for your anniversary or other quiet special occasions.
(4)Brett K.
One of the largest servings of meat I have had out at a restaurant and not just big to be big. The pork shoulder was massive! The crust was perfectly crisp and the meat perfectly tender. My girlfriend will probably give a 3 star review here as she wasn't nearly as happy as I with hers (I think it was a pasta dish) but I literally could not have asked for more. If you are in Wicker park often and pass it a lot it's time to go in and check it out. I hear the pizzas are awesome to.
(4)Ken N.
So0000 sad. This used to be my go to italian in the hood. Been here at least 25 times. Just good reliable food....not anymore. since the relaunch it has gone way downhill. - food is ok, but not nearly as good as the old menu. The size of the plates are also much smaller. - No more bread and olive oil...or even salt n pepper for that matter - but they still pile like 5 little plates on your table for some reason. I used to love the bread too. - Service sucks. I felt totally rushed both time. Hostess must have paced by my table at least 15 times. cleared plates as fast as possible and pushed us out the door. One time WITH a reservation they sat me and my wife at a 6 top. so it was us two sitting next to a foursome. total awkward. chairs are way too close. If you are going to have communal seating it should be a table of at least 8 or 10 or more with ample room. I tried it out twice. Both time very disappointed. won't be back. For Italian I'll go to Lucia's or Antico (top tier GREAT FOOD)
(2)Bridget S.
My cousin, who was visiting on business, and I had a lovely dinner on a snowy, cold Wednesday night. The restaurant was not very full, though we were sat right next to another table. Initially I was uncomfortable at the close proximity, but quickly got over it (in fact, they were quite funny and "borrowed" our bread). The menu is a good size - not too overwhelming. Large menus scare me and I can't make decisions. I went with the risotto of the day and my cousin got some chicken dish (I am so eloquent). We had the appetizer special, which was a delicious bruschetta. I don't recall the wine my cousin picked, but it was a dry Tuscan merlot. For dessert we split an incredible, warm, flourless chocolate cake topped with mint gelato and berries. Awesome. The service was great, as well. Our waitress was knowledgeable, friendly, but not phony. She was attentive and even corked our un-finished bottle of wine to take home (even going so far as to seal it in a plastic bag and include a copy of the receipt so in case we were pulled over there would not be an issue). The busser was very quick with refilling my water and the food runner announced which dishes he was presenting. The interior is what first drew me inside. Sort of rustic, mis-matched wooden chairs, a great tile floor...simple and tasteful. It's Italian...but it's not cheeseball OliveGarden-Italian. While I can see how it could get very loud on a busy weekend night, this particular night was fantastic. Was it odd that they were playing The Smiths and Pixies in this Italian restaurant? Maybe. But c'mon...this is the heart of Wicker Park here! Besides, I never complain when I hear the Smiths. Prices were reasonable. Servings were NORMAL - not huge American-sized portions. I originally put four stars on here, but after writing this review, I'm making it five. I can't think of any reason why I should ding 'em one star!
(5)Adrian L.
We entered Forno during a brisk walk down Milwaukee St on w whim. Well not quite a whim, it looked very warm inside and there were some very interesting dishes sitting atop very cool roughly hewn wood tables. One of the most important courses for breakfast is the Bloody Mary course. It whets your palate, wakes up your buds and takes away any edge you may be feeling from the night before. I would almost suggest not leaving the house without first enjoying one or two. Do I even need to say what we started with here? Forno's BM was pretty solid. A nice amount of tang, but I think it needed a bit more depth to it, and a dash more vodka. It come with a lager chaser which i though was a nice touch. The menu had so many nice thing on it i was wishing that i had two more stomachs (dearest Cthulhu, why did you not make more ruminant like, or give me cool flesh ripping talons). Anyway, i settled on the Ouvo alla Diavola. The eggs were cooked very well and nicely cheesed-up, the sausage was good and i lover the crisp crust of the fried polenta. My friend had Lenticchie con ouvo. The sunny side up eggs were cooked to perfection and the lentils in this dish were amazing. The servers at Forno always made sure our coffee was full and that our food was good. Like i said i loved the tables and the whole restaurant had a nice feel to it, i could definitely see me going back there to enjoy a few more brunches at their big windows watching Wicker Park denizens able along.
(4)Dane K.
I was actually pleasantly surprised at this location of Francesca's... I figured being in Wicker Park, this might be the red headed step child location of their franchise. It turns out it was actually *very* good... (and dare I say, I preferred the food over the Taylor St location? Though this location was really loud and bustling comparatively) It was extremely crowded though... Reservations are a must in the future... we called and asked for reservations, were told 9pm was the soonest, but we could come in and wait and hope for the best... ("if you come *right now* I have a table for 3")... We get there and he told us 20 minutes. Fine, we went to the bar for drinks... We should've ordered an appetizer at the bar, the wait was probably 45 minutes. Again, not totally his fault and even a little predictable. The host was very nice about it and kept giving us updates on our table ("they're paying their bill" ... "they're drinking coffee" ... "they paid their bill, drank their coffee, and now they're just sitting around!" ... he started getting frustrated and really wanted to turn the table). When we were seated we ordered grilled calamari. Amazing... The best grilled calamari I've had in a long, long time. No rubbery consistency whatsoever, perfectly cooked with a nice char flavor. We consulted the waiter on entree recommendations. I was in the mood for something really meaty, which seemed to only leave 3 options or so. He said the lamb shank special was great, but Brian wanted that... So that left the pork chop, which he kinda hinted wasn't his favorite thing but said it was the chef's favorite. My sister ordered rigatoni. Brian loved his lamb entree, but I'm told I can't report on his meals anymore... he wants to. :P ... My pork chop was the thickest cut pork chop I've ever seen in my life. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone that still thinks trichinosis exists and orders their food overly done, but I liked it at a nice medium... Parts of it were closer to medium rare though, it was a really thick cut. A slightly thinner cut would've been easier to cook to a consistent medium, but overall it was pretty great. It was topped with a mustardy charred sauce that gave it nice flavor. The beans it floated atop were great, too. My sister said she liked her rigatoni, the noodles themselves were huge. For dessert we ordered and shared a flour-less chocolate cake, which was topped with mint ice cream. it was good, but ... kind of boring. and the ice cream was probably covering up for the lack of excitement. Entrees varied in pricing, with the pasta entrees being cheaper and some of the specials coming closer to $30 and some over that even. The decor wasn't too much different than the previous Soul Kitchen, I think they even kept their funky chairs. I'll definitely be back for the Tuesday night special.
(4)R. A.
I have never ever been a fan of any of the Francesca's restaurants. Sorry. Huge portions, heavy sauces over flowing the plate, olive oil dripping, pasta in everything. For the love of God, Pasta is NOT a side dish!!! ...So...as I was saying...no Francesca Restaurants has ever got a blessing from me...until Il Forno. This is the closest you will get to a restaurant in Italia. Been here many times, I live 2 blocks away, the food is great, the portions are perfect, the prices perfect for the value, service is great, tho they could use some 'younger" waiters. Do not judge me, it is what it is (p.s. I am not 'that" young myself).
(5)Nick S.
The service is excellent, the food is near perfect, the restrooms clean and the ambience is great for a dinner date or to catch up with an old friend.
(5)Jackie R.
I am not an Italian food fan. This usually elicits very, very strong reactions from people. Horrified, even. That being said, I was hungry and my friend wanted Italian food for dinner. I decided to give in and head over to Francesca's because at least it was close. However, I had a really great dinner. The restaurant smells delicious, the staff was friendly and accommodating, and I decided I may not be completely anti-Italian food after all. We had a bruschetta appetizer which was great. For my entree I had one of the daily specials, spinach-risotto dumplings in a light tomato sauce. If they have this when you are there, get.this. One of my issues with Italian food is I often feel that it is very, very heavy, but this was a tiny dough ball of goodness. Super flavorful. My friend had the ravioli bolognese, which I tried and was also good, but dumplings are more my style. I had a really good experience here and am probably going to have to amend my stance on Italian food.
(4)Midori G.
Damn yummy asparagus frittata. I also really liked the copper, pseudo industrial, Italian cafe decor, and the mismatched chairs. And I also really liked our server; he was very friendly and kept us posted on when he would be taking our orders, etc, made for a very stress-less and quick meal.
(4)M M.
One word ....GREAT!!!
(5)Evan T.
I dined here last night with some friends. The host took our name and told us it would be 20 minutes for the four of us to be seated. We went to a high-top table to share a bottle of wine. After about a half hour my friend checked in with the host who said we were next. After fifty minutes they sat us at a table right in the entrance without apology. Upon saying something to the host he moved us to a new table (which was much better) and said he would pick-up some desserts to compensate us for the wait, I thanked him. We finished our meal which was very good and never saw the host or the desserts. I had a pasta dish with pancetta, basil marinara sauce and red pepper flakes which was awesome. My friends had the margharita pizza which looked very good.
(3)Wendy L.
I love this place. I agree it can be a little loud and a little crowded for late night dining. But if you go a little earlier it's not bad at all. The service is always great. The food is phenomenal and I love the casual atmosphere. I've gone there dressed up and I've gone in jeans and never felt odd. Some people are rude and take up tables a little longer than they should -- seriously folks, when you're done with your drinks and your meal, it's time to go, there are people waiting. I love the eclectic wooden tables and chairs, it's very Wicker Park. It's not trying to be anything that it's not.
(4)Drucilla D.
I love the location, however, I don't know that I'll ever need to visit this restaurant again. For the ambience, I expected there to be a much better menu - the one page paper thing did not really cut it. Food was okay but service was incredibly slow. Also, spilled oil on the wood floor makes for a VERY slick surface. I would tread slowly...
(2)Leang E.
From the moment my roomie and I walked in the service was just outstanding - from the hostess, the server, and the rest of the waitstaff. I could have confused it with a 5 star restaurant! The atmosphere is more casual than Mia Francesca's on Clark. It was a weekday dinner, and so the restaurant wasn't packed. We split the proscuitto and cheese balls which were very rich and delicious as the appetizer. I had the tilapia special, and it was as good as the waiter described. The tomatoes had a very rich flavor in the sauce, and it exquisitely complimented the fish. I thought the portions seemed smaller than Mia Francesca's on Clark, but perfect for one person. I had the Marscapone Cream and dates for dessert, and it was phenomenal. I have never felt so guilty in my life eating the thing. The presentation itself was damned impressive. One of the servers came and put the dates and sauce on there, and it was almost too pretty to eat. You have to have a sweet tooth to appreciate this. I'm just going to end on saying that this place is a little too convenient for me to walk to.
(5)Urszula H.
Went here for brunch on a Sunday with a friend. The service here was beyond excellent. The atmosphere cute and quaint. Not crowded at all. My only complaint was that as a vegan, all I could order was a side of fruit. I understand that vegans are quite a small minority and many restaurant owners do not feel they need to take us into account, but adding some kind of vegetable dish (even a plain salad) would be appreciated by many more than just vegans. I didn't get a chance to look at the dinner menu, so maybe they would get more stars for that, but I don't go to restaurants for the service alone.
(2)ali a.
After walking by this place a million times, I decided to go with some friends. Although they were a little slow in taking our reservation, I thought the food was great. Its sorta tapas style so we ordered a bunch of different things. It ended up being pretty cheap with wine and good. Definitely worth checking out.
(4)Dana P.
LOVED this restaurant and would eat here everynight if I could! Andrea's review was right on from last night (since I was dining with her), although she forgot to mention the delicious mushroom pizza we had in addition to the rest of all that food for $28/person. The wait was a little annoying since I was so hungry when we got there, but the food was well worth the wait.
(5)Claire E.
Impeccable. Service, price, selection - I'm consistently left wanting nothing more. One of my standards.
(5)Liliana S.
I've only ordered carryout from here so havent had the total dining experience but their brunch was delicious! I ordered a tuna sandwich and a caprese salad. It was delicious and served to perfection. They provided a loaf of bread with various sauces and a homemade butter. Delicious! I've been meaning to go in and have dinner. Brunch for two to go was less than 20 dollars. Not bad.
(4)Ross B.
On vaca in Chicago's Wicker Park, we followed Yelp comments to find Francesca's for lunch. We ordered 2 salads, one caprese and one arugala with warm pear and blue cheese. Very yummy. Service was personable, and it meets our standard test that we would go back anytime.
(4)igor I.
This place consistently impresses me. They change things around a bit which is good and bad. The carpaccio is phenominal, the caprese is really good (it's the balsamic reduction, I think they put wine in it) and the naked ravioli in a brown butter (name changed) used to be my favorite thing, but now it's not that good.
(5)Karen L.
This is a nice Italian restaurant that focuses on small plate dining. The food was decent and the prices were reasonable for the portions. The servings weren't as small as Spanish tapas but not as large as entree portions. I dined with 2 friends and we split 5 dishes and we were full. There are definitely some dishes that are larger portions and would be enough for an entree for one. We had this gelato ice cream sandwich dessert that was so cute and innovative! The one thing about this place, though, is that it was LOUD! The three of us had to basically yell across the table throughout the whole conversation. I wouldn't recommend it as a first date place.
(3)J J.
I have only experienced brunch here, and am a weekly regular. The bloody mary's are amazing!! I haven't seen a meal that doesn't look delicious and the prices are reasonable for what you are getting. I reccommend it to anyone that wants to have a great brunch!
(5)Amanda G.
Francesca's Forno is surprisingly yummy. Their menu is not normally what I crave, but somehow they always have a special or something that I am so happy with. They are in a great location with great views of Bucktown/Wicker Park. Service is consistant and good. We have come here with out-of-town friends numerous times and it's always a hit.
(4)Gwen D.
I've been here a handful of times, and always had a pleasant experience. Most of the time we sat at the bar, and ordered some appetizers before going out. The pizza is good, not blow you away, but good. I had a salad with pears a few weeks back and it was great too. I like the smaller plates, and actually have never had any entrees. It's always really loud here, but the service is great. I don't think I could bring my parents, they'd be too overwhelmed, but it's great for a group of friends. A few weeks back I had Sunday brunch. Really enjoyed it, they were packed and I never felt rushed. My eggs were great, and by friend had a tuna crostini, that looked amazing. Definitely will be back for brunch again.
(4)Little T.
The food here is good, but what is great about this place is the wine and the cocktail tables by the bar - a little more space to chat than the bar itself, and the comfort of not being pushed to turn the dining table. The artichoke fritters are heavenly and the proscuitto with a selection of cheese (the truffle cheese is divine) keeps me coming back. The bartender is very nice and makes great recommendations. Great mimosas if you're enjoying brunch here!
(4)James Z.
I wish we could have enjoyed the food. The night we went to Francesca's Forno, the unrelenting noise from a single table made it difficult to hear each other, let alone concentrate on the menu. We were ready to order, but had reservations about staying. The waiter was not around that moment, so we just left without even ordering. We told the greeter why we were leaving, but no one cared enough to suggest a return visit.
(1)Emily E.
This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. I've been here about twelve times, and I like everything I've ever gotten here. Celebrated many a birthday, anniversary, you name it, and everybody i bring loves this place as well. The menu is small, but everything is delectable (particularly the daily risotto--changes often but is always delicious!). The service is always entertaining and friendly, and on Monday nights they have half-price bottles of wine (always a good time). Being a poor student who likes to eat out, it's important to find places that serve high-quality dishes for reasonable prices--francesca's forno is one of them. The wine can get pricey, but if you jsut come for the food you'll leave fat and happy, without having spent your whole month's budget. Will keep going back for whenever I need a trendy, not-too-expensive, and delicious italian meal
(5)elizabeth n.
The small portions and rustic atmosphere make Francesca's Forno a great place to go with friends or a date. The smaller portions allow for sharing and trying different entrees, appetizers and desserts. The restaurant does get packed so try to make a reservation beforehand. Otherwise have a drink while you wait at the bar.
(4)Rich F.
Ok Italian food...nothing special. Unpretentious interior (the servers wear t-shirts) with somewhat loud music. The soup special was bland (beef broth w/ onions, escarole & white beans), but the seared brussel sprouts w/ pancetta rocked. I've had brunch here before and it too was OK. Kudos for custom making the salmon entree to accommodate my date's food allergies, otherwise it's like I said...just OK.
(3)A M.
First time I've ever had brunch here, it was delightful. I had the Truffled Egg Toast. It was cooked perfectly. This was very similar to something that I had in Seattle. We went to Georgetown Truckstop and they had this egg cereal that was out of this world!
(4)Nina W.
As a passerby, I would have never guessed that Forno would attract so many families, but it does. Sure, the food was relatively inexpensive, and the drinks were reasonable, but there is something to be said about atmosphere at restaurants. I understand bringing a child to a restaurant. Hey, parents need to get out to, but don't bring your baby when it's their nap time or during dinner. They're fussy and they ruin the atmosphere for other patrons. Bring your children here for brunch on the weekends. It's the perfect time. Sure, they'll never say anything, but trust me it bugs people. With that said, I had the gnocchi, which was absolutely delicious along with a bellini, which was also very good. We finished our dinners with a piece of tiramisu and spent under $60.00 for two entrees and drinks. If you want to go out for a nice, quiet, romantic dinner then this place isn't for you. I have been here for brunch a few times and it is excellent. Check it out when you get a chance.
(4)One T.
I seriously love this place. But I will say this - I've never gone during peak dinner time. My friend and I like to go there on a Saturday afternoon for a light lunch and people watching. The olive plate is great - but addictive. I think my body was swollen from all the sodium for days, hehehe. The food was incredible, the service was great and the music was the best part of all. It was a Ben Gifford day last time I went - Postal Service and Death Cab the whole time I was there. Which was pretty sweet.
(4)G G.
I just returned from northern Italy and the food at FF feels very authentic. The food is rich and complex and forces you to enjoy every moment.
(5)Rory B.
go for brunch... try the salty snoop... if they don't know what you're talking about bust a cap in their ass... it's also pretty dope to sit at the bar with your companion and smoke cigarettes, eat a few appetizers and drink some of their affordable bottles of wine (they've got some dope shit in the $19-25 range)...
(5)Sandy D.
Very good service! The two bartenders were waiting on the two stool tables off the side by the window. ( this was a really nice spot for two.) We got the caprese salad which not only looked great but taste great! the grilled skirt steak was not the best quality, but it was seasoned right and it was perfectly cooked as i ordered, medium well. the house salad was generous with tomatoes and cucumbers, some restaurants have one piece of each. the wine selection was equally fair with very nice selections. the two bartenders (girls) delivered supurb service! our table was constantly cleared, we were never dry and they were very very friendly. (hum, maybe too much, i wonder if they flirted with my boyfriend). anyway, we wanted to say thank you for such nice service and they took a shot with us. one thing i noticed, the cooks were very concious of their clientele, i can sense that they thrived from the full house and they looked like they enjoyed their cooking art. i cant wait to return!
(4)Jen W.
This Wicker Park location is great for brunch. Most times you can be seated immediately (unlike Bongo Room down the street) and the food is very good and reasonably priced. While not a vegeterian, my roommate is, and they have a dish she really enjoys. Also, they have great bloody marys and the staff is friendly and personable. I would definitely recommend checking it out.
(4)Chrissy S.
Love this place. There's nothing like the mushroom pasta entree or the ricotta/honey appetizer. First time I went we had to wait 30 minutes for our reservation (booooo) but second time was great. My only complaint is that they pack you in like sardines into the dining room! I think I actually elbowed the person at the table next to me.
(4)Alec E.
Outstanding. That is what my experience was at Forno on a Saturday night. First off I went with a 12 year old, my roommate and myself, not exactly the most glitzy or experienced diners. As soon as you walk in you're hit by an overwhelming noise... Any other neighborhood and this would seem out of place, but in Wicker Park it was almost welcomed. To the 9's from start to finish.. Not wanting to bore my young diner with waiting for a table, I jokingly asked if I could leave a cell # to call me when a table was available. I was willingly abliged, even suggested to try the record store. Upon receiving our diner call, a quick 15 min later, after strolling down to the record store we came back in and were immediately seated. The seating itself was an experience, while the restaurant was possibly too cramped for most people, the table was comfortable, intimate and warm. The view from most of the tables is of the North/Damen/Milwaukee corner, and its fantastic to watch. My roommate and I had problems keeping our eyes on our own table or even in the room, seems the best looking women in Wicker Park were sitting all around us or walking past the corner panoramic window. Everyone how ever was dressed casual as plenty of shorts and sport shirts could be seen. Our waiter was initially very attentive and informed us immediately that he'd be right back. He was very knowledgable of the menu and offered translations and descriptions readily. Myself, being lost by the amazing array of choices, I asked for a suggestions. The waiter didn't tell me the ravioli was good, he suggested 4 dishes and why they should be my choice, not simply the most expensive dish on the menu. Or as happens quite often in Wicker Park, "I don't eat meat, pfft.". I let him complete my meal by suggesting the side and the dessert. To the food. We received our dishes, wine, and sides very promptly. The bread was not to my guests liking as it was "too hard", I found the spiced olive oil, the garlic butter and the bread to be perfect. My double cut pork chop ($18) was easily a $30+ pork chop at anything near Michigan Avenue, the peach on top, the perfect cooking, and the incredible sauce sealed the deal, this is a must have! The dimmunitive friend had a seafood pasta ($12) that was very good, while a little confused about the shrimp still firmly attached to their tails she thoroughly enjoyed it. My roommate's meal also looked quite good, it escapes me what he had as it was scarfed down in record times. My house cabernet was also a fine selection ($9). In addition we had a side of Potatoes in cheese fondue ($5), to be put it lightly this was also a must have. It sounds simple but a pair of small potatoes expertly baked, flash fried, then sitting in a cheese fondue is a knockout. Then there was dessert, diminutive friend = dessert. The youngin had a warm fruit tart topped with vanilla gelato ($6). Fresh whip cream and caramel were applied at table side. My roommate and I each had the special of the day, a rich flourless brownie topped by vanilla gelato (a rich ice cream made with cream basically), fudge and some nuts ($6). The three desserts were expertly prepared and fantastic. 3 excellent meals, 1 wine, 2 iced teas, 3 deserts, and a side = $81.00 well spent. Seating time for a Saturday night, fantastic location, expertly prepared food, warm atmosphere, excellent service (from host & hostess to knowledgeable waiter and eager to please bus service), and the total bill I give this a 5, as long as you don't mind it loud!
(5)