Great authentic Italian food, nice atmosphere and my hubby and I enjoyed.
(4)
Carol S.
A nice family Friday night outing for 4 adults and 2 toddlers. We enjoyed the calamari, bruschetta, and Caesar salad. Cup of mushroom soup was too thick. Tasty Quattro Stagioni pizza with yummy prosciutto/artichokes/egg (expertly cut by the server), ravioli, linguine with abundant seafood, and gnocchi with cream sauce (off the menu but adored by one person in our group). A happy crowd of hungry diners were around us enjoying their food. Prompt hostesses and good servers who were patient with our boisterous table. Buon Cibo!
(4)
Diana F.
Drove in from Chicago to visit someone, and chose this place because of previous reviews. Menu selections, and reasonable price. Was not disappointed. Place came definitely compete with most Italian restaurants in the Chicagoland. Fresh, nicely prepared and plated food. Table ordered carpaccio (beautiful grilled briny veg salad on top-delish); pork chops; seafood pasta (ALOT of pasta & a lot of seafood which is not typical); salmon (lovely grilled flavor); and chicken wrapped in prosciutto. Nothing was dry/over cooked. No one could finish their entire plate because of the massive portions. Nice wine as well. We did not get dessert but selections were also unique and deliciously described. Service excellent. Great for date night as dimly lit, great for friends because you can hear one another speak, and (with well behaved kids lol) family friendly. Also have outdoor seating!
(5)
Bobby B.
Aye! Pretty darn good flavor from this establishment. The staff is pretty friendly and attentive, and after being here a few times I have no complaints! They do the Italiano proper by givin' ya oil and parm with your bread. However, the server did no seem impressed with my concept of Italian-American slang. I rattled off such gems such as "gabbagool," "marinare," "pahmijahna," and last but not least, nearly shouting 'madone!" whenever I was displeased. In contrast, he seemed downright confused, but I shall not judge him on this, as his skills were mad and plentiful. In short, if I'm cravin' Italian food and I don't feel like makin' gravy all day, I come here. Salud! (Or however you spell it!)
I tried the gluten-free pizza here - not a very good crust, and they use a lot of an oddly bitter tasting olive oil. I'd stay away from the drinks as well, they're way overpriced and they don't seem to be able to make a balanced cocktail to save their lives.
(2)
l s.
Goood food and good service!! We had the 5$ pizza special, the risotto and a Cesar saad!! The tiramisu was homemade and amazing!! Yummy!! Say no to red lobster..yuck!!
Been to fancescas at least 7x in the past year. It never disappoints. Consistently good food, reasonably priced and consistently good service. It's my go to destination for Italian food. Be sure to save room for dessert!
(4)
Tina O.
Never had a bad meal. Great drinks. Beautifully decorated. Wait staff goes above and beyond.
(5)
Michelle L.
I've only been here once and liked it a lot. Went at an odd time (2pm), so not much traffic, but I've heard that dinner rush can get intense. Really nice and attentive waiters. Considering that Francesca's is located in a mall complex, you wouldn't expect such a classy space, but the white tablecloths and flowers really add something. Still a pretty relaxed environment, though. I had the proscuitto with figs, which was great but not that big of a portion. My friend had the calamari salad, which came with a surprisingly huge helping of pretty good calamari over an okay salad. The bread that came along with everything was super-crispy on the crust yet soft and warm on the inside. Came with a nice herby olive oil and cheese. Overall, I really liked this place and would come back!
(4)
Joan S.
Excellent food and service, Javier waiter and busboy made sure we had everything We needed. I highly recommend also go to Francesca's Naperville. They change The menu monthly. Don't forget to try dessert.
(4)
Patrick J.
First visit while in the Chicago area. Great, friendly service. Pretty good menu. I will be back.
(4)
Robert S.
I had dinner here with my friend on Friday night. Service was on point and our waiter was excellent. I had the grouper and it was delicious. My friend ordered a pasta dish with salmon. It was a huge bowl of pasta that she could only finish about half of. We did not have room for dessert but it looked they had a very tasty selection. Overall excellent experience.
(5)
Gerardo L.
Very good service Very good food. Plenty of free parking Lighting was just right! Calamari was very bueno. Good bar.
(5)
Diana S.
Omg...I Absolutly love this place. The food is so good. They have a spinach filled ravioli that is not on the menu that they have in the catering menu that is out of this world. The Breshetta is delish. The desserts are to die for. It is a bit pricey to bring the whole family but if you are coming for a rant icono dinner I definitely recommend this place. My favorite waiter is Miguel so if he is on the clock I recommend you sit at his area.
(5)
Emily H.
Due to a counter-intuitive typography structure choice on the menu, I ended up with a completely different pizza than I expected to get. My husband ate the gluten free pizza. Mine was chewy and his was doughy, not really what we were hoping for. The service was great and the desserts were tasty. We both wished there was gluten-free bread at the table.
Francesca's on 95th is the place you go to for a nice meal, nice wine, and nice service. I moved in the area from the city, and I'm a little disappointed in the restaurant selection in Oak Lawn area. Luckily, a friend of mine recommended I go here and I love it. I've been in many Francesca's restaurants, and this one is just as nice. The idea that it's in a strip mall, kind of threw me off at first, but once you are inside it is lovely. I've been to Francesca's on 95th several times and will definitely keep on going back.
(4)
Alex R.
Went for graduation dinner. Great atmosphere, helpful waiters, great food. Will recommend.
(5)
Mike A.
This place is awesome, I love there services all the time. I also like albasha restaurant in palos hights ..I only eat in few places where I feel the food is great. Frenchisca is so good. Second albasha restaurant, there website is albashacuisine.com ... This only 2 places I like there food make you always want to come back again.
(5)
Michael P.
Went at lunch, but ordered off the dinner menu. Ordered a ribeye steak. Its cooked to temp (MEDIUM) and well seasoned. I was dissapointed by the menu though. It was limited and really didn't have any traditional dishes. Also, it looked like it came right out of the photo copier. Loved the dessert, ordered pistachio gelato profiteroles. Expensive, but worth every penny.
I ordered lunch to go Alfredo with chicken and broccoli. The bill slapped me in the face for 15 bucks and some change. Sauce was watery but it was pretty good. Not a huge portion but got the job done. I wouldn't do it again. Not for 15 bucks. They gave me free bread which is tasty but come on guys, come up with a lunch menu including chicken Alfredo.
(3)
Monica N.
My husband and I chose Francesca on 95th Street in Oak Lawn 1-3-15 after reviewing the reviews on yelp. We dined with them in the past and that experience was fine, so we were surprised about our recent dining experience. We entered and was told that there was a "tight table" available if we didn't want that, the wait will be between 20-25 minutes. We decided to take the "tight table". Now there are tables next to us where the servers were very accommodating. We just knew that one of these servers was our waiter. We sat there and they brought water and bread immediately. We looked at our menus and waited 15 minutes for our waiter to come and greet us. He never did. I asked the man that brought the water where was our waiter and he looked around and said that he can go and take our order. My husband and I both looked confused but proceeded to give him our order. Our food came out and then appears the "waiter." I don't remember dining with Francesca in the past and giving my order to the bus boy. I felt disrespected to know that this "waiter" greeted and seemed to be an excellent server to the tables around us but he didn't even acknowledge us. I was fuming. My husband told me to let it go and we ate paid our bill that surprisingly the waiter brought to us. The same "waiter" who couldn't take our order. We left and decided we will NEVER spend money at Francesca on 95th in Oak Lawn again. We will be telling all our friend and family to find another fine Italian restaurant- one that respects their African American customers. --------------------------------------------------Â----------------------------------------------- On 1-5-15, I appreciate the call from the General Manager Paul of Francesca's on 95th. He was really apologetic and he assured me that he will be discussing this situation with his staff.
(1)
Renee S.
Absolutely the best! I love that the menu changes each month and even tho it does you can order off the menu or what you got last month, if they got it they can whip you up whatever your craving. I'll be comin back here for sure!
(5)
Melissa C.
We went to Francesca's for our Anniversary and the dinner was perfect. Drinks were quickly refilled, the server was attentive, and food timing was perfect. They sent us a dessert plate and limoncello to help us celebrate. Great Experience, we will be back!
(5)
John H.
The food was very good but I felt a lacking in the service. The staff was polite and attentive, though to the point of feeling rushed.
(3)
Mia L.
We started with the complimentary bread and parmesan. The olive oil had oregano and basil (I think) already mixed in with it. The bread went really well with this oil, parmesan, and pepper! We ordered the calamari, gnocchi, and veal parmesan. The calamari was eh--the breading was plain and it tasted as if it was re-heated. The gnocchi was pretty good except the sauce was quite salty. I loved that it had spinach though. I also added sausage to the gnocchi. It was alright. My boyfriend thought it overpowered the gnocchi taste. I was just like ok yeah I know whatcha mean. The veal was crusted just right, but the sauce was also salty. Overall, the food was okay. I've had better Italiano elsewhere. This place is located in a plaza...it's kind of by the shopping mall. It's not that big of a place. There's a bar located in the back. The service was informative and friendly. It's pretty pricey--I didn't think the food was that good--totally not worth it. Three stars.
(3)
Natalie D.
The pizza is delicious and the waitstaff is so polite, informed, and attentive. Our waiter was Oscar and he is fabulous! I'll definitely go back to try some of the other yummy menu items. Everything looked so good.
Have never had a bad meal here...everything is fresh, food and service are fantastic!
(5)
Mari M.
I can't believe that I'm just discovering this hidden gem! The restaurant is tucked away in the corner of a small shopping center. It's really easy to miss or overlook. I usually see it out of the corner of my eye...on my way to get my Chipotle fix! I finally decided to take a risk on this place, and I can honestly say that I'm beyond satisfied with my experience! The restaurant is beautiful and the ambiance is very classy. It's the perfect spot for a date night. It feels really upscale and romantic. (Feel free to get a little dressed up when you go here!) I love the white table cloths and dim lighting. The service was great. Our waiter was fast and the entire restaurant staff is very attentive. The food is authentic Italian! And the best part is, the menu is reasonably priced! I'll be back!
(4)
Kristy H.
Last time here I had delicious food and good service. MAJOR PROLBEM: the bus boy was working really fast for some reason (it wasn't crowded) and carelessly spilled several drinks that were on our table all over me. I was soaked and it was freezing outside. Now, I am totally fine with that, HOWEVER at that point, we spent about $95 on our 2-person dinner, including appetizers and then ordered dessert, even though I was sitting in a sticky mess. WE WERE NOT comp'd the drinks that were spilled on me. We weren't comp'd a dessert. Nothing. I left pretty pissed off. I'm not going to say I won't be back, but I have a bad taste in my mouth about the place now.
(2)
Agnes L.
It's not my fav out of all the Francesca's I've patronized- I happen to like the one in Wicker Park more for its less chain-like atmosphere and menu. However, the service was superb here, and the food selection is better than any ole cookie-cutter Italian restaurant like Olive Garden, Carraba's or Buca's. Solid start - The standard complementary bread is better than what I've had recently at similar spots. It came out warm with a thick crust and soft middle. We dipped it in an herby olive oil and plate of parm while anticipating the apps. We had tried the carpaccio here a couple times, so for this date night, we knew we couldn't mess with success and order anything else for the antipasti. The plate of tender raw sirloin and fresh veggies came out quickly. The celery and mushrooms were expertly sliced thin and added crunch, while the capers and parm added saltiness, especially paired with the juicy tomatoes and olive oil on top. Entrees- left a little to be desired - I had a portion of my hubby's linguine and scallops in the light tomato cream sauce. The bowl was ginormous but really mostly pasta than anything else, which was a bit disappointing because the menu description mentioned spinach but there were few leaves. The sauce was flavorful with a bit of kick that was mellowed by that cream, and the scallops were not chewy, however, didn't quite allow my fork to puncture through as easily as I desire. I went for the pricier entree special of the night - the veal medallions with sundried tomatoes and mushrooms. The server recommended a medium rare preparation, which I permitted because I didn't want the meat to be too tough. But it definitely came out more of medium, bordering on well on some end pieces. I still ate it, but my husband made sure to let the server know the faux pas. Sincere service with a smile- Sometimes the testament to a quality restaurant is how it reacts to a complaint from the customer. For my husband and I, this is what actually elevated our experience at this particular location of Francesca's. To rectify the mishap, the server apologized and the manager surprised us with tiramisu for dessert - gratis. It was above and beyond. Not to mention, the unexpected end to our meal was to-die-for. I'm not a sweets kind of gal, but this was one I couldn't ignore. There was additional thick chocolate sauce with a good amount of espresso and cocoa powder and a thick cream layer atop the soaked lady fingers. Plus, this was a HUGE portion - ultra decadent, and we finished every bite of it. Loyal customers- We've enjoyed the Francesca's chain and specifically this one with the multiple visits we've each paid in the past two years living in the area. We're moving soon but hope to find another location within the chain to try and compare.
(4)
Monica R.
First time here. Service was great until he packed our food, got home and it looked as if he just dumped it in the container. The food was great, a little pricy, but nice dining atmosphere. I will be back!!
(3)
Abby J.
This place is great. The food is far superior to any other Italian food in the neighborhood. Service is great and the place is very clean and orderly. The only thing that's bad is how loud it is. I feel like they should put carpeting on the ceiling or something to make it quieter.
(5)
Edward B.
We decided to stop here because the search for something else decent wasn't working out. It's a tad expensive, but only a little bit - and it depends what you order. We had a pricey ($12) prosciutto / avocado / basil / etc. appetizer that was absolutely amazing, two pasta entrees and one alcoholic drink for under $60. The pasta itself was absolutely top notch and the carbonara sauce was very good and my GF enjoyed her cheese ravioli. Service was good but not great, done in kind of tag team fashion with different people taking care of water, clearing dishes, bringing out food, etc. I kind of like that in hindsight. It doesn't make you feel quite as "special", but it is highly efficient and quick when you need something. I'd go back, but not on a regular basis.
(4)
Gailmarie W.
Went there Tuesday to celebrate 2 cousins birthdays. Wonderful!!! Kudos to Jason! Loved "Designing my own Dish!" what better place to "wait out" a summer storm! Mmmmm good!
(5)
Alisha B.
Went for lunch today and it was fantastic. The staff was as polite and helpful as you could possibly hope for, the food.....ooooh the food.... It was fabulous. I had the four cheese ravioli with parmesean shavings, cream sauce, and truffle oil. It turns out that children eat free on Mondays so my daughters each got a pasta dish - one with cream sauce, the other with broccoli. Everything was delicious. Even the bread and oil served was perfectly warm and the oil was an herbed flavor that went perfectly with the cheese. Yesterday was my daughter's birthday and they even brought out both of my girls a little dessert treat with a candle - compliments of the house! They were so thrilled that they talked about it the whole way home. Prices were reasonable, tastes were beyond fabulous, and it's now five hours later and I'm still full! A great experience all around!
(5)
Jorie K.
I'm only giving 1 star because the food was good. I would have given 0 stars if I could but the food saved them. We had my fathers funeral luncheon here and it was horrible! They didn't know how to accommodate our party. They charge for EVERY drink they serve except water. They said hot tea was free but not iced tea? Why? I guess you have to pay for the ice cubes. They had to have added drinks on the bill that weren't consumed because there is no way a funeral luncheon serves $2500 in drinks. Oh but I forgot their iced tea is laced in gold because it's almost $3 a glass! Do not go to this restaurant for a banquet, they will rob you blind and are unwilling to talk work with you. I will never eat at a Francesca's again! I have even suggested to the funeral director to not recommend this place. It was a horrible way to honor my father!
(1)
John G.
Delicious fish!
(5)
Ray W.
Decent food great service.bang for the buck you get your values worth. No complaints the food just wasn't mind blowing.
(3)
Jon T.
Meal-OK Prices-OK Service-Not to good My family went for a birthday, so we had about 15 people and the waiter could not handle it. Could not get the orders right, did not speak English very well. I asked the manager for another waiter, and the manager really did not care. I dont like when you go to restaurant and spend a lot of money and leave disappointed. I dont know if I would recomend this business or not, take your own chance. Hope you have a better experience than mine
(1)
Isabelle S.
The food is always top notch here. Gotta share abt the kids menu. So cheap and such a deal. Fettucine Alfredo, drink and gelato for $6. Portion size big enough for leftovers Too.
(5)
Andy R.
Went here on a date and we had a great dinner. Knowledgeable server and fresh food. I like that they change the menu daily so they are serving what is in season. Gelato for dessert was awesome.
(4)
Megan B.
Beautiful place and food couldn't get any better. It's definitely a higher end restaurant but not too expensive. Good customer service and highly recommend it.
(5)
Theresa C.
Great food and great service. They have a separate gluten free menu (including GF pasta and pizza!) but you have to ask for it. I am traveling out of town on business and I would go back if I am in the area again.
(4)
Helena P.
I went with family members on what turned out to be a busy Saturday evening. We were seated in the back area and appreciated the somewhat quieter sound level and the spacious seating. I'm writing this update because what could have been a disaster for the restaurant turned out well. The room had a number of large parties seated and it was obvious the restaurant had an insufficient number of wait staff to support the load. The two servers working the room were obviously overwhelmed and it appeared that one table had complained, bringing in the manager. We were impacted as were other diners by the rush, waiting for 15 minutes before I flagged the manager as well. He knew right away what was coming and to his credit, got our table going with drinks and appetizers. He covered enough to give our server some breathing room. He also did the same for other tables and it was good to see. Kudos the manager and our server who remained calm and responded the way a restaurant should: deftly providing help and not getting ruffled by the situation.
(4)
Brian F.
Excellent Francescas food is pretty much standard at all their restaurants. I rate this location lower due to the very poor service we got that night. It was really difficult to flag our waitress down and when we asked for something it took way too long to get it. I felt like I was constantly looking for her.
(3)
K G.
Met some friends who were in from out of town the other night. I have been here several times, and the food is good, solid, and reliable. My friends enjoyed the gnocci and steak with roasted potatoes. I ordered the linguine with clams, shrimp, and scallops. I liked my dish, but have to complain that my dish was mostly pasta. In fact, Francesca's was downright cheap with the seafood. I have noticed this cheapness before at this location and the one in Naperville. Not saying that I won't be back. However, I will think twice about ordering a pasta dish like this.
(3)
Jazmine O.
Great pasta and great service. Came here for my birthday dinner and Rachel served us. She is great! We have never been dissappointed. I have been here many times and they are just always so nice here.
(5)
K N.
Excellent food and big portions. Staff recommended several menu items. The menu is always changing which is pretty cool. I appreciate how the staff work together to offer awesome service.
(5)
Kristen S.
I love the Francesca's in Palos but my one visit to this location was subpar. My fiance ordered a shrimp pasta. The shrimp were small and the pasta was nothing to be desired. There were very few specials when we went and the service was poor. Granted this was shortly after this location had opened.
(3)
B L.
Meh is right for this place. I've been to other Francesca's locations and was more impressed with those locations. I had to ask four times for a high chair before someone honored my request. It would have been understandable if they were busy but there were maybe two tables at the restaurant, the rest of the place was completely empty. Also the waiters kept hovering around our table but did not do anything, even though I obviously needed and asked for a high chair. Kind of weird! Other than that the service was very good, I kind of just thought this was strange and should be addressed. Mostly this review is -3 stars because I wasn't terribly into the food offerings. The menu also looks very unprofessional since it is handwritten and printed on a flimsy piece of paper. Even if they change the menu daily (and I have been to restaurants that do this) they could at least laminate it or make it look like a menu, not just a lousy looking photocopy. I mean, at the very least type it out. Besides the goofy menu, I didn't think the selection was very wide and they could improve the menu by using more ingredients. I had difficulty selecting my dinner because of this. 2-stars and not one because (although they did leave me hanging for 10 minutes on the high chair) the restaurant was very kid-friendly and the waitstaff was attentive, nice, and well-trained. Also there is a very decent changing table in the bathroom which I always appreciate. I might recommend this restaurant to others who prefer the ingredients they use, but I guess this just isn't my cup of tea.
(2)
Brien A.
I took my wife there last night for dinner. It was our first time there and definitely won't be our last. I can't believe this place is so close to home and we just tried it for the first time. The decor is very nice. The staff was extremely nice, everyone attended to you and everyone had a smile. Our server was actually the bartender too. She was absolutely the best. Gave suggestions, brought out my next beer before I could even order it, brought my wife a coffee liquor drink to try, she was always one step ahead. She made us feel really welcome. The food was fantastic. We both ordered pizzas and split a salad. It was all delicious. My wife had a desert that she just loved. The price was very reasonable too. So glad we tried Francesca's, we found our new dinner spot.
(5)
KC W.
I was here last night (a Monday) with my family. Our server was fantastic. We had a large group (14 people), and she did a fantastic job of keeping everyone happy. She explained that they can create just about any pasta dish your heart desires. Turns out this versatility of their kitchen extends past pasta dishes. My grandfather wanted fried shrimp, but it was not on the menu. He asked her if they had shrimp, and she said yes, how would you like them? He requested breaded, and sure enough, they made him what looked like some very delicious breaded shrimp! In addition to the phenomenal service, Francesca's gluten free options are to die for. My husband, sister, and I are all gluten free, and the pasta is so delicious that I had to compare my pasta to theirs to guarantee it was not too good to be true! I cannot wait to come back here again soon!
(4)
Vita S.
Friendly staff and great service. Most of all the food is always delicious. Love the fact they will basically make you anything to order. All you have to do is ask. Sal is a wonderful addition to the management team!
(5)
Baby Bear H.
When I first walked inside I was really pleased with how beautiful it looked. Then the server gave us the hand written, photo copied menus and I was a bit turned off. Such a classy looking place and no actual menus. The wine and desert menus were printed, laminated and seemed to fit the elegance of the place. They didn't seem to have a lot to offer food wise based off the menu we were given (all fancy stuff.. I'm more simple Italian food myself) but upon asking I was able to get just a simple Alfredo pasta. When the food came it the serving sizes were large enough for 2. I wasn't in love with my dish were I would order it again, but it wasn't bad. I was very full but out of curiosity I checked out the dessert menu to see what they had to offer. I never order it but curiosity compelled me to look and I was quite impressed. I ordered these pastry puffs filled with pistachio gelato inside and chocolate sauce over the top. I got 3 of these pastry puffs (one would be enough for a single person) so I was glad I was there with someone to help me eat them. They were VERY GOOD! All in all this was a nice place. Would be really cute for a date. Excellent Service !
(3)
ronnie c.
My family and I always enjoyed Francesca's, the ambiance is very nice, drinks are great, and the food is pretty good, especially the desserts. We go here pretty often and deal with the mediocre service. However, the last time we went it was downright terrible. We sat outside and waited 20 MINUTES and no one came to take our orders for drinks, let alone food. We were gazing inside, looking at the hostess. Finally I went up to her and said we were leaving because we were waiting too long, and she just said "Ok." No apology. We were all very unhappy with that experience and probably won't return.
(2)
Laura M.
OMG....finally! A "trendy" restaurant in Oak Lawn and the prices are reasonable! I went on a Monday, since the first Monday of every month, kids eat free. I thought that would be a good time to go and try out this Italian chain. The decor is modern and open. The service was attentive and pleasant. And the place gets pretty busy beginning at 12:30pm. I ordered the beef carpaccio plate and for my son, he wanted the cheese pizza. The portions are huge! Plenty of leftovers, even from the kid's menu. My plate was delectable and my son's pizza was pretty good. His meal included a drink and a scoop of gelato ice cream. Their menu also includes items like fried calamari salad (over spinach, roasted peppers and spicy vinaigrette--my next order), risotto, linguine with an assortment of shellfish, and gnocchi. This is impressive since most of the Italian restaurants in the area don't have these items in their menu. Now I have a nice place to take guests instead of going to the city each and every time!
(4)
Tracy H.
Really good. Both times we have gone, we received attentive, professional service (which isn't necessarily the norm around here) and excellent food and drinks. And the profiteroles...omg. Options for a nice dinner around here are somewhat limited, so I'm happy that Francesca's is nearby.
(4)
Paige J.
I have been to a few Francesca's restaurants and I was expecting the Francesca's on 95th to be similar, but I was wrong. First, I had no problem rescheduling my 7:30 reservation on a Friday night. When we arrived I realized why, the place is larger than most Francesca's I have been to and it was not crowded at all but very noisy. Twenty minutes after ordering, the manager came to tell us that they were out of the special I ordered. He rushed me to order something else with little apology. Our waitress was much nicer about the ordeal. The meal was good, although the pork I ordered was dry and left me wanting the special. The end of the meal turned out better. Not only was the dessert we ordered comped, but as was an additional dessert. Overall food was very good, atmosphere was loud, our waitress was aloof but like the reviewer before me said finally 95th has a trendy restaurant.
(3)
David H.
The food was delicious! Had the Rigatoni & Sausage. Dessert included white chocolate gelato. Fantastic! Even the dipping olive oil was terriffic!
(5)
Noreen H.
The food is always excellent, never wait for a table. Love the decor and atmosphere. Service is always prompt.
(5)
Hank G.
Went to Francesca on 95th the other night with my daughter and wife. Food we had was pretty darn good and was actually better than I expected. My daughter also likes Francesca's because of the gluten free menu. Service was also good but desert took a while to bring out and when they did they forgot the whip cream for my daughters berry desert. Overall a good experience.
(4)
John D.
Best Italian on the southside, hands down. Actually, best restaurant on the southside, hands down. Menu changes often, lots of wine variety, Salmon is delicious, veal dishes are fantastic, chicken dishes are great.... Nice, clean, MODERN dining room, waiters are very attentive, food is priced right. Highly recommended! About time we had something like this down here!!
(5)
Sherri S.
Fantastic italian food. Limited menu because everything is made fresh. Very good prices.
(4)
Noah C.
We were trying to decide on a nice moderate place to meet a couple of friends for dinner and "settled" on Francesca's. What a great decision. My wife and I have been to this location a couple of times and have been to many of the other Francesca's location, so we knew what was in store for us. Sure, this is a safe bet for traditional Italian fare but we are consistently impressed by the quality and flavors at Francesca's. It was an early Sunday night dinner so the place was almost empty when we got there. We were never rushed, the server was attentive but let us take our time. He helped us pick out a nice bottle of wine, a reasonable Tuscan D'Alessandro "Cortona" Syrah. It was great! We started with the appetizer special, bruchetta with prosciutto di Parma. One each was a perfect size appetizer. The wine was flowing and my buddy's beer glass was consistently filled. He likes his beer and even the bus boys were getting him refills. That did not go unnoticed. The salads came, I cannot pass up the caprese salad ( I know, we just had bruchetta but the wine was flowing) and my wife had the Insalata alla Francesca. Both were fresh and just what we expected. The wine kept flowing. Beer was refilled. We all had ordered pasta, I had the pesto ravioli. Simple flavors, pesto was not over powering and the portion was large. My wife had linguine with chicken breast, garlic tomato sauce and Kalamata olives. Strong flavors, lots of olives, and the chicken was perfect. My buddy and his wife had food too. Couldn't tell you what exactly (did I mention the wine) but they were very happy with what they had ordered. He was even happier when the next beer came. After our meal we took a casual look at the dessert menu, a few ideas were thrown around but nobody was too excited about anything. We had decided not to order anything until our waiter asked and mentioned their special, I jumped on it and ordered. one for the table. Warm brownie with white chocolate gelato. Yes please! And another glass of wine. The brownie was a minor disappointment, a little dry. The gelato was fantastic! I finished my wife's glass of wine, had a cappuccino and we called it a dinner. "Cena meravigliosa" Francesca's!
(5)
Donna F.
I can see where this place would be a hit in restaurant starved Oak Lawn. It would be a lot more pleasant with something(curtains, closed ceiling, etc.) to absorb the noise. It is just too loud in there. Food was good(not the mussels, though). Service by the actual server was not so good. Every time we wanted anything, we had to call him over. When he did walk by our table, he did so with his head in the opposite direction. Almost like he was afraid we might need something and that would inconvenience him. I prefer the Palos location.
(3)
Michael M.
Excellent food. The Mia Francesca's location in Chicago is my favorite Italian restaurant, and when I went to this one, I was hoping it was similar. I was not disappointed. This is one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to.
(5)
Wendy S.
I had my bridal shower this past Saturday at Francesca's on 95th and my mom and I worked with Nancy, the event coordinator. She did a great job setting up my event. Everything was GREAT! The room was set up nicely. The food was so delicious and exactly what I wanted. The waiters/staff were accomodating and very nice. It was such a beautiful shower and I'm so glad I had it there. A few of my friends were so impressed and definitely want to consider Francesca's in the future for their events.
(5)
Jody Y.
I really can't say enough about our experience at Francesca's last night. My husband and I had a "date night" so we thought we would try Francesca's on 95th. From the moment we walked in, everything was great. The hostess was very friendly and accommodating. Our waitress/bartender, Margie was so friendly and knowledgeable that I thought she had to be an owner/manager. She was also extremely engaging and humorous. Now let's talk about the food. We started with an appetizer of grilled calamari which was really good. I am not a huge "fish" person, but for the main course I took Margie's suggestion of the "Aqua Pazza" which is a salmon dish with tomatoes, capers, fresh spinach and more. It was so out of this world great!!! I mean, I really can't say enough. My husband had another type of salmon that was also phenonminal. It had asparagus, avacado, etc... We could not believe how fresh it was. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone, and we will definitely be going back there with our friends and family. It could easily be our new place to frequent!!! Thanks again Francesca's and Margie!!!!
(5)
Magda M.
Tried to give them a chance more than once- never works for me.
(2)
Sean F.
Have never had a meal here. Tried on 3 separate occasions. Seated,place was pretty much empty. Waited for at least 15 minutes without seeing a waiter or waitress. Tried Palos location and was practically seated in the restroom.Never again.
(1)
Erin L.
I have been here a few times & it's always pretty good. The first time I came I had the Pumpkin Ravioli special & it was amazing! The most recent time I had the Mushroom Pasta with truffle oil & it was OK. I say OK because I am gluten-free & dairy-free now & I think subtracting those from the dish may have taken away a lot of the 'sha-zam.' I appreciate that they offer gluten-free pasta, though, and our server was super accommodating to me, even suggesting things to make me feel more included in the heavily carb-ed meal, such as non-breaded calamari as opposed to the breaded & fried kind offered on the menu. He did forget my glass of wine, but I was able to enjoy it with dessert. Speaking of... the peach sorbet was fabulous! We'll be back.
(4)
ronnie c.
My family and I always enjoyed Francesca's, the ambiance is very nice, drinks are great, and the food is pretty good, especially the desserts. We go here pretty often and deal with the mediocre service. However, the last time we went it was downright terrible. We sat outside and waited 20 MINUTES and no one came to take our orders for drinks, let alone food. We were gazing inside, looking at the hostess. Finally I went up to her and said we were leaving because we were waiting too long, and she just said "Ok." No apology. We were all very unhappy with that experience and probably won't return.
(2)
KC W.
I was here last night (a Monday) with my family. Our server was fantastic. We had a large group (14 people), and she did a fantastic job of keeping everyone happy. She explained that they can create just about any pasta dish your heart desires. Turns out this versatility of their kitchen extends past pasta dishes. My grandfather wanted fried shrimp, but it was not on the menu. He asked her if they had shrimp, and she said yes, how would you like them? He requested breaded, and sure enough, they made him what looked like some very delicious breaded shrimp! In addition to the phenomenal service, Francesca's gluten free options are to die for. My husband, sister, and I are all gluten free, and the pasta is so delicious that I had to compare my pasta to theirs to guarantee it was not too good to be true! I cannot wait to come back here again soon!
(4)
Vita S.
Friendly staff and great service. Most of all the food is always delicious. Love the fact they will basically make you anything to order. All you have to do is ask. Sal is a wonderful addition to the management team!
(5)
Laura M.
OMG....finally! A "trendy" restaurant in Oak Lawn and the prices are reasonable! I went on a Monday, since the first Monday of every month, kids eat free. I thought that would be a good time to go and try out this Italian chain. The decor is modern and open. The service was attentive and pleasant. And the place gets pretty busy beginning at 12:30pm. I ordered the beef carpaccio plate and for my son, he wanted the cheese pizza. The portions are huge! Plenty of leftovers, even from the kid's menu. My plate was delectable and my son's pizza was pretty good. His meal included a drink and a scoop of gelato ice cream. Their menu also includes items like fried calamari salad (over spinach, roasted peppers and spicy vinaigrette--my next order), risotto, linguine with an assortment of shellfish, and gnocchi. This is impressive since most of the Italian restaurants in the area don't have these items in their menu. Now I have a nice place to take guests instead of going to the city each and every time!
(4)
Tracy H.
Really good. Both times we have gone, we received attentive, professional service (which isn't necessarily the norm around here) and excellent food and drinks. And the profiteroles...omg. Options for a nice dinner around here are somewhat limited, so I'm happy that Francesca's is nearby.
(4)
Jon T.
Meal-OK Prices-OK Service-Not to good My family went for a birthday, so we had about 15 people and the waiter could not handle it. Could not get the orders right, did not speak English very well. I asked the manager for another waiter, and the manager really did not care. I dont like when you go to restaurant and spend a lot of money and leave disappointed. I dont know if I would recomend this business or not, take your own chance. Hope you have a better experience than mine
(1)
Isabelle S.
The food is always top notch here. Gotta share abt the kids menu. So cheap and such a deal. Fettucine Alfredo, drink and gelato for $6. Portion size big enough for leftovers Too.
(5)
Janet K.
Been to fancescas at least 7x in the past year. It never disappoints. Consistently good food, reasonably priced and consistently good service. It's my go to destination for Italian food. Be sure to save room for dessert!
(4)
Paige J.
I have been to a few Francesca's restaurants and I was expecting the Francesca's on 95th to be similar, but I was wrong. First, I had no problem rescheduling my 7:30 reservation on a Friday night. When we arrived I realized why, the place is larger than most Francesca's I have been to and it was not crowded at all but very noisy. Twenty minutes after ordering, the manager came to tell us that they were out of the special I ordered. He rushed me to order something else with little apology. Our waitress was much nicer about the ordeal. The meal was good, although the pork I ordered was dry and left me wanting the special. The end of the meal turned out better. Not only was the dessert we ordered comped, but as was an additional dessert. Overall food was very good, atmosphere was loud, our waitress was aloof but like the reviewer before me said finally 95th has a trendy restaurant.
(3)
David H.
The food was delicious! Had the Rigatoni & Sausage. Dessert included white chocolate gelato. Fantastic! Even the dipping olive oil was terriffic!
(5)
Noreen H.
The food is always excellent, never wait for a table. Love the decor and atmosphere. Service is always prompt.
(5)
Hank G.
Went to Francesca on 95th the other night with my daughter and wife. Food we had was pretty darn good and was actually better than I expected. My daughter also likes Francesca's because of the gluten free menu. Service was also good but desert took a while to bring out and when they did they forgot the whip cream for my daughters berry desert. Overall a good experience.
(4)
John D.
Best Italian on the southside, hands down. Actually, best restaurant on the southside, hands down. Menu changes often, lots of wine variety, Salmon is delicious, veal dishes are fantastic, chicken dishes are great.... Nice, clean, MODERN dining room, waiters are very attentive, food is priced right. Highly recommended! About time we had something like this down here!!
(5)
Sherri S.
Fantastic italian food. Limited menu because everything is made fresh. Very good prices.
(4)
Wendy S.
I had my bridal shower this past Saturday at Francesca's on 95th and my mom and I worked with Nancy, the event coordinator. She did a great job setting up my event. Everything was GREAT! The room was set up nicely. The food was so delicious and exactly what I wanted. The waiters/staff were accomodating and very nice. It was such a beautiful shower and I'm so glad I had it there. A few of my friends were so impressed and definitely want to consider Francesca's in the future for their events.
(5)
Jody Y.
I really can't say enough about our experience at Francesca's last night. My husband and I had a "date night" so we thought we would try Francesca's on 95th. From the moment we walked in, everything was great. The hostess was very friendly and accommodating. Our waitress/bartender, Margie was so friendly and knowledgeable that I thought she had to be an owner/manager. She was also extremely engaging and humorous. Now let's talk about the food. We started with an appetizer of grilled calamari which was really good. I am not a huge "fish" person, but for the main course I took Margie's suggestion of the "Aqua Pazza" which is a salmon dish with tomatoes, capers, fresh spinach and more. It was so out of this world great!!! I mean, I really can't say enough. My husband had another type of salmon that was also phenonminal. It had asparagus, avacado, etc... We could not believe how fresh it was. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone, and we will definitely be going back there with our friends and family. It could easily be our new place to frequent!!! Thanks again Francesca's and Margie!!!!
(5)
Edward B.
We decided to stop here because the search for something else decent wasn't working out. It's a tad expensive, but only a little bit - and it depends what you order. We had a pricey ($12) prosciutto / avocado / basil / etc. appetizer that was absolutely amazing, two pasta entrees and one alcoholic drink for under $60. The pasta itself was absolutely top notch and the carbonara sauce was very good and my GF enjoyed her cheese ravioli. Service was good but not great, done in kind of tag team fashion with different people taking care of water, clearing dishes, bringing out food, etc. I kind of like that in hindsight. It doesn't make you feel quite as "special", but it is highly efficient and quick when you need something. I'd go back, but not on a regular basis.
(4)
Gailmarie W.
Went there Tuesday to celebrate 2 cousins birthdays. Wonderful!!! Kudos to Jason! Loved "Designing my own Dish!" what better place to "wait out" a summer storm! Mmmmm good!
(5)
Alisha B.
Went for lunch today and it was fantastic. The staff was as polite and helpful as you could possibly hope for, the food.....ooooh the food.... It was fabulous. I had the four cheese ravioli with parmesean shavings, cream sauce, and truffle oil. It turns out that children eat free on Mondays so my daughters each got a pasta dish - one with cream sauce, the other with broccoli. Everything was delicious. Even the bread and oil served was perfectly warm and the oil was an herbed flavor that went perfectly with the cheese. Yesterday was my daughter's birthday and they even brought out both of my girls a little dessert treat with a candle - compliments of the house! They were so thrilled that they talked about it the whole way home. Prices were reasonable, tastes were beyond fabulous, and it's now five hours later and I'm still full! A great experience all around!
(5)
Jorie K.
I'm only giving 1 star because the food was good. I would have given 0 stars if I could but the food saved them. We had my fathers funeral luncheon here and it was horrible! They didn't know how to accommodate our party. They charge for EVERY drink they serve except water. They said hot tea was free but not iced tea? Why? I guess you have to pay for the ice cubes. They had to have added drinks on the bill that weren't consumed because there is no way a funeral luncheon serves $2500 in drinks. Oh but I forgot their iced tea is laced in gold because it's almost $3 a glass! Do not go to this restaurant for a banquet, they will rob you blind and are unwilling to talk work with you. I will never eat at a Francesca's again! I have even suggested to the funeral director to not recommend this place. It was a horrible way to honor my father!
(1)
John G.
Delicious fish!
(5)
Ray W.
Decent food great service.bang for the buck you get your values worth. No complaints the food just wasn't mind blowing.
(3)
Tina O.
Never had a bad meal. Great drinks. Beautifully decorated. Wait staff goes above and beyond.
(5)
Michelle L.
I've only been here once and liked it a lot. Went at an odd time (2pm), so not much traffic, but I've heard that dinner rush can get intense. Really nice and attentive waiters. Considering that Francesca's is located in a mall complex, you wouldn't expect such a classy space, but the white tablecloths and flowers really add something. Still a pretty relaxed environment, though. I had the proscuitto with figs, which was great but not that big of a portion. My friend had the calamari salad, which came with a surprisingly huge helping of pretty good calamari over an okay salad. The bread that came along with everything was super-crispy on the crust yet soft and warm on the inside. Came with a nice herby olive oil and cheese. Overall, I really liked this place and would come back!
(4)
Joan S.
Excellent food and service, Javier waiter and busboy made sure we had everything We needed. I highly recommend also go to Francesca's Naperville. They change The menu monthly. Don't forget to try dessert.
(4)
Patrick J.
First visit while in the Chicago area. Great, friendly service. Pretty good menu. I will be back.
(4)
Robert S.
I had dinner here with my friend on Friday night. Service was on point and our waiter was excellent. I had the grouper and it was delicious. My friend ordered a pasta dish with salmon. It was a huge bowl of pasta that she could only finish about half of. We did not have room for dessert but it looked they had a very tasty selection. Overall excellent experience.
(5)
Gerardo L.
Very good service Very good food. Plenty of free parking Lighting was just right! Calamari was very bueno. Good bar.
(5)
Diana S.
Omg...I Absolutly love this place. The food is so good. They have a spinach filled ravioli that is not on the menu that they have in the catering menu that is out of this world. The Breshetta is delish. The desserts are to die for. It is a bit pricey to bring the whole family but if you are coming for a rant icono dinner I definitely recommend this place. My favorite waiter is Miguel so if he is on the clock I recommend you sit at his area.
(5)
Emily H.
Due to a counter-intuitive typography structure choice on the menu, I ended up with a completely different pizza than I expected to get. My husband ate the gluten free pizza. Mine was chewy and his was doughy, not really what we were hoping for. The service was great and the desserts were tasty. We both wished there was gluten-free bread at the table.
(3)
Melissa C.
We went to Francesca's for our Anniversary and the dinner was perfect. Drinks were quickly refilled, the server was attentive, and food timing was perfect. They sent us a dessert plate and limoncello to help us celebrate. Great Experience, we will be back!
(5)
John H.
The food was very good but I felt a lacking in the service. The staff was polite and attentive, though to the point of feeling rushed.
(3)
Megan B.
Beautiful place and food couldn't get any better. It's definitely a higher end restaurant but not too expensive. Good customer service and highly recommend it.
(5)
Theresa C.
Great food and great service. They have a separate gluten free menu (including GF pasta and pizza!) but you have to ask for it. I am traveling out of town on business and I would go back if I am in the area again.
Francesca's on 95th is the place you go to for a nice meal, nice wine, and nice service. I moved in the area from the city, and I'm a little disappointed in the restaurant selection in Oak Lawn area. Luckily, a friend of mine recommended I go here and I love it. I've been in many Francesca's restaurants, and this one is just as nice. The idea that it's in a strip mall, kind of threw me off at first, but once you are inside it is lovely. I've been to Francesca's on 95th several times and will definitely keep on going back.
(4)
Alex R.
Went for graduation dinner. Great atmosphere, helpful waiters, great food. Will recommend.
(5)
Mike A.
This place is awesome, I love there services all the time. I also like albasha restaurant in palos hights ..I only eat in few places where I feel the food is great. Frenchisca is so good. Second albasha restaurant, there website is albashacuisine.com ... This only 2 places I like there food make you always want to come back again.
(5)
Michael P.
Went at lunch, but ordered off the dinner menu. Ordered a ribeye steak. Its cooked to temp (MEDIUM) and well seasoned. I was dissapointed by the menu though. It was limited and really didn't have any traditional dishes. Also, it looked like it came right out of the photo copier. Loved the dessert, ordered pistachio gelato profiteroles. Expensive, but worth every penny.
(4)
Carol S.
A nice family Friday night outing for 4 adults and 2 toddlers. We enjoyed the calamari, bruschetta, and Caesar salad. Cup of mushroom soup was too thick. Tasty Quattro Stagioni pizza with yummy prosciutto/artichokes/egg (expertly cut by the server), ravioli, linguine with abundant seafood, and gnocchi with cream sauce (off the menu but adored by one person in our group). A happy crowd of hungry diners were around us enjoying their food. Prompt hostesses and good servers who were patient with our boisterous table. Buon Cibo!
I ordered lunch to go Alfredo with chicken and broccoli. The bill slapped me in the face for 15 bucks and some change. Sauce was watery but it was pretty good. Not a huge portion but got the job done. I wouldn't do it again. Not for 15 bucks. They gave me free bread which is tasty but come on guys, come up with a lunch menu including chicken Alfredo.
(3)
Monica N.
My husband and I chose Francesca on 95th Street in Oak Lawn 1-3-15 after reviewing the reviews on yelp. We dined with them in the past and that experience was fine, so we were surprised about our recent dining experience. We entered and was told that there was a "tight table" available if we didn't want that, the wait will be between 20-25 minutes. We decided to take the "tight table". Now there are tables next to us where the servers were very accommodating. We just knew that one of these servers was our waiter. We sat there and they brought water and bread immediately. We looked at our menus and waited 15 minutes for our waiter to come and greet us. He never did. I asked the man that brought the water where was our waiter and he looked around and said that he can go and take our order. My husband and I both looked confused but proceeded to give him our order. Our food came out and then appears the "waiter." I don't remember dining with Francesca in the past and giving my order to the bus boy. I felt disrespected to know that this "waiter" greeted and seemed to be an excellent server to the tables around us but he didn't even acknowledge us. I was fuming. My husband told me to let it go and we ate paid our bill that surprisingly the waiter brought to us. The same "waiter" who couldn't take our order. We left and decided we will NEVER spend money at Francesca on 95th in Oak Lawn again. We will be telling all our friend and family to find another fine Italian restaurant- one that respects their African American customers. --------------------------------------------------Â----------------------------------------------- On 1-5-15, I appreciate the call from the General Manager Paul of Francesca's on 95th. He was really apologetic and he assured me that he will be discussing this situation with his staff.
(1)
Renee S.
Absolutely the best! I love that the menu changes each month and even tho it does you can order off the menu or what you got last month, if they got it they can whip you up whatever your craving. I'll be comin back here for sure!
(5)
Diana F.
Drove in from Chicago to visit someone, and chose this place because of previous reviews. Menu selections, and reasonable price. Was not disappointed. Place came definitely compete with most Italian restaurants in the Chicagoland. Fresh, nicely prepared and plated food. Table ordered carpaccio (beautiful grilled briny veg salad on top-delish); pork chops; seafood pasta (ALOT of pasta & a lot of seafood which is not typical); salmon (lovely grilled flavor); and chicken wrapped in prosciutto. Nothing was dry/over cooked. No one could finish their entire plate because of the massive portions. Nice wine as well. We did not get dessert but selections were also unique and deliciously described. Service excellent. Great for date night as dimly lit, great for friends because you can hear one another speak, and (with well behaved kids lol) family friendly. Also have outdoor seating!
(5)
Bobby B.
Aye! Pretty darn good flavor from this establishment. The staff is pretty friendly and attentive, and after being here a few times I have no complaints! They do the Italiano proper by givin' ya oil and parm with your bread. However, the server did no seem impressed with my concept of Italian-American slang. I rattled off such gems such as "gabbagool," "marinare," "pahmijahna," and last but not least, nearly shouting 'madone!" whenever I was displeased. In contrast, he seemed downright confused, but I shall not judge him on this, as his skills were mad and plentiful. In short, if I'm cravin' Italian food and I don't feel like makin' gravy all day, I come here. Salud! (Or however you spell it!)
I tried the gluten-free pizza here - not a very good crust, and they use a lot of an oddly bitter tasting olive oil. I'd stay away from the drinks as well, they're way overpriced and they don't seem to be able to make a balanced cocktail to save their lives.
(2)
l s.
Goood food and good service!! We had the 5$ pizza special, the risotto and a Cesar saad!! The tiramisu was homemade and amazing!! Yummy!! Say no to red lobster..yuck!!
We started with the complimentary bread and parmesan. The olive oil had oregano and basil (I think) already mixed in with it. The bread went really well with this oil, parmesan, and pepper! We ordered the calamari, gnocchi, and veal parmesan. The calamari was eh--the breading was plain and it tasted as if it was re-heated. The gnocchi was pretty good except the sauce was quite salty. I loved that it had spinach though. I also added sausage to the gnocchi. It was alright. My boyfriend thought it overpowered the gnocchi taste. I was just like ok yeah I know whatcha mean. The veal was crusted just right, but the sauce was also salty. Overall, the food was okay. I've had better Italiano elsewhere. This place is located in a plaza...it's kind of by the shopping mall. It's not that big of a place. There's a bar located in the back. The service was informative and friendly. It's pretty pricey--I didn't think the food was that good--totally not worth it. Three stars.
(3)
Natalie D.
The pizza is delicious and the waitstaff is so polite, informed, and attentive. Our waiter was Oscar and he is fabulous! I'll definitely go back to try some of the other yummy menu items. Everything looked so good.
Have never had a bad meal here...everything is fresh, food and service are fantastic!
(5)
Mari M.
I can't believe that I'm just discovering this hidden gem! The restaurant is tucked away in the corner of a small shopping center. It's really easy to miss or overlook. I usually see it out of the corner of my eye...on my way to get my Chipotle fix! I finally decided to take a risk on this place, and I can honestly say that I'm beyond satisfied with my experience! The restaurant is beautiful and the ambiance is very classy. It's the perfect spot for a date night. It feels really upscale and romantic. (Feel free to get a little dressed up when you go here!) I love the white table cloths and dim lighting. The service was great. Our waiter was fast and the entire restaurant staff is very attentive. The food is authentic Italian! And the best part is, the menu is reasonably priced! I'll be back!
(4)
Kristy H.
Last time here I had delicious food and good service. MAJOR PROLBEM: the bus boy was working really fast for some reason (it wasn't crowded) and carelessly spilled several drinks that were on our table all over me. I was soaked and it was freezing outside. Now, I am totally fine with that, HOWEVER at that point, we spent about $95 on our 2-person dinner, including appetizers and then ordered dessert, even though I was sitting in a sticky mess. WE WERE NOT comp'd the drinks that were spilled on me. We weren't comp'd a dessert. Nothing. I left pretty pissed off. I'm not going to say I won't be back, but I have a bad taste in my mouth about the place now.
(2)
Agnes L.
It's not my fav out of all the Francesca's I've patronized- I happen to like the one in Wicker Park more for its less chain-like atmosphere and menu. However, the service was superb here, and the food selection is better than any ole cookie-cutter Italian restaurant like Olive Garden, Carraba's or Buca's. Solid start - The standard complementary bread is better than what I've had recently at similar spots. It came out warm with a thick crust and soft middle. We dipped it in an herby olive oil and plate of parm while anticipating the apps. We had tried the carpaccio here a couple times, so for this date night, we knew we couldn't mess with success and order anything else for the antipasti. The plate of tender raw sirloin and fresh veggies came out quickly. The celery and mushrooms were expertly sliced thin and added crunch, while the capers and parm added saltiness, especially paired with the juicy tomatoes and olive oil on top. Entrees- left a little to be desired - I had a portion of my hubby's linguine and scallops in the light tomato cream sauce. The bowl was ginormous but really mostly pasta than anything else, which was a bit disappointing because the menu description mentioned spinach but there were few leaves. The sauce was flavorful with a bit of kick that was mellowed by that cream, and the scallops were not chewy, however, didn't quite allow my fork to puncture through as easily as I desire. I went for the pricier entree special of the night - the veal medallions with sundried tomatoes and mushrooms. The server recommended a medium rare preparation, which I permitted because I didn't want the meat to be too tough. But it definitely came out more of medium, bordering on well on some end pieces. I still ate it, but my husband made sure to let the server know the faux pas. Sincere service with a smile- Sometimes the testament to a quality restaurant is how it reacts to a complaint from the customer. For my husband and I, this is what actually elevated our experience at this particular location of Francesca's. To rectify the mishap, the server apologized and the manager surprised us with tiramisu for dessert - gratis. It was above and beyond. Not to mention, the unexpected end to our meal was to-die-for. I'm not a sweets kind of gal, but this was one I couldn't ignore. There was additional thick chocolate sauce with a good amount of espresso and cocoa powder and a thick cream layer atop the soaked lady fingers. Plus, this was a HUGE portion - ultra decadent, and we finished every bite of it. Loyal customers- We've enjoyed the Francesca's chain and specifically this one with the multiple visits we've each paid in the past two years living in the area. We're moving soon but hope to find another location within the chain to try and compare.
(4)
Monica R.
First time here. Service was great until he packed our food, got home and it looked as if he just dumped it in the container. The food was great, a little pricy, but nice dining atmosphere. I will be back!!
(3)
Abby J.
This place is great. The food is far superior to any other Italian food in the neighborhood. Service is great and the place is very clean and orderly. The only thing that's bad is how loud it is. I feel like they should put carpeting on the ceiling or something to make it quieter.
(5)
Andy R.
Went here on a date and we had a great dinner. Knowledgeable server and fresh food. I like that they change the menu daily so they are serving what is in season. Gelato for dessert was awesome.
(4)
K N.
Excellent food and big portions. Staff recommended several menu items. The menu is always changing which is pretty cool. I appreciate how the staff work together to offer awesome service.
(5)
Kristen S.
I love the Francesca's in Palos but my one visit to this location was subpar. My fiance ordered a shrimp pasta. The shrimp were small and the pasta was nothing to be desired. There were very few specials when we went and the service was poor. Granted this was shortly after this location had opened.
(3)
Magda M.
Tried to give them a chance more than once- never works for me.
(2)
Sean F.
Have never had a meal here. Tried on 3 separate occasions. Seated,place was pretty much empty. Waited for at least 15 minutes without seeing a waiter or waitress. Tried Palos location and was practically seated in the restroom.Never again.
(1)
Helena P.
I went with family members on what turned out to be a busy Saturday evening. We were seated in the back area and appreciated the somewhat quieter sound level and the spacious seating. I'm writing this update because what could have been a disaster for the restaurant turned out well. The room had a number of large parties seated and it was obvious the restaurant had an insufficient number of wait staff to support the load. The two servers working the room were obviously overwhelmed and it appeared that one table had complained, bringing in the manager. We were impacted as were other diners by the rush, waiting for 15 minutes before I flagged the manager as well. He knew right away what was coming and to his credit, got our table going with drinks and appetizers. He covered enough to give our server some breathing room. He also did the same for other tables and it was good to see. Kudos the manager and our server who remained calm and responded the way a restaurant should: deftly providing help and not getting ruffled by the situation.
(4)
Brian F.
Excellent Francescas food is pretty much standard at all their restaurants. I rate this location lower due to the very poor service we got that night. It was really difficult to flag our waitress down and when we asked for something it took way too long to get it. I felt like I was constantly looking for her.
(3)
K G.
Met some friends who were in from out of town the other night. I have been here several times, and the food is good, solid, and reliable. My friends enjoyed the gnocci and steak with roasted potatoes. I ordered the linguine with clams, shrimp, and scallops. I liked my dish, but have to complain that my dish was mostly pasta. In fact, Francesca's was downright cheap with the seafood. I have noticed this cheapness before at this location and the one in Naperville. Not saying that I won't be back. However, I will think twice about ordering a pasta dish like this.
(3)
Jazmine O.
Great pasta and great service. Came here for my birthday dinner and Rachel served us. She is great! We have never been dissappointed. I have been here many times and they are just always so nice here.
(5)
Erin L.
I have been here a few times & it's always pretty good. The first time I came I had the Pumpkin Ravioli special & it was amazing! The most recent time I had the Mushroom Pasta with truffle oil & it was OK. I say OK because I am gluten-free & dairy-free now & I think subtracting those from the dish may have taken away a lot of the 'sha-zam.' I appreciate that they offer gluten-free pasta, though, and our server was super accommodating to me, even suggesting things to make me feel more included in the heavily carb-ed meal, such as non-breaded calamari as opposed to the breaded & fried kind offered on the menu. He did forget my glass of wine, but I was able to enjoy it with dessert. Speaking of... the peach sorbet was fabulous! We'll be back.
(4)
Annie W.
Great authentic Italian food, nice atmosphere and my hubby and I enjoyed.
(4)
Baby Bear H.
When I first walked inside I was really pleased with how beautiful it looked. Then the server gave us the hand written, photo copied menus and I was a bit turned off. Such a classy looking place and no actual menus. The wine and desert menus were printed, laminated and seemed to fit the elegance of the place. They didn't seem to have a lot to offer food wise based off the menu we were given (all fancy stuff.. I'm more simple Italian food myself) but upon asking I was able to get just a simple Alfredo pasta. When the food came it the serving sizes were large enough for 2. I wasn't in love with my dish were I would order it again, but it wasn't bad. I was very full but out of curiosity I checked out the dessert menu to see what they had to offer. I never order it but curiosity compelled me to look and I was quite impressed. I ordered these pastry puffs filled with pistachio gelato inside and chocolate sauce over the top. I got 3 of these pastry puffs (one would be enough for a single person) so I was glad I was there with someone to help me eat them. They were VERY GOOD! All in all this was a nice place. Would be really cute for a date. Excellent Service !
(3)
B L.
Meh is right for this place. I've been to other Francesca's locations and was more impressed with those locations. I had to ask four times for a high chair before someone honored my request. It would have been understandable if they were busy but there were maybe two tables at the restaurant, the rest of the place was completely empty. Also the waiters kept hovering around our table but did not do anything, even though I obviously needed and asked for a high chair. Kind of weird! Other than that the service was very good, I kind of just thought this was strange and should be addressed. Mostly this review is -3 stars because I wasn't terribly into the food offerings. The menu also looks very unprofessional since it is handwritten and printed on a flimsy piece of paper. Even if they change the menu daily (and I have been to restaurants that do this) they could at least laminate it or make it look like a menu, not just a lousy looking photocopy. I mean, at the very least type it out. Besides the goofy menu, I didn't think the selection was very wide and they could improve the menu by using more ingredients. I had difficulty selecting my dinner because of this. 2-stars and not one because (although they did leave me hanging for 10 minutes on the high chair) the restaurant was very kid-friendly and the waitstaff was attentive, nice, and well-trained. Also there is a very decent changing table in the bathroom which I always appreciate. I might recommend this restaurant to others who prefer the ingredients they use, but I guess this just isn't my cup of tea.
(2)
Brien A.
I took my wife there last night for dinner. It was our first time there and definitely won't be our last. I can't believe this place is so close to home and we just tried it for the first time. The decor is very nice. The staff was extremely nice, everyone attended to you and everyone had a smile. Our server was actually the bartender too. She was absolutely the best. Gave suggestions, brought out my next beer before I could even order it, brought my wife a coffee liquor drink to try, she was always one step ahead. She made us feel really welcome. The food was fantastic. We both ordered pizzas and split a salad. It was all delicious. My wife had a desert that she just loved. The price was very reasonable too. So glad we tried Francesca's, we found our new dinner spot.
(5)
Noah C.
We were trying to decide on a nice moderate place to meet a couple of friends for dinner and "settled" on Francesca's. What a great decision. My wife and I have been to this location a couple of times and have been to many of the other Francesca's location, so we knew what was in store for us. Sure, this is a safe bet for traditional Italian fare but we are consistently impressed by the quality and flavors at Francesca's. It was an early Sunday night dinner so the place was almost empty when we got there. We were never rushed, the server was attentive but let us take our time. He helped us pick out a nice bottle of wine, a reasonable Tuscan D'Alessandro "Cortona" Syrah. It was great! We started with the appetizer special, bruchetta with prosciutto di Parma. One each was a perfect size appetizer. The wine was flowing and my buddy's beer glass was consistently filled. He likes his beer and even the bus boys were getting him refills. That did not go unnoticed. The salads came, I cannot pass up the caprese salad ( I know, we just had bruchetta but the wine was flowing) and my wife had the Insalata alla Francesca. Both were fresh and just what we expected. The wine kept flowing. Beer was refilled. We all had ordered pasta, I had the pesto ravioli. Simple flavors, pesto was not over powering and the portion was large. My wife had linguine with chicken breast, garlic tomato sauce and Kalamata olives. Strong flavors, lots of olives, and the chicken was perfect. My buddy and his wife had food too. Couldn't tell you what exactly (did I mention the wine) but they were very happy with what they had ordered. He was even happier when the next beer came. After our meal we took a casual look at the dessert menu, a few ideas were thrown around but nobody was too excited about anything. We had decided not to order anything until our waiter asked and mentioned their special, I jumped on it and ordered. one for the table. Warm brownie with white chocolate gelato. Yes please! And another glass of wine. The brownie was a minor disappointment, a little dry. The gelato was fantastic! I finished my wife's glass of wine, had a cappuccino and we called it a dinner. "Cena meravigliosa" Francesca's!
(5)
Donna F.
I can see where this place would be a hit in restaurant starved Oak Lawn. It would be a lot more pleasant with something(curtains, closed ceiling, etc.) to absorb the noise. It is just too loud in there. Food was good(not the mussels, though). Service by the actual server was not so good. Every time we wanted anything, we had to call him over. When he did walk by our table, he did so with his head in the opposite direction. Almost like he was afraid we might need something and that would inconvenience him. I prefer the Palos location.
(3)
Michael M.
Excellent food. The Mia Francesca's location in Chicago is my favorite Italian restaurant, and when I went to this one, I was hoping it was similar. I was not disappointed. This is one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No 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.
Annie W.
Great authentic Italian food, nice atmosphere and my hubby and I enjoyed.
(4)Carol S.
A nice family Friday night outing for 4 adults and 2 toddlers. We enjoyed the calamari, bruschetta, and Caesar salad. Cup of mushroom soup was too thick. Tasty Quattro Stagioni pizza with yummy prosciutto/artichokes/egg (expertly cut by the server), ravioli, linguine with abundant seafood, and gnocchi with cream sauce (off the menu but adored by one person in our group). A happy crowd of hungry diners were around us enjoying their food. Prompt hostesses and good servers who were patient with our boisterous table. Buon Cibo!
(4)Diana F.
Drove in from Chicago to visit someone, and chose this place because of previous reviews. Menu selections, and reasonable price. Was not disappointed. Place came definitely compete with most Italian restaurants in the Chicagoland. Fresh, nicely prepared and plated food. Table ordered carpaccio (beautiful grilled briny veg salad on top-delish); pork chops; seafood pasta (ALOT of pasta & a lot of seafood which is not typical); salmon (lovely grilled flavor); and chicken wrapped in prosciutto. Nothing was dry/over cooked. No one could finish their entire plate because of the massive portions. Nice wine as well. We did not get dessert but selections were also unique and deliciously described. Service excellent. Great for date night as dimly lit, great for friends because you can hear one another speak, and (with well behaved kids lol) family friendly. Also have outdoor seating!
(5)Bobby B.
Aye! Pretty darn good flavor from this establishment. The staff is pretty friendly and attentive, and after being here a few times I have no complaints! They do the Italiano proper by givin' ya oil and parm with your bread. However, the server did no seem impressed with my concept of Italian-American slang. I rattled off such gems such as "gabbagool," "marinare," "pahmijahna," and last but not least, nearly shouting 'madone!" whenever I was displeased. In contrast, he seemed downright confused, but I shall not judge him on this, as his skills were mad and plentiful. In short, if I'm cravin' Italian food and I don't feel like makin' gravy all day, I come here. Salud! (Or however you spell it!)
(4)Morfyndyr M.
Can't say I like the décor (what is appetizing about exposed ductwork?), and I found the seating uncomfortable, but it was hard to argue with the quality of the food. Easily the best meal I've had in a long time.
(4)Adam D.
I tried the gluten-free pizza here - not a very good crust, and they use a lot of an oddly bitter tasting olive oil. I'd stay away from the drinks as well, they're way overpriced and they don't seem to be able to make a balanced cocktail to save their lives.
(2)l s.
Goood food and good service!! We had the 5$ pizza special, the risotto and a Cesar saad!! The tiramisu was homemade and amazing!! Yummy!! Say no to red lobster..yuck!!
(5)Marcia W.
Have you ever tasted Swordfish? I hadn't until we dined there for my Mother's birthday. Everyone ordered a different entrée and desert. The salads were so refreshing. It is a wonderful dining experience. I ordered two drinks instead of just one. We enjoyed ourselves, you will too.
(5)Janet K.
Been to fancescas at least 7x in the past year. It never disappoints. Consistently good food, reasonably priced and consistently good service. It's my go to destination for Italian food. Be sure to save room for dessert!
(4)Tina O.
Never had a bad meal. Great drinks. Beautifully decorated. Wait staff goes above and beyond.
(5)Michelle L.
I've only been here once and liked it a lot. Went at an odd time (2pm), so not much traffic, but I've heard that dinner rush can get intense. Really nice and attentive waiters. Considering that Francesca's is located in a mall complex, you wouldn't expect such a classy space, but the white tablecloths and flowers really add something. Still a pretty relaxed environment, though. I had the proscuitto with figs, which was great but not that big of a portion. My friend had the calamari salad, which came with a surprisingly huge helping of pretty good calamari over an okay salad. The bread that came along with everything was super-crispy on the crust yet soft and warm on the inside. Came with a nice herby olive oil and cheese. Overall, I really liked this place and would come back!
(4)Joan S.
Excellent food and service, Javier waiter and busboy made sure we had everything We needed. I highly recommend also go to Francesca's Naperville. They change The menu monthly. Don't forget to try dessert.
(4)Patrick J.
First visit while in the Chicago area. Great, friendly service. Pretty good menu. I will be back.
(4)Robert S.
I had dinner here with my friend on Friday night. Service was on point and our waiter was excellent. I had the grouper and it was delicious. My friend ordered a pasta dish with salmon. It was a huge bowl of pasta that she could only finish about half of. We did not have room for dessert but it looked they had a very tasty selection. Overall excellent experience.
(5)Gerardo L.
Very good service Very good food. Plenty of free parking Lighting was just right! Calamari was very bueno. Good bar.
(5)Diana S.
Omg...I Absolutly love this place. The food is so good. They have a spinach filled ravioli that is not on the menu that they have in the catering menu that is out of this world. The Breshetta is delish. The desserts are to die for. It is a bit pricey to bring the whole family but if you are coming for a rant icono dinner I definitely recommend this place. My favorite waiter is Miguel so if he is on the clock I recommend you sit at his area.
(5)Emily H.
Due to a counter-intuitive typography structure choice on the menu, I ended up with a completely different pizza than I expected to get. My husband ate the gluten free pizza. Mine was chewy and his was doughy, not really what we were hoping for. The service was great and the desserts were tasty. We both wished there was gluten-free bread at the table.
(3)Cindy G.
Tonight was my first time dining there. I was greeted immediately, the staff was very friendly. I decided to go with the (Wednesday) chefs 3 course special. The first course I had the ceasar salad. The dressing was tasty, I wasn't crazy about the green and yellow peppers. Second course,Pollo Anosto alla Romano. It's a half chicken with 5 potato wedges. The seasoning was absolutely delicious, I can taste the fresh rosemary. The sauce was very flavorful as well. The chicken was all around juicy. I did feel like the dish was incomplete. It would've been great if it came with a little pasta or sautéed vegetables. For the 3rd course, vanilla cheesecake. Great presentation, but the texture was disappointing. It was stiff like 2 day old cheesecake. This place is not a total waste of money but unfortunately I most likely won't come back. I was a little surprised they had no signature classics such as lasagna.
(2)P K.
Francesca's on 95th is the place you go to for a nice meal, nice wine, and nice service. I moved in the area from the city, and I'm a little disappointed in the restaurant selection in Oak Lawn area. Luckily, a friend of mine recommended I go here and I love it. I've been in many Francesca's restaurants, and this one is just as nice. The idea that it's in a strip mall, kind of threw me off at first, but once you are inside it is lovely. I've been to Francesca's on 95th several times and will definitely keep on going back.
(4)Alex R.
Went for graduation dinner. Great atmosphere, helpful waiters, great food. Will recommend.
(5)Mike A.
This place is awesome, I love there services all the time. I also like albasha restaurant in palos hights ..I only eat in few places where I feel the food is great. Frenchisca is so good. Second albasha restaurant, there website is albashacuisine.com ... This only 2 places I like there food make you always want to come back again.
(5)Michael P.
Went at lunch, but ordered off the dinner menu. Ordered a ribeye steak. Its cooked to temp (MEDIUM) and well seasoned. I was dissapointed by the menu though. It was limited and really didn't have any traditional dishes. Also, it looked like it came right out of the photo copier. Loved the dessert, ordered pistachio gelato profiteroles. Expensive, but worth every penny.
(4)Big S.
I went here on 05/13/15 with my fiancé. Interesting location for a Francesca's since I'm used to dining at the Bryn Mawr and Oak Park locations, nevertheless this was a well decorated place with a classy ambience. Great place to take someone if you want to impress but not kill your pockets fellas. Food was great as usual, and only took about 20 min to come out. My problem was with our waiter for the following reasons: 1. Wasn't enthusiastic or welcoming. 2. Offered minimal feedback and input towards menu selections. And would simply escape questions by saying,"take your time I'll be back". 3. Rushed us as we ate on more than once. 4. Told us the kitchen closes at 9pm, which was nice except for the fact it was already 9:15 when he told us! (There were still a few tables of people left besides us) I've worked in sales and customer service for many years and I currently run my own company, I would have had a serious talk with him if he were my employee because as a customer I WILL NEVER return to that location again. (I still tipped 20% btw)
(3)Dan B.
I ordered lunch to go Alfredo with chicken and broccoli. The bill slapped me in the face for 15 bucks and some change. Sauce was watery but it was pretty good. Not a huge portion but got the job done. I wouldn't do it again. Not for 15 bucks. They gave me free bread which is tasty but come on guys, come up with a lunch menu including chicken Alfredo.
(3)Monica N.
My husband and I chose Francesca on 95th Street in Oak Lawn 1-3-15 after reviewing the reviews on yelp. We dined with them in the past and that experience was fine, so we were surprised about our recent dining experience. We entered and was told that there was a "tight table" available if we didn't want that, the wait will be between 20-25 minutes. We decided to take the "tight table". Now there are tables next to us where the servers were very accommodating. We just knew that one of these servers was our waiter. We sat there and they brought water and bread immediately. We looked at our menus and waited 15 minutes for our waiter to come and greet us. He never did. I asked the man that brought the water where was our waiter and he looked around and said that he can go and take our order. My husband and I both looked confused but proceeded to give him our order. Our food came out and then appears the "waiter." I don't remember dining with Francesca in the past and giving my order to the bus boy. I felt disrespected to know that this "waiter" greeted and seemed to be an excellent server to the tables around us but he didn't even acknowledge us. I was fuming. My husband told me to let it go and we ate paid our bill that surprisingly the waiter brought to us. The same "waiter" who couldn't take our order. We left and decided we will NEVER spend money at Francesca on 95th in Oak Lawn again. We will be telling all our friend and family to find another fine Italian restaurant- one that respects their African American customers. --------------------------------------------------Â----------------------------------------------- On 1-5-15, I appreciate the call from the General Manager Paul of Francesca's on 95th. He was really apologetic and he assured me that he will be discussing this situation with his staff.
(1)Renee S.
Absolutely the best! I love that the menu changes each month and even tho it does you can order off the menu or what you got last month, if they got it they can whip you up whatever your craving. I'll be comin back here for sure!
(5)Melissa C.
We went to Francesca's for our Anniversary and the dinner was perfect. Drinks were quickly refilled, the server was attentive, and food timing was perfect. They sent us a dessert plate and limoncello to help us celebrate. Great Experience, we will be back!
(5)John H.
The food was very good but I felt a lacking in the service. The staff was polite and attentive, though to the point of feeling rushed.
(3)Mia L.
We started with the complimentary bread and parmesan. The olive oil had oregano and basil (I think) already mixed in with it. The bread went really well with this oil, parmesan, and pepper! We ordered the calamari, gnocchi, and veal parmesan. The calamari was eh--the breading was plain and it tasted as if it was re-heated. The gnocchi was pretty good except the sauce was quite salty. I loved that it had spinach though. I also added sausage to the gnocchi. It was alright. My boyfriend thought it overpowered the gnocchi taste. I was just like ok yeah I know whatcha mean. The veal was crusted just right, but the sauce was also salty. Overall, the food was okay. I've had better Italiano elsewhere. This place is located in a plaza...it's kind of by the shopping mall. It's not that big of a place. There's a bar located in the back. The service was informative and friendly. It's pretty pricey--I didn't think the food was that good--totally not worth it. Three stars.
(3)Natalie D.
The pizza is delicious and the waitstaff is so polite, informed, and attentive. Our waiter was Oscar and he is fabulous! I'll definitely go back to try some of the other yummy menu items. Everything looked so good.
(5)Rachel M.
Some of the best gluten-free pasta and gluten-free pizza I've had! Lots of gluten-free choices. They even serve good gluten-free beer. Outstanding imported prosciutto. The salmon entrée was my favorite over the half chicken and the pork chops. Service was fast and friendly. Will definitely be back.
(5)Kainoa G.
Have never had a bad meal here...everything is fresh, food and service are fantastic!
(5)Mari M.
I can't believe that I'm just discovering this hidden gem! The restaurant is tucked away in the corner of a small shopping center. It's really easy to miss or overlook. I usually see it out of the corner of my eye...on my way to get my Chipotle fix! I finally decided to take a risk on this place, and I can honestly say that I'm beyond satisfied with my experience! The restaurant is beautiful and the ambiance is very classy. It's the perfect spot for a date night. It feels really upscale and romantic. (Feel free to get a little dressed up when you go here!) I love the white table cloths and dim lighting. The service was great. Our waiter was fast and the entire restaurant staff is very attentive. The food is authentic Italian! And the best part is, the menu is reasonably priced! I'll be back!
(4)Kristy H.
Last time here I had delicious food and good service. MAJOR PROLBEM: the bus boy was working really fast for some reason (it wasn't crowded) and carelessly spilled several drinks that were on our table all over me. I was soaked and it was freezing outside. Now, I am totally fine with that, HOWEVER at that point, we spent about $95 on our 2-person dinner, including appetizers and then ordered dessert, even though I was sitting in a sticky mess. WE WERE NOT comp'd the drinks that were spilled on me. We weren't comp'd a dessert. Nothing. I left pretty pissed off. I'm not going to say I won't be back, but I have a bad taste in my mouth about the place now.
(2)Agnes L.
It's not my fav out of all the Francesca's I've patronized- I happen to like the one in Wicker Park more for its less chain-like atmosphere and menu. However, the service was superb here, and the food selection is better than any ole cookie-cutter Italian restaurant like Olive Garden, Carraba's or Buca's. Solid start - The standard complementary bread is better than what I've had recently at similar spots. It came out warm with a thick crust and soft middle. We dipped it in an herby olive oil and plate of parm while anticipating the apps. We had tried the carpaccio here a couple times, so for this date night, we knew we couldn't mess with success and order anything else for the antipasti. The plate of tender raw sirloin and fresh veggies came out quickly. The celery and mushrooms were expertly sliced thin and added crunch, while the capers and parm added saltiness, especially paired with the juicy tomatoes and olive oil on top. Entrees- left a little to be desired - I had a portion of my hubby's linguine and scallops in the light tomato cream sauce. The bowl was ginormous but really mostly pasta than anything else, which was a bit disappointing because the menu description mentioned spinach but there were few leaves. The sauce was flavorful with a bit of kick that was mellowed by that cream, and the scallops were not chewy, however, didn't quite allow my fork to puncture through as easily as I desire. I went for the pricier entree special of the night - the veal medallions with sundried tomatoes and mushrooms. The server recommended a medium rare preparation, which I permitted because I didn't want the meat to be too tough. But it definitely came out more of medium, bordering on well on some end pieces. I still ate it, but my husband made sure to let the server know the faux pas. Sincere service with a smile- Sometimes the testament to a quality restaurant is how it reacts to a complaint from the customer. For my husband and I, this is what actually elevated our experience at this particular location of Francesca's. To rectify the mishap, the server apologized and the manager surprised us with tiramisu for dessert - gratis. It was above and beyond. Not to mention, the unexpected end to our meal was to-die-for. I'm not a sweets kind of gal, but this was one I couldn't ignore. There was additional thick chocolate sauce with a good amount of espresso and cocoa powder and a thick cream layer atop the soaked lady fingers. Plus, this was a HUGE portion - ultra decadent, and we finished every bite of it. Loyal customers- We've enjoyed the Francesca's chain and specifically this one with the multiple visits we've each paid in the past two years living in the area. We're moving soon but hope to find another location within the chain to try and compare.
(4)Monica R.
First time here. Service was great until he packed our food, got home and it looked as if he just dumped it in the container. The food was great, a little pricy, but nice dining atmosphere. I will be back!!
(3)Abby J.
This place is great. The food is far superior to any other Italian food in the neighborhood. Service is great and the place is very clean and orderly. The only thing that's bad is how loud it is. I feel like they should put carpeting on the ceiling or something to make it quieter.
(5)Edward B.
We decided to stop here because the search for something else decent wasn't working out. It's a tad expensive, but only a little bit - and it depends what you order. We had a pricey ($12) prosciutto / avocado / basil / etc. appetizer that was absolutely amazing, two pasta entrees and one alcoholic drink for under $60. The pasta itself was absolutely top notch and the carbonara sauce was very good and my GF enjoyed her cheese ravioli. Service was good but not great, done in kind of tag team fashion with different people taking care of water, clearing dishes, bringing out food, etc. I kind of like that in hindsight. It doesn't make you feel quite as "special", but it is highly efficient and quick when you need something. I'd go back, but not on a regular basis.
(4)Gailmarie W.
Went there Tuesday to celebrate 2 cousins birthdays. Wonderful!!! Kudos to Jason! Loved "Designing my own Dish!" what better place to "wait out" a summer storm! Mmmmm good!
(5)Alisha B.
Went for lunch today and it was fantastic. The staff was as polite and helpful as you could possibly hope for, the food.....ooooh the food.... It was fabulous. I had the four cheese ravioli with parmesean shavings, cream sauce, and truffle oil. It turns out that children eat free on Mondays so my daughters each got a pasta dish - one with cream sauce, the other with broccoli. Everything was delicious. Even the bread and oil served was perfectly warm and the oil was an herbed flavor that went perfectly with the cheese. Yesterday was my daughter's birthday and they even brought out both of my girls a little dessert treat with a candle - compliments of the house! They were so thrilled that they talked about it the whole way home. Prices were reasonable, tastes were beyond fabulous, and it's now five hours later and I'm still full! A great experience all around!
(5)Jorie K.
I'm only giving 1 star because the food was good. I would have given 0 stars if I could but the food saved them. We had my fathers funeral luncheon here and it was horrible! They didn't know how to accommodate our party. They charge for EVERY drink they serve except water. They said hot tea was free but not iced tea? Why? I guess you have to pay for the ice cubes. They had to have added drinks on the bill that weren't consumed because there is no way a funeral luncheon serves $2500 in drinks. Oh but I forgot their iced tea is laced in gold because it's almost $3 a glass! Do not go to this restaurant for a banquet, they will rob you blind and are unwilling to talk work with you. I will never eat at a Francesca's again! I have even suggested to the funeral director to not recommend this place. It was a horrible way to honor my father!
(1)John G.
Delicious fish!
(5)Ray W.
Decent food great service.bang for the buck you get your values worth. No complaints the food just wasn't mind blowing.
(3)Jon T.
Meal-OK Prices-OK Service-Not to good My family went for a birthday, so we had about 15 people and the waiter could not handle it. Could not get the orders right, did not speak English very well. I asked the manager for another waiter, and the manager really did not care. I dont like when you go to restaurant and spend a lot of money and leave disappointed. I dont know if I would recomend this business or not, take your own chance. Hope you have a better experience than mine
(1)Isabelle S.
The food is always top notch here. Gotta share abt the kids menu. So cheap and such a deal. Fettucine Alfredo, drink and gelato for $6. Portion size big enough for leftovers Too.
(5)Andy R.
Went here on a date and we had a great dinner. Knowledgeable server and fresh food. I like that they change the menu daily so they are serving what is in season. Gelato for dessert was awesome.
(4)Megan B.
Beautiful place and food couldn't get any better. It's definitely a higher end restaurant but not too expensive. Good customer service and highly recommend it.
(5)Theresa C.
Great food and great service. They have a separate gluten free menu (including GF pasta and pizza!) but you have to ask for it. I am traveling out of town on business and I would go back if I am in the area again.
(4)Helena P.
I went with family members on what turned out to be a busy Saturday evening. We were seated in the back area and appreciated the somewhat quieter sound level and the spacious seating. I'm writing this update because what could have been a disaster for the restaurant turned out well. The room had a number of large parties seated and it was obvious the restaurant had an insufficient number of wait staff to support the load. The two servers working the room were obviously overwhelmed and it appeared that one table had complained, bringing in the manager. We were impacted as were other diners by the rush, waiting for 15 minutes before I flagged the manager as well. He knew right away what was coming and to his credit, got our table going with drinks and appetizers. He covered enough to give our server some breathing room. He also did the same for other tables and it was good to see. Kudos the manager and our server who remained calm and responded the way a restaurant should: deftly providing help and not getting ruffled by the situation.
(4)Brian F.
Excellent Francescas food is pretty much standard at all their restaurants. I rate this location lower due to the very poor service we got that night. It was really difficult to flag our waitress down and when we asked for something it took way too long to get it. I felt like I was constantly looking for her.
(3)K G.
Met some friends who were in from out of town the other night. I have been here several times, and the food is good, solid, and reliable. My friends enjoyed the gnocci and steak with roasted potatoes. I ordered the linguine with clams, shrimp, and scallops. I liked my dish, but have to complain that my dish was mostly pasta. In fact, Francesca's was downright cheap with the seafood. I have noticed this cheapness before at this location and the one in Naperville. Not saying that I won't be back. However, I will think twice about ordering a pasta dish like this.
(3)Jazmine O.
Great pasta and great service. Came here for my birthday dinner and Rachel served us. She is great! We have never been dissappointed. I have been here many times and they are just always so nice here.
(5)K N.
Excellent food and big portions. Staff recommended several menu items. The menu is always changing which is pretty cool. I appreciate how the staff work together to offer awesome service.
(5)Kristen S.
I love the Francesca's in Palos but my one visit to this location was subpar. My fiance ordered a shrimp pasta. The shrimp were small and the pasta was nothing to be desired. There were very few specials when we went and the service was poor. Granted this was shortly after this location had opened.
(3)B L.
Meh is right for this place. I've been to other Francesca's locations and was more impressed with those locations. I had to ask four times for a high chair before someone honored my request. It would have been understandable if they were busy but there were maybe two tables at the restaurant, the rest of the place was completely empty. Also the waiters kept hovering around our table but did not do anything, even though I obviously needed and asked for a high chair. Kind of weird! Other than that the service was very good, I kind of just thought this was strange and should be addressed. Mostly this review is -3 stars because I wasn't terribly into the food offerings. The menu also looks very unprofessional since it is handwritten and printed on a flimsy piece of paper. Even if they change the menu daily (and I have been to restaurants that do this) they could at least laminate it or make it look like a menu, not just a lousy looking photocopy. I mean, at the very least type it out. Besides the goofy menu, I didn't think the selection was very wide and they could improve the menu by using more ingredients. I had difficulty selecting my dinner because of this. 2-stars and not one because (although they did leave me hanging for 10 minutes on the high chair) the restaurant was very kid-friendly and the waitstaff was attentive, nice, and well-trained. Also there is a very decent changing table in the bathroom which I always appreciate. I might recommend this restaurant to others who prefer the ingredients they use, but I guess this just isn't my cup of tea.
(2)Brien A.
I took my wife there last night for dinner. It was our first time there and definitely won't be our last. I can't believe this place is so close to home and we just tried it for the first time. The decor is very nice. The staff was extremely nice, everyone attended to you and everyone had a smile. Our server was actually the bartender too. She was absolutely the best. Gave suggestions, brought out my next beer before I could even order it, brought my wife a coffee liquor drink to try, she was always one step ahead. She made us feel really welcome. The food was fantastic. We both ordered pizzas and split a salad. It was all delicious. My wife had a desert that she just loved. The price was very reasonable too. So glad we tried Francesca's, we found our new dinner spot.
(5)KC W.
I was here last night (a Monday) with my family. Our server was fantastic. We had a large group (14 people), and she did a fantastic job of keeping everyone happy. She explained that they can create just about any pasta dish your heart desires. Turns out this versatility of their kitchen extends past pasta dishes. My grandfather wanted fried shrimp, but it was not on the menu. He asked her if they had shrimp, and she said yes, how would you like them? He requested breaded, and sure enough, they made him what looked like some very delicious breaded shrimp! In addition to the phenomenal service, Francesca's gluten free options are to die for. My husband, sister, and I are all gluten free, and the pasta is so delicious that I had to compare my pasta to theirs to guarantee it was not too good to be true! I cannot wait to come back here again soon!
(4)Vita S.
Friendly staff and great service. Most of all the food is always delicious. Love the fact they will basically make you anything to order. All you have to do is ask. Sal is a wonderful addition to the management team!
(5)Baby Bear H.
When I first walked inside I was really pleased with how beautiful it looked. Then the server gave us the hand written, photo copied menus and I was a bit turned off. Such a classy looking place and no actual menus. The wine and desert menus were printed, laminated and seemed to fit the elegance of the place. They didn't seem to have a lot to offer food wise based off the menu we were given (all fancy stuff.. I'm more simple Italian food myself) but upon asking I was able to get just a simple Alfredo pasta. When the food came it the serving sizes were large enough for 2. I wasn't in love with my dish were I would order it again, but it wasn't bad. I was very full but out of curiosity I checked out the dessert menu to see what they had to offer. I never order it but curiosity compelled me to look and I was quite impressed. I ordered these pastry puffs filled with pistachio gelato inside and chocolate sauce over the top. I got 3 of these pastry puffs (one would be enough for a single person) so I was glad I was there with someone to help me eat them. They were VERY GOOD! All in all this was a nice place. Would be really cute for a date. Excellent Service !
(3)ronnie c.
My family and I always enjoyed Francesca's, the ambiance is very nice, drinks are great, and the food is pretty good, especially the desserts. We go here pretty often and deal with the mediocre service. However, the last time we went it was downright terrible. We sat outside and waited 20 MINUTES and no one came to take our orders for drinks, let alone food. We were gazing inside, looking at the hostess. Finally I went up to her and said we were leaving because we were waiting too long, and she just said "Ok." No apology. We were all very unhappy with that experience and probably won't return.
(2)Laura M.
OMG....finally! A "trendy" restaurant in Oak Lawn and the prices are reasonable! I went on a Monday, since the first Monday of every month, kids eat free. I thought that would be a good time to go and try out this Italian chain. The decor is modern and open. The service was attentive and pleasant. And the place gets pretty busy beginning at 12:30pm. I ordered the beef carpaccio plate and for my son, he wanted the cheese pizza. The portions are huge! Plenty of leftovers, even from the kid's menu. My plate was delectable and my son's pizza was pretty good. His meal included a drink and a scoop of gelato ice cream. Their menu also includes items like fried calamari salad (over spinach, roasted peppers and spicy vinaigrette--my next order), risotto, linguine with an assortment of shellfish, and gnocchi. This is impressive since most of the Italian restaurants in the area don't have these items in their menu. Now I have a nice place to take guests instead of going to the city each and every time!
(4)Tracy H.
Really good. Both times we have gone, we received attentive, professional service (which isn't necessarily the norm around here) and excellent food and drinks. And the profiteroles...omg. Options for a nice dinner around here are somewhat limited, so I'm happy that Francesca's is nearby.
(4)Paige J.
I have been to a few Francesca's restaurants and I was expecting the Francesca's on 95th to be similar, but I was wrong. First, I had no problem rescheduling my 7:30 reservation on a Friday night. When we arrived I realized why, the place is larger than most Francesca's I have been to and it was not crowded at all but very noisy. Twenty minutes after ordering, the manager came to tell us that they were out of the special I ordered. He rushed me to order something else with little apology. Our waitress was much nicer about the ordeal. The meal was good, although the pork I ordered was dry and left me wanting the special. The end of the meal turned out better. Not only was the dessert we ordered comped, but as was an additional dessert. Overall food was very good, atmosphere was loud, our waitress was aloof but like the reviewer before me said finally 95th has a trendy restaurant.
(3)David H.
The food was delicious! Had the Rigatoni & Sausage. Dessert included white chocolate gelato. Fantastic! Even the dipping olive oil was terriffic!
(5)Noreen H.
The food is always excellent, never wait for a table. Love the decor and atmosphere. Service is always prompt.
(5)Hank G.
Went to Francesca on 95th the other night with my daughter and wife. Food we had was pretty darn good and was actually better than I expected. My daughter also likes Francesca's because of the gluten free menu. Service was also good but desert took a while to bring out and when they did they forgot the whip cream for my daughters berry desert. Overall a good experience.
(4)John D.
Best Italian on the southside, hands down. Actually, best restaurant on the southside, hands down. Menu changes often, lots of wine variety, Salmon is delicious, veal dishes are fantastic, chicken dishes are great.... Nice, clean, MODERN dining room, waiters are very attentive, food is priced right. Highly recommended! About time we had something like this down here!!
(5)Sherri S.
Fantastic italian food. Limited menu because everything is made fresh. Very good prices.
(4)Noah C.
We were trying to decide on a nice moderate place to meet a couple of friends for dinner and "settled" on Francesca's. What a great decision. My wife and I have been to this location a couple of times and have been to many of the other Francesca's location, so we knew what was in store for us. Sure, this is a safe bet for traditional Italian fare but we are consistently impressed by the quality and flavors at Francesca's. It was an early Sunday night dinner so the place was almost empty when we got there. We were never rushed, the server was attentive but let us take our time. He helped us pick out a nice bottle of wine, a reasonable Tuscan D'Alessandro "Cortona" Syrah. It was great! We started with the appetizer special, bruchetta with prosciutto di Parma. One each was a perfect size appetizer. The wine was flowing and my buddy's beer glass was consistently filled. He likes his beer and even the bus boys were getting him refills. That did not go unnoticed. The salads came, I cannot pass up the caprese salad ( I know, we just had bruchetta but the wine was flowing) and my wife had the Insalata alla Francesca. Both were fresh and just what we expected. The wine kept flowing. Beer was refilled. We all had ordered pasta, I had the pesto ravioli. Simple flavors, pesto was not over powering and the portion was large. My wife had linguine with chicken breast, garlic tomato sauce and Kalamata olives. Strong flavors, lots of olives, and the chicken was perfect. My buddy and his wife had food too. Couldn't tell you what exactly (did I mention the wine) but they were very happy with what they had ordered. He was even happier when the next beer came. After our meal we took a casual look at the dessert menu, a few ideas were thrown around but nobody was too excited about anything. We had decided not to order anything until our waiter asked and mentioned their special, I jumped on it and ordered. one for the table. Warm brownie with white chocolate gelato. Yes please! And another glass of wine. The brownie was a minor disappointment, a little dry. The gelato was fantastic! I finished my wife's glass of wine, had a cappuccino and we called it a dinner. "Cena meravigliosa" Francesca's!
(5)Donna F.
I can see where this place would be a hit in restaurant starved Oak Lawn. It would be a lot more pleasant with something(curtains, closed ceiling, etc.) to absorb the noise. It is just too loud in there. Food was good(not the mussels, though). Service by the actual server was not so good. Every time we wanted anything, we had to call him over. When he did walk by our table, he did so with his head in the opposite direction. Almost like he was afraid we might need something and that would inconvenience him. I prefer the Palos location.
(3)Michael M.
Excellent food. The Mia Francesca's location in Chicago is my favorite Italian restaurant, and when I went to this one, I was hoping it was similar. I was not disappointed. This is one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to.
(5)Wendy S.
I had my bridal shower this past Saturday at Francesca's on 95th and my mom and I worked with Nancy, the event coordinator. She did a great job setting up my event. Everything was GREAT! The room was set up nicely. The food was so delicious and exactly what I wanted. The waiters/staff were accomodating and very nice. It was such a beautiful shower and I'm so glad I had it there. A few of my friends were so impressed and definitely want to consider Francesca's in the future for their events.
(5)Jody Y.
I really can't say enough about our experience at Francesca's last night. My husband and I had a "date night" so we thought we would try Francesca's on 95th. From the moment we walked in, everything was great. The hostess was very friendly and accommodating. Our waitress/bartender, Margie was so friendly and knowledgeable that I thought she had to be an owner/manager. She was also extremely engaging and humorous. Now let's talk about the food. We started with an appetizer of grilled calamari which was really good. I am not a huge "fish" person, but for the main course I took Margie's suggestion of the "Aqua Pazza" which is a salmon dish with tomatoes, capers, fresh spinach and more. It was so out of this world great!!! I mean, I really can't say enough. My husband had another type of salmon that was also phenonminal. It had asparagus, avacado, etc... We could not believe how fresh it was. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone, and we will definitely be going back there with our friends and family. It could easily be our new place to frequent!!! Thanks again Francesca's and Margie!!!!
(5)Magda M.
Tried to give them a chance more than once- never works for me.
(2)Sean F.
Have never had a meal here. Tried on 3 separate occasions. Seated,place was pretty much empty. Waited for at least 15 minutes without seeing a waiter or waitress. Tried Palos location and was practically seated in the restroom.Never again.
(1)Erin L.
I have been here a few times & it's always pretty good. The first time I came I had the Pumpkin Ravioli special & it was amazing! The most recent time I had the Mushroom Pasta with truffle oil & it was OK. I say OK because I am gluten-free & dairy-free now & I think subtracting those from the dish may have taken away a lot of the 'sha-zam.' I appreciate that they offer gluten-free pasta, though, and our server was super accommodating to me, even suggesting things to make me feel more included in the heavily carb-ed meal, such as non-breaded calamari as opposed to the breaded & fried kind offered on the menu. He did forget my glass of wine, but I was able to enjoy it with dessert. Speaking of... the peach sorbet was fabulous! We'll be back.
(4)ronnie c.
My family and I always enjoyed Francesca's, the ambiance is very nice, drinks are great, and the food is pretty good, especially the desserts. We go here pretty often and deal with the mediocre service. However, the last time we went it was downright terrible. We sat outside and waited 20 MINUTES and no one came to take our orders for drinks, let alone food. We were gazing inside, looking at the hostess. Finally I went up to her and said we were leaving because we were waiting too long, and she just said "Ok." No apology. We were all very unhappy with that experience and probably won't return.
(2)KC W.
I was here last night (a Monday) with my family. Our server was fantastic. We had a large group (14 people), and she did a fantastic job of keeping everyone happy. She explained that they can create just about any pasta dish your heart desires. Turns out this versatility of their kitchen extends past pasta dishes. My grandfather wanted fried shrimp, but it was not on the menu. He asked her if they had shrimp, and she said yes, how would you like them? He requested breaded, and sure enough, they made him what looked like some very delicious breaded shrimp! In addition to the phenomenal service, Francesca's gluten free options are to die for. My husband, sister, and I are all gluten free, and the pasta is so delicious that I had to compare my pasta to theirs to guarantee it was not too good to be true! I cannot wait to come back here again soon!
(4)Vita S.
Friendly staff and great service. Most of all the food is always delicious. Love the fact they will basically make you anything to order. All you have to do is ask. Sal is a wonderful addition to the management team!
(5)Laura M.
OMG....finally! A "trendy" restaurant in Oak Lawn and the prices are reasonable! I went on a Monday, since the first Monday of every month, kids eat free. I thought that would be a good time to go and try out this Italian chain. The decor is modern and open. The service was attentive and pleasant. And the place gets pretty busy beginning at 12:30pm. I ordered the beef carpaccio plate and for my son, he wanted the cheese pizza. The portions are huge! Plenty of leftovers, even from the kid's menu. My plate was delectable and my son's pizza was pretty good. His meal included a drink and a scoop of gelato ice cream. Their menu also includes items like fried calamari salad (over spinach, roasted peppers and spicy vinaigrette--my next order), risotto, linguine with an assortment of shellfish, and gnocchi. This is impressive since most of the Italian restaurants in the area don't have these items in their menu. Now I have a nice place to take guests instead of going to the city each and every time!
(4)Tracy H.
Really good. Both times we have gone, we received attentive, professional service (which isn't necessarily the norm around here) and excellent food and drinks. And the profiteroles...omg. Options for a nice dinner around here are somewhat limited, so I'm happy that Francesca's is nearby.
(4)Jon T.
Meal-OK Prices-OK Service-Not to good My family went for a birthday, so we had about 15 people and the waiter could not handle it. Could not get the orders right, did not speak English very well. I asked the manager for another waiter, and the manager really did not care. I dont like when you go to restaurant and spend a lot of money and leave disappointed. I dont know if I would recomend this business or not, take your own chance. Hope you have a better experience than mine
(1)Isabelle S.
The food is always top notch here. Gotta share abt the kids menu. So cheap and such a deal. Fettucine Alfredo, drink and gelato for $6. Portion size big enough for leftovers Too.
(5)Janet K.
Been to fancescas at least 7x in the past year. It never disappoints. Consistently good food, reasonably priced and consistently good service. It's my go to destination for Italian food. Be sure to save room for dessert!
(4)Paige J.
I have been to a few Francesca's restaurants and I was expecting the Francesca's on 95th to be similar, but I was wrong. First, I had no problem rescheduling my 7:30 reservation on a Friday night. When we arrived I realized why, the place is larger than most Francesca's I have been to and it was not crowded at all but very noisy. Twenty minutes after ordering, the manager came to tell us that they were out of the special I ordered. He rushed me to order something else with little apology. Our waitress was much nicer about the ordeal. The meal was good, although the pork I ordered was dry and left me wanting the special. The end of the meal turned out better. Not only was the dessert we ordered comped, but as was an additional dessert. Overall food was very good, atmosphere was loud, our waitress was aloof but like the reviewer before me said finally 95th has a trendy restaurant.
(3)David H.
The food was delicious! Had the Rigatoni & Sausage. Dessert included white chocolate gelato. Fantastic! Even the dipping olive oil was terriffic!
(5)Noreen H.
The food is always excellent, never wait for a table. Love the decor and atmosphere. Service is always prompt.
(5)Hank G.
Went to Francesca on 95th the other night with my daughter and wife. Food we had was pretty darn good and was actually better than I expected. My daughter also likes Francesca's because of the gluten free menu. Service was also good but desert took a while to bring out and when they did they forgot the whip cream for my daughters berry desert. Overall a good experience.
(4)John D.
Best Italian on the southside, hands down. Actually, best restaurant on the southside, hands down. Menu changes often, lots of wine variety, Salmon is delicious, veal dishes are fantastic, chicken dishes are great.... Nice, clean, MODERN dining room, waiters are very attentive, food is priced right. Highly recommended! About time we had something like this down here!!
(5)Sherri S.
Fantastic italian food. Limited menu because everything is made fresh. Very good prices.
(4)Wendy S.
I had my bridal shower this past Saturday at Francesca's on 95th and my mom and I worked with Nancy, the event coordinator. She did a great job setting up my event. Everything was GREAT! The room was set up nicely. The food was so delicious and exactly what I wanted. The waiters/staff were accomodating and very nice. It was such a beautiful shower and I'm so glad I had it there. A few of my friends were so impressed and definitely want to consider Francesca's in the future for their events.
(5)Jody Y.
I really can't say enough about our experience at Francesca's last night. My husband and I had a "date night" so we thought we would try Francesca's on 95th. From the moment we walked in, everything was great. The hostess was very friendly and accommodating. Our waitress/bartender, Margie was so friendly and knowledgeable that I thought she had to be an owner/manager. She was also extremely engaging and humorous. Now let's talk about the food. We started with an appetizer of grilled calamari which was really good. I am not a huge "fish" person, but for the main course I took Margie's suggestion of the "Aqua Pazza" which is a salmon dish with tomatoes, capers, fresh spinach and more. It was so out of this world great!!! I mean, I really can't say enough. My husband had another type of salmon that was also phenonminal. It had asparagus, avacado, etc... We could not believe how fresh it was. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone, and we will definitely be going back there with our friends and family. It could easily be our new place to frequent!!! Thanks again Francesca's and Margie!!!!
(5)Edward B.
We decided to stop here because the search for something else decent wasn't working out. It's a tad expensive, but only a little bit - and it depends what you order. We had a pricey ($12) prosciutto / avocado / basil / etc. appetizer that was absolutely amazing, two pasta entrees and one alcoholic drink for under $60. The pasta itself was absolutely top notch and the carbonara sauce was very good and my GF enjoyed her cheese ravioli. Service was good but not great, done in kind of tag team fashion with different people taking care of water, clearing dishes, bringing out food, etc. I kind of like that in hindsight. It doesn't make you feel quite as "special", but it is highly efficient and quick when you need something. I'd go back, but not on a regular basis.
(4)Gailmarie W.
Went there Tuesday to celebrate 2 cousins birthdays. Wonderful!!! Kudos to Jason! Loved "Designing my own Dish!" what better place to "wait out" a summer storm! Mmmmm good!
(5)Alisha B.
Went for lunch today and it was fantastic. The staff was as polite and helpful as you could possibly hope for, the food.....ooooh the food.... It was fabulous. I had the four cheese ravioli with parmesean shavings, cream sauce, and truffle oil. It turns out that children eat free on Mondays so my daughters each got a pasta dish - one with cream sauce, the other with broccoli. Everything was delicious. Even the bread and oil served was perfectly warm and the oil was an herbed flavor that went perfectly with the cheese. Yesterday was my daughter's birthday and they even brought out both of my girls a little dessert treat with a candle - compliments of the house! They were so thrilled that they talked about it the whole way home. Prices were reasonable, tastes were beyond fabulous, and it's now five hours later and I'm still full! A great experience all around!
(5)Jorie K.
I'm only giving 1 star because the food was good. I would have given 0 stars if I could but the food saved them. We had my fathers funeral luncheon here and it was horrible! They didn't know how to accommodate our party. They charge for EVERY drink they serve except water. They said hot tea was free but not iced tea? Why? I guess you have to pay for the ice cubes. They had to have added drinks on the bill that weren't consumed because there is no way a funeral luncheon serves $2500 in drinks. Oh but I forgot their iced tea is laced in gold because it's almost $3 a glass! Do not go to this restaurant for a banquet, they will rob you blind and are unwilling to talk work with you. I will never eat at a Francesca's again! I have even suggested to the funeral director to not recommend this place. It was a horrible way to honor my father!
(1)John G.
Delicious fish!
(5)Ray W.
Decent food great service.bang for the buck you get your values worth. No complaints the food just wasn't mind blowing.
(3)Tina O.
Never had a bad meal. Great drinks. Beautifully decorated. Wait staff goes above and beyond.
(5)Michelle L.
I've only been here once and liked it a lot. Went at an odd time (2pm), so not much traffic, but I've heard that dinner rush can get intense. Really nice and attentive waiters. Considering that Francesca's is located in a mall complex, you wouldn't expect such a classy space, but the white tablecloths and flowers really add something. Still a pretty relaxed environment, though. I had the proscuitto with figs, which was great but not that big of a portion. My friend had the calamari salad, which came with a surprisingly huge helping of pretty good calamari over an okay salad. The bread that came along with everything was super-crispy on the crust yet soft and warm on the inside. Came with a nice herby olive oil and cheese. Overall, I really liked this place and would come back!
(4)Joan S.
Excellent food and service, Javier waiter and busboy made sure we had everything We needed. I highly recommend also go to Francesca's Naperville. They change The menu monthly. Don't forget to try dessert.
(4)Patrick J.
First visit while in the Chicago area. Great, friendly service. Pretty good menu. I will be back.
(4)Robert S.
I had dinner here with my friend on Friday night. Service was on point and our waiter was excellent. I had the grouper and it was delicious. My friend ordered a pasta dish with salmon. It was a huge bowl of pasta that she could only finish about half of. We did not have room for dessert but it looked they had a very tasty selection. Overall excellent experience.
(5)Gerardo L.
Very good service Very good food. Plenty of free parking Lighting was just right! Calamari was very bueno. Good bar.
(5)Diana S.
Omg...I Absolutly love this place. The food is so good. They have a spinach filled ravioli that is not on the menu that they have in the catering menu that is out of this world. The Breshetta is delish. The desserts are to die for. It is a bit pricey to bring the whole family but if you are coming for a rant icono dinner I definitely recommend this place. My favorite waiter is Miguel so if he is on the clock I recommend you sit at his area.
(5)Emily H.
Due to a counter-intuitive typography structure choice on the menu, I ended up with a completely different pizza than I expected to get. My husband ate the gluten free pizza. Mine was chewy and his was doughy, not really what we were hoping for. The service was great and the desserts were tasty. We both wished there was gluten-free bread at the table.
(3)Melissa C.
We went to Francesca's for our Anniversary and the dinner was perfect. Drinks were quickly refilled, the server was attentive, and food timing was perfect. They sent us a dessert plate and limoncello to help us celebrate. Great Experience, we will be back!
(5)John H.
The food was very good but I felt a lacking in the service. The staff was polite and attentive, though to the point of feeling rushed.
(3)Megan B.
Beautiful place and food couldn't get any better. It's definitely a higher end restaurant but not too expensive. Good customer service and highly recommend it.
(5)Theresa C.
Great food and great service. They have a separate gluten free menu (including GF pasta and pizza!) but you have to ask for it. I am traveling out of town on business and I would go back if I am in the area again.
(4)Cindy G.
Tonight was my first time dining there. I was greeted immediately, the staff was very friendly. I decided to go with the (Wednesday) chefs 3 course special. The first course I had the ceasar salad. The dressing was tasty, I wasn't crazy about the green and yellow peppers. Second course,Pollo Anosto alla Romano. It's a half chicken with 5 potato wedges. The seasoning was absolutely delicious, I can taste the fresh rosemary. The sauce was very flavorful as well. The chicken was all around juicy. I did feel like the dish was incomplete. It would've been great if it came with a little pasta or sautéed vegetables. For the 3rd course, vanilla cheesecake. Great presentation, but the texture was disappointing. It was stiff like 2 day old cheesecake. This place is not a total waste of money but unfortunately I most likely won't come back. I was a little surprised they had no signature classics such as lasagna.
(2)P K.
Francesca's on 95th is the place you go to for a nice meal, nice wine, and nice service. I moved in the area from the city, and I'm a little disappointed in the restaurant selection in Oak Lawn area. Luckily, a friend of mine recommended I go here and I love it. I've been in many Francesca's restaurants, and this one is just as nice. The idea that it's in a strip mall, kind of threw me off at first, but once you are inside it is lovely. I've been to Francesca's on 95th several times and will definitely keep on going back.
(4)Alex R.
Went for graduation dinner. Great atmosphere, helpful waiters, great food. Will recommend.
(5)Mike A.
This place is awesome, I love there services all the time. I also like albasha restaurant in palos hights ..I only eat in few places where I feel the food is great. Frenchisca is so good. Second albasha restaurant, there website is albashacuisine.com ... This only 2 places I like there food make you always want to come back again.
(5)Michael P.
Went at lunch, but ordered off the dinner menu. Ordered a ribeye steak. Its cooked to temp (MEDIUM) and well seasoned. I was dissapointed by the menu though. It was limited and really didn't have any traditional dishes. Also, it looked like it came right out of the photo copier. Loved the dessert, ordered pistachio gelato profiteroles. Expensive, but worth every penny.
(4)Carol S.
A nice family Friday night outing for 4 adults and 2 toddlers. We enjoyed the calamari, bruschetta, and Caesar salad. Cup of mushroom soup was too thick. Tasty Quattro Stagioni pizza with yummy prosciutto/artichokes/egg (expertly cut by the server), ravioli, linguine with abundant seafood, and gnocchi with cream sauce (off the menu but adored by one person in our group). A happy crowd of hungry diners were around us enjoying their food. Prompt hostesses and good servers who were patient with our boisterous table. Buon Cibo!
(4)Big S.
I went here on 05/13/15 with my fiancé. Interesting location for a Francesca's since I'm used to dining at the Bryn Mawr and Oak Park locations, nevertheless this was a well decorated place with a classy ambience. Great place to take someone if you want to impress but not kill your pockets fellas. Food was great as usual, and only took about 20 min to come out. My problem was with our waiter for the following reasons: 1. Wasn't enthusiastic or welcoming. 2. Offered minimal feedback and input towards menu selections. And would simply escape questions by saying,"take your time I'll be back". 3. Rushed us as we ate on more than once. 4. Told us the kitchen closes at 9pm, which was nice except for the fact it was already 9:15 when he told us! (There were still a few tables of people left besides us) I've worked in sales and customer service for many years and I currently run my own company, I would have had a serious talk with him if he were my employee because as a customer I WILL NEVER return to that location again. (I still tipped 20% btw)
(3)Dan B.
I ordered lunch to go Alfredo with chicken and broccoli. The bill slapped me in the face for 15 bucks and some change. Sauce was watery but it was pretty good. Not a huge portion but got the job done. I wouldn't do it again. Not for 15 bucks. They gave me free bread which is tasty but come on guys, come up with a lunch menu including chicken Alfredo.
(3)Monica N.
My husband and I chose Francesca on 95th Street in Oak Lawn 1-3-15 after reviewing the reviews on yelp. We dined with them in the past and that experience was fine, so we were surprised about our recent dining experience. We entered and was told that there was a "tight table" available if we didn't want that, the wait will be between 20-25 minutes. We decided to take the "tight table". Now there are tables next to us where the servers were very accommodating. We just knew that one of these servers was our waiter. We sat there and they brought water and bread immediately. We looked at our menus and waited 15 minutes for our waiter to come and greet us. He never did. I asked the man that brought the water where was our waiter and he looked around and said that he can go and take our order. My husband and I both looked confused but proceeded to give him our order. Our food came out and then appears the "waiter." I don't remember dining with Francesca in the past and giving my order to the bus boy. I felt disrespected to know that this "waiter" greeted and seemed to be an excellent server to the tables around us but he didn't even acknowledge us. I was fuming. My husband told me to let it go and we ate paid our bill that surprisingly the waiter brought to us. The same "waiter" who couldn't take our order. We left and decided we will NEVER spend money at Francesca on 95th in Oak Lawn again. We will be telling all our friend and family to find another fine Italian restaurant- one that respects their African American customers. --------------------------------------------------Â----------------------------------------------- On 1-5-15, I appreciate the call from the General Manager Paul of Francesca's on 95th. He was really apologetic and he assured me that he will be discussing this situation with his staff.
(1)Renee S.
Absolutely the best! I love that the menu changes each month and even tho it does you can order off the menu or what you got last month, if they got it they can whip you up whatever your craving. I'll be comin back here for sure!
(5)Diana F.
Drove in from Chicago to visit someone, and chose this place because of previous reviews. Menu selections, and reasonable price. Was not disappointed. Place came definitely compete with most Italian restaurants in the Chicagoland. Fresh, nicely prepared and plated food. Table ordered carpaccio (beautiful grilled briny veg salad on top-delish); pork chops; seafood pasta (ALOT of pasta & a lot of seafood which is not typical); salmon (lovely grilled flavor); and chicken wrapped in prosciutto. Nothing was dry/over cooked. No one could finish their entire plate because of the massive portions. Nice wine as well. We did not get dessert but selections were also unique and deliciously described. Service excellent. Great for date night as dimly lit, great for friends because you can hear one another speak, and (with well behaved kids lol) family friendly. Also have outdoor seating!
(5)Bobby B.
Aye! Pretty darn good flavor from this establishment. The staff is pretty friendly and attentive, and after being here a few times I have no complaints! They do the Italiano proper by givin' ya oil and parm with your bread. However, the server did no seem impressed with my concept of Italian-American slang. I rattled off such gems such as "gabbagool," "marinare," "pahmijahna," and last but not least, nearly shouting 'madone!" whenever I was displeased. In contrast, he seemed downright confused, but I shall not judge him on this, as his skills were mad and plentiful. In short, if I'm cravin' Italian food and I don't feel like makin' gravy all day, I come here. Salud! (Or however you spell it!)
(4)Morfyndyr M.
Can't say I like the décor (what is appetizing about exposed ductwork?), and I found the seating uncomfortable, but it was hard to argue with the quality of the food. Easily the best meal I've had in a long time.
(4)Adam D.
I tried the gluten-free pizza here - not a very good crust, and they use a lot of an oddly bitter tasting olive oil. I'd stay away from the drinks as well, they're way overpriced and they don't seem to be able to make a balanced cocktail to save their lives.
(2)l s.
Goood food and good service!! We had the 5$ pizza special, the risotto and a Cesar saad!! The tiramisu was homemade and amazing!! Yummy!! Say no to red lobster..yuck!!
(5)Marcia W.
Have you ever tasted Swordfish? I hadn't until we dined there for my Mother's birthday. Everyone ordered a different entrée and desert. The salads were so refreshing. It is a wonderful dining experience. I ordered two drinks instead of just one. We enjoyed ourselves, you will too.
(5)Mia L.
We started with the complimentary bread and parmesan. The olive oil had oregano and basil (I think) already mixed in with it. The bread went really well with this oil, parmesan, and pepper! We ordered the calamari, gnocchi, and veal parmesan. The calamari was eh--the breading was plain and it tasted as if it was re-heated. The gnocchi was pretty good except the sauce was quite salty. I loved that it had spinach though. I also added sausage to the gnocchi. It was alright. My boyfriend thought it overpowered the gnocchi taste. I was just like ok yeah I know whatcha mean. The veal was crusted just right, but the sauce was also salty. Overall, the food was okay. I've had better Italiano elsewhere. This place is located in a plaza...it's kind of by the shopping mall. It's not that big of a place. There's a bar located in the back. The service was informative and friendly. It's pretty pricey--I didn't think the food was that good--totally not worth it. Three stars.
(3)Natalie D.
The pizza is delicious and the waitstaff is so polite, informed, and attentive. Our waiter was Oscar and he is fabulous! I'll definitely go back to try some of the other yummy menu items. Everything looked so good.
(5)Rachel M.
Some of the best gluten-free pasta and gluten-free pizza I've had! Lots of gluten-free choices. They even serve good gluten-free beer. Outstanding imported prosciutto. The salmon entrée was my favorite over the half chicken and the pork chops. Service was fast and friendly. Will definitely be back.
(5)Kainoa G.
Have never had a bad meal here...everything is fresh, food and service are fantastic!
(5)Mari M.
I can't believe that I'm just discovering this hidden gem! The restaurant is tucked away in the corner of a small shopping center. It's really easy to miss or overlook. I usually see it out of the corner of my eye...on my way to get my Chipotle fix! I finally decided to take a risk on this place, and I can honestly say that I'm beyond satisfied with my experience! The restaurant is beautiful and the ambiance is very classy. It's the perfect spot for a date night. It feels really upscale and romantic. (Feel free to get a little dressed up when you go here!) I love the white table cloths and dim lighting. The service was great. Our waiter was fast and the entire restaurant staff is very attentive. The food is authentic Italian! And the best part is, the menu is reasonably priced! I'll be back!
(4)Kristy H.
Last time here I had delicious food and good service. MAJOR PROLBEM: the bus boy was working really fast for some reason (it wasn't crowded) and carelessly spilled several drinks that were on our table all over me. I was soaked and it was freezing outside. Now, I am totally fine with that, HOWEVER at that point, we spent about $95 on our 2-person dinner, including appetizers and then ordered dessert, even though I was sitting in a sticky mess. WE WERE NOT comp'd the drinks that were spilled on me. We weren't comp'd a dessert. Nothing. I left pretty pissed off. I'm not going to say I won't be back, but I have a bad taste in my mouth about the place now.
(2)Agnes L.
It's not my fav out of all the Francesca's I've patronized- I happen to like the one in Wicker Park more for its less chain-like atmosphere and menu. However, the service was superb here, and the food selection is better than any ole cookie-cutter Italian restaurant like Olive Garden, Carraba's or Buca's. Solid start - The standard complementary bread is better than what I've had recently at similar spots. It came out warm with a thick crust and soft middle. We dipped it in an herby olive oil and plate of parm while anticipating the apps. We had tried the carpaccio here a couple times, so for this date night, we knew we couldn't mess with success and order anything else for the antipasti. The plate of tender raw sirloin and fresh veggies came out quickly. The celery and mushrooms were expertly sliced thin and added crunch, while the capers and parm added saltiness, especially paired with the juicy tomatoes and olive oil on top. Entrees- left a little to be desired - I had a portion of my hubby's linguine and scallops in the light tomato cream sauce. The bowl was ginormous but really mostly pasta than anything else, which was a bit disappointing because the menu description mentioned spinach but there were few leaves. The sauce was flavorful with a bit of kick that was mellowed by that cream, and the scallops were not chewy, however, didn't quite allow my fork to puncture through as easily as I desire. I went for the pricier entree special of the night - the veal medallions with sundried tomatoes and mushrooms. The server recommended a medium rare preparation, which I permitted because I didn't want the meat to be too tough. But it definitely came out more of medium, bordering on well on some end pieces. I still ate it, but my husband made sure to let the server know the faux pas. Sincere service with a smile- Sometimes the testament to a quality restaurant is how it reacts to a complaint from the customer. For my husband and I, this is what actually elevated our experience at this particular location of Francesca's. To rectify the mishap, the server apologized and the manager surprised us with tiramisu for dessert - gratis. It was above and beyond. Not to mention, the unexpected end to our meal was to-die-for. I'm not a sweets kind of gal, but this was one I couldn't ignore. There was additional thick chocolate sauce with a good amount of espresso and cocoa powder and a thick cream layer atop the soaked lady fingers. Plus, this was a HUGE portion - ultra decadent, and we finished every bite of it. Loyal customers- We've enjoyed the Francesca's chain and specifically this one with the multiple visits we've each paid in the past two years living in the area. We're moving soon but hope to find another location within the chain to try and compare.
(4)Monica R.
First time here. Service was great until he packed our food, got home and it looked as if he just dumped it in the container. The food was great, a little pricy, but nice dining atmosphere. I will be back!!
(3)Abby J.
This place is great. The food is far superior to any other Italian food in the neighborhood. Service is great and the place is very clean and orderly. The only thing that's bad is how loud it is. I feel like they should put carpeting on the ceiling or something to make it quieter.
(5)Andy R.
Went here on a date and we had a great dinner. Knowledgeable server and fresh food. I like that they change the menu daily so they are serving what is in season. Gelato for dessert was awesome.
(4)K N.
Excellent food and big portions. Staff recommended several menu items. The menu is always changing which is pretty cool. I appreciate how the staff work together to offer awesome service.
(5)Kristen S.
I love the Francesca's in Palos but my one visit to this location was subpar. My fiance ordered a shrimp pasta. The shrimp were small and the pasta was nothing to be desired. There were very few specials when we went and the service was poor. Granted this was shortly after this location had opened.
(3)Magda M.
Tried to give them a chance more than once- never works for me.
(2)Sean F.
Have never had a meal here. Tried on 3 separate occasions. Seated,place was pretty much empty. Waited for at least 15 minutes without seeing a waiter or waitress. Tried Palos location and was practically seated in the restroom.Never again.
(1)Helena P.
I went with family members on what turned out to be a busy Saturday evening. We were seated in the back area and appreciated the somewhat quieter sound level and the spacious seating. I'm writing this update because what could have been a disaster for the restaurant turned out well. The room had a number of large parties seated and it was obvious the restaurant had an insufficient number of wait staff to support the load. The two servers working the room were obviously overwhelmed and it appeared that one table had complained, bringing in the manager. We were impacted as were other diners by the rush, waiting for 15 minutes before I flagged the manager as well. He knew right away what was coming and to his credit, got our table going with drinks and appetizers. He covered enough to give our server some breathing room. He also did the same for other tables and it was good to see. Kudos the manager and our server who remained calm and responded the way a restaurant should: deftly providing help and not getting ruffled by the situation.
(4)Brian F.
Excellent Francescas food is pretty much standard at all their restaurants. I rate this location lower due to the very poor service we got that night. It was really difficult to flag our waitress down and when we asked for something it took way too long to get it. I felt like I was constantly looking for her.
(3)K G.
Met some friends who were in from out of town the other night. I have been here several times, and the food is good, solid, and reliable. My friends enjoyed the gnocci and steak with roasted potatoes. I ordered the linguine with clams, shrimp, and scallops. I liked my dish, but have to complain that my dish was mostly pasta. In fact, Francesca's was downright cheap with the seafood. I have noticed this cheapness before at this location and the one in Naperville. Not saying that I won't be back. However, I will think twice about ordering a pasta dish like this.
(3)Jazmine O.
Great pasta and great service. Came here for my birthday dinner and Rachel served us. She is great! We have never been dissappointed. I have been here many times and they are just always so nice here.
(5)Erin L.
I have been here a few times & it's always pretty good. The first time I came I had the Pumpkin Ravioli special & it was amazing! The most recent time I had the Mushroom Pasta with truffle oil & it was OK. I say OK because I am gluten-free & dairy-free now & I think subtracting those from the dish may have taken away a lot of the 'sha-zam.' I appreciate that they offer gluten-free pasta, though, and our server was super accommodating to me, even suggesting things to make me feel more included in the heavily carb-ed meal, such as non-breaded calamari as opposed to the breaded & fried kind offered on the menu. He did forget my glass of wine, but I was able to enjoy it with dessert. Speaking of... the peach sorbet was fabulous! We'll be back.
(4)Annie W.
Great authentic Italian food, nice atmosphere and my hubby and I enjoyed.
(4)Baby Bear H.
When I first walked inside I was really pleased with how beautiful it looked. Then the server gave us the hand written, photo copied menus and I was a bit turned off. Such a classy looking place and no actual menus. The wine and desert menus were printed, laminated and seemed to fit the elegance of the place. They didn't seem to have a lot to offer food wise based off the menu we were given (all fancy stuff.. I'm more simple Italian food myself) but upon asking I was able to get just a simple Alfredo pasta. When the food came it the serving sizes were large enough for 2. I wasn't in love with my dish were I would order it again, but it wasn't bad. I was very full but out of curiosity I checked out the dessert menu to see what they had to offer. I never order it but curiosity compelled me to look and I was quite impressed. I ordered these pastry puffs filled with pistachio gelato inside and chocolate sauce over the top. I got 3 of these pastry puffs (one would be enough for a single person) so I was glad I was there with someone to help me eat them. They were VERY GOOD! All in all this was a nice place. Would be really cute for a date. Excellent Service !
(3)B L.
Meh is right for this place. I've been to other Francesca's locations and was more impressed with those locations. I had to ask four times for a high chair before someone honored my request. It would have been understandable if they were busy but there were maybe two tables at the restaurant, the rest of the place was completely empty. Also the waiters kept hovering around our table but did not do anything, even though I obviously needed and asked for a high chair. Kind of weird! Other than that the service was very good, I kind of just thought this was strange and should be addressed. Mostly this review is -3 stars because I wasn't terribly into the food offerings. The menu also looks very unprofessional since it is handwritten and printed on a flimsy piece of paper. Even if they change the menu daily (and I have been to restaurants that do this) they could at least laminate it or make it look like a menu, not just a lousy looking photocopy. I mean, at the very least type it out. Besides the goofy menu, I didn't think the selection was very wide and they could improve the menu by using more ingredients. I had difficulty selecting my dinner because of this. 2-stars and not one because (although they did leave me hanging for 10 minutes on the high chair) the restaurant was very kid-friendly and the waitstaff was attentive, nice, and well-trained. Also there is a very decent changing table in the bathroom which I always appreciate. I might recommend this restaurant to others who prefer the ingredients they use, but I guess this just isn't my cup of tea.
(2)Brien A.
I took my wife there last night for dinner. It was our first time there and definitely won't be our last. I can't believe this place is so close to home and we just tried it for the first time. The decor is very nice. The staff was extremely nice, everyone attended to you and everyone had a smile. Our server was actually the bartender too. She was absolutely the best. Gave suggestions, brought out my next beer before I could even order it, brought my wife a coffee liquor drink to try, she was always one step ahead. She made us feel really welcome. The food was fantastic. We both ordered pizzas and split a salad. It was all delicious. My wife had a desert that she just loved. The price was very reasonable too. So glad we tried Francesca's, we found our new dinner spot.
(5)Noah C.
We were trying to decide on a nice moderate place to meet a couple of friends for dinner and "settled" on Francesca's. What a great decision. My wife and I have been to this location a couple of times and have been to many of the other Francesca's location, so we knew what was in store for us. Sure, this is a safe bet for traditional Italian fare but we are consistently impressed by the quality and flavors at Francesca's. It was an early Sunday night dinner so the place was almost empty when we got there. We were never rushed, the server was attentive but let us take our time. He helped us pick out a nice bottle of wine, a reasonable Tuscan D'Alessandro "Cortona" Syrah. It was great! We started with the appetizer special, bruchetta with prosciutto di Parma. One each was a perfect size appetizer. The wine was flowing and my buddy's beer glass was consistently filled. He likes his beer and even the bus boys were getting him refills. That did not go unnoticed. The salads came, I cannot pass up the caprese salad ( I know, we just had bruchetta but the wine was flowing) and my wife had the Insalata alla Francesca. Both were fresh and just what we expected. The wine kept flowing. Beer was refilled. We all had ordered pasta, I had the pesto ravioli. Simple flavors, pesto was not over powering and the portion was large. My wife had linguine with chicken breast, garlic tomato sauce and Kalamata olives. Strong flavors, lots of olives, and the chicken was perfect. My buddy and his wife had food too. Couldn't tell you what exactly (did I mention the wine) but they were very happy with what they had ordered. He was even happier when the next beer came. After our meal we took a casual look at the dessert menu, a few ideas were thrown around but nobody was too excited about anything. We had decided not to order anything until our waiter asked and mentioned their special, I jumped on it and ordered. one for the table. Warm brownie with white chocolate gelato. Yes please! And another glass of wine. The brownie was a minor disappointment, a little dry. The gelato was fantastic! I finished my wife's glass of wine, had a cappuccino and we called it a dinner. "Cena meravigliosa" Francesca's!
(5)Donna F.
I can see where this place would be a hit in restaurant starved Oak Lawn. It would be a lot more pleasant with something(curtains, closed ceiling, etc.) to absorb the noise. It is just too loud in there. Food was good(not the mussels, though). Service by the actual server was not so good. Every time we wanted anything, we had to call him over. When he did walk by our table, he did so with his head in the opposite direction. Almost like he was afraid we might need something and that would inconvenience him. I prefer the Palos location.
(3)Michael M.
Excellent food. The Mia Francesca's location in Chicago is my favorite Italian restaurant, and when I went to this one, I was hoping it was similar. I was not disappointed. This is one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to.
(5)