Francesca’s
127 W Main St, West Dundee, IL, 60118
Francesca’s Menu
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Appetizer
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Salad
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Pizza
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Entrees
Healthy Meal suggestions for Francesca’s
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Appetizer
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Salad
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Pizza
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Entrees
Visit below restaurant in West Dundee for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in West Dundee for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
127 W Main St
West Dundee, IL, 60118 - Phone (847) 844-7099
- Website https://www.miafrancesca.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Karen C.
I can't say enough great things about this place. Our visit was fantastic!!! We reserved for a party of 5, but 3 of us arrives early, so we had a seat at the bar. The bartender was very personable & prompt. He did forget the vermouth in my brother's martini, but we were yapping at him quite a bit, so probably distracted him. Didn't stop bro from drinking that whole thing! The bartender gave the other member of our party wine suggestions and proper tastes. Then when bread was requested, he not only brought the bread, but olive oil, butter and Parmesan cheese! So, we get to our table and enjoy wine, appetizers, mains & desserts. Our server (I never did get her name - she had short blonde hair & glasses) was knowledgable, helpful and soooooooo personable! We were sampling everyone's food and - wow! - everything was delicious! (That fig & prosciutto app was original and yum, yum) I had the red snapper, my bro had the veal, my folks split a penne with sausage & cheese dish (eh) and our star of the evening had the broccoli ("very broccoli") soup. Only common comment from the others was that the caesar dressing was bland. We ordered 2 desserts: the pistachio gelato profiteroles and an apple tart. They were so good, we got the coconut cake, too! [Please pardon I'm not giving the actual names of the dishes, but, I can't remember them and you get the gist] The restaurant is small, tasteful, not loud at all, but also not library-quiet to inhibit your conversation. We really enjoyed ourselves. Thank you, Francesca's!
(5)dottie m.
Holy cow, how I adore Francesca's. The pastas are cooked perfectly, the fish is from probably the best purveyor in Chicagoland, and their drink menu is fantastic (especially on the nights when they have $5 martinis). We ALWAYS order bruschetta, even though we frequently have a server who corrects my pronunciation of the word. Even though I speak fluent Italian. And went to school in Italy. Culinary school. That's how good the freaking bruschetta is. My biggest complaints about Francesca's are pretty minor: -They aren't open for lunch on the weekends. -Their desserts have come from numerous sources over the years, so there's a small consistency issue. But I'd still recommend dessert. It's a great place for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or if you just want to spoil yourself a little. Go now.
(4)Roland W.
If you've read my reviews you'll know I'm a fan of the Francesca's family of restaurants. Just like the others this one serves great food at reasonable prices. This was my first visit to this location and I really liked it! The food was very consistent and the service was great. I met an old friend that I hadn't seen in over a year and we took our time while never ever feeling rushed by the server.
(5)Gidget T.
I originally stumbled upon Francesca's while here for the week for a job interview. I thought it was the best food I had eaten that whole week. Me and my fiancé ordered the Rigatoni con Broccoli and the Salmone con Vongole. Both were so mouthwateringly delicious. They also serve hot out of the oven bread with oregano infused olive oil to dip in. I got the job and ended up moving just a few miles from Francesca's. I was a little hesitant to go back to the restaurant because 1) I had just come back from Italy and 2) I wasn't sure if I had hyped the place up in my head or not. This time I ordered the Spaghetti con Cozzee but asked them if they could substitute the marinara sauce for a cream sauce...they said it was no problem. It was soOOooo good, better than most of the pastas I had in Italy and I definitely didn't hype this place up in my head. The people there were also extremely nice and the service is great. Highly recommend.
(5)Nick R.
We came on a Saturday evening for our First visit .. Order Calamari and was good. I had the tuna my wife the linguini with shrimp and scallops .. Both uwere excellent. The place seem a bit congested but service was good . Every time we looked at the door there was a group of people waiting to be seated .. I will come back .
(4)Ceci M.
First things first: because I am gluten free it is very difficult to eat at your typical Italian restaurants. Francesca's has a full gluten free menu and it was so good that even two of my friends (who aren't gluten free) ordered from it! I don't mind this part as much but most might, the service was typical for an Italian place. Not in any rush. Again, I don't mind in the least but that was my reason for only three stars. The food was four stars all the way!
(3)Kim L.
Very small & very noisy ... Food is excellent love the ever changing menu . Drinks delish
(4)Avinash K.
As such the experience was Ok.. the staff were friendly and decor looked good. But I think since it was too cold, we were not happy with our seats since we were rushed to the table next to the windows. Good thing, we were brought fresh bread which was hot, but we were not told bread was brought so we ordered some bruschetta alla romano which was pretty good, presentation was good. They didn't bring any kind of dipping for the fresh bread. Atleast they could have made a dipping out of the olive oil and put some cheese and pepper, but nah.. So, we ordered the Ravioli al Spinaci which was uhmm pretty good and the plate was big and the Pollo Arrosoto Al Romano which was good. I thought the gravy/sauce was good, had a lot of salt which complemented the chicken. We got a Tiramisu to go, which also tasted good. I paid little more than $30 for the food, was it good - YES, was it worth it $30 - NO. P.S. I would have liked to see a bigger menu, seems really small with less options.
(3)A.B M.
Francesca's has the best service - hands down. The food is always fresh and delicious. Their carpaccio is worth the visit on its own but the can't beat their pasta and sauces. The only negative - and it would stop our visiting again- is the noise level. It is a small quaint restaurant and sometimes the noise can be a bit too much. But that is only a minor annoyance.
(4)Ryan O.
Great food, great service. The lady and I have been in numerous times, and we have no complaints. My only advise is on the weekends, make reservations because they can fill up pretty quick.
(5)Kathy N.
Excellent food, service was great and the price is fair. Tonights meal could have stood up to any Chicago Italian restaurant. We will be definitely be back!
(5)Scott S.
One of mine and our friends favorite places to go to dinner. Their menu is constantly changing with new features and tastes in the Italian cuisine. After numerous visits, we have found some of our favorite meals. When it's not on the menu you just have to ask, and usually go be able to accommodate your request.
(4)Jack G.
Just spot on everytime! I have gone here for years, since it opened in West Dundee, always such great food, never got a bad plate of food here. They are great to eat in, a more classy place(not formal), but they are also great to order out for pick-up. Also, they change up their menu very frequently, not just for seasonal menu's, but on a regular basis. I will continue to go and recommend highly to everyone I know.
(5)Michael S.
I do not like the expression "go to" when describing a restaurant. But Francesca's is my go to favorite for a variety of reasons. The food, every time I go is sensational. The menu is skillfully amended and always not just creative, it 's ideally balanced. Wine. Yes. Wine. And for whatever reason, I love the room. I will not share my seating preference, as Francesca's does it's best to accommodate me every visit (yet another reason to visit every chance I get) but I am so thankful Francesca's remains as the finest in St.Charles.
(5)Nichole W.
We went here to celebrate a belated Mother's Day dinner for the women in our family. We had early reservations and were accommodated quickly. Our service was GREAT all the way around. Overall, this is a nice restaurant that I would return to. Food: We enjoyed a mix of food and shared everything at the table. For appetizers, we selected the calamari and bruschetta; both of which, were amazing. There was a salad on special that featured candied walnuts, bleu cheese and raspberry vinaigrette. None of us would recommend that again as it was underwhelming. The dressing was just plain gross. The highlight of the dining experience was the spicy seafood pasta. That was hands down the best thing we ate all night. We also enjoyed salmon, roasted chicken and wild mushroom stuffed pasta. Everything was pretty good. Drinks: We had a few glasses of castle rock Pinot noir. They were just ok. We also had a mixed drink that was good.
(4)Meg W.
Spaghetti con frutti di mare was worth five stars in its own. The shrimp were very fresh, and the scollops were perfectly cooked while being tossed in al dente pasta with clams and muscles in a simple -yet delicious- marinara sauce. The soup of the day was zucchini and I didn't expect much but that surprised me too! The service was okay, but I felt neglected after the restaurant got busy. My check was brought to me without a word from my server, even after he charged the card and brought it back- no even a goodnight, Normally poor service would mean less than four stars, but the food made up for it and I'd return!
(4)Alexis W.
The food is fantastic. The atmosphere is wonderful. The terrible service ruined the whole experience. It took two of us TWO HOURS to sit, order and eat dinner and dessert, and pay. Actually, we're still sitting here waiting for someone to come and pick up our credit card. On a Thursday evening. We will never come back here.
(2)Tiffany S.
First time here & was for our anniversary tonight; everything was amazing! Hostess, waiter & servers were all so nice and professional Food was phenomenal! Prosciutto bruschetta, carbonara spaghetti, tomato basil sauce & shells, pumpkin cheesecake and banana choc chip bread pudding with gelato
(5)Chris E.
My absolute favorite place when I come up to the Chicago burbs. This place is a no-brainer whichever Francesca's you go to... But, the one in West Dundee I think reigns...
(5)Remy C.
Went for a late dinner last night. Pastas were prepared nicely but our server was not interested in providing prompt service. Bread and oil was continuously supplied while waiting for entrees.
(3)Den S.
Good, clean, authentic food. Nice staff. Wonderful, one of a kind, destination.
(5)Gregory B.
Bland, uninspired lobster bisque. I liked my shrimp pasta ok, but there were only three shrimp in it. The pizza was pretty good, as was the gelato . The food was three and a half stars but the service was better than that.
(4)Rick E.
Went to dinner on Friday at 7pm. 6 people Service:HORRIBLE! Our waitress came to our table maybe 3 times the entire night. She was not in any hurry to serve our table or anyone elses. Not to mention she gave us a rudely difficult time about splitting of bill 3 ways and put other couples food on our bill despite us numbering the food for her. Atmosphere: Great place to go with significant other or a date for a quiet evening. Bad place to go if you want to have a conversation with multiple people. Crowd is very nosy and stuck up as well as the wait staff. Our table of 6 was awkwardly stared at when we had a laugh or loud conversation. Food: Very good quality. Overall: There is another location in Naperville. We have been there and LOVED it! Atmosphere and service are 5+star!! Go there if you can and if not just go across the street to Emmetts or somewhere else. This location does not deserve you money. Gratuity exists to hold service people accountable and must be earned.
(2)Paula C.
Love this place. Great Gluten Free Menu! Service is always great. Love atmosphere! Love Wednesday 1/2 price wine night!
(5)Stephanie E.
I'm upset. Made reservations for today to celebrate passing my investment license exam, was looking forward to a great night after lots of stress. Don't get me wrong, the food was great as well as the bottle of reisling but food and service go hand in hand. Unfortunately the service was bad. It started off good but after the first wine glass was poured we didn't see the waitress again. I really don't know if it's because we're a young couple but the bus boy brought the appetizer, entree and doggie bag. I'm not expecting trumpets and a red carpet but I do believe it's proper to check in with ALL of your tables consistently, not just the ones with big parties. Serving the surrounding tables and walking past us during the rest of our visit was quite upsetting. Nearly 20 minutes after waiting with our leftovers we got our check. Nonetheless for this reason I can't see coming back again to spend another $100.
(2)K S.
Food was good. Not my favorite Italian place, but closer to home. Odd waitress experience. She missed a few things, forgot to come around and then picked up our receipt after we wrote in the tip as we sat at the table. Awkward.
(3)Stephanie H.
Just had dinner tonight with my husband. The risotto appetizer is very good as well as the Italian sausage rigatoni... Desert was okay but they made sure to take care of it immediately which we appreciated. We've been here before and like that the menu changes frequently and that it's close to the house. We also enjoy the quiet comfortable atmosphere. Our server seemed a bit frazzled but I could see she was busy and we weren't in a hurry so I suppose it was a win win for both parties involved. We will be back
(4)Mary A.
This place is wonderful. I didn't know something like this was so close to McHenry County. The menu was extensive, the service impeccable and the food fabulous. It's s great place to catch up with an old friend.
(5)Kasha B.
One of my favorite restaurants in the suburbs! I frequently try to dine here when I'm in the area! A+++++
(5)Pradeepa K.
Food was descent and the temperature was not maintained properly. The table in which we were sitting is near to the windows and it is cold over there.
(3)Rosa R.
The beef carpaccio is excellent! Every time I go there I always order it, also my kids love it too.
(5)Betty B.
Our favorite restaurant in the Area. Food is always consistent and awesome. Be sure to make a reservation!
(5)Taylor M.
I have to start by saying, I am a huge fan of all of the Francesca's Restaurants. I have never had a bad experience. I like that they are all small... it makes for a more intimate dining experience and a great place to take a date! Make sure to make a reservation because they fill up fast. All of the staff here are super friendly and accommodating. Everyone was very attentive and gave solid recommendations. I love that the menu changes on a regular basis. Every two weeks, I believe. It is cute that they chose to hand write it. The menus give Francesca's a more personalized feeling. We started off with wine and ordered an appetizer of Carpaccio. This was my first time trying carpaccio and it was fantastic. Thinly slice sirloin with olive oil, garlic, capers, and bell peppers- mmmmmm! For dinner, we split the Four Cheese Ravioli and a spicy past with chicken. I forgot the name. Both were awesome and we had leftovers to take home of all the dishes. Overall, Francesca's was a great dining experience!
(4)Michael W.
My wife and I had our anniversary dinner here. I love their olive oil with herbs in the bottle. I had their veal this last time. I am really picky win veal as I had it in Philadelphia and Boston and I am usually disappointed when I get Veal Marcella elsewhere. Their veal is veal medallions versus cutlets and it is like steak in thickness. I was impressed, really nice preparation; the brown sauce was excellent and there were lots of mushrooms. It comes with a side of pasta but I could not finish it all. My wife had the shrimp and scallops in their white wine sauce; they were delicious! Excellent meal, great service, worth every penny.
(5)The Truth ..
Francesca's in my opinion is one of the nicest restaurants to dine at in the area. My family and I have dined there about a half a dozen times now and we are never disappointed. Last night was no different. We had a reservation at 8 PM, we arrived a little early and was promptly seated. We decided to start the evening off with a Napoletana pizza,it was delicious and the perfect size for the three of us. We ordered three dinner entrees. The spaghetti alla pescatora, rigatoni con broccoli and a skate wing fish with olive oil, capers and fresh tomato sauce. Everything was cook perfectly and the flavors are out of this world. Our hats off to the kitchen team. There is also a never ending supply of fresh warm bread to dip in a herb infused olive oil. Which we can never get enough of, it is so good. I had to try a cocktail called Peppered Punch made with Maestro Dobel Tequila.It was one of the best drinks I had ever had. Just another 5 star dining experience at my favorite Italian restaurant in the area.
(5)Richard R.
I had been before but only for drinks, this visit was for dinner. It was surprisingly empty for a Saturday night, but our server was upbeat and attentive, the warm bread was fantastic and so was their olive oil. We both had martini's and they were wonderful. I had the mushroom gnocchi and my date had the salmon...both of which were very good...compliments to the chef. Definitely a fan, and will be back again soon.
(4)Crystal F.
Love the changing menu! Great food! Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the area!
(5)Lily T.
Overall the food was good. We had 3 different pasta dishes and everyone seemed satisfied with their meal. The service was a little lacking, e.g. no water or bread refills. We were also a little surprised to find that the bottle of root beer my friend had was $4. A little pricey for a bottle of pop. Otherwise, if we are in the area we would probably go back, not something I would go out of the way for though.
(3)Seth R.
Update. 3/2/12. Made a Friday night reservation through Yelp. It took all of 10 seconds. Entree-My wife and one other in our party ordered the Skatewing off the Specials menu. After trying a bite I (along with everyone) determined that it was one of the MOST delicious pieces of fish (Stingray I think) I have ever tasted.
(5)Rose D.
I have visited this location twice and both times I was disappointed. The first time the food was good, second time, pretty bland. The first time I had the fish special & my husband had a pasta dish. This time my friend and I both had pasta which tasted as if the chef forgot all spices/herbs the sauces should have had. Both visits the service wasn't very attentive & quite slow. The manager does make it a habit to check on everyone which is nice. I do like the decor & would consider trying them one last time for their housemade pizza.
(2)Jeff K.
My son & daughter in law recommended Francesca's and I am very glad they did: the best Italian meal I have had in years! First of all the ambiance was reminiscent of restaurants I have been in in Spain. Cozy, a bit cramped perhaps, but reasonably elegant and comfortable. Very interesting chandeliers. Had the calamari fritta which had excellent batter. Some of the calamari rings were not as tender as I would have like but I give it 4 of 5 stars. $8.99 The bread and dipping oil: 5/5 stars. My entree was Linguini Arlecchino. Cherry tomatoes, clams, scallops, shrimp with a sauce that was tangy & very tasty: 5/5 stars. $18.99 I tried my wife's Pasta primavera: 5/5. I also tried one non-Italian dish: the 1/2 chicken: 5/5 and attractively served. Our main server was Jessica: she was very nice to the very young child in our group. Very attentive service overall. The place was packed but not too noisy. We did not look at the children's menu. I suspect that a family with more than one child in the 3-12 year old age group would be uncomfortable. My only complaint: why do some restaurants have to charge an arm and a leg for a glass of wine? A glass of merlot cost $12.
(5)Lisa D.
After scouring yelp, the options in the Elgin looked kind of slim unless we wanted bar food or mexican. I really didn't want to resort to the sports bar in my hotel. Thankfully my friend remembered having lunch at Francesca's Campagna in nearby Dundee. Friendly & prompt service & a good crusty italian bread to start. I tried the salad of snap peas, cucumber & tomatoes tossed very lightly with lemon & olive oil. My friend had the spinach salad. We shared two pasta dishes, artichoke ravioli (minus mozzarella) and orecchiette with mushroom, artichoke & goat cheese. The artichoke ravioli was our favorite, but the orrechietti was very tasty too. We were too stuffed to try any dessert, but next time I am in the area, based on the pleasant meal, I may save room to test it.
(3)Patty H.
This place always delivers phenomenal pasta. Best kept secret around, order anything you want, it doesn't have to be on the menu. I had made to order carbonara that took me straight to Italy. Thick cut pancetta was amazing! Extremely authentic home made Italian food.
(5)Kimberly B.
This is my family's favorite restaurant. The food is always amazing and the menu is never the same. The service is always friendly and attentive. They catered my brothers wedding five years ago and people are still talking about the food!! It was served family style, I've never seen that at a wedding before but it was a great idea. People didn't have to pick there food ahead of time and could have as much as they wanted. Highly recommend them for catering. The party room is awesome as well!
(5)Jared W.
Without a doubt my favorite Italian food. The food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and heartily simple. And for all that, it's surprisingly well-priced. In fact, prices are at least comparable to Olive Garden (don't ever darken their doors, please). Good atmosphere for a nice dinner out (we came here last New Year's Eve), but it's not stuffy by any means. Don't waste your money on other Italian places.
(5)Aimee J.
We came here a couple of Fridays ago at 7 or 8pm and the place was packed. Good thing we had a reservation but unfortunately we were seated right by the door. As it's a tiny place and this was January we kept getting a blast of cold air as people came in and out so make sure to request a table a little further away. We felt our server was a little pushy but the food was good.
(3)Brook D.
My mother and I were recommended by a coworker of mine, also a friend of some of the people that work there, to have lunch there and we were satisfied. The atmosphere was very warm and it is a cute little quaint place and the food was absolutely outstanding and nothing was off about it. Great food for a great price. I highly recommend this restaurant. This was our first and definitely not our last time here. Order the pistachio gelato! Sooooo yummmmy!!!
(5)Michael S.
For Francesca's is about as good as it gets. It's my absolute favorite restaurant in the area. The service, menu selections and wine cellar are all top notch. Never had a bad thing there. For the the problem is usually what to pick. My favorite thing on the menu is the Pollo Arosta. Simply fabulous. You get 1/2 a chicken in a wonder lemon gravy sauce. There is always some to take home for lunch the next day. Dessert-wise the Tiramisu is the best I've ever have. The wife and I always save room to split a piece. I also discovered my absolute favorite wine at Francesca's.... Seghesio Red Zin. They don't have it any longer, but you can get it at Binnie's. Go here. You will have a great meal!
(5)Michael M.
Without question THE best restaurant in the Fox Valley area. I've been to all of the Francesca's in the Chicago-land area, this one RULES!!
(5)Jason G.
We went here for our Valentine's Day dinner this year. Based on the stellar Yelp rating, we decided it was perfect for what we were in the mood for. I was even able to make the reservations via Yelp...how great?!?! When we walked in, I realized all the tables were extremely close together. We asked if we could sit in the back of the restaurant up the small set of stairs. We just wanted a little privacy for our rare night out without our daughter. We didn't expect to find every couple that brought their child with in that back area where we were. With the exceptions of a few cries here and there, they were fairly well behaved kids...just not what we were hoping for. I started out with a Sam Adams Winter Ale & she had a Dundee Martini, which she grew tired of after her first few sips. We also chose the fried Calamari as our appetizer, which was perfectly cooked...wasn't overly chewy & the perfect amount of breading, very tasty. I ordered the Gnocchi with meat sauce and she ordered the Linguine with seafood in spicy tomato sauce. We ended up switching entrees halfway through, cause the spice was a little too much for her. I really enjoyed both dishes. The shrimps & scallops were large and tasty in the linguine. It was our first time trying Gnocchi & we were very happy we chose it. Both sauces were very tasty. We had plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day's lunch. We ordered the apple pie with ice cream for desert. The warm apple pie melted the ice cream so perfectly together. We were both happy we made the decision to have desert even though we were stuffed. The service was great. Give the amount of table our server was handling, he was surprisingly fast, attentive & happy! Next time we plan on trying the Francesca's in Barrington. They get 4.5 stars from me, but lose half for being overly cramped and not using handmade pasta.
(4)Amanda M.
LOVE this local Italian restaurant!! We go frequently- Fridays they have great martini specials! They refresh their menu really frequently (every few weeks maybe?) so they always have something new to try! Service is always spot on! Love it! Highly recommend reservations at night.
(5)Alexis W.
Absolutely favorite Italian restaurant in the area. I've been going there for years and have never been disappointed. Lunch and dinner are wonderful here. The food is so good and they change their menu on a weekly basis I think. They always have specials and every soup I've had there has been amazing. Love the cream of mushroom and cream of zucchini soups. Everything tastes homemade instead of tasting like its been made in bulk. Presentation of the food is nice and the service is efficient. Menu normally offers a variety of entrees including pastas, fish, beef or shellfish, and chicken. My favorite dish there is the pumpkin ravioli, which you can only get there in the fall. The bruschetta and caprese salad are my favorite appetizers there! Atmosphere is nice. Would be a great place to go with friends, family or even take a date.
(5)Jennifer L.
Like the rest of the Francesca's restaurants.... it's got REALLY GREAT food =) Of all the Francesca's, this place makes me a little clausterphobic. It's really super tiny. Make reservations!! And don't go on a holiday because they cram extra tables/chairs in on the holidays and it's not pleasant. But the food speaks for itself. It's delish.
(4)Sarah M.
The food was fantastic, the service was a little much. At a classy restaurant, I prefer to be left alone to enjoy my meal and company. A server or assistant was at our table very often and I felt rushed through the meal even though we ordered drinks and appetizers. Again, the food was super delicious and fresh.
(4)J C.
Franks favs for app, Francesca's salad, and the bread started the meal amazingly - so so good. Had the strip steak that was incredible, and the side of bolognese was a nice bonus. Well done Francesca's. Great Italian with beautiful atmosphere
(5)Christine S.
I've never had a bad experience at a Francesca's restaurant. Ended up having the house Pinot Grigio (I'm not a white wine drinker) and to my surprise, it was really good. I had a chicken/spinach/caper dish for my entree and it was delish! The waitress (who was a doll and I wish I knew her name so I could give her props) said that if it's not on the menu next time I come back that I could order it anyways because they normally always have those ingredients anyways (just an FYI for ya). The restaurant itself is cute and clean. I would come back in a heartbeat.
(4)Wade S.
Eh. Food was good, drinks were mediocre, hostess was a bi***.
(3)Sarah W.
We love this place for a romantic dinner. They are quick to get your food to you and have a great wine selection. They are always changing the menu don't be afraid to try something new but Mike will tell you most likely if you had something there before and you don't see it on the menu the next time they can probably make it for you anyway. ANYTHING with their cream sauce is A+ in my book. They have great salads and fresh bread baking always. And on top of all that its very reasonably priced! We have made this place a bi weekly stop. We love it!
(4)Tank M.
I've eaten here twice in the past year. Pro: --Good food. Really good food. Always something with an interesting twist or two on the menu. Con: --Menu lacks some standard Italian fall-backs, seems like they are trying to hard, not everything needs to be interesting. --Place is too crowded. Felt like we were bumping into people every time we exhaled or got up to use the restroom. --Portions are small. If it's pasta, don't skimp, it's cheap. The main reason I don't go back more is that I don't really know what will be on the menu at any given time, and the portions are small.
(3)Anthony S.
The first time I visited this restaurant the service was phenomenal, our server was attentive, fast and on point. We had calamari, pasta dishes, dessert and wine, the food was EXCELLENT and worth every penny! We raved to all of our friends and family about coming to visit.. well we went for the second time last night and were so very disappointed. We were seated by the front window and it took no less than 10 minutes to be acknowledged, finally we were served water and menus. The waiter apologized but the tone was set because it took another 10 minutes to get a beer and glass of wine. We sipped and waited for our bread and oil.. again, it came right before our appetizer was served. Our pasta came and we asked for fresh cheese and unfortunately waited.. and waited, our food was getting cold so we dove in without it. He came by towards the end of the meal to ask how it was....it was awkward since it was obvious the service was poor. We truly felt like an inconvenience to the waiter and left extremely disappointed. The service should compliment the prices and last night was a waste of $100. Reluctant to come back again, beware.
(2)Peter R.
My wife and I loved Francesca's. She is new to Italian food, having recently discovered her milk allergy is waning as she gets older, and can now tolerate butter and even a little cheese, thus opening up the world of Italian cuisine a little more. The ambiance of Francesca's is very nice and cozy; a bit small, so reservations recommended. The food was served quickly and was excellent; I ordered a cheese ravioli in a gorgonzola sauce that was mild and balanced. She ordered a salmon and scallops dish that was superb. Service was friendly and fast. Cocktails were delicious. Overall, I'd highly recommend Francesca's -- it's a bit pricier than the chain Italian options, but much better quality.
(5)Jenya R.
I've been there 4 times and have been delighted by the food. Glorious Carpaccio and wonderful pizza. The prices are quite high, but the food is really, really good.
(4)Paul K.
Continues to impress. The lobster filled pasta on NYE was incredible!
(4)V S.
I've been to 3 of the Francescas. My favorite is the elmhurst location because of the ambiance. There are not too many nice restaurants in the Dundee area so if Im in the mood for good wine and sick of the taverns I come here. Their salads, calamari and pasta is pretty good. I wish the bar area was bigger.
(4)Brian S.
This ode is lovingly dedicated to the Francesca daughter who settled in West Dundee, where I needed to celebrate my birthday with my parental units, but the same opera could certainly, lovingly, be written to any of its fair sisters in other parts of the Chicago metro area. It goes a bit like this, repeated over and over again: I have never been disappointed at Francesca's. (Oh, okay, fine -- there was that one caprese martini they served at Francesca's on Clark St. that I found rather repulsive, but I am guessing that they have figured out that it is repulsive and have taken It off their menu. Don't tell me otherwise.) Italian is so easy to fuck up, because we Americans do it in our kitchens every night. "Let's have pasta! Overcooked pasta with jarred, preservative-filled sauce and maybe a white powdery substance from a green can! And also bread! Because we need elbows upon elbows of bread to balance the carbohydrates on the plate" It's all so desperately pathetic. But Francesca's seems to have learned about Italy from somewhere other than the alley behind Olive Garden or the set of a Giada de Laurentiis episode. I'm guessing this because it's really, really good. Fresh, flavorful ingredients are the focus of the plate; thoughtful pairings of meats and sauces and vegetables -- oh, the vegetables! -- and seasonings are all there for your fork's delight. My father always orders the seafarer's bounty (that's what it would be called at Olive Garden), which looks like a blood-streaked ocean threw up on a plate of pasta. But in a really good and delicious way! He's always happy with that. And my mother ordered a cheese-and-spinach ravioli dish that would have been rubbery and overly seasoned elsewhere, but here brought the delicateness of the filling to the forefront. I won, though: I ordered a spicier dish that featured chicken breasts bathed in a kicky red sauce and decorated with olives. The tang of the olive plus the zip of the sauce really made me happy. So, so very happy. We had two decadently chocaltey desserts that night, which was better than okay but not as good as a wafer-crusted chocolate peanut butter number we ordered a few months ago. Now that -- that really could give you a reason to live. Visit Francesca's often, early, and always. It's really the best place to eat along the Fox.
(5)Jamie F.
We love Francesca's at any of their locations. This one just happens to be nearby my house. :) Their menu changes very frequently. If you are lucky enough to have Gnocchi featured on the menu when you visit, you have to order it! Even if you aren't in the mood for it when you're there, get it to go and eat it the next day! It's great for breakfast too! It's the best I've ever had. Fluffy and delicious! I'm almost in tears if it's not an option when I arrive...so I just have to choose from other amazing choices. They have amazing carpaccio as well. Their proscuitto pizza with the egg on top is to die for! Trust me...if you're willing to take a chance you will LOVE it!
(4)Dusty K.
I realized after eating here that it would be a challenge to write a proper review. Reason being that I normally eat out with my larger family or a group of people and sample 5 to 10 different things off the menu. That gives me a much greater feel of the restaurant and I leave knowing whether or not I would return. I had one item here - the ravioli. It's a cute place, very small/cozy and decorated well on the inside. The wait staff did a fair job as bus boys and servers passed the buck sharing their respective duties and making sure my water glass didn't fall below half full. Kudos to that. The free bread was unfortunately bland. At this point in my life I'm officially done with plain white bread. There's not an ounce of flavor to be found whereas wheat/rye/sourdough pack big flavor punch. The ravioli was sauced properly and had a nice flavor without being overly cheesy - something I have yet to figure out when making them from scratch at home. Would I return? I don't know. My knowledge of West Dundee doesn't expand far beyond knowing they have a "main street". It seems like a nice little town but I would love to see what else the downtown area has before heading back.
(4)Catherine C.
Love Francescas! Good food that you don't see at other Italian restaurants! Good service!( I'm a server in fine dining... So I'm picky!) And friendly, helpful staff!
(4)Kelsey P.
I love this place. I like to go later, when it's not packed to the gills with other people, because as mentioned, this place is pretty tiny. I love that the menu changes, but it's always consistently good. One of my favorites is the asparagus, bleu cheese, tomato, and lemon salad. I always have good service at this one too (I've eaten at pretty much every Francesca's ever...) whereas the one in Barrington was one of the worst dining experiences of my life. Overall, I'll keep going back.
(5)Chris M.
Great little Italian eatery in downtown West Dundee. Borderline "fancy" but you may be a tad uncomfortable in jeans and a T-shirt. Excellent food and service. No problem getting a table at 6pm on a Friday. They quickly filled up by 7pm. Cozy little bar with plenty of room to eat your dinner if you decide not to go with a table. Not sure why I haven't been here more often. Very nice place and excellent food.
(4)Brian H.
There's not much more to say than what's already been said in previous reviews. Francesca's Campagna is a great restaurant. Don't be mistaken, not all Francesca's are equal. Make the extra effort to try Campagna. The prices are appropriate for the quality in food, service, and experience.
(5)Little Miss L.
food is decent...service was gruff at best...did our server know that smiling is nice? the bus staff and food runners delivered more service than she did. also, its way too bright in there... i'll drive to barrington to go to fran's famiglia, even though its 40 minutes away and i live 5 from campagna. we'll have to take a mulligan on our anniversary dinner.
(3)Aletta J.
Consistently good, Francesca's Campagna is a gem in West Dundee. I even believe they could have a branch in East Dundee and have an equally successfully business, they are that good. It is a bit claustrophobic and we've always asked to be seated either in the front or the back; the main aisle is a bit "bumpy" with the traffic. Our most recent delight was on NYE, last weekend. For appetizer/salad, we split the carpaccio (delicious!) and the shrimp and scallop salad. Having had rubber scallops, I'm always a bit shy, but I knew it'd be good here. I was not disappointed. We moved on to Lobster pasta for two of us and the grouper for the other two. The boys' grouper came out first and it was just warm, not hot and that was the only turn off. Our lobster ravioli was incredibly hot and incredibly tasty. Rich and meaty, it was worth the $20. Usually, when we eat here, I take home half the entree. Not this night. Our dessert offerings were flourless cake for my gluten-intolerant husband, coconut sorbet and mint choco chip gelato for me, and chocolate brownie w/ caramel for my mother in law. Marvelous. Again our meals here are consistently good. In this area (Elgin, Dundee, Algonquin, etc.) this is KEY. So many restaurants turn over and it's wonderful to see this one survive. We started here with our wedding rehearsal dinner four years ago and we'll keep coming back! Tips: Costco sells gift cards for Francescas and Open Table takes reservations. (Owners, if you're reading this: please, please buy the store next door to expand your business and create more than one restroom. You won't be sorry!)
(5)Sara J.
I was pretty impressed with this place! After hearing my boss rant and rave about Francesca's for months I decided to stop in and try it. We lucked out because the place was jammed packed on a Saturday night and we were originally told it was a 30 min wait and we were seated in 10 min. Next time we will make reservations! The place is beautifully decorated and it houses a small bar in the corner. The lighting is dim for a more romantic feeling, and the service was great. The reason I gave this place 4 stars rather than 5 is because the seating is ridiculously cramped together. Where we sat it was basically one long booth against a wall with the tables and chairs in front of it. So you can imagine trying to squeeze in between the tables to get to the booth. This poor guy who was seated next to us had to squeeze in between our table and his and almost pulled the table cloth right off our table. I think they need to redesign the place as far as seating goes..but other than that it was a wonderful experience. We ordered the Calamari for an appetizer and it was very good. Lightly breaded not as heavy as most restaurants and the marinara sauce was fab! For the main dish I ordered their Shrimp and Scallop mixed with a zesty tomatoe sauce on a bed of angel hair pasta. OMG it was delicious!! Everything complimented each other. It was amazing. I can't wait to go back and try the other pastas they were offering! They all sounded so yummy! :)
(4)Mark R.
Went last night. This place is good. Great pasta's. Apps. Salads. Fish. Chicken. Veal. Wine list. Martinis. Need i go on ? It is a bit claustrophobic tho. Very few if any private tables. I've never really had a bad experience here.
(4)Kelly F.
I've been here a few times now and have enjoyed every dish I've ordered. Have usually started with bruchetta, the fresh mozzarella on them is fantastic. The first time I went I had ordered an orichette dish that had artichokes in it - generally if it has artichokes, I'm a fan. The next time I had an artichoke ravioli which was delicious. We went this past weekend and though I was disappointed to not see the ravioli on the menu this time (they do change it up) I ordered the gnocchi which ended up being soft pillows of amazingness so I was very happy with my choice. For dessert I ordered the watermelon sorbet which they ended up being out of - sad, because we had it last time and it is very good - but I got the pineapple instead which was very good also. I can't wait to go back and try some of their other dishes.
(5)Sean Y.
We love the location in Arlington Heights and were in the West Dundee area so decided to try this location. The location of the West Dundee restaurant is nice but it is very cramped and old. Only one restroom with one toilet for the whole place! Food was bland and two people in our party spent most of the night fighting for the one restroom (reactions to the food).
(2)Ryan H.
I live right around the corner from this place and it has taken me almost 10 years to drop in for dinner. What was I thinking? Perhaps I couldn't get over the fact that this location will always be "The Town Pump" -- a dingy breakfast joint from years gone by. Imagine my suprise when I walked in to find a very well appointed, yet cozy Italian bistro! We stopped in late on a Sunday and found the restaurant to be relatively quiet for our party of 6. The wait staff was very well versed in the menu offerings. The appetizers were very good. Salads very fresh and with quality ingredients. The entrees were well prepared and presentation was top notch. An excellent dining experience, to be sure. And within walking distance of my front door, I will be back soon.
(5)J M.
I have been here many times, and just can't get enough! It's a little too pricey to go all the time, but not so expensive that it's only reserved for special occasions. I love the fact that you can get quality, fine dining in a comfortable atmosphere. I have never been dissapointed with any of their dishes, but I especially love the Carpaccio as well as the bocconcini mozzarella and proscuitto!!!!! Last weekend, I had the Conchigliette pasta with fresh ricotta in a creamy tomato basil sauce...it was unbelieveable. The sauce was so delicious. I can't say enough good things about Francesa's Campagna; in my opinion, it is the best restaurant I've ever been to.
(5)Marc B.
Primo Italian cooking, and easily one of the best (if not the best) Italian restaurants in not only the western suburbs but the entire city of Chicago. I have been coming here since their opening in 2000 and I have never had anything that was just okay. Every dish I've ever tasted has been superb. There do not seem to be any wrong choices on their seasonal, always changing menu. Their wait staff is well trained, their wine list is broad and their bar is beautiful and well-stocked. Bellisimo.
(5)Richard B.
I was pretty impressed. Francesca's Campagna is a cozy but classy feeling restaurant. I stopped in when it was almost completely empty so I was seated right away. They sat me behind a corner so I was alone and hidden... I think this prevented my waiter from seeing me because I wasn't greeted for a fairly long time. It wasn't until the only other table in the area was paying for their meal that someone noticed me sitting there. After this slight debacle service was very friendly and attentive for the remainder of the meal. I ended up with a pesto dish with this short, thick, slightly twisted pasta. The pasta was cooked perfectly, it had awesome, awesome texture. Mmm. The first few bites were delicious and blissful but I quickly got tired of the taste. It could've used more salt, herbs, or cheese or something to help me get through the entire entree. I think it would've been perfect as an appetizer or side dish of sorts. Overall it was a decent experience. I'd definitely like to try more from their menu and bring a friend along as well.
(3)Dean S.
I can't believe there is only 3 reviews of this place...Francesca's is the best restaurant in Dundee... I've been a long time fan of its lunch...fair prices...always fresh ingredients and not too mention they seem to always have something I REALLY want to eat for lunch... now as for dinner time...I have always had a hard time finding something I wanted to eat off the menu for dinner..I don't know why...they just have never had anything that really caught my eye or my appetite...EXCEPT last winter they had Penne Bolognese... WOW that was fantastic..I think i ate it two weeks in a row...right Mike? OKAY: why I really love this place... Appertivos, digestivos, Amaros, what ever you want to call all the wonderful Italian spirits that have been created over the years to aid in the enjoyment or digestion of your meal...Francesca's has them... not all of them...but more then any place else in Kane county...Talk to Mike the bartender and have him recommend one to you... I can't Forget Mike...aside from being one of the best bartenders I know...he knows his spirit and wine list..and has the menu down pat...he's a real asset to the place... NOW my only knock on the place...isn't really a knock on the place at all...I cannot blame management for their philosophy on their wine purchasing...I can only blame Franchesca's customers, IE the people of Dundee and surrounding areas who patronize this great Italian restaurant and can't/won't/don't explore the wonderful world of Italian wine... Pinot Grigio is not the only white wine produced in Italy...and yes there is Sangiovese outside of Chianti; its not even the most widely produced grape in Italy... why does this bother me...well in my opinion the list is lacking... but luckily Mike usually pulls some strings and tries to bring something unique in... usually to be unappreciated by the patrons... ah suburbia....
(4)Joe C.
Nice place for a dinner date under $50. Very small and crammed, but for two people looking for fresh authentic Italian food it's good. Different from other Italian restaurants in area because of the new menu they create every couple weeks.
(3)Tiffany T.
Great Italian with diverse wine list. One of the best carpaccios this side of Litte Italy. Also, always top-notch tomato, basil and mozzerella salad no matter what time of year it is. ( I want to know where they get those perfect tomatoes in the middle of winter!) A new one just opened in downtown Barrington, too.
(5)Carol J.
In the space that used to be a broke down coffee shop this cozy little outpost of the Francesca's empire is a nice sleek and sophisticated addition to the Dundee dining scene. (Yes, I laughed when I read that too!). Wine list is solid, full bar with lots of great martini options. Standard Francesca's concept menu with a ton of my favorites including the Pollo Arrosto, super thin pizzas, creamy risottos and awesome appetizers. Wonderful housemade pastas with traditional, authentic sauces. Great seasonal salads too. Desserts? TO DIE FOR. We always order a few and share and have always been thrilled. Tiramisu, Profiteroles, Panna Cotta. Always a grand slam. If it wasn't for the cheerful, approachable service and the inexpensive prices, I would have sworn I was still in the city!
(5)cynthia w.
This Francesca's has the best tasting dishes compared to the numerous others I've visited. Service is nice, and they do their best to get you what you like even if it's not on the menu. Reservations are a must on the weekends.
(4)Emily L.
I was in town for 72 hours and managed to eat here twice. Delicious! The bruschetta was simply prepared but probably the best I have ever had. Everyone I was with seemed to enjoy their food as well. The service was attentive without being overbearing. Nice atmosphere.
(5)mauricio o.
starting with the negatives.. sometimes when reading reviews.. i just want the facts! -they don't make their desserts - and they are overpriced -their martinis suck- like drinking juice -the server i had delegated tasks that he could have done to the bussers so he could visibly flirt with the hostess -server had no personality and recommended a glass of wine with the excuse that martinis were overpriced ...on half price martini day...hmmm trying to hustle me -their espresso machine looks like it has never been serviced..the steam wand is crusted..gross -the manager has a very corporate cheery attitude so onto the positives -the risotto. the pasta. summary -they don't take enough of the business serious. so for that i cannot seriously consider them when going to spend money
(3)Jennifer G.
I've been to Francesca's twice now and both times completely underwhelmed. I started with the calamari, which had to be frozen and then defrosted improperly because they were like rubber bands - really nasty. I also had the bruscetta, which topped with tomato, proscuitto and cheese would have been good, but the bread had to much oil on it you could squeeze it out - with the fat from the ham and the cheese, all that oil was not necessary. completing the appetizer round was risotto and we had them add in scallops. this was actually the best part of the meal and i should have had it as a main course. i had the roast chicken as an entree - nothing spectacular, lacked flavor, but was moist and ok. I did enjoy the olive oil and bread at the table. the oil was infused with herbs and was quite good. if i go back it will be for the same reason i've gone the past two times - i was invited as part of a dinner party.
(3)T L.
The food was good, the bread and olive oil is delicious. My husband ordered a caesar salad and a pizza. I ordered some spinach ravioli in a cheesy creamy with a touch of tomato sauce. Profiteroles for dessert to go, yes, I did. And it was good at home. The service was amazing, the wait staff was attentive and really nice. Amazing work considering what they have to deal with as far crowded one way aisles. Ambiance is nice, when you're not waiting by the hostess stand, I liked it that it didn't feel like a chain. 4 stars for all this. Read on if you want to know why this place only gets two stars from me. ***Warning, it's a novel.*** I like to start my reviews at 5 stars, then take off stars from there. Francesca's has 0 stars for management. We decided to try Francesca's because it's close to our house, and I wanted to get some good italian food. We called around 5:30pm and tried to make a reservation for 6:30, they said 6:45. When we arrived at 6:43, the little area by the hostess stand was so cramped, full of waiting people. So, this guy, who I am assuming is the manager, checks us in, and tells me they're a little behind on reservations. He is all hurried, and telling the hostess over 45 minutes for walk ins, and then again, a little behind on reservations. Let me tell you, I wish we had a bigger group than just my husband and me, because any group of 4 they could get seated, they did. This is after waiting 30 minutes, then asking again how much longer, and the hostess is telling me that there's only one before us. Um, thanks for that ray of hope. Then because I have eyes and ears, I see and hear you're seating all your larger parties that came in after we did. Then, we were about to leave, and I was really, really upset at this point, and we are deciding where to go, because everywhere else will be just as busy. Then the manager does not even call our name, but is looking at us saying "follow me". Very nice way to handle a customer who is midst tantrum. Not even a thanks for being so patient. So, we were finally seated after 45 minutes. 7:30. Reservations for 6:45. Hey, I have an idea, since I'm pretty sure it was getting busy at 5:30pm... don't make any more reservations that you're not sure you can keep. Thanks.
(2)Jamison K.
I visited this location not too long ago and the experience was great. The food was well prepared. The seating was a little tight but I never felt overly crowded. At the end of the evening I'm unsure as to whether or not the staff thought it was a first time visit or a date; but they brought generous free samples of a white wine. I don't quite recall what it was, but it was after we had turned down dessert which was nice.
(4)danielle c.
If you are ever in the Chicago area, make sure to eat here. I have been here twice, and will keep coming back. The food is fantastic! Definitely recommended.
(5)Shannon O.
We love it here! The wine, food, and desserts are all good. We have tried many things on the few times we have gone and we have loved everything we tried. The service has been wonderful everytime we have gone. We will be back!
(5)Chris W.
Francesca's is a nice, small italian place. Some of their items, like the cold green bean salad, and their carpaccio are excellent, but their entrees need a bit of refreshing. Portions/quality have suffered a bit in the past several years.
(3)