Francesca's North

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Address:
1145 Church St
Northbrook, IL 60062

Neighborhood:
Northbrook

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Cuisine:
Italian

Price: $30 and under

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Francesca's North Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.miafrancesca.com
Email: northcontact@miafrancesca.com
Phone: (847) 559-0260
Hours of Operation: Now open for Lunch 7 days a week
Sunday-Wednesday - 11:30am - 9:00pm;

Thursday: 11:30am - 10:00pm,

Friday & Saturday: 11:30 am - 10:30pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Italian, Contemporary Italian
Executive Chef: Scott Harris - Chef de Cuisine:Jose Luis Losoya
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Catering: We cater to large Carryouts with delivery. Check out our menus online at www.miafrancesca.com
Private Party Facilities: Party room now open!!!
Book your parties with us at both lunch and dinner. Our Private rooms can seat up to 120 guests.
Private Party Contact: Shiri Nissim (888) 937-9009 x156
Entertainment: With Graduation and Father's Day coming up this June, what better way to celebrate the grads and dads than to come to Francesca's North with family and friends?! Let us do the work for you on these special days. Make sure to call 847-559-0260 to reserve a spot! We hope to see you there!
Special Events & Promotions: Join us every Monday for "MEATBALL MONDAYS"
Spaghetti and Meatballs $13.99
Monday is also "No Corkage Fee" night, so go ahead and bring in a bottle of wine.

Join us very Tuesday for our $24.99 Super Club. The chef has prepared a special prix fixed 3 course menu just for you.

Wednesday is half price bottles of Wines!

$5.00 Cosmos and selected Martinis Night every Thursday!!!!!

Book your next special event at Francesca’s North. We offer family style dining, plated events, as well as opportunities to have your guests order off the menu that day! Plan your next lunch or dinner with us; business or social. We offer semi-private and private events, with multiple rooms and seating up to 120 guests. Also ask us about our catering options.
Event Coordinator:
Shiri Nissim
888-937-9009 extension 156
shiri@miafrancesca.com

Please feel free to visit our website and view our menus.
www.miafrancesca.com

Getting there

Cross Street: Shermer
Public Transit: Just two blocks from Metra's Northbrook station
Parking: Public Lot

A word from Francesca's North

"Francesca's North opened in May (1995) and instantly became the hottest spot on the North Shore - for good reason. Scott Harris has mastered the art of serving generous portions of good food at low prices in stylishly simple surroundings with friendly service - a winning formula that eludes so… many." (Chicago Magazine Great Dining '95)

Francesca's North features the zesty, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio. Located in Northbrook, it encourages the lively art of dining with a contemporary, casually sophisticated trattoria ambiance, good, simple cooking, friendly service and fair prices. Now accepting reservations, Francesca's North put an end to the tradition of waiting for hours for a table at the bar. Large parties are encouraged to call and set up a family style tasting by the chef called Tavoli di Amici (Table of Friends).Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerItalian

Diner Reviews

"Shared their stuffed peppers (had prosciutto, feta, diced tomatoes) that are outstanding. I had the salmon on a bed of spinach and lentils that was fantastic! My husband had the mahi mahi that was also delicious and our son had the shrimp on a bed of pasta with lemon sauce that he loved! We chose a Tuscan red wine that was fabulous and reasonable! Our waitress was very attentive as was the wait staff. My only complaint is that no one mentioned the birthday celebration that was on the Open Table reservation. I thought they might bring our son a simple dessert to celebrate."
Dined on 3/3/2014
"We've eaten at Francesca's North at least a dozen times since a friend recommended it last summer. The food, the drinks, the service: ALL have been first class every time. My wife and I can't rave highly enough about this excellent restaurant!!!"
Dined on 3/2/2014
"We love the food and the willingness for the server and chef to accommodate our food needs. Best bet is to be seated in the back room so you can hear your table mates conversation."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"We have gone to Francesca's North for the last twelve years - with professionals and family in tow. The food is quite consistent (hot, not overly salted, fresh flavors), and the service is excellent. The attentive (yet non-intrusive) service is the reason that we return time after time. Thanks for another opportunity to show off a local highlight to two out of town professionals."
Dined on 2/26/2014
"Our waitress seemed a bit flustered or overwhelmed due to the crowded evening, but overall she did her best and stayed fairly calm for a very busy evening. She knew the menu which helped in our decisions. The food was outstanding as usual and we will definitely go back. We had the mussels with white wine sauce which was all consumed by dipping our bread in the sauce. I had the strip steak special and it was perfectly seasoned and cooked. My wife had the Mahi and she had no complaints. We also had the apple tart desert. Between the two of us, everything was consumed and we ended up not bringing home any leftovers which is rare. Total bill per person with drinks and shared dessert around $60. Worth every penny!"
Dined on 2/22/2014
"We go often and carry out also. Everything is delicious and consistent. Server this time not as good. A neighborhood favorite"
Dined on 2/20/2014
"As usual we enjoyed our dinner and service. It always makes us smile."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"Food was very good. Wine was fabulous. Service was prompt but relaxed and not stiff. Prices were a little high for Italian but you get what you pay for. We will be back."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"Food is consistantly good. Service this time was not as good. Server seemed to disappear. They are good about splitting orders. Everything is always good. Favorites are pasta and fish. We go often and do carryout also."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"Tables on top of one another. Not romantic at all."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"This restaurant was nice but pricey! Nothing but bread came with the meal. I would recommend the restaurant offer a small salad or cup of soup with the main course. For a party of two our bill with tip was $80, 2 pasta dishes, 2 drinks, and 1 dessert shared. The restaurant itself was nice, not as noisy as the ones visited in the city but the value, it confirmed that we would not go back."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"We have gone to Francesca's for years, and it is always a favorite. On Friday we went for the Valentie's special. The place is always warm and inviting and the manager, Mr. Berlin is always there with a welcoming remark. Kelly, one of the hostesses is also great and is part of what makes this place seem like home. I just want to focus on the special we had. It was sea bass topped with crabmeat. While the fish dishes at Francesca's never disappoint, I have to say that this one was the best we've ever had. I really wish they'd put it on their regular menu. My wife had the same and we were both impressed. Overall, it made for a great valentine's day."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"You can always count on Francesca's (North) for a good meal. The food is comforting and presented well. The staff takes care of you without being in your way. A great place for lunch."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"We have been going here for almost 20 years and we very disappointed in the service, food and pricing. We have no problem paying their prices but portions were about half the size they normally are. Managers did not seem to care - it is what it is. Would not recommend - and will not go back - very disappointed - used to be a go to place - we go about once a month and have taken our son there for every birthday for the past 17 years."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"I love all of the locations - but NBK and ARL HTS are my faves. One of my fist choices when thinking Italian. I have never had a bad meal here EVER!!! Love the pasta and the specials are usually out of this world. PS Not real romatic - as the tables are very close and the noise level is WAY UP THERE....but that I how I like my Italian restaurants - manga!"
Dined on 2/8/2014
"Great food with great service. Always and enjoyable meal."
Dined on 2/7/2014
"Pasta was fresh and delicious, menu selection was small compared to some restaurants."
Dined on 2/7/2014
"We've been to other Francesca's locations. This one was our poorest experience. The service was poor. We waited almost an hour for our food with no visits by the server. The noise level was deafening and the food for just ok. Pasta was so al dente that it was crunchy. Hardly any sauce adorning the noodles. Very long pieces of spaghetti were served without a large spoon to twirl them on. We won't go back here but will visit other Francesca's establishments."
Dined on 2/1/2014
"Every year my group of 8 celebrates our "Knitaversary" at this wonderful restaurant. And every year we have an amazing time. The service is great and available. The food is outstanding. It's our best pick!"
Dined on 1/30/2014
"Pretty limited menu but has the standard Italian options."
Dined on 1/27/2014
"As always Francesca's North was a perfect resturant for our monthy dinner out with the Girls! The food, service and attention was excellent! Our waiter was helpful, kind and knowledgeable. The meals were delicious and hot! The weather outside was awful but everything inside for our dining pleasure was perfect! Thank you!"
Dined on 1/17/2014
"Have been here often & never disappointed!!! I love that you can special order just about anything & they are more then happy to accommodate !!"
Dined on 1/11/2014
"We had dinner with my 3 and 5 year old. There was a table across from us with 10 kids around 10 years old who should know how to behave in a restaurant. The parents at the other end of the table while the kids went wild. Screaming, throwing things and blowing noise makers at 5pm. I couldn't hear a thing my kids were saying because it was so bad. We spent over $100.00 on dinner and couldn't enjoy it. The manager went by making rounds and we told him when the table across left that the noise level and behavior was terrible. He laugh. No sorry- I prefer the lake forest location"
Dined on 12/31/2013
"This is our 5th year going to Francesca 's north for a New Year. My boys enjoy food and my husband and myself enjoy ambient, food and great vine list. '"
Dined on 12/31/2013
"We are always delighted with our meal, the service and the comfort of the ambiance. The pasta dishes are delicious as are the main entrees. Dessert is decadent."
Dined on 12/28/2013
"We have eaten at Francesca's several times and although I li,e the ambience. My entree is always overlooked. My chicken came in a sauce that was not described on the menu and was so dry it tasted like mush."
Dined on 12/21/2013
"Consistently good and fair prices. Portions are large and they split portions easily. We go often and also great for ordering out."
Dined on 12/21/2013
"Ihappened to go there 2 days in a row with different groups. The first day they forgot to bring the bruschetta before the entre, but made it up by bringing us a free desert and apologies. Bruschetta was just ok, the salmon was very good, though a bit greasy. The 2nd day, we had to wait about 50 minutes between appetizers and entrees, and no apology. My wild guess is that they messed up one of the salmon orders, because that one came raw inside. The positive is that the carpaccio and calamari were great, as well as the pepper soup and the entrees (eggplant parmigiana, chicken - made on request without tomato sauce, also appreciated were the regular chicken and the other dishes ordered). The manager never stopped by our table to check on us.."
Dined on 12/12/2013
"Very high noise level on weekends and service and food seems rushed. Just the opposite during the week. Menu is heavy on pasta, 2 chicken dishes being the only meat items,"
Dined on 12/13/2013
"Always a great place for consistent experience. Pastas are delicious,great fish and a fun downtown like atmosphere. You truly can never go wrong."
Dined on 12/12/2013
"Anyone who's been to a Francesca restaurant knows they have a dynamic menu and may not find the same dish twice. But if you really liked a dish, they are awesome at custom making dishes for you! Being a vegetarian, that's a big plus for me!"
Dined on 12/9/2013
"We have been customers since Francesca's first opened so we know what we should expect with food/service. Over the years we have gotten to know the wait staff but in the past year or two they have had a lot of turnover & it seems and service is not quite the standard they originally set. We kept having to flag our waiter down on our recent visit. However, the food was piping hot and very flavorful. I'd like to see "fresh" homemade pasta instead of the same commercial packaged variety & linguine back on the menu instead of just spaghetti. More variation in the pasta menu would be good. I see the same items over & over just mixed with more seasonal vegetables. However, I do appreciate their flexibility in special requests."
Dined on 12/6/2013
"Always consistently good food. We love coming here and have for many years!"
Dined on 12/6/2013
"Francesca's North is always a great experience. Their food is wonderful and their ever-changing menu is a nice adventure. Never fear, though, if there is something you had once but it is not on this week's menu, they will still make it for you!!"
Dined on 12/2/2013
"Excellent food with changing menu and wine list. A local treasure."
Dined on 11/30/2013
"This is our favorite Northbrook restaurant. Have been going there for years. The food is always very good and inventive. The menu has some standard items such as their Pizza's, Salad's and Bruschetta. However the main menu changes every day and they also have several specials. They also have special Pizza and Bruschetta. Quite frankley I think their Bruschetta is the best I have ever had. It is also great for take out."
Dined on 11/21/2013
"We went with a short time schedule and Francescas was able to get it done within our requested time. Good food and service."
Dined on 11/19/2013
"Good food ,generous portions limited offerings - which means what they do - they do well wine list not extensive but more than adequate The noise level can make conversation a bit trying (perhaps all the hard surfaces bounce and amplify the noise?) especially with the bar and TV so near the diners Wait staff spent minimal time on "special" . Different wait person took order/delivered food/monitored progress of meal/ asked re dessert Seems like a reliable/predictable and safe choice I will visit again"
Dined on 11/16/2013
"We asked for a quiet place and they put us into the second room which was perfect. Great dinner."
Dined on 11/14/2013
"The food and service were all very good. However, don't go expecting the same unique, trendiness of any of the locations in the city. The physical location and ambiance for this location is lacking. This restaurant is in a strip mall with a grocery store. Although, they did as best they could with the decor, it is still a series of unremarkable boxes, tight seating arrangements, and is very noisy. Go for the food, not the overall experience."
Dined on 11/9/2013

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