Francesca's on ChestnutExcellentI am from the neighborhood and could not be happier that Francesca's is here. It provides excellent food in a nice but unpretentious atmosphere. I ordered the special pasta last night--stuffed pasta with mozzarella, tomato and arugula--and it was definitely one of my favorite pasta dishes I've ever had! The portions are not overwhelming but satisfying and the service is great.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMNoisy but good!We got there early but they seated us. We asked for modifications and they said fine! Everything was delicious! But it was really really loud at 7:30 on Saturday night.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat for any occasionFrancesca's is one of my favorite Chicago restaurants. We chose reservations on Mother's Day for that reason. Great food and accommodating regardless of your situation. A++ in my book!!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulousI Took a group for Mother's Day brunch and it was the perfect place. There is something for everyone, the food is delicious, the atmosphere was upscale but casual, and our service was exceptional. I highly recommend!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderfulFrancesca's was the perfect spot for my family to celebrate Mother's Day. There was an option on the menu for adventurous eaters and picky eaters. Our waitress was great and catered to every need and the staff that helped her was very personable. We had a great time and everyone enjoyed their meal.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMWe all had pasta dishes -We all had pasta dishes - varied choices. Tasty caesaer salad, generous. The choices were different than what you would normally see on an Italian menu. The prices are very reasonable. Service was excellent. This is the second time we have eaten here and both times the meal was very enjoyable.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMEvery time I come here I likeEvery time I come here I like it better. The food is consistently really, REALLY good.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, great music!!!Not only do they have great food, they have this really talented trio that play some great music. The combination of electric bass, piano and sax and a jazzy bluesy singer and you have one really great night!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat dinner - wonderful foodGreat dinner - wonderful food and service! Lobster ravioli excellent. Loved the live music! Waiter very gracious to teenage daughters....thankis for a special night.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMVery good service. CelebratingVery good service. Celebrating a graduation with 9 guests. We were well served.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had lunch at 2:00p.m. whenWe had lunch at 2:00p.m. when the restaurant was not busy. During the busy lunch or dinner hours, we find the restaurant too noisy.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMFrancesca's restaurants areFrancesca's restaurants are always a solid choice - northern Italian cuisine, wonderful wines and amazing service. This was our first time to the Chestnut location and we were not disappointed.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways reliable.Francesca's is great wherever it is. Considering the prices are moderate I always feel like it's a great place for when I'm in a "less than fancy" mood!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic Restaurant, friendlyFantastic Restaurant, friendly staff, good for all ages, great food, awesome bar.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our first experienceThis was our first experience at Francesca's on Chestnut. My wife and I were there on a Tue night when it was not crowded, and we had excellent service from our waiter, Rafael. I had a prosciutto covered white fish while my wife enjoyed a very nice roasted chicken. Although not extensive, the wine list was good with some reasonably priced bottles available, both European and domestic. Based on this limited experience, I would recommend Francesca's for Italian dining in the Water Tower district.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMUpmarket Italian, serves excellentUpmarket Italian, serves excellent food at reasonable prices. Knowledgable and helpful waiting staff.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a party of three whoWe had a party of three who liked the food very much, liked the decor,thought that the tables were too close together but understand why, very reasonably priced, liked the music itself, but was much too loud. We could not hear each other speak. May not return because of that. Maybe we should have asked for a table far from the music. We sat around the middle of the restaurant.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was top-notch, incrediblyThe food was top-notch, incredibly well done and moderately priced. It got pretty busy/loud by 6ish, so it's not quiet and romantic if that's what you're looking for, but the flavor and quality were superb. Highly recommended.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently one of my favoriteConsistently one of my favorite restaurants in the city. Great menu with seasonal variations. Excellent pasta & fish.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMTraditional Italian CuisineTraditional Italian cuisine in a convenient location. Great prices, generous helpings. A little disappointing that my birthday was not recognized although I mentioned it in my reservation note.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMNoise level was intolerableNoise level was intolerable by the time I left at 8.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was a nice find rightThis was a nice find right in the Gold Coast area, within walking distance from Water Tower. We were seated quickly and our server, Carlos was very friendly and attentive. We shared the specialty salad of caramelized apples with blue cheese and green bean and tomoato salad, both hit the spot! The bread was crisp and warm. Our party all ordered from the Ravioli Madness menu, yet the Lobster selection was the biggest hit. We were too full to consider dessert this time. Ambience was bright and airy. We will definitely recommend this Italian eatery to others visiting Chicago.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMSensational Neighborhood GemLove everything about this restaurant including the hide-away wine grotto for a "dopo cena" nightcap or dessert.
LOVE IT!3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMThe location is ideal andThe location is ideal and the food is splendid---especially the seafood dishes. I always love coming to Francesca's.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat location. Easy, inexpensiveGreat location. Easy, inexpensive parking. Good food. Super service. Perfect before/after Looking Glass performance!3/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGenerous PortionsRomantic seating and a great wine selection! Both pasta and fish entrees were generously portioned. Waiter was attendant but not very knowledgeable about the menu. Food was amazing regardless! Had a wonderful time.8/22/2012 12:00:00 AM