Powered By OpenTable: Restaurant Reservations. Right this way.
Restaurant Reservations - Free • Instant • Confirmed

  • Francesca's on Chestnut

  • Online Reservations

Reserve at Francesca's on Chestnut

Date

mm/dd/yyyy

Time
Party Size
Francesca's on Chestnut
Francesca's on Chestnut

Francesca's on Chestnut Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.miafrancesca.com
  • Email: chestnutcontact@miafrancesca.com
  • Phone: (312) 482-8800
  • Hours of Operation: Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 11:00am - 3:00pm; Sunday Dinner: 4:00pm - 9:00pm; Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 4:00pm; Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday & Satuday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Italian, Wine Bar, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Executive Chef: Scott Harris (Chef de Cuisine, Martin Ontiveros)
  • Dress Code: Smart Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Delivery, Entertainment, Farm to Table, Fireplace, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Smoking Area, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
  • Catering: Please contact Katherine Woods for questions about catering.
    (773) 281-3310 ext. 21
  • Private Party Facilities: Francesca’s on Chestnut proudly offers special events in our private dining room for business, family & social event for group of 10 to 60. Our philosophy of simple, rustic cooking served in a casual sophisticated trattoria setting translates flawlessly to group dining. Our private room offers its own cozy fireplace and can accommodate your desired level of privacy with a self-controlled partitioning system.
    Our traditional family-style dining called “Tavoli di Amici” (or “Table of Friends”) creates a lively and interactive meal. Group parties have the ability to choose from a wide selection of menu items to be shared for a full taste of Francesca’s cuisine. From signature salads to pasta specials, guests are able to enjoy the tastes of Italy spanning four or five courses. An extensive selection of wines and hourly beverage packages are also available if you choose. Our dedicated event planning staff will assist you in selecting a menu to complement your budget.
  • Private Party Contact: Katherine Woods (773) 281-3310 x21
  • Entertainment: Francesca's on Chesnut offers entertainment every Friday and Saturday. The Julie Ponce Experience Trio is compromised of a bassist, pianist, and saxophone player from the Jim Guter Big Band, one of Chicago’s most exciting jazz groups. Offering anything from, jazz, big band, Latin, swing, and even current radio hits, The Julie Ponce Experience leaves a lasting impression on Francesca’s guests.
  • Special Events & Promotions: Please contact Katherine Woods for questions about special events.
    (773) 281-3310 ext. 21

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Michigan Ave
  • Public Transit: We are accessible via the Chicago red line stop as well as the 151, 145, 146 and 147 Chestnut & Michigan CTA bus stop.
  • Parking: Valet
  • Parking Details: Valet is offered through The Seneca Boutique Apartments at $16. Metered street parking and parking garages are also available in close proximity.
A word from Francesca's on Chestnut
Francesca’s on Chestnut located on Chestnut Street in Chicago’s famous Gold Coast neighborhood. Located in the Seneca Boutique Apartments, the restaurant will bring its famous rustic, Italian cuisine to the 180-seat space.

“We’re so excited to return to our roots and open another… Chicago neighborhood spot,” says Francesca’s Restaurants owner Scott Harris. “We opened our first location on Clark Street in Lakeview over 15 years ago, and it’s very fitting that our 20th location should be in the Gold Coast.”
Francesca’s on Chestnut features an intimate trattoria setting with an antique Brunswick bar and a 40-person private dining room, complete with a private fireplace. Chef Martin Ontiveros will lead the kitchen, providing Francesca’s classic fare of zesty, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio. The wine list and specialty drinks are equally impressive in this one-of-a-kind location.Continued
Foodspotting photos
See all photos >
Diner Reviews
  • "flavorful food, well prepared and presented along with excellent service made this an enjoyable evening(noise level a bit high)"
    Dined on 4/12/2014
  • "I loved the freid calimari; it had a very light coating with no greasy taste and the calimari was very tender. I also loved the caesar salad; it was my husband's but I had a hard time not eating most of it. He was very pleased with his tilapia. The only downer was the gnocchi; the gorgonzola sauce was minimal and there wasn't any of that gorgonzola punch that contrasts so well with the gnocchi. We were celebrating his birthday and they brought out a profiterole with ice cream filling and a candle on top for dessert, which was very nice."
    Dined on 4/10/2014
  • "This has been my fourth time dining here. I'm a visitor from out of town and like to schedule business dinners at a place I know. Francesca's on Chestnut always delivers. Pauly"
    Dined on 4/9/2014
  • "We had a table of 4on Saturday night April 5th at 8:00 seating. I have eaten here once before and at other Francessca's in wriggleyville. One of the people in our party was a vegetarian and they appreciated the ministrone soup and 4 cheese pizza. Gnocchio was fabulous as was the Caesar salad. It was also wonderful to have the jazz combo playing, icing on the cake. My one complaint was the noise level, it was deafening, very difficult to carry on a conversation with out shouting. Next time I would Ask to be seated in a quiet corner if one exists."
    Dined on 4/5/2014
  • "My group was pretty satisfied with Francesca's. Only shortcoming was slower service, even though we were the only ones in the restaurant. Would definitely come again."
    Dined on 4/5/2014
  • "We dine at other Francesca's locations fairly often but it was the first time on Chestnut and it didn't disappoint. Everything that is good about Francesca's was there - friendly staff, great food, pleasant atmosphere. Excellent place for a casual dinner."
    Dined on 4/2/2014
  • "Excellent restaurant. Good light food. Pleasant surroundings...great location on the gold coast"
    Dined on 4/1/2014
  • "Our 7:00 p.m. Saturday evening reservation was met with our party of four being seated promptly in the upper section. Service was friendly and professional. Menu has great offerings and interesting variety. Food came out quickly and was prepared perfectly. We weren't in a hurry, but were done in an hour without feeling rushed at all. Combo band had set up and was playing live music across the room - very good. When we left shortly after 8:30, the place was hopping. Being seated closer to the entrance would have been a little more hectic than our relaxed experience - but a happening place, for sure."
    Dined on 3/29/2014
  • "We were looking for something close to our hotel without breaking the bank, well it was worth twice the price. The food and service was excellent. We will make the trip again to Chicago and this will be on the list."
    Dined on 3/23/2014
  • "Was there with a group of 6 including an 8 year old and a 2 year old. Staff was very friendly and accommodating to the kids, providing crayons and a bib for the 2 year old (forgot ours). Food was really good. I had the Papadelle ragu with fresh spinach pasta. Really tasty. The others all had one of the specials and all really enjoyed. Wine list was good, and prices were reasonable. Good place to try."
    Dined on 3/21/2014
  • "I had the pork chops. They were ok. A bit overdone and the dish was too salty. Nice drinks!"
    Dined on 3/18/2014
  • "Second time there and second time we walked about with smiles on our faces! We even ended up at the same table from our 1st time there! Great food and great people working there...we'll absolutely be back!"
    Dined on 3/15/2014
  • "Great Service! Good place for our family - took care of everything we needed for a toddler and an infant. Perfect location. Nice enough to make a day special, but casual enough to not need an excuse to go!"
    Dined on 3/2/2014
  • "We took two international guests there last Friday night to celebrate a birthday. We live in the neighborhood and find it attractive inside with decent food. It does get noisy ordinarily but this time it was deafening. There is absolutely nothing in the decor to mute the noise, in fact it increases it. And to make it worse they had a trio playing. The server screwed up an order for an appetizer for one of our guests and was very rude about it. She did inform the manager and then they apologized too many times--it became intrusive. They comped the appetizer and gave us several birthday desserts which was thoughtful but we really didn't want dessert. Unfortunately what we all remember from the evening was the noise and bad service."
    Dined on 2/28/2014
  • "My wife and I had pasta dishes, and both were delicious, as was the asparagus salad appetizer that we split. Nice ambiance, and attentive service. Not too pricey for the quality of food."
    Dined on 3/1/2014
  • "Best location for Francesca I have enjoyed. LOvely food menu,wine, service. Space "upstairs" avoids the noise problem. Plates are so generous that sharing is easy, happily accommodated, and expands the experience. New item is a whole fish (bronzino on the menu, which they call sea bass), and they need some practice in boning and serving; even the manager had some fumblitis, but they'll learn I'm sure. A winner."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "This Francesca's does not rush you, and unlike other Francesca's does not pack you in where you can not move or get in or out from your table with disturbing people. Menu changes frequently which is nice if you like to try new dishes. Although there are always some comfortable favorites. I definitely recommend this "neighborhood gem"."
    Dined on 2/26/2014
  • "This was an excellent restaurant . Amazingly good food, excellent service. I give it 5 stars*****"
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "I can imagine that you could come to Francesca's for a romantic meal or with a group of friends. If you come early or if the kids are older they would fit in too - pasta is good for all ages. The food is great and the wait staff know how to make sure your food comes at the right time. They are attentive while letting you talk and enjoy the food. Both my daughter and I enjoyed our food. The bar are was full and a small jazz band was playing. Even with the every table occupied and the bar full of fun we could talk and enjoy the atmosphere. I would go back."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "We had an excellent VD night out at Francesca's. The restaurant was crazy but the service staff was on the top of their game, the pasta was excellent. We were seated within 15 minutes of our reservation which I thought was very good on such a crowded night. We have been to Francesca's before and will return again."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "We had a 7:00 reservation on a Saturday night, got there early and had a glass of wine at the bar, which was nearly deserted. It was drafty due to revolving door. We were seated at a tiny table (24") round and had trouble finding space for everything. It was also quite cozy with the tables on either side. I'd recommend avoiding being seated at these tables. Food was outstanding- only complaint is that I had shrimp and spaghetti, and it was just that: shrimp and spaghetti. Could have benefitted from some veggies or something. Asparagus & blue cheese salad is fantastic!"
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "I love Francesca's. I have been here once before and just remember the live music and great rustic italian food. This time did not disappoint! A definite hidden gem."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "We made reservations for Valentine ’s Day - big mistake. I would imagine a holiday such as Valentine ’s Day has a pretty obvious demand and management should understand table turn rates for holiday demand. We arrived for our 9:00 PM reservation. I was told they were 30 minutes behind! 45 minutes later we were still standing along with about 20+ other poor diners. No apologies. No explanation. Even the bartender was rude when I tried to order (not comped) a glass of wine to pass the time. Once I was seated, everything was great, but the mismanagement of the reservation ruined my experience."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "Good solid changing menu with something for everyone. Decent wines by the glass."
    Dined on 2/13/2014
  • "Everything was great. Got there for an early dinner. The food was spectacular and the ambiance was great. Definitely top notch."
    Dined on 2/6/2014
  • "The restaurant was a recommendation by our hotel concierge. We made reservations through open table and were seated promptly upon arrival. There is a fantastic wine selection and a fairly extensive dinner menu, just enough to do everything well. Out meals were very good, both pasta dishes, and the service was outstanding as well. There is such a thing as too much attention to the customer and Francesca's nailed it. We also enjoyed to live music in the dining room, loud enough to enjoy without being overwhelming. We'll definitely recommend and will return. Thanks for a wonderful experience!"
    Dined on 2/7/2014
  • "Went for boyfriends birthday. The live music played happy birthday for him which was nice."
    Dined on 2/7/2014
  • "Went for Chicago Restaurant Week and was amazed at the quantity and quality of the food. 4 complete courses for only $33, and all courses were large. Francesca's didn't minimize the portions for Restaurant Week, as many restaurants do. It was delicious, and we couldn't finish. Even the desserts were full size. Thank you, Francesca's for doing Restaurant Week the way it should be done! We will be back...often!"
    Dined on 2/2/2014
  • "Francesca's: 1) The food is always good to great (having probably over 100 meals at the various restaurants over the years, more than any other Chicago restaurant for me) 2) Ambiance is has it's own charm at each restaurant, some are are louder than others, not the top , always a nice level of activities - which is why I say Neighborhood Gem, as you can just tell it is a repeat place for locals. Any Francesca's feels comfortable. 3) but it is the service that is above and beyond at any of the Francesca's - each person from is so great, so professional! Knowledgeable, warm yet so professional, never hurry you, but so are attentive. I always take business people to a Francesca's, always great service! Just a class act all around!"
    Dined on 1/29/2014
  • "the food was ok and the service was terrible. The hostess had no personality and the waiter could hardly speak English. Sweet, but did not know food. The actual food was nothing outstanding."
    Dined on 6/13/2013
  • "The food was good (and a lot of it)- the wine was good - the service was good.... but it was LOUD - and on top of the general level of conversation there was a band! Pretty much not necessary. We chose Francesca's because it has been in the same location for years (a good recommendation) and it is walking distance from our hotel."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "We had 7:30 dinner reservations and felt very rushed through out the entire dinner. After we (4 adults) finished a bottle of wine during dinner, we were never asked if we wanted anything more to drink. They just started clearing the table right away and asked if we wanted dessert. We just moved to the Water Tower building and we are looking for a friendly local restaurant. Very disappointed. Food was good though."
    Dined on 1/11/2014
  • "We thoroughly enjoyed our whole experience. The reservation procedure was easy. We were seated right away. The server was very professional and friendly. The dinner was divine."
    Dined on 1/10/2014
  • "As always, Francesca's was a solid experience. It always hits the right bells with me. The prices are more than fair, and the portions generous. They even accommodated my picky tastes and modified my pasta dish beautifully. The waitress was very friendly, and I didn't feel rushed at any point during the meal."
    Dined on 5/26/2013
  • "Great service and food...friendly staff and great location"
    Dined on 12/28/2013
  • "Great job by all of the Francesca's. We had a group of 8 and were treated like rock stars!"
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "We went to Chicago to celebrate my husband's birthday with our 2 sons (11 & 14) and his sister & brother-in-law. We had his birthday dinner at Francesca's on Chestnut, and it was wonderful. We were seated at a table of 6 in the middle of the room; it was between 2 columns so, even though the restaurant was full, we did not feel crowded and it was not too loud. We had an excellent waiter. We told him we were in no hurry so he kept things at a nice slow pace for us, so we could enjoy our food and each other's company. The entrees were incredible - the linguine with shrimp & crab, the lobster ravioli, and the grouper were wonderful. Lastly, the fudge on the cream puff they brought my husband (with a candle) was the best I've ever tasted."
    Dined on 12/28/2013
  • "I have enjoyed several of the Francesca restaurants! Our family needed a restaurant that offered a gluten free menu and Francesca's has an outstanding selection. It was very refreshing to have our daughter feel welcomed to dine instead of feeling like an inconvenience. I highly recommend Francesca's for anyone who wants to enjoy classic Italian food and fantastic service."
    Dined on 12/23/2013
  • "This is the second year we have had a family dinner here around the holidays. Food is excellent and prices are reasonable .....especially for Gold Coast. Missed the piano from last year! Even GF and vegan ! Fun, good food, reasonable prices, diverse menu ! Great tiramisu and cappuccino !!!!!!!!!"
    Dined on 12/26/2013
  • "If you want high end corporate Italian in the mag mile area, this is your place. A chain, yes, but a local chain. Food is as consistent as any restaurant in the city, and the quality is very good. I've been to various Francesca's locatations, and this one is as good as the rest. If you like calamari, you need to try theirs. You will thank me."
    Dined on 12/21/2013
More reviews ›
  • Easter Brunch & Dinner Reservations
    Sunday, April 20, 2014›
    Easter Brunch Buffet! Hours 10:00am - 3:00pm
  • $5 Bar/Cocktail Appitizer Specials
    All week 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM›
    Choose from: Carpaccio del Giorno, Calamari Fritti, Mussels Pomodoro, Spinaci aglio e olio, Bruschette all Romano, Risotto del Gorno, Lenticchie e Spinaci, Meatballs and/or Proscuitto del Giorno all for $5 (Daily at the bar). Excludes Tax and Tip. Does not include tax or gratuity. Available at the bar/cocktail section only. Special valid Apr 7, 2014 - Jul 7, 2014 all week from 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM. Offer valid April 7, 2014 - July 7, 2014
Larger map ›
Smaller map ›