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  • Francesca's on Chestnut

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Reserve at Francesca's on Chestnut

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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
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Diner Reviews
  • "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
  • "Delicious and imaginative food, great staff, very warm atmosphere. I dine here at least once a week. Great $5 bar special apps before 6:30, be punctual."
    Dined on 12/26/2013
  • "Great location even though the valet is in a really awkward location. Food was good but the noise level is crazy loud."
    Dined on 12/21/2013
  • "The food was good, the atmosphere was ok, the tables are a little too close together. The music/band was too loud we had trouble hearing ourselves think, and also hearing the waiters and our friends. We had a table of eight. I have been to other Francesca's Restaurants and enjoyed them. We chose this location as our friends were in town staying at nearby. We would have to strongly consider whether go to this restaurant next time. Regards Steve"
    Dined on 12/20/2013
  • "the food was very good. our waiter was very, very good. he explained everything and helped us with our ordering."
    Dined on 12/20/2013
  • "Had my birthday dinner here recently, and me and my guests enjoyed the wine, food, and even the singer in the lobby. A great time had by all, and the food is always amazing. We even ordered off the menu and the server gave us nothing but the best service."
    Dined on 12/14/2013
  • "My daughter and wife love this restaurant. We had a nice evening and dinner last weekend. While my meal, my daughters meal and the service was outstanding, my wife was very disappointed with the quality of her dish. It was not as advertised, and this was the second time she has had a meal that was not up the the traditional Francesca's standards. Her dessert was outstanding, which helped things out, but i don't know if we will be back in the near future."
    Dined on 12/14/2013
  • "Food and service great!! The volume of noise was excessive and we could not hardly talk with people at our own table"
    Dined on 12/14/2013
  • "Food & service were great but the noise level was deafening!"
    Dined on 12/13/2013
  • "Great homemade Italian food! A like loud but because its packed. If you want nice and quiet you shod head some place else."
    Dined on 12/13/2013
  • "Food was great as well as service. Split food and try variety of treats as servings are generous!"
    Dined on 12/12/2013
  • "We were given a table in a quiet corner with a full view of the room. Great menu choices with a helpful server."
    Dined on 12/12/2013
  • "Francesca is our go to neighborhood place for reliably good food and a place where we can converse with each other and actually hear. Good place to take out of town guests who may not be up for the trendy, foodie scene and for whom pricey hand crafted plates would not impress. Francesca serves good Italian with lots of choices. Wine prices are quite reasonable too."
    Dined on 12/11/2013
More reviews ›
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