Francesca's on Chestnut

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Address:
200 E. Chestnut Street
Chicago, IL 60611

Neighborhood:
Gold Coast / Streeterville

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Cuisine:
Italian

Price: $30 and under

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Francesca's on Chestnut Details

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Website: http://www.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

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Diner Reviews

"What could have been great the finale to a beautiful day in downtown Chicago turned into more like school night at Applebee's. we had a reservation and arrived early evening but were seated in the back of the restaurant by a group of 10 teenage girls having a birthday party. We had an inattentive server and it was too loud for a casual conversation. Waited 45 minutes for food to be served. Pasta was cool, but good. Had to ask for desert menu. Wine had a nat or piece of cork floating in it. Waiter was put out when I asked for a new glass. Nothing exceptional at Franchesca's on Chestnut."
Dined on 7/19/2014
"Disappointed that our table was on top of the music Asked for a quieter table and really wasn't accomodated. There were 7 of us and the restaurant normally has a lively atmosphere. Hard to hear!"
Dined on 7/18/2014
"After reading many reviews from other diners and online articles, we really expected the best. The food we received was different than what was described on the menu. We ordered Farfalle Vodka and Salmon, instead we received shell pasta in what looked like a white cream sauce and salmon. my guest had also ordered the same thing and was also very disappointed. Service was sub-par. Not great, not bad, but definitely forgettable. I may return if I don't feel like waiting for 2 hours at another restaurant on Michigan Ave. It is an easy place to go if you are need of a relaxed place when you have kids with you."
Dined on 7/13/2014
"Excellent and extremely well priced for the fantastic food and ambience. During a recent visit with friends to experience Chicago, we thoroughly enjoyed our experience. A definite must do. I had the half chicken, my friends said the risotto was fabulous and the chocolate dessert with salt and olive oil drizzle was a plate cleaner. Definitely a go to place."
Dined on 7/12/2014
"Over the years, this has become our favorite restaurant in town. The food changes all the time, ans is always fantastic. You can't go wrong here."
Dined on 7/12/2014
"It was great to see that the diners knew the small 3 piece band that was playing. They all waved upon arrival so were obviously regulars. Wait staff was outstanding and went out of their way to clear out table quickly. Food and wine was excellent. Salmon was excellent. Bartender very accommodating, allowed me to sample a wine before purchasing it. Lower level bar was really busy and had a nice atmosphere."
Dined on 6/27/2014
"Francesca's on Chestnut, similar to its sister restaurant Mia Francesca's on Clark, never disappoints when it comes to the delicious italian fare. I have frequented this establishment for years due to their delicious bruschetta and amazing pastas. I went this past Tuesday and had a great dinner once again. It's consistent in the food and service. Must try!"
Dined on 6/25/2014
"Francesca's is reliably great Italian just a short walk off the Mag Mile."
Dined on 6/24/2014
"I've eaten there previously and recommend it. However, it was our anniversary dinner and not the best choice for us because of the noise level. It was impossible to carry on a quiet conversation. I'll definitely go back but not for that occasion."
Dined on 6/21/2014
"We have been to other Francesca's and always enjoyed the food. This spot is no exception. Great location for visitors as well as locals. The pizza with the egg broken table side is delicious, but for 2 people it is a lot of food if you want to have a main course too. We had the risotto and the tagliatelle with chicken and broccoli, both were very good. I'm not a Gorgonzola fan, so the kitchen prepared my risotto with goat cheese instead. Very accommodating! Don't miss dessert!! Beware the large groups; a party of 12 ruined our quiet window table for 2 and also made service more challenging."
Dined on 6/19/2014
"We visit Chicago once or twice a year and always try out new restaurants but this one has become a regular that is a must visit on every trip. Great neighborhood feel. Wonderful food and consistently good service."
Dined on 6/18/2014
"With an ever changing and always interesting menu, top notch service, and a casual, friendly atmosphere, this Francesca's, as they all are, is a terrific choice for wonderful food at fair prices, served in a terrific space."
Dined on 6/17/2014
"Romantic, kid friendly restaurant in a great location. Food was excellent-great service. We all loved our dinners-salmon was fantastic, my kids loved their pizza and pasta. Great Cabernet! The real gem is the beautiful wine cellar. Would recommend!!"
Dined on 6/13/2014
"Great location not far from busy N. Michigan Avenue, towards the lake, in a quiet neighborhood. Very friendly staff and excellent service. Nice atmosphere and very good food at reasonable prices for the area. It is loud. Our group of 9 were in the back on the lower level; could barely hear the live music up front, and it was not easy to have conversations. Might be quieter on the upper level."
Dined on 6/13/2014
"We've been to Francesca's three times now. First time was at Bryn Mawr and twice now at Chestnut. The first two experiences were great. Good food and service. This latest trip however was disappointing. The menu is very limited and it changes all the time. This time we were unimpressed with the selection. The food was only okay (they really skimped on the pasta sauce) and the service was lacking. Francesca's was shaping up to be our new go-to Italian place, but now we have our doubts."
Dined on 6/13/2014
"In a sea of wonderful Chicago restaurants, Francesca might have stayed in my personal obscurity had I not ventured out from the Ritz early one morning and ambled past it. The delicate lettering caught my eye, and its location intrigued. In the heart of one of my favorite Chicago micro-spots, Francesca's is just off Michigan Avenue, north of the Water Tower, and between the Drake and the John Hancock Building. Francesca offers intimate dining areas and a staff with an uncomplicated willingness to please. The menu seems to vary often, and the wine menu is basic without sacrificing selection. I enjoyed the halibut with crab, red and green peppers, and mushrooms. It was complemented nicely by a bottle of Valpolicella Ripasso."
Dined on 6/13/2014
"i took a business group for dinner and specifically requested to be seated in the main dining but was put on the upper area over flow. was ok until they filled the remainder of the area with a singles dine around group making us the lone non part of the group table which was very noisy and annoying. having been here many times previously i would not rate the food as well prepared as in the past. was just ok...nothing special and very uncomfortable seating arrangement."
Dined on 6/9/2014
"We googled and found near our hotel and ver had fun! Delicious !"
Dined on 6/7/2014
"We really enjoyed our dining experience and would return. We were from out of town and we felt we were getting the best of Chicago."
Dined on 6/7/2014
"Had business guests in from DC. Wanted to show them a nice Chicago evening. Walked over from Museum of Contemporary Art - Jazz night. Nice menu options for diverse tastes. Great service and food was delicious and plentiful."
Dined on 6/3/2014
"Dinner at Francesca's was fantastic. Service couldn't have been better. Our waiter explained everything and gave us great ideas. Had halibut with shiitake mushrooms. Excellent flavor. Good prices! Nice wine list. Will definitely return! One of my new favorite Italian places. "
Dined on 5/29/2014
"The typical Italian food was good but was negatively offset by the very, very noisy atmosphere with loud adults and very noisy small children. It was hard to enjoy the food with so much noise."
Dined on 5/26/2014
"The food outshadowed the feel of the restaurant. The entire experience felt crowded and the service was average at best. I went almost an entire meal with an empty water glass, and the table we were sat at essentially had a pillar in the middle of it. The bathrooms are actually downstairs (which was fine but unusual) but were pretty clean. The experience was fine overall and pretty much what I expected. I walked in with a polo and a pair of shorts and felt right at home. "
Dined on 5/25/2014
"This restaurant group never disappoints! Great food, great service...always!"
Dined on 5/23/2014
"Our group of 5 wanted to talk, and we got a quiet corner. Food was delicious; wait staff attentive but not hovering. Easy walk to Lookingglass theater at Water Tower place. "
Dined on 5/21/2014
"A wonderful restaurant with delicious food. I always eat here when in this part of Chicago. It never disappoints!"
Dined on 5/16/2014
"I travel to Chicago regularly on business and Francesca's is a favorite. Their menu changes every two weeks so it's exciting to always find a 'new favorite dish'. The service is excellent and the food is fantastic!"
Dined on 5/13/2014
"We liked Francesca's. When we entered, I noticed a set-up for music and asked to be seated as far as possible from the live music. No problem....we were seated at a table away from the music. In fact, never heard it. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. He was good at describing each of the offerings. I had penne chicken in a garlic, basil & tomato sauce. Very good. Far too much food for me! The Caesar salad was perfect! We had no room for dessert.....but, they looked delicious. We will come back to Francesca's on our next trip to Chicago."
Dined on 5/3/2014
"We are true regulars at Mia Francesca on Clark St but were downtown & decided to go to this location for dinner. This is a very good spot but it just is basically overrun by little old ladies. That said, it won't be that long until I'm a little old man & my wife is a little old lady, so I'm not knocking it. Just sayin' this a bit beyond old school. Service was very good. Food very good. It's just an atmosphere thing. And I didn't even mention the little old lady picking through the hard candies near the door for about 10 minutes, and putting handfuls of said candies in her purse. You get the idea."
Dined on 5/3/2014
"1st timers &I I made selection and reservations. Great hit all 7 of us loved it. Service was a bit slow but they kept us up to date on all the reasons,timing and happily accomidated all adjustments to diners requests. Waiting was not a problem since we had a wonderful jazz trio to listen to "
Dined on 4/26/2014
"We had a great time celebrating a family birthday. The food was excellent and we were not rushed through the process. The live music was just right volume-wise and enhanced the atmosphere."
Dined on 4/26/2014
"The restaurant was great as far as ambience and service goes. It was a little loud for a group of 5 people with the live jazz music, might be better for a smaller table. I chose this restaurant because they had a large gluten free menu. I had the pasta and it was not cooked well. I'd eat there again, but maybe try a non pasta dish."
Dined on 4/25/2014
"It was an excellent nigth dinner with my wife and my son"
Dined on 4/24/2014
"All in all, an enjoyable experience for a quick stop-in. Affordable Italian wine-by-the-glass. Fresh, plentiful calamari. Attentive, professional bartender. One caveat--the pizza crust tasted like a frozen pizza. The pizza ingredients were amazing--plentiful and fresh. The tableside breaking of the yolk/cutting is impressive. It's just that the crust ruined it!"
Dined on 4/23/2014
"I've been to Francesca's on Chestnut several times. I go because I like their menu and because the quality of the food and preparation is excellent and consistent. The wait staff is very professional and attentive on every occasion. Given I'm not a fan of high noise levels and the restaurant can be noisy/lively, I request and am always given a seating area away from the highest noise levels. Given I live nearby--this is like a neighborhood "gem" to me. "
Dined on 4/19/2014
"Great dinner spot. Live jazz was outstanding. Great service."
Dined on 4/18/2014
"Delicious italian food, great ambience, service was a little too pressing, crowded, noisy place, but after all, it is an italian restaurant!"
Dined on 4/17/2014
"Was in Chicago for a week and went back twice! Fantastic!"
Dined on 4/13/2014
"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

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