How is Francesca's al Lago - Permanently Closed restaurant rated?

Name: Francesca's al Lago - Permanently Closed
Address: 111 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Madison, WI, United States, 53703
Telephone: (608) 255-6000
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.2

Francesca's al Lago - Permanently Closed

4.2

701 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

Francesca's al Lago is the 21st addition to The Francesca's Restaurant Group. The Capital Square location offers guests “simple rustic cooking, friendly service and fair prices,” which has been the winning recipe at all Francesca’s locations since 1992. Our menu features the zesty, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio. An expansive wine list, local beers and handcrafted martinis are the perfect accompaniment to an outstanding dining experience.

About The Francesca’s Restaurant Group: Founded in 1992 by Restaurateur Scott Harris, Francesca’s Restaurant Group has grown from a small, welcoming Italian restaurant on Chicago’s North Clark Street to a restaurant group of three concepts across 33 locations and four states. Based in Chicago, Francesca’s Restaurant Group currently owns and operates 23 Francesca’s Restaurants, five Davanti Enoteca, and five Glazed and Infused locations.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, Mediterranean, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Lunch: Monday - Saturday: 11:00am - 4:00pm Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 4:00pm - 9:00pm Friday & Saturday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Phone number
(608) 255-6000
Website
http://www.miafrancesca.com/locations/profile/wisconsin
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Sergio Lopez
Catering
Francesca"s al Lago has a wide range of catering services available to suite your needs. From full-service to pick-up, Francesca's catering is an easy & reliable way to entertain guests in your home or workplace.
Private party facilities
Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate outing, Francesca's al Lago can accommodate all your special event needs.
Private party contact
Restaurant Manager: (608) 255-6000

Location
111 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Madison, WI 53703
Neighborhood
Madison
Cross street
Main Street
Parking details
We have validated parking at the Block 89 parking ramp located on Doty St. between Martin Luther King BLVD & Pinckney St. Metered street parking available as well.
Public transit
From Milwaukee & EAST I-94 West WI-30 West Left onto US-151 S/E (Washington Ave) Right onto Wilson Right onto MLK Jr Blvd From Chicago & SOUTH I-90 West/1-94 West US 12-18 toward Madison John Nolen Dr Exit Left onto Broom Right onto Wilson Left onto Hamilton Right onto Doty Left onto MLK Jr Blvd
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Grilled Romaine Caesar$13.00
White Anchovy, Mountain Blueberries, pulled Croutons
Wedge Salad$12.00
Baby Iceberg Lettuce, House Ranch, Candied Bacon, Heirloom grape Tomatoes, Blue Cheese Crumbles
Baby Mozzarella Panzanella$14.00
Herb Pistou, Arugula, Heirloom Tomatoes, Olive Tapenade
Artisan House Salad$9.00
Zucchini, Squash, & Carrot Threads, Baby Heirloom tomatoes, Pickled Red Onions, Pulled Croutons, Balsamic Vinaigrette

Starters

Artisan Bread Offering$6.00
Toasted Ciabatta & Olive Fougasse Breads, Cracked Pepper & Herb Olive Oil
Citrus Marinated Olives$5.00
Orange, Lemon, Lime Zests, Olive Oil
Blistered Shishito Peppers$7.00
Fried Citrus Rinds, Chipotle Mayo, Black Sea Salt
Cast Iron Spinach & Feta Dip$10.00
Lavash Cracker, Grilled Crostinis, Kalamata Olives
Braised Short Rib Nachos$12.00
Corn Tortillas, Smoked Gouda Mornay, Pico de Gallo, Chipotle Cream
Smoked Chicken Lollipops$10.00
Maple Glaze, Bacon, Blue Cheese
Bang Island Mussels$15.00
Lamb Merguez Sausage, Saffron Garlic Toast
Grilled Artichoke$8.00
Truffle Aioli, Arugula, Toasted Bread Crumbs, Lemon Zest
Meat & Cheese$15.00
Serrano Ham, Grilled Ciabatta, Boursin Cheese, Strawberry Serrano Jam
Elk Carpaccio$16.00
Separated Egg, Fried Capers, Cold Pressed Olive Oil, Black Salt
Loaded Baked Potato Soup$5.00
Sour Cream, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Chive

Pub Fare

all served with hand cut fries - Make 'em Parmesan Fries $2

CO Angus Beef Burger$14.00
Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, House Pickles
Grilled Chicken Sandwich$12.00
Pretzel Bun, LTO, Honey Mustard, House Pickles
Organic Salmon Burger$13.00
Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Roasted Red Peppers, Tomato Aioli, House Pickles
Fish & Frites$16.00
Tempura Fried Cod, House Slaw, Malt Vinegar Aioli, Lemon Wedges
Open Faced Shaved NY Strip$18.00
Toasted Brioche, Smoked Gouda Mornay, Tobacco Onions

Artisan Signature Mains

Add supplements to your pasta: Grilled Chicken Breast $5; Scottish Organic Salmon* $8; Grilled 4oz Flat Iron Steak* $9

Grilled Ruby Red Trout$32.00
Bourbon Brown Sugar Sauce, Toasted Hazelnut's, Grilled Asparagus, Yukon potato purée
Scottish Organic Salmon*$27.00
House BBQ, Summer Corn & Sweet Potato Hash, Smoked Bacon, Fava Bean Purée
NY Striploin, Square Cut 8oz*$29.00
Loaded Baked Potato Pie, Grilled Broccolini, House Steak Sauce
CO Striped Bass Cioppino*$34.00
Rock Shrimp, Tri-Color Peppers, Bang Island Mussels, Saffron Tomato Broth, Yukon Potato Purée
Rotisserie Chicken*$23.00
Charred Spring Onions, Cashew Jasmine Rice, Peach Bourbon Glaze
Flatiron Steak Frites$25.00
Horseradish Chimichurri, Grilled Broccolini, Truffle Aioli
Hand Cut Fettuccini$22.00
Sautéed Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Grilled Red Onions, Portabella Mushrooms, Heirloom Grape Tomatoes, Roasted Garlic & Red Peppers, Boursin Cream Sauce

Signature Sides

Grilled Asparagus
Sautéed Garlic Broccolini
Yukon Potato Purée
Hand Cut Fries
Steamed Jasmine Rice

What 701 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2

4.2 based on all time ratings

4.2Food
4.2Service
4Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

LT
LucasT19
Milwaukee
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2017
overall1food1service1ambience2
They closed without telling me. It literally closed 6 hours before my reservation and nobody told me it was closed until I got there.
R
Robbo1
Milwaukee
148 reviews
vip
4.0
148 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience3
My wife and I have dined there a number of times and have always had good meals. I decided to take my wife there to celebrate Valentines Day and once again we were pleased. Our meals were good, reasonably priced, and our service was good. We will definitely return.
BS
BarryS
Milwaukee
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
We just heard this restaurant closed, which is a shame for us because we just discovered it. It was a wonderful experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 4, 2017
overall5food4service5ambience4
Good Food. Had a problem fulfilling or order and went out of their way to make it right.
WM
WiscoMike
Milwaukee
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2017
overall4food4service5ambience4
Food was delicious, especially the fresh hot bread and the chocolate lava tort with mint gelato. Wide variety of Italian menu choices with a handful of other entrees, sufficient wine list both by the glass and bottle, good desert selection and express to wash it down. Beer selection was a little light. We were celebrating a retirement in a small group and didn't spare expenses. If you do a bottle of wine and all 3 courses, it won't be cheap. However, two could have a great meal and drinks for $60-75 and it'd be worth it.
A
Aubs
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 28, 2017
overall5food4service4ambience5
Went here for a low-key bachelorette party (only 5 ladies). They were very accommodating and friendly. We loved the central location, and the food was great. Everyone was pleased with their meals.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 28, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was excellent. A nice place to relax and enjoy the evening.
MF
MacandFish
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
I was thrilled to be able to make the reservation earlier that day. It was a busy night with it being the end of Restaurant Week in Madison. The service was great as was the food.
F
Foodlover
Chicago
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience4
We chose Francesca's because someone in our group has a gluten/dairy allergy. I called Francesca's and the hostess said they could accommodate no problem, so we decided to try it. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and professional and the food was great. We did have an error and an appetizer was brought out that was not gluten free. Our gluten allergy friend ordered the appetizer and made sure to repeat that he was gluten/dairy free, but the waitress accidentally brought the version with gluten. The mood changed for the worse when our friend double checked and had already eaten the dish with gluten. They were out of the wine we ordered and also a dish our friend ordered. The rest of the experience was overall very nice- a good choice for dinner.
HO
HeatherO
Detroit
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience3
We're fairly frequent diners, the food is consistently good. This time, we were in and out inside of 45 minutes, faster paced than we usually prefer.
V
Visit1
Milwaukee
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2017
overall5food4service5ambience4
We were impressed at the service, given that the entire UW band came in at the same time we did and we had to get to the symphony. Great wait staff.
F
Foodie84
Milwaukee
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great menu for a New Year's Eve dinner. There were lots of light options for ma and my husband really enjoyed his steak. Service was great on a very busy night!
P
Pants
Milwaukee
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2016
overall4food5service5ambience4
I went for New Year's eve dinner and had a great experience. The food was ready quickly and we received good service. The atmosphere was enchanting. What a bang for your buck!
JS
JoanS
Milwaukee
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious mean for both of us. Excellent service. Becoming a favorite restaurant.
DM
DustyMom
Milwaukee
21 reviews
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2016
overall4food4service4ambience4
Went here for dinner on Christmas Eve and the meal was very good, the service was excellent considering the holiday and we were seated and served promptly. Great location near the Capitol and the lakes, good food and cocktails.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2016
overall3food4service2ambience3
The bartender was covering the bar and a few tables. She was having a lot of trouble keeping up but she also didn't have any help.
S
Susan
Milwaukee
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 17, 2016
overall3food2service3ambience4
Quality of food not in line with high prices. Service just okay.
W
Wendy
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very pleasant, easy, and impressive place for dinner. I have dined here several times and it has been reliably good! This time I was with 2 couples who had never been here before and they were very happy with the experience, which made me very happy to have recommended it!
TR
TRAES
Milwaukee
24 reviews
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2016
overall4food4service4ambience4
very good as always. Foos was tasty, service was good and bar drinks were excellent.
DL
DanL
Milwaukee
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
We made dinner reservations for 5pm on a Friday night and, upon arriving on time, our table was available and waiting for us. Our pleasant hostess took our drink orders, and quickly returned with drinks and a welcome basket of oven-warm bread. We ordered Linguine Mare e Monti and Tortellacci Tartufati, and both were outstanding. The meal was filling, so we agreed to return at a later date to try a dessert.
M
Marci
New York Area
40 reviews
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2016
overall5food4service5ambience4
Good food, expensive
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious. Offered a gluten free menu, which is why I chose this restaurant in the first place. Some dishes are a little pricey but overall good value. We ordered 2 entrees 2 alcoholics drinks and 1 dessert for about 50 bucks.
M
Marci
New York Area
40 reviews
4.0
40 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2016
overall4food5service5ambience5
Very good food that seemed overpriced.
BM
BatteryMan
Milwaukee
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful as always. The entire staff is remarkable, with Renée being the most knowledgeable of the wait staff (it's pretty amazing what the kitchen can do upon request). The whole thing is overseen by the ever-energetic Heather who will make you feel welcome. Monthly-changing menu, which is great for trying new dishes but sad when next month arrives and your new favorite is gone (I'm thinking of you, Massimo salad and Roasted Corn salad). Well-crafted pastas served in generous portions. As a vegetarian, I can't comment on fish and meat dishes. But the desserts! Particularly the Chocolate Lava Cake and the Tiramisu. Always save room for dessert.
LF
LynF
Chicago
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a large group with various needs from gluten free to vegetarian and kid-friendly. All were delighted with menu options and delicious food. Excellent service too!
RR
RandyR
Des Moines
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2016
overall3food4service4ambience3
This was a good dining experience. The coffee is terrible but it is either the brand or the strength of the brew. Everything else was very good.
S
Stella
Milwaukee
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistently great food, always enjoyable. Friendly staff, good atmosphere. Noise level low and tables placed so I do not feel I am dining with the table next to me. This restaurant presents an enjoyable evening of dining. Lunch is fantastic because you can enjoy your freshly cooked meal within an hour and can visit with your lunch companion without having to shout or hear other diners.
GG
GGmomma
Milwaukee
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2016
overall4food5service2ambience3
We enjoyed the food but the service was bad. Server looked unhappy and wasn't very accommodating. Long lapses between drinks, salads, and entrees.
NM
NickyM
Minneapolis
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2016
overall4food4service4ambience3
Mia Francesca is one of my all time favorites in Chicago - had to try Francesca al Lago as we were in Madison for my birthday - it was great!! Service was lovely, food was tasty.
W
Wineanddinemebaby
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always amazing. If you haven't been then you should.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2016
overall3food5service3ambience4
The bartender was missing most of the time we were at the bar. When the hostesss took us to our table, the bartender was still not at the bar. My husband ended up asking the hostess to find the bartender so we could pay our bar bill. Once we were seated at our table we waited about ten minutes for a waitress and during that time other people were seated and waited on. The husband of my friend finally went up to the hostess desk and asked if we could have a waitress. Once we were waited on the food and service were very good.
P
Pegg
Milwaukee
35 reviews
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience3
We visited Francesca's prior to a show at the Overture. The 5:45 time was perfect for a nice meal and coffee and dessert after. All six of us enjoyed our selections. The service was great. I am sorry, I forgot the name of the woman who attended us.
LL
LoriL
Milwaukee
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2016
overall5food4service5ambience5
Very good service and good meal. We ate dinner before a show at the Theatre. Nice location to easily walk to our event. Would definitely recommend to family and friends.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 1, 2016
overall2food2service1ambience1
Food was adequate at best (e.g., nothing unique or creative), service was slow, perhaps owing to several very large groups at adjoining tables, and the overall noise level seriously detracted from our dining experience (e.g., having to shout to be heard by our dinner companions).
R
Robbo1
Milwaukee
148 reviews
vip
4.0
148 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2016
overall4food4service4ambience3
We have dined at Francesca's a number of times and always enjoyed it. We had friends from out of town staying with us and we decided to take them there. Once again we had a very nice meal. The food was great, our service was very good, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Our friends were pleased with their meals which made us happy. We will definitely return.
R
Robbo1
Milwaukee
148 reviews
vip
4.0
148 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2016
overall4food4service3ambience5
My wife and I had dined here before and decided to go back......we weren't disappointed. The food was very good, the service was good, and we had an enjoyable experience. I would recommend this restaurant to all my family and friends.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2016
overall1food2service1ambience2
Service was so slow ,we were seated and no one came back for 25 min. No bread , no water , or menu was given And good came out cold
j
jeffp
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service is excellent. Our waitress was the best we've ever had. Food was outstanding .
L
Lalareal
Chicago
17 reviews
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2016
overall4food4service5ambience5
A great place to eat and relax with a good wine list and excellent service.
H
Hopefull
Milwaukee
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2016
overall5food5service5ambience4
We have come to this restaurant a number of times and have never been disappointed. The staff are freindly and service impecable. The menue has many choices to entice and the sea bass was a special delight as was the lightly breaded and fried calimari. The wine list has varried price offerings with many by the glass choices. We finished off our dinner with deserts which were just the right size and delicious.

FAQs

Francesca's al Lago - Permanently Closed is rated 4.2 stars by 701 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Cross street
Main Street
Neighborhood
Madison
Hours of operation
Lunch: Monday - Saturday: 11:00am - 4:00pm Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 4:00pm - 9:00pm Friday & Saturday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Cuisines
Italian, Mediterranean, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
We have validated parking at the Block 89 parking ramp located on Doty St. between Martin Luther King BLVD & Pinckney St. Metered street parking available as well.
Public transit
From Milwaukee & EASTI-94 West WI-30 West Left onto US-151 S/E (Washington Ave)Right onto Wilson Right onto MLK Jr BlvdFrom Chicago & SOUTHI-90 West/1-94 West US 12-18 toward Madison John Nolen Dr ExitLeft onto Broom Right onto Wilson Left onto HamiltonRight onto Doty Left onto MLK Jr Blvd
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Sergio Lopez
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.miafrancesca.com/locations/profile/wisconsin
Phone number
(608) 255-6000
Catering
Francesca"s al Lago has a wide range of catering services available to suite your needs. From full-service to pick-up, Francesca's catering is an easy & reliable way to entertain guests in your home or workplace.
Private party facilities
Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate outing, Francesca's al Lago can accommodate all your special event needs.
Private party contact
Restaurant Manager: (608) 255-6000

Francesca's al Lago - Permanently Closed

Permanently Closed

Additional information

Greens

Grilled Romaine Caesar$13.00

Wedge Salad$12.00

Baby Mozzarella Panzanella$14.00

Artisan House Salad$9.00

Starters

Artisan Bread Offering$6.00

Citrus Marinated Olives$5.00

Blistered Shishito Peppers$7.00

Cast Iron Spinach & Feta Dip$10.00

Braised Short Rib Nachos$12.00

Smoked Chicken Lollipops$10.00

Bang Island Mussels$15.00

Grilled Artichoke$8.00

Meat & Cheese$15.00

Elk Carpaccio$16.00

Loaded Baked Potato Soup$5.00

Pub Fare

CO Angus Beef Burger$14.00

Grilled Chicken Sandwich$12.00

Organic Salmon Burger$13.00

Fish & Frites$16.00

Open Faced Shaved NY Strip$18.00

Artisan Signature Mains

Grilled Ruby Red Trout$32.00

Scottish Organic Salmon*$27.00

NY Striploin, Square Cut 8oz*$29.00

CO Striped Bass Cioppino*$34.00

Rotisserie Chicken*$23.00

Flatiron Steak Frites$25.00

Hand Cut Fettuccini$22.00

Signature Sides

Grilled Asparagus

Sautéed Garlic Broccolini

Yukon Potato Purée

Hand Cut Fries

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

How is Francesca's al Lago - Permanently Closed restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Additional information