Francesca's Intimo: User Reviews

The food is excellent. ...
By SP from Vernon Hills, IL, March 7, 2005

Overall rating:

The food is excellent. The service is good. The place is noisy and small. We had to wait considerably even though we had reservations, but the staff was very apologetic and made up for the time delay. The food is excellent and so is the wine selection. the service is slow and sometimes they are overwhelmed with the crowd. But a great place, definitely recommended.

Simply stated, the best Mussels...
By Mike Singh from LF, IL, November 7, 2003

Overall rating:

Simply stated, the best Mussels in Tomato Sauce you will find anywhere in the world. Their Pastas are also phenomenal. Their prices very reasonable. The only reason I rate service at 3 is that they are always so packed the staff is always running around in this small quaint resto. Bravo!

This place is outstanding. I...
By JB H from Vernon Hills, IL, July 26, 2003

Overall rating:

This place is outstanding. I have been twice and the food and service have been top rate. Chef Armando creates excellent food and presents it with direct elegance at an outstanding value. I have enjoyed the talapia and pork tenderloin without disappointment. The appetizers are fresh and done very well. I would highly recommend this intimate restaurant for couples or small dinner parties.

I LOVED it...wonderful service, great...
By Andy E from Lake Forest, IL, July 17, 2003

Overall rating:

I LOVED it...wonderful service, great food. Our waitress was very attentive and the atmosphere was wonderful. The tilapia I ordered was excellent. My only complaint is the lack of adequate parking...we both had to park at the Deerpath and pray we didn't get towed (we didn't).
Thanks for a great treat.

Intimo's intimate! Physically, this...
By John M from Winnetka, IL, June 12, 2003

Overall rating:

Intimo's intimate! Physically, this is a scaled-down version of the other Francescas I've come to know and love. Intimo's got the same cool, curvey ceilings, first-rate Paul Elledge photographs and attentive wait staff. It also shares the same "do a few things well" philosophy that makes for good dining at all the Francesca sisters. I detect Chris Elsey's touch.

Two things could use some attention. The first--specific to Intimo--are the desserts. The couple we tried recently weren't up to family standards--the bread pudding, normally my favorite, was forgettable. The second issue I've found at other Francescas are the wines--the list is only okay, the Italians are weak, and most bottles are overpriced by 10-15%. The reserve list with the heavy hitters is ordinary, predictable. Something thoughtful, different would be a great complement to a practically faultless establishment.

Very disappointing. I've been...
By George Bizadellis from Chicago, Il, October 10, 2002

Overall rating:

Very disappointing. I've been frequenting Mia Francesca in Wriggleyville for many years now, and had visited their Lake Forest location once in the past, and had a very pleasant experience. Our server Stacy was a doll, and we enjoyed the food very much. Our most recent visit was another story however. Things seemed off from the moment we walked in. Chris, whom I believe is a manager, was working the door, and he seemed distracted and somewhat cold. It took our server Marco ten minutes approach us, and when he did, he was very snippy. It took him another ten minutes to return with our drinks, and when we asked a few questions and requested recommndations, he actually rolled his eyes as if we were imposing on his time. When the food came flying out of the kitchen (although it should have been obvious we were in no rush) it tasted like pure salt. Almost as if every single in the kitchen took their turn with the salt shaker. My companion's dinner was even missing a key ingredient. We considered saying something, but changed our minds when we overheard our server and another male server ranting and raving about "these people" (I assume they meant the customers in general). So we paid the bill and left. Sorry to say it, but we will not be back to this location.