Francesca's on Taylor: User Reviews

Great for lunch---not rushed, good food, service is attentive and one doesn't feel neglected, a bit pricey, but they do not overextend their offerings. What is on the menu is prepared flawlessly and never disappoints. We also go for dinner, but prefer to go at lunch when things are a bit more economical.

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Oh So GOOD!
By Ang from Gold Coast, March 20, 2009

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If I didn't have my 6:00 pm reservation on a Thursday night, I would have been turned away! To find a restaurant nearly full (bar area included) on a Thursday night at 6:00 pm can be a rare site. Their wine selection has something for everyone and it won't break the bank. I had a difficult time deciding on my entree and, having narrowed it down to 4 or 5 selections, I settled on the gnocchi. My compliments to the chef on an amazing, pillowy and divine tasting gnocchi. I was instantly taken back to my childhood days when I would enjoy my Italian Grandmother's homemade gnocchi. Their portions also do not disappoint - my friend had the linguini and was able to take home a considerable portion for a meal (or two) at home...lucky her! Their dessert special that night was a delicious chocolate peanut butter "cake" with a creamy texture. Their cappuccino was also wonderful. I'll venture to Little Italy again to enjoy this wonderful gem.

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My favorite restarant...
By agnes04 from agnes04, June 28, 2008

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I love Francesca's on Taylor...whether I dine with my boyfriend or my girlfriends - this place never disappoints...last nite for example I had a bad dining experience at a restaurant across the street and wanted to end the nite on a good note. My boyfriend and I opted to have dessert at Francesca's and were welcomed by Patrick, the manager, and treated to complimentary champagne due to our bad experience...we ordered some great dessert...what a great nite saver that was...Leo and Alex are great servers and along with great food and ambiance...is what keeps me going back there every time.

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Francesca never lets me down...
By Patrick from Oak Park, June 16, 2008

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Our neighborhood was in the throes of a power outage, so we stopped in for our first visit to this Francesca’s for dinner after work. We were not disappointed. Hey, it’s a Francesca’s, no? As expected, the menu was compact and appealing, the décor was comfortable, the food was pleasant and the pacing was brisk. Our server was perhaps the tersest I can recall from anywhere--not unpleasant, just very terse. Foodwise, things went from blah to terrific. Our starter, an asparagus/tomato salad, featured the signature Francesca’s plating aesthetic--that is to say, it was plopped on the plate with little or no attention to presentation. Tasty, though. My pork tenderloin & artichoke entrée was just dandy, and it came with a simple side of garlicky spaghetti that almost stole the show. My companion’s penne with sausage and escarole was above reproach; I especially liked the flavorful sausage. For dessert, Francesca hit a home run with a trio of superb profiteroles: the shells were perfect, the pistachio ice cream delicious and the chocolate sauce divine. OK, it was way more expensive than other places we could’ve gone, but we had a very nice time!

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Okay food, limited menu
By sdguy from Little Italy, January 14, 2008

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The menu was very limited.

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We had a luncheon here...
By Steve and Alice from Chicago, IL, January 31, 2007

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We had a luncheon here for a party of 24 on January 22nd, 2007, with an open menu for our guests. The service was very attentive,patient,and knowledgeable in the descriptions of the dishes. The entrees and appetizers were very unique and flavorful. Our guests were really happy with their choices and with the dessert trays we ordered for each table. Many had commented how they planned to return for a future dinner. For food, atmosphere, and service, Francesca's on Taylor has it all together.

I am a frequent diner...
By Kelly from Chicago, IL, August 1, 2006

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I am a frequent diner at Francesca's, but recently I had what was my best experience there, and quite by accident. My boyfriend and I had gone in on a Friday night and since we did not have reservations, were told we'd have to wait up to 45 minutes, so we went to the bar. It was there that we met Tony who encouraged us to dine right at the bar, and boy am I glad we did. Though he was busy, he was right there whenever we needed something. He made some great food and drink recommendations including a delicious martini that he had created. He was also very entertaining. We will be back, but we're heading straight for the bar.

I realy love this place...
By Thomas Mathers from chicago, il, July 29, 2006

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I realy love this place but I feel ever since they've added the third room in the back it has not been the same. I think francesca's is missing the point. I would come all the time because it was a little slice of heaven. Now its a big slice of "something"?!? The food comes out cold. I wait much longer for everything, and Why would the owner change what has been working for so long. If I wanted to eat at a big corporate machine I would go to Leonas, and thats what I think my favorate restaurant has become. The main objective at this place is to ONLY make MONEY and it is so clear to me now. I try to go back but its not the same. Unless they burn down that back room or mabey we can close the doors and pretend that it never was made, I dont think I will be returning to my little slice of heaven anytime soon, and Im not alone on this.

What a great place. This...
By Peter jefferson from chicago, il, July 16, 2006

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What a great place. This food was so good and so cheap. Loved it very much. The service was also some of the best I ever had. Our waiter Eric was the best. I will be back soon.

Francesca's is absolutely my favorite...
By c. king from chicago, il, June 24, 2006

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Francesca's is absolutely my favorite restaurant. The atmosphere is great--not too snooty and not too casual--and the food is phenomenal. The menu changes every few days (hence the photocopies), the portions are just right, and the food is always spectacular. I've probably been here over a dozen times in the last year and have never been disappointed by anything on the menu. Once in a while the service can be a little slow, but overall, the best bang for your buck when it comes to italian dining.