Molto bene! That's the very least I can say about this place. Recommended in a pinch by a complete stranger, me and a friend decided to try this place while trying to find dinner before an event. And let me just say, I will be forever grateful to that stranger whoever she was. Walking in this place any questions you have about why the use of "intimo" is completely dispelled. You basically enter the door and fall into the laps of those patrons who've chosen to eat at the bar. The space is that cozy. There is a slightly more spacious main dining area but I wouldn't recommend going there to discuss confidential government information, as you'll definitely be overheard by your fellow diners. However, while small and cozy the space is lovely. White table linens, fine china and cutlery, warm candlelight and, my favorite, the artwork is a collection of black and white photos of elderly Italians (at least I think they're Italian). The menu is small (one page) but impressive. There are a selection of starters that include the traditional calamari and bruschetta amongst the more unexpected carpaccio and asparagus. There is also a tempting selections of salads that could easily satisfy as a main course (they looked quite filling and fresh); particularly the caprese salad I saw someone devouring at a neighboring table. Then there is a small selection of specialty pizzas (5 including a make-your-own 2 topping). You'd be tempted to skip over this section, but I warn you not to make such a mistake. Simply read the ingredients of these gems and you'll know that these are not your son's pizzas. The menu is then rounded out with a selection of pasta and main dishes that sounded absolutely divine (Tortellaci Tre Funghetti, we will meet soon). The wine selection was very nice as well with satisfying selection of reds, whites and sparkling that can be purchased by the glass or by the bottle, and a separate selection that are offered by the bottle only. As we didn't have much time we decided to keep it simple; individual pizzas and wine. My companion ordered the Quattro Stagioni. and since I have a strict rule about ordering the same dish as anyone (you can't share if you both have the same), I ordered the Pizza della Foresta. T he best part of going out to eat with someone whose palate is just as curious as your own is that there are no qualms about sharing. The Quattro Stagioni was a decadent combination of prosciutto, artichoke, mushroom, olive and egg. My friend surprised me by proving she's a surprising culinary genius and added eggplant, simply because she "really likes eggplant". The combination of ingredients in this dish is enough to impress, but it goes the extra mile with the show it puts on when served. Fresh from the oven with that quivering golden egg still cooking from the residual heat nestled in the center. The waiter then proceeds to mix the egg up in the middle of your pizza, letting the heat of it start to firm up the yolk. When the server starts to cut it up for you the egg is just firm enough not to run all over the plate (in such a classy restaurant you can't expect them to let their patrons sit there with egg running down their chins). Thank goodness my friend was put into a state of catatonic bliss by the taste because it gave me a chance to steal a piece. My goodness, was this pizza good! It was salty and creamy and crispy and... everything. I guess the trend word would be "umami" but it surpassed even that in my opinion. Just perfection! This is what Italian pizza always wanted to be but just never knew how. My friend washed it all down with a glass of Chardonnay that she described as "heaven". While I have to honestly admit that I preferred my friend's pizza to my own, I can't say I was at all disappointed. In fact I was quite delighted with my Pizza della Foresta. A simple pizza but it packs quite the taste-bud wallop. Wild mushrooms, plum tomatoes and Fontina cheese just create this harmony that just works so well together. I love mushrooms but I know that they can be a bit touch-and-go. Over cooked and they become these gelatinous slimy blobs that just kind of coat the tongue with a almost moldy taste. Don't even get me started on canned mushrooms. But these mushrooms were perfect. They were cooked to perfect tenderness that enhanced their earthy flavor and provided a nice meatiness to a meatless dish. The Fontina gave just the right amount of saltiness and creaminess., and the tomatoes added a much needed fruity brightness to bring it all together. This is how you elevate pizza night to the next level. I paired my dinner with a wonderful 2012 Zinfandel that was dark and rich with really deep notes of juicy berry. You can see why we were far too stuffed to even look at their dessert menu so I have no review about that. But if they do desserts as well as they do their pizzas I doubt you'll be disappointed. I hope you'll take the time to visit Francesca's. I know I will again and again and again. read more

I've been eating here regularly for the past few years. The food is consistently very good and I enjoy the changing menu, but the service is frequently disappointing. Service is generally slow and servers have made mistakes with our order on multiple occasions. Additionally, I recently made a dinner reservation over the phone, but my group wasn't on their list when we came in for dinner. The hostess was rude, dismissive, and made no effort to accommodate us. I am reluctant to come here again. read more

I like Francesca's because of all the places in Lake Forest, this one somehow has avoided being snooty and cold. The atmosphere is nice, the decor is pleasant, the service is reliable, and the food is good. It's not haute cuisine by any means, but I've never had a bad meal there and everything is fresh. They now serve gluten-free pasta, too ... It's not the place to go for a 45 minute lunch -- expect your meal to last more than an hour at least....they don't rush the diners, either, which is nice. In the summer they have a patio, and there's a small (well, ok, TINY) bar if you're looking for a place to have a drink and can't stomach South Gate (I know I can't). Try the warm spinach appetizer -- it's phenomenal! read more

We decided on Saturday afternoon to go here for dinner so the only reservation we could get was 6:00 PM. That turned out to be perfect. The table we had would have been in tight quarters if the place was full but we were very comfortable with a sparse crowd. By the time we left, the outside seating completely packed and the inside was filling in. A suggestion - don't do the outdoor seating on Sat eve. Think sardines seated at wire tables - not very romantic to me. Anyway - the Chianti was nice at $6.50/glass, the bell shaped pasta with sausage was excellent and the salmon with asparagus was good. The herb flavored olive oil for bread dipping was a nice touch - it made it feel a little exotic. The service was great - again as result of the early seating I suspect. I liked the interior decorating but if the place was full it would seem cramped and closed in. Overall I would recommend it but it is right between a 3 and 4 star rating. I'll give it 4 for the service and the reasonably priced wine. read more

I first came here with a large group for a bachelorette party, we had reservations and were seated in a timely manner. I'm a vegetarian and after glancing over at the menu I was a little concerned that the only options would be a little boring. How wrong was I. When our waiter came over, I asked about vegetarian modifications and he informed me that he could do me one better, they were having a special that was not on the menu that night that would be perfect, a mushroom ravioli dish. Usually, I don't like mushrooms because of their tendency to become rubbery when cooked wrong, but I figured I'd try it. It was fabulous, homemade pasta shell and everything. I am so heartbroken that I haven't been there on another night when they had it available since. The staff is great, they definitely went out of their way to make sure we all had a special evening. It is a little pricy but definitely worth every penny. I can't wait for my next visit! read more

Consistently delicious food and great service. We have never had a bad experience in the 15 years we've been eating here.

Absolutely my favorite restaurant on the North Shore. Impeccable service, consistently excellent food. Javier knows what makes a great dining experience and delivers it day in and day out. No attention to detail is missed. Interesting salads, fresh pastas, daily special offerings. Weather permitting, outdoor dining is comfortable and fun. read more

I've been to the Francesca's in Northbrook and the food and service is of the same high quality. Everything was yummy including the coconut cake. Service was friendly and efficient. read more

My second time to this place and it is SO GOOD!!!! The prices are reasonable the staff unbelievable I think I may have found my new favorite place to eat! read more

This is a great place to have dinner. The Manager Lisa is wonderful remembering returning customers. The hostess are friendly and always smiling. The bartender Luis is very helpful recommending drinks. The waiters are professional and attentive. The food is great, a variety of dishes to fit anyone. The dessert menu is delicious. If only this atomsphere can exist at all places diners would always be happy. read more

the food is superb, the service excellent and i always love eating there....only issue is when the restaurant is full, it gets noisy and hard to carry on a quiet conversation. read more