The food was good but the waiter kept touching me when ever she would talk she would grab me

My mother unexpectedly passed away late last week and I was tasked with finding a luncheon location for our guests and had limited time in which to do so. I reached out to a handful of area restaurants on a Sunday late morning, but Megan at Francesca's kindly replied back to me within the hour. Already I felt completely comfortable and at ease with making our plans @ Francesca's - the next day after speaking with family we confirmed our party. The day of, we could not have asked for better food and kinder service. Margo, Robbie and Greg were fantastic - we always had full glasses of wine, refills of whichever dish we had asked for, and leftovers packaged up at the front table. One of our guests even arrived late (like after dessert late) and they made him a fresh plate of hot food. Everyone was full and happy, sharing memories of mom. Francesca's really made a very difficult time so much easier for us - I highly recommend their venue for a private party, as it was outstanding read more

We went to Francesca's North for lunch. We were disappointed with the lunch menu because it was just salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. We were hoping for other choices like chicken limone, veal, vesuvio, etc. Once we resigned ourselves to pasta, we were not disappointed. They served nice fresh bread as a starter with all the makings for Italian butter (grated Parmesan, olive oil, black pepper). Greg, our waiter, was cheery, delightful, funny, and attentive. Our pasta dishes were exceptional. I had the mezza rigatoni alla melanzane. It was delicious. I added in half in the sausage and peppers contorni, which itself was quite tasty. The overall combo came out just as I like - a bit spicy, peppery, good tomato presence, and filling. I had to take about half home. One disappointment is you have to add contorni to get protein so when you add in a protein add on, your lunch meal is now like $25 a person, an expensive lunch compared to pasta meals of many other comparable restaurants. We finished with tiramisu, which they do almost perfectly. Too many restaurants serve tiramisu with dry or nearly dry lady fingers. At Francesca's North they properly marinated the bottom layer of lady fingers in espresso so it was moist, juicy, and overflowing with espresso. The higher, second Lady Finger layer was not as thoroughly soaked but overall the dish had adequate espresso marinating and was one of the better tiramisu I have had at any Chicago area restaurant. read more

Great food and friendly , fast service. We were able to get a last minute reservation . read more

We were going to eat outside but it was a rainy evening g so we went inside, they were able to accommodate that change pretty seamlessly. Tables were spaced very closely together, which lead to feeling a bit cramped. Our server was good friendly, helpful. There was a large party in party room. 2 people ordered the a chicken dish and 2 ordered pasta. About 10minutes later server informed us the chicken dish wasn't available. Huh? It was only 7pm on a weekday? Was it due to large party? Idk? Then pasta dishes took @ least 20minutes after that? Server apologized and the manager did buy us drinks and dessert. The pasta dish was ok. I don't think I would run back to this restaurant but as crowded as they were on a weeknight Mabe they don't need me too? read more

I've been to several Francesca's in the Chicagoland area, and they always provide consistently good food. Francesca's in Northbrook isn't any different. The restaurant is located in a strip mall so there is ample parking. It was bustling inside when we came for dinner on a Saturday night but were greeted and seated immediately since we had reservations. The server came by soon after and got us water and a basket of warm bread. We ordered the calamari fritti, pizza con cipolle e funghi, pollo francese, and lampuga al mediterranea. Their calamari is very lightly breaded and is not overly greasy. I love that they give a big bowl of marinara sauce with it because I usually ask for more at other restaurants. The neapolitan pizza is nothing spectacular but is simple and comforting, just like the rest of the dishes we ordered. The lemon chicken in cream sauce with green beans and the mahi mahi were both good. I would order them again. The raspberry beret cocktail was refreshing and quite strong- just the way I like my drinks. Francesca's may not be the best Italian restaurant, but they have friendly service and offer consistently good food at a fair price. read more

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The hostess made an uncomfortable comment to my companion. Then, we were seated and the restaurant was extremely stuffy. The menu was a little funky - nothing was really excited or typical. Got the rigatoni and the ravioli, and both were fine. Don't rush here, go somewhere else. (from @tastessky on Instagram) read more

Francesca's North - rigatoni - Italian Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Francesca's North is a classic Northbrook staple! I am never disappointed when I come here. The ingredients are super fresh and the service is very good. I love starting off my meal with bread, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. I tried the heart of palm salad this time and it was very refreshing yet simple. The menu has lots of great options, but this time I opted to get rigatoni with vodka sauce (which is not listed on the menu). What I was served was definitely not vodka sauce, it was more of a cream sauce, but it still tasted excellent, as did the chicken dish. read more

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Cool spot for a fancy Italian meal. Our waiter rocked, he was so friendly and attentive, joking with us. We were well cared for! The raspberry gin cocktail with elderberries was fantastic and definitely packed a punch! Only one cocktail for me. Bruschetta was some of the best I've ever had. Prices are on the high side, but perhaps standard for this part of the city. read more

Food was good. Service was ok. Restaurant was clean. They really squeezed us is where we had to move the table so someone could sit down. Prices have increased significantly. I know it has gotten more expensive to eat out but shocked at how much the prices have increased here. Although the food was good, not sure I will be back. read more

Wife loved it Great place for a special occasion. Lots of choices. Liquor menu impressive. Staff knowledge read more

I've been to this Northbrook location several times the past month and everything was good. Unfortunately my visit today was poor. Had 6:30 reservations and was seated quickly (that's the only thing they got right) After sitting for 15 minutes we had to wave down a waiter to get acknowledged and receive service. The restaurant was only 1/2 full. The poor service was followed up by my salmon dish being served cold (waited a long time for entrees to be served). My wife's pasta was hot. Now we're waiting another 15 minutes to receive our bill. We were never asked if we'd like dessert just basically ignored the entire visit. Tab came and it was just shy of $100, a complete waste of time and money. Where was the management? read more

Over prided but very good food. Their menu needs more options for people who have dietary needs. Very fancy and clean. Great Italian food .

Pablo was a great. Quality service that was not too much and not too little, just right.

Saw this place when I went to get my hair cut one day and was jealous of all the people sitting outside drinking wine so figured I'd give it a shot. I'd been a big fan of Mia Francesca's when I lived in the city and wanted to try a sister restaurant. Came with my husband for a mid-week lunch. It was a Thursday, mid-60's and sunny in October, and 7 months into a global pandemic so you bet I ordered myself a glass of wine....or two. We got there around noon and had our pick of all the tables outside. Our server was kind and attentive, bringing us water and bread as soon as we arrived. We ordered the Prosciutto E Parmigiana for an appetizer. It was simple and delicious. Fried parmesan balls with prosciutto and honey. We shared the Quattro Formaggi pizza and the Cavatelli Con Ricottafor lunch. The portions were large and we had tons of left overs. The pizza was thin and crispy and I was glad the blue cheese did not overwhelm the pizza. The pasta was simple and fresh. The ricotta on top was a nice addition. We wanted to order the Agnolotti but they said it was still in the process of being made for the evening so not available at the time. Overall, they had a very extensive menu and everything was fresh. We'll definitely be back to try that Agnolotti and hopefully check out their desserts! read more

Francesca's North - Pizza Bianca Con Quattro Formaggi - Italian Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

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it was a pretty busy evening at Francesca's north. I took a friend for her birthday. There seemed to be a backup for orders which was fine. Our server was great. The manager came over to the tables on either side of us to apologize for the delay in their orders. However he never came over to our table to offer any apologies. I said something to him about the fact that he never apologized to two women and everyone else. He comped the table next to us with one of their drinks. When our check arrived nothing was taken off of our bill. As I said our server was wonderful and he did the best that he could given the amount of tables he was dealing with and the delays in the kitchen. Food was pretty good but it will be a long time if ever that I will go back there. read more

This is our go-to place when returning from O'Hare airport. A little off the main drag, but more than worth it. The food is always excellent and our server, Kim, has always been a dear and very attentive to our needs. I can't recommend this place highly enough! read more

I've been to many Francesca's in the area on all ends of Chicago. Yup, this one is consistent and left me satisfied. The prices are reasonable and the food always delivers. The pasta and sauces taste miles better than that national chain. Just like the others, you can order the staple Italian favorites like spaghetti with meatballs and fettuccine with Alfredo sauce. Neither is on the dinner menu, but always available. The server and hosts....great! When in the area again, I'll definitively stop by for another visit. Seafood and pasta goes great! read more

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Fabulous dinner at Francesca's North tonight. The ambiance was warm and inviting on a particularly chilly night. We were greeted with a smile at the door and had great service from Moises, who was attentive without smothering us. The food and wine were excellent. We will be back very soon! read more

I was surprisingly disappointed in my lunch at Francesca's north. I had the eggplant Caprese, which, had the eggplant been more than an eighth of an inch thick might have been really good. But because the eggplant was cut so thin, it was hard and dry and had no eggplant taste whatsoever. And there was hardly any balsamic. Drizzle on it. It was Really just breading. If the eggplant had been cut as thick as the beautiful tomatoes or mozzarella, it would have been a very nice dish. The rest of the experience was good. The staff was wonderful. The atmosphere was great. It was perfect for a girls luncheon. I was just disappointed in my meal at what is usually a very good restaurant. read more

I hosted a baby shower here and had a really wonderful experience. The coordinator was easy to work with, the space was lovely and the food was delicious. The service was a++, Greg and Moises and the rest of the staff were so accomodating and on top of things, they made the event so easy and enjoyable for everyone. read more

Have been here so many times for casual dinner or big extended family dinners. They are always accommodating and attentive. I am so appreciative that they have a gluten free menu for my d with celiac. It's a full menu with great options, not just a few boring items. We started with the GF SPIEDINI DI GAMBERI - 3 skewers of grilled shrimp, tomatoes, and mushrooms over lightly dressed greens. So tasty (In fact so tasty we gobbled it up before I took a pic - LOL). She had the GF PASTA ALLA SICILIANA with generous amounts of grilled chicken with rapini, sun-dried tomatoes, burrata, marcona almonds. It was fresh and delish. I had the GF BURRATA CON PROSCIUTTO E ASPARAGI which was a perfect light salad of proscuitto, shaved asparagus, and marcona almonds in a light dressing. A great dining experience! read more

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We hosted a dinner with presentation in one of the private rooms which was perfect for our group of 20. The staff was extraordinary, Myron and Benny were both so helpful during our setup and the event. The food and service was wonderful and everyone was so complimentary of the overall event thanks to your team. THANK YOU for making us look good! read more

Well, the bread was good. Started out with Burrata con Bruxelles. The burrata was nice and brussels nicely cooked but no flavor. I had the Linguini alla diavolo con gamberi. The pasta was overcooked, too much flavorless sauce. The shrimp was fine. My dinner companions had the Rigatoni alla Paesana and Ravioli di Mare Puttanesca. I didn't taste but looked nothing like I would order. I guess I'm spoiled after living in italy for years. And why is the staff rushing around? Dinner on December 18,2021 read more

In the name of F! Friendly: is the staff. Our waiter was pleasant, and the host noticed our baby digging into applesauce during our meal, so he brought over an "I ate at Francesca's" bib for her. Nice touch! Fast: food arrived without any delays for our Mother's Day lunch. Fresh: was my salmon with its perfectly crisp exterior. My entree was nice and hot too! The avocado on top was a nice creamy contrast. Free: 100 OpenTable points for booking via the app or website! I'm a F-A-N! read more

Francesca's North - Chicken al limone - Italian Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

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Omg!!! What a perfect venue!!! We had a private party of 50 people and it was outstanding. Every food item was delicious! The service was outstanding! They packaged up leftovers and put them out with bags, without even being asked! We were able to get in the room an hour early, which helped us with set up. They let us bring in an outside cake, no extra charges to cut. They couldn't be more accommodating. Even let us bring in huge cake the day before because it was too big for us to refrigerate at home. Wow!!! We will be back!! read more

I hosted a bridal shower at Francesca's North and everything about it was terrific. Our server was Moses. He and the food were both great! But the best was Lisa Joyner, the event coordinator. She was always available and so helpful and accommodating. She is quite an asset to your team. I would definitely recommend having a party here. Thank you for making our day so enjoyable. read more

Used to love the Francesca chains, but went last night and everything felt pre-boxed, particularly the calamari. It used to be battered and fresh, Last night felt like there was a bag emptied into the fryer. The other dishes were ok and service, as always, was great. Prices have increased about 20% since last time we went a year ago. Maybe we'll take a break for a while. read more

The most amazing service I've experienced. Everyone is very friendly and they do such a great job. Super recommended!!

We went to eat here for Mother's Day. We made a reservation and when we showed up, we were told it is buffet only and it cost $58 per person, total rip off, and the Restaurant never told us that it would be only buffet style. They never told us anything and they called to confirm the reservation and still did not mention it. It was not posted anywhere. It was total rip off by this restaurant and unprofessional. Not sure I will return to this place for a while. I understand I could've just left like many other customers did but we had no other place to go and we decided to stay and the food was just ok. I expected better from them. read more

I got the calamari, new pizza, and the carbonara with noodles instead of rice. They were so accommodating and the staff was friendly.

Poor selection of lunch menu. Food didn't taste good. It used to be much better. Quality really went down.

Delicious food with kind, friendly, and prompt service. We really enjoyed our pasta a la vodka with sausage. It was really flavorful, but balanced. The pasta was chewy and soft, the sauce was creamy with little pieces of basil, and the sausage was subtle and savory with little tastes of fennel. It was a delicious dish. I wish my stomach was bigger so I could have tried more of their dishes. read more

I can't believe I haven't written about this place yet. I been here many times and I really like it here. They have a new menu every day. Nice atmosphere. Great food, great drinks, great service. It does get very crowded but sometimes you can snag a table at the bar. I actually think the service is better at in the bar area. The spicy mussels appetizer is fantastic. Sometimes I get two orders for myself. The sauce is fabulous. Just give me a loaf of their great bread and a spoon and look out! My wife loves the lentil, goat cheese and spinach appetizer. It's not always on the menu but it should be. Good pizza and salads not great. Great everything else, pasta, chicken, fish all really good! read more

Great food and atmosphere. I've eaten here several times. Never a disappointment. Highly recommend.

Francesca's has stepped it upppp! I think I've gone once a week for the past 2 months and I'm OBSESSED. Something everyone should always get is the carpaccio. Francesca's is my favorite go-to place for carpaccio, I just wish they'd let me order it for take out. I would literally get it EVERY DAY then. I'm addicted to the point that I get 2 orders of it. As for main dishes, I really recommend any seafood dishes, which normally I don't like but I feel like they do it so well here. The servers/service varies but lately, it's been pretty good. I always go with a reservation now but there's really no reason or rhyme of when they're busy. I've gone mostly on weekdays at around 5 and I would say it's been packed 3/5 times. It was never special occasions either, so I really don't know what has been keeping them so busy. All I know, is that I want to go back now...and I want their carpaccio. read more

Food and ambience were boring. Kids menu portions were much larger than regular menu.

Came in here for a drink with coworkers and sat at the bar. The staff was so nice and accommodating, had to leave a great review. Place is nice and discreet on the inside. Can't wait to visit again! read more

Francesca's North - Italian Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Our family has been going to Francesca's for years, so it's about time we wrote a review after our most recent dinner there! First, the ambiance is super quaint and cozy. Perfect vibes for winter meals. We were immediately greeted by the host the moment we walked in. Our waiter, Robby, was very friendly and attentive throughout the duration of our meal! We started with calamari and a Caesar salad, both of which were perfectly prepared. For our entree, we shared the Creste Di Gallo alla Vodka. It was amazing! One of our favorite pasta dishes we've ever had. They also make a great dirty martini with fresh blue cheese olives. We will return again and again. read more

Font on menu was nearly illegible. Water tasted like chlorine (yum). Bread was cut such that it did not break properly. Service was unremarkable. Table neighbours were extremely noisy, which isn't the restaurant's fault, but they could do better with noise (and customer yapping) management. read more