Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Mia Francesca

    4.1 (923 reviews)
    ModerateItalian
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated a few days ago

    Order Mia Francesca Takeout or Delivery

    Mia Francesca Photos

    Business Info

    MIA FRANCESCA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Mia Francesca

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Profiteroles with ice cream
    Brittany M.

    I just had my fathers memorial dinner here and all I can say is wow. We rented their private room which is an intimate space that is separate from the restaurant. The service and food far exceeded my expectations. For a food and beverage min of 1,500 - we had a private server who was with us the whole time and made sure we had everything we needed. He set up the room, times service (we had a lot of late arrivals) and helped us pack things up. He even made sure to check to make sure our toddler was taken care of. And he was just overall such a great vibe. Everyone was so kind and understanding as we really ran behind schedule. Also, the food was pretty good. The stand outs were the meatballs, profiteroles w/ gelato, tiramisu, and Pollo Sassi. The private space itself was the perfect for our party of 16. I wish I took pictures which is a big fail on my part. Very grateful for the Mia Francesca team. Thank you so much!

    Anne-Marie N.

    Sat at the bar, where full service was available. Dinner was brought quickly. Service was great. And the pasta hit the spot. This was a real Caesar salad, anchovies included. Place was hopping on a Monday night. Very busy and totally get why.

    Dana's bolognese

    We stopped here last minute, and I'm glad we did. The sausage with peppers were amazing, I'm still thinking about them. We also ordered the pollo allá romana & bolognese, the chicken was phenomenal, bolognese was okay. Would definitely come back.

    Pinot noir
    Christopher F.

    We chose Mia Francesca for dinner after a celebration of life for a former employee. We started with many appetizers, including the muscles calamari and burrata. All were quite delicious along with the House bread that is served. We then shared a chicken with artichoke hearts and mushrooms entrée and the featured gnocchi was spicy crab. Both were absolutely fantastic. We finished off the night with tiramisu and the lemon olive oil cake. The restaurant space is small and bustling. Always an upbeat experience. Our server was super friendly and very engaging. One of my favorite places for dinner in the city.

    Yining D.

    What a great venue and restaurant! The staff are all super accommodating and friendly. My bf's family had their son's graduation lunch here and it was such a great experience. They chose the lunch option with 2 appetizers, 1 salad, 2 pastas, 1 entree and 1 dessert. Everything was delicious and fresh with generous portions for family style that could feed 6 people per table. You could also order refills of anything. The standouts for me were the sausage rigatoni, the bruschetta, and the spinach ravioli. The ravioli had a 4 cheese sauce that reminded me subtly of blue cheese but it went so well with the spinach filling in the ravioli. There's paid street parking around the area. The only downside to the experience was the pace for the lunch. It started at 1 pm and didn't end until 4 pm because of the pacing of the food. Appetizers started coming out at around 1:30 pm, the salad came at 2 pm, the pasta and entrees came around 2:45 pm. Dessert came at around 3:30 pm so the lunch finished at 4 pm. I do wish that the food came out at a better pace so the meal wouldn't be so long. They definitely check to see if people want refills on wine or more drinks quite often. That's probably where they make the majority of the money. They have an extensive wine list and I really enjoyed the Pinot Grigio. I would definitely recommend coming here for your next large gathering or big event. They are very reasonably priced and the staff are all very professional and helpful. Thanks again for a great meal!

    Lentils n spinach dish
    Tina L.

    This is a cute lil neighborhood spot in Lake View East. The decor is super charming and homey. Service was great - the server was super friendly and the food came out fast. My friends and I were pleased. I tried the lenticchie e spinaci and the veal marsala dish. Unfortunately, I think the veal dish is discontinued? The veal was super tender, however, underseasoned. The lentil spinach dish was good but too salty for my taste. The food here is cooked well and fresh, but there's def a seasoning issue. Would rate this 3.5 stars if I could.

    Costoletta di Maiale Sassi
    Ploy N.

    A local Italian spot in a rather quite neighborhood with some the of most fun staffs I've met. A group of us went in for a birthday dinner, our waitress recognized our energy and occasion and matched it by buying us a round of limoncello as well as buying one for herself! It's delicious and a great, great start to the meal. We shared the Bruschetta and Calamari Fritti as appetizers. The calamari was fresh and perfectly fried while the bruschetta was very refreshing. The mains were also equally pleasing and delicious. I tried the Pork Shoulder, which was a big serving of meat but super tender and flavorful, and the Pasta Special for the day that was full of lemon and very bright. The two dishes went hand-in-hand. Their dessert menu looked amazing as well but we didn't get any (next time pistachio profiteroles...) All around a great spot for a great time!

    Artichoke hearts

    See all

    Photo of Angelina I.
    33
    389
    850

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Oxtails pasta was superb and awesome expreso martini and staff Audry was amazing. Great family restaurant and

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Charlie W.
    721
    38
    36

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Food is great but the restaurant is insanely loud and dark. My most recent visit was quite uncomfortable but I enjoyed my meal and dessert.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Went there on Christmas Eve. The restaurant was festive and warm. The food was delicious. Very fresh, hot and filled with wonderful flavor.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gar A.
    1
    76
    24

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ken O.
    248
    873
    2220

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kyle D.
    412
    1083
    1836

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Excellent restaurant, excellent service. Bartender Crissy was the best, happy so nice, amazing service, makes you feel at home.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Luis O.
    31
    45
    1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ben T.
    9
    12
    0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of DJ S.
    188
    126
    203

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of June F.
    134
    1191
    126

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ben B.
    278
    1040
    3766

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Doug W.

    Doug W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Doug W.

    Doug W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 4 of 24

    Ask the Community - Mia Francesca

    Do you have valet parking?

    Good day! Yes we do. Generally it's Thursday through Sunday. I would suggest contacting the store via phone for specific information. Valet hours change depending on Cubs home games.

    We are new to the neighborhood. What night is the best night to dine at Mia Francesca?

    Id say if you want busy crowd then Friday or Saturday night. Not so busy, Tuesday. Anytime really, this place is amazing. Nice little coach houses in back!

    Is it BYOB?

    I don't think so. They do sell alcoholic beverages and wine bottles.

    Would you suggest this restaurant for a party of 10 BEFORE the Jimmy Buffett concert? We might be a tad loud and in a party frame of mind. If not, any suggestions around Wrigley (concert) but must accept reservations.

    Hey Jeff, We would be glad to host your party of 10 before the concert. Historically on the nights… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Peanut Park Trattoria

    Peanut Park Trattoria

    4.1
    (164 reviews)
    5.1 mi

    This is such a cool spot. I wouldn't have even known about it, if it weren't for a local friend…read more Where to start? We came in with a group of about 20! Normally I hate those kinds of large group dinners, but this was the perfect spot for it. The service was absolutely wonderful. I don't know how our server stayed so cool and calm with a group that size. We got a variety of things. EVERYTHING was amazing. If you have seen any of my other reviews, I always get a meatball when I'm at a place that has them. They almost never live up to my expectation. But this place has the new gold standard for a meatball. It was everything you want. It is fork tender, full of flavor, no chewy ground up bits. The pizzas were authentic and thin. With fabulous house made red sauce that wasn't too thick and overwhelming. The flavor was A+ The cocktails were so good! All made from scratch with love. The ambiance was cozy and comfortable. Perfect for a group or a date. They have a full bar, and also great seating with perfect lighting. This is a new favorite for me in the city.

    Our server was super friendly and we never had a shortage of water…read more The restaurant had a nice vibe, with a cool deconstructed Vespa on the wall. Lots of open air flowing into the space. The asparagus in my pasta was well grilled, some of the best asparagus I've had. The pasta was also very flavorful as well.

    Photos
    Peanut Park Trattoria
    Tender piping-hot light crispy calamari fritti, with deep lightly-spiced tomato pomodoro and bright golden Calabrian aioli
    Tender piping-hot light crispy calamari fritti, with deep lightly-spiced tomato pomodoro and bright golden Calabrian aioli
    Outside

    See all

    Outside
    Il Porcellino

    Il Porcellino

    4.4
    (1.8k reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    Il Porcellino has been around for ten years, but my lovely wife and I finally visited this…read morerestaurant on Hubbard Street to enjoy the Happy Hour specials. We had visited Florence last year, and one of the numerous wonderful moments of our trip to Italy was seeing "Il Porcellino" - the lucky bronze boar fountain that draws tourists from around the world. A copy of the boar stands proudly near the entrance of the restaurant, and though it is not as old as the original 1634 sculpture, it was a charming reminder of our amazing Italian holiday. Did I mention that the weekday Happy Hour (4-6PM) specials are quite good? The specials are served only at the bar area, so you might have to wait a few minutes for available seating. We started with some drinks, including two kinds of Negroni. The wild mushroom arancini (5 little balls for $6) were the smallest I've tried, but they were creamy and melt-in-your mouth delicious. The whipped ricotta and jam beautifully served on a strip of toasty focaccia was a unique taste sensation. Prime beef meatballs and short rib sliders on toasted ciabatta bread also hit the spot. Even though we were merely dining at the bar, we enjoyed the overall vibe of the restaurant. There are lots of photos on the walls, interesting lighting from the ceiling, nice serving dishes, and servers who seem to know who their regular diners are. We look forward to returning to Il Porcellino, to bask in that indescribable feeling of being in Italy again.

    Every time we make a trip to Chicago, Il Porcellino is a mandatory stop. We've eaten at a lot of…read moreItalian restaurants over the years, and this one keeps us coming back again and again. It's one of those places that you find yourself talking about long after the meal is over. The garlic bread alone is worth the visit. They pour what feels like a gallon of garlic butter over it, and somehow it's still never enough. It's rich, indulgent, and absolutely delicious. We order it every single time and would probably be disappointed if we didn't. The real star of the show, though, is the lasagna. Between the two of us, we've had lasagna at countless restaurants, and nothing has come close to this one. It's hands down the best lasagna we've ever had. Perfect layers, incredible flavor, and the kind of comfort food that makes you want to savor every bite. Their Grey Goose espresso martini is also unmatched. We've tried espresso martinis all over Chicago, and this one is still our favorite. It's smooth, perfectly balanced, and the ideal way to start or end the meal. The atmosphere is another reason we love coming here. The restaurant is gorgeous inside, with a dark, moody vibe that makes it feel special without being stuffy. It's the perfect date night spot whether you're celebrating something or just looking for a great night out together. If you're visiting Chicago and love Italian food, Il Porcellino is a must. Great food, amazing drinks, beautiful ambiance, and a meal you'll be thinking about long after you've left. We make a point to visit every time we're in town, and it never disappoints.

    Photos
    Wall decor
    Wall decor
    Grilled Calamari
    Grilled Calamari
    Burrata Lasagna

    See all

    Burrata Lasagna
    Ciccio Mio

    Ciccio Mio

    4.7
    (641 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$$

    Truly one of the most enjoyable Italian food experiences in Chicago. It's worth the effort to plan…read moreahead and make a reservation. Reservations are released 21 days ahead of time, which I personally find impossible to make. Every time I've checked over the last several years there have been no availability. Yesterday I decided to pop on their website again and was delighted to find that they had released same day dinner reservations for patio only dining. The weather was perfect for outdoor dining so I went ahead and booked a table for Friday night. I felt like I won the dinner lottery. Service was wonderful and I didn't mind sitting outside at all next to the road with cars. I actually never stepped foot in the restaurant so cannot comment on what it's like inside. But do not give up that patio dining reservation if it's available. All of our dishes were delicious. I was really impressed by the meatball appetizers, chicken vesuvio (the potatoes are a must get as a side if you skip this dish), and branzino. The meats and sauces were wonderfully balanced and tender. Nothing tasted overly salted. Ironically, the pasta felt less of a star compared to the other dishes. And of course I had to get the gelato, which was so aesthetically presented and the taste just reminded me of an Italian summer vacation.

    Checked this spot off my list while celebrating a special occasion. They had a card waiting at our…read moretable, which was such a thoughtful touch. The vibe is dark, moody, and perfect for an intimate night out. Service was excellent. The chicken Parmesan was the star of the meal, huge portion and absolutely worth ordering. We also tried the Caesar salad, short rib, carbonara , potatoes, and tiramisu that were all delicious. My only feedback is that the wait between courses felt a bit long, and some of the ladyfingers in the tiramisu weren't fully soaked so it was a bit dry. Overall, a great experience with a beautiful atmosphere and generous portions.

    Photos
    Espresso machine
    Espresso machine
    Lasagna Bolognese
    Lasagna Bolognese
    Toasted Almond Gelato

    See all

    Toasted Almond Gelato

    Mia Francesca - italian - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...