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Francesca's Bryn Mawr
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
1039 W Bryn Mawr Ave(between Kenmore Ave & Winthrop Ave)
Chicago, IL 60660
Neighbourhood: Edgewater
(773) 506-9261
- Nearest Transit:
-
Bryn Mawr (Red Line)
Berwyn (Red Line)
Thorndale (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 4 pm
Mon 4 pm - 9 pm
Tue-Thu 4 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri 4 pm - 10:30 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am - 3 pm
Sat 3 pm - 10:30 pm
Sun 3 pm - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
121 reviews for Francesca's Bryn Mawr
Review Highlights
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"Great appetizers and great pasta dishes." In 10 reviews -
"The do have a great herb olive oil though." In 7 reviews -
"I also had the banana bread pudding for desert." In 2 reviews
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121 reviews in English
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Review from Cameron J.
Edgewater, Chicago, IL
5/21/2012
I come here for the bar, and the AWESOME drinks that Hunter whips up. He is my favorite bartender and does his job really well. It goes beyond that though, because he will lend his ear to your problems like a bartender out of a movie. It also helps that he is good looking and has a quite the charm. He is kind of like a prettier and scruffier Michael Buble.
I always get the Bianco Sangria which is an amazing concoction of St. Germain among other things. It is normally served up, but I like mine on the rocks, and it is topped with drunken berries...AKA berries that having been soaking in vodka, so when you bite into them its like a mini flavored shot.
He is also great at understanding your needs as a customer without having to ask. My next drink is ready right as I finish my current one. I have only had two items of food here, pesto over gnocchi and the tiramisu. Both of them were quite excellent.
Come here, and sit at the bar. It makes for a good time. I only wish that the place stayed open later! -
Review from Kate S.
Chicago, IL
4/22/2012
Let me begin by saying that I'm a big fan of the Francesca's family. When we moved up to Edgewater from Lakeview, I was thrilled to find a Francesca's with less than an hour wait on a Saturday night. I am always happy with my food, I think the prices are reasonable, and I think there's a pleasant warm ambiance that makes for a really enjoyable meal.
However, last night we were here and had a disappointing experience. Two of the four people at my table ordered the special pasta: orecchiette with broccoli, garlic, and olive oil. A very simple but delicious-sounding dish, especially since orecchiette are such a unique pasta with a great texture. When the dishes came out, we were more than a little surprised to see rigatoni instead of orecchiette.
Now, I understand that restaurants run out of things, but if you are not bringing me the dish I ordered, you have to tell me! I know my husband would have changed his order, since he ordered the dish specifically for the orecchiette.
The rigatoni was good, don't get me wrong. I just think the situation wasn't handled as it should have been. -
Review from PETE C.
Chicago, IL
2/12/2012
I have been enjoying Francesca's Bryn Mawr for a while now, their dinners are creative, flavorful and are at a good price point for the freshness of the ingredients. We try to go at least once a week. The appetizers are quite good as are the desserts (try the tiramusu)!
But yesterday they started their weekend brunch, the food was absolutely wonderful, the chicken confit was amazing (and it was true confit!) The sausage was homemade and the roasted potatoes were just awesome! Chef Paul brought out a complimentary order of the French Toast that needed no syrup due to the tasty sauce.
They have an amazing array of brunch cocktails (you need to taste the cucumber Bloody Mary!)
On top of the delectable food is the great service always provided by Jason,he is attentive, informative and quite entertaining as well,a great plus!
I have always highly recommended Francesca's Bryn Mawr for dinner, now I recommend it for brunch! -
Review from William D.
Chicago, IL
5/9/2012
Went in on a Thursday night, not very busy.....We had the calamari to start, no tentacles, just the rings but ok....The problem was the marinara, it was almost brown in color instead of a reddish tone which I would expect. It wasn't very good either. Service was terrible. Busboys grouped at side station but too busy to clear our appetizer plates or fill our water glasses. The server was only nice, she should pay more attention and be more available. She also walked away without picking up dishes. My chicken was good but the salmon was terribly overcooked.
I grew up eating Italian in NYC and have had some of the best. This place is on their way to being an Olive Garden and not as consistent. When I first came to Chicago, I went to their place on Clark, it was great...They have lost their edge...sorry -
Review from Ron S.
3/5/2012
We stopped at Francesca's on Bryn Mawr for Sunday lunch/brunch. The food was very good. Two of our diners created "Build Your Own Omeletts" that were fluffy and delicious (I sampled them both.) I ordered the Frittata con Salsiccia - a very nice breakfast dish that was something out of the ordinary. I really appreciated the freshness of all of the ingredients. Another diner ordered the French Toast & Jam which is made with a vanilla bean batter, and topped with a red wine grape compote and almonds. She loved it.
I complimented my wonderful Frittata with a couple of glasses of Goose Island Matilda that was delicious. Todd was our very attentive server and we all had a great time. -
Review from SJ N.
Chicago, IL
2/26/2012
This brunch was IMPOSSIBLY good. Between my boyfriend and I, we ordered the chicken confit (absolute star of the brunch), the french toast with grape and marscapone compote, and the spinach and proscuitto benedict. All were truly incredible, but we could have eaten 3 of the chicken confit. We were there on their second weekend serving brunch, and the servers were so sweet and prompt, that until just a minute ago I thought this was a local family-owned joint, and not the famous Mia Francesca's chain that it's a part of! Their bloody marys were also really good, and I find it hard to tolerate most restuarant bloodies, but theirs were good, and we didn't even order ours with the cucumber vodka that they had as a special.
This is on the list of my top 2 favorite brunches in Chicago and we will absolutely be back very very soon. Win!! -
Review from Oanh L.
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is just awesome all around.
Great service & the food was delicious! I would recommend this place to everyone who wants good Italian food at decent price.
If I go back to Chicago, I am definitely revisiting this place. -
Review from Daniel S.
Chicago, IL
1/28/2012
OK, so we're no strangers to this place. Even after we moved out of the neighborhood a few months ago, we keep heading to this place...all around, it hits on all four's: great atmosphere, excellent service, awesome food, decent prices. Over the years, we find ourselves here 2-3 times a month, on the average, yet until today I've never felt like I needed to write a review (it's not hurting for 4 and 5 star ratings, that's for sure!).
Finally, last night, we had such awesome service that I felt like I needed to write about it. For one, David the bartender is awesome. He's there when you need him, and yet never hovers. He mixes a great cocktail and gives a gin tonic the right amount of *burn*. He's a class act and we're always happy to see him behind the bar when we walk in.
We've had excellent table service here every time, but our server last night was a rock star: Tierney. She's only recently joined the team, but we're hoping she sticks around. She offered great suggestions, picked a fantastic wine that went well with everything we ate and served us with a friendly (slightly silly, but always professional) smile. She definitely made an always excellent meal -- outstanding...thanks!
As for the food, you can never go wrong. We shared the sausage risotto as an appetizer...deliciously rich, tasty and satisfying, but not too heavy. I had the pollo all a diavola, which was delicious. The black olives and capers gave a sinful saltiness to the chicken breast and offset the rich -- slightly spicy -- tomato sauce. My partner had the mahi mahi, which was served lightly seasoned is a decadent butter sauce with mussels. Both dishes were awesome. For desert, we shared a fluffy chocolate mousse served on these delicately thin peanut butter puff pastry layers.
We're looking forward to our next visit. This is the best Francesca's in the city, by our calculations...next time you're in the neighborhood, treat yourself and ask for Tierney. You won't regret it! -
Review from Melissa M.
Chicago, IL
3/16/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Delicioso!
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Review from Heather N.
Chicago, IL
2/29/2012
A good date spot. My husband takes me there for date night. I love the handwritten menu that changes regularlly. Wine list is impressive. It is not too expensive.
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Review from Kevin T.
Chicago, IL
9/19/2011
I've walked by this restaurant so many times and thought how clean and nice this restaurant is. Well I finally made it for dinner with a group of friends and it met my expectations.
The bread was warm and tasty and the food was good/passable. It's not the best italian I've had but it's not the worst either. A friend and I had to spice up the seafood linguine as it was alittle bland. However, on the plus side they had a full gluten free menu for our friend.
The service was ok as well, nothing special but nothing bad. I'd come back due to it's convenient location in the neighborhood. -
Review from Brook E.
Chicago, IL
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oddly enough, the only time I seem to make my way to Francesca's is for friend's birthday parties. I can attest they do an amazing job serving groups of 15 or more, and we've never had any excruciating paying the bill at the end of the night dramas here.
They have a full bar, and make some nice cocktails. The food is delicious, and there's enough variety that there's something for everyone in a large group. The atmosphere is fun, and a little classy. It's nice to have a bar area to hang out until everyone arrives. -
Review from Sharon L.
Chicago, IL
12/14/2011
I am admittedly a regular at Francesca's Bryn Mawr, and often will sit at the bar and have my meal there. I have always been welcomed warmly, and I've yet to have a meal there that wasn't absolutely delicious. The staff is topnotch, too. Much more relaxed and less trendy and noisy tone as compared to other Francesca's, and I never have trouble hearing what my friend/date has to say.
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Review from Yanyao N.
Updated - 2/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The polenta with mushrooms appetizer is out of this world. One of my favorite cold weather dishes of the season. Makes me lick the plate while swooning. Soft, warm, earthy, saucy, savory... so perfect. My heart sings!
After a pretty atrocious dining experience last night, tonight, I felt like Francesca's on Bryn Mawr had turned into a lovely real lady with curves in all the right places and given me a big hug. An absolute delight eating in here on Lasagna Tuesday! ($12.99 for soup/salad and lasagna -- tonight's had asparagus on it!) Friendly and professional staff all around who are so welcoming. Super duper!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/17/2009
I love my car for many reasons. It gets me so many places, is energy efficient, adorable, and… Read more »
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Review from Cindy D.
Chicago, IL
4/6/2011
Came here with my hubby for dinner. Got beef carpacio and pea salad for appetizers - both were good. Especially the beef - large and other flavors that complemented the meat really well.
For entrees, hubby got the ham penne with white sauce. ehhh, just OK - had weird flavors and we took the leftovers home and heated it up. It was
soaked in a vat of oil/butter. I got the lamb ragu ravioli - very tasty.
All for $60 after tip - to me, it kinda pricey for italian food -
Review from Emily H.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2012
Excellent service (the water was refilled so ambitiously that it was almost entirely ice by the end, oh well), quick and attentive and very knowledgable about the wine list.
The bruschetta app was tasty and prompt and the pizzas were delish! I had the one with prosciutto and an egg, which was amazing, and it was plenty big for leftovers and very reasonably priced.
Atmosphere was fine, I suppose it was a little cold inside, but hardly a reason to stay away. All in all: recommended heartily for yummy Italian pizza. -
Review from Laura W.
Chicago, IL
3/18/2011
Absolutely fabulous! I both love and hate that the menu is constantly changes but it forces me not to get the same thing.
The gnocchi was so tender and light I'll never be able to eat Trader Joe's gnocchi ever again.
and the fried calamari may be the best I've ever had. Not chewy at all, just lightly breaded and fried, absolutely everthing calamari should be. -
Review from Paul M.
Chicago, IL
10/20/2011 Seated via OpenTable
First time at this one of the various Francesca incarnations. Loved my meal at the original on Clark Street when it first opened. I was impressed by the welcome when we first entered the door. Extremely nice and hospitable. Once our party of four got seated the service was exceptional. The gentleman taking care of us was one of the most adept waiters I've encountered. His recommendations were spot on in regard to the wine, salads and meal. Everyone enjoyed their meal, from the talapia, to the fruta del mar. My only complaint was my veal tenderloin was not as tender as I would like. Very tasty, but not exactly what I would expect. Overall a great meal and a great atmosphere.
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Review from Dawn G.
Chicago, IL
6/13/2011 Seated via OpenTable
After all the hype over the past few years, I finally went- Okay we went because my SO had some gift cards...but anyway we went and I expected to be disappointed due to said hype, gut reaction was right. disappointed.
It wasn't the food quality and the dessert was great- but it was the atmosphere. It felt classy sterile, like it looked like a fancy olive garden and I couldn't get over our weird thuggish, yet aloof waiter. He wasn't rude nor polite, slow about everything and nonchalant...I noticed other waiters not acting the same, so it was clearly him or the food.
I should say I highly recommend the mint chocolate raspberry dessert...one of the few I can recall the taste/smell.
So, the 2 comes off because of the service and the ambiance.
We have 50 dollars left to spend so we'll try another location next time around. -
Review from Brian C.
12/27/2010
Big portions, reasonable prices, and typically average Italian food - pretty much what you expect from a chain but that doesn't necessarily make it good. In fact, their pizza is one of the sorriest looking excuses I have seen anywhere - it tastes slightly better than it looks but I would definitely suggest avoiding the pizza. Pasta is fine if you like spaghetti or rigatoni with a decent sauce - definitely don't expect many homemade or unique pasta dishes here, they can make some decent sauces (as you would expect from an Italian restaurant) but the repertoire is largely red sauce variations with basil and a few different meat choices. Some of the entrees also sound good but after trying their salad, pizza, and pasta I'm not inclined to give it a try.
On the good side, there is likely a Francesca's wherever you go and it's better than Maggiano's or Olive Garden. If you're in the city though, why not try a local place that is likely dying for your business? Even though it's reasonably priced everything at Francesca's is pretty much food that you could make at home - or even get out of a jar - so I don't have any plans to go back. -
Review from Karen N.
1/6/2011
I know Francesca has been around for a while, but it was the first time I went there. I do like their consistent service and classic foods, and they are not trying too hard to be anything. But with so many other Italian restaurants to choose from, they are average to me.
The best dishes were the pasta... the spicy shrimp with spaghetti and the fisilli putanesca. -
Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
3/5/2009 ROTD 5/4/2009
I always find The Food Baby at Mia Francesca.
I love good calamari.
Here, the calamari is big, bigger and biggest. But, not tough or chewy. Very lightly breaded, too. Enough for a meal. Plenty. But, that didn't stop me from eating way too much delicious bread dipped in olive oil, or from ordering an entree although I was essentially full already.
The pasta portions are enormous. Enough for two people. But, that didn't stop me from eating most of it (but even I couldn't finish it.)
I try the older and wiser I become not to keep eating until The Food Baby comes. But last night, honestly, The Food Baby came before I was done eating and not even The Food Baby could stop me.
I've been a periodic patron of the Mia Francesca's for about 15 years, and it really is one of the more consistent establishments I know.
I always find The Food Baby at Mia Francesca.Listed in: ROTD's That Surpise Me
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Review from Jeff A.
1/19/2010
This place is only two blocks from my house, why have I not reviewed it on here yet, truth be told sometimes I eat out 15 plus times a week, and I forget to write reviews when I am super busy or super tired... (A foodie gone bad)
I have never had a bad entree in this warm pleasant welcoming destination...
The chicken is always juicy!
The seafood preparations are always cooked to perfection, never over done!
If I go for beef if it is perfect every time!
They have some amazing calamari! Not over cooked, not chewy, fresh, wonderful, what more could I ask for?
The Carpaccio is sinful, the flavor is just wonderfully complex, in a very simple subtle comfortable way! Think layers of buttery herby goodness with moments of beef and veggie folded in with the hands of a master painter...
I love when I arrive early or have to wait for a table, the bar staff is almost always free with good conversation and flavor samples from the kitchen, along with excellent wine pairings! I have found some go to affordable wines at this spot that I find myself buying at the local market on a regular basis now!
My only complaint is the dessert, unless they have changed the provider lately, I just can't bring myself to risk it anymore, every time I order dessert I am reminded this is the weak hand at the Francesca's table, no worries, many hot spots exist in the neighborhood with off the hook sweet selections so I just grab my dessert up front somewhere else, always a good idea for a first date anyway to break the ice (really you eat dessert first conversation)...
Anyway now you know my Francesca's story and it is a good one every time!Listed in: Chicago Musts!!!, Edgewater & Andersonville must…
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Review from Erika G.
Updated - 3/4/2009 8 Check-ins Here
Never a bad meal here, and I've been going since the opening. Casual, warm, fun, dishy, cute, friendly bartenders. I live so close the valets know my dog walking schedule, so I might be biased. :-)
But the food. I asked them to split the salad for us, and I swear they added more for two. Yummy calamri, and pea pod salad and seafood linguini = YUM! 7star companion had some sort of veal something or other pasta that was flat out delish. So much food it's enough for a delicious lunch the next day. Eat at the bar like an Italian, or sit in a booth - it doesn't matter. Go casual or dressed to the nines - it doesn't matter.
Just flat out good food every time. Every. time. And moderately priced to boot.
I did another review where I dissed them for being only open until 9 o'clock. I was just disappointed 'cos I wanted some awesme food late night, and I wanted them to be open!
The reviewer that dissed this location for the "upstairs room"? Um, sweetiedarling, you're drunk. This Bryn Mawr location HAS no upstairs, it's apartments. Sweetiedarling. Go to sleep now.Listed in: Edgewater Beach, Wine and Cheese!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/3/2006 First to Review
I've been going here since this location opened, and have never had a bad time or a bad meal. Fresh,… Read more »
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Review from Beth P.
Chicago, IL
2/24/2009
Service here is phenomenal. They are so fast, yet you never feel rushed. The atmosphere is romantic, but kinda crowded if you don't get seated in one of the booths.
Skip the mediocre calamari, and get the bruschetta instead. The pizzas are so good, my favorite is the one with garlic and arugula.
So yes, a definite date spot, but bring a scarf because its drafty in there sometimes, and you don't want to eat with your coat on. -
Review from Maria C.
6/22/2010
I typically don't go out for Italian food - I figure, hey, I can make pasta at home and save myself $20+ for the same pasta dish at a restaurant. But on a friend's reco, we came here with a group of friends for a Friday dinner night out. I must say, I was impressed with everything that passed our lips - light and tasty calamari, which was not your usual dredged in oil and batter type, my pasta alla verdure (veggies), and fiance's pasta dotted with delicious scallops. Service was also fantastic - had a very patient and accommodating server and our bussers were quick and efficient. The atmosphere is also very inviting -warm, dark woods, dim lighting.
Only gripe was that my Bryn Mawrgarita (like the name, though!) was less than stellar - pomegranate margarita left something to be desired. -
Review from Nick M.
10/23/2008 2 photos
Mia,
I am quite found of you but I am concerned about my health. You see, every time I visit you, you make me feel fat. My friends have to bring a wheel barrel or some rope to strap me onto my big friend's back. I know it's not really your fault but the food is so good and the service is outstanding... so it kind of is. Plus the romantic atmosphere, your excellent wine... I always get taken advantage of by my date (even if I say no...ha!). And seriously you know my thing for oil, why must you have to best around. I curse you, I hate you, and I'll never see you again!!! I said good day!
P.S. I'm sorry, I luv you, can I see you later this week.... please, don't make me say pretty pleaseListed in: Edgewater, Q: The Mario Bros only eat…
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Review from PJ H.
8/29/2011 9 Check-ins Here
I've been to Francesca's many times and always leave happy. The food is good and the service is excellent. The serving portions are very generous and make for a nice lunch next day. The menu is pretty standard Italian American fare but there are some creative items on the menu. The outdoor seating area is great during the warmer weather.
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Review from Jacob J.
11/6/2007
I don't care much for Italian food. But, when a person suggests Francesca's I'll make the exception.
It was a first time for me to this location. Food was great, our waiter was snotty. Like he knows his shit so well, its OK if it stinks. If you love pizza, and love super thin. You may, love theirs. There is one appetizer which was significant, great taste, Giada makes alot of this, you know what I'm talking about.. order it, its good.
Strong martini's and cocktails. Good times.
P.S gift cards are re-loadable swipe cards. -
Review from sarah b.
Denver, CO
4/5/2007
All around goodness
Went here last night for my Mother-in-law's birthday and got consistently good service..great table, split meals, extra plates, tastes of wine before we committed to ordering a bottle, and of course, the unprompted free dessert with a candle.
The food was very good, bruschetta with delicious fresh mozz, calimari that was ok, but a teeny bit rubbery, halibut, and a stuffed pasta with a tomato vodka sauce. Not as earth-shattering as I remembered from my last trip to the original Mia Francesca's 10+ years ago.
But this is right off lakeshore, we were seated right away, and definitely one to add to the rotation of regular restaurants. -
Review from Ayako M.
9/15/2010
Totally meh, dining experience. The prices are reasonable and the food isn't bad...but...just boring!
I had the Chicken Arrustica and it was slightly breaded so when combined with the gravy-type sauce if made the chicken mooshy on the outside...the accompanying potatoes were okay.
yawn.
I'm done. -
Review from Maria R.
IL
10/14/2007
Although not as exciting and fun and noisy as Mia Francesca's on Clark (one of my top 10 restaurants in the city), I would say that Francesca's is a safe bet if you want the fare, but not the hoopla. The food is always on the mark, and although I pretty much steer to the Pollo Romano, Skatewing Lemon caper, or the halibut, calamari fritti, and caprese, I find the food to be solid and the service top notch.
We never make a reservation during the week and always are able to be seated immediately. That's not to say there can be a wait on the weekends.
Only one negative - I wish the bread was warmer. -
Review from Kathy M.
Lincoln, NE
11/14/2006
I'm not crazy about Francesca's... meh. I had dinner there with friends and while we did have a great time and had a great waiter, something was missing. Oh, that's right. It was the menu. I wasn't terribly impressed with the handwritten menu, either. I kept flipping it over... there has to be SOMETHING that jumps out at me, right? (flip, flip) I ended up ordering chicken diavolo... it was pretty good!
It probably didn't help matters much that one of my tablemates ordered a $60 bottle of wine... twice... without filling the rest of us in on the price. Um... that's $20... my meal was $15. Thanks a lot, @$$.
I would have only given it 3 stars, but it is a block from where I live and it really classes up the neighborhood. -
Review from Gary B.
11/23/2009
We started coming a couple of years ago when a friend was tending bar. I was enjoyable time to catch up with friends and have a few drinks and some dinner. That friend has moved on and pretty much so did the Tues evening crowd.
We have been back a handful of times and have always enjoyed our meal. Always loved the carpachio(sp) as well as the pizzas.
The space is enjoyable and on week nights it tends to draw in the business crowd. Sorry business people that my drunk co-worker ruined your meal/meeting. Trust me...we have as much disdain for her as you do, possibly more.
An enjoyable location that doesn't demand the see and be seen aspect that other locations may have. Decent food and a decent price. -
Review from Cameron H.
Chicago, IL
3/17/2010
In closing out my b-day, we decided to do something local (within the area) than going downtown. So, someone mentioned Francesca's. Being that it was within walking distance, we decided to get some exercise and enjoy the nice evening temps.
I ordered their classic 1/2 chicken and my partner ordered the mushroom linguine. Both were amazing. Chicken was prepared perfectly (juicy and very flavorful) and we changed the veal sauce for the linguine to a veggie stock base and it turned out great.
The prices were very reasonable, location was great, service was excellent. No complaints!
Would definitely go back. -
Review from Monica K.
Chicago, IL
1/9/2011
Love the decor and the service is fabulous.
Most of the pastas are delicious - especially the one with lobster, and the rigatoni with vegetables.
Unfortunately, the one I ordered (the cavatelli with pesto) was pretty bland - definitely get the parmesan and pepper on top. If you take it home and put hot sauce or garlic salt on it, even better.
Ordered the Francesca paradise martini, which had some grapefruit juice, grenadine, etc. It was nice and strong, which was great since it cost $9.50. Delicious!
Totally hated the booth we were in. Every time the person in the booth behind us sat back our booth would shake and it was really annoying. It was hard to get through the meal in that booth. Definitely ask for a table. -
Review from Daniel P.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2010
Had great meal at Francesca's on Tuesday night. It was a Small Vineyards Wine Dinner with a set menu. The menu was:
Bay scallops, shrimp and Sepia in a white wine parsley broth paired with the Trevisol Prosecco
Prosciutto Cotto, wrapped in robiola and served with roasted pistachios, EVO, paired with the Perazzeta "Sara" an unoaked Sangiovese
Stracci con Coniglio, homemade pasta with rabbit ragu, paired with the Perazzeta "Rita" Sangiovese
Petto di Anatra, Pan seared Maple Leaf Farms duck breast with fried currants, portobello, shiitake, and porcini mushrooms, paired with the Antonio Sanguineti "Nessun Dorma" Super Tuscan
Cioccolato con Noci, assorted handmade chocolates with roasted nuts, paired with the Tre Donne Moscato!
What a dinner. Staff was great, attentive and helpful. It was an overall great evening. 5 course wine dinner for $55? You couldn't beat it. I suggest to all, check out when there next dinner is! I've been to several of the Francesca's and it's always constantly good food at a good price. Really hard to beat actually. The service is casual. Next time your in the mood for some Italian head to Francesca's and try the Risotto.... -
Review from Cindy B.
Chicago, IL
12/5/2006
If the Bruschetta is the best thing on your menu, then guess what, your menu is at best mediocre, so why do I always have a ridiculously good time whenever I'm there?
Go figure, and then go try Francesca's for yourself.
PS. George really does run the best valet in town!! GO GEORGE! -
Review from Dan B.
Oakland, CA
7/1/2007
I seem to be in the minority because I've never been blown away by any of the Francesca's restaurants. They aren't bad. In fact, the food is pretty good. But there isn't anything particularly exciting coming out of the kitchen and their idea of personality seems to be a handwritten xeroxed menu and not much else.
I had the tilapia though most of my fellow patrons seemed to be ordering pasta dishes out of giant boat-sized bowls. Everyone seems happy enough here. If you're stuck in the culinary wasteland that is Bryn Mawr (one more thing to blame our Alderman Smith for), Francesca's is certainly one of your better options. -
Review from Devon R.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2008
My first experiences with the Mia Francesca family of restaurants were with the Lakeview location -- loud, bustling, somewhat inconsistent in both service and quality of food. I started to write off the popular place -- until I found the Edgewater location and fell in love with the great restaurant all over again.
The Bryn Mawr location of Mia Francesca is the best in town, hands down. The atmosphere is miles above the Lakeview location. It is intimate and sophisticated while still offering the excitement of a busy, successful restaurant.
The food is incredible, as it is at all locations, and the weekly menu offers something for everyone, always in season. Service is appropriate in every way: friendly, efficient, warm, and accommodating.
This is a perfect special-occasion spot as well as an everyday gem. It's the first place I think of to bring out-of-town guests or to meet up with a group of friends. It's also great for date nights.
If you've ever been turned off by the service or atmosphere of any Mia Francesca restaurant, head over to the Edgewater location. It's the perfect antidote and showcases the restaurant's true stellar potential. A winner in every way!
