A Perfect Family Dinner at the Original Mia Francesca We had a wonderful family dinner last night at Mia Francesca—the founding location of our favorite restaurant group—and it truly lived up to its legacy. There were five of us, and from the moment we walked in, the service was exceptional: warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The food was absolutely delicious across the board. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. When there was a small miscommunication with my daughter's order, the staff handled it with such grace—they let us keep and share the dish that was brought out by mistake while promptly preparing the correct one for her. That kind of hospitality speaks volumes. The drinks were also top-notch—balanced, flavorful, and clearly crafted with care. It's rare to find a place that nails both the food and the cocktails, but Mia Francesca does it effortlessly. This location holds a special place in our hearts, and once again, it reminded us why the Francesca franchise continues to be our go-to for memorable meals. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a warm, delicious, and gracious dining experience.
Valerie
Old school Italian restaurant vibe. I was in town visiting , but could tell many of the patrons were frequent local diners. Service was fantastic and warm from Kristen the asst mgr, to Michael the waiter and gentlemen servicing the table. Food was great and service prompt. I sat in a corner table and found myself lingering a little longer- that's how cozy it was. They also have a beautiful cellar room for small events and larger party room upstairs. Parking was relatively easy for Chicago. This was for the Clark location.
Aitor
I loved Francesca's on Bryn Mawr, the handwritten menus, the quality of the pasta and food, the beautiful room, it was my favorite Italian restaurant. I have gone to the one in the northern suburbs, Lake Forest? and loved it too, I recently went to the Touhy location, and I may go again to see if it was just a bad day at the Clark one. I had only gone once before, last year to the Clark one and that dinner was good, we had a table in the 1st floor. This visit we got a seat upstairs, unaware of the 2nd floor. It was nice to have that option but the ambiance there is not the same, anyway, that's no bid deal if the food was great. I normally have a dish called Conchiglie con Asparagi if there are no other options on the menu that attracted me. This time around I saw the menu, printed not written, and no option that was similar available. I asked the waiter if they could do it and he said no but that he can try to get something similar and they only had rigatoni as an option that was similar to conchiglie, no big deal there. They brought out the dish and it was a minimal portion, small and flavorless, just a white parmesan sauce, not pinenuts, tomatoes nor lemony flavor, granted I didn't get a chance to elaborate on the dish when asking due to noise level and time constraints. But still, it was lame no extra flavor and just asparagus and rigatoni. The waiter didn't ask if there should be anything extra in the dish. Anyway, a lot of that is my bad, but still disappointed given the size of the portion. At the end I asked for a cappuccino and that was also disappointing, small cup hardly any coffee in the cup, it was just not what I was used to from Francesca's, I'll give the Touhy one a try and see if it was a one off or if the company all together has changed. Again, super disappointed about Bryn Mawr closing and missing it.
Leah Birchmeier
They took all of our plates off the table before the food was finished and moved too fast for us to even ask them to leave it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
Hyatt Tekerman
MIKE WAS THE GOAT! He was incredible and kept the bread coming. What a nice man! Will be back just to see him
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alyssa Stamper
We had a great time at Mia Francesca. Alfonso gave us great suggestions. We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tom
Unfortunately I cannot give a good review. First of all, parking is a challenge, although I realize that this is not the fault of the restaurant. We were seated upstairs, which I hoped would be quieter and have more room, but our table for 5 was a large round table and was not amenable to hearing each other. The food was mediocre. The waiter had an attitude and was impatient, including when he could not hear us clearly either. The food and drinks came out at varying times, so we were continually waiting for everyone to get served before we could have a toast or begin eating. I didn't necessarily have a bad time, but I didn't find any reason to want to go back.
Meagan
16 years ago my now husband brought me here on our first date. My husband has great taste, so I married him. We came for our 16 year first date anniversary and it did not disappoint. This place is a treasure.
Yevhen Stupchenko
An excellent Italian restaurant. The prices are reasonable. Pizza del Giorno is simply wonderful during happy hour (weekdays from 4 to 6 pm). I currently don't know of any pizza in Chicago that tastes better than this one. The hostess is friendly, and the reservation planning is excellent. The waiter, Jack, is attentive, asking my opinions about the food and any allergies I may have. The kitchen is fast and efficient. I'm not sure the restaurant's atmosphere is truly Italian, but the food does the work. Although the music was good, there was a TV on the bar with the news or sports on mute (It would be better to replace it with a video or slideshow of Italy for the atmosphere). Perhaps they could put on some Italian music or jazz to add a touch of authenticity to the atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Allison
Our server had the best warmth and personality!! My husband has an aversion to garlic and he came up with the most flavorful garlic-free cream sauce for him! The whole dining experience was so pleasant!! I highly recommend! Food and service is superior!!
Not my first time dining at a Francescas, the food is good not great at this location. The service, terrible to say the least.
Reservations for a party of four for a Thursday night; arrived a few minutes early to a not even half busy restaurant. Our server seemed to care less, let alone make suggestions to 3 new to Francesca diners and seemed to be rushing us to order appetizers and drinks on top of dinner all at once. This within 10? Minutes of being seated.
Seemed like we were rushed upon every passing and if we were done with the dish half way though eating it. The kitchen staff that delivered the appetizers, drinks and dinners were very nice and kind. Our server Ben, not at all. It also seemed that everything was rushed to our table as soon as it was available and made it appear that the quality might have been better if allowed the time to make it. Again, not my first time at one of these establishments and the meals were not up to the usual standard that the restaurant usually has.
Even with the check going on 8 PM it seemed like yet again we were rushed with a not halfway busy restaurant with many open and available tables.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Steve
Exactly what a Chicago Italian experience should be. We had 6 on a Saturday night, excellent service, great energetic vibe, friendly and fun!
Christopher
The Francesca's brand doesn't disappoint! Always friendly and attentive service! First visit to this location, lively and packed at Saturday night dinner...some may complain about the volume level of the crowd, but If you're walking into a quiet restaurant on a Saturday night, it isn't a successful night one! Started with the Carpaccio-a staple and MUST HAVE, & roasted beets...all delish! second course was the Arribbiata...full of robust flavor! The others in my party had the salmon and I had the cod... fresh and full of flavor! Francesca's has been here since 1992 and is a staple in the Lakeview neighborhood that shouldn't be missed! Shout out to Chrissy and the rest of the team for great service and a wonderful experience!
Ellie
Went here for my birthday with a group and the service was impeccable and the food was great! They brought out a birthday treat at the end for me to share with the table and gave my vegan friend a shot of Limoncello since she couldn't have the dessert, which was very thoughtful.
Austin Green
Mia Francesca’s was an amazing experience! My server Jana was the best. I ordered the vodka rigatoni and she expertly paired the perfect wine to go with the pasta. I highly recommend Mia Francesca’s if you want great Italian with superior service!
A Perfect Family Dinner at the Original Mia Francesca We had a wonderful family dinner last night at Mia Francesca—the founding location of our favorite restaurant group—and it truly lived up to its legacy. There were five of us, and from the moment we walked in, the service was exceptional: warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The food was absolutely delicious across the board. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. When there was a small miscommunication with my daughter's order, the staff handled it with such grace—they let us keep and share the dish that was brought out by mistake while promptly preparing the correct one for her. That kind of hospitality speaks volumes. The drinks were also top-notch—balanced, flavorful, and clearly crafted with care. It's rare to find a place that nails both the food and the cocktails, but Mia Francesca does it effortlessly. This location holds a special place in our hearts, and once again, it reminded us why the Francesca franchise continues to be our go-to for memorable meals. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a warm, delicious, and gracious dining experience.
Old school Italian restaurant vibe. I was in town visiting , but could tell many of the patrons were frequent local diners. Service was fantastic and warm from Kristen the asst mgr, to Michael the waiter and gentlemen servicing the table. Food was great and service prompt. I sat in a corner table and found myself lingering a little longer- that's how cozy it was. They also have a beautiful cellar room for small events and larger party room upstairs. Parking was relatively easy for Chicago. This was for the Clark location.
I loved Francesca's on Bryn Mawr, the handwritten menus, the quality of the pasta and food, the beautiful room, it was my favorite Italian restaurant. I have gone to the one in the northern suburbs, Lake Forest? and loved it too, I recently went to the Touhy location, and I may go again to see if it was just a bad day at the Clark one. I had only gone once before, last year to the Clark one and that dinner was good, we had a table in the 1st floor. This visit we got a seat upstairs, unaware of the 2nd floor. It was nice to have that option but the ambiance there is not the same, anyway, that's no bid deal if the food was great. I normally have a dish called Conchiglie con Asparagi if there are no other options on the menu that attracted me. This time around I saw the menu, printed not written, and no option that was similar available. I asked the waiter if they could do it and he said no but that he can try to get something similar and they only had rigatoni as an option that was similar to conchiglie, no big deal there. They brought out the dish and it was a minimal portion, small and flavorless, just a white parmesan sauce, not pinenuts, tomatoes nor lemony flavor, granted I didn't get a chance to elaborate on the dish when asking due to noise level and time constraints. But still, it was lame no extra flavor and just asparagus and rigatoni. The waiter didn't ask if there should be anything extra in the dish. Anyway, a lot of that is my bad, but still disappointed given the size of the portion. At the end I asked for a cappuccino and that was also disappointing, small cup hardly any coffee in the cup, it was just not what I was used to from Francesca's, I'll give the Touhy one a try and see if it was a one off or if the company all together has changed. Again, super disappointed about Bryn Mawr closing and missing it.
They took all of our plates off the table before the food was finished and moved too fast for us to even ask them to leave it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
MIKE WAS THE GOAT! He was incredible and kept the bread coming. What a nice man! Will be back just to see him
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a great time at Mia Francesca. Alfonso gave us great suggestions. We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unfortunately I cannot give a good review. First of all, parking is a challenge, although I realize that this is not the fault of the restaurant. We were seated upstairs, which I hoped would be quieter and have more room, but our table for 5 was a large round table and was not amenable to hearing each other. The food was mediocre. The waiter had an attitude and was impatient, including when he could not hear us clearly either. The food and drinks came out at varying times, so we were continually waiting for everyone to get served before we could have a toast or begin eating. I didn't necessarily have a bad time, but I didn't find any reason to want to go back.
16 years ago my now husband brought me here on our first date. My husband has great taste, so I married him. We came for our 16 year first date anniversary and it did not disappoint. This place is a treasure.
An excellent Italian restaurant. The prices are reasonable. Pizza del Giorno is simply wonderful during happy hour (weekdays from 4 to 6 pm). I currently don't know of any pizza in Chicago that tastes better than this one. The hostess is friendly, and the reservation planning is excellent. The waiter, Jack, is attentive, asking my opinions about the food and any allergies I may have. The kitchen is fast and efficient. I'm not sure the restaurant's atmosphere is truly Italian, but the food does the work. Although the music was good, there was a TV on the bar with the news or sports on mute (It would be better to replace it with a video or slideshow of Italy for the atmosphere). Perhaps they could put on some Italian music or jazz to add a touch of authenticity to the atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our server had the best warmth and personality!! My husband has an aversion to garlic and he came up with the most flavorful garlic-free cream sauce for him! The whole dining experience was so pleasant!! I highly recommend! Food and service is superior!!
Restaurantji Recommends
Not my first time dining at a Francescas, the food is good not great at this location. The service, terrible to say the least.
Reservations for a party of four for a Thursday night; arrived a few minutes early to a not even half busy restaurant. Our server seemed to care less, let alone make suggestions to 3 new to Francesca diners and seemed to be rushing us to order appetizers and drinks on top of dinner all at once. This within 10? Minutes of being seated.
Seemed like we were rushed upon every passing and if we were done with the dish half way though eating it. The kitchen staff that delivered the appetizers, drinks and dinners were very nice and kind. Our server Ben, not at all. It also seemed that everything was rushed to our table as soon as it was available and made it appear that the quality might have been better if allowed the time to make it. Again, not my first time at one of these establishments and the meals were not up to the usual standard that the restaurant usually has.
Even with the check going on 8 PM it seemed like yet again we were rushed with a not halfway busy restaurant with many open and available tables.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Exactly what a Chicago Italian experience should be. We had 6 on a Saturday night, excellent service, great energetic vibe, friendly and fun!
The Francesca's brand doesn't disappoint! Always friendly and attentive service! First visit to this location, lively and packed at Saturday night dinner...some may complain about the volume level of the crowd, but If you're walking into a quiet restaurant on a Saturday night, it isn't a successful night one! Started with the Carpaccio-a staple and MUST HAVE, & roasted beets...all delish! second course was the Arribbiata...full of robust flavor! The others in my party had the salmon and I had the cod... fresh and full of flavor! Francesca's has been here since 1992 and is a staple in the Lakeview neighborhood that shouldn't be missed! Shout out to Chrissy and the rest of the team for great service and a wonderful experience!
Went here for my birthday with a group and the service was impeccable and the food was great! They brought out a birthday treat at the end for me to share with the table and gave my vegan friend a shot of Limoncello since she couldn't have the dessert, which was very thoughtful.
Mia Francesca’s was an amazing experience! My server Jana was the best. I ordered the vodka rigatoni and she expertly paired the perfect wine to go with the pasta. I highly recommend Mia Francesca’s if you want great Italian with superior service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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