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Francesca's FornoReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
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Italian Restaurant Reviews
Francesca's Forno Reviews List
Francesca's Forno
Located in the Wicker Park neighborhood, home of Chicago’s edgy artistic community, Francesca’s Forno is surrounded by chic clothing boutiques, hip coffee houses and cafes, modish rock clubs and seedy taverns made infamous by local legend Nelson Algren’s novel, “Man with the Golden Arm”.
The dining room at Francesca’s Forno showcases a wood burning oven, glass encased antipasto bar, tin-paneled ceilings and intricate flooring. The uncluttered wooden table tops and mismatched chairs will seat 78 guests, with an additional 15 seats at the bar. Francesca’s Forno encourages the lively art of dining in an unpretentious atmosphere, with good, simple cooking, friendly service and fair prices.
Co-Owner, Terry Alexander, describes the new concept as “small plate dining, which encourages sampling and sharing of the zesty and earthy cuisine of Northern Italy”.
See more Francesca's Forno details
The dining room at Francesca’s Forno showcases a wood burning oven, glass encased antipasto bar, tin-paneled ceilings and intricate flooring. The uncluttered wooden table tops and mismatched chairs will seat 78 guests, with an additional 15 seats at the bar. Francesca’s Forno encourages the lively art of dining in an unpretentious atmosphere, with good, simple cooking, friendly service and fair prices.
Co-Owner, Terry Alexander, describes the new concept as “small plate dining, which encourages sampling and sharing of the zesty and earthy cuisine of Northern Italy”.
79 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 79 reviews
5 stars
(19)
4 stars
(38)
3 stars
(17)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(39)
- fit for foodies(21)
- great for brunch(20)
- good for groups(18)
- hot spot(12)
- romantic(10)
Francesca's Forno Reviews List
Review 1 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was a very pleasant dining experience: open air, friendly and helpful service, and delicious food. Although I didn't try it, they do offer gluten free pasta. Would highly recommend Forno for an enjoyable meal."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 2 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great overall experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I come to Francesas at least once a month. I have never been disappointed with the service/food/dining experience, and I will continue to come back because of this. Keep up the good work."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My first time coming to Forno for Brunch and I was beyond impressed! Very unique, and different menu items that were bursting with flavor! I can't wait to come again, because there are more things on the menu I must try!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 4 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
So-so
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Hadn't been to this Francesca's prior to this (have been to other of their restaurants). Made last minute date night reservations here, mainly because there weren't many other choices. An average restaurant across the board -- food, service, and ambiance. Nothing bad, but with so many great restaurants in the area, no reason to choose FF."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 5 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not for kids
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Francesca's franchise has an established level of acceptable quality. We were there for brunch with two small children. We choose it because we could make a rez and not stand in line. We thought there was way too much food on every plate and the food - even from the children's menu - was not suitable for kids (too much amaretto in French toast batter for me, let alone the 5-year old). Our waitress was notably great about our special requests, but we would have been much better off somewhere else that day."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A new menu at an old favorite.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A new menu at an old favorite. We were surprised when Forno was no longer a small plates theme, but the quality is still there."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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Review 7 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is one of our neighborhood
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is one of our neighborhood staples and come here probably twice a month. The menu, while not huge, is ever-changing and there are always one or two daily offerings not on the menu. The variety of the seasonal menu as well as the rustic but refined ambiance are what keep us coming back.
Due to the location, the dining area is somewhat limited so you can expect a wait if you pop-in, especially for dinner. We usually call ahead for a table and have never had to wait more than a few minutes past our reservation time. That said, as we left on Saturday night, I saw them setting up for a party of 10-12. There is a bar area but it is small, is completely open to the dining room and fills up fast, especially on Friday and Saturday nigh"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 8 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The service could not have
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The service could not have been better -- great comeraderie and teamwork among all the staff."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
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Review 9 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Just so, so. Some of their
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Just so, so. Some of their other restaurants are better. Their website shows that this restaurant had a Gluten Free menu but when we got to the restaurant, they said that they only have Gluten Free pasta."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
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Review 10 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place for a nice dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place for a nice dinner in Bucktown/Wicker Park. Food was outstanding, great bread."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
My family went to Forno for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My family went to Forno for Easter brunch. The food was fantastic, and we had a great table, right in the corner of the restaurant with a great view of the Six Corners. My only complaint was that the service was excruciatingly slow at times. Overall a nice experience."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 12 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of my favorite spots in
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"One of my favorite spots in the city"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I really think this is an
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I really think this is an underrated brunch spot in the neighborhood. I have twice tried to go to brunch at some of the "hot spots" in Wicker, but ended up coming here because the lines were too long elsewhere. There is rarely a wait longer than 20 minutes, and the food is creative and delicious. I love the Baked Egg Florentina and the Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes. My family had a very enjoyable Easter brunch here, and everyone loved the food."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch
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Review 14 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Loved it for the get together
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Loved it for the get together with my girlfriends. Half of our party was a bit late so understandable that the server was a little slow to accommodate us, however it was a little frustrating since we were also placed in a back table. Overall though the food was great and the recommendation from the waiter for the mushroom pasta was lovely and the host was so sweet."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 15 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great but cooks were overwhelmed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I've been here multiple times. Food is normally wonderful, but on my last visit (when they were very busy) both mine and my dates entrees fell short of the mark. I had the calamari pasta and the pasta was far too undercooked which made it difficult to chew / enjoy. My date had the gnocchi and it had a rough odd texture ( under cooked and rushed ) most likely. Everything else was superb. Drinks, appetizers, and dessert was excellent and delicious."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 16 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had an enjoyable dinner and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had an enjoyable dinner and a fun time."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2009
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Review 17 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food good, atmosphere young
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food is pretty good. Pastas are awesome. Roasted veggie appetizer also simple and delicious. Crowd skews pretty young, and the place is very crowded and loud on a Saturday night. Appetizers are massive. (Or is it just that our table -- which was for a party of 6 but really should have seated 4 -- was so tiny that they felt huge?)"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2003
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Review 18 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I felt just a little bit too
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I felt just a little bit too close to the table next to us but otherwise it was great and our server was almost too attentive."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
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Review 19 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
As expected, good food well done.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Because we had to wait about 15 minutes for our table to be ready, our first round of drinks was on the house. No complaints here! Food was good, as always. Service was the right amount of attentive. Lively crowd kept it interesting. Overall, a good time had by all."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was delicious and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was delicious and the staff could not have been friendlier or more attentive. I went with a group of girls on Valentine's Day and we did not feel singled out at all for not being a couple. Great food, great wine, and great cocktails! Also, they played awesome music--Marvin Gaye and all the Oldies I would want for VDay."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Never again. Food is utterly
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Never again. Food is utterly mediocre and nondescript. It feels (and tastes) more like Olive Garden than an Italian Trattoria."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
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Review 22 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great week night dinner choice
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Just a good neighborhood go to. Nothing super fancy but always good."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food amazing service!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food amazing service! From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave they make you feel important and everyone makes sure you have everything you need! Will go back!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Francesca's Forno is an old
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Francesca's Forno is an old favorite for me and my fiance. We had our first "official" date there and go back any time we want a fantastic meal in a warm setting. The service has always been commendable and the food never disappoints."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 25 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Hipster server with an attitude
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Hipster server with an attitude but I guess when in Rome...
Food was okay, not nearly as good as other Francesca's locations. Probably wouldn't go back."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2006
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Review 26 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
service was too slow...server
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"service was too slow...server coming to table for order, waiting for order and food to the table..
won't order the french toast again but the pork shoulder hash was awesome( nice portion too)
good location, didn't have to wait long to be seated, the fellows who kep the tables tidy were great(helpful and efficient)"
won't order the french toast again but the pork shoulder hash was awesome( nice portion too)
good location, didn't have to wait long to be seated, the fellows who kep the tables tidy were great(helpful and efficient)"
Dined on 01/27/2013
2008
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 27 for Francesca's Forno
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great brussel sprouts, fish
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great brussel sprouts, fish was a bit too sweet."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2008
Special Features: notable wine list
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Francesca's Forno
Based on the average of (52) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic