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Francesca's By The River Reviews List
Francesca's By The River
Francesca's by the River features the zesty, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio. The restaurant, located in beautiful downtown St. Charles, encourages the lively art of dining with a contemporary, casually sophisticated trattoria ambiance, good, simple cooking, friendly service and fair prices.
See more Francesca's By The River details
157 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 157 reviews
5 stars
(51)
4 stars
(77)
3 stars
(22)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(80)
- special occasion(58)
- fit for foodies(57)
- good for groups(44)
- romantic(29)
- notable wine list(21)
Francesca's By The River Reviews List
Review 1 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Consistently great food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Francesca's is not new to us. It never fails to delight with outstanding food and great, fresh specials. This was no exception. Three members of our party of four chose seafood selections and the flavors were impeccably fresh, wonderfully prepared and full of flavor. It's a bit noisy in Francesca's, but we have been going to Francesca's by the River for 10 years now and they have consistently delivered outstanding food."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 2 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Food and Nice Ambiance
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had the chicken with peppers and rigatoni with chicken. Both were delicious!"
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 3 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Anniversary Dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We finally got a chance to get away from the kids and go on our 5 year anniversary dinner. We went with open minds, not exactly knowing what to expect. I did not mention to them that I work for one of their food providers, however this narrowed down my list to them based on how much fresh food they buy as opposed to others who buy a lot of canned and frozen items. We started with an appetizer, Calamari with a batter that was not too thick, and meat that was perfectly cooked. We both stuck with pasta but going different routes. Hers was a spaghetti with a large assortment of seafood mixed with a sauce that she couldn't stop talking about. I had Elicodali with Mushrooms and Spinach. Finished it with Sorbetto. Very Large portions. Will Return."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 4 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our food was excellent. Outstanding service on a busy night! Really enjoyed and will return."
Dined on 5/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 5 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Need to come back!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Wow. Have not been here in a while. The food and service were great. We had guests from Spain who thoroughly enjoyed the meal."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
How Many People fit in One Place?
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We dined @ Francesca's on a gift certificate. It will be our first and last time there. I've never eaten anywhere else that tried to put as many diners as possible into the space they had. I shared a bench seat with other diners, and my husband was across our table in a chair. You walk sideways to get between tables.The waiter's backside was over the edge of our table every time he had to serve anything to the next table.The noise level was so loud I couldn't hear everything my husband said to me. The food was good but the prices are robust for what you get. Everything is ala carte, even a dinner salad. For the price paid,($75.00 for dinner for two-one chicken plate and one ravioli plate) I certainly expected less of a cafeteria ambiance."
Dined on 5/26/2013
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Review 7 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"For a Sunday evening, service was a little slow. We chose Francesca's because they have a gluten free menu which my husband needs. They were out of the gluten free pasta. Make sure you phone first if you require a gluten free menu to see if they still have the gf pasta. I had the roasted chicken which was good, but it was comparable to what I can make at home."
Dined on 5/26/2013
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Review 8 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great local dining!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The always popular Francesa's by the River in St. Charles. Great local spot where you can always count on excellent food and service. From the minute you walk in the door you are greeted with hello's and smiles, to the very friendly bartender who is willing to make suggests and whip you up some of the most popular cocktails to start your evening. Followed by excellent service this includes the wait staff and clean up crew. Kid friendly, energetic atmosphere. Highly recommended!!"
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, kid-friendly
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Review 9 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed our visit. Hemi and other staff were very courteious and helpful in helping us to make excellent meal selections"
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were celebrating Mother's Day and had a wonderful experience. The food was excellent (as always). The staff was accommodating and knowledgeable. We had a party of 7 and the atmosphere was relaxing; we didn't feel rushed. I highly recommend this place for anyone who enjoys a great meal, good company and a convenient location."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service was poor
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had to move our dishes for the next course, the waiters or buspersons did not. In fact, told once to move it cause I cannot put the dish down, he could have gotten help from other servers. Server, waitress was somewhat distracted with people she knew or was just chating with."
Dined on 5/17/2013
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Review 12 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Food but Loud!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We have eaten at Francesca's many times. The food is unfailingly superior, fresh and well presented. This location is extremely noisy and conversation can be difficult.
On this day (Mother's Day), the service was exceptionally slow."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"our first visit to francesca's was a little disappointing. the restaurant had come highly recommended from many neighbors in our new neighborhood. we decided to try it for mother's day, which was understandably a crazy busy day for them. the service was slow and the food was luke-warm with melded flavors and not much flair. the place seemed as though it has potential so my wife and i decided we would give it another try on a non-occasion. i hope it lives up to the standards my neighbors have set for it."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 14 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Mother's Day
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We went to Francesca's by the river for mother's day. First, I was disappointed with the lack of a brunch menu. Second I don't know why they were charging 17 dollars for a bowl of gnocchi for lunch. No bread was offered at our table and service was erratic. Food was good but a little too pricey. And there is no view of the river!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 15 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Over rated
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We took my mother here for Mother's Day and I had never been at Francesca's before. It isn't on the river and there are only 2 windows at street level so if you're looking for a scenic view this is not your restaurant. They forgot to bring out our dinner salads and blamed the computer for not working properly. (The waiter never checked to make sure we got the salads) Two of us ordered rigatoni with grilled vegetables and we got about a pound of noodles with 3 mushrooms cut in half and 4 pieces of tomato. We're not picky people but I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 16 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Mother's Day 2013
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service A1
Food selection wonderful with plenty per serving
Sat in the middle area which was a bonus considering how busy the front area was
Nice for Mother's Day celebration"
Food selection wonderful with plenty per serving
Sat in the middle area which was a bonus considering how busy the front area was
Nice for Mother's Day celebration"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion
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Review 17 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We went as a party of three for Mother's Day. The food was good, but from a limited menu. The service was good, with a pleasant server who had to squeeze between tables that were too close together. I have an issue with servers and wait staff wearing street closes instead of unifoms or aprons. I just don't understand the white linen table cloths, higher than average prices and plaid cowboy shirt and jeans with our dinner orders being served off the busboy's arm."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 18 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A family favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We can always count on Francesca's for great wine and cocktails, along with a fresh menu and great dessert. This particular Saturday was the night before Mother's Day so the noise level was a bit loud and we were seated very close to the kitchen with high traffic. Not the usual service level, but we understood they were very busy. A homemade limoncello from the host was a nice way to top off the night."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
very pleased
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was a busy night for the restaurant. It was the night before Mother's Day. Even though it was busy, service was excellent! Food was great!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 20 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Second trip to Francesca's for my wife and I. Very very good food. Reasonable prices. Reserve early, though. The joint gets pretty packed. Serving sizes are appropriate for the quality if not the price. We ate off the special list this time and we're very happy. Gnocchi for the wife and Tilapia for me. The red velvet cheese cake was worth the trip. If you're going to the Arcada theater make Francesca's by the river reservations for dinner before. You won't be disappointed."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 21 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our Go To Spot
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We always enjoy Francesca's By The River. The quality of the food (especially the fish) is always excellent. We consider this our "go to" dinner spot."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a good choice
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had a great table in the corner by the window. Food is good, service good though it's noisy. Menu changes daily so recommend you call to find out what is on the menu that day."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 23 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
WINE RECOMMENDATION WAS SPOT-ON
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had a wonderful dinner here recently with my fiancee. We are both more familiar with California wines than Italian, so I asked our waiter, "What's full-bodied, smooth, and low-tannin for under 50 bucks?" And by God, he brought us a bottle that was all of these things - 2008 Caldora Montepulciano D’ Abruzzo. Magical. It was one of the few instances where a wine recommendation actually hit the spot. The food was also, not incidentally, delicious. We will be returning."
Dined on 4/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very good food in a pleasant (albeit very noisy) bistro atmosphere. The veal offering with mushrooms and polenta was delicious. Excellent gelato. Okay wine list. In good weather, dinner can be followed by a pleasant walk around the old downtown St. Charles area and the Fox river. Altogether a very nice evening."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 25 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great pasta. Close quarters- difficult to have private conversation."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 26 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Had not been there for awhile.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had not been there for awhile. I ordered the salmon and loved every bite! My friends and I were among the first to arrive at 6 P.M. and among the last to leave at 9:30. It was a wonderful place share our latest news while we enjoyed a great meal together!"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent service. Very attentive
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent service. Very attentive without annoying. As always we had a delicious food. My daughters choice for her birthday 3 years running! They bring a treat with a candle but don't sing or do anything else that is embarrassing for a teenager."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2011
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 28 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Francesca's restaurant locations
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Francesca's restaurant locations all offer a great menu including a very good selection of gluten free entrees, appetizers and desserts. Francesca's on the River was very busy Saturday night, but the service was very good and the food was delivered piping hot. We were also seated immediately on arrival. The waitress was attentive and anticipated beverage refills. Due to the crowd, there was a moderate amount of noise and the tables were very close together. It was still a very enjoyable meal. The quality of the food always makes up for the crowding and the noise at Francesca's."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 29 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fresh Ingredients, SO tasty!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love Francesca's! I eat here often with my husband and/or his family and we're never disappointed. The staff is very friendly and accommodating and the food and wine are always fantastic. Everything that I've tried from appetizers to entrees has been delicious, but we usually custom order a pasta with Penne noodles, tomato cream sauce, and fresh mozzarella cheese. SO GOOD! A great Pinot Noir is the Bella Glos Meiomi too. I have cravings for this place and you will too - you can even rent out the back room for parties! Just make sure to make a reservation, especially on a weekend evening, because the word is out and this place can get busy!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We arrived late because of
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We arrived late because of traffic and weather, but they could not have been more friendly or accommodating to help us get to a show at the Arcada on time. We would have loved to linger over another drink and the delicious looking dessert, but we're delighted by our dinners!"
Dined on 04/15/2013
2012
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Review 31 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
By The River? Huh?
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were the first guests of the day for lunch on Saturday. Food was very good. For some reason, I thought we be on the river (Francesca's By The River)...but the river was not within site from the windows."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 32 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, but where's the meat?
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always have great food here. The one thing I can say, and I've read this before, is that sometimes it's seems they are cutting back on portions. We had the Rigatoni alla Butera, one of my faves; instead of having a generous portion of sliced Italian sausage, my dish had 6 or 7 thin wheels of sausage.....disappointing for $15. The pasta and tomato cream sauce are excellent, but without the sausage it is an inexpensive bowl of yummy pasta. But love Francesca's food. Always a treat!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 33 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Francesca's: worth a visit.. or ten
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Big fan of the Francesca group of restaurants but hadn't had the chance to visit the St. Charles location before. A business associate was in town for a few days and wanted to get together for dinner so having been to some other Francesca's restaurants & searching out other options I suggested the St. Charles location because I trust the brand. Enjoyed the evening and the food, as always, was very good. I have the opportunity to be in the area on business often so I will certainly visit again."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 34 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Dr. Fisker
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was perfect. Only (-) parking lot too small, but we did find an adjacent lot that worked out. We will defiantly be returning."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 35 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We absolutely love Francesca's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We absolutely love Francesca's by the river, everything from the food to the service is outstanding."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 36 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Francesca's is always a solid
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Francesca's is always a solid pick. Nice variety of pasta, meat and sea food of, be sure to save room for dessert.
Service was great, the front room can be very loud when filled."
Service was great, the front room can be very loud when filled."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 37 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service was great & patient
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Service was great & patient since the lunch was meeting with an old friend and catching up on lost years."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2007
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Review 38 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food, but just didn't
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good food, but just didn't put us over the top, if that makes sense. Portions were slightly smaller than expected."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 39 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food, poor service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our food was great but service was poor. We saw our server twice, for drink and dinner orders. Our food, beverages, dessert and to go boxes were all managed by busers who didn't know who got what so we had to constantly direct them. I ended up taking home the wrong doggy bag because the busers were confused and most likely overwhelmed. This place needs to hire more waitstaff because I found it extremely unprofessional that a buser should be more of a presence at a table then the server."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
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Review 40 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We always enjoy Francesca's.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We always enjoy Francesca's. The service is always great and the food is superb. We do like the atmosphere, however, one can feel rather jammed-in there. But I guess that's part of the experience... after all, there are many MANY who like it just as we do!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 41 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was good quality,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was good quality, fresh, but there weren't a lot of choices, though. It's classic Italian food, and as such, does a good job. But it's a little pricey for going there on a regular basis.
The wine list looked decent, but only a few beers were available.
It's pretty loud there, but not so much that I couldn't have a decent conversation at the table.
Overall, I'd recommend it for good Italian food, but not as a regular outing."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, hot spot
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Review 42 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Since it was Friday we were
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Since it was Friday we were looking for meatless options, but the fish entrees were a bit pricey. (We often eat at Bonefish Grill which has excellent fish at very reasonable prices.) I ended up ordering a vegetable risotto and the house salad, and my husband had a pizza with cheese and arugula. Everything was excellent."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 43 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good to be back!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was the first time we have been back to this restaurant in a couple of years. They did a great job and the food was very well done. Service - - quick and food tasteful."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 44 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was our first time here
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our first time here and would live to come back. The people were very kind and caring, the food was very good. We didnt see the view by the river so maybe next time well walk around more."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
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Review 45 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 46 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
White fish was delicious -
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"White fish was delicious - it was cooked perfectly and had great flavors. Pork chops were overcooked, and therefore, very dry. Flavors were decent if you could get past the toughness of the pork; potatoes served with it were cooked well. Ravioli special was very bland. Desserts were all very good - cheesecake and apple tart were both light and delicious. Service was great - very attentive and professional."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2008
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Review 47 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ovewrall experience was very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Ovewrall experience was very good. Excellent salad and appetizers. Pasta was a bit undercooked for my likeing and not as hot as is would prefer. Sauce on the pasta was excellent."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 48 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food is alwsys good server
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is alwsys good server wad excellent."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 49 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"They sat us right in front of the fireplace, very nice on a chilly March night. Right across from the free, big parking garage too."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
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Review 50 for Francesca's By The River
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Second time I have been here.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Second time I have been here. Although it has the look and ambiance of a local restaurant it is part of a pretty big chain, and the food reflects that. We had 3 appetizers and drinks before a show and, while all were good (the mussels being the best) none were memorable. We went at 6:30 and order the lobster risotto and they were out of lobster....the substituted shrimp as fine, but seems awfully early to be out of something so basic.
Anyway-it is a decent, medium priced, kid friendly restaurant that won't disappoint but won't wow you either."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
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