AWARDS/REVIEWS

Chicago Tribune – Phil Vettel

Two stars
All I know for sure is that it's my favorite Francesca. Uncomplicated food, reasonable prices. It has worked all over town, and it seems to be working here. But there are differences. Francesca's on Taylor is probably the least hectic and the least noisy member of the Francesca family. The pace is appreciably slower; waiters actually have time to converse with customers.

More significantly, Francesca's on Taylor accepts reservations. No, it does more; it honors reservations. Twice I made reservations, twice I walked into a packed dining room, and twice I was seated within 10 minutes. And because the food is as good here as at any of Harris' other locations - indeed, I think it may be a little better - this may be the best Francesca of the bunch, at least among cranky types like me who really hate waiting an hour or more at the bar.  

Chicago.CitySearch.com

What a gem. This least frantic, most intimate sibling of the original Francesca restaurant "family" has a familiar menu (in the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" category). Still, numerous special starters, pastas and entrées, casually handwritten on the menu, are based on the season and chef's whim. The food is down-to-earth, simply prepared, mostly wonderful, always reasonably priced.

A crisp asparagus salad is dressed with pungent blue cheese, lemon, olive oil and chopped tomato, with supreme results. A starter of warm lentils, spinach and goat cheese is an inspiration, a divine mixture of earthy flavors and meltaway texture screaming for a dip of the crusty bread. Individual pizzas are good (though the mussels and calamari number is an odd fellow), boasting a crisp, crackery crust. Pastas and fish specials are uncomplicated and well-executed; the kitchen's deft touch coaxes out the essence of each ingredient. A ravioli combo of spinach-filled and artichoke-filled pillows of pasta in a pink tomato four-cheese sauce is flavorful, balanced and delectable. Don't let tiramisu burnout keep you from trying this heavenly version.

Portraits of Italian country life, warm woods, geometric light fixtures, and white tablecloths with butcher paper strike the same balance of modern-to-rustic as the food. Francesca's on Taylor manages to be romantic and cozy without being quaint. Reservations are accepted—and recommended. Good, smaller wine list; plenty of by-the-glass choices. Welcoming service. It's easy to see why Francesca's does a rousing business day and night.