Francesca's Forno

The Scene – Anchored at the busy Six Corners intersection is this looser, hipper version of sister Mia Francesca on Clark. An L-shaped dining room features a bar and open kitchen to the left, with banquette seating, distressed wood tables and mismatched chairs to the right. Globular light fixtures hover over thrift-store chic hipsters who practically have to shout to be heard over the conversational din. Floor-to-ceiling windows looking onto North and Damen make gawking at passers an irresistible distraction. – – The Food – Shareable small plates plus pasta and meat…

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Editor's Tips

Where to Sit:: Ask to sit by the windows for prime people-watching and to have more elbow room. Center tables, which are set up only inches apart, are more cramped.
Save Money:: Want to share some apps? Order four antipasti dishes for $14, or mix and match small plates of meat and cheese--three for $16 or five for $25.
Know Before You Go:: Expect to wait 30 minutes or more if you don't have a reservation.

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User Reviews (12)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“The food was excellent, but it is a loud atmosphere.” “This is a great place for classic Tuscan food at a reasonable price, with a fun atmosphere.” “If you are prepared for it though you will enjoy the overall ambiance and the delicious food.”
dessert	100.0% positive	“We are very full and had dessert and a BOTTLE of great sangiovese for right at $60 for two.”
drinks	100.0% positive	“We had an appetizer at the bar and the service was great!” “It's too bad because the food & wine are really fantastic and at a wonderful price point.” “The food was excellent (we had two different fish courses--salmon and swordfish--and shared a spicy pasta amtriciana--which was in the menu as bucatini but when served was the usual spaghetti--and had no wine because the restaurant does not have a liquor ”
food quality	100.0% positive	“The food was excellent, but it is a loud atmosphere.” “It's too bad because the food & wine are really fantastic and at a wonderful price point.” “Anyways, the food was excellent, the service prompt and efficient albeit not the friendliest.” “This is a great place for classic Tuscan food at a reasonable price, with a fun atmosphere.” “Their food is excellent.” “The food was great.” “The portions were quite nice and we even took some food home.” “Great food, Great prices!” “The appetizer salads were a good size, and tasty.” “The service was good, but could not make up for the disappointment with the food.” “If you are prepared for it though you will enjoy the overall ambiance and the delicious food.” “It was pretty crowded so I'd recommend reservations, but I really enjoyed my meal here and thought that” “The food was excellent (we had two different fish courses--salmon and swordfish--and shared a spicy pasta amtriciana--which was in the menu as bucatini but when served was the usual spaghetti--and had no wine because the restaurant does not have a liquor ”
menu variety	100.0% positive	“The food was excellent (we had two different fish courses--salmon and swordfish--and shared a spicy pasta amtriciana--which was in the menu as bucatini but when served was the usual spaghetti--and had no wine because the restaurant does not have a liquor ” “will continue to enjoy the friendly staff and wonderful variety of foods on the menu.”
overall	100.0% positive	“This is a great little restaurant.” “This is a great place for classic Tuscan food at a reasonable price, with a fun atmosphere.” “It's a little noisy but a great place to come with a group--just make sure to call ahead.”
service	100.0% positive	“Good service and the prices are pretty good.” “The extra staff was great with delivery, removal, waters, etc.” “We had an appetizer at the bar and the service was great!” “will continue to enjoy the friendly staff and wonderful variety of foods on the menu.” “) Wait staff seems pretty attentive.” “Was delightfully surprised when we walked in and were seated IMMEDIATELY by very attentive staff.” “Our server, Phil, was great.” “The service was good, but could not make up for the disappointment with the food.” “Anyways, the food was excellent, the service prompt and efficient albeit not the friendliest.”
value	100.0% positive	“This is a great place for classic Tuscan food at a reasonable price, with a fun atmosphere.” “It's too bad because the food & wine are really fantastic and at a wonderful price point.” “Food was not all that great and the portions were tiny.” “But Forno had huge portions.” “The portions were quite nice and we even took some food home.” “For cheap, good Italian eats, check it out” “Good service and the prices are pretty good.” “Great food, Great prices!”

11/10/08

EXCELLENT FOOD - but be willing to wait!

by missjenna1 at Citysearch

I LOVE Francesca's. Their food is excellent. Their wine is good and very reasonably priced. My fave appetizer - prosciutto di parma. Muah. Wine/Appetizers/Food - all VERY highly recommended. Now the downside: You have to be willing to wait. This past weekend took us almost 2 hours to get seated (but of course we went with no reservations). The host did bring us a round of champagne as a way to make up for the wait. It's also very noisy, so having conversation can be difficult. It's pretty small, so when waiting you are CRAMPED in with a whole bunch of other people - clausterphobe's stay away! : ) Wait staff seems pretty attentive.

Pros: Excellent food, very reasonably priced
Cons: very crowded, long waits, noisy

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01/21/07

Honor your guest's reservations!

by cjstengel at Citysearch

My boyfriend and I went on a Saturday night. We had an 8pm reservation but were not seated until 8:50. We think that the host forgot about us a couple times because even after following up twice and being told we were "next," other parties kept being seated before us. Naturally, we were frustrated. After the meal, we spoke to the manager, who only offered excuses ("it was an unusually crazy night") and nothing else. He just wanted to know "but will you come back?" It's too bad because the food & wine are really fantastic and at a wonderful price point. But waiting 50 minutes when we had a reservation -- and not having anyone aknowledge that they messed up -- was a big disappointment. Not sure if we'll be back.

Pros: Yummy food, great wine specials (good value)
Cons: Don't seem to honor reservations, VERY loud, tables packed together

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10/15/06

Great food, Great prices!!

by kira422 at Citysearch

Everything we tried was great! The appetizer salads were a good size, and tasty. The pizza was crisp and flavourful. We will be back here soon. Good service and the prices are pretty good.

Pros: Great food
Cons: No parking

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10/06/06

Wonderful

by faliciafields at Citysearch

I am still drooling of the thought of eating here. Try the seafood dishes.. all the food is bursting with flavor. The best in town. I will continue to enjoy the friendly staff and wonderful variety of foods on the menu.

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06/27/06

was expecting more...

by aksoy at Citysearch

i would have to say that i was disappointed. Food was not all that great and the portions were tiny. The service was good, but could not make up for the disappointment with the food. I would think twice before going in there again, especially with all the other good alternatives in the neighborhood.

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What People Are Saying About Francesca's Forno

Valerie Moloney

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Editor's Tips

11/10/08

EXCELLENT FOOD - but be willing to wait!

by missjenna1 at Citysearch

01/21/07

Honor your guest's reservations!

by cjstengel at Citysearch

10/15/06

Great food, Great prices!!

by kira422 at Citysearch

10/06/06

Wonderful

by faliciafields at Citysearch

06/27/06

was expecting more...

by aksoy at Citysearch

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