Francesca's Intimo

Buona notte!We had a nice dinner on the patio at Francesca's Intimo. It was a nice evening and we had made reservations for indoors but decided to sit outside because it was mild.The patio was filled with colorful blooming planters, a display of potted lemons and string lights. Our server Irene was very cordial and knowledgeable. My friend had a salad di giorno with fresh fruit, Parmesan and orange vinaigrette. They had fettuccine with shrimp and asparagus. My pasta with sausage and vodka sauce was creamy and tasty and garnished with lots of mozzarella. It was a nice portion although the pasta was molto al dente. Our friend's salmon was perfectly cooked and topped with fresh tomatoes and spinach.We loved the tiramisu, and the evening's showstopper, the carrot cake with sour cream gelato, candied orange, and caramel brittle. It was delicious and decadent. Lots of interesting specials and unique takes on classic Italian fare.

Great lunch specials! They have a current lunch option for $25 that includes soup, bruschetta, an entree, and dessert. (Some limitations) plus bread for the table.The food was delicious!! You get one piece of bruschetta with fresh mozzarella, and I had minestrone soup that was hearty and flavorful. For my entree I got pasta with vodka sauce, sausage crumbles, and fresh mozzarella. Lastly, for dessert I finished the meal off with tiramisu.Everything was amazing. I left full to capacity.Service was wonderful. The staff were very attentive to all tables and helping each other out by making sure everyone's drinks were refilled quickly. Love to see them working as a team instead of individual only covering their assigned tables. Definitely recommend!

Food was solid and tasty. Had the special rigatoni with peas and was delicious. I love the fair prices and solid portion sizes. The pomodoro looks amazing and going to have that next time.Bruschetta was good but the bread was a touch soggy and not toasted enough but plenty of flavor.Service was great and super attentive. The ambiance was quaint and cozy. This location is very nice and a bit tight but that's ok. Their Northbrook location really needs some work top to bottom.This place was great

The absolute BEST service! Food was perfect. Hearts of palm salad is unlike any other. Prettiest Italian restaurant and outdoor patio.

Really surprised & disappointed at our rushed through meal. Used to be really fantastic place to eat, but our service & meal was literally no better than Olive Garden. Menu changed; majority of items kept but skimmed down offerings for sure. Our server turned on us when they realized we were not drinking ($$$) & didn't bother informing us of the specials even tho they said they would & appeared overworked yet the restaurant was not busy. My rotini was not cooked thoroughly & oh wow possibly 4 sprigs of spinach included in the meal where spinach is the staring item. The total disappointment was the once great Francesca Special salad; it was served with average if not poor lettuce quality, no endive, no blue cheese, no flavor. This salad used to be so unique, it was our go-to whenever dining. This sad meal ruined it for us.Funny part is all the hauty tauty of LF think this place is worth it bc it has outside seating. Hard pass now.

Hey there, fellow foodies! If you're ever in Lake Forest, do yourself a favor and pop into Francesca's Intimo. Trust me, it's like finding a little slice of Italy right in your backyard.Let's talk about the vibe first - it's simple, elegant, and just so welcoming. You walk in, and it's like you're part of the family. They start you off with this amazing bread, freshly grated Parmesan, balsamic vinegar reduction, and olive oil. It's so good, you might just forget you're there for a full meal!But oh, the meal! We had Fried Calamari to kick things off - crispy, golden, and just the right kind of tender. Then came the Al Dente Rigatoni Pasta - cooked just right and bursting with flavor. The Spaghetti and Meatballs? A hearty, comforting classic that tastes like it's straight outta Nonna's kitchen.Don't even get me started on the Burrata - it's like creamy, dreamy cheese heaven. And the Lemon Chicken Piccata - perfectly cooked chicken with a zesty lemon kick. It's the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and go, "Mmm!"So, if you're looking for that cozy, family-style Italian experience with food that'll make you want to come back for more, Francesca's Intimo is the place. Can't wait to go back myself!

Took my wife and parents out for dinner here. Our server, I'm so sorry I forgot her name, was outstanding. She had a bubbly personality and a great sense of humor. We outside on a cool night and it was still comfortable. The food was very good and affordable too. I had the vodka sauce pasta and it was delicious- pro tip: it is WAY better reheated the next day and I have no idea why. Also had the bruschetta for an appetizer. Can't speak on the other dishes but we pretty much got everything and everyone enjoyed. Can't say much else but we'll be back again. Thanks!

Great ambiance. Middle of the road food with some highlights. The outdoor seating is so charming at night and the inside is the right amount of classy (and that ceiling!)The food ranges from poor to above average with the mean down the middle. The bread and oil at the beginning, not great. The meatballs, okay. The fresh pasta, good.

Third time I've been here. Delicious Italian food every time. Conveniently located. Plenty of parking space and so close to work. Wait staff courteous and friendly.Forget to take pics but finally remembered. We ordered the Eggplant Parmesan and it was delicious!! Flavorful!!

Popped in after the lake forest days parade. I've been to Francesca's for 10 years and for sure it has got better with time. The staff are great! Since Covid I've noticed that customer service has gone down bit here it is fantastic!