Reviews for Francesco's Hole In the Wall in Northbrook, IL

This cozy restaurant is packed all the time with good reason. Outstanding Italian, super fresh, super homemade, generous... portions. The service is incredible, refilling (warm) bread, wine/drinks, water glasses, clearing space; so friendly andattentive. Salad plates are chilled, dinner plates are warm--that kind of attention to detail. We keep going back because everytime we're there we have the hardest time choosing from the menu, so we return to try other dishes. Prices are reallyreasonable. It's fine-dining level food and service, home-style comfort/hospitality (casual dress). No reservations, so go superearly or well after prime time or be prepared to wait. It is tiny, no bar, just know that going in. HIGHLY recommend. Read more

An absolute gem. Francesco’s hole in the wall is the real deal for Italian dining. The food is amazing, the staff treats you... like family, and table next to you was probably there at the same time last week…because it is THAT good. Read more

So I think I've gone out to eat quite a bit to be able to say that when I send a plate back it must be really bad. I ordered the... shrimp scampi. When it came out the shrimp's looked beautiful but the pasta was in watery liquid. It had no flavor noseasonings. When the man came around to ask us how our dinner was, I told him the truth it had no flavor and it was in thiswatery sauce sauce. He said to me it's the juices from the shrimp (you can that the shrimps looked cooked separate from thepasta) and ask if I want it drained out or if I wanted to just eat the shrimps? I was disappointed with the answer, but he did end up taking it back. I've gone to this place before but, it seems like they're cutting corners or the chef is new, somethinghas changed. Also the staff lacks customer service qualities that make people feel like coming back. The rest of my party feltthe same way and will not be coming back. Read more

Small italian restaurant with inside and outside seating. Menu is written on a dry erase board, it's fine unless you are seated... right under the board. Then you have to get up and take few steps back to get a good look at it. Most people go up to the boardand take a picture of it. It opens at 5pm and thats when everyone arrives. Service was quick. Calamari appetizer was very good.We tried the Bucatini with seafood + the Branzino. Both were very good. Read more

Had a nice experience here on father’s day. I ordered a salad, which had a lot of weird veggies in it, but I dismissed the... taste assuming it was healthy. Next, I had ravioli, which was good. There were only five pieces and most definitely not worththe expensive price. Then, I had a lemon sundae for dessert, which honestly, I expected more from. It tasted like the kind oflemon ice cream I buy at the grocery store. The best thing I had there was the free bread there that comes with the meal. Inall, my family spent a couple hundred dollars here, money which I could have used to buy 2 new pairs of shoes. I felt the pricewasn’t worth the meal and I’ve had better meals at places like Italian Kitchen. The server was nice but we did find an antin our parmesan. Read more

Very cozy (cramped seating). Food was excellent. Appetizer was a bit over priced but still delicious. Our entrees were perfect... and the drinks were stiff. Our server was awesome and the meal was timed perfectly. We wished we had tried the dessert afterwe got home so we have a reason to go back. This place is perfect for a date night. I had a wonderful evening with my wife. Add this place to your list of places to try! Read more

Seating is tight, it's like restaurants in NYC. So sure, it's a hole in the wall. Food is excellent! Veal meatballs, cream... to.ato sauces, awesome seafood. From the photos on the walls, it looks like this place has been around for a while. I can seewhy. We definitely go here again. Read more

Stopped in after 35 years and it was as good as I remember. They still put the daily menu up on the white board which is... charming. The wait staff was friendly and accommodating to my desire for a vegetarian dish. I also really love the outdoor areathey put in, it's really cute. It also really comes in handy for additional seating since the place is really small (hence thename). Will come again and won't wait 35 years this time. Read more