Welcome to Francesco's Hole In the Wall
Francesco's Hole In the Wall is a charming Italian gem nestled in Northbrook, IL, that boasts a rotating menu bursting with authentic flavors. The cozy atmosphere encourages camaraderie, making it feel like home. Customers rave about the Seafood Diavolo, a delightful balance of spice and perfectly cooked seafood, and the indulgent Butter Cake, a must-try dessert. The personable owner, Frank Gallo, adds a personal touch to your dining experience. With attentive service and a dedication to culinary excellence, Francesco's is a beloved destination for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable Italian meal amidst a vibrant ambiance.
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254 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook, IL 60062, United States Hotline: +1 847-272-0155
Welcome to Francesco's Hole In the Wall, a beloved culinary gem nestled in Northbrook, Illinois. Located at 254 Skokie Blvd, this charming restaurant is renowned for its authentic Italian fare and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the area, Francesco’s promises a delightful dining experience that will leave your taste buds singing.
As you step through the door, you’ll immediately be enveloped by the warm ambiance filled with the sounds of laughter and the enticing aroma of Italian cooking. The inviting decor reflects the restaurant's cozy nature, but be prepared—it can get a bit snug! It’s a place where culinary enthusiasts gather, and the buzz of excitement seems to linger in the air as patrons are treated to an ever-evolving menu.
The magic of Francesco's lies not just in its inviting atmosphere, but in the creativity of its menu, which is written daily on a whiteboard. This feature adds a personal touch to your dining experience, allowing for an exhilarating culinary adventure every time you visit. Guests rave about the incredibly fresh and flavorful dishes, such as the Seafood Diavolo with linguine, a standout that balances perfectly cooked seafood with a delightful kick of spice. The bruschetta and calamari appetizers set the tone for a phenomenal meal, ensuring each visit is a new and exciting journey for your palate.
Make sure to save room for the Buttery Cake, as patrons proclaim it to be nothing short of phenomenal—a true must-try that encapsulates the sweet heart of Francesco's culinary offerings. The commitment to quality is evident in every bite; the chef can even whip up personalized dishes based on your preferences, showcasing the restaurant's dedication to customer satisfaction.
The owner, Frank Gallo, often greets guests and shares stories about his Italian heritage, adding an authentic touch to your dining experience. The personable staff ensures that you feel like part of the family, making your visit truly memorable. Customers consistently highlight the impeccable service, describing staff members as attentive and friendly, further enhancing the inviting feel of the restaurant.
If you’re seeking an unforgettable Italian dining experience, look no further than Francesco's Hole In the Wall. Just be ready for a wait, especially during peak hours—it’s a testament to how deeply loved this hidden gem is by the community. So, gather your friends, arrive early, and savor the wonderful flavors of this Northbrook treasure!
Great service and great food. Menu changes regularly. Close to Chicago Botanical Garden. Get there early. The Butter Cake is phenomenal!
Visiting Chicago for work. Amazing food! Frank Gallo the owner was a great guy and sat with us. Sharing stories about his Italian heritage. Highly recommended in my book. Will definitely be back when visiting Chicago!
Francesco's: A Hidden Gem Worth the Wait! Five stars! My coworkers and I stumbled upon Francesco's Hole In the Wall during a recent work trip, and it was the culinary highlight of our week. Yes, there was a bit of a wait to be seated (it's clearly a popular spot!), but I promise you, it's absolutely worth it. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm, bustling atmosphere. The unique, daily menu written right on the wall added to the charm and made it feel like a truly authentic Italian experience. We started with the bruschetta and calamari – both were incredibly fresh and flavorful, setting the stage for a fantastic meal. For my main course, I opted for the Seafood Diavolo with linguine. It was divine. The seafood was perfectly cooked, and the sauce had a delightful kick of spice that I absolutely loved. The service was impeccable. The staff was attentive and friendly, and the owner even came by to check on us. To top off the perfect meal, we were gifted a round of limoncello – a wonderfully generous touch! We loved Francesco's so much that we were already joking about making a return trip before we even left. If you're looking for amazing, authentic Italian food, a lively atmosphere, and truly exceptional service, Francesco's Hole In the Wall is a must-try. Just be prepared for a potential wait – it's a testament to how good this place is!
This place is small but mighty. The food is always amazing and the service is great. If you don’t want to wait, get there within 15 minutes of the restaurant opening but otherwise it’s worth the wait. We came in town to visit and made it a priority to eat here. Menu rotates via a white board. There’s a large selection and you can ask them to make you whatever you want or change anything to your liking. Tonight we had the artichokes to start. I eat a lot of artichokes and these are my favorite, along with J Alexander’s. We then had the rigatoni with sausage with is always amazing, highly recommend, and then the whitefish vesuvio. We finished off with the butter cake, which is to die for. The staff has very little turnaround and gets to know you over time. It’s a small spot and a little tight but well worth it. If you haven’t tried it yet, please do.
Cute Italian restaurant; not far from the Botanic Gardens. Open on the weekdays for lunch. Stopped in after the Botanic Gardens for a nice lunch. Menu changes but they can make any pasta combo you want! Have lunch specials too!
Wonderful fresh Italian food in a friendly slightly cramped cozy atmosphere with a very strong local following. The entire menu is always on the whiteboard and the variety of dishes is wonderful. If you want an Italian dish that is not on the menu they will make it for you. Prices are high but so is the quality and the service.
Wow! Just wow! We recently moved into the area and found ourselves a new go-to Italian restaurant. We haven’t had such great Italian dishes since Italy. My husband made a reservation for our lunch date and to our surprise, the place is quite intimate. I love the atmosphere but it can be crammed for some people. The tables are really close to each other. We definitely didn’t mind that at all. It was so close that the next table can smell our food and asked what we ordered because it looked so good. I love seafood and the Seafood Diavolo didn’t disappoint. It was spicy but very tasty. The pasta cooked perfectly with plenty of lobster tails and a variety of seafoods. Can’t wait to be back and try other pastas on the menu!
What an absolute perfect & amazing experience! From meeting Frank at the door to Mickey our server, the best of the BEST! We will be back soon for another outstanding meal with service like no other. Cheers and thank you!