North Suburbs of Chicago｜Arlington Heights Italian Dining 🧡

That restaurant I used to visit often before the pandemic — I almost forgot it completely! Some restaurants aren't the “wow” type, but they just make you feel at ease when you eat there. 📍 Francesca’s North in Northbrook was one of my go-to Italian spots before the pandemic — quiet atmosphere, consistent food, a reliable place to meet friends back then. Somehow after the pandemic, I completely forgot about this place. If I hadn’t recently stumbled upon it again while looking for somewhere to eat with a friend, it might have stayed forgotten forever. Lately, I’ve visited their Arlington Heights and Barrington locations with friends — and with one bite, that familiar feeling came right back. 🥹 🍝 Francesca’s Dishes (All Solid Choices) 1️⃣ Carpaccio con Avocado Paper-thin raw beef + avocado + mushrooms + Parmesan + tomato 👉 A light, refreshing starter — but skip if you don’t eat raw food. 2️⃣ Pesce Lombarda Pan-seared halibut + shrimp + pine nuts + lemon white wine sauce + spinach 👉 Sauce is light and clean — great for those who prefer delicate seafood flavors. 3️⃣ Bucatini all’Amatriciana Tomato sauce + onion + chili flakes + Parmesan 👉 Traditionally made with pancetta fried until fragrant, then simmered with tomatoes. You might not see big meat pieces, but the flavor is infused throughout — slightly spicy, savory, and layered. My friend ordered this and I tried a bite — loved it! Definitely ordering it myself next time. 4️⃣ Linguine Con Cozze Mussels + garlic + anchovy + spicy tomato sauce 👉 A decent dish — not amazing but not disappointing either. 📍 Francesca’s is the kind of place that’s not about “wow” moments, but where you can order with your eyes closed. Perfect for family dinners, friend meetups — no fear of disappointment, no overthinking the menu, just relaxed vibes and a consistently good experience. #ChicagoEats #ItalianFood #NorthSuburbs #ArlingtonHeights #Francescas #ReliableEats