Francesca's Amici — Restaurant in Illinois

What has happened to this restaurants food and even worse the service? We have been dining here since they have opened. The experience has declined so has the food from a finer dining to a place I may not dine anymore. Tonight we had the same server who spilled an entire cup of coffee on my mother’s lap two years ago at my fathers funeral luncheon, and I remember him well. I won’t mention names but he put his hands on my shoulder and arm to make a point which I did not appreciate at all. I arrived 6:30 my friend was already seated but I heard we had a table next to the kitchen and he was less than happy when asked if we could have the table just a few feet further away. The place was not crowded so whatis the big deal? The server brought the wrong bottle of wine to the table. He tried to argue it was what my friend ordered and then was annoyed he had to go get the menu and proceeded to blame my friend for the mistake he clearly made. What’s the big deal, just go get the right one! When we ordered the second bottle he argued to keep the first label. Once again you do not know your wines just give the gentleman what he ordered!

We ordered an appetizer it came out cold. Then we ordered the Francesca salad it was good but I ordered it for my entree which was previously enough for two and now is merely a side salad. I asked how the sea bass was prepared and was told “sautéed with vegetables,” decided to take a pass. We weren’t given bread and had to ask for some. I suppose maybe this was a change in policy but what kind of Italian restaurant doesn’t serve bread and why have oil on the table?

The osso bucco meat was dry and the polenta was in lumpy balls, not smooth and felt like paste in my mouth. At this point I was still hungry and thought about more food but could see the restaurant was emptying out and it was clear they wanted to shut down.

Most restaurants have managers who visit the tables and ask how your meal was. When the manager walked past our table my friend stopped him to say how much he enjoyed the osso bucco, the man spoke from 10 feet away instead. He did not turn around and walk to our table to finish the chat, instead he acted like he didn’t have the time of day for us, in a loud voice finished his sentence and arrogantly kept walking.

We ordered the tiramisu it was soggy so this time I spoke up and let our server know and he said “oh well, it’s from Greco’s” and walked away. I couldnt make these things up!

They have some of the same servers they have had for many years. Half seem like zombies. To me I do not think I will suggest dining here anymore. I probably would drive to Roberto’s where the food and the service is excellent or Pasa di Pizza where the food is okay but at least the staff members act like they are happy to see you. I always loved this place for the consistent service and GREAT TASTING Italian food. I do not feel the...

Girls night experience. Went to Francesca's Amici Restaurant in Elmhurst on Saturday, 2/24 for dinner with some girlfriends. We were greeted as we walked in with theee lovely young ladies who were timely in finding our reservation and set realistic expectations for our wait and kept us updated until seated. We were fortunate to join others on the community during their restaurant week where they featured a 3-course dinner for UNDER $50. It was a lot of food with regular size portions. I was pleased to know that they didn't skimp on the portions. Jose was our server..he was EXCELLENT! He never missed a moment every time he walked by our table to see if we needed anything, if the food was alright or just to make sure our drinks were refilled. he was professional, attentive and made us all feel that it was his mission and purpose to provide us a great experience vs just serving is our food...and did so with a smile every time. Rudy and Ramona refilled our water and removed our plates just enough time after we were finished eating after every course...nothing is more irritating when plates pile up on the table. They too were just as professional and provided us with excellent service. I had the chicken and was cooked to perfection, juicy not dry...of course I had to have what I came there for....The Tiramisu in addition to the Gelato! (Chefs Kiss). The General Manager came over to our table shortly after we took our few bites of our meal to make sure everything was prepared to our liking and to let him know if we had any needs. Throughout our meal, he personally checked on us and removed plates from the table...that doesn't happen at any other restaurant I have eaten at lately. Often I am rushed to pay the check so they can serve their next customer. He also thanked us for choosing Francesca's and encouraged us to return again very soon.

We all enjoyed our experience and will definitely...

Started with the bruschetta with coppa ham. Not bad but tomato topping was a bit thin, just about a tablespoon of tomatoes per crostini. Followed with leek/mushroom pizza. Leeks were sliced very thin and turned a bit black but more importantly lost their character. Truffle Oil was used to compensate for the simple selection of mushrooms which seemed to be exclusively baby bellas, disappointed not to see a better selection there. More importantly the crust was obviously frozen and was a very antiseptic color and texture around the edges, not hand tossed. Any idiot can make pizza dough easily for pennies, for an Italian restaurant not to do it is just a shame.

Main course I had spaghetti marinara with mixed shellfish. This was good and seemed fresh, shrimp were large and juicy. My date had the lasagna which was good but overtly simple considering it was on the 'specials' menu. Also had a side of sautéed spinach. Nice to see adult (not baby spinach) and not cooked to death.

Nice selection of beers but I had an old fashioned with Woodford in which they muddled the cherry and orange (and used a full slice of orange, not just a rind). The orange aroma was so strong it was offensive, but not as offensive as the insult they paid the fine whiskey.

Lots of baseball caps and underdressed clientele. I am not suggesting a dress code but I feel the customers don't take the restaurant seriously but the restaurant perhaps doesn't take itself seriously. The many glaring shortcomings seem to be evidence of this. If you want good Italian in Elmhurst, go to Two Brothers. I expected a different and more 'sophisticated' experience here (at least in terms of the food) but I did not find it...