Francesco's Hole In the Wall — Restaurant in Northfield Township

Recently, 3 friends celebrated a birthday at Hole in the Wall. Reservations are not taken so a wait can be expected.We waited over an hour. The place is unassuming, very small and crowded seating but has a reputation for good, Italian cuisine. The noise level makes it very difficult to carry on a conversation. After some time a server asked "could I offer you ladies drinks? You've been waiting for quite a long time." We appreciated and accepted "the offer" thinking it was comped. There was never a bar list offered at any time during our visit. After a bit we were seated. Service was good. Warm bread was delivered as we studied the giant chalkboard menu. One friend raved about the Chicken Piccata (which was not currently on the menu but our server assured us that it could be made for us) so we all 3 ordered it. Soon after our food arrived that same “Chicken Piccata raving friend” stopped eating and said disappointedly "this isn't Chicken Piccata! No capers & mushrooms!" We were all served the wrong chicken dish! She told our server who told the owner. Instead of coming to our table his response to the server was "there's a new guy in the kitchen. Comp them a dessert" Really?! The "not chicken piccata" was ok but still NOT what we ordered.The rude and unfriendly owner strolled between cramped tables schmoozing and glad handing with his regulars who were also clearly favored for “priority seating” being moved to the front of the line upon their arrival. Our table was repeatedly passed by. Ignore the elephant in the room much?! That was odd. The owner also sat on a bar stool yawning and staring across the dining room. Our 1 comped bread cake dessert arrived. Delicious! Our bill totaled $195ish + gratuity for 3 NOT Chicken Piccatas, 3 glasses of basic Pinot Grigio. Clearly the "offered" drinks earlier were NOT comped after all and no adjustment (but a single dessert) was made for 3 wrong food orders! YIKES! 😳 The next day I called to discuss our bill. Francesco, the extremely rude & crabby owner took the phone and loudly said “this is Frank the owner. Stop bitching & bickering! You’re wasting our time! You'll get a $25 gift card and nothing more". Before I could say a word...he slammed the phone down and hung up on me! 😡 hmmm...that went well. Gift card???...

Off the beaten path is a place where earthly delights meet the essence of culinary artistry is Francesco's Hole in the Wall, a sanctuary for the discerning palate. Here, the spirit of the ancients dances with the flavors of the sea, crafting a feast that transcends mere sustenance.

With expectation high, I ventured forth to partake in the Seafood Diavolo, a tempest of flavors that enveloped my senses like the fervor of a divine canto. The pasta, al dente, entwined with the fruits of Poseidon's bounty—shrimp, clams, and tender lobsteri—was set ablaze with a fiery marinara that spoke of passion and fervor. Each bite ignited a symphony of gentel heat, a reminder of the inferno that fuels the soul, yet tempered by the soothing embrace of fresh herbs that danced atop like angels in a heavenly choir.

Next, my date was drawn to the Bucatini with shrimp and crab, a dish that mirrored the elegance of Italy herself. The bucatini, thick and supple, cradled the sweet, succulent crab and plump shrimp, draped in a delicate sauce that sang of the ocean's depths. It was a harmonious blend, each ingredient a note in a grand sonnet, celebrating the union of land and sea, a testament to Francesco’s mastery.

As the final act of this divine feast unfolded, the Lemon Tart emerged—a celestial orb of citrus brilliance. Its golden hue was reminiscent of the sun that graced the fields of Paradise, while the buttery crust crumbled like the very foundations of earthly worries. Each forkful was a revelation, a zesty embrace that left a lingering sweetness, a promise of joy that will echo through the...

The food was just ok. Nothing to call home about. The service however. Was not up to par for what I paid.

Because we decided to eat outside, the server said only one person could come in to take a picture of the menu hanging on the wall and told me that I had to share that pic w my family as that was their menu.

The restaurant is extr close the to another restaurant, their patio is confusing to know who's is whos. My family went to sit and when I came out they were confused on where to sit because the restaurants are so close that they basically intertwine. When my family sat at the wrong table they were scolded bc they couldn't tell the difference in the restaurant and the seating.

The server wasn't very friendly. She seem aggravated when we asked questions. When my mom would make a joke she would not really acknowledge it, or she would say something sassy back.

She mentioned that they really don't do any special drinks so for us not ask for them.

At the end of the meal we sat and talked for a while but the restaurant turned off the lights basically kicking us out.

She them came to our table and said she had to pick up the glasses of water, and when my aunt said she needed her water The servers reply was....

"Well. They need to wash the dishes back there so they can go home."

After paying over $300 for a meal, she then stood at the entrance door staring at us like a hawk. It was so uncomfortable!!

I would not recommend, nor would I go back to...