Francesca's Tavola — Restaurant in Wheeling Township

Francesca's has been our favorite local restaurant for several years. Last night was our first bad experience; we are not likely to return. We had a reservation for 3 for dinner at 5:30 and arrived at 5:15. Host asked where we would like to be seated - the restaurant was empty. We said "wherever it is the most quiet", were taken to the bar area and seated at a U table for 6. It seemed to be in a quiet area so fine with us. We ordered calamari. The waiter and server were both very pleasant. When the calamari arrived, it was so tough and rubbery I choked trying to swallow. We called the waiter and informed him. He offered to replace it and we agreed. When the replacement arrived it was only marginally better. The host brought it out and set it in front of us. When we told him it was still quite tough and that usually Francesca's calamari is perfect he said "We have a new recipe. We soak it in milk so that removes some of the toughness." Hmmm. We just told you it was still tough. Okay, let's just move on without getting into an argument. Immediately after the host left the replacement calamari, a group of 6 people arrived. We were the only 2 groups in the restaurant and yet... they were seated right next to us. And they were talkers - conducting a loud "reunion" conversation with the host for several minutes before taking their seats at the table. A third group clearly celebrating something arrived 10 minutes after that and were seated at the other end of the bar area. This arrangement did not make for a quiet dinner. All 3 of us ordered a special. The menu described crab cakes as "Lump Crab." Only if you took the lump crab and shredded it before forming the cake. Making it into an entree was $10 more, but we were charged an additional $3 for spinach. Wouldn't that be "an appetizer and a half"? The pasta was tough. Description said "heirloom tomatoes... but the tomato was ground or finely chopped and tasted like they used the bruschetta tomato mix. The fish was good, but the presentation involved twisting in into folds which made it difficult to remove from the skin. I had asked for "no green peppers" but there they were in the mix of peppers on the top. That's probably sufficient gory detail regarding the mains. Dessert/coffee: My latte was lukewarm. The server nearly spilled the sloppy sundae on himself. He went back into the kitchen to "fix it" because the dish impacted his shirt and pushed the whipped cream off. The citrus Italian crumb cake tasted frozen and defrosted. The experience made me laugh while it was happening - sometimes you think it just can't get worse so you keep going - but then it does get worse... and worse. Reflecting after the fact has made me sad. Even just 2 years ago the prices were ~30% lower and the experience was 100%...

It’s OK Italian food for a "chain" restaurant. There are lots of Francesca's. Francesca's Tavola is just outside of downtown AH and has their own parking lot. It can get pretty filled up during dinner on the weekends. The restaurant itself is pretty spacious with space for larger tables and a private party room. The bar is set a little lower than the entrance and has seating there too. The hostesses were nice and friendly.

We made a reservation and were quickly seated in the main dining room. The bread is really good! Warm, soft, and crusty, perfect with olive oil and parmesan! We started with the fried calamari and really appreciated the inclusion of all the parts, not just the rings of the calamari. It was a good start to our meal. I ordered the shrimp with pasta, hubs ordered the pork chops. Both dishes were just ok. His chops were dry and chewy so he didn't enjoy his meal. My shrimp and pasta were just ok. It seemed like there was something missing because it didn't wow me. Maybe because it was a busier night the attention to details were lacking?

We've eaten here several times prior and have had inconsistent meals. Sometimes it's decent making us wonder why we don't eat here more often and other times we leave completely underwhelmed wondering why we spent so much on an "ehh so-so" meal. This meal was definitely an eh, so-so meal. People kept taking away our plates and asking us if we were done every time we set down our forks. We felt so rushed and hurried. We had empty water glasses and were surprised with so much attention to remove our plates, there was no attention to keep glasses filled. Maybe it was a way to get tables quickly rotated?

There were several larger tables around up and the noise level made it harder to hear each other. One larger table had a group of 6 men who were trying to talk over each other. It got louder because other people around had to speak louder to be heard over them, including us. I wished the manager or hostess could have stepped in to remind the group they are in a restaurant.

Overall, this was a disappointing meal and experience. Not sure if we will return again. There are so many other Italian places in and around Arlington Heights. Perhaps this review will remind me of...

This is the mother of all reviews.

The outside of the building and premises were clean and well kept. I like that. We were greeted with smiles(I think) and seated promptly. Service was timely. Not too fast and not too slow. Great pace. I’ve never had a bad meal at francescas. The plate for my Caesar salad was chilled and croutons were crunchy. Wilted salad on a warm plate is an absolute deal breaker for me! Our meals had the proper portions and were warm. The chicken Parmesan was not like the way mom made it. It was better. I met Dan and Mike. Great guys who made me and my wife feel at home. It felt like they cared a great deal about Francesca’s and their customers. It made me feel good about being there. By the way, Dan can sell a ketchup popsicle to a lady wearing white gloves.

There is one thing I have to say. Probably the most important part of my review. March 9, 2019 was the last time I had coconut cake at lake forest Francesca. My sister looked really cool ordering 3 slices for the table because it wasn’t on the menu, yet she knew it was there. And it is hands down the best cake I’ve ever eaten. Every visit I’ve made to francescas since then I’ve asked for the coconut cake only to be denied. Sometimes I get a dejected manager to talk about the cake for 30 minutes. I’ve been told some really tall stories. But they all say how great the cake is and how so many people ask for it only to be denied. Someone doesn’t know how cool it is to order an off menu item and have the server say “great choice.” I know it because I saw it, but I didn’t experience it. I will not stop asking for coconut cake until it is restored as an off menu secret item. I will let you slide on stopping the Anise candy, but I will not let the coconut cake thing go. I never quit.

The people want coconut cake. Not just any coconut cake. Francesca’s coconut cake. I sure hope they didn’t lose the recipe.

C’mon Scott! No comment on the...