Despite being located in haughty Lake Forest, Francesca's has a cozy, warm ambiance. The wait staff are experienced and unflappable. The food is pretty basic: don't expect anything too wild here. Lots of traditional pasta dishes, and some excellent appetizers, including a warm spinach dish made with garlic and olive oil -- it's incredibly mild and tasty (it has shallots in it as well). Desserts are reliably good. It is a small space, so if you have a large group or plan on going at a peak time, make a reservation. They're open for lunch as well -- but it's not a good place to eat lunch if you only have an hour. The ceilings are covered in fabric decoration which keeps the space from being too loud and clattery. This restaurant is always my first choice when eating in east Lake Forest.

We have never been disappointed with Francesca's! Although the restaurant is small, the hosts and wait staff manage to make the experience a good one. They are always accomodating even without a reservation. And then there is the food! The appetizers are outstanding, not to mention the pasta, fish, and meat entrees. Enjoy, but don't tell too many people!