Title: A True Italian Hole in the Wall -- One of the Best I've Ever Experienced! Francesco's Hole in the Wall in Northbrook, Illinois, on Skokie Boulevard may just be the finest Italian restaurant I've ever eaten at! This is a genuine Italian hole-in-the-wall experience. Small, tightly packed, full of character, and absolutely bursting with atmosphere. The walls tell stories of notable actors, sports champions, and generations of locals who have discovered this little treasure. I ordered something that wasn't even on the menu -- veal parmigiana with pasta. Now that's my kind of Italian restaurant! The veal was tender, succulent, fresh, and beautifully prepared. Every bite was a pleasure. I also enjoyed their signature Hole in the Wall Salad, a wonderful addition to an already outstanding meal. Served steaming hot and it came out quickly. Our server was amazing she truly enhanced my experience. Oh and the butter cake is perfect. And here's the icing on the cake: I even got my picture taken with the legendary Francesca "Frank" Gallo! What a character and what a memorable evening! I travel to the Chicago area regularly on business as a professional actor, and you can bet I'll be back. Add Francesco's Hole in the Wall to your must-stop-and-eat list when visiting Chicago. This is Italian dining with personality, tradition, and outstanding food. Five stars! read more

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I traveled a long way from California once a year to eat at this restaurant the food,wine , and servers are awesome !! Thank you all for filling my belly with some of the best Italian food I have eaten. Hats off to the mangers, who actually come to your table and share in your experiences ! This place is above the rest ! Delicious 1/2 chicken and lemon sauce with salad and bruschetta Wine and desserts were awesome read more

Mary was a excellent Server and the Beet Salad and lamb chops were perfect as was the butter cake ! We had a much bigger table this time not under the menu but on the right side ! Thank you again for having excellent staff and great food ! read more

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First time back in 30 years to Chicago area but missed good Italian food so had to check out this place. Went on Monday night for dinner but place was already packed with happy customers. We waited for about an hour but the food was worth it! Food came relatively quickly after we ordered it. Butter cake is a must! We will definitely be back and try other items on the menu. read more

Francesco's Hole In the Wall - butter cake - Italian Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

One of my must go places when visiting Chicago and always outstanding. Cute little place with fantastic service. Menu on a white board. The hole in the wall salad is always incredible and so is everything on the menu. We had salmon, seafood fra diavlo and shrimp scampi. Large portions and amazing flavor. read more

Francesco's Hole In the Wall - Seafood Fra Diavlo - Italian Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

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WOW--one of the best meals I've ever had, hands-down. The staff here are so kind and I adore the cozy, intimate setting--perfect for a nice, romantic dinner. My calamari was delicious, but oh my goodness, the pasta shells with meatballs were INCREDIBLE! The sauce was so gorgeous and the meatballs were sooo soft and flavorful--truly the best I've ever had. It's going to be hard for me to try anything else because I was so over the moon with my entree, but I'm sure their whole menu is a work of art. I also had a lovely pistachio gelato, which was a perfect way to end such a fantastic meal. I absolutely can't wait to go back! BRAVO! read more

Since my last review I have returned multiple times to Hole in the Wall and we have enjoyed many tasty dinner since. We always start off with the baked clams. It's so simple but very delicious. The friend calamari is pretty classic too, not overly breaded and contains the whole calamari including the tentacles which we love! My husband's go to is the veal chop vesuvio because it's a well prepared, well seasoned, and generous portion if veal. Well grilled with some delicious roasted potatoes. He says it hits the spot every time. I like to try my way around the menu. I'm still enjoying the bucatini with seafood and osso bucco, but have also tried chicken piccata, seafood diavolo (there was so much seafood in it, I was in seafood heaven), and baked lasagna (cheesy goodness!). No matter what I order, it's been well prepared and delicious. My favorite still remains the bucatini with seafood. Our server, Laura, is incredible. She is fun and knowledgeable. She doesn't push us to quickly decide on our items and happy to give us recommendations if I'm ever torn between two choices. I've had items switched up too like adding in lobster when Laura says they're super fresh that day or switching a pasta for angel hair pasta and there's never been a problem. We finish our meal with a warm and decadent butter cake. It's slightly chewy, cakey, buttery, vanilla-y, and just the perfect way to end a meal. A reminder that this place is small and cozy, and arriving around 6:10-7:00 will result in a wait. They're pretty good at getting people sat, but know this isn't a place to linger and chat for 2-3 hours after your meal. Chances are there's a party waiting for your table. You might get sat closely with the table next to you or be nearly elbow to elbow with someone else from a different table so be prepared. It's still a warm and welcoming place with incredible service! Frank walks around the restaurant greeting diners and making sure their meal is delicious. read more

Francesco's Hole In the Wall - Menu of the evening. Possibly the worst seat in the house - you're in everyone's picture of the menu! - Italian Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

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Get this! We had a 4:53pm arrival, and 1/3 of the dining room was full! By 5pm sharp, I heard the hostess quote a 45-60 minute wait time. So do what you will with that! My family has dined here twice now and enjoyed both meals thoroughly. A full bar is stocked, and I've enjoyed a strong lemon drop martini here, as well as a glass of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. Dining area has about 18 tables, so it feels very intimate and cozy. The menu is posted on a large whiteboard and can change frequently. Favorites we've tried are the ravioli (filled with spinach, mushroom, whatever is offered) and chicken picatta. We don't leave with any leftovers. Entrees can range from $25-60 at moderate portion sizes, so it is a spendy meal but worth every penny. Warm bread and butter are served before dinner and the fried calamari is a crispy appetizer that hits the spot. To touch on post dinner... save room because that butter cake is one of our favorite desserts anywhere!! It is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, served with gelato on top/side, whipped cream, and caramel and toasted pecans on our latest visit. Because there is no dessert menu (just what the waitstaff verbally tells you), here's what I can recall from it on our last visit last month: carrot cake, tiramisu, gelato, Oreo cake, banana chocolate chip cake, butter cake. Skip the Oreo cake. It tastes just like chocolate cake (a tasty one with a lovely crumb, just not reminiscent of Oreo at all) with a scoop of chocolate gelato on the side. Can't wait to return! read more

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While traveling on business I always look for " a hole in the wall" kinda place. Boy did I score on this place. It's a hidden gem. My server Laura was a sheer delight. I definitely needed her guidance as the menu was intimidating with an overwhelming listing of delectable delights. I opted for the baked clams as an appetizer and the shrimp scampi entree. WOW both were winners. Six buttery baked clams with a light crumb topping. The scampi literally shocked me with 3 massive shrimp butterflied with a seasoning to perfection. Definitely worth a return visit. read more

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If you're craving authentic Italian cuisine done right, this is your place. The octopus alone is worth the visit, but don't skip dessert. We'll definitely be returning soon. Best canoli I have ever had! read more

This place has high reviews on Yelp, so I had high expectations. Francesco's Hole in the Wall is a small restaurant.... Well, I suppose it fits the name. I would estimate no more than 30 people can fit in the tightly arranged furniture there. There is an outdoor dining area, that seats roughly another 15 people or so. I don't know... maybe my estimates are bad, but the whole point is this place is small. We got the salad which was OK. It consisted of iceburg lettuce, some ham and onions, and a nice vinegarette. Service was extremely slow. We waited close to 40-minutes to get our food. We got comped with a free dessert which was nice. Food overall lacked flavor and the pasta was over cooked. Unfortunately, we will not be going back there again. read more

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This restaurant is truly a special place. They are more than happy to accommodate a vegan, and their food is outstanding! I prefer to arrive here when they open at 5 pm, so I don't have to wait in line, which is always there when I leave after my dinner. The warm, fresh bread is perfectly crusty on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. For the first time, I tried their artichoke appetizer, which they made using garlic and oil. It was the best I've ever had... seriously! For my dinner, I asked for angel hair pasta with steamed broccoli in a pomodoro sauce - so flavorful and perfectly balanced! The ambiance is quaint. Be prepared, though, to sit close to everyone else. It' a tiny place and they fit as many tables as possible. Even so, I feel that I always have privacy at my table. Also, one thing to remember is to leave the restaurant after you pay your bill; they like to keep the place turned over to accommodate all of their customers and (of course) make money and survive. I highly recommend Hole in the Wall! read more

if it's good enuf 4 frank sinatra autographed foto then it's gotta be: " Abondanza" !!! - jpg read more

i would give Francesco's Hole in the Wall 10 stars if i could .not only were the lamb chops delicious but service is second to none Great staff really appreciated the hard work .And as for my lambs they were tender and the 3 chops were nice size . The spinach ravioli were delicious and freshly made from scratch Thank you for a wonderful dinner read more

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What can I say? Amazing food amazing service. Always great here.!! The seafood is so fresh. The salads are to die for not to mention all the fresh desserts. read more

Food is amazing especially pasta and muscles. Service is nice. Crowded but cozy ambiance

A Hidden Gem Worth the Drive! Francesco's Hole in the Wall lives up to its name in the most enchanting way possible. This intimate restaurant transforms what could be a cramped space into something magical through thoughtful design choices that make every diner feel like they've discovered a secret treasure. Ambiance: Cozy 4/5 The restaurant truly is a hole in the wall, intimate to the point where tables are quite close together, but rather than feeling claustrophobic, the space radiates warmth and character. The exposed brick walls and warm lighting create an atmosphere that says "special occasion" even on a casual Tuesday night. It's the kind of place where conversations naturally become more intimate and the outside world melts away. The menu posted directly on the wall adds to the authentic, unpretentious charm. There's something refreshingly old-school about this approach that signals you're in for a genuine culinary experience rather than a standard dining formula. Food: Extraordinary 5/5 Where do I even begin? The Chilean sea bass wasn't just exceptional, it ranks among the finest meals I've ever experienced. Each bite was perfect, showcasing both the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the kitchen. The Seafood Diavolo was equally divine. The meatballs deserve their own paragraph. They were made with care and featured that perfect blend of seasoning and texture that separates great Italian cooking from the merely good. Even the bread service impressed; the olive oil was so exceptional that it could have served as a meal in itself. Service: Perfect 5/5 Our server Mickey was an absolute delight. It's warm, attentive service that makes a meal memorable. The staff clearly understands that in such an intimate setting, service becomes part of the overall experience, and they deliver beautifully. We drove down from Milwaukee specifically for dinner here, and I wouldn't hesitate to make that drive again. Francesco's has earned a permanent spot on our special occasion rotation. A Note for Families: Given the intimate setting and close table spacing, this isn't the ideal spot for families with young children who need space to move around or require tablets for entertainment (nor should tablets ever be used without headphones at a restaurant). The restaurant's charm lies in its cozy, older child and adult-oriented atmosphere. Francesco's Hole in the Wall proves that sometimes the best experiences come in the smallest packages. This is destination dining at its finest, a place that turns a simple dinner into a memory you'll treasure. I hope to go back soon! read more

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It's been 6+ years since our last visit here and little has changed. It's still a place for great Italian cuisine in a cozy, homey dining room with just 16 tightly packed tables. This time the wife and I came in for lunch. We had their Hole in the Wall salad, $20.95 which included adders for $3 each of red peppers, artichokes, and gorgonzola cheese, and lunch servings of their chicken parmesan ($16.95), and pasta shells with chicken, arugula, and mushrooms ($14.95). It was all tip-top delicious especially the chicken parmesan which was the best ever as it was a moist chicken breast with just a delicate bit of breading and smothered in delicious cheese. I might have thought the same during our last 2019 visit also as I noticed I had that dinner sized dish in my photos too! The pasta shell dish was very tasty too and the salad was a very nice first course. The base salad price is $14.95, and I didn't read the fine print and thought all the adders were included but as noted, they are $3 apiece and it's a whatever on that. They still use their daily hand written menus on a chalkboard. The dinner prices are on the high side, but the portions are generous and its'a all top notch delicious. You just can't go wrong with the food here, but just be prepared for a wait if you want to try them on the weekends. read more

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Food was great. Services was great. Warm friendly environment. Tables are close and had a nice conversation with a lady and her daughter at the next table read more

Always a delight when we eat here. The food is outstanding, particularly the Osso Bucco. It's so hard to make a choice because it's all good. Huge shrimp in the scampi, sauces to die for, pastas worth raving about. Love the fresh menu -- on a white board so you know they change up daily. It's a small place, but it's always full, and well attended by a bevy of celebrities when they're in town, as you'll see by the numerous pix on the wall. Worth a visit -- or several! read more

Haven't seen this type of cooking since 1989 on Taylor st. An authentic Italian restaurant! Come and get it! read more

I'll start with a confession: I don't even like Italian food. And yet, this little hole-in-the-wall has earned a spot in my top five restaurants of all time. That alone should tell you how special it is. The Food: No matter what you order, it's consistently excellent. The artichokes are addictive--I could eat them nonstop. The branzino is perfection, cooked to a level that makes you forget every other fish you've ever had. The Atmosphere: Small, cozy, and charming. They've done a remarkable job maximizing the space without losing that intimate feel. It's the kind of place that feels like a secret you're lucky to know about. The Downside: They don't take reservations, which means the wait can be frustrating. Timing your visit is a bit of a gamble, but honestly, the food makes it worth it. The Service: Exactly what you'd expect from a team that's been doing this for decades--steady, reliable, no frills. The real highlight is the owner, who personally greets every table to make sure you're enjoying yourself. That kind of hospitality is rare and unforgettable. Final Verdict: Even if Italian food isn't your thing, this place will win you over. It's authentic, welcoming, and downright delicious. A true neighborhood treasure. read more

Cute Italian restaurant; not far from the Botanic Gardens. Open on the weekdays for lunch. Stopped in after the Botanic Gardens for a nice lunch. Menu changes but they can make any pasta combo you want! Have lunch specials too! read more

Francesco's Hole In the Wall - Chicken cavetelli - Italian Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

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Overhyped and overpriced. As someone who has lived in Italy, this is not authentic Italian food. Everything is heavily overdressed with incredibly acidic sauces a nightmare if you have acid reflux. Plus, the seating is so cramped that there is hardly any room to walk between tables. read more

We lucked out and got a table. Everything was amazing. Exceeded all expectations. The artichokes were to die for and Laura was the best waitress and made perfect recommendations for every course. We'll definitely be back!! read more

The food was delicious as we shared two appetizers and each had entrees and drinks. Our server was excellent! She had great suggestions and described the dishes well to help us with our order. The only negative was that nothing was stated on the site or in the restaurant that we were limited to 90 min per table. I understand the need, especially for a small place as this one. But way it was handled, not by our server, but by a person upfront, who would come and glare at us, making us very uncomfortable. She could have nicely explained the limit, in a friendly manner. There is no paper menu so it would be helpful if the server would relate that info or a small card on the table. read more

Amazing food as always, wonderful service! Fish dishes are terrific! also! All sauces homemade and very flavorful. read more

My wife and I tried this place out for the first time last night. We sat down immediately and were greeted by great waitstaff. Our food was excellent. Chicken Parm, meatballs, Rigatoni and sausage, and to finish it off, some of the best Butter cake you will ever have in the area. Would definitely go again. As for the guy with the kids with the crappy review earlier in this thread, go to Chuck E Cheese, this place is for adults. Great service. Great food. Great atmosphere. Loved it!!! read more

Francesco's Hole In the Wall - Meatballs - Italian Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

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We tried Francesco's Hole in the Wall. We wouldn't return. The seafood pasta we order had more sand and grit in it than any other restaurant we've been too. It wasn't a pleasant experience. read more

Recommended by a friend and headed to the Marriott theater afterwards, we were there promptly at 5 PM to make sure we got a table as there are no reservations. With the ever-changing menu on the wall we had a difficult time making a decision but so happy with what we ordered. The good crunchy on the outside soft inside Italian bread with olive oil and Parmesan cheese was the best Italian bread ever. My mom wanted to try the Chicken Vesuvio and it was delicious. I went for the Osoco Bucco, which was fall off the bone tender and tasty. We ended our meal with some spumoni and two cappuccinos. It's a little bit far from me but would go out of my way to come back here and try other dishes. Our waitress, Jenny, was friendly and informative of the menu, we enjoyed sitting in a covered outdoor patio, which was quaint. read more

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This restaurant has been a long time favorite but tonight'sdinner was a real disappointment. I ordered cavatelli pasta with chicken in vodka sauce. There was barely any chicken. Not even a 1/4 of a pound and the portion overall was not very generous. My husband said his white fish vesuvio was excellent, but again a very small portion. I fear this restaurant, like many others is cutting corners to maintain profitability. When that happens, the customers begin to leave. Not sure how much longer we can expect Hole in the Wall to be viable.. read more

I can't believe that this place is still open. It has gone downhill over the years. Server was rude and unfriendly to us. She's been there for a long time. Food fair and overpriced. Ambiance typical. Plenty of other places to eat. read more

Food was great. Ambience was that of a small hometown restaurant where everyone knows each other. Debbie was an amazing server and a great time. read more

Best Italian in Chicago, awesome staff... no reservations but, very worth a short wait.

Visited recently with my adult daughter from San Francisco. Delightfully great experience I wanted to share. Took my wife for dinner. Good exceptional! First visit was great but.... When returning to the restaurant our experience "other than the terrific food" was awful. Our server was paid with cash. She returned implying we did not"pay" enough? she could not make change. Tab was $186 I rendered $200. Ultimately paying $240 we felt as if she" held out" processing our bill until I "paid" more money to add a tip before I could give the tip. I always tip generously but have never been " stuck up " for a tip that was satisfactory. Great first visit Frank. Lousy colloquy. Won't be back pal. Bellini read more

Do not waste your time or money on this restaurant. They are living off the hype of "NORTHSHORE FINEST"! It diffidently does not live up to its "STORY" on its website. The four of us went out tonight and each ordered something different and only rated food at 2 stars at the best. 1. My brother's Thick pork chop dinner was tough and dry, If it was mine I would have sent it back! 2. My wife's Bucatini Seafood was watery and lacked any type of seasoning. She did not finish eating it! (This is supposed to be one of there SIGNATURE dishes) what a disappointment! 3. I ordered their other SIGNATURE Dish, the Osso Bucco. Was expecting something special but it was less than average. The website said the owner greets all his guests this never happened and I even asked our waitress to have him do so. The only good thing I can say is that there are much better ITALIAN restaurants out there and that I WILL BE VISITING THEM INSTEAD OF RETURNING FOR SUCH A SLIGHTLY LESS THEN AVERAGE OVERPRICED DINNER! read more

I've heard wonderful things about this place for years. They have lots of great reviews, so I was excited to finally get up north and get a table. We sat outside, which is quieter than inside. I ordered the Hole in the Wall salad with all the additions (turning a small $12 salad into a $21 salad). We enjoyed the warm bread while we waited...and waited...and waited for our entrées. They finally arrived and I asked for more water. I cut into my truffle ravioli and my son said he wanted to get a photo. I put the piece back together and Jenny, our waitress, returned with water. As she poured it into my glass, she said she would leave the pitcher, then poured over my glass into my entree plate. I pointed out that she just poured water and ice into my plate. I started to use my napkin to soak it up but she insisted on taking it and redoing it. She was gone for a bit and when she came back, apologized and told me the chef redid it for me. I was shocked that she came back so fast since it took so along the first time. She placed the plate down in exactly the same position because there was the ravioli had cut and pushed back together. I told her it was my same plate. She insisted it was redone, then back tracked that the chef retossed it in hot sauce. But moving newly sprinkled cheese, you could see that the water was just wiped away, perhaps stuck under the salamander again, then covered in grated parm and sent back out. #1 I didn't care about the water, I would have just wiped it away without her insistence. #2 as soon as a plate leaves your sight after a problem, there are too many questions about what they will do with/to it, not to return with a brand new meal. #3 when busted lying to a customer, just shut up. The other dish my son ordered was ravioli in vodka sauce. We've always known vodka sauce to be a mix of marinara and Alfredo, however it's executed. The sauce on this dish was just marinara looking. If you make a sauce differently than traditional, it should probably be mentioned when ordered. This is a small thing that I'd overlook perhaps, if I had gotten to eat my own dinner. With so many questions about the chain of custody of my dinner plate, I sent it back and asked it removed from the bill. I was disappointed I didn't get to try it. read more

Still our favorite Italian on the North Shore. They don't take reservations, but it is worth the wait. The branzino, baked clams, Ossobucco, squid ink pasta....everything is fantastic. This is what they mean when they say neighborhood gem. read more

Great food and excellent service. The calamari was delicious- well seasoned and big portions. I had the shell pasta with veal meatballs in a light tomato sauce and it was yummmmmm! The meatballs were not dry and were full of flavor. For dessert, I recommend the angel cake with vanilla gelato- portion enough to share between 2-3 people! We brought our baby, and while they were really nice about it I would not recommend small children- no high chairs and small (somewhat cramped) space. If you do bring kids, come early! They were very accommodating and super sweet to our baby but the spot itself isn't the best for families with small children. read more

Francesco's Hole In the Wall - Veal meatball and shell pasta in a light tomato sauce - Italian Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

I've kept coming back over the last 17-18 years for a good reason. The ambience, the friendly service, the kitchen aromas, the menu variety and the fact that Francesco's is the only place good enough to get me to cheat on a diet! whenever I go there. Grazie mille, signor "Menu Magic." read more