AWARDS/REVIEWS

Chicago.CitySearch.com

Double whammy - one of the city's best Italian restaurants is also one of its best bargains.

The Scene
The atmosphere is frenetic, often loud with chatter, laughter, clinking glasses and cheers.

Required Eating
The salmon pastrami is a perfect starter, paired with peppery arugula and a lightly garlicky dressing. Roasted chicken, an enormous half-bird portion, is fragrant with rosemary, lemon and caramelized shallots. And you'll swoon over skatewing (stingray), perfectly dusted with flour, then sautéed, flecked with parsley, and topped with fat, juicy capers and barely wilted spinach.

Dessert Do
The gelati (Italian ice creams) — pistachio, cinnamon, raspberry, banana-fudge and vanilla — are quite possibly the best in town. As is the chocolate brownie with gooey chocolate sauce oozing down the sides.

2000 Nominee for the Best Italian Restaurant in Chicago.

Cheftalk.com – Christopher Koetke

If I had to describe Mia Francesca in a couple of words, I would use "vibrant and lively". This very popular restaurant, located just north of Belmont on Clark, is not only a truly fun restaurant with a great social ambiance, but also a place to enjoy excellent Italian food.

The friendly, accessible and abundant wait staff rounded out the pleasurable dining experience.