PRICE:
Frommer's Recommended

Though it's been open since 1992, Mia Francesca remains a hot dining spot -- one that has spawned more than 10 sister restaurants throughout the city and suburbs. Its strict no-reservations policy used to mean weekend waits of up to 3 hours, but that's eased now that the reservation policy has been changed (that said, definitely call in advance for a table). The restaurant's clean, modern take on the Italian trattoria concept attracts lots of local singles and couples, and the affordable prices keep them coming back. The food -- unpretentious but never dull -- includes a range of homemade pastas, thin-crust pizzas, chicken, veal, and standout seafood (even if you don't usually order fish in an Italian restaurant, it's worth trying here). Tables are packed close together, so you can't help eavesdropping on your neighbors -- and checking out their food. Yes, it does get loud, but the place has an undeniable energy. You'll find mostly the same menu at the other Francesca's locations in the city: Francesca's on Taylor, 1400 W. Taylor St., in Little Italy (tel. 312/829-2828), and Francesca's Bryn Mawr, 1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., north of Wrigleyville (tel. 773/506-9261). Another spin-off in Wicker Park, Francesca's Forno specializes in pizza and other grilled dishes.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Chicago 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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