When it’s good, it’s good ... everything about it. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, we enjoyed an outstanding meal at Rockford’s classic Italian ristorante, Franchesco’s. And over the last 34 years, this restaurant has just gotten better and better.

The eatery has a truly beautiful main dining room, which happened to be booked for a private party the night we visited. We peeked in at the enormous space with round, tufted booths, a contemporary gas fireplace with an unusual water feature and a baby grand piano in the center.