Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. San Francisco
  5. The Castro
window view of parklet by Molly DeCoudreaux - Frances, San Francisco, CA
Award-winning

Frances

4.8
4.8
3472 Reviews
$50 and over
Californian
Top Tags:
At Frances, chef Melissa Perello’s seasonal menu reflects modern California sensibilities and focuses on ingredients from local markets, farms and producers in a casual, neighborhood setting. Named after Chef Perello’s grandmother, Frances is an ode to refined but comfortable sensibilities in both food and decor. Whether it’s the technique-rich, yet simple approach to food, or the open, familiar atmosphere and stellar service, Frances' honest, focused approach has resonated with customers and critics alike.


Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 21 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:15 pm–9:15 pm
  • Phone number
    (415) 621-3870
  • Website
    http://www.frances-sf.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Melissa Perello
  • Private party facilities
    BUYOUT EVENT Capacity: 30 seated or 55 standingWe will work with you to create a personalized event including a uniquely crafted menu and a signature wine experience. PRIVATE, OUTDOOR PARKLET EVENTCapacity: 16We offer a family-style tasting menu of 8-10 dishes and supplemental wine and beverage pairings. Email info@frances-sf.com to inquire.
  • Private party contact
    Samantha at samantha@frances-sf.com: (415) 621-3870
  • Location
    3870 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    The Castro
  • Cross street
    between Noe and Sanchez
  • Parking details
    Street parking only.
  • Public transit
    24, 33, 35, 37, F, K, M, and L
  • Entertainment
    Instagram: sf_frances
  • Additional
    Beer, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

What 3,472 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    Californian

  • San Francisco

    Californian

3,472 Reviews

  1. Lotem

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love this place, the food is always great, the staff is awesome and the atmosphere is romantic and fun

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    London

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    Decent food but small portions and really not great value for money. I'll never understand how a California wine from up the road costs twice in the States as it does in the UK (combination of tax + exchange rates?) - that's not a criticism of this venue per se, but eating out in the States in general.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Curator89

    Columbus

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always love getting the chefs tasting menu. Great variety, larger than expected portions. Excellent food and service

    Is this helpful?

  4. tkjj

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely farm to table, highlighting local ingredients. The tasting menu hit the highlights. wonderful experience

    Is this helpful?

  5. Crispy

    London

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The food was incredible. Everything was just so tasty. Our waitress was quite aloof and sometimes quite impatient which spoilt the mood a bit. It was also unfortunate that we were charged the wrong bill after we were told that high end restaurants take your card away to process the payment as opposed to bringing the machine to the table. Overall, an okay experience with great food.

    1 person found this helpful

  6. Gina

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely stunning environment, friendly service and delicious food!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Disappointed

    San Francisco

    41 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    The pork was undercooked and almost inedible. The cassoulet was marginal. The waitstaff seemed busy folding napkins. Compared with last time I was here, the food was not as good

    Is this helpful?

  8. KateS

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Emily was so lovely and knowledgeable. Amazing service!

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Unbelievably good food and kind staff. Wish tables were a bit less close together but really phenomenal place

    Is this helpful?

  10. TheToothsomePalate

    New York Area

    159 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    159 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience5
    Nice ambiance however the service was slow taking 25 minutes just to give a drink order after being seated. Food was interesting and somewhat tasty but not as flavorful as I had expected based on prior reviews. Oysters are very tiny, the watermelon gazpacho more like chilled tomato soup with small cubes of melon whose taste was overwhelmed by the soup. The cod was ok but again not that memorable. Interesting wine list with reasonable pricing.

    Is this helpful?

  11. wondertwinsmama

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Frances is one of our favorite restaurants to go to in SF. We had a bday to celebrate so of course my friends and I chose to do so at Frances. The 4 of us opted for the chef’s tasting menu. But we had to order the homemade sourdough bread since it is to die for! So much so that we had 2 orders for the 4 of us. (I mean- a bday celebration means carbs are ok, rt?) Every course was unique in its own way… the gazpacho was beautiful to the eye and flavorful, the halibut was so enticing that even the non-fish eater in our group braved a taste and enjoyed it!! Look forward to getting back asap.

    Is this helpful?

  12. Bernie

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Appetizers (panisse frites, sourdough, heirloom tomato with yogurt) were outstanding. Extremely fresh and tasty Soup-watermelon gazpacho was a burst of flavor and equally outstanding Campanelle pasta was light and sauce had excellent flavor with squash blossom and zucchini mint pesto Main course--cod was light and fresh, served on flavorful black rice Bean cassoulet was okay--nothing special Side dishes were nothing special--corn was good, summer squash fritto was okay Dessert was standard--very good brownie and lumberjack cake Would come back again and just skip the main and sides! All the other dishes were worth it. Service was pleasant; ambience inside too loud and crowded...outdoor parklet has more room but is limited seating

    Is this helpful?

  13. Cheryl

    San Francisco

    160 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    160 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Frances was such a dream My pescatarian guests loved the black cod. Heard a lot of wows when they tasted it The oysters a delight to start I love the pasta and the tomatoes in the salad were just so tasty. The pork chop so delicious I chewed on the bone The staff is like a lovely family A great time had by all 4 of us we always take the tasting menu Always creative and fresh , nicely served and oh so tasty

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, most excellent service. Kelly was an excellent server and helped us celebrate our anniversary in style.

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very friendly service, good food, and atmosphere. The spaghetti arrived lukewarm and was served at the same time as the main course, so it cooled down in the meantime. Dessert - amberjack pie, nicely presented, tasty ice cream, but for me, the weakest part of the menu. Overall, I rate it very good.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Frances never disappoints! Beautifully crafted seasonal food, fine dining service without the pretentiousness. Hands down one of the best restaurants in SF.

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Simply the best overall restaurant in San Francisco

    Is this helpful?

  18. Keith

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I have dined at Frances many dozens of times -- we always look forward to returning. Every dish is distinctive, perfectly prepared, beautifully presented. Staff is highly professional, highly knowledgeable, while friendly and comfortable to interact with. Not inexpensive, yet in every way a bargain.

    Is this helpful?

  19. MarJ

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant was an absolute delight to celebrate a very special family accomplishment. From the moment we stepped in, and the host greeted us with a bright, pleasant smile, and the staff were all very patient, informative and very welcoming to the ending with complimentary cookies alongside the delicious desserts we ordered, it was beautiful meal. The food was flavorful, fresh, beautifully plated, and a delight to consume which my family and I were ecstatic to experience. I highly recommend to come here and share a mindful, conscious, loving meal with yourself and/ or your loved ones. There’s indoor/outdoor seating decorated w/ beautiful little candles, the decor is elegant, earthy forward and nestled on a quiet street. Enjoy!

    Is this helpful?

  20. UdiL

    Dallas

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love Frances! The service is always amazing and the food is great. Such a nice place to have a great meal with friends.

    Is this helpful?

  21. MichaelD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Fabulous Meal. Incredible service. Great foodie experience at Frances.

    Is this helpful?

  22. WilliamC

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    I didn’t feel comfortable with so many people packed into a narrow space. When I pay for excellent cuisine, I expect a more relaxed, comfortable environment & not so much noise. All of the staff I encountered at Frances were courteous & accommodating but I felt as though I was a sardine.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    Very noisy. Talking was difficult. Somewhat claustphobic. Food and service was acceptable.

    Is this helpful?

  24. GreyL

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I haven't been since before the pandemic, I'm glad Frances is still open and as delicious as I remembered.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Pepperment

    San Francisco

    58 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything shines in the intimate setting of 'Frances'. Of course the food is superb, and it's the service which really stands out. Warm, smiling people who obviously love their job!

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful restaurant in San Fran and specifically in the Castro. Nice small restaurant with delicious food and great service. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We chose the tasting menu and could not have had a better experience! We were left full, as they perfectly portion the items out for the number of people at the table family style. Food was delicious and creative. We will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  28. NinaB

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best gazpacho ever. Everything else was sublime. Great staff.

    Is this helpful?

  29. MDfoodie

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and wine paring!! Service was excellent snd everyone knowledgeable about the food and wine. Most definitely will return!!

    Is this helpful?

  30. KaseyN

    Portland

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Absolutely delicious meal- and great wine recommendations!

    Is this helpful?

  31. hachi

    San Francisco

    24 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    The black cod was a bit overdone. The pasta was good although would have been nice if the squash blossoms had been tempura’d or stuffed. Brownie dessert would have been nice with some caramel.

    Is this helpful?

  32. SFLenny

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time back since Pandemic. Food still outstanding. Great service. It’s gotten a little pricey.

    Is this helpful?

  33. KikiVeeSFO

    San Francisco

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Frances never disappoints. The good is outstanding and the service is impeccable. If I had one disappointment it is that the lovely bacon beignets are off the menu, but replaced by such lovely new dishes that I hardly noticed.

    Is this helpful?

  34. PhilipC

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was all perfectively prepared with impeccable service. Frances seems more like a nice date restaurant these days. It stands out as being particularly quiet and serene.

    Is this helpful?

  35. prudence

    San Francisco

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We took the tasting menu, which was fantastic. Everything was well executed, and very tasty. The only item I didn't care for was the kale salad.

    Is this helpful?

  36. Ceres

    Cumbria

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was delighted to go back to Frances after a few years. The dining experience was as wonderful as I remember it. The food was delicious and packed with fresh ingredients. I loved the corn soup and salads served as part of the tasting menu, and the pasta was also amazing. The service was super friendly, offering great wine recommendations to go with our meal. We had a lovely night out and I look forward to going back!

    Is this helpful?

  37. mitchellB

    San Francisco

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Every dish was delicious and impeccably served as usual. My only disappointment was that the bacon beignets were removed from the menu. Also, I was surprised by the revamped interiors. The previous cream walls were bright and welcoming, whilst the new cool grey to black ombre walls are cold and cavelike. I almost felt like I was in a basement with the high windows and frigid interiors. I also missed the wine wall and a few decorative items on the bare walls. Looking forward to the next incarnation of the interiors when the beignets are back on the menu!

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Favorite place for years — always reliably fresh, inventive and so delicious. One of the best, most consistently surprising and satisfying fine dining establishments in San Francisco.

    Is this helpful?

  39. PapaToATeehee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first time visiting Frances, and we will be back. The food was amazing, the staff was knowledgable, and ambiance was relaxing and fun. It was just a great experience.

    Is this helpful?

  40. Cheryl

    San Francisco

    160 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    160 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    this meal was a great one. with the corn soup to start and black cod collars it was a delight to dig into this creative food. the fav was the cod of course but the oyster was fab as well. and the spaghetti was wonderful, it was a big piece of pasta. soft and Lucious, and the sauce an extra special tomato based one. I love the brownie as well. a wonderful meal, served by the wonderful and professional servers. love frances.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Frances is rated 4.8 stars by 3472 OpenTable diners.

Frances does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 21 times today
Google Map for Frances

3870 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    between Noe and Sanchez
  • Neighborhood
    The Castro
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:15 pm–9:15 pm
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street parking only.
  • Public transit
    24, 33, 35, 37, F, K, M, and L
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Melissa Perello
  • Entertainment
    Instagram: sf_frances
  • Additional
    Beer, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.frances-sf.com/
  • Phone number
    (415) 621-3870
  • Private party facilities
    BUYOUT EVENT Capacity: 30 seated or 55 standingWe will work with you to create a personalized event including a uniquely crafted menu and a signature wine experience. PRIVATE, OUTDOOR PARKLET EVENTCapacity: 16We offer a family-style tasting menu of 8-10 dishes and supplemental wine and beverage pairings. Email info@frances-sf.com to inquire.
  • Private party contact
    Samantha at samantha@frances-sf.com: (415) 621-3870

Featured in

Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo