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Frances is a charming restaurant located at 3870 17th St in the vibrant Castro district of San Francisco, California. Known for its market-driven Californian cuisine, Frances offers a delightful dining experience that showcases the freshest local ingredients. This compact eatery is perfect for those seeking a memorable meal in a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. With a focus on seasonal dishes, Frances has become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts looking to indulge in exquisite flavors.

Frances prides itself on a short yet impactful menu that changes with the seasons. Guests can expect a variety of dishes that highlight the best of Californian cuisine. Some key features include:

Artfully crafted dishes using local ingredients.

A rotating menu that reflects seasonal availability.

Signature dishes like Hokkaido scallop crudo and carnaroli risotto.

A selection of fine wines and craft cocktails to complement your meal.

Situated in the heart of The Castro, Frances is surrounded by a lively neighborhood known for its rich LGBTQ+ history and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Castro Theatre, a historic movie palace, and the colorful streets filled with shops and cafes. Frances is easily accessible and provides a perfect dining option for those exploring this iconic area of San Francisco.

Compact restaurant with hard-to-get tables serving short menu of market-driven Californian cuisine.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmNHZyYkdREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJky2knBt-j4ARXAdR3-GAWM8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmNHZyYkdREAE

Went for NYE dinner. Service was excellent. Food was good. Didn't care for the ricotta dumplings, and the salmon and sides were quite salty. Roasted chestnut soup, daikon cakes, and chocolate mousse torte were delicious though. Very loud though. Could use some sound absorbing.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYbllLSnl3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJky2knBt-j4ARXAdR3-GAWM8/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYbllLSnl3RRAB

A friend picked this place for a meet up. Apparently it’s hard to get tables but we managed to get an early seating. They have a nice selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. The bread was warm and the butter nicely salted. We split the thinly sliced scallop appetizer. For our main, we ordered the spaghetti, risotto and tuna. While the food had presentation were great, the portions were tiny. Even though I wasn’t super hungry, I could have used a few more bites of my risotto despite the appetizer. We ordered the lumberjack cake which was delish. One of my dinner companions said irl that it was his favorite dish out of the whole meal.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmLWR1YU93EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJky2knBt-j4ARXAdR3-GAWM8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmLWR1YU93EAE

A canceled trip to Paris for the holidays turned into a food journey of San Francisco, hitting some of the most highly rated restaurants in the city. Frances was one of the best and most enjoyable for the price . I did the chef's (8 course)tasting menu with wine to pair. Everything was enjoyable and delicious, my favorites were: "hokkaido SCALLOP crudo, aji cristal aguachile, badger flame beets, sesame" the cristal aguachile added a nice citrusy kick paired well with a sparkling wine from the Lorie Valley. The carnaroli RISOTTO, marina di chioggia, beemster xo gouda, fino sherry, sage, was a pleasant surprise, the sage added a nice burst of flavor, which paired well with the white wine. The TANSY Pinot was a beautiful match with the King Salmon. The meal ended on a high note with the Lumberjack Cake paired with a dessert wine. In the end I left very happy, for the price paid Frances offers an incredible culinary experaince.  Not only is the food and wine wonderful the service was a 10 and the place has a good atmosphere. France is a San Francisco neighbor gem!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzeTZickpnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJky2knBt-j4ARXAdR3-GAWM8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzeTZickpnEAE

I had high hopes for Frances, especially for my mom’s birthday, and didn’t want to be deterred by the recent negative reviews. But unfortunately, the experience fell short and I left disappointed. The appetizers were underwhelming—scallops were overpowered by the citrus flavor and the bacon beignets were too heavy and bready. The house made sourdough and squash risotto was just okay, and while the soup was decent, it wasn’t memorable. The wagyu short rib was the highlight of the meal. For the price point (nearly $300), I expected much more. Overall, it was a decent meal, but not worth the cost or the hype.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR6aHV1empnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJky2knBt-j4ARXAdR3-GAWM8/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR6aHV1empnRRAB

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Castro district of San Francisco, Frances Restaurant offers a delightful culinary journey through the flavors of California.
From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, with cozy yet elegant decor that set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
Frances takes pride in creatively serving Californian cuisine, showcasing the freshest ingredients from local farmers and producers. Each dish is a masterpiece, artfully crafted to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
We started our culinary adventure with their appetizer, Brokaw avocado, and daikon cakes; we went on to try serpent cucumber and stonefruit peaches; the food was bursting with summer flavors. For the main course, options abound, from the pork chops to the delicate seafood pasta; each dish was bursting with bold flavors and innovative combinations.
Frances Restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates fine dining with a Californian flair: impeccable service, exceptional food, and a charming ambiance.

Frances Restaurant: Upscale Californian Dining in The Castro, SF

Outdoor Seating

Restroom

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Dinner

Serves Lunch

Serves Dessert

Serves Vegetarian Food

Frances is a compact restaurant located in the vibrant heart of The Castro, San Francisco, serving a short menu of market-driven Californian cuisine. The restaurant emphasizes seasonal, organic ingredients, creating inventive dishes in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

Frances

Savor delectable dishes at Frances in The Castro, San Francisco. Experience vibrant flavors in a chic setting. Reserve your table now!

Frances Restaurant: Upscale Californian Dining in The Castro, SF

Dining & Culinary Delights

Location & Nearby Attractions

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