Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Frances – San Francisco
Frances - San Francisco
Photo from Frances
Frances at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 78 of the guests
#1316 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#57 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
564
Reviews
70.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Attentive service
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Cramped seating
The American restaurant Frances, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle neighborhood, offers you an exceptional dining experience. You’ll discover a menu where organic dishes and small plates shine, complemented by a truly great dessert selection that promises a sweet ending to your meal.
This spot is perfect for you to enjoy a memorable evening out.
Overview: Introducting Frances
Frances offers a dining experience where the culinary execution often shines, with many appreciating the careful balance of flavors and the overall quality of the dishes. The service consistently receives high marks, frequently described as attentive but not intrusive, contributing to a pleasant visit.
However, the restaurant presents a mixed bag when it comes to the dining environment and cost. Some find the ambience charming and cozy, while others note issues like cramped seating and an occasional strong smell, alongside concerns about undisclosed surcharges impacting the overall value.
Good
7.4
out of 10
564
Reviews
70.6%
Satisfaction
121
negative
45
neutral
398
positive
Frances achieves a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.4, indicating a generally good experience, and a Customer Satisfaction rate of 70.6%, which is also considered good. This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 398 positive remarks against 121 negative ones, out of 564 total customer observations.
Delving deeper, the Service (8) stands out as a strong point, closely followed by the impressive Food (7.7). The Ambience (7.2) also garners a good score, though it’s not without its detractors.
The primary area for improvement is clearly Value (3.5), which falls into the poor category, suggesting that many guests feel the cost doesn’t always align with the overall experience.
What people like
- Exceptional Food Quality
- Attentive Service
- Charming, Cozy Vibe
What people don't like
- Poor Value
- Cramped Seating
- Undisclosed Surcharges
If you prioritize exceptional food and attentive service for a special occasion, Frances could be a fitting choice. The culinary team consistently delivers on flavor and quality, and the staff ensures a well-paced and pleasant meal, making it a solid option for those seeking a refined dining experience.
However, be prepared for a potentially intimate setting and consider the price point carefully, as the Recommendation Score of 7.8 suggests it’s well-regarded but not universally perfect. Those sensitive to close quarters or looking for a budget-friendly option might find the value proposition less appealing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Frances
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
The food here is definitely a highlight, boasting a strong score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 73.3%. With 253 positive remarks out of 345, many rave about the amazing food, unique tastes, and flavorful dishes, often praising the seasonal ingredients and presentation. It sounds like a culinary adventure!
However, not every dish hits the mark. Among the 57 negative comments, some found the portions a bit small or the sauces overpowering. A few mentioned bland or underseasoned dishes, and some appetizers were underwhelming.
It seems consistency can be a slight issue for some.
Food
345
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
57
negative
35
neutral
253
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing, flavorful dishes
- Unique, creative tastes
- Quality seasonal ingredients
What people don't like
- Portions can be small
- Seasoning sometimes inconsistent
- Sauces can overpower
Often praised
- foodIt's perfect here. After almost 5 years between visits, it never fails. Our favorite place in SF!
- tasting menuThey serve a 4 course tasting menu, which really is 10 courses.
- wine pairingwine pairing (wine pours were incredibly generous and nicely paired
- dishesWe opted for the chef's tasting menu, and each of the 7 dishes was excellent. We could tell there was something extra about the dishes, a careful balance of flavors that's nearly impossible to replicate at home.
- oystersThe food and service were outstanding. I especially want to give special props to the sourdough bread, oysters, wagyu short rib, and chocolate mousse.
- pastaThe pasta was lovely, with dragon balm both folded into the dough and sprinkled on top
- daikon cakesThe short ribs and daikon cakes were tasty
- menuThe menu is heavy on seafood and vegetables / grains.
- wineThe food was FANTASTIC! We had wonderful service and delicious wine. Each course was bursting with new and interesting flavors and ingredients.
- wine listwine list has an excellent, well curated selection
Frequently criticized
- foodI had dinner tonight at Frances, after excitedly reserving now that it’s re-opened after the pandemic. While the food wasn’t horrible, it doesn’t hold a candle to the Frances of the past or even their sister restaurant Octavia. The menu was set and for the price, the amount of food and portions were not worth it.
- RoséDer Rosé aus Kalifornien war für uns geschmacklich sehr sauer
- agnolottiThe agnolotti and dessert were the most disappointing.
- bacon beignetsBut 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.
- dishesThe menu was set and for the price, the amount of food and portions were not worth it. Every dish lacked any umph and all could’ve just used some salt. The pay for what you pour wine is no longer available which was also a bummer.
- lumberjack cakeThe lackluster Lumberjack cake left me missing the delicious caramelized outside
- portionsportions are a bit small
- Pork ChopPork Chop war zu wenig durchgebraten
- PortionsPortions were quite small
- albacore tuna platealbacore tuna plate was no more than 3oz
If you're seeking a generally delicious and creative culinary experience, this restaurant is certainly worth a try. While a few dishes might not always hit perfection, the overall food quality and innovation are highly praised and promise a memorable meal.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8 and a strong customer satisfaction of 79.6%, guests consistently praise the attentive and friendly staff. Many of the 86 positive remarks highlight the knowledgeable team, impeccable service, and excellent recommendations, making for a delightful dining experience.
However, it's not entirely without its quirks. The 20 negative comments occasionally mention challenges with reservations and long wait times for food. Some also noted issues with meal pacing or getting serving spoons, suggesting minor areas where the service could be even smoother.
Service
108
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
20
negative
2
neutral
86
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Impeccable service
- Accommodates dietary needs
What people don't like
- Difficult reservations
- Long food waits
- Slow meal pacing
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding. The Californian cuisine was of high quality, and the dishes were well paced and perfectly served. I highly recommend this place if you are in San Francisco.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. On the positive side, the food was fairly good, and the staff were friendly. I had one of the best salmon I've ever tasted, with perfectly crispy skin yet tender and juicy inside.
- peopleWe went with a party of 3 and I feel like we might have gotten a portion for 4 people, because they only worked in portions for 2. Great service, nice people.
- reservationThey accommodated my last minute reservation
- EmilyEmily took care of us and she was delightful
- EveryoneWe loved every course. Everyone was really great, making the day truly special.
- ServiceService was great
- StaffStaff were chill but fast
- accommodate other dietary restrictionscould accommodate other dietary restrictions
- attentiveWe consider it a hidden gem in the neighborhood. The service has been excellent, attentive but not intrusive.
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice left a lot to be desired
- apologyNo apology or offer to rebook
- disclosureIt wasn’t disclosed on the menu or by the server
- dog policywouldn’t let us sit outside with our dog
- hostthe host came to our table and asked if we could leave
- pacingthe pacing on the whole tasting menu was very slow
- reservationIt is usually difficult to get a reservation here
- reservationsreservations need to be planned way in advance
- service standardI would expect a much higher food and service standard given the price and the fame.
- servicesThe close proximity also meant you could hear people talking several seats down, which unfortunately led to people talking louder. Combined with slow services, the dining experience became a little unbearable after 2 hours for a three-course meal on a Wednesday night. I don't think I would try weekends there.
Overall, the service here is a definite highlight, significantly enhancing the dining experience. If you can secure a reservation, expect a welcoming and attentive visit, though be mindful of potential waits during busy periods.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The vibe here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.2 and 73.7% customer satisfaction. Many guests, 56 out of 76 comments, loved the intimate restaurant feel, charming ambiance, and cozy vibe, especially with outdoor seating options. Its often described as warm, inviting, and beautifully designed, making for a great experience.
However, 16 comments pointed out some snags. Concerns arose around seating being too close, leading to a high noise level and a feeling of being cramped due to limited space between tables. ' Some found the restaurant layout a bit tight for comfort, impacting their overall experience.
Ambience
76
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
16
negative
4
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate atmosphere
- Charming decor
- Cozy outdoor dining
What people don't like
- Cramped seating
- High noise level
- Limited table space
Often praised
- atmospheredeceptively simple interior design and atmosphere make this venue superb
- ambiancethe ambiance and the service were as excellent as ever
- placethe place was packed and lively
- Danny Meyer restaurantClosest round to a Danny Meyer restaurant
- InteriorInterior was warm
- West Hollywood vibesWest Hollywood vibes
- Women-Owned BusinessesI love to support Women-Owned Businesses.
- ambiencelovely ambience
- charming ambiancea charming ambiance
- cozy vibeDesserts were nice as well. The restaurant has a small menu and a cozy vibe. Additionally, the single bathroom in the back is super fancy, complete with candles, decor, lights, and thick paper towels.
Frequently criticized
- ambienceambience was lacking! Gray walls and lackluster lighting
- atmospherevibes were not vibing
- noise levelHowever, the restaurant was so tightly laid out that it was very difficult to be seated. The close proximity also meant you could hear people talking several seats down, which unfortunately led to people talking louder. Combined with slow services, the dining experience became a little unbearable after 2 hours for a three-course meal on a Wednesday night.
- church pewI felt like I was in an old church pew.
- liquor or some sort of smellthere was also a strong liquor or some sort of smell that was also bugging me
- premium experienceFor such a grand meal, I will say the ambience was lacking. Gray walls and lackluster lighting didn’t make it feel like a premium experience.
- restaurant layoutI had one of the best salmon I've ever tasted, with perfectly crispy skin yet tender and juicy inside. However, the restaurant was so tightly laid out that it was very difficult to be seated. The close proximity also meant you could hear people talking several seats down, which unfortunately led to people talking louder.
- seatingThe seating also left something to be desired.
- spaceIt's a very small plane so you sit very close to your next table dinners.
- space between tablesa little more space between tables
If you're seeking a charming, intimate spot with a cozy atmosphere, especially for a date night or outdoor dining, this place could be a great fit. Just be aware that it can get a bit lively and seating might feel close, so it might not be ideal if you prefer a very quiet, spacious environment.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When considering value, a few guests found the prices fair, especially if youre looking to "splurge" or celebrate, with one even calling it enjoyable for the price. While overall customer satisfaction is a good 8.6, the specific value score comes in at a rather poor 3.5, indicating a significant disconnect. Indeed, with 28 negative remarks compared to just 3 positive ones out of 35 total comments, many felt the "price point, " "cost, " and "hype" didnt align with the value for money.
Frequent concerns included unexpected surcharge fees, an expensive meal that didn't deliver, and portions that seemed too small for the price.
Value
35
Reviews
8%
Satisfaction
28
negative
4
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good for a splurge
What people don't like
- Not worth the cost
- High surcharge
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceMy canceled trip to Paris for the holidays led me on a food journey through San Francisco, and Frances was one of the best and most enjoyable for the price. I opted for the chef's 8-course tasting menu with wine pairings.
- pricesthe prices are very fair
- splurgeif you’re looking to splurge or celebrate a special occasion
Frequently criticized
- priceService was impeccable and deserves 5 stars! I will say that for $85 a person there are much better options in the city.
- billHowever, the pretentiousness of adding a 7% surcharge to a party of 2 who ordered off the menu with zero requests is questionable. This surcharge wasn’t disclosed on the menu, by the server, or explained on the bill. That’s tacky and puts a bad taste in your mouth, no matter how good the food was.
- surchargeWhile none were particularly outstanding, they also weren't terrible. What truly stood out, however, was the 7% surcharge and a bill of approximately $100 per person, which still left us needing to go to another restaurant to finish our dinner. The albacore tuna plate, for instance, was a meager 3oz and priced at $40.
- amount of foodWhile the food wasn’t horrible, it doesn’t hold a candle to the Frances of the past or even their sister restaurant Octavia. The menu was set and for the price, the amount of food and portions were not worth it. Every dish lacked any umph and all could’ve just used some salt.
- costFor the price point (nearly $300), I expected much more. Overall, it was a decent meal, but not worth the cost or the hype.
- expensive mealpaying for an expensive meal
- hypenot worth the hype
- mark-upsurprised by the mark-up, which exceeded 100%
- mealpaid so much for not a single thing that felt elevated
- overall pricefood was just mixed, especially for the overall price
If youre planning a special occasion and are prepared to splurge, you might find the experience enjoyable. However, if youre looking for strong value for money or generous portions, you might be disappointed by the high price point and additional surcharge fees.
How are the prices at Frances?
On average, you’ll spend around 90 per person – based on 78 guests. That places the restaurants average in the $81–$90 category. For an American Restaurant, thats definitely on the higher-end side.
While the average is 90$, a closer look at what people actually spend shows a significant number of diners are opting for experiences in the $101+ range, indicating a premium offering rather than prices clustering around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 78 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the price point and the clear trend towards higher spending, we think the pricing reflects a premium American dining experience. It’s not your everyday casual spot, but rather a place for those looking for a more upscale meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Frances
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Meal, Poor Value
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The food was very greasy and underwhelming. The atmosphere was also not great, with the vibes not vibing.
I felt like I was kicking myself for paying so much for such a disappointing meal, especially considering the high price per person.
- food2
- atmosphere2
- price per person1
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Food, Service, and Wine
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was great, the service was excellent, and the wine selection was superb. It's the closest I've found to a Danny Meyer restaurant in San Francisco.
- food9
- service10
- wine9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Delicious food, cozy but loud atmosphere
What a cute neighborhood restaurant, conveniently located just off the Castro and within walking distance to the Mission. It's a very small space, so you'll be sitting quite close to your neighboring diners. However, the food is absolutely worth it.
They offer a 4-course tasting menu that effectively turns into 10 courses, providing a generous amount of food. The cuisine is modern American. My favorites were the diakon cakes and the pasta.
I will definitely be back.
- food10
- diakon cakes10
- pasta10
- space4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Mixed Feelings: Unique Ambiance, Uninspired Food
Overall, I was a little disappointed as we were pretty excited about this restaurant, but it ultimately just didn't deliver anything all that unique food-wise. We visited on a Thursday night with four people. The service/staff were great, and the ambiance was uniquely vibey for SF.
The design of the space is nice, dark, and busy. The food was mixed, especially for the overall price. I was a bit uninspired by the menu/mains, as a short rib and Atlantic salmon didn't totally mesh with the more creative starters.
Quick review of what we ate: Beignets were probably the best dish – really unique. Figs were pretty good and the sauces were unique, though the figs themselves were all over the place with size/taste. Shrimp was solid – the sauce was delicious.
The lettuce was nice but very basic. I enjoyed the spaghetti, but my wife, who loves pasta more than she loves me, literally couldn't eat it because she said it was the most acidic red sauce pasta she's ever had. The short rib was way overcooked and just not particularly unique; it wasn't in enough sauce, and it's short rib – probably our mistake for ordering it.
The Atlantic salmon was also our mistake for ordering as it just wasn't very special, and we also felt it was overcooked, and the beans were really not cooked. The peanut butter dessert I recommend.
- service/staff10
- ambiance9
- design of the space8
- spaghetti2
- short rib3
- atlantic salmon3
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Tasting Menu and Great Staff
My experience at the restaurant was amazing, especially with the tasting menu. It was incredibly well-balanced. The staff was also super nice.
- tasting menu10
- staff10
What Frances offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Beer
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Frances?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for your visit to Frances, especially if you plan for dinner or lunch. While counter service is available, securing a table ensures you can fully enjoy the upscale, romantic, and cozy atmosphere. You can easily make your booking to guarantee your spot.
Is Frances accessible for all guests?
Yes, Frances is designed to be fully accessible for you. The restaurant provides a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone. Additionally, you’ll find a gender-neutral restroom available for your convenience.
What is the overall sentiment regarding Frances?
Frances generally receives good feedback, with a Restaurant Score of 7.4 and Customer Satisfaction at 70.6%. Guests particularly appreciate the Service (8) and Food (7.7), while Ambience (7.2) is also rated well. However, Value (3.5) is a notable concern.
What do guests enjoy most about the dining experience at Frances?
Many guests praise the exceptional food, noting the “careful balance of flavors” and “new and interesting flavors.” The service is frequently described as “outstanding” and “attentive but not intrusive,” contributing to a delightful experience.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining at Frances?
Some diners express concerns about the “value,” citing “small portions” and “undisclosed surcharges” that make the meal feel expensive. The “ambience” can also be a point of contention, with mentions of “cramped seating” and “lackluster lighting” affecting the overall comfort.