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window view of parklet by Molly DeCoudreaux - Frances, San Francisco, CA
Award-winning

Frances

4.8 (3703)
$50 and over
Californian
3870 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
animated flamesBooked 18 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
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.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:15 pm–9:15 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • 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.
  • 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
Gift card

Gift card

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What 3,703 people are saying

Frances reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    Californian

  • San Francisco

    Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Frances offers "amazing team, food, wine and space" in a "cute, elegant small space." Diners rave about "excellent service, super knowledgeable staff" and "delicious and unique dishes." The menu features standout handmade pastas, seafood, and inventive flavors. While some find service slow during busy times, most enjoy the "impeccable and friendly" experience.
3,703 Reviews
  1. Shauna VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing experience, from the first bite to the last. And they were particularly kind and accommodating to our last-minute seating request. What a lovely experience. I can’t wait to return!

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  2. Gary

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    2.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    I had heard good things about Frances, so when I had an out of town guest I took her. We tried the tasting menu which consisted of about 7 dishes. I thought they were just ok — nothing excellent, which is what I expected. The kicker for me was the 7% “service charge” which was explained as “a way to cover the cost of running a restaurant without raising prices”. This was really sneaky. So — just no. Won’t be going there again.

    Is this helpful?

  3. John VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area59 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Once again enjoyed the creativity and control of the kitchen. Also love the old standbys. I also enjoyed being served by mature women who I think I recognized from ten years ago!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Valerie VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Poor service and food quality, cocktails tasted like beer, doesn’t worth its money

    Is this helpful?

  5. Julie

    Dallas - Fort Worth1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and wine was outstandingly great. We have been there before with a 4 people and this time it was the 2 of us. The table was in the corner which was nice and more private which really nice for my birthday dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Kyle

    New York City5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Cute, elegant small space with a petite, well-executed menu and curated wine list. The staff give off the vibe that they actually want to be there, and that they're having fun.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Tim

    San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great anniversary dinner! Food and service were great!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Susan VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always the best!! Amazing team, food, wine and space. We love Frances!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Christina

    San Francisco Bay Area10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was absolutely delicious! We will come again. It was busy! Service was on the slower side, but all staff was warm and welcoming. What a gem of a restaurant. Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Michalis VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great people and vibe! Nice environment and most importantly not loud.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Frances is rated 4.8 stars by 3703 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.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. San Francisco
  5. The Castro

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
animated flamesBooked 18 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
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • 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
  • 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
  • Phone number
  • 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.
Gift card

Gift card

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

Send a gift card
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