With only 37 seats, this tiny neighborhood restaurant with a tiny menu consistently delivers a huge dining experience. Ever since it opened in 2009, Melissa Perello’s baby has remained a top place in the city. Its eclectic menu includes choices as varied as seared king salmon with creamed corn, English peas, black garlic, and charred shishito pepper; or Liberty duck confit with ricotta dumpling, grilled broccolini, and habañero stone fruit jam. Don’t miss the applewood-smoked bacon beignets—you dip them in crème fraîche with maple and chive. For dessert, the lumberjack cake—apple, kumquat, Medjool dates, and maple ice cream—is a crowd pleaser, as is the clever idea of selling house red and white wines for the bargain price of $1.80 an ounce. Make a reservation up to 60 days in advance, or walk in and sit at the bar.
San Francisco
Travel Guide
San Francisco› Restaurant
Frances
3870 17th St (at Pond St)
Our Rating
Neighborhood
The Castro
Hours
Daily except Mon, 5–10pm (Fri–Sat until 10:30pm).
Transportation
Bus: 22, 24, or 33. Any Market St. light rail or streetcar
Phone
415/621-3870
Prices
Main courses $18–$29
Cuisine Type
Californian
Web site
Frances
Map
3870 17th St San FranciscoNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.