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(415) 543-0573
570 Fourth St
(between Brannan Street and Freelon Street)
San Francisco,
CA
94107
37.7787
-122.3971
Neighborhoods: Mission Bay, Central East
Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 5:30pm-10pm
Tue-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm
Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm
Price:
$$
Last updated 1.24.11
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Cash, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Cuisine:
What People Are Saying About Fringale
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
The Scene – Located on an unprepossessing SoMa block, this French favorite is a destination of the gastronomic elite. The understated room is done up in minimalist taupe tones, with dim lighting enhancing the air of romance. A charming waitstaff maneuvers deftly among the tight tables, ensuring everything is just so. – – The Food – The name translates roughly to "pang of hunger," but it's hard to leave less than blissfully satiated by the Basque-influenced fare. A frisee salad, wilting deliciously from its warm bacon dressing and poached egg, eats like a meal, while a…
Editor's Tips
- Where to Sit:
- Some of the tables can feel a bit cramped--when you make your reservation, request a window seat if possible.
- Know Before You Go:
- There's no separate room, but medium-sized groups are very comfortable in the banquette seating near the bar.
02/09/10
Great food ... strange "service experience"
by MisterMJ at Citysearch
Somewhat of a strange experience at this restaurant. The food was fantastic (butternut squash soup, ribeye, roasted chicken, creme brulee). The environment was solid ... not elbow-to-elbow coziness but no tumbleweeds rolling through either. As a restaurant-goer, I'm low maintenance - I order quick, never complain about the food, pride in being polite/respectful, enjoy the food, and tip well.
But the one thing I had issue with at Fringale was the service. Again, it may be hard to put into words but our waiter (seemingly nice chap with moustache and requisite French accent) sprinkled in some off-putting remarks and slightly uncomfortable vibe throughout the evening.
For example:
When ordering our appetizer (butternut squash soup), my GF ordered first and asked for it. OK. But then, when it was my turn, I said, "The soup sounds delicious, I'll order that too." The waiter responded, "Well, that's our ONLY soup so you can't get anything else." Huh? Where did that come from? Thinking it was the dry French "humor" I let it go ... even though it was clearly snide.
Then after completing our meal, the waiter ambled over and asked, "Are you done?" ... and my GF said, "Yes, but I'd love to see the dessert menu." Again, the waiter responded, "You may have never been to a French restaurant before but we CLEAR the table before we bring the dessert menus." Again, huh? Where did that come from? At this, I sighed and I guess he got the message ... quickly clearing the table, swiping the cloth clean, and scurrying off. The dessert and subsequent bill went smoothly (but the waiter said nothing; no "enjoy" or "thanks").
Again, the interactions were brief. But I understand humor and wit. And I understand condescension. And this waiter's attitude was clearly leaning towards the latter. He went the extra mile to make pretentious remarks ... certainly did not ruin the evening or the delicious meal but made us think twice about frequenting the restaurant again. I'm trying to convince myself that I'm being overly sensitive but it's that gut feeling, you know? When my GF and I were walking home, she volunteered, "Was it me or did the waiter seem off?" and I agreed ... so it obviously just wasn't me.
- Pros: Food
- Cons: Iffy service
06/25/09
Top Class
by AlexxxB at Citysearch
Genuine French (Basque-French) cuisine at its best.
Fringale is still my favourite in Frisco with Tripp Mauldin as head chef!
- Pros: Service, fare, atmosphere
- Cons: The bill...
10/14/08
Great restaurant.
by solaar29 at Citysearch
Fringale is one of the true hidden gems of San Francisco. I've been there twice, on two different dates. if you want to charm and impress company, this is a great venue. Great french fare, sweet people and service, and a good wine selection. highly recommended!
09/27/08
Very bad service
by Raj9999 at Citysearch
We went to Fringale for dinner though food is good service is too bad . Its not good treatment for guests where you want to spend some time with friends. Infact they rush you up in all aspects. I don't really recomend if some one looking to go for this resturant. Its better to train their staff to be more polite with guests.
- Pros: Thumbs down
09/23/07
Eat quick and get out
by 115go at Citysearch
I made a reservation several weeks in advance to celebrate my mother's birthday at Fringale. We had hoped for an enjoyable dinning experience but all night we felt somewhat rushed by the waiter (asking us for our order directly after we sat down, etc). After we had finished our main course and were enjoying our champagne, WE WERE ASKED TO LEAVE BECAUSE PEOPLE WERE WAITING FOR THE TABLE. WE HADN'T EVEN LOOKED AT THE DESSERT MENU YET!! I have never been treated so rudely and inappropriately in a restaurant. And to call themselves a French/Basque restaurant is an utter disgrace. The food may be good, but San Francisco is filled with excellent restaurants that treat their guests properly .The owner has his priorities completely backward. Needless to say, I will never go back and I strongly recommend avoiding Fringale.
