Frances

The minimalist Frances, railroad-car narrow and lined with a simple in-wall wine rack, is a casual, modern California bistro comfortably at home in the Castro. Open only for dinner, chef Melissa Perello creates approachable, down-to-earth fare full of flavor with a menu that changes daily based on the availability of local, seasonal ingredients. Try starters like Applewood smoked bacon beignets and roasted asparagus soup with taleggio, pickled strawberry and toasted almond, before moving on to rich mains like duck breast with toasted barley, snap pea, tangerine, urfa chile and yogurt. The impressive wine list is packed with Old World and Northern California vintages.