If you want a special night out go to Restaurant Francois From the minute you step in the front door it's setting the scene for a relaxed dining experience. Our server Sydney, added her friendly personality to our evening. She was helpful with suggestions without being bothersome. We had done some menu homework so for sure we wanted the Comte Popovers and as my mouth starts watering just thinking about them, make sure you have them with your cocktails . It's a FABULOUS way to start your evening. The salad course for us included the Bibb Lettuce for me, lightly dressed perfection in a bowl, and the Endive & Green Apple salad for my husband. All the salads are big enough to share to be warned they could fill you up before you get to enjoy your main course ~ My main course which I had been thinking about since I had completed my menu homework was the filet of sole in brown butter & capers. I ADORE sole so if it's on a menu I am ordering it! This was possibly the BEST I have ever enjoyed. Beautifully presented a nice portion (no skimping here) each bite as satisfying as the one before. My husband enjoyed the fall part meaty Short Ribs with buttery rich mashed potatoes. All mains are served ala carte, knowing this we added the Califlower Gratin...... this side was beyond DELICIOUS, we didn't finish them but I could have licked the dish clean they were just sooooo wonderful, we did bring them home and got to re enjoyed the leftovers the next night This was a Birthday Celebration so dessert was a must ~ Profiteroles with homemade vanilla ice cream, fresh hand whipped cream plus warm chocolate sauce, how could you go wrong??? #youcan't Clearly we enjoyed our meal and we will be back, most likely in the bar which serves the same menu, sorry Sydney Valet is $15 make sure the hostess or your server validates your ticket. read more

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The restaurant reached out and invited me back for another try. We went last night and it was a much better experience. The service was outstanding. We did not re-order the previous dishes, except for the crudo of the day. This time we got the popovers, escargot, their entree special of the night (Dover sole) and chocolate mouse. Overall, everything was prepared well and it was definitely a much better experience. The only negative is that the fish for the crudo could have been fresher. I greatly appreciate that they took the time to make up for my first experience. That says a lot. Definitely give this place a try. read more

Restaurant François offers a French menu that blends classical French technique with a dash of modern flair. From the moment you enter through the curtains, you get the sense that you are in a Parisian-style dining venue. I started with a handcrafted cocktail, the Opera Noir. Grey Goose / Giffard's Madagascar Vanille / St. George NOLA coffee espresso/demerara/chocolate bitters. It had a hint of dark chocolate which blended well with the alcohol. Our appetizers started our dining experience with pizzazz. We ordered the Belgian Endive & Green Apple Salad with toasted hazelnuts, Roquefort, and sweet onion dressing; The Chilled Gulf Shrimp with avocado and a bright citrus French dressing; and the Pomme Frites, cooked in beef tallow and served with a black truffle aioli. Each was satiating the palate. Every entrée we ordered was presented beautifully. The Boneless Wagyu Short Ribs Bourguignon with pomme mousseline, pearl onions, bacon lardons, and mushrooms were my favorite. Lobster Thermidor Mafaldine with tender lobster, pasta, and a tarragon white wine sauce was c'est magnifique. The Gulf Red Snapper was prepared with jumbo lump crab, capers, beurre blanc, and celeriac purée and melted in your mouth. The Stuffed Lamb Tenderloin was tender and garnished with spinach, mushrooms, prosciutto, and cassis sauce, with pomme mousseline, pearl onions, bacon lardons, and mushrooms. Dessert was the perfect finale. The Dark Chocolate Mousse was rich and indulgent, beautifully balanced by the tangy crème fraîche. The handmade Pistachio Ice Cream was exceptionally creamy, intensely flavorful, and had the unmistakable taste of something truly homemade. François exceeded our expectations from start to finish. The service struck the perfect balance--professional, attentive, and never intrusive. Every member of the staff was knowledgeable and accommodating, and the elegant white uniforms added to the upscale feel without making the experience feel stuffy. One of the highlights was when the general manager stopped by our table to make sure everything was going well and even treated us to a complimentary menu item. That level of hospitality really stood out. The cuisine was beautifully executed, with thoughtful presentation and flavors that reflected classic French cooking at a very high level. If you're looking for a special occasion restaurant or simply an outstanding French dining experience, François is well worth the visit. read more

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Restaurant François features a French-American menu that combines classical French technique with a modern culinary sensibility. This visit exceeded every expectation. From the moment we walked through the curtains and sat down, every course felt thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. We started with crafted cocktails, and both were outstanding. The Jolie en Rose was bright and refreshing with tequila, grapefruit, lime, and honey. The Moulin à Passion was the perfect balance of passionfruit, Champagne, and vodka, light, elegant, and incredibly easy to enjoy. The presentation of this one was especially thoughtful, served on a gold tray with a small serving of Champaign to add to the glass. The appetizers set the tone for the evening. The Belgian Endive & Green Apple Salad was crisp and refreshing, with toasted hazelnuts, Roquefort, and a sweet onion dressing that tied everything together beautifully. The Chilled Gulf Shrimp were fresh and perfectly complemented by avocado and a bright citrus French dressing. We couldn't resist the Pomme Frites, and they were crispy, cooked in beef tallow, and served with an addictive black truffle aioli. The only faux pas of the night was that we ordered the Jumbo Lump Crab Villon and were informed there was a crab shortage so they did not have this particular menu item available. For entrées, every dish impressed. The Lobster Thermidor Mafaldine was my overall favorite, rich and decadent, with tender lobster, perfectly cooked pasta, Gruyère cheese, and a flavorful tarragon white wine sauce. The Gulf Red Snapper was flawlessly prepared and topped with jumbo lump crab, capers, and a silky beurre blanc over a creamy celeriac purée. The Stuffed Lamb Tenderloin was incredibly tender and flavorful with spinach, mushrooms, prosciutto, and a delicious cassis sauce. The Boneless Wagyu Short Ribs Bourguignon practically melted with each bite and paired perfectly with the pomme mousseline, pearl onions, bacon lardons, and mushrooms. Dessert was the perfect ending. The Dark Chocolate Mousse was rich without being overly sweet, especially paired with the tangy crème fraîche. Combined with the handmade Pistachio Ice Cream it was a perfect combination, creamy, intensely flavorful, and tasted truly homemade. The service was attentive without being intrusive. All waiters had a formal white suit attire that was very elevated. The general manager came by our table to check-in and gave us a comp item off the menu. The atmosphere was elegant yet comfortable, and every dish showcased exceptional quality and attention to detail. François delivers a true French dining experience that feels special from start to finish. I would expect nothing less from this restaurant group. read more

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Not sure how I found out about this place but loved the experience. Made a reservation several weeks in advance at the chefs counter and this did not disappoint. You get the see all the action in the kitchen! Loved that there were different stations for different items and I was sat next to the meat station. Nothing like smelling grilled/seared meat throughout your dining experience. To see the passion for each station as they meticulously created the dishes with consistency and beautiful execution. I got the French onion soup and man talk about cheesy! The broth was flavorful and plenty of onions, the cheese was def the star in this one. Also got the lamb which took a minute to come out after the French onion soup was finished. Worth the wait for sure. Ended up nawing on the bones to get those last bits. Who cares who looks?! Not I! The soufflé was also amazing. With a strawberry anglase which made it the right balance. I finished the whole damn thing! The style is very upscale with an old school retro vibe. The chefs counter rally made an impression and Nate the person who took care of me was amazing. He did a great job not rushing me into a decision and beautifully explained any question I had. read more

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Pro tip: Escargot? Get it. A beautiful experience with exquisite service. Great attention to detail, and great spacing of meals, especially for a larger party. We were even invited into the private room, at no additional cost, but decided to stay out in the hustle and bustle. Even amongst the noise of other guests, we thoroughly enjoyed our time! Hits: - Pepe Le Jardiniere cocktail ($18, Lalo Blanco) - Escargot (comes with a mini baguette) - Popovers - Duck two ways - Lyonnaise Salad (great portion) I did enjoy the Mafaldine Pasta, but did expect more flavor and didn't realize it was $38 (my eyes assumed they saw $28). Quite pricey for a pasta! read more

Restaurant Francois - Duck 2 Ways roasted breast / confit leg alsatian cabbage tart cherry sauce - French Near Me - Austin, Texas

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The best dining in Austin. Found this place on Yelp for a bro date, and this spot didn't disappoint. For our table being one minute late for our reservation we received free champagne. Our server was an absolute beast, all the character, focus, and dedication of a Northeast restaurant server. The food and dishes were phenomenal. read more

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Our first visit to Restaurant François and what a wonderful experience! The food and service were incredible from start to finish. We sat at the bar and began with a perfectly made French 75 and a fresh baguette served with salted French butter. For dinner, we had the Steak Frites with both Sauce au Poivre and Béarnaise on the side, absolutely delicious. We paired our meal with a bottle of Nickel & Nickel Cabernet, which complemented everything beautifully. A truly memorable dining experience with delicious food, a lovely atmosphere, and impeccable service. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and will definitely be returning on our next trip to Austin! read more

Restaurant Francois - Bar seating - French Near Me - Austin, Texas

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What a beautiful and bustling spot! From the exceptional service from staff to lighting and menu details it was a great anniversary night out! Loved the popovers and chocolate mousse as highlights! Looking forward to a return visit to try more French delights! read more

This is one of the newest places in Austin and it is such a vibe. It really gives off great Gatsby and New York Feels inside. You definitely need a reservation for any word in the restaurant. When you arrive, the house is greets you and check your reservation and get you seated right away. They were so pleasant. Once seated, they had a great selection of wine and yes, it was all French, which is some of the best. I got a French rosé, which was very full of body and light at the same time which is a great mix. We started off with the stake tartare and let me tell you it was phenomenal and it was a good portion enough for three people or more. We also got the escargot since I'm a huge fan of it and the little biscuits that they put on top were so good to dip in the oils and butter that the escargot was cooked in definitely a must eat here. We then shared the stuffed lamb, which was different but very delicious. The lamb was so soft and not chewy and perfectly balanced and savory taste. It was stuffed around with mushrooms and spinach, which was really nice. The dessert menu you look great we decided we will have to come back and try it. But definitely coming back again cause there are so many more trays that I need to try. This is a perfect date night or girls night spots since it's very glam and moody inside. read more

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"Enfin un morceau de la France ici !" (Finally a piece of France here!) -- La classe! I've been waiting for an authentic French restaurant to grace our city, and Restaurant François absolutely hits the mark. If the stern food critic from Ratatouille had a Yelp account, I imagine it would read something like this -- dramatic pause, distant accordion music, one single tear over a perfect sauce. The moment you step through the doors, you're transported. Not in a cheesy Eiffel Tower wallpaper kind of way -- but in a "did I just become a local Parisien?" kind of way. The ambiance whispers elegance without trying too hard. The bar? Stunning. Cocktails on point. Balanced, intentional, and beautifully presented. The food -- mon dieu. Start with the escargot. You will not be disappointed. Buttery, garlicky perfection that makes you wonder why you don't eat snails more often. Each dish arrived beautifully plated. Profiteroles. The perfect ending to a flavorful dinner. Reservations were easy to make online, and yes -- they offer valet as well as your server will call for your ride when you're about to be done. From the ambiance to the attentive service to the impeccable dishes, here's hoping Restaurant François is here to stay -- because we've been craving this level of authenticity. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Came here for dinner last night and had such a great experience. It's definitely on the pricier side, but I genuinely felt it was worth it. We sat at the chef's counter, which I highly recommend. It was so fun watching the kitchen as dinner service ramped up, and the staff was incredible from start to finish--attentive, friendly, and made the whole evening feel special. The popovers absolutely lived up to the hype (honestly, I could've eaten several), and the short rib was rich, tender, and delicious. The only thing that didn't quite wow me was the soufflé. It was beautifully executed, but I was hoping for a bit more flavor. Even so, it wasn't enough to take away from an otherwise fantastic meal. Would absolutely come back for another special occasion. read more

Restaurant Francois - Soufflé - French Near Me - Austin, Texas

I really love the space. The environment is welcoming and warm but still feels luxe. I also enjoyed the open kitchen concept. Our waiter and waitress were helpful and fun. They had great drinks, you really can't go wrong. The food itself was pretty exceptional. The jumbo lump crab villon, the comté cheese popovers, and crab stuffed Maine lobster thermador were standout dishes in my opinion. I knocked off a star because the rack of lamb came out extremely rare. For a $90 dish I expect it to be cooked to the right temperature. Overall it was a fun and delicious dinner, would definitely love to come back. read more

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What an amazing dining experience at restaurant Francois for our anniversary! The place is such a vibe and the staff were fabulous. The blue cheese stuffed olives for the dirty martini was a great start to the evening. The bread and the morel mushrooms were so decadent and the Dover sole is a must! Highly recommend adding to your list of must get to in Austin! For those like me that collect, they also have matchbooks! read more

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Francois is a home run and the perfect new sibling to Red Ash, Kimberly, and J. Carver. I went in with high expectations and they never missed a beat, from the luxe beef tartare crowned with truffle and egg to the warm and flaky popover and butter. The star of the night was the lamb in puff pastry, which tasted like if a Greek spanakopita and a beef Wellington had a baby and it grew up to be a very chic French adult. Paired with a beautifully charred bone‑in steak, creamy morels, and crab, plus warm, polished service and a not-too-stuffy room, Francois is an easy yes for date night or any excuse you can come up with. read more

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I had a fantastic fine dining experience at Restaurant Francois, from the valet attendants, the hosts and our server. The space is beautifully decorated and dimly lit. It's a perfect spot for a date or intimate gathering. I opted for the Lyonnaise Salad and Crudo du Jour to start. For the main dish, I had the Pappardelle (rabbit ragout). Everything tasted great and was portioned well enough that I left the restaurant full and happy. One unique touch that I appreciated was that the server will hold onto your valet ticket and have the valet attendant fetch your car around the time that you've been brought the check! It's the small things :) read more

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Everything was delicious and the service was incredible. My date had the duck two ways and I had the beef bourguignon and both were phenomenal. We split the Comte popovers. Absolutely will be back. read more

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Came here for a friend's birthday celebration and the staff made her feel special initially -- there was a card on the table and our party received a small pour of bubbles. We ordered the popovers, Salade Lyonnaise and beef bourguignon along with a side of fries. The popovers and bourguignon were the stars of the show; the cocktails and salad were just okay. One note of caution: if you're celebrating a birthday but don't order dessert, you'll receive a plate with nothing on it but a candle. It was an awkward and honestly embarrassing moment for our group. Since we hadn't ordered dessert we weren't expecting anything, but a small gesture -- a scoop of ice cream, a tiny cookie -- would have gone a long way. Instead it just came across as cheap. read more

Restaurant Francois - bourguignon, popovers and Salade Lyonnaise - French Near Me - Austin, Texas

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New French restaurant in downtown. Hard to get a reservation. Famous for their duck fish. We ordered lamb, duck and steak. Highly recommended lamb and duck. Duck is not fatty at all. For appetizers, escargot is too oily, one star for that. Lobster bisque is delicious. read more

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I got to try the new Francois downtown on a Friday and had a good experience. The space is big, but set up in different areas like the bar/ lounge which has cozy intimate booths, then you have more of a restaurant tablecloth vibe on the other side. The bar seats are very comfortable, and my cocktail was presented on a tray with the champagne on the side. Very cute. My friend and I ordered the cheese popovers, a steak, and the angel hair lobster dish. Everything was delicious, our only critique was that the pasta got cold pretty fast. We also ordered the creme brulee and we thought it could have used some berries. It was the perfect amount to split since we were going to another bar afterwards. Service was friendly, but for a restaurant at this price range I was expecting our server to have more knowledge of the menu. read more

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Ooo, a new and shiny, super posh restaurant. Our server was awesome and amused by my commentary. I liked the drinks. I got the moulin a passion and it comes with a side of champagne to cleanse the palate (too fancy, I don't really sip my drinks!) Then I ordered a dirty martini. Get their cheese popovers! You can get a portion for 2 as well. They also had really yummy pomme frites, they are skinny and crunchy. My Duck 2 ways was perfect. One medium rare breast served alongside a confit leg was just scrumptious and perfectly cooked. My boyfriend's gulf red snapper was made well too, with the capers giving a nice touch to the beurre blanc. I wish I had room for dessert. I would've tried the crème brulee or their signature dessert dish (next time!). Nice place, great ambiance and downtown prices. read more

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RF is really, really nice! I came here for a work dinner on a Monday evening and the staff were fast, courteous, and helpful especially with explaining the menu. There also happened to be some issue with the fire alarm and even though no one had to act on it (eg nobody had to vacate or anything) and the staff gave everyone at our table a glass of champagne as an apology for it. The food was excellent! I ordered the filet mignon steak ($65) and the Belgian endive salad ($18) that I shared with folks at the table. We also got their comté cheese popovers which were basically huge, soft rolls that came with a really lovely cheese spread. They had a really unique texture and excellent flavor, I haven't had anything quite like them. I also got a cocktail (the Pardon my French), and my supervisor got the "free man in Paris" cocktail. I really enjoyed mine! I also had a glass of the Royal tokaji after which is a sweet dessert wine similar to Canadian ice wine. I haven't had it in a long time and it's fantastic!! If you like dessert wines you've got to try this one!! Of note, parking is limited because this is a restaurant downtown on a corner - if you go after 6p on Mon or Tues there's free street parking but otherwise it's all paid street or garage. They do have paid valet out front as well. Otherwise: the vibes in here are definitely upscale/fancy, all the servers are in suits. The bathrooms are immaculate. read more

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Walked into an empty restaurant at 5:30 pm on a Friday to try a drink at their bar. We were told that their bar was fully booked for the evening. No attempt to accommodate us when we made it clear that we were just there for a drink. I guess you don't want our business....ever. We look forward to seeing what moves into this space in 6 months. read more

Food was good but not wow for the price . Service was good and restaurant has a nice ambiance.

Food - 5 stars Ambiance - 4.5 stars Service - 5 stars We started with the crudo of the day which was very fresh and well prepared. We then had the Dover Sole topped with lump crab. Delicious and beautiful whitefish in a perfect sauce. We also had the wagyu beef short rib. OMG!! Rich, fork tender, umami! For dessert, we chose the soufflé of the day, which was vanilla cream...I think. Again, hot and perfect with no deflation until we opened it. Very satisfying cake and cream. Nice wine list. Service was impeccable! I believe our servers name was Josiah Definitely a restaurant we will return to! read more

Restaurant Francois - Dover Sole with the addition of a lump crab topping - French Near Me - Austin, Texas

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15/10 recommend for a girls night or a date night!! We had a great waiter (Zach) who was so attentive and made sure to give recommendations which were a hit. Everyone says get the popovers and the soufflé of the day and they're correct- but a reminder to get the soufflé before you order because it takes 30+ minutes (100% worth it). The place is so chic and intimate feeling, with a lot of classy touches and very cool glassware. Knives are authentic French shop pieces which was a great addition. A couple of things to note are that the Dry Aged steaks are precut each day (the ribeye was 32 oz today) so ask about that firsthand. Additionally, the bar side did get loud by about 6 pm so if you have anyone who is sensitive to noise plan accordingly. We loved our experience and will definitely be back! read more

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4.5 stars Great experience here. Food: Pop overs - very good Beef tartare - delicious Pate - decent but wouldn't order again Duck 2 ways - very good Lamb - delicious similar to a beef Wellington read more

Seldom compelled to leave a review, but this was such an amazing meal, with even better service. John was insanely awesome and accommodating. We had a difficult guest in our party and he and the staff handled it with grace. Food was amazing. Can't wait to come back. read more

Food was delish, cocktails were superb. Highly recommend the Free Man in Paris. They gave my daughter the bill at the end, and now we're in crippling debt. Five 's! read more

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Great quality food and cozy especially when looking for warm long cooked meal. Kind staff and attention to quality - not inexpensive yet good read more

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Simply superb. I was knocked out looking at the wait staff uniforms. Wow. Impeccable service. Our entrees were wonderful. And the chocolate souffle just yummy. Highly recommended. read more

As the name says: French. Delivered crisp ambiance with an open kitchen sitting squarely in the center of the main dining room. Service is engaging and well trained (e.g., bottle label always squarely presented). Food dishes are all very fresh with impeccable taste. read more

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We chose this spot for NYE and thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. The décor is incredibly well thought out -- it honestly felt like we were dining in New York or Chicago rather than Austin. The space has that polished, big-city energy while still feeling intentional and welcoming. We were seated directly across from the open kitchen, which I loved. The aroma of brown butter drifted through the air without being overpowering, and watching the kitchen in motion added a fun, almost theatrical element to the evening. Klaudjo took great care of us and offered thoughtful suggestions. We started with the Comté cheese popovers and the jumbo lump crab villon. For my main, I stepped outside my comfort zone and ordered a special featuring fish fin. It was skillfully prepared and plated, but I'll admit I had a hard time getting past the idea of eating the meaty portion of a fin. My husband and son, however, thoroughly enjoyed the prime double-cut ribeye. Dessert is usually my favorite part of any meal, so I was a bit disappointed by the bananas foster, which leaned more egg-forward than banana-forward. That said, it was removed from the bill, which we appreciated. Overall, the ambiance and energy made for a memorable New Year's Eve, and we'll definitely return. read more

Perhaps the most elegant, upscale decor of any restaurant in Austin. White tablecloth, traditional waitstaff decor gives European vibes. Steak tartar very nicely seasoned. Escargot was a bit herbaceous and needing a little more garlic butter and salt. Oef mayonaisse could use a little salt or chives but we'll priced. The popovers are a must. Perfect fluffy cheesy inside and crisp on the outside. Same with the baguette. Both well priced. Beet salad good and green salad lettuce was excellent with crunchy chilled greens and the vinaigrette was tangy perfection. The bouillabaise was a miss with not enough broth flavor to carry the monkeys which was nice but also needing seasoning. The Dover sole was good but lacking just a touch of salt. The pave potato was worth the price and perfect. The morel mushrooms were spectacular, earthy, well seasoned, and creamy. The cauliflower sauce a bit heavy and also lacking a bit of salt. The profiteroles were amazing flavor and chewy interior similar to the popovers. The creme brulee was outstanding. The lemon tart could use more lemon kick. It was hard to tell it was lemon custard. Overall a great experience. With a few shakes of salt in a few dishes would be outstanding. Service was perfect! Nice addition to downtown. read more

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Swanky. Posh. Glam. Also... oversauced. With excellent service... and blaring smoke alarms. Good drinks, fwiw. Nice layout. Overcooked duck breast, which BTW.. tastes like LIVER. Bland confit. Hence the sauce. Get the pate. Some protein plates are gimmes for US palates. Heavy overly sweet/whatever sauces that bury the protein & staged cooking. Inept seasoning. Fair to good steaks. TBH.. more an experience than a food dest. read more

The service was impeccable. Celebrated an anniversary. Received signed card, anniversary insert in menu and complementary glass of champagne. Cheese popovers were amazing. Sole was delicious. Pistachio soufflé was to die for. Strong wine menu with good choices. Great vibe read more

Restaurant Francois - A special welcome - French Near Me - Austin, Texas

Wonderful! Staff welcomed me with a card for my birthday and the service was great! Not to mention every single item was absolutely delicious. One of the best meals I've had in a while. I live in Dallas but would happily drive the three hours just to eat here again. read more

Not impressed, High dollar and pre cooked and re heated when ordered. Good service

We celebrated a birthday here. The attention to detail, including reaching out for the birthday guest's name prior to the reservation did not go unnoticed. The ambiance, attentive service, and delicious food and cocktail have propelled Restaurant Francois to the top of our list in Austin. Don't miss the bread service or the au gratin potatoes. Highly recommend the frozen Brandy Alexander and profiteroles for dessert. read more

Restaurant Francois - Frozen Brandy Alexander - French Near Me - Austin, Texas

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For a new restaurant this place was amazing! Service was very friendly. It was packed but you're able to get a table at no stress. The interior is very well done and vibes are very comforting and relaxing! The food is on point as well! Stuff lamb is the way to go! read more

Restaurant Francois - Red snapper - French Near Me - Austin, Texas

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