Top 5 French Restaurants In SoMa – No.2 – Fringale – 94107 – SF – US

Category: French

570 4th St
(between Freelon St & Brannan St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
Neighborhoods: Mission Bay, SoMa

(415) 543-0573

fringalesf.com

Health Score:

90 out of 100

Hours:

Mon-Thu, Sun 5:30 pm – 10 pm

Tue-Fri 11:30 am – 2:30 pm

Fri-Sat 5:30 pm – 11 pm

Good for Kids:

Accepts Credit Cards:

Yes

Parking:

Street

Attire:

Casual

Good for Groups:

Price Range:: $$$
Takes Reservations:: Yes
Delivery:: No
Take-out:: Yes
Waiter Service:: Yes
Outdoor Seating:: No
Wi-Fi:: Free
Good For:: Dinner

Alcohol:

Full Bar

Noise Level:

Average

Ambience:

Intimate, Romantic, Classy

Has TV:

Caters:

Wheelchair Accessible:

Yes

About Fringale

Fringale, which means “the urge to eat,” pioneered the South of Market culinary renaissance as one of the first true French bistros in San Francisco. Opened by chef Gerald Hirigoyen and J.B. Lorda in September 1991, it has remained a favorite dining spot for food lovers, socialites, politicians, artists, journalists, and out-of-town celebrities.

When J.B. decided to retire, he felt that having one of the staff members become the new owner would be a great way to ensure that the Fringale offering of excellent service and delicious food would continue. In July of 2005, the responsibility of owning and continuing Fringale’s reputation went to Jean-Marie Legendre, one of the original employees of the restaurant.

From his hometown of Mortagne au Perche in the Normandie region of France, a sixteen year old Jean-Marie moved to Paris and began his career in the food business selling produce in the open market while earning his degree at the Université of Marne La Valle. Upon graduation, he worked in the cheese business for six years before coming to the United States in 1987. He immediately plunged into the restaurant world with various front of house roles at La Petite Auberge in San Rafael and J.C. Lair’s Chambord Brasserie before being asked to join the team at Fringale.

The restaurant’s sponged eggshell colored walls, blonde wooden chairs, sand and earth toned banquettes, and verdigris bartop create a dining environment that is sophisticated, intimate, and inviting. Fringale is a place where guests can drop in for a glass of wine and snack at the bar or enjoy a tantalizing meal prepared by one of the finest French kitchens in San Francisco.

In addition to a full bar, Fringale’s wine list offers a fine selection of California wines along with wine selections from smaller French producers that Jean-Marie enjoys discovering and sharing with his guests.

Chef Carmelo D. Lopez

Carmelo D. Lopez was born in El Salvador. His parents were both diplomats. He lived in Europe as a child where he began his appreciation of gourmet cuisine. He was influenced by his mother’s famous holiday feasts. Carmelo moved to the Bay Area in the late 1980’s. He began his culinary career at the age of 18. A graduate of the San Francisco Culinary School, he went to work for Gerald Hirigoyen at Fringale in September of 1991. He made this way thru the ranks first as a sous-chef for 15 years where he developed a passion for French, California and Basque cuisine. Eventually, he was promoted to chef in 2008. Carmelo likes to use high quality, fresh ingredients in his cooking. He has a passion for delivering the highest quality possible to his diners. Carmelo has developed an exciting menu of upscale bistro food. He has a true appreciation of fresh, regional ingredients and works well with the height of the season.