Downtown Austin's Most Exciting New Fine Dining Destination: Meet Restaurant François
Classic French cuisine has found a new home in the heart of downtown Austin at the 2nd Street District. Restaurant François is the kind of place that reminds you why a great dinner out is about so much more than just the food. We caught up with the team to find out what to expect, what to order, and why this one belongs on your list.
French Inspiration, Austin Energy: A Conversation with the Team at Restaurant François
“We are thrilled to help anchor the next era of downtown fine dining. Joining a community with such a rich, 20-year history is an honor, and we’re excited to be the go-to spot where the neighborhood gathers to celebrate, connect, and make memories for the next 20 years.”
For those who haven't visited yet, tell us about Restaurant François. What can guests expect when they walk through the doors?
Good vibes. Classic Parisian elegance and modern design collides with the vibrant pulse of downtown. When you walk through the doors you’re immediately wowed by moody, sophisticated dining spaces and the open exhibition kitchen. Check out Bar Rouge to the right, a stunning circular bar, an ideal spot for your favorite classic cocktail. Check out the French forward wine list, too.
Restaurant François is approachable upscale, the perfect spot for an evening of haute cuisine. It’s a fresh, yet reverent addition to the 2nd Street District.
Restaurant François blends classic French technique with modern American influences. How would you describe the restaurant’s dining experience and what makes it unique in Austin?
We’re taking those rich, timeless French techniques and infusing them with a modern American sensibility. What really makes us stand out in Austin’s dining scene is our focus on high-caliber, table-side service—it transforms a great meal into a memorable performance.
Chef Harold Marmulstein has built an impressive culinary career. How has that experience shaped the vision and menu at Restaurant François?
Chef Harold brings decades of fine-dining expertise and a deep reverence for slow-cooked, bold flavors to the kitchen. He’s traveled extensively throughout France, where he developed a lifelong love of French cuisine and technique. His background ensures every classic technique is executed perfectly, while his modern instincts allow the menu to feel fresh, approachable, and exciting for Austin’s savvy diners.
The menu features everything from Lobster Thermidor to dry-aged steaks and table-side preparations. What is your favorite menu item right now, and why?
For starters, it's the Escargot (pictured), literally bathed in butter. Right now, our first course go-to is the Wagyu Short Ribs Bourguignon. It’s just incredibly tender and packed with slow-cooked flavor. Plus, leaving just enough room to finish the night with one of the daily featured Soufflés (pictured) is the ultimate dining mic-drop.
One of the standout elements of Restaurant François is the table-side service. Why was it important to bring that classic hospitality experience to Austin diners?
In a digital world, people are craving genuine connection and a bit of theater. Bringing back table-side preparations—like our hand-poured sauces and carved steaks—reinvigorates the lost art of classic hospitality, giving Austin diners a touch of timeless luxury that feels deeply personal.
For someone who may be new to French cuisine, what's one French dish everyone should try at least once?
There’s two! If you’re a newby, the Lyonnaise Salad (pictured), it’s classically French … crisp greens topped with poached farm eggs, bacon lardons, potatoes, croutons, tossed in a dijon vinaigrette. You also have to try the Pomme Frites (pictured). It’s the ultimate gateway dish—completely unpretentious, incredibly satisfying, and it perfectly showcases how a flawless French sauce can elevate anything.
Bar Rouge has quickly become a destination of its own. Can you give us a short description of what Bar Rouge is?
Bar Rouge is our sultry, sophisticated cocktail lounge adjacent to the dining room—inspired by It’s the perfect spot to unwind.
What's the best cocktail at Bar Rouge for a first-time visitor?
There are a few. Free Man in Paris with Roku Japanese Gin, Lillet Blanc, St Germain Elderflower and St George Absinthe; and Moulin à Passion (pictured) with Grey Goose Vodka, Chinola Passionfruit, Licor 43, Demerera and Champagne.
For a first-timer, you can’t go wrong with our perfectly chilled Vesper Martini or a bold, classic Manhattan. Dining solo? Hunker down for a nice meal alone, maybe make new friends, too.
If you had to describe Restaurant François’s atmosphere in one word, what would it be?
Sultry.
Why was the 2nd Street District the right home for Restaurant François?
The 2nd Street District strikes the perfect balance between upscale shopping, culture, and high-energy nightlife. It has a sophisticated yet welcoming energy that aligns perfectly with our French-American concept.
What's your favorite thing about being located in downtown Austin?
The sheer vibrancy of the neighborhood! We love the mix of locals celebrating milestones, theater-goers stopping in for a pre-show cocktail, and visitors discovering the magic of downtown Austin for the first time. There is never a dull moment.
The District has been a cornerstone of downtown Austin for 20 years. Looking ahead, what excites you most about becoming part of this community and contributing to its next chapter?
We are thrilled to help anchor the next era of downtown fine dining. Joining a community with such a rich, 20-year history is an honor, and we’re excited to be the go-to spot where the neighborhood gathers to celebrate, connect, and make memories for the next 20 years.
Conclusion:
Restaurant François is more than a new restaurant. It’s a new experience for downtown Austin, and one that the 2nd Street District is proud to call part of our neighborhood. Whether you're planning a special occasion dinner, a date night at Bar Rouge, or simply curious about what all the buzz is about, there is only one way to find out. Make a reservation, pull up a chair, and let the evening unfold.
Restaurant François is located at 401 West 3rd St. #100, Austin, TX 78701
Hours: 5pm–10pm: Monday-Saturday | 5pm–9pm: Sunday | Website | Instagram
