Franny's Bistro

Someone from this business manages this listing.

240 reviews

#1 of 34 Restaurants in Camden₱₱ - ₱₱₱, American, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly

+1 207-230-8199+ Add website

Hours

Wed

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Thu

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Fri

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sat

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?

This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

240 reviews

#1 of 34 Restaurants in Camden

Travelers' Choice Best of the Best 2023

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Someone from this business manages this listing.

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CUISINES

American, Seafood

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Dinner

features

Location and contact

55 Chestnut Street, Camden, ME 04843

+1 207-230-8199

Improve this listing

Does this restaurant primarily serve Healthy cuisine?

Yes

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Details

Manage this business?

CUISINES

American, Seafood

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Dinner

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service

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4.5

240 reviews

Excellent

191

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Mary H

Boston16 contributions

Great Food and Atmosphere at Franny's

Feb 2020 • none

I loved the atmosphere at Franny's -- wood beams, patterned rugs on wood floors, antique niknaks on the window sills, and a cozy warmth from the woodfired oven in the kitchen. The food was great too. The half-rack of lamb special was a little pricey, but delivered full value with tender chops perfectly cooked and a tasty sauce with a hint of spice. Salad's were fresh, and the egg rolls were steamed perfectly. Not a huge menu, but still plenty of good choices. Nice neighborhoody location too.

Written February 22, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JenniferN841

Thank-you for your review!!

Written June 20, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

HHLVR

United States485 contributions

Excellent evening; highly recommend!

May 2021 • none

Dinner at Franny's Bistro was one of the best experiences we had during our trip to Maine. The owner greeted us warmly; showed us to our table, and later during the evening she checked to make sure that we were pleased with everything. Our server was knowledgeable, friendly and prompt. Franny's wine list is fairly priced and contains bottles that are not normally seen at other establishments. We were able to enjoy a Greek Assyrtiko that was terrific. All of our food was fresh, creatively prepared and presented. The smoked shrimp spring rolls were delicious as were our halibut and swordfish. Franny's space is intimate, so reservations are suggested. We will definitely return here during our next trip to Camden!

Written June 11, 2021

jennifer n

Thank you very much for your review

Written July 18, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lorelei S

Rockland101 contributions

Perfect in every way

Feb 2020 • none

We used to go here when it was Francine’s. We were not disappointed last night. It was a delight to sit in the new comfy bar stools and know that no one could open the door behind us to let in the frigid outside air. The food was amazing. The margarita with a touch of chyenne pepper added to the salted rim. Great wine list although our first choice wasn’t available. All in all a lovely Valentine’s Day evening out.

Written February 15, 2020

OtterDaughter

85 contributions

Fascinating menu, delicious food, superb staff

Aug 2020 • none

Small upscale restaurant one block off the tourist streets in Camden. Doing an excellent job of social distancing. Eclectic menu, extensive wine list, and superb attentive waitstaff. Duck confit/arugula/orange salad was large and absolutely delicious. Remainder of our selections were daily specials: three superb courses! Can't wait to return!! Absolutely must have reservations: many parties turned away as we dined on a weeknight. (Consider insect repellant for outside seating at dusk or later).

Written August 28, 2020

Diane N

St. Petersburg18 contributions

Nightmare at Franny's - for the second time

Sep 2021 • none

We have been going to Franny's since it was Francine's - for the last 10 years or so. When it changed hands to Franny's we gave it a try and the first time was a night mare. After waiting more than an hour and a half for dinner we walked out. But we figured they were still working out the bugs so we waited a year or so and decided to give them another try. We had a 7:15pm reservation. We had to wait in line outside till around 7:40pm when we were shown to our table. We ordered drinks and appetizers which were all good, however by 9:15pm we still did not have our entree. We told our server to just bring the check and we would pay for the meal but we were leaving. The host came over and just handed our credit card to us with no bill and said (not sincerely) "sorry". I told her we had been there 2 hours and still had no dinner and her response was "no it has been 1 hour and 38 minutes since you were seated". Wow. Really!! Even one hour and 38 minutes is way too long to wait - and add to the 25 minutes in line we waited for our reserved table. I don't care how good your food is, it is not worth it to be treated this way. You are trying to serve too many customers and don't have the staff to do it. Maybe if you increased your prices you would not have as many customers but would make the same amount of money and not have unhappy customers. Poorly managed but what food we had (appetizers) were very good. Very Sad.

Written September 8, 2021

Katherine G

Gorham2 contributions

Excellent dining experience with one big caveat

Jun 2021 • none

During a long weekend on the midcoast we decided to have an early anniversary dinner at Frannie's Bistro. We had dined there years and years ago when it was Francine and I still dream about the sauce that graced my entree way back when. The space is stunning - just perfectly appointed with a great vibe. Every dish was delicious and different and our server was knowledgeable and lovely. We had a small table close to the bar. It was obvious that the bartender was new and still finding his way around. In fact, the serving staff were all young. At some point during our meal they were suddenly down one server. Someone who I assumed to be the owner and who was running the show became visibly agitated and snapped at the bartender and the servers, making no effort to speak in low tones or hide what was happening from diners. I felt badly for the employees who were trying their best to wait on diners and keep things running, all while being rudely barked at. This behavior is unacceptable and put a huge damper on what was otherwise a stellar experience. We'll give Frannie's another try because the food was so wonderful and hope the front of the house management has its act together next time.

Written July 16, 2021

jennifer n

June was a rough month. Happy to report Elliott had the best night this past Friday! He hasn't worked in a restaurant before. He has been studying and doing a really good job, he has learned to be prepared and move fast. All my staff is great and we appreciate each other very much. That night we were at a critical point sink or swim. I have my act together, and I wasn't going to let them go down in flames. We have since become a strong team, being the coach is a hard job. I am sharp at times and am sorry, it affected your dining experience. I did get the note you left on the table, your review on the open table. and now on Tripadvisor. I guess you were looking for a response from me. I am feeling FrannYs is not a good fit for you. I would appreciate it if you do not return to Franny's. I wish you the best. Sincerely Jen

Written July 18, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

FRS

Dover Foxcroft2 contributions

DELICIOUS!

Oct 2020 • none

We went there two nights in a row, because it was that good. Everything we ate was truly delicious, including the halibut and swordfish specials, the shrimp dumpling and duck confit and Caesar salad. They have a wonderful outdoor tent with heaters which is a find at this point with colder temperatures upon us. The nicest staff. And what a talentd chef!

Written October 26, 2020

Valerie J

Poland27 contributions

The Perfect Dining Experience

Mar 2021 • couples

The highlight of our weekend in Camden was our visit to Franny’s Bistro! From the moment we walked through the door we knew we were in for an exceptional evening. We were greeted warmly by one of the owners who showed us to our cozy corner table and immediately brought us a bottle of chilled water. Our server Jenna, arrived shortly afterwards and gave us a well informed run down on the evening’s specials. Throughout the evening she was friendly and attentive, offering suggestions on meal choices when asked and paying attention to important details such as replacing silverware after the appetizer course and offering additional beverages. Our meals were exceptional in every way. The creativity the chef put into his cooking offered not only depth of flavor to every dish but also in his presentation. It was truly a feast for for all of the senses. We shared the spring roll appetizer which offered four crispy spring rolls on a bed of field greens. The delicate sauce acted as a dressing for the greens making it feel like two appetizers in one. I had the lamb special entree which was one of the best executed dishes I have ever eaten. The rack of lamb was perfectly cooked which resulted in a tender, mild but flavorful bite. The pickled tomatillos were an unexpected but delightful compliment to the roasted fingerling potatoes and roasted root vegetables. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the shrimp linguine with the tender shrimp, artichokes, and olives. We finished our meal by sharing a delicious piece of warm gingerbread accompanied by homemade ginger ice cream. As we were getting up to the leave the owner stopped by to inquire how our experience had been which to me was a very thoughtful gesture that capped off a truly memorable evening. We can’t wait to return!

Written March 7, 2021

jennifer n

Thank you very much for your review ! Jenna is a Gem :)

Written July 18, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

NCtravelz

Raleigh1747 contributions

Excellent meal

Aug 2021 • couples

We had a lovely meal sitting outside on a cute patio. The delicious margarita was spicy and smoky. The calamari was flavorful and plentiful. The highlight of the meal was the scallops and mussels on cheese grits. There was so much seafood it was enough for 2 people. The swordfish paled in comparison. There was a long line at the hostess stand when we arrived and they took people as they could seat them. We waited about 20 minutes with a reservation, but it was worth the wait.

Written August 26, 2021

César G

Houston29 contributions

French bistro with American south flair!

Sep 2020 • couples

Just a short walk away from the main cluster of businesses and absolutely worth going out of your way to find. A French bistro with a distinctly southern influence. The Kraken (fried calamari) combined cheese, seafood, and acidic flavors in a way I haven’t seen before. My girlfriend and I felt awkward coming all the way to Maine to order a steak frites but our hesitation proved unwarranted. A clear favorite among all the delicious things we ordered.

Written September 6, 2020

West-Jersey-Momma

67 contributions

A lovely meal!

Jun 2021 • couples

My husband and I ate here this evening, at an outside table, under a tent on a warm evening. We both ordered the halibut and enjoyed the accompanying fingerling potatoes and vegetables. The fish was cooked perfectly and paired nicely with a rose Prosecco. The service was pleasant. We will return should we be back in the area.

Written June 9, 2021

jennifer n

Thank you very much for your review.

Written July 18, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jim T

LaGrange11 contributions

Great dinner in Camden

Sep 2021 • couples

In a lovely setting one block off the main street. We sat outside on a beautiful September evening. The halibut special was outstanding and the steak and frites were perfectly prepared and flavorful. Almond cake and espresso was a nice ending. Service was attentive. Reservations are limited but occasionally they can work someone in at the last minute. That’s what happened to us. We’d highly recommend trying Franny’s if I’m Camden.

Written September 9, 2021

Felix m

6 contributions

Is ok

Aug 2021 • none

Not completely impressed unfortunately. The food was nice but nothing unique or very special tasting. Perhaps we should have ordered other items? Biggest let down was the chaotic and very slow service. They were apologetic about it but at the same time had a lot of excuses, some of them understandable, but should not result in the diner having a lesser experience. Perhaps just allow less reservations or compensate in price if you can't provide?

Written September 5, 2021

westie2

Kensington10411 contributions

Cheddar Grits - OMG!

Sep 2021 • none

We had secured advance reservations for dinner at 6:30 PM on a Sunday night, but arrived 15 minutes early due to the threat of a thunderstorm. We were seated inside, but warned that it would be awhile before we could be served food. In short order our drinks were ordered and menus provided by friendly waitress. Shortly after 6:30PM our waitress returned to take our orders and we were soon enjoying our meal. My wife chose pan seared halibut over fingerling potatoes and roasted asparagus. Her esteemed companion, that being me, chose pan seared (7) scallops and mussels (11) with creamed corn and bacon over cheddar grits. Did someone say cheddar grits? OMG Hers was excellent, mine proved to be even better. On this year's 10 night vacation to Maine, this meal was by far the best of the trip. Thank you Chef Jack and Jennifer for our delightful meal.

Written October 10, 2021

Rich S

Manchester6 contributions

Just Perfect

Sep 2020 • couples

We chose Franny's for our anniversary dinner based on the excellent reviews, and we were so happy we did. All around great experience and memorable meal, from Victoria's warm and attentive service, 5 courses of simply extraordinary food (calamari, followed by crab cakes, salad, swordfish and Portuguese stew specials for entrees, and chocolate terrine dessert), tasty cocktails and a lovely, relaxed and fun atmosphere, all while dining outside under a tented space with heaters. Can't say enough, this place hits all the right notes. Just perfect.

Written September 4, 2020

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