Francis — Restaurant in Kerala

Great preservation of a colonial ambience, including the racism.

I went with my friend around 6:30 pm to Francis after seeing the cafe on the EatKochiEat Instagram channel.I had called earlier on their number given in google to reserve a table, but the number given did not exist. On reaching, we found the entire upper level of 4 tables we could see and one downstairs unoccupied, the bar counter was also half occupied.

When asked for a table, the man behind the billing machine informed us there were no tables available for us, since all the tables were booked. So we asked whether we could sit at the bar counter, to which we were told the bar seats were also fully booked. This was the first time me and my friend who have travelled to many an establishment of this sort, abroad and local, have even heard of bar counter seats being reserved. Having recieved this suspicious series of statements, bemused, me and my friend left since we were obviously not welcome, noting that the few occupied tables were all occupied by foreign tourists.

So I'm giving 5 stars for the proper colonial treatment we recieved, of not being welcome at a dining place, on the same preference of clientele that was apparent when the British ruled us. I give 5 stars on behalf of the foreign tourists who have come to this country to eat and drink at a place devoid of Indians, ironically. This place obviously will mean a lot to people who consider discrimination laws a hindrance in their own country to their enjoyment of a meal.

I'm also giving 5 stars on behalf of my countrymen. We did not expect a surprise installation on racism like this tucked away in fort kochi this biennale, visible through a small window. Anybody can come and look through it to see a collection of racists.

I went back the day after in the morning, to clear up any confusion, the two wait staff , and a neighbouring 'friend' of the owner(who had wandered in and didn't know the owners full name) couldn't tell me how tables were reserved at the restaurant. Which was strange.

Please don't like my review, instead please like the missed review below detailed by an Indian person who went three times to the restaurant despite how they were treated. I was treated much kinder. I didn't have to pay for the...

Dinner at Francis was, as usual, inspired by the captivating Instagram reels I'd seen. Getting a reservation was surprisingly easy; after finding their contact number wasn't on Google Maps, a quick message on Instagram got me a reply and a confirmed table within hours.

They were thoughtful enough to ask about our group and, upon learning we had a baby and a young boy, reserved a table for us on the ground floor. This was a huge plus, as the first floor, while having a different, more dimly lit vibe, wouldn't have been ideal for a family with young children.

The restaurant itself is an old house beautifully transformed into a restobar, exuding traditional Kerala architecture. While the space isn't as sprawling as it appears on reels, they've cleverly utilized every inch, fitting in a bar, with four-seater tables, and a larger seating area near the main door that can accommodate 6 to 8 people. Due to the intimate setting, they do ensure guests arrive on time.

The display of wines and beers is truly tempting and almost guarantees you'll be ordering a drink! The combination of the warm lighting, traditional decor, and live music created a truly special and memorable ambiance for our celebration.

Now, onto the food! Following the Instagram reel hype, we started with Pork Sausages and Calamari Rings, followed by Alfredo Chicken Pasta and garlic bread. The calamari rings, served with a delicious mayo, were excellent. The pork sausage, however, was a standout, unique with its peppery garnish. A word of caution: the pork sausage portion is quite generous, so it's best ordered if you're a group of at least four. The pasta was perfectly good, as was the garlic bread – honestly, I couldn't find any fault with the food's quality. One minor snag was the delay in serving the sausage. If you're visiting on a weekend when the place is fully occupied, I'd recommend placing your order for popular items like this sooner rather than later. We actually had to cancel a beef slider order due to the wait.

Parking can be a bit of a challenge as there's no dedicated lot, so you'll need to find street parking. Francis accepts all modes of payment, which...

Tucked away in the heart of Fort Kochi, "Francis" emerges as a captivating restobar that seamlessly blends a rustic ambience with a culinary journey that delights the senses. The moment you step through its doors, you're transported into a world where the old-world charm of Fort Kochi meets the contemporary sophistication of a restobar.

The star of the show undoubtedly resides within the menu itself. The Pork Sausage Bowl stands out as a triumph of flavors and textures. With a remarkable balance between tender pork sausages and an assortment of complementary ingredients, every bite reveals a symphony of meaty goodness that lingers on the palate. The dish's ability to harmonize various elements is a testament to the culinary expertise of the establishment.

Diving further into the menu, the Pork Chops hold their own, albeit with a slightly different note. While the execution is undoubtedly skillful, the dish falls just a touch too heavily on the sweet side for personal preferences. The interplay between the savory pork and the sweetness might appeal to some, but for those seeking a more nuanced flavor profile, it might veer slightly off-track.

The ambience of "Francis" plays a significant role in enhancing the overall dining experience. The rustic charm and thoughtfully curated decor create an inviting atmosphere that exudes warmth and character. Whether you're seeking an intimate evening with a loved one or a convivial gathering with friends, the establishment provides an apt backdrop for various occasions.

In conclusion, "Francis" in Fort Kochi is a delightful fusion of ambience and culinary craftsmanship. The Pork Sausage Bowl emerges as a true triumph, showcasing the establishment's ability to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. While the Pork Chops exhibit a commendable effort, the slightly excessive sweetness might leave some yearning for a more balanced palate. Regardless, a visit to "Francis" promises an enchanting journey that celebrates both rustic charm and delectable cuisine, making it a worthy addition to any culinary exploration in the Fort...