Fran's Place — Restaurant in Western Cape

I do not normally post any reviews of eating establishments that I have visited however after our experience today at Frans I feel I must do so as the treatment by a staff member was disgusting.

After, last Monday , trying to make a telephonic reservation for today (12th May) we were informed that Frans no longer takes bookings - only walk in's. Today when I walked in to get a table for 8 people I was told by one of the waiters that they could only give us 2 separate tables outside. When I pointed out to , and later the person in charge, that there were a few tables the had reserved signs on them the waiter informed me they were some time ago. When I pointed out to him what we were informed they do not take bookings anymore only walk in's the he turned his back on me and walked away. I requested that he not turn his back on me as I was still talking to him and that it was rude - however he proceeded to still ignore me and walk away. I then spoke to the person in charge explaining everything from the phone call to what had occurred in the restuarant. Also informed him that the behaviour of his staff member was " disgusting" and very unprofessional. I also pointed out the 4 tables that had RESERVED signs on them . Obviously the person answered the phone gave out the "wrong" information thereby contributing to this unpleasant situation.

I further informed him that we had eaten at this establishment before and that the service and food had been excellent - however after this incident if I was asked to recommend Frans The experience of today would be remembered more than our previous experience. I am sorry ,and I know this won't effect your profits, but I cannot see us returning there in the future.

Neil Ebing

PS I am going to fill in survey but I stress we did not...

Today I booked a table for 5 for me and my colleagues for 11am at Fran's Place. Me and one colleague arrived first and three were still on their way. No one even showed us where our table was, we got in looked for the table, sat down and waited for 20 min to be assisted. No one came to ask if we can order drinks so long while we were waiting for our other colleagues. NOTHING! Four other customers came in about 10 minutes after us and they were TAKEN to their table, they ordered and got drinks before we did. Finally a waiter came after the 20 minutes and when he came to the table we said we would like to put a complaint but that too seemed to be a problem as no one wanted to attend to our complaint they just kept on looking at us whispering to each other. Eventully one guy came and told us that they dont attend to a table if not everyone has arrived at that table. We were shocked to hear that! As its not our first time booking a table at Frans place. We decided to stay and order but the service was bad, the food was good i wont lie! Then as we were about to go home at Frans car parking area, the lady incharge of taking money for parking made us pay which is a norm but deciedes that she will not take money from the other car that was parked opposite us and we confirmed this with the guy and he said she didnt charge him for parking which is condusing cos he spent the same hours at Frans resturant as we did? Our day at Frans place was just bad!!!..its not my first time coming to frans Place but its the first time im getting this bad treatment there as I always recommend the place to...

My husband and I have been coming here since 2018. We were there just yesterday 23rd September 2023. When in Simon's Town look for that bold statue of - the only dog on this planet to EVER be enlisted in a Navy Able Seaman Just Nuisance (yes a dog and yes South Africa holds that awesome accolade) at Jubilee Square and you will see it, Fran's Place. If you're a tourist or you reside in Cape Town and you want really good food for an awesome affordable price then Fran's Place IS that place to go. It's that little hidden gem that not everyone knows about BUT when you enter this hidden gem, taste the food you feel as if you want to shout it from the mountain (yes, the one right there) just to tell everyone how great the food is. The owner Fran has the most amazing, welcoming, gentle soul and it showcases in the food she prepares and serves you. Her servers are friendly and fast! The restaurant is clean. The food, from the very delicious South African platter to the AMAZING seafood platters, the fresh fish, to the meaty steaks, mouth watering burgers and chips, the beautiful cakes and you will , as I was, be pleasantly surprised. The food at Fran's Place is wholesome. Tasty. Unforgettable. Reminded me of the good food my mom used to prepare when I was a child. Please spread the word, and the word is, "GO TO...