We had a terrific time at the Franklin and we are going back. We were warmly greeted by Neely at the door. We had amazing experience with Taylor at the bar. Very helpful, friendly and fun. They are so fortunate to have Cara as their restaurant manager as she sets the friendly tone and passion for extraordinary service. It has a beautiful interior design. We enjoyed the superb food. Can't wait to return tonight. Pat
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
EZ
Since I heard that the owner of Groundswell Café in Tiverton opened a new restaurant in Bristol, I couldn’t wait to try it. My husband and I finally went to celebrate our anniversary, and it was such a wonderful experience.
The restaurant was cozy, beautiful, and full of character. Every detail—from the interior design to the dishes, cutlery, and decorations—felt harmonious and thoughtfully curated.
For appetizers, we had the French onion soup and mushroom croquettes. Both were delicious. For the main course, I had a creamy ravioli-style pasta, while my husband ordered the duck confit. The duck was perfectly cooked—crispy on the outside and tender inside, reminding us of Peiking duck.
Dessert was hard to resist. We shared Chocolate pot de crème, a chocolate mousse topped with a delicate edible flower and crystallized caramel. It was the perfect sweet ending to a memorable meal.
Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience, and we can’t wait to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Tristan Raynes
New fav spot ! 2 comfy bar seats at the beautiful marble bar. Started with one of the best manhattans ive ever had. We shared an app, Steak frites on wednesdays , 2 sides and split a dessert . Paired up with a glass of montepelogo ( must try ) Absolute perfect portions on entres and apps . So many items on the menue i cant wait to go back and try .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Deirdre Callahan
The Franklin is a complete hidden gem. The atmosphere was wonderful, food was delicious, drinks were made to perfection, and service was phenomenal. We had a wonderful dining experience thanks to our waitress, Tuesday. She was friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. Her warm personality made us feel welcome, and she ensured everything was perfect throughout our meal. We'll definitely be coming back! Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
IntotheDangerZone
A mixed experience! What can I say? The service and the restaurant decor is 5 star plus.
Everyone here is marvelously friendly and professional. Taylor was great.
The interior is stunningly beautiful. Just very inviting and, I would say like being in the south of France. Our table was especially lovely with a lamp and flowers.
Now, unfortunately, I was fairly underwhelmed by what I ordered. Having dined all over, I started with the French onion soup. It was just okay. Trafford had one that burst with flavor.
My “French Connection” was tasty. However, zero buzz. Avenue N, Blackstone Oyster, Olympia Tea Room know how to do a cocktail that is delicious and has a kick.
The roasted half chicken had promise. It was bathed in a flavorful au jus. Unfortunately it was more bone than actual chicken. I did enjoy the cognac mushrooms but even the sides were skimpy. I did order the pommes purée, filling but fairly bland. Waterman Grille does this type of dish much better.
Lastly, I was told the Affogato was delicious. It was terribly bitter. Pane e Vino makes a delicious one.
So, the experience is quite lovely due to the decor & service. However, the food and drink were a disappointment. I hate saying it, I really do. Would I go back? Probably not unless I heard there was a revamp of recipes. I’m sorry.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Anna
Lovely Evening! Space Food Staff All Amazing
Atmosphere: 5
Jocelyn Vander Kaaden
First and foremost, we are so grateful for the last minute accommodation as we called only five minutes before arriving.
The place itself is very unique in decor and a great atmosphere.
All of the staff, especially our server Nick, take great pride in working there, making the experience that much more enjoyable. Thank you to the management staff for orchestrating such a well run establishment and team.
Our favorites were the mushroom croquettes, the Franklin Manhattan, and the French 75. A must try for a fine dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Barbara Gervais
We dined for the first time at The Franklin tonight. It took forever to get a reservation, and now I know why. The food, service and atmosphere were just perfect. I have to mention two people who made the dining experience extra special. Nick, our server, was not only knowledgeable about the menu, wine selections and great suggestions, but was fun and beyond helpful with our total dining experience. Ava, our hostess, was also very helpful in assisting us in making our next reservation in a few weeks. We’re already looking forward to returning to sample other delicious selections!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dorrie Thomas
We are total food snobs, raised on some magnificent restaurants in the Mystic, CT, area, so we often have a pretty hard time finding satisfying dining experiences anywhere else. The Franklin FAR SURPASSED any place we've ever eaten while traveling away from home. The food was so impressive, with unique & delicious flavors and beautiful presentations. The staff was top-notch and well trained in attentiveness and timing. The interior was funky, fascinating, and fun (so much to look at!) yet also very classy. One note: the restaurant's location in Bristol is a bit off the beaten path and might dissuade you if you didn't know what little gem lies inside...Do not miss out; it's worth it!
From the moment walk in, you are transported to a luxurious, but warm and welcoming, beautifully designed space. The food, every course, was delicious, thoughtful, and expertly prepared. We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Confit
Linda Kwok
We tried Franklin on our recent trip to Newport. The place is cozy and the décor is just beautiful. It gives an old English aesthetic but with a new fresh vibe. Our cocktail was pretty and delicious. The tuna crudo was fresh and complimented well by the seasoning. Onion soup was good. Our entree the ravioli was a bit blend and the truffles lacked the truffle flavor. Desserts were again beautiful and tasty. The cheesecake is not traditional in looks but is light and flavorful. Overall it’s a 4.5 and would have been a 5 if our main entree was better. Good restaurant and will recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Erica Driver
Exquisite dining and service experience. I feel so lucky to not only have been able to enjoy a meal there, but to have this place right here in lil ole Rhody.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
susanne day
Our server Nick was knowledgeable about wines and all the dishes served. He and the rest of the team were incredibly attentive. The quality of the menu and execution of each dish surpassed our already high expectations! We will be back again soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Devon McWilliams
Beautiful ambiance, but very pricey for what you get
The Franklin in Bristol has such a gorgeous and creative atmosphere. It feels like stepping into a whimsical French bistro—vibrant colors, dim lighting, and lots of charm. Great Bar. Definitely one of the prettiest spots in town.
However, a few things missed the mark for us. The dining area is very tight, with tables close together, making it hard for servers (and guests) to move comfortably. It was also quite loud, which made conversation difficult. When we left, the porch and stairs outside were completely dark—just something to be aware of if you're heading out late.
The drinks looked beautiful, though my order was mixed up, and service was a bit slow.
What really stood out was the pricing—it's currently the most expensive restaurant in Bristol. $23 for French onion soup (as an appetizer), $30 for a patty melt (no side), and $14+ for any side like fries. Even a basket of bread was $7. The mussels entrée felt more like an appetizer portion, and we had to order fries to make it feel like a full meal.
For two people, we had one shared app, two entrées, one shared side (fries), one glass of wine, two beers, one gin/tonic, an espresso, and one cocktail—and our bill came to around $250 with tip.
It’s definitely worth a visit for the beautiful setting and ambiance, maybe for a drink and a small bite. Just be prepared for premium pricing and a somewhat tight, lively dining experience.
We had a terrific time at the Franklin and we are going back. We were warmly greeted by Neely at the door. We had amazing experience with Taylor at the bar. Very helpful, friendly and fun. They are so fortunate to have Cara as their restaurant manager as she sets the friendly tone and passion for extraordinary service. It has a beautiful interior design. We enjoyed the superb food. Can't wait to return tonight. Pat
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Since I heard that the owner of Groundswell Café in Tiverton opened a new restaurant in Bristol, I couldn’t wait to try it. My husband and I finally went to celebrate our anniversary, and it was such a wonderful experience.
The restaurant was cozy, beautiful, and full of character. Every detail—from the interior design to the dishes, cutlery, and decorations—felt harmonious and thoughtfully curated.
For appetizers, we had the French onion soup and mushroom croquettes. Both were delicious. For the main course, I had a creamy ravioli-style pasta, while my husband ordered the duck confit. The duck was perfectly cooked—crispy on the outside and tender inside, reminding us of Peiking duck.
Dessert was hard to resist. We shared Chocolate pot de crème, a chocolate mousse topped with a delicate edible flower and crystallized caramel. It was the perfect sweet ending to a memorable meal.
Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience, and we can’t wait to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
New fav spot ! 2 comfy bar seats at the beautiful marble bar. Started with one of the best manhattans ive ever had. We shared an app, Steak frites on wednesdays , 2 sides and split a dessert . Paired up with a glass of montepelogo ( must try ) Absolute perfect portions on entres and apps . So many items on the menue i cant wait to go back and try .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Franklin is a complete hidden gem. The atmosphere was wonderful, food was delicious, drinks were made to perfection, and service was phenomenal. We had a wonderful dining experience thanks to our waitress, Tuesday. She was friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. Her warm personality made us feel welcome, and she ensured everything was perfect throughout our meal. We'll definitely be coming back! Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A mixed experience! What can I say? The service and the restaurant decor is 5 star plus.
Everyone here is marvelously friendly and professional. Taylor was great.
The interior is stunningly beautiful. Just very inviting and, I would say like being in the south of France. Our table was especially lovely with a lamp and flowers.
Now, unfortunately, I was fairly underwhelmed by what I ordered. Having dined all over, I started with the French onion soup. It was just okay. Trafford had one that burst with flavor.
My “French Connection” was tasty. However, zero buzz. Avenue N, Blackstone Oyster, Olympia Tea Room know how to do a cocktail that is delicious and has a kick.
The roasted half chicken had promise. It was bathed in a flavorful au jus. Unfortunately it was more bone than actual chicken. I did enjoy the cognac mushrooms but even the sides were skimpy. I did order the pommes purée, filling but fairly bland. Waterman Grille does this type of dish much better.
Lastly, I was told the Affogato was delicious. It was terribly bitter. Pane e Vino makes a delicious one.
So, the experience is quite lovely due to the decor & service. However, the food and drink were a disappointment. I hate saying it, I really do. Would I go back? Probably not unless I heard there was a revamp of recipes. I’m sorry.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Lovely Evening! Space Food Staff All Amazing
Atmosphere: 5
First and foremost, we are so grateful for the last minute accommodation as we called only five minutes before arriving.
The place itself is very unique in decor and a great atmosphere.
All of the staff, especially our server Nick, take great pride in working there, making the experience that much more enjoyable. Thank you to the management staff for orchestrating such a well run establishment and team.
Our favorites were the mushroom croquettes, the Franklin Manhattan, and the French 75. A must try for a fine dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We dined for the first time at The Franklin tonight. It took forever to get a reservation, and now I know why. The food, service and atmosphere were just perfect. I have to mention two people who made the dining experience extra special. Nick, our server, was not only knowledgeable about the menu, wine selections and great suggestions, but was fun and beyond helpful with our total dining experience. Ava, our hostess, was also very helpful in assisting us in making our next reservation in a few weeks. We’re already looking forward to returning to sample other delicious selections!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We are total food snobs, raised on some magnificent restaurants in the Mystic, CT, area, so we often have a pretty hard time finding satisfying dining experiences anywhere else. The Franklin FAR SURPASSED any place we've ever eaten while traveling away from home. The food was so impressive, with unique & delicious flavors and beautiful presentations. The staff was top-notch and well trained in attentiveness and timing. The interior was funky, fascinating, and fun (so much to look at!) yet also very classy.
One note: the restaurant's location in Bristol is a bit off the beaten path and might dissuade you if you didn't know what little gem lies inside...Do not miss out; it's worth it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Couldn’t dream of a better restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
From the moment walk in, you are transported to a luxurious, but warm and welcoming, beautifully designed space. The food, every course, was delicious, thoughtful, and expertly prepared. We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Confit
We tried Franklin on our recent trip to Newport. The place is cozy and the décor is just beautiful. It gives an old English aesthetic but with a new fresh vibe. Our cocktail was pretty and delicious. The tuna crudo was fresh and complimented well by the seasoning. Onion soup was good. Our entree the ravioli was a bit blend and the truffles lacked the truffle flavor. Desserts were again beautiful and tasty. The cheesecake is not traditional in looks but is light and flavorful. Overall it’s a 4.5 and would have been a 5 if our main entree was better. Good restaurant and will recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Exquisite dining and service experience. I feel so lucky to not only have been able to enjoy a meal there, but to have this place right here in lil ole Rhody.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our server Nick was knowledgeable about wines and all the dishes served. He and the rest of the team were incredibly attentive. The quality of the menu and execution of each dish surpassed our already high expectations! We will be back again soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beautiful ambiance, but very pricey for what you get
The Franklin in Bristol has such a gorgeous and creative atmosphere. It feels like stepping into a whimsical French bistro—vibrant colors, dim lighting, and lots of charm. Great Bar. Definitely one of the prettiest spots in town.
However, a few things missed the mark for us. The dining area is very tight, with tables close together, making it hard for servers (and guests) to move comfortably. It was also quite loud, which made conversation difficult. When we left, the porch and stairs outside were completely dark—just something to be aware of if you're heading out late.
The drinks looked beautiful, though my order was mixed up, and service was a bit slow.
What really stood out was the pricing—it's currently the most expensive restaurant in Bristol. $23 for French onion soup (as an appetizer), $30 for a patty melt (no side), and $14+ for any side like fries. Even a basket of bread was $7. The mussels entrée felt more like an appetizer portion, and we had to order fries to make it feel like a full meal.
For two people, we had one shared app, two entrées, one shared side (fries), one glass of wine, two beers, one gin/tonic, an espresso, and one cocktail—and our bill came to around $250 with tip.
It’s definitely worth a visit for the beautiful setting and ambiance, maybe for a drink and a small bite. Just be prepared for premium pricing and a somewhat tight, lively dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Loading...