Francie

The story

Francie Brooklyn: Michelin-Starred Contemporary Italian in NYC

A Williamsburg Brasserie with a Michelin Star

On the corner of Broadway and Bedford in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Francie occupies a limestone-clad former bank building. Since opening in December 2020, it has earned a Michelin star for its refined yet approachable cooking. The space, designed by architect Glen Coben, revolves around an open kitchen that draws the eye and sets the tone: warm, convivial, and unmistakably neighborhood.

Francie is the first independent collaboration between Chef-Owner Christopher Cipollone (Piora, Cotogna) and Owner-Operator John Winterman (Bâtard, Daniel). Together they’ve created a restaurant that feels both special and familiar—a place where the menu is built for flexibility, and the dining room welcomes everyone from local regulars to destination diners.

A Menu That Moves from Snacks to Showstoppers

The kitchen’s contemporary Italian sensibility runs through a menu organized for sharing or solo indulgence. It begins with snacks like Roman Army Sourdough with sunflower spread and whipped lardo, or Foie Gras Canelé with Earl Grey and prune. Shellfish—oysters, littleneck clams, prawns—follows, then starters such as the Market Salad (seasonal variations with black olive and creamy Italian powder) and Duck Pithivier with citrus and pistachio.

Handmade pastas are a highlight: Bucatini with rosemary and amatriciana, Lobster Ravioli with saffron and tarragon, and Lasagna with spring lamb, anchovy, and fava bean. Main courses include Halibut with spigarello and green tomato, Colorado Lamb with ramps and Kyoto carrots, and for two, the Dry-Aged Crown Roast of Duck with Swiss chard and soppressata jam.

The Cheese Cart and the Vault

Save room for the famous Cheese Cart, which offers up to twenty selections nightly, with a focus on northeastern American cheeses alongside worldly classics. Desserts like Strawberry Shortcake with preserved lemon and Sour Cherry Pie with black sesame round out the meal.

For private occasions, The Vault at Francie—the former bank vault—offers an intimate setting. A lively bar program and daily happy hour make the restaurant equally suited for a quick bite or a long evening. Francie’s Michelin star reflects the precision and warmth of a kitchen that treats every plate with care, whether it’s a simple snack or a grand roast.