Restaurant François opens in downtown Austin with Parisian-inspired menu

February 24, 2026

Restaurant François opened in downtown Austin as a new French-inspired dining destination from Guy + Larry Restaurants. The space aims for a romantic, cosmopolitan atmosphere that the team says should feel at home alongside Parisian-style restaurants in other major U.S. cities.

Chef and proprietor Harold Marmulstein oversees the menu and service. Marmulstein is known locally for more casual projects such as Salty Sow and Tumble 22, but he traces his foundations back to fine-dining kitchens in the 1980s, when he worked as a sous chef under a French chef in Atlanta.

The menu mixes classic starters and hearty main courses. Diners can begin with items like comté cheese popovers or a traditional French onion soup, then move on to richer plates designed for sharing or a centerpiece meal.

A signature entree is a boneless wagyu short ribs bourguignon, prepared with Wagyu-X beef. The meat is marinated in burgundy wine with mirepoix, garlic, and herbs, then braised through a multi-day process to develop depth and tenderness.

Restaurant François also emphasizes a theatrical finish with rotating, pre-ordered soufflés. One current option is an amaretto soufflé, served tableside with crème anglaise poured into the opened pastry to produce a contrast of cool sauce and warm interior.

Service and presentation play a central role in the overall concept, with the team focusing on attentive service to match the menu’s refined preparations. With this opening, Guy + Larry Restaurants expands its portfolio, bringing a more formal French dining option to Austin’s downtown culinary offerings.

Reservations and pre-orders for certain desserts are recommended to secure menu items that rotate or require advance preparation. The restaurant positions itself as a destination for diners seeking a Parisian-style night out within Austin.