Mark Franz

Chef & Owner

A native of San Francisco, Mark Franz arrived on the culinary scene 26 years ago and has lead some of the most renowned and highly-rated restaurants in the world to success and critical acclaim. As chef/owner, Franz will oversee the regularly changing menu, in addition to managing all aspects of the restaurant's kitchen operations. Franz changes his menu daily, allowing him to highlight the freshest seafood available, as well as seasonal meat and game dishes.

Franz opened Farallon in June 1997 in partnership with designer and restaurateur Pat Kuleto. Surrounded by an interior reminiscent of the lost City of Atlantis, Franz serves his sophisticated interpretation of "Coastal Cuisine." Nominated by the James Beard Foundation as one of the best restaurants in the nation, Farallon was also chosen as one of the best newcomers in the country by national magazines such as Esquire, Bon Appetit and Food & Wine.

Franz was awarded the "Chef of the Decade" award in 2002 by the California Culinary Academy and Farallon received the prestigious DiRona Award the same year. Farallon continues to be one of the highest rated and most popular seafood restaurants in San Francisco.

Prior to Farallon, Chef Franz spent over a decade as the Executive Chef at Stars, where he was responsible for turning Stars into one of the most successful restaurants in the country. As a member and corporate officer of StarTeam, he was instrumental in designing and opening Peak Café in Hong Kong, Speedo 690 and Stars Café in San Francisco and Stars Oakville Café. Franz is also credited with making major contributions in many other Bay Area restaurants including Balboa Café, Santa Fe Bar & Grill, Big Horn Grill and the once renowned Ernie's.

Franz is a California Culinary Academy graduate. He currently resides in San Anselmo.