The Place
Recently opened and set in an enormous concession-era villa in Jing’an is Frank’s, a steakhouse serving a variety of American comfort food, including burgers, ribs, pizza and steak imported from Australia.
Encompassing almost 800 square meters of space, including new and original parts of the villa, the place seems to stretch on endlessly from one room into another, but the overall effect works despite its size.
The Food
Somewhat unusually for Shanghai, Frank’s offers dry aged meat, a process that changes the steak’s flavor, tenderness and moisture composition for the better. It’s a time consuming process that requires specialty equipment, and is usually the domain of upmarket steakhouses like Peter Luger in New York City.
Except that Frank’s is, compared to other steakhouses in Shanghai, a veritable bargain. Prices range from RMB128 for 260g M5 Wagyu, and go up to RMB458 for a 650g, 21 day aged M7 Wagyu T-bone.
For prices like that (in Shanghai) you’d be expecting some chewy, ligament-y cuts, but surprisingly, Frank’s delivers on this front. Our 21 day aged M8 650g Wagyu rib-eye (RMB398) was very good, apparently thanks to the installation of a specialty steak oven that reaches temperatures of 600-degrees.
If steak here is good value, non-steak dishes are downright bargainous. We’re talking RMB42 for a large hamburger topped with runny Japanese egg, or RMB32 for a fried pork tenderloin burger.
Pizzas too, like this sausage and cured ham number, are enormous and priced from RMB42-RMB58.
There are also things like BBQ ribs for RMB88, pan-fried seabass for RMB68, marinated chicken wings for RMB36 and steakhouse-style salads from RMB42. It's simple, tasty food, and you could very easily eat here for RMB100 or less and be very full.
Food Verdict: 2/3
The Vibe
So far, the clientele at Frank’s seems to be predominantly steak-loving locals of all ages. Given the size of the place, Frank’s seems the kind of venue that would lend itself to private functions like birthdays or company events. Service is unremarkable, but efficient, friendly and occasionally English-speaking. Menus are also in English.
Vibe Verdict: 1/1
Value for Money
As you might have discerned, there’s plenty of value for money to be found at Frank’s. Portions are very large, and the ingredients used are beyond the point at which they’re priced. Given how expensive steak (and Western food in general come to think of it) is in Shanghai, Frank’s is genuinely good value and definitely worth checking out for inexpensive hearty dinners.
Value for Money: 1/1
TOTAL VERDICT: 4/5
Price: RMB80-150 per person (steak from RMB128-458)
Who’s going: locals, families, couples
Good for: steak, American food, big groups, private dining rooms, casual and formal dining
See a listing for Frank's Steakhouse
Read more Shanghai Restaurant Reviews
0 User Comments