Welcome to Franklin Cape Ann
At Franklin Cape Ann, nestled in the heart of Gloucester, MA, the philosophy centers on fresh, locally sourced ingredients combined with inventive cocktails, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant celebrates a menu that changes seasonally, showcasing a variety of dishes from crispy lobster dumplings to succulent pan-seared tuna, ensuring a delightful experience for every palate. Guests enjoy attentive service in a cozy setting, making it ideal for romantic dinners or special gatherings. With each flavorful bite and crafted cocktail, Franklin Cape Ann builds a connection to the rich culinary heritage of the region, making every visit memorable.
- 118 Main St, Gloucester, MA 01930 Hotline: (978) 283-7888
Welcome to Franklin Cape Ann, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Located at 118 Main St, this charming establishment is known for its blend of sophisticated cocktails and fresh, vibrant salads, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
Imagine stepping into a warm and inviting atmosphere, where every detail—from the decor to the service—whispers comfort and attention. Franklin Cape Ann has cultivated a reputation for its friendly and knowledgeable staff who are dedicated to enhancing your dining experience, as highlighted by delighted patrons in glowing reviews.
- Salads That Shine: The menu features an exquisite range of salads such as the Burrata Tomato, with baby arugula, grilled ciabatta, and hints of truffle and basil oils—a dish priced at $19. With the option to enhance your salad with chicken, shrimp, or organic salmon, there’s something for everyone.
- Appetizers to Tempt the Palate: Dive into the crispy eggplant bruschetta or the succulent sautéed mussels, each dish prepared with fresh herbs and robust flavors. Prices range from $15 to $21, reflecting the high quality of the ingredients used.
- Raw Bar Delights: For seafood lovers, the raw bar offers a taste of the ocean with jumbo shrimp cocktails and fresh oysters, each at just $3.75—a steal for such fresh offerings!
Alongside their impressive food offerings, Franklin Cape Ann’s cocktail selection is nothing short of remarkable. Whether you’re sipping on a classic or an inventive blend, the drinks complement the well-curated menu perfectly. Patrons rave about the cocktails, with many expressing that they are among the best they've had in a long time.
What sets this restaurant apart is not just the food and drink but also the experience itself. As one satisfied customer described, it’s a place perfect for impressing a date, celebrating special occasions, or simply indulging in a cozy dinner with friends. The intimate setting, combined with attentive service, makes every visit feel special.
In summary, Franklin Cape Ann is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary experience that embodies the spirit of Gloucester. With its diverse offerings and dedication to quality, it rightfully deserves its status as a staple in the local dining scene. Don’t forget to save room for dessert—the homemade creations are not to be missed!

For years, the Franklin Cape Ann in Gloucester has been a staple of our local dining choices. We love the warm, inviting atmosphere; the friendly, attentive staff; the great drinks, and of course the fabulous fresh food!!! We were craving all of that, and last night's dinner at the Franklin did not disappoint. We were seated in a cozy booth, and immediately water was brought to the table, along with their fresh bread and their fabulous hummus dip. Yum!!! Our waitress Colleen, is quite possibly my favorite person ever! She is so incredibly attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable of the menu, specials, and drinks... that I let her pick out our wine, and my entree. I told her what I was craving, and she chose perfectly. The wine was so good we ordered a bottle, the octopus appetizer was cooked perfectly, with a nice grilled flavor. My husband got the incredibly fresh off the boat seared pepper crusted tuna special. I was torn, and wanted the meat to his surf, so I got the braised beef, and oh my goodness... we couldn't decide which was better, the surf or the turf.... Sadly, we left no room for dessert, and that was a shame as their desserts are fabulous and made in the restaurant. Another thing we love is that they have a 2nd floor for busier nights, and bigger parties, along with a cozy bar on both floors to grab a drink, or meal if no table is available. I highly recommend the Franklin if you are looking to impress a date, or have a special dinner party, or just want to have a casual dinner, you will not be disappointed, but try to save room for dessert.

Fantastic experience! The ambiance was lovely - it was myself my mom and my 5 month old baby. They were so accommodating of our stroller even though it's a more intimate restaurant. Wonderful food options - I had spicy tuna sushi roll and the haddock piccata - both were delicious! My mom had the chicken and a side of green beans which she also loved. She also said her cocktail was one of the best she's had in a long time! Service was amazing as well - very attentive and on top of it! We will definitely be coming back!!

My husband and I have been going to the Franklin for years, 2-3 times a month. The menu changes 4 times a year and always has a great selection of meat, chicken, fish and pasta dishes. My husband usually orders the cod or fish special and it's always perfect. I am so fond of their Faroe Island salmon that I won't order salmon anywhere else. The fries are the best I've ever tasted. We often sit at the bar, and it's friendly and comfortable without ever seeming crowded or too much. Did I mention the cocktails? Excellent and inventive - and if you want them to make something unusual, they're happy to do so. The lighting and ambience are great. My (grown) kids love this place and whenever we have guests staying from out of town, they ask to go. The consistent quality of this place is really amazing. I've rented out the gorgeous upper level for private parties, brought family, friends, and clients here, and honestly, have never had a bad meal or experience. The waitstaff and service is topnotch.

Place rocks ! They do the best providing great food and drinks. Great job. We will be back soon!

We hosted our son's rehearsal dinner at the Franklin 9/6/24. From my first conversation with Maria till the end of the night it couldn't have been any better. She was flexible with menu options. We chose chicken marsala, grilled pork chop and scallops for the main meal and each was AMAZING. The ambiance in the room is quaint, with beautiful lighting, our own bar and bathrooms. She was flexible with timing and in no way did we ever feel rushed. I am so glad we chose the Franklin and thank you Maria and your staff for making it such a memorable night! We will be back!!!!

My husband and I weren't in love with the menu here but, everything we ordered was wonderful. Fish chowder and lobster empanadas were great. The fries my husband got with his burger were actually amazing. I got a pasta special of chicken Marsala with fresh pasta and it was also good, besides the chicken being a bit dry. They seem to go really heavy on pepper in general. We loved the humus with the bread, it was a unique touch. Not a big place, as there are only about a dozen tables downstairs. They let us call ahead on a Friday night, so I was glad we got in. I'm not sure if we would opt to go back without done menu additions or specials but, I didn't really have complaints. The food was impressive.

So happy to see this restaurant still flourishing! Great dinner with friends. Cozy interior. Oysters, soups and seafood entrees killer. Drinks spot on. Colleen took care of us at the table and she was the perfect host and guide. Great job all around!

Ambiance, food and service is 10/10 The menu changes with the season so many yummy options The deserts are delicious The drinks oh the drinks :)

Excellent food, I had Cod and wife had Salmon both outstanding. This was our first return since Covid and we were not disappointed!

We came here for my dads birthday and they were so sweet and attentive to all our shenanigans! The food was amazing! The wine was delicious. And I just loved the paintings on the wall. It felt like a really cozy night in!