Francis Ang

ABACÁ - San Francisco, CA

Francis Ang is a Filipino-American chef whose work is driven by a deep commitment to heritage, community, and craft. Born in San Francisco and raised in the Philippines, Ang’s culinary perspective bridges cultures—bringing together classical technique with the bold flavors, stories, and traditions of Filipino cuisine. After returning to San Francisco at 19, he trained in some of the city’s most esteemed kitchens, including Gary Danko, Fifth Floor, and Taj Campton Place—then a two-Michelin-star restaurant—earning early accolades such as Food & Wine’s “People’s Best Pastry Chef” and Zagat’s 30 Under 30.

In 2016, Ang and his wife and partner, Dian, set out on a six-month journey across the Philippine islands to reconnect with their roots. That experience sparked Pinoy Heritage, a groundbreaking pop-up that reimagined Filipino cuisine through a contemporary California lens. The project quickly gained a devoted following and critical acclaim, earning Eater SF’s Pop-Up of the Year in 2018, followed by recognition as a Rising Star Chef by both the San Francisco Chronicle and StarChefs in 2019.

In 2021, the couple brought their vision to life with Abacá, a contemporary Filipino-Californian restaurant in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. At Abacá, Ang highlights the richness of Filipino flavors through the lens of Northern California’s seasonal bounty, guided by a philosophy rooted in respect—for ingredients, culture, and the people behind them. Since opening, Abacá has earned national and international acclaim, including Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America (2021), The New York Times’ Top 50 Restaurants (2022), a James Beard Award semifinalist nod, and recognition on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list.

Through his work, Francis Ang continues to champion Filipino cuisine—not by redefining it, but by illuminating its depth, diversity, and place in the modern culinary conversation.