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    Le Papillon

    4.2 (1.3k reviews)
    Ultra High-EndFrench
    Closed 5:30 pm - 9:00 PM

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    LE PAPILLON ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Classy
    Upscale
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Le Papillon

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    Ann N.

    I was invited to a team dinner in their private room. It's been awhile since I went here and I want to say it's still the same. It's on a corner of Saratoga and weird parking layout but it was a Wednesday evening and we didn't have any issues with parking. Walked in and it really feels like another world. It's a warm ambiance inside. Tables are fairly close to each other. Bar is right ahead once you walked in. We were walked to our private room to enjoy our dinner. We had a prefixed menu provided and all the items were good, nothing stood out. Waiters were accommodating. Great selection of wine. Nice topper when they brought out a birthday dessert for me. Enjoyed the nice evening with colleagues

    DUNGENESS CRAB SALAD
    Brian T.

    Been here a few times and service here is exceptional. Dishes here have been consistent with slight changes depending on the season. Love the sample items throughout the course. Each dish is beautifully prepared and plated. We got the 4 course at $150 per person but they also have a 3 course menu which is just no dessert. Started with some bread and butter. The first course was the slow poached lobster. Cooked perfectly and slightly sweet from the lobster and sauce. The kanpachi tartare was tasty and fresh. Next was the butternut squash soup and came at the perfect hot temperature. Crunchy texture from the pumpkin seed granola. The Dungeness crab salad came with lots of crab that was sweet and had fresh crispy apples along with the buttermilk sauce. The main course we got was the beef tenderloin and the grilled rack of lamb. Both cooked medium rare and come with a delicious sauce and side. The meats were tender and flavorful. For dessert, the soufflé grand mariner is a must try. Warm and soft soufflé that goes amazing with their grand mariner sauce which is sweet and fresh fruits. The black sesame terrine was rich in black sesame flavor. Perfect if you love black sesame. Dim and calm ambiance with a bar as well. Splendid place for fine dining. Small parking lot outside.

    Rini R.

    Have been here thrice for company holiday party . They are fine dine and have perfect setup if you want to have a date night or some official dinner like I had . Lots of options to choose from . We always get the four course meal from here which includes an appetizer , soup/salad, main course and dinner . Lots of finger food options as well . Parking is easy and staff is very friendly and cooperative

    Roasted Chilean sea bass
    Julie T.

    We decided to celebrate a big milestone for us, our 20 year anniversary here. From the beginning to the end the service was exceptional. The lighting was very dim inside and the ambiance was very calming and beautiful. The servers were very attentive of us with each of the meal presented. We opted for a 3 course prix fixe for $125. In between each course, we had an amuse-bouche. Here's what we ordered: First Course: Dungeness Crab Soufflé (5/5) This was really soft and fluffy, and airy with a lot of crab. I prefer the way this was cooked vs a traditional crab cake which is more thicker and dense. Stinging Nettles Agnolotti (4/5) If you like snails and are adventurous since this establishment is a French restaurant, you have to try this. My husband enjoyed this. I'm not too fond of snails. Second Course: Roasted Chilean Sea bass (5/5) This was cooked perfect and you get a pretty decent size fish piece. It is super super buttery and I couldn't eat all of mine. It had shiemji mushrooms on top and a potato mille-futile (crispy potato). Loin of Veal (5/5) The veal was super tender and didn't have any gamey taste. This also came with porcini mushrooms, potato gratin, and confit figs. The combo came together perfectly. Third Course (Dessert) Chocolate Marolaine (5/5) Chocolate cake with pistachio, caramel ganache, and praline butterscotch (I ate it all so it was that good) Peach Clafoutis (5/5) This was baked and warm and gooey peaches when it came out which went well with the ice-cream on top We paired it with an excellent bottle of Chateau Paveil De Luze (2016). For our anniversary they gave us a tasting plate of mini desserts to try. We were so stuffed as everyone was really exceptional. I would come back here to try all the other fantastic items we didn't get to try next time.

    Amuse Bouche
    Elisa G.

    We are excited to be here and bf was here 25 years ago so we decided to come here tonight for a 3 course French meal. It is very elegant yet friendly and warm. They are very flexible and accommodate my special needs. I love the amuse bouche which is 2 bites of gluten free heaven. More after dinner. Oh my gosh, so much food! I like the Hamachi Crudo and my sea bass was great. I've never seen potatoes in a rectangular block. Very interesting! The Grand Marnier was pretty amazing. 5,000,000 cal later and $537 later, I feel stuffed and I don't think I would ever do this again but it was a good experience

    Allison S.

    Visited Le Paoillon on Mother's Day and opted for their 4-course prix fixe menu. It's definitely on the pricier side, but the service made it worth it--our server was incredibly attentive, and not once did our water glasses go empty. Each course was perfectly timed, allowing us to really enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. The highlight of the evening was the pacing and presentation, but the lobster bisque was unfortunately too salty for my taste. Everything else was solid, and the ambiance was fitting for a special occasion. Would recommend for a splurge-worthy night out or celebration--just maybe sample the soup before committing!

    Souffle Grand Marnier
    Jennifer Y.

    I recently tried Le Papillon for the first time last weekend for an early Father's day dinner. This is an unassuming building that I've passed by countless times and never knew it was actually a nice French restaurant inside. There's some parking spots right next to the building which is nice, since it is a busy street. Inside is a cozy fine dining atmosphere. The service was great, not necessarily fine dining in the sense where someone is constantly around but still very good. The food is what surprised me actually. It was delicious. We opted for the three-course dinner menu. - First Course: crab souffle - this was possibly my favorite dish of the night! It was stuffed with real crab and the sauce that accompanied it was flavorful yet light so the crab shines in the dish. - Second Course: local black cod - the cod was cooked to perfection and melted in your mouth. The sauce was a nice pairing. I will say the sides were okay, the broccoli was a little on the harder side than is my personal preference as it was cooked to an al dente. The potato was delicious, just small and I wish there was more than one small potato on the plate. - Third Course: peach clafoutis - it was okay, I'm huge fan of peaches so that's what swayed me to this dessert. It's sort of a baked custard however it isn't that sweet and the ice cream melted pretty fast. There were some bits of peach mixed. Not my favorite. Some other dishes I also tasted included the grilled beef tenderloin, which the people at the table who ordered it really enjoyed. They serve it with a butter knife, not a usual steak knife to show off how tender and soft the beef is. It was cooked really well. I also tried the chocolate marjolaine, which was interesting. I think the layers of cake were pistachio but the cake was on the dry side and the pistachio flavor very subtle. I did like the rich fudge-like chocolate layers though and the decadent salted caramel cream on top was great. The food here is really great. I'd recommend it for an special occasion.

    Natalie F.

    This is a neighborhood institution, so the hubby and I knew we had to visit sooner or later. We decided to make a reservation for our anniversary and had a wonderful experience! We chose their tasting menu which I believe had about 4 courses to it including dessert. Everything was delicious and incredibly well made. We ordered a bottle of champagne as well... If I recall the bill was around $500 ...which ain't cheap for 2 people but worth it for a special occasion!! Don't get scared by the exterior.. it is located on a seemingly random corner near a liquor store and 7/11, but the restaurant itself is very nice!!

    Trang Ashley P.

    Everything was amazing, from the service to the food and wine pairing! You really can't go wrong here!

    Rachel T.

    The ambiance is great - very peaceful and clean. The kitchen is amazing as well. There were four amuse bouche in addition to the 3/4 course menu and they gave us a special birthday mango dessert. I would highly recommend the lamb entree (extremely tender and subtle), the hamachi tartare (very fresh), and the asparagus appetizer. I'm not a seafood person but the lobster tail and the lobster soup were apparently delicious as well. The service was so so. When debating two dishes, the server seemed apathetic and said "well snails are rare". My mom said we Vietnamese eat snails all the time. "Oh well okay get the other one". We were hoping for some culinary insight! Oh well. He also seemed apathetic and never cracked a smile even when my mom cracked a joke

    Duck
    Jeannie T.

    Returned to this restaurant again. The food remains good, with the same solid flavors and consistent quality, but there's little sense of freshness or creativity in the menu--it's mostly the same dishes as before. Service felt distant and somewhat mechanical. Several different staff members served us, but no one introduced themselves as our main server, which made the experience a bit impersonal and confusing. Overall, still a decent spot for reliable food, but it could use a bit more warmth and innovation

    Slow Poached Lobster(add $10)
    Malissa M.

    Had the pleasure of going here with my mom and it was such an amazing time. The staff was so friendly and such a pleasure to experience. We must have encountered about five and all were so nice. Had a reservation for 6 and we were seated immediately upon arriving. Parking was a little hard but I think it's because there was a large wedding party there as well as other patrons. The food was outstanding and the wine, the wine sommelier paired for us were all AMAZING!! In fact he was kind enough to give us the names and my mom and I plan to order 2 of them. Very cozy vibe, there was a bar but I didn't go in, since the wedding party was in there and we got seated so quickly. Beautiful yet simple flowers in the center of the dining area. There were two tables celebrating birthdays, which was nice to see these strangers wishing each other a happy birthday snd chatting. There happen to be a guy seating next to me who was a tad rude to the staff and I could hear him grumbling to his companion. Honestly, he had no reason to grumble either. As mentioned the staff was all so kind. From start to finish our dining experience was amazing, even finished off with a nice tea . I can't wait to go back, maybe for my nieces birthday or something special, but if you're looking for something special this is definitely a must try.

    Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Marrow Emulsion, Roasted Plum, Matsutake Mushroom, and Potato Gratin

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    Le Papillon Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Le Papillon

    Do I need a Reservation?

    Yes

    Is this restaurant only price fix and tasting menu? Is there option to order just A La Carte?…

    Both tasting menu and a la carte available

    This is a Graduation Dinner- we want to do your tasting menu- do I need to notify restaurant before date?

    It would depend on the size of your party. If large party I would say yes.

    Can you come in for dessert only?

    Hi can i make reservation for a outdoor seat explicitly?

    I have requested it twice and they accepted this as a request -- not a real reservation. I only went one of those times, and did get it. For some stoopid reason, I had to ASK them again for this, indicating that they might not have even made a… Read more

    Can we bring a toddler with us?

    I don't see any reason why not, but you should call the restaurant to confirm. It is a very special place and you should NOT take a toddler that will bother other diners. People pay a lot of money to eat there, and are often hoping for a romantic… Read more

    What is the dress code?

    Yes, this is a lovely classy restaurant where one should wear nice clothing, otherwise you will fee very out of place. NO jeans, tee shirts, beach walkers etc. Wear something you might consider wearing to a wedding as a guest or a very important… Read more

    I would love to find a local restaurant where I could practice speaking French. Does the wait staff speak French?

    My experience with the very attentive wait staff is that they spoke lovely Spanish.

    Can you just order one tasting menu but for 2 people?

    Like all restaurants with tasting menus, it is meant for one person each. So if you want to share a meal between 2 people, don't go to restaurants with tasting menus only.

    Indoor dining will be allowed on 10/14 with limited capacity. Will Ls Papillon reopen their dining room? I would like to make reservations for indoor dining at the end of this month for my bday. Please let me know ASAP. Thx

    How much time should we assign for a dinner at Le Papillon? Would 3h be enough? Thank you!

    Three hours is perfect. The tiny bite size portions keeps coming unless 2hr would be okay if you just order three course meal.

    Is the tasting menu up to date?

    Seems very likely. I visited twice in the last year and the tasting menu was almost exactly the same both times (but still delicious) and basically the same as it is now. It seems Le Papillon doesn't change their menus with the season.

    Corkage fee? Not mentioned on their web site.

    Do they accommodate allergies?

    If you give them heads up, they will take care of you (within reason, of course). First time we went, they were able to accommodate my pregnant friend. I'd recommend giving them a call.

    Does anyone know if they still have foie gras?

    Yes. Had some tonight. Very tasty.

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    Élyse Restaurant

    Élyse Restaurant

    4.3
    (546 reviews)
    4.7 mi
    $$

    CHECK YOUR BILL!!. I recently dined at Elyse in San Jose and wanted to share a mixed experience…read more First, the positives -- the food was genuinely very good. The dishes were well-prepared, flavorful, and thoughtfully presented. The overall ambiance was also enjoyable, making it a nice spot for a dinner out. Unfortunately, the experience took a concerning turn at the end of the meal. Our bill came out to $86.42, and I handed my credit card to the waiter. Within seconds (thanks to my card alerts), I received a notification that $103.92 had been charged. When the waiter returned with the receipt, there was no mention of any discrepancy. After waiting a few minutes to see if it would be addressed, I brought it up myself. The waiter appeared flustered and then claimed he had accidentally charged me for someone else's food. That explanation didn't align with the itemized bill I was given, which made the situation feel questionable. He assured me that it would be corrected and that I should see the adjustment in a few days, which I'll be watching closely. Mistakes can happen, but the lack of transparency and the fact that it wasn't proactively disclosed is what left a bad impression. Being overcharged without explanation -- and having to catch it myself -- is not something I expect when dining out. I'd consider coming back for the food, but I'd definitely be more cautious when it comes to the bill.

    Final Thoughts: 2.50/5…read more My girlies and I went here for a simple dinner and to try it out. Very Asian fusion, specifically French-Vietnamese. Seems fine-ish dining vibes with the dim lights and modern interior that they have. While the whole experience itself was quite nice, the food is not the best and perhaps should still be in the works. It leans so much on trying to be Asian fusion, but the execution isn't there yet for me. Will push the 3 star today given the overall experience we had. Food: Prime Rib Phở (NO MSG): 3.0/5 This was the entrée that we shared. They give around 3 to 5 pieces of meat, which isn't the most ideal thing to see. The meat is tender though, so that's a plus. Given the cut of it, I really wouldn't expect anything less of this though. Speaking of see though, the presentation lacks a lot for me. There wasn't too much color in the bowl. Really just broth, the noodles, and the meat placed on top. Essentially that's all it is, but there's no pop of anything to it. The flavor of the broth is quite good though. It's a lighter, but deep flavor. Will attribute this to some kind of bone meat that they used versus loading it with MSG. The noodles were overcooked and more on the soft side for me. Not much of a bite overall. Grilled Pork Spring Rolls: 1.5/5 This was really underwhelming for me. The grilled pork was nothing extravagant. Crispy eggroll wrapper roll inside was stale. Lacking in body and shape. Each of the rolls were really small and thin and lacking a lot of the filling. Usually I find that other places will overstuff it with vermicelli and vegetables because those are the more inexpensive ingredients in the roll. Here, the proportions were balanced in a sense, but lacking in size. Their sauce is what gets me. I can understand the experimentation, but I do prefer the typical sauce that is used. Perhaps doing a variation of this sauce may be better versus changing it to a completely different sauce. This sauce was a spicy kaffir lime leaf sauce and the tartness and sour flavor just overwhelmed the whole dish, so it became less appetizing for me. Belgian Fries: 3.5/5 These were honestly my favorite item here. Umm...I can't say they're anything extravagant. They were super crispy and the right size for me. Some potato without being too starchy on the inside. The sauce is a truffle aioli and that was truly the star of the show. Most of the rating will be regarding the dipping sauce. It was very rich and the flavors were very balanced. The combination of the truffle with the garlic flavor contributes really well to the dish. Honestly comparable to Cajun fries. Shrimp Mango Ceviche: 2.0/5 Fourth item was also not my favorite at all. The curing sauce was just so tart and sour that it took so much away from the dish itself. Aesthetic wise, was very underwhelming. In my opinion, this would have looked better served inside of a rounder bowl?? versus a shallow plate. The plate just makes it look half eaten given the serving size. The chips were just chips, so nothing extravagant. Balance of shrimp to vegetables appears appropriate though. --------- Quality: Fresh The food items did come out hot. The fries were crispy. They claim their pho broth takes hours to make and I can only take their word from that. Waiters and waitresses seem genuine, so I shall trust them on that. Food appears to be fresh, so no concerns here. Price: Quite steep; $$$ The prices here are quite steep. With what I was served, the prices seem to lean more on the expensive side. I can understand that some ingredients are more pretentious, but I really can't say I would pay this much for what was served. Range is around $8 to $16 for smaller dishes and $20 to $40 for the entrees. Service: Amazing; A+ The service that we were provided today was amazing. The waitress and waiters are very nice and super attentive. They checked on us a few times after all the foods came out and refilled our waters as needed. When we were deciding what foods to order, they were also really patient in going through some of the food choices with us. Ambiance: Fine dining vibes The space really isn't that big and there are really only a few tables inside. The space is big and the ceilings are high, which again, leads me to feel that this place has the fine dining vibes. Interior is quite dim lit and has this calming and warm vibe to it. Location/Parking: Downtown Area/Parking Downtown San Jose is probably all I need to say for people to understand what I mean. IFKYK kind of a deal. I can't say the location is in a bad place per se because it is around this line of other restaurants and stores. The parking is terrible though and perhaps you will find yourself paring at the parking structures for a more affordable cost or a closer one for a more expensive price. The parking lot I chose is free for the first 90 minutes and then they start charging. For one of the closest parking lots, my friend paid $20+ for her ticket.

    Photos
    View of inside of the restaurant.
    View of inside of the restaurant.
    Mushroom Tartelette
    Mushroom Tartelette
    The restaurant is very modern and spacious which I loved

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    The restaurant is very modern and spacious which I loved
    La Foret

    La Foret

    4.1
    (918 reviews)
    13.0 mi
    $$$$
    Fine dining
    Romantic vibe

    We wanted a special place to celebrate our wedding anniversary and La Foret delivered!…read more The restaurant is located in deep Almaden Valley. The historic property is built along a creek with views of lush greenery. The tables are beautifully spaced out so it feels intimate. The vibe is romantic and quiet. When we arrived, we were greeted with a Happy Anniversary by both the host and the manager/owner(?). I had requested a quiet table along the window and that is exactly where we were seated. Our server, Michael, was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. He had the perfect blend of attentiveness without being obtrusive. Perfect for a romantic dinner. We both ordered the Le Domaine six course tasting menu. Every bite was absolutely exquisite and in perfect portions. The presentation was artful. The starter was Prawns Meunière. The prawns were in a lemon butter sauce - amazing. Next was Salade Francaise (butter lettuce perfectly dressed with a mustard tarragon vinaigrette) followed by a bay scallop in a light saffron sauce with a puff pastry. Our first meat was elk in a portabella cognac demi-glaze reduction. It was incredibly tender. Our entree was the rack of lamb. We ordered it medium and it was perfectly prepared. The lamb was plated with a wild rice pilaf and grilled vegetables. We finished with the Gateau Au Chocolat Fondant topped with vanilla bean cream with a side of fresh whip cream. A lovely surprise followed with a Happy Anniversary creme brûlée. The price was splurge pricing but worth every penny for a special occasion.

    Ugh! My husband wanted me to take him out to La Foret for his birthday dinner last night. We hadn't…read morebeen there in years and the menu looked really iffy for this Pollopescetarian but I complied. Here's what all went wrong: --We waited 30 minutes with only water glasses, a stack of menus, and a placed (but not fulfilled) drink order before getting up to leave. The host convinced us to return to our tables and said he'd personally wait on us. --When my drink finally arrived, the name didn't sound familiar so I asked if it was the one with blueberries in it. Turns out it wasn't! The bartender had called in sick and the substitute (a server, I think) didn't know the recipe so they just brought me some other drink. WTH?!? What if I'd been allergic to something in this other drink?!? I sent it back . --Why did the restaurant not have a set of drink recipes for each cocktail in their menu?!? The bartender calling in sick shouldn't have prevented them from being able to mix a cocktail ordered off the menu! --My salad looked and tasted great, but was drowning in dressing! Better to have served it on the side! --The menu doesn't include any hot vegetable sides. The porcini tortellini dish I ordered tasted great but was pretty overpowering without something on the side. --We never ordered the appetizer we wanted to share because the place was so chilly and the service so pathetic. So, I actually left feeling a bit hungry after just the salad and half an order of the tortellini. In an attempt to be balanced in my review here, my husband loved his wild boar with mashed potatoes and green beans! And the host/waiter brought him a little birthday creme brûlée to share, plus tried hard to get us to accept a totally comp'ed dinner (which we refused). But if my husband wants to go to this place for a future birthday, it'll have to be with a different wife!

    Photos
    Rack of Lamp was delicious!!
    Rack of Lamp was delicious!!
    Veal chop was out of this world!! Best I've ever had!
    Veal chop was out of this world!! Best I've ever had!
    Grand Marnier Souffle

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    Grand Marnier Souffle
    Goodtime Bar

    Goodtime Bar

    4.7
    (237 reviews)
    4.7 mi
    $$

    I am completely obsessed with Goodtime Bar. I can appreciate their unique selection of wine, as…read morethey focus on natural wine. Not my personal cup of tea, but they do also offer sake and a few beers also. The first time we went, we ordered the arancini, bucatini, and the heritage pork katsu. I am a big advocate for trying new things every time I go to a restaurant, but it was so good I ordered the same thing the second time I went. Arancini is flavored with Japanese curry with creamy fontina in the center topped off with kimchi mayo. Holy f. These quite literally put the traditional Italian ones to shame (sorry not sorry). Next was the bucatini. It had tom yum butter, lime, basil- all the fix ins of what you want from tom yum flavors with the luxuriousness added from the butter. It was sinful. Last and certainly not least, is the pork katsu. I cannot even remember the last time I ordered a pork katsu, but something told me to order it. Thank God I did, as it quite literally changed my life. If they ever take it off the menu I am not sure I would be OK. It is crispy and is swimming in this koji butter, but the key is that it is NOT greasy. I quite literally think about it all the time. To the point where I had it twice in a week. Service was great, bartenders are so friendly. The place is cute and vibrant. Keep in mind it is small- limited seating inside and a small patio outside. But so worth the wait. It aint called Goodtime for no reason!

    Ambiance 5 Wine 5…read more Service 5 Food 5 So why the 4 rating... TBH there's a good chance that I'll adjust it soon, but if I could give a 4.5 I would. First the knock, and to be fair, it's probably just an opinion / idea. Given the birth of natural wine and the South Bay, it would be wonderful to see a curated selection of tasting flights, no more than two or three options with anywhere from 3 to 6 wine wines each, priced accordingly. Maintaining a proper wine menu when all you do is natural wine can certainly be a challenge. If you wine flights depending on what you have would certainly elevate the customer experience by educating more people natural wine and helping them make better choices when it comes to a bottle purchase. I paid $61 for a bottle that was recommended, and at that price point I wonder how many people who are new to natural wine might be turned off. Chris was a wonderful host and certainly the right person to engage with customers around their various wines. Given how small the space is and how busy it can get, a weekly tasting flight menu might be a good way to engage those customers who are waiting to order at the bar and perhaps even spark a more productive conversation with Chris. We ordered the peach and ricotta dish with Thai basil... wow, a wonderful surprise. Peaches are always battling in and out of the top spot on my summer fruit list and this combination was downright dirty and delicious! We also ordered the raw oysters with watermelon mignonette. Another wow! I didn't expect the little spice kick and it was a perfect pairing to the sweetness of the watermelon. If anyone knows the recipe let me know, I'd bottle that mignonette and take it with me wherever I have oysters!! Overall, a great experience and I most definitely look forward to going back!

    Photos
    Indoor seating area
    Indoor seating area
    Pork Belly w/ caramelized oyster sauce, peach salsa, ngo gai, jimmy nardellos ($24)
    Pork Belly w/ caramelized oyster sauce, peach salsa, ngo gai, jimmy nardellos ($24)
    A rich sparkling white that's not too dry

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    A rich sparkling white that's not too dry
    Left Bank Brasserie - Santana Row

    Left Bank Brasserie - Santana Row

    3.3
    (3k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    My first visit in a very long time to Santana Row and may I add one of the best experiences I had…read more I stumbled upon the left bank not really sure what I was walking into and was greeted by the General Manager Jessica. She appointed me to the bar as I was a single guest and gave me a run down about the menu and what she'd recommend. I had the warm goat cheese salad and omg it was amazing. I love the idea you can see the kitchen and I absolutely love the staff as they were warm and inviting. Jessica continued to check on me through out my visit and as I went to leave she even walked me to the door and welcomed me back at any time. I felt so welcomed and being a single guest I felt not at any time of my visit was I alone.

    IMHO My friends and…read moreI came to Left Bank for a celebratory birthday lunch. We chose a comfy booth inside the restaurant after realizing it was just a tad too warm to sit outside. (However, people watching is so much fun when sitting outside!) Cosme was our fabulous server who shared the daily specials with us. I asked him which I should choose, the Ahi Tuna BLT, $26, or the Nicoise Salad, $31. He recommended the BLT! Two friends decided to share the Wester Ross Scottish Salmon, $36, and our other friend ordered her favorite Nicoise salad, $31. My Ahi Tuna BLT was a sight to behold! This sourdough sandwich was crunchy on the outside and multi-layered with sliced ahi tuna, bacon, avocado, tomato, butter lettuce and a horseradish aioli, on the inside, and served with a side of thin and crispy French fries! The portion size was so big that I could only eat half the sandwich! I really like bang-for-my-buck, and I definitely got it with this entree! The fries were perfection, salty and crispy! My friend who always ordered the Nicoise salad when she dines here, totally cleaned her plate. This salad was another showstopper. It was almost too pretty to eat! The two friends who shared the salmon entree were not as impressed. They both thought the salmon was a tad dry when Cosme explained it should be served medium. One friend thought the cauliflower puree base helped to compensate a little for the dryness of the salmon, but the other friend chose to share her displeasure with Cosme, who apologized, then relayed the message to the chef. Shortly after, Cosme offered to have another salmon cooked, which my friends agreed to. Then Left Bank's general manager, Jessica, came over to ask how we were enjoying our meal. Jessica kindly heard their comments regarding the salmon (and the price for a small serving...no bang-for-your-buck with the salmon...) and offered to have another salmon served up for them. (We told her that Cosme had already arranged for that.) She assured she would inspect the next serving before it was presented. It came out looking even more beautiful and enticing then the first plating, and happily the cook and texture was perfect the second time around! I was surprised with a birthday plate of ice cream decorated with raspberries, a chocolate leaf, and yummy crushed wafers, compliments of Jessica. Thank you, Jessica, Cosme, and your staff for your epic customer service. We will definitely return again soon! I also used my InKind app to pay for my meal. I was able to redeem my InKind reward to pay a portion of my lunch!

    Photos
    Left Bank Brasserie - Santana Row
    Left Bank Brasserie - Santana Row
    Left Bank Brasserie - Santana Row

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    Chez Philippe

    Chez Philippe

    4.2
    (259 reviews)
    6.7 mi
    $$$

    While the food is excellent, the service leaves much to be desired. Last evening we had a special…read moreoccasion reserved at Chez Philipe for 3. I was unavoidably detained in my car "out front" while the 2 other diners had arrived and were present (both 74+ years) and they refused to seat them. There were no chairs and they stood outside for nearly 10 minutes. UNACCEPTABLE!

    There's something special about finding a restaurant that just gets it, and Chez Phillip is exactly…read morethat for me. In a town full of great options, this place has become one of my absolute favorites--and honestly, I keep coming back because everything about it just works. The Complete Package What sets Chez Phillip apart is that they understand fine dining doesn't have to be stuffy or pretentious. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance--elegant and refined, but genuinely welcoming. You feel like you're being treated like a valued guest, not just a reservation number. The attention to detail is evident everywhere, from the thoughtful table settings to the way the staff anticipates your needs without being intrusive. The menu showcases real culinary skill. Every dish I've tried has been thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, but more importantly, it actually tastes exceptional. There's a level of care in ingredient selection and technique that you can taste in every bite. It's clear the kitchen takes pride in what they're putting out. Why I Keep Coming Back For me, a great restaurant isn't just about the food--it's about the whole experience. Chez Phillip delivers on all fronts. The service is knowledgeable and warm, the wine pairings are spot-on, and the overall atmosphere makes every visit feel a little bit special, whether it's a celebration or just a night out. My Recommendation If you love fine dining and you're looking for a restaurant in Los Gatos that genuinely deserves the hype, do yourself a favor and try Chez Phillip. It's become one of my favorite places, and I think you'll see why. This is where I take people when I want to impress them--and they always leave as impressed as I am.

    Photos
    Interior as of May 2024
    Interior as of May 2024
    French Onion Soup
    French Onion Soup
    French Onion Soup

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    French Onion Soup
    Épernay Bistro

    Épernay Bistro

    4.3
    (199 reviews)
    6.8 mi
    $$$

    I had bookmarked Épernay Bistro for a while, and finally came here for dinner with my husband on…read moreWednesday. We came here a couple of times when it was still Billy's Boston Chowder House. The brick walls and blackboards looked familiar. There's still a long table in the middle. With the new chairs and tablecloths, the place looked more classy than before. The floating shelves at the top of the walls were all lined with wine bottles. There're some gigantic bottles towards the back as well. It's quite a nice place to have a quiet, intimate dinner with the causal, yet upscale vibe. There're about eight tables (1-2 persons@) while we're there, and service was attentive, despite having only one server. For the $80 dinner for 2 special, we got to pick one item from each of the first two selections to share, two entrees, and one beignet each. We also added a beet salad to share, and my husband had the wine pairing. For our first course, the two baked oysters were cheesy and rich. It would be better if they were bigger, though. Our second course, the caramelized onion soup was perfectly prepared, one of the best I had ever had. The beet salad was refreshing, and the dressing was so tasty that it made arugula tasted good. I had the sole as my entree; it was cooked well, light and delicious. I took a bite of my husband's slow braised short ribs; it was tender and flavorful. The beignets were delightful, and paired really well with the dark chocolate and salted caramel sauce. I really appreciated that all their hot dishes came out really hot. Overall, it was a really enjoyable dinner. Would be back to have the onion soup again and try other items on the menu.

    This used to be one of my wife's and my favorite places--a charming French bistro with great food…read moreand an atmosphere that always made us feel welcome. Unfortunately, our most recent visit completely changed that. We had reservations for a Saturday evening and were seated promptly. That's where the positive experience ended. After being seated, we waited 20 minutes without a single acknowledgment from staff--no greeting, no water, nothing. Meanwhile, other parties who arrived after us were attended to right away, which made the situation even more frustrating. After more than 30 minutes of being completely ignored, we decided to leave. It was honestly one of the most uncomfortable and disappointing dining experiences we've had. As strong supporters of local restaurants, this was especially disheartening given how much we used to enjoy coming here. Sadly, this experience has permanently changed how we feel about this place, and we won't be returning. I hope the staff takes this as a reminder that every customer deserves the same level of attention and respect.

    Photos
    Épernay Bistro
    Cassoulet Avec Confit de Canard maple leaf duck leg, white navy beans, bacon, arugula salad, pickled onions, breadcrumbs
    Cassoulet Avec Confit de Canard maple leaf duck leg, white navy beans, bacon, arugula salad, pickled onions, breadcrumbs
    Duck confit

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    Duck confit
    Naschmarkt - Campbell

    Naschmarkt - Campbell

    4.5
    (1.6k reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$$

    When I arrived for my friend's birthday, there wasn't a reservation but thankfully since we showed…read moreup right when they opened, they accommodated and made us feel comfortable! Everyone was very friendly and the atmosphere was inviting with soft lighting. We all ordered the Jager Schnitzel, it was creamy and delicioussss! That came with Spatzel which is basically like a buttery pasta. Both parts of the dish could have used a touch of salt but still highly recommend. The soufflé was fluffy and had a nice addition of a blueberry compote underneath like a little surprise when you go to scoop. The ice cream tied it all together nicely. Will definitely be going back again! *All written while thinking about the delicious mocktail I sipped on

    As yelp puts it, 2 stars, definitely could've been better…read more 2 of us ordered: 16 oz hazy ipa $13, pricing doesn't match menu scallops $28 paprikawurst $17 goat cheese purse salad $16 tagliatelle pasta $34 NY steak $52 Staff attentiveness was good to start...but as it got busy, almost non existent. Scallops and paprikawurst were good. Everything else needed work. Steak was overcooked which was unfortunate. Also, 3% surcharge for credit card in this day and age is a bit foul. Street parking only.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Spicy Paprikawurst (part of the three-course Valentine's Day Prefix $95/per)
    Spicy Paprikawurst (part of the three-course Valentine's Day Prefix $95/per)
    Pan-Seared Scallops (part of the three-course Valentine's Day Prefix $95/per)

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    Pan-Seared Scallops (part of the three-course Valentine's Day Prefix $95/per)
    Plumed Horse

    Plumed Horse

    3.9
    (1.5k reviews)
    5.6 mi
    $$$$

    i went to plumed horse for a nice dinner and was blown away by the service and level of detail. we…read moredid the four course meal and i loved the canapes and appetizers most. the uni & crab souffle was so inventive and savory. also, the mushroom morel oriecchette was highlight for me as well! in addition, the bread was so fluffy and delicious and the desserts were incredibly inventive. while all the courses are small, there was plenty of food to feel very full. the main restaurant is a large room, but there is a wine room dividing the front bar/lounge area and the main room. note to sit in the main room, you must order the tasting menu (8 courses) or four course menu. i was also blown away by the drinks - the clarified milk punch (per my last email) and blood oath were both so delicious and beautifully presented!

    It's old-world French fine dining using local Californian ingredients. I ordered the full tasting…read moremenu, and my favorite course was the soufflé with the best Dungeness crab fondue. I honestly could have eaten an entire bowl of what felt like a crab bisque. The proteins were plentiful, ranging from red snapper, squab and lamb. The panna cotta and s'mores desserts were to die for. The service was incredible. Chef Charlotte and the team Lenny, Chris, Bong, Tyler, and Carla were all awesome. Grateful I got to walk in and dine at this spectacular establishment.

    Photos
    Restaurant
    Restaurant
    Wild Albacore with charred chicories, tonnato, gremolata
    Wild Albacore with charred chicories, tonnato, gremolata
    Black Pepper & Parmesan Souffl, uni & Dungeness crab fondue

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    Black Pepper & Parmesan Souffl, uni & Dungeness crab fondue
    Papillon

    Papillon

    4.0
    (1.3k reviews)
    17.9 mi
    $$$

    We hadn't been to Papillon in several years and decided to go for our Christmas dinner this past…read moreDecember. Our party of 4 really enjoyed the food (particularly the calamari, duck, and ribeye), drinks, and service. The vibe was on the upscale side but not stuffy, a bit format but still warm. We also like that there were pockets for more private dining. So when it came time to have a small gathering for a group of 10, Papillon came to mind. Papillon's service was excellent - from the time of my reservations to the end of our evening. We requested a private room and boy were we impressed when we got to the venue! Without going into too much detail, because there's so much I can write about, let me just say that if you are looking for a place that is easy to get to, has ample parking, nostalgic and warm ambiance, friendly and professional service, classic and signature drink menu, and balanced food offering that are as well-plated as they are tasty, Papillon is the place! Special shoutout to Shawna (spelling?), our host, who took good care of our dining experience

    I came here during Fremont Restaurant week for their special promotion of appetizer or dessert,…read moresalad and entree. This is not my first time coming here so I was excited about the promotion. I am never disappointed about the food and service when I come here. The wait staff are always attentive and accommodating. I requested my bread to be hot and they were able to do it for me. The food was delicious as always and cooked perfectly. The only drawback is that the restaurant looks outdated. The carpet is worn and I can smell cleaner they used. Overall, it's a place worth coming back again since the food is delicious and the staff is very friendly. The owner even came to the table and offered us a drink on the house.

    Photos
    Green House
    Green House
    Banquet room
    Banquet room
    Patio outside dining

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    Patio outside dining

    Le Papillon - french - Updated July 2026

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