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Papillon

3.9 (1.3k reviews)
Closed • 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM
Updated over 3 months ago

Papillon Reservations

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PAPILLON ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Romantic
Good for kids
Dressy

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Recommended Reviews - Papillon

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Reviews With Photos

Jo W.

Papillon (French for "butterfly") has been on my list of Michelin-starred and special-occasion restaurants to visit in the East Bay. So when Citizen Medic Foundation hosted a Heroes in Helmets dinner here in October 2025, I had to come out here, especially since proceeds went to support Citizen Medic Foundation, and there were photo ops to ride our motorcycle without our helmets, and to sit and have our photos taken in the Arch Motorcycle KRGT-1 owned by the Citizen Medic Executive Director. Papillon is kind of a hidden gem tucked away on Mission Blvd near Niles Canyon in Fremont. If I was passing by and not on the lookout for this restaurant, I would totally miss it. I rode here on my motorcycle. It's a hilly ride, and coming down south-bound on Mission Blvd, I have to take a right turn to enter the restaurant parking lot. After waiting for traffic to pass, I then zip up the hill into the restaurant's parking lot. We had a really great event. We had photo ops to ride our motorcycles and get helmet-less photos in the parking lot before heading into the banquet room for dinner. The ambiance is quite small, intimate, and cozy, and has a vintage charm that you don't see in newer restaurants. We sat in a banquet room around a long dining table beneath a vintage chandelier and in front of a fireplace and stained-glass windows depicting butterflies. Appetizers: prawns, calamari, lobster ravioli, and grilled brussel sprouts Filet mignon: I asked for rare, came out more medium and kind of tough. I didn't bother asking for it to be changed Cheesecake: was told it comes with seasonal fruits, strawberries and raspberries. It only came with one strawberry. It might be because this is an old building, but the bathroom is rather small and cramped. To leave, I have to ride downhill (way nerve-wracking on a motorcycle than in a car), and be hyper-vigilant about any oncoming traffic before I can safely zip off down Mission Blvd. A lovely old-school restaurant that is definitely worth a visit for a special occasion in East Bay!

Chocolate mousse so perfect not too sweet Light!
Valerie B.

My bosses asked me where I wanted to go for a belated Christmas dinner and I am so glad I chose Papillon! The restaurant is a little dated but the staff is a reminder of the good old days of smiles and wanting to give you the best dining experience. There is ample parking and the bathrooms are gender neutral and clean! We all enjoyed our food and the dessert was amazing. We all had the chocolate mousse I had the filet mignon with Black pepper corn sauce with cognac so tasty and tender! Me and my husband will definitely be back for dinner. They are only open for dinner so plan accordingly.

Filet mignon with shrimp scampi on top
Trina P.

Top notch food and service from start to finish. The bread was soft & delicious while we waited for our meal. We each ordered the filet mignon prepared medium well with sautéed shrimp scampi on top. The salad is included with entree and is tasty, fresh and a nice portion served just ahead of the entree. The vegetables were cooked perfectly. We then opted for a slice of cheesecake and a slice of flourless chocolate torte for dessert. My table-mate said it was the best cheesecake he's ever tasted. The ambiance was dark and quiet in our area- just like I prefer. There are other more lit table areas for one's preference. The servers were low-key, attentive and kind. Looking forward to returning!

Out front
Sierra B.

I had such a great time last week for my birthday dinner. It definitely has an old school formal aesthetic. Our waiter was so polite and prompt. The salad, soup, and dinner was great. My sister and her partner enjoyed the seafood Wellington and skirt steak. I'll definitely be returning!

Escargot
Kelly H.

Finally getting around to a review. We went to Papillon for my birthday in February. First time visit. We were seated for our reservation immediately. Fist impression, interesting layout, older decor, older crowd but a very full and happy clientele at all the tables around us. We were seated in a rear long room with odd dividers and seating. The chairs were comfortable but a bit low in height for me. The room was very loud, which I would have thought would be a bit quieter based on dark ambiance upon entry. Service is very, very slow. We waited probably 20 minutes for our initial cocktails. For the price paid for the cocktails, the martini glasses are in the small vintage side. Flavor was great, size make you sio to enjoy vs downing the larger pours you may receive at chain restaurants . Then 30 minutes wait for our appetizers. The bread, baked fresh is so good. I could eat loaves of it. Finally, it arrives. The escargot was divine for my first time ever trying. I appreciate our server taking the time to explain the best way to eat them. To tip them upside down and let them slide right out of their shells. We then waited what seemed like forever for our entrees. It was 45 minutes when I motioned to someone for cocktail refills. Not enough checking in to refresh our cocktails. One mention of the kutchen being behind, with one chef, but dinner coning soon. Once dinner comes, I was very very happy. The seafood wellington is absolutely delicious. Scallops and crab inside of the pastry, in an amazing sauce that just was perfection. My husband was a bit disappointed with the 'small size' of his lobster tail entree for the price paid. He did eat every bite, just wanted more and was not a fan of the veg. He felt it was just there to fill the plate and had no flavor. The happy birthday message on the dessert was a nice touch. The chocolate mousse was very good. With tip for the two of us it was 300 ish and change. Would I want to spend that and have to wait 30 for appetizers and nearly 45 to and hour after that for the entrees? I am not sure. The escargot and seafood wellington would bring me back if dinner could be less than 90 minutes from start to finish. All in all, the food should bring you here as it is definitely worthwhile and flavors memorable. Minus one star for escargot slow service. But thank you Papillon for a delicious birthday dinner.

Onion Soup
Peggy C.

We took my mother-in-law who grew up in France to Papillon for her first time, to celebrate her birthday. We've gone by ourselves before but it's been ages so seemed like a nice treat to take her out! We made reservations easily online and it was nice and quiet where we were seated. Appetizers came out quickly: we ordered the roasted bone marrow which was their special menu for the day, escargot of course and frog legs! The sauce for the frog legs was so divine I ended up also dipping my 6 year old's chicken tenders in it (heads up, there is an off menu kids' menu but I do think the tenders were dry, but it's a kids' chicken tenders sooooo...) and the bone marrow was heavenly. For our entrees, I split the roasted duck breast with my mother-in-law which was a good idea because it's two breasts and by the time we got to it after all the appetizers AND the onion soup before the entree, I could barely finish just the one breast! The French onion soup tasted so good and truly authentic. My mother-in-law loved it and as a woman who was raised in France, her opinion matters! We ended the night with crème brûlée (bien sûr! Pourquoi pas?!) which came with a sorbet and then the trio of sorbets for the kiddo. It usually comes with a mango sorbet but they were out and replaced it with a huckleberry sorbet which was pleasantly refreshing. My mother-in-law was impressed and will definitely come back with her friends!

Lamb shank
Maddie W.

Delicious food! We came here for my future mil's birthday dinner. The crab cakes were super flavorful, but we wish they were smaller so the crab cake to crispy exterior ratio was closer. The baked brie is also delicious and pairs perfectly with the apricot jam. We all got the French onion soup with our entrees, and it was so flavorful! Everyone really enjoyed it and said it was the best they've had by far. We ordered the seafood Wellington, slow braised lamb shank, and the steak frites. Everything was delicious and worth trying. Portions are generous and you'll definitely leave full. The veggies are a nice change from the deep flavors. They also gave us a free birthday cheesecake slice that was yummy. Keep in mind that service is on the slower side! I'm aware French culture is big on eating leisurely, but there were odd lulls where we were just waiting for a while. Other than that, they're all very attentive and refilled our waters multiple times and cleared our dishes promptly. The bathrooms aren't super obvious, but they're on the left side past the bar area. Overall, this is a solid spot and worth trying! I'll be bringing my dad here in the future for the onion soup and lamb shank!!

Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Kim C.

We needed a restaurant to eat after a funeral for the family. The restaurant was nice to work with us and opened between their lunch and dinner service for a group of 25. I was visiting from So Cal, so my first time there. Plenty of parking in their private lot. The family run business since the 1970s. The original grandparents have retired, their son and his wife and 2 kids now run the show. The 2 kids (adults) were are attentive servers. The food was delicious. The wife is the chef. We started with appetizers for the table: brussel sprouts, crab cakes and calamari. I had the salmon. The restaurant had multiple rooms, we were in the enclosed patio area. But there were other more formal rooms. I'd definitely return if I lived closer.

Holly S.

Papillon is a true gem. The service is warm, polished, and effortlessly attentive, making you feel welcome from the moment you sit down. The ambience is classic and intimate, which is perfect for a cozy night out or a special occasion. The food shines, especially the fabulous French onion soup. It was rich, deeply flavorful, and perfectly balanced with that golden, cheesy top. A timeless spot that never disappoints.

Brown Sugar Crème Brûlée
Justin W.

Old timers and old schoolers will know why after 47 years Papillon still has its charms. Coming back to this restaurant has the nostalgic meaning to us. I don't need to post any photos to show you the exquisite dishes they offer, because it is a given. The friendly staffs and hospitality are also standards. It is the memories and the atmosphere that we cherish and enjoy. After knowing we're celebrating the 39th anniversary, they brought out the Crème Brûlée w/ Mango Sorbet that we love. And the presentation was just heart warming in a rainy winter night. Love the Brussel Sprouts, Onion Soup, Garden Greens, Beef Wellington, Miso-Gazes Seabass, and Halibut topped with Lobster Sauce. They were all freshly prepared and deliciously tasting.

Interior
Sherica G.

The lobster ravioli and crab cake pulled this rating from 4 to 5. Ravioli has actual lobster tail and crab cake was full of real crabs. And of course, they were delightful. Everything we ordered was delicious, the lamb shank was tender, the sauce on wellington is like a creamier version of a lobster bisque. The red velvet creme brulee was decadent. Service was great! This is an old reataurant and it would be safe to say they can do a little fixing.

Inside Housemade Lobster Ravioli
Carolen M.

I've seen and passed by Papillon so many times throughout my childhood and adult life. I actually didn't know it was a legit restaurant because it seemed closed all the time but I guess it's because they're only open for dinner. Makes sense. But yes, we were finally curious to see what it was all about and since we were celebrating, we decided, sure let's do it. Overall, the interior a bit dated, but has it's charm to it. The food was ok and the service very attentive and friendly! L O C A T I O N Papillon is located on Mission Blvd close to the Niles Downtown area. They have a parking lot, but this was all full when we came and we ended up on the dirt lot on the left side. I N S I D E They have a few dining areas. It's like being transported in time. I don't know what time but definitely not the 2020s. It's charming actually. There were a few folks already dining when we arrived. M E N U They had some specials, but in general...would I call it French food? I don't know, but they did have a lot of standards like escargot, frog legs, french onion soup, steak, lobster, etc. They also had a variety of drinks from cocktails to wine. We opted for a couple of appetizers, a couple of entrees, and couple of wines. They had nice fresh bread with butter. Each entree came with a house salad. ~ Escargot de Bourgogne - $15.50 ~ Drenched in garlic and butter. I was going to pay for this in terms of my digestion. Well cooked and nice chew to the snails. I don't think we'd get this again but if you're looking to try some escargot, it's a good one to order. ~ Housemade Lobster Ravioli - $19.50 ~ This was chunky. With nice chunks of lobster inside the raviolis. It was just okay. I don't think we'd get this again. ~ Class Beef Wellington - $53.00 ~ If you like a big hunk of meat, like a thick one, then this is good. I guess I realized after getting this dish, I like my steak a little more on the thinner side. It was just tough to chew. I don't think we'd get this again. But it was cooked to our preference. ~ Pistachio Encrusted Wild Caught Halibut - $43.50 ~ That lobster sauce and crab compote was delicious beside the actual halibut which was nicely crusted and flaky. Definitely glad we got this dish. ~ Housemade Tiramisu - $11.50 ~ We decided for dessert to get the tiramisu and it was definitely worth it! Creamy and delicious. Would get this again for sure! S E R V I C E Top notch. They were quite attentive from the service staff to the front host. We enjoyed our leisurely ~3 hour dinner. They even covered the dessert as we were celebrating a special occasion. O V E R A L L We were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed our time at Papillon. With outstanding service and a good variety of food choices, there's something for everyone. Make sure to get reservations and make sure to also block out a few hours so that you can fully enjoy the experience and meal.

Housemade Cheesecake
Preet P.

Unexpected Gem on Mission Blvd - A Wonderful French Dining Experience. RESERVE this for your next special occasion dinner. They won't disappoint you at all. We stopped by this restaurant last minute for a family dinner. We've passed by it many times over the years on Mission Blvd but never thought to try it. To our surprise, they were able to accommodate our party of eight right away at 7 PM. The moment we stepped inside, we were impressed by the spacious interior and charming decor. It's a family-owned restaurant, and that personal touch can be seen by their personalized pictures with celebrities on the walls. Owner explained the history of this restaurant how his father started the business and he took over. It's also a perfect spot to do holiday gatherings. The French onion soup was absolutely incredible flavorful, rich, and not overly salty. I never liked onion soups because they are always so salty. The desserts were very impressive, beautifully crafted and delicious. Honestly, you could go just for the desserts and coffee and leave happy. Everything on the menu was thoughtfully prepared and delicious. The service was top-notch, friendly, and attentive. Highly recommend this spot if you're looking for a cozy, authentic French dining experience in the area!

French onion soup

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8 months ago

Our favorite restaurant! It has always been great food and service. The Brussels sprouts are an amazingly yummy appetizer.

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11 months ago

Amazing food! Great service! Perfect birthday dinner for my aunt and foody kids. Left overs for tomarrow

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Papillon Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Papillon

Is there a private dining room for a private party?

Yes, there is. Went recently for a school reunion. They created a menu just for us.

Is Papillon a Pet friendly restaurant?

No, unfortunately not.

What is the dress attire like on a average Friday night?

Since the location is so questionable, you can wear whatever you want.

Do you have baked Alaska dessert?

Check the menu.

Is this pet friendly place?

No, not pet friendly.

Do they have high chairs for toddlers?

Yes they do.

Do they have a Mother's Day brunch?

We're open for Mother's Day Brunch from 11am to 2:30pm

View All 13 Questions

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