Doesn't Recommend

cangrejo

Joined 7 years ago

Nothing French about it. I wonder if the people raving about Le Bouchon have ever had French cuisine or been in France. There is nothing authentic or even derivative. Meat is touch and inedible, flavors are unpleasant and service indifferent.

The owner, however, was quite friendly and jolly. Avoid like the plague. Au revoir! It is very dark and noisy in addition and the tables are cramped.

Doesn't Recommend

vernonann

Joined 5 years ago

DON' WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY!. A HUGE WASTE OF OUR MONEY..The owners and waiters were friendly and it stops there. The food for 4 of us was unremarkable, tiny portioned, tepid, underseasoned, and way overpriced . House wine by the glass was $8.75 and we never saw or were offered to buy a bottle. Plastic tableclothes and drugstore furnishings should have been the warning. After dining in downtown Portland for two years , several times weekly and with no budget constraints, this is the first time I felt fleaced! Portland offers sooo much better. Don't waste your money.

Recommends

citynight

Joined 5 years ago

Amazing REAL French food, escargots, Bouillabaisse, onion soup!. I have a soft spot for traditional French dishes and they are hard to find. This place does not mess with perfection. The chef offers so many specials, not to mention the fact that the menu is well rounded. I had the escargots in garlic butter ....they were tender and flavorful just how they should be!, then I had stuffed quail with a port sauce....this dish really caught me off guard, but the waitress suggested it and she was right - I loved it, from the mushroom/rice inside to the sauce. I had no idea I liked quail!! My boyfriend had the Bouillabaisse, which he loved (I admit I had a taste) Wow! the seafood broth was worth it alone. They have homemade French desserts (try the Tarte Tatin) it's a warm baked apple tart - it's better than I'm explaining, just try it (if you like apples). The place is a bistro so think relaxed, but the food is gourmet and fine. We went on a Tuesday night and it wasn't too crowded, but buzzing a little and the waitstaff are friendly and they seem to all speak French if you want to practice, like me. I'll be back very soon!

Doesn't Recommend

1critic

Joined 6 years ago

French, not so good !!!. Ate here about 3 years ago and it was O.K.. After reading the reviews tried it again and it is off the list.

Plastic table cloths should have been my first clue. I got the bouillabaisse, $19.95. First of all, it was bland, devoid of any taste. In addition, it was the size of an appetizer, 3 small shrimp,. 2 muscles, and 3 small clams. With some grilled bread.

What a rip. I could do a better job being the enthusiast I am. Friend got the rib eye which was paper this but a better flavor. At this point we gladly cut our losses and up the street to finish the meal with a creme burlee.

Recommends

akdennis

Joined 6 years ago

Very good food in a casual atmosphere. I have been to Le Buchon twice for dinner with a friend and feel I can recommend it heartily. As has been mentioned by other reviewers, this restaurant is not of the fancy, haute-couture types. In taking in the ambience, I had the feel that I had been invited to dinner at someone's home in the country, or maybe a small countryside restaurant. More of a cozy, less formal feel. The staff were happy to speak with me in French though I'm not a native-level speaker. I enjoy the bouillabaise which is wonderful (better than the Heathman), but I see from other reviewers that I need to try the onion soup! It is small, was a bit noisy during my second visit, parking is difficult and the prices maybe a bit high but the service, ambience, and food were all wonderful. I recommend it to those who would enjoy good food of gourmet quality, but in a casual atmosphere, and certainly to any true francophile. It's terrific.

Recommends

tastingportland

Joined 7 years ago

le service est sympa, le vin est bon, le pain mauvais,le champagne affreux, and the food is not what it used to be.. The food is not what it used to be. Its quality has declined over the years. Avoid the champagne, it's awful. I hope the restaurant will improve its menu and go back to a better quality cuisine.

Recommends

deliciojones

Joined 6 years ago

Fine French cuisine but...... there are other places I'd rather visit. Le Bouchon serves tasty French dishes with aimable enough service, though for the money, I can think of serveral other worthy spots. Its not that it's terribly expensive, but the space itself conjures up images of my grandmas living room. Some may call that warm and inviting, but if you're searching for the romance of Paris, it's nowhere to be found. Soups, starters and entrees were good, though not particularly special, and the dessert list left something to be desired. In summary, the overall casual experience does not warrant the dressed up price tag.

Recommends

jdreview

Joined 6 years ago

Our UTMOST Favorite Restaurant!!!. My husband and I have been dining at Le Bouchon for many years now. We reserve going there for special occassions like our Anniversary, Birthdays, and of course Valentines. It's small, tasteful dining area is cozy and romantic and the owners always go out of their way to make us feel welcome. We love to take our time and enjoy the delicious appetizers like.... the scallops, the oysters florentine (?) - wonderful and I am not a huge oyster fan...every appetizer we have tried, we have loved. Our absolute favorite dish is the Bouilabaisse - it is an out of body experience!!!! If you dare ask for a cheese platter with your wine after dinner as well...talk about decadent!!!

The wait staff is always polite and charming, the owners - a lovely lady who always make people feel welcome and the chef is a true "artist".

We rank Le Bouchon as our NO. 1 favorite restaurant in Portland - mainly because the food is beyond delicious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You must go!!

Recommends

keli60

Joined 8 years ago

Fabulous!. What a fun night! We didn't know what to expect, but everything from start to finish was wonderful. There were six of us in our party. Our waiter was friendly and helpful. He did a great job pairing food and wine for each of us. Without a doubt the BEST onion soup I've ever had. I don't know what the secret is, but I hope they never change it. We've been back three times since our first visit. This place is on our list of "sure hits".

Recommends

oregonresident

Joined 6 years ago

Great restaurant for lunch. We visited Le Bouchon in the evening but I recommend this restaurant for lunch dining. My husband wore a suit and it's not necessary. Slacks and nice shirt would do.

I had the chicken with truffle sauce and it was the sauce that definitely made it enjoyable. My husband had the steak and it wasn't all that impressive. Oddly enough, it was the vegetables served with our dishes that took our senses on a wonderful ride - after every bite, we kept saying, "Wow!" We spent approximately $60, including tip and we both had a glass of wine.

Waitstaff spoke french and had lovely accents. They were pleasant and welcoming.

I definitely recommend this restaurant for lunch and a window seat (though there isn't a view).