Papillon - Fremont

We have been to Papillon many times over the last seventeen years. Celebrating my birthday at the restaurant with son-in-law and daughter was an outstanding exp... read more We have been to Papillon many times over the last seventeen years. Celebrating my birthday at the restaurant with son-in-law and daughter was an outstanding experience and beyond expectation. Superbly cooked and presented Haddock, Ducking, Salad and Onion Soup. The staff were attentive and professional. Surprised when a birthday plate was presented that was beautifully created and inscribed. An evening to remember

TL;DR Food is nothing but average: too much garlic and overcooked. Service is average and nothing better. I got to get this out of the way first, out server was... read more TL;DR Food is nothing but average: too much garlic and overcooked. Service is average and nothing better. I got to get this out of the way first, out server was SO ANNOYING. Every single time he came up to our table, he would ask us if we were celebrating something. Every time we'd say no. Every time he kept asking. It clearly shows inattentiveness. We ordered a bunch of dishes. We ordered oysters Rockefeller, escargot and frog legs for starters. The oysters were very good, but the escargot and frog legs had WAY too much garlic. I'm typing this hours later and still have the taste of garlic in my mouth from these two freaking dishes. You literally couldn't taste anything but garlic. Many of us subbed the house salad for our entree for the onion soup. The onion soup is very good here as many have pointed out. I can confirm that it is very good. I got the salmon, and the rest of the people in my party got the rack of lamb, halibut and chicken cordon Bleu. The salmon was okay. The cranberry topping you could barely taste. As a result the salmon was quite bland and it was also slightly overcooked. The mashed potatoes were decent: they were silky smooth. The rack of lab was clearly way over cooked from the photos. It was definitely medium well instead of medium rare. The portion size was good, but it definitely wasn't salted enough and tasted a little gamey, when I tried it. I was told the halibut was good, but the chicken cordon Bleu wasn't worth finishing. We threw all our leftovers away as we didn't think anything was worthwhile saving.

This was an extremely well chosen location for a farewell dinner. Much appreciate the staff, their attention to detail and the especially that farewell plate fo... read more This was an extremely well chosen location for a farewell dinner. Much appreciate the staff, their attention to detail and the especially that farewell plate for dessert. Some might say it's pricey but I say you get what you pay for. I am not hungry in my belly or in my soul tonight.

The last time I was in Papillon Restaurant in the Niles District of Fremont, California was 13 years ago for my 39th birthday dinner, with my Dad, Mom, sister,... read more The last time I was in Papillon Restaurant in the Niles District of Fremont, California was 13 years ago for my 39th birthday dinner, with my Dad, Mom, sister, etc. I remember it as a posh place, if a bit frayed at the edges even then. But I did rememberthat the food was good, the ambience classy, the charm old-world. Now that I have my husband as main partner-in-crime in foodforays, we decided to splurge on a no-special-occasion-just-trippin' dinner date. Although we were about 10 minutes late for ourreservation (reservations are REQUIRED), we were still graciously quickly ushered to our table by the covered patio side. Forstarters, hubby simply loved the house salad I cherished my French onion soup with the crunchy pastry overlay! Our steaks weredone to perfection the roasted vegetables were crisp flavorful. Of course we were heathens in that we didn't order fromtheir extensive wine selection (a thick menu of it) but we had our plain iced sodas our water was thoughtfully replenishedfrom time to time without our having to ask. Little touches like these make Papillon still a great family-owned fine-diningplace all these years. The overall decor sure could use an upgrade, but in terms of superb food, attentive service, intimateambience, Papillon Restaurant still has it! Thank you.

Treated myself to a five star dining experience at my favorite French restaurant on July 19th 2022. Their food is always fresh hot and perfect. Their service is... read more Treated myself to a five star dining experience at my favorite French restaurant on July 19th 2022. Their food is always fresh hot and perfect. Their service is always second to none. This is exactly why they are still in business after all these years.Enjoyed many perfect meals in Edwin’s room. I was friends with the owner before he passed away many years ago. Now both of hissons run this very special place and continue to make their father very proud. Give them a try. You will never be disappointed.Stay awesome my friends. ????