Very professional and well-informed staff with great attitudes. We went for a catering taste testing and everything tasted wonderful.

+6

Cozy place, good French style food (we selected the tasting menu as in the pictures attached) and friendly staff❤️❤️❤️

+5

We had a truly wonderful experience at Le Papillon. The four-course meal was surprisingly filling—each dish beautifully plated, thoughtfully prepared, and perfectly portioned. It's rare for fine dining to leave you both satisfied and impressed, but Le Papillon delivers on both fronts. A special mention goes to our server, Diego, who made the evening even more memorable. His recommendations were spot on, and he struck the perfect balance between professionalism and warmth. Courteous, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, Diego elevated our entire dining experience. Highly recommended for a special occasion or a refined night out—Le Papillon lives up to its reputation.

Perfect anniversary celebration place, upscaled French restaurant, classy and traditional, the service staff here are exceptional, the food is exquisite.

+2

The food is absolutely delicious, the size of the portion is perfect. The Souffle is amazing. The place and decoration is just ok, a little tight in my opinion.

Gorgeous Atmosphere with many elegant well trained waiters and staff who pamper their guests. One of the very few serene and quiet dining rooms around with beautiful lighting and impressive art. Comfortable chairs and good spacing between tables rounds out the experience. There is a 3,and 4 course menu that is very reasonably priced for the quality of the food. There is a much more extensive tasting menu as well. There is also a wine sampling with the bigger tasting menu. The Signature Grand Marnier Souffle is AWESOME. Fantastix place for special occasions.

Great fine dining, great wine selection, food was amazing and beautiful calm atmosphere.

+1

Perfect spot for french cuisine and their wine list is too notch!

Great place to celebrate special occasions. Great cuisines, great service. The restaurant has been around for a while and is meticulously maintained. My favorite dish is the chef freebies and the very fresh sugar snap pea soup. The main course proportion is generous. The dessert has beautiful presentation .

I had an amazing experience here. We were kindly greeted. The food was spectacular. I have never finished my entire dish before and I was scraping for more. Lots of amuse bouches between courses. No phone allowed which creates a very romantic and connecting atmosphere with whomever you’re dining with. Amazing place for an anniversary, birthday or any special occasion.

Variety of wine is really good. Food is awesome. Really enjoyed with my friends. Love the place. Little bit over priced but good.

Came here with friends. And ordered the 3 courses pre-fix Everything is so perfect! Service is really good, was welcomed by waiter, who made lame jokes but I like him. A lot of surprises for the whole pre-fix: 1. Table bread is super good especially the one with olives, and they keep refill the bread basket once it went empty 2. we get some appetizer and dessert which is not on the menu. which is really good 3. Love slow poached lobster, so good 4. Duck breast is also really good Besides food, the vibe in the restaurant is super good, it is a traditional French restaurant , feels very authentic. With all the experiences here, I will definitely come back again with my boyfriend

+5

Nice amd classy restaurant with fancy course menu. Everyone in our group enjoyed their choice on the course. Came with 3 meal course and 4 meal course. For the 3 meal, you can choose any sequenc e of the three out of appetizer, soup or salad, main, amd desert.

+1

I really like the environment and the service of this place. The courses made a decent meal. There were free appetizers at the beginning and the choices of wine were abundant. The waiter kept our wine iced, and came by to ask if we need coffee or tea or anything else for several times. We each picked three courses, but we were too full to finish all of them. I especially enjoyed the lobster soup. And the price was very reasonable compared to other fine dining restaurants. Overall the food quality is four stars, and the service and environment deserves 5 stars.

I am nowhere near qualified enough to properly review food of this level, though my brief impressions are: 1) The experience is about quality over quantity of the food, I was exposed to tastes I had never had before, and 2) The level of the service staff is far beyond anything I've seen. If you've got the money and want to try some of the best, this is a good place to go.

+1

We ordered tasting menu with wine pairing. Tasting menu has 9 courses in total, even the menu is just listed 7 courses. All the courses are amazing and fantastic. Wine pairing is so great as well. We love Le Papillon, we will definitely be here next time.

+6

Le Papillon remains one of my very favorite restaurants. We ate there on December 3rd to celebrate my and my twin brother's birthday, together with our spouses. As tempting as the tasting menu looked (for $155), this time we elected to go with the price fixe menu ($95 for 3 courses, $110 for 4). As usual, the service, ambience, and noise level (lack of noise) were exceptional. Also as per usual, the meal began with 4 amuse bouches, as well as a large basket of three different delicious breads with fresh butter. The 1st was a sous vided octopus on spoons, followed by gallantines with duck (neglected to get photos of these 1st two, but they were delicoius!). This was followed by lobster in a cream sauce, and pickled veggies on pate. My starter was the Agnoletti with snails (excellent), whereas my twin chose the crab soufflé; my wife eschewed a starter to choose two 2nd courses, the mixed lettuce salad with candied pecans, and cantaloupe, and an absolutely deicious butternut squash soup. My twin and I chose the truffled turnip soup as our 2nd course, which came with a cube of liver pate. For the main course my wife chose the couscous risotto with wild mushrooms, which was very good, and my sister-in-law chose the swordfish, which was excellent. But my twin and I chose the clear winner, the roasted Chilean Sea Bass with Mirin Glaze and fried potato block. The sea bass was like butter - perfectly cooked, and absolutely delicious! My wife could not finish her cooscous risotto (very rich with the wild mushrooms), and my SIL could not finish her swordfish (because they gave her two big steaks). But my brother and I completely ate the sea bass, because it was just so damned delicious! The gals order the 4 course meals to get dessert, one pear tart and we opted for the Grand Marnier Soufflé (for a $3 surcharge, which it was clearly worth. The soufflé was accompanied by fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries in a sweet cream sauce -'absolutely scrumptious! All of the courses went very well with 2 bottles of Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc, amazingly priced at only $50/bottle (it is $40 at Costco!). We ended this amazing meal with 4 mint teas, brewed from two cast iron tea pots, and the complimentary 4 cubes of intense chocolate ganache. Including two large Hendricks G & Ts, the entire bill was $600, which for a Michelin meal like this was a real bargain! If you are looking for a spectacular meal for that special occasion, consider Le Papillon. And for goodness sake, order the roadted Chilean Sea Bass!

+6

Beautiful and elegant restaurant in the middle of a busy intersection. Just a hidden gem next to a seven eleven. For appetizer, I had the kanpachi tartar. It's got a thai twist with kaffir line leaves and avocado mousse. Light. Refreshing. Delicious. Soup: corn chowder with poach shrimp. Two pieces of shrimp. Succulent bites. Corn chowder had a balance of sweet and savory. I think it can use a little bit of pepper. Main: miso glazed Chilean sea bass with carrot and potato Mille feuille. I'm a huge potato fan and this was impressive. Crispy exterior and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the potato in the interior. Very buttery, everything you expect the French to be. Sea bass cooked beautifully. The complex miso glaze just compliments delicate fish. You can pick off each individual flake or section of fish. Dessert: peach clatoufis with vanilla cremeaux. I was too full for the dessert so I took it home. I think it would've been better had i eaten it there. Good but not great. That's all I remembered. Overall, great experience. Cozy atmosphere. Would love to go back for more.

+1

location is kinda strange but inside is very nice which make a big contrast from outside to inside. all the dishes are good price is reasonable. 4 courses is just 85, lobster extra 10 dollars... totally worth it

+4

This is the best fine dining resturant in the Bay Area. Perior. Been here many times, and will be here again and again. Did I say it's the best funeral dinning resturant in the Bay Area?

The service is classic. The food was beautifully prepared. I dined early and nearly had the place to myself before the crowd rolled in. It's nostalgic, somehow, this place.

Had a great dinner with my friend. The food was fantastic. Desserts were great, and we had a nice evening. And yes, the French food was fine and very good.

Very delicious French cuisines! Romantic atmosphere with indoor dining only. Decent portions. Recommend to dress up a bit…

+1

Lovely ambience and food. Loved the rack of lamb, specially the sauce. Also, loved their Alaskan Halibut.

Le Papillon never disappoints. The French influence shines brilliantly in the gorgeous plating and delicately balanced flavors. On this last visit, I had the pleasure of ordering beets and goat cheese over a puff pastry sheet, a rich butternut squash soup, and an absolutely beautiful sea bass with a yuzu beurre blanc. Though I still quite enjoyed my entrée, it was milder and more nuanced in flavor than I was expecting - not that it's a bad thing, but I typically enjoy something bolder. I've been going to Le Papillon for decades for special occasions, and I'm always looking forward to my next visit!

Absolutely outstanding experience. The prefix menu are with great value. The service and atmosphere were also top tier. I came here for my birthday celebration and definitely would like to visit again. Maybe the only downside was the location of the restaurant. It is at a crossing of the roads.

This is my favorite restaurant in the bay area. It has amazing food, ambient atmosphere and a great selection of wines and cocktails.

+6

Wow wow wow! I was blown away by the flavor of these dishes. The service was phenomenal. So much flavor. Will definitely be coming back again.

+1

We had a takeout last Friday and the food is as decent as usual! Everything is excellent, and we so love the sea bass - even though we had to microwave it a bit, the texture was amazingly soft and it blended well with the sauce and the mashroom. So don't be hesitate to try the takeout! We are so happy that Le Papillon is reopen for outdoor dining and takeout. Will definitely come back:)

This place is an institution. We have been patrons for 25 years. Never had a bad experience. Today the caviar amuse bouche was incredible. The souffle was as wonderful as it was 20 years ago. We will be back again, and again. Thank you for being the best for so many years.

Exceptional foods and service. I like how quiet and warm ambience at this restaurant. We were very happy from our dining experience here celebrating our anniversary. The only thing that I was a bit disappointed was the deserts, it tasted stale to me.

+4

One of the best fine dining experiences in the Bay Area. The sea bass was perfectly cooked, along with an impressive wine list and decent cocktails. Friendly and efficient service. Parking can be an issue, though, since the parking lot is small and located at a busy intersection.

+1

My team and I went to Le Papillon for a celebratory dinner - it was sheer perfection. The food and service were excellent. This has always been one of the top Silicon Valley restaurants for special occassions - I am so glad to see that the standard is still top notch. Expensive of course but definitely worth it.

Excellent food and service. Comfortable atmosphere. The steak was perfectly cooked and the sides complemented it really well. The wine list has good selections and reasonably priced.

+4

Le Papillon catered our wedding, and we are still floating from the incredible experience. From the very first meeting to the final plate served, everything was beyond perfection. My husband and I were absolutely blown away—not only by the quality and taste of the food, but by the genuine care, professionalism, and warmth of the entire Le Papillon team. We had the pleasure of working closely with Tamera, who guided us through the entire process with such grace, patience, and clarity. Every step was transparent, organized, and honestly a joy to go through—something I never expected to say about planning wedding catering! Tamera helped us schedule our tasting at the restaurant, where we had the absolute honor of being served by Mike, Le Papillon’s founder and owner, who also shared stories of his culinary journey. That tasting made us feel like we were the center of the universe—and sealed the deal. We knew we were in the best hands. Now, let’s talk about the food. WOW. I’m not even a soup person, but we were served a salsify soup with duck pâté, and my husband and I looked at each other and said, “We have to have this at the wedding.” I would honestly die happy eating that soup for the rest of my life. And that was just the start! The hors d’oeuvres were so good we wanted to make a meal of them, and our guests couldn’t stop raving. We opted for a three-course meal, including a ravioli course that was out of this world, and a main course duet of duck and filet mignon—both cooked to absolute perfection. Every plate was a masterpiece. Even our most discerning family members (who always have something to say) were speechless. They’re still talking about the meal! One of the things we’re eternally grateful for was how seamlessly Le Papillon accommodated our guests’ food allergies and dietary needs—without hesitation or compromise. Every substitution was just as thoughtful and delicious as the originals. As someone who is gluten-free, I couldn’t eat the ravioli course, but instead I was served a toasted polenta with mushroom sauce that was SO good, I honestly think I got the better end of the deal! I still think about that dish—it was packed with flavor and beautifully balanced. We are so thankful for the care and attention that went into making sure everyone at our wedding could enjoy an exceptional meal. To top it all off, Tamera and Mike personally attended our wedding alongside their staff, ensuring everything went smoothly. Their presence meant so much to us. The service was five-star across the board—from the kitchen to the waitstaff—and the entire experience was seamless, joyful, and unforgettable. And this 5-star review doesn’t just go for the catering—it’s for the restaurant as well. Our families were so blown away by the food and hospitality that they immediately asked Mike if he could host us the following night for a post-wedding family celebration. He graciously agreed, and while the restaurant menu differs slightly from the catering options, it was equally as extraordinary. Every course was executed with the same elegance, care, and bold flavor. It was the perfect way to extend the joy of our celebration—and Le Papillon truly made it unforgettable.

Le Papillon catered our wedding and they went above and beyond! A special thank you to Mike, Tamera and team—what a special evening with the very best. All of our guests were raving about how great the food was! We feel so grateful and lucky that we found Le Papillon—you will not go wrong with choosing Le Papillon.

We had the most incredible experience with Le Papillon catering our wedding at Kohl Mansion. From start to finish, their customer service was truly excellent. Communication leading up to the wedding was seamless—they were always available, attentive to detail, and I never had to repeat myself when it came to the things that mattered most to us. Their knowledge of our venue made everything smooth and stress-free. The food itself was phenomenal. Guests are still talking about it months later—it was absolutely delicious and beautifully plated. Many told us it was the best wedding food they’d ever had. Pricing was very reasonable for the quality, and there were no surprises—everything was clearly laid out and transparent. I also really appreciated that the tip was included in the contract, which meant one less thing to worry about on the wedding day. Our guests raved about the service, and we couldn’t agree more. The only tiny area for improvement is that during cocktail hour and dancing, no one came by to check on us (the bride and groom) for water or a cocktail/drink. I completely understand they may have been trying to give us space to enjoy ourselves, but we did find ourselves a bit thirsty. That said, this was such a minor thing compared to the overwhelmingly positive experience we had. Overall, Le Papillon went above and beyond. They delivered an unforgettable dining experience with flawless service, and we would recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a wedding caterer.

Located on a busy corner, the parking lot is pretty small and probably empty. The outside looks really humbls, but the vibe inside is totally fancy. Nice moody lighting, lots of mannered servers, a ton of wine bottles lining the walls, and more add to the upscale feel. We ordered almost every item from the menu and enjoy essentially everything. I think the "simpler" items were better. Some highlights: crab thing (1st course), scallops (1st course), duck (main course), risotto (main course). They kept bringing new bread out which was great too. In between some courses they'll give out some extra goodies too (not sure what they're called really, but they're delicious).

+6

Our server Jordan was very warm, friendly and personable. He provided excellent service and made us feel taken care of. He had a very good attitude. The food was very fresh and yummy. My favorite dishes were lobster and sea bass. My fiancé’s steak was quite good as well.

I recently dined at a delightful restaurant with a light and well-balanced dinner selection. The inviting ambiance and attentive staff set the perfect tone. The menu featured visually appealing, perfectly portioned dishes that delighted my taste buds. Impeccable attention to detail in presentation showcased the chef's creativity and dedication. The flavors were expertly balanced, resulting in an enjoyable dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients was evident, with vibrant flavors and enjoyable textures. The knowledgeable, friendly staff added to the elevated experience. This place is a gem for those seeking a delightful dining experience. Highly recommended!

15 on a 10 scale!! (1) Bday gourmet dinner for 4 (2)Edgar -outstanding server-charming not overly attentive (3) 4-course EXTRAORDINARY celebratory meal (4) Hi lites-best rack of lamb outside France, superb wines selected by Edgar, which did not break the bank, tenderloin beef you could cut with a fork, lobster bisque to die for, too many outstanding appetizers to list… do NOT pass on the Grand Marnier soufflé!! (5) Beats French Laundry, Gary Danko’s. & all competition in the Bay Area.!!

+4

Le Papillon is a great south bay spot for fine dining. Everything on the menu is delicious and filling, and fairly affordable too (3 courses = $105. 4 courses = $125). The highlights for us were the chilean sea bass as well as the Dungeness crab souffle. Service and atmosphere are great as well. Would definitely recommend.

+6

The food is really flavorful, the size is surprisingly big, plus the service is definitely high tier. One of my best fine dining experience ever and would for sure revisit 👍

+2

Such a fabulous place to dine. Top notch menu and thoughtful flavors across the board. Marcus was a fantastic dining liaison and their team was superb. Thx to the Chef for keeping this family owned restaurant thriving, and for embracing the art of cuisine and hospitality in our community. Bravo!

This is one of the best places I've gone to for outdoor dining! What an amazing restaurant! It's fancy and delicious!!! We did the tasting menu, and did the wine pairing with it. Both the food and wines were delicious and wonderful. We had crab, lobster, quail, duck, and lamb. Our dessert was souffle! Went again, it was fantastic! Had kenpachi tartar, butternut squash soup (MUST GET), Swordfish, and Mango Curd. Delicious

+5

Very good tasting menu with great wine pairing. The whole settings and service is great too. I highly recommend coming for a long relaxing dinner.

+2

Celebrated Diana’s birthday last night and we picked the 3-course dinner at $85 I have the Scallops as my Appetizer . The two(2) scallops are lightly seared with miniature marinated orange peels on top . It was tasty not just because it was so fresh ! The timing of the cooking was just right! It was neither over nor raw! I paid an extra $5.00 for the dungeons crab meat salad and again the crab meat is fresh and the dressing is extremely yummy! But, to me Portion is a bit small ! I picked the Sea-bass as my main course and feel glad about it! The sauce that comes with it is also very good! (Sea-bass is my favorite so one can tell right away if it is on par or over! And this one is surely over the top 👍👏) We both skipped the deserts and I ended the meal With a cup of cappuccino ! (I like the cube size brown sugar they serve with the coffee because you can adjust how sweet you want!) We ordered a glass of CS and 1/2 bottle of red! And the final tap comes up to $280 for the night! All in all, all servers are super attentive and Marcus is super! Food is wonderful and our next visit will be 9/26(the last Wednesday of each month!) Only glitch for the night is the sommelier left a couple of cork residues when he uncorked the 1/2 bottle! Otherwise, it would have been a perfect night!!

+2

We had a wonderful experience here! The atmosphere is great, the service is excellent, and the food are gorgeous! I thought the square of potato on the sea bass plate is just a potato cut into square shape and was amazed by how it was compiled by many thin layers of crunchy potato. It tastes delicately! The duck breast and sea bass are cooked just right and with so many flavors that We love it so much. The souffle grand Marnie is the grandiose finale of the meal! At the end of 3 and 4 courses, we are full, satisfied, and pleased!

+6

My second time coming here, food quality is good and consistent, I like trying different food and cooking styles with prefix menus, their amuse-bouches are always interesting. and even with the three course menu it’s a lot of food, so don’t worry about the amount of food :)

+5

We found this restaurant by coinsidence and it was such a beautiful encounter. The food is great of course, yet the sauce and sides were more impressed me. We ordered the tasting menu, typical French fine dinning sytle, small portion, exquisite presentation. Even the off menu tapas they offered to us are amazing! And what I love the most is "NO PHONE POLICY", we have such a wonderful and romantic birthday celebration here.

+6

This was our first time here and the food and service were phenomenal! We brought our 3 year old with us to dinner and thank goodness she behaved well tonight because it is very quiet inside and very peaceful. We had a 4 course meal and everything was delicious, presentation was very nice and staff was very friendly and accommodating to us. Highly recommend!

+1

B Craig

I love this place. Delicious food and great wine selection. The atmosphere is intimate, so expect soft lighting and a quiet background. The menu changes seasonally, but some items return year after year.

Angela Chetina (Psychology and sexology)

Le Papillon in San Jose offers a wonderful fine dining experience that combines excellent service, beautifully prepared dishes, and a warm, elegant atmosphere. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome and comfortable. They were attentive without ever being intrusive, striking just the right balance between professionalism and friendliness. It set the stage for a truly enjoyable evening. The food itself was fantastic. Every dish was presented with care and precision, and the flavors were both refined and memorable. The rack of lamb stood out as one of the highlights — tender, perfectly seasoned, and cooked exactly as it should be. Each bite was rich and satisfying. For dessert, we tried the Grand Marnier soufflé, and it was absolutely delightful: light, airy, and paired perfectly with fresh berries and cream. It was a beautiful way to end the meal and one that I would happily order again on my next visit. The atmosphere inside Le Papillon is intimate and inviting. It feels special without being pretentious, making it a great choice for celebrating an occasion or simply enjoying a high-quality meal. The dining room is elegant and quiet, which added to the overall sense of ease and comfort. Overall, Le Papillon deserves every bit of its strong reputation. With exceptional food, attentive service, and a charming setting, it easily earns five stars. I would gladly recommend it to anyone looking for a fine dining experience in the Bay Area.

+11

Sanjay Subhedar

This place has been around for 40 years and the service and food are still very good. They have a prix fixe 3 and 4 course menu. I should have stuck to the 3 course as the 4 course menu was bit much. Had the pea soup, the beet salad and the sea bass and the soufflé. Their soufflé’s are the best. Enjoyed a glass of Kistler. Missed Mike the owner who was out on a catering gig. With so many restaurants that are crowded and hard to converse. Le Papillon offers and quieter and more relaxed atmosphere

+3

Ken

Absolutely loved the experience! The food was delicious and the service was top-notch. Our waiter was professional, attentive, and genuinely friendly, which made the evening extra special. My family and friends all had a wonderful time. Truly a local gem—highly recommended! Be aware this elegant place has dress code. I did not know and a bit embarrassed myself. Glad the manager still treat me with great respect.

Andrew Chen

Le Papillon catered our wedding in August 2024, and they ended up being one of our favorite parts of the entire day. At our tasting, we were warmly welcomed by Mike, the owner, and Tamera, the catering director. Mike took the time to chat with us, and his passion for food and French cuisine really came through; it made the whole experience even more enjoyable and we knew instantly we wanted to book them. You know that feeling when you can’t decide between two entrées at a wedding? With Le Papillon, your guests won’t have to. They offer duet entrées, which meant my wife and I each got to pick our favorites; Roasted Chilean Sea Bass for her, Filet Mignon for me. Both were a huge hit, and we even had guests tell us the food was their favorite part of the wedding. They also seriously saved the day when our liquor vendor unexpectedly went out of business. Le Papillon stepped in last-minute to take care of both food and drinks, matched the original vendor’s pricing and drink list, and helped us avoid a big headache. We highly recommend them as a wedding caterer—and we’re already planning a visit back to the restaurant for another round of that sea bass and filet mignon.

Jennifer Alwyn

We made reservations to celebrate a birthday dinner. There were initially three for the dinner and we had forgotten to call to add a fourth member. We arrived to the restaurant and they were extremely kind about the additional member and assisted us with no issues! We were able to sit in a more private area away from the main dining- which was perfect for our family group. The waiters were some of the friendliest people throughout the night! Personally, I’d never had the experience of a French restaurant before and it did not disappointment! The food was phenomenal! Each course was put together so beautiful and the lamb rack was some of the best lamb I had had for quite some time. If you’re in the area and you’re looking for a nice French restaurant- do not hesitate to come here! If I could give 10/5 stars; I would!

+1

Winnie ThePooh

We been here for meals in big and small groups. Each time, the service is always impeccable whether you are with 20 or 2. The food is fabulous and always beautifully presented. The staff here are attentive and efficient. It is pricy to eat here, but you will walk away with the satisfaction of having enjoyed an excellent meal and having been well cared for.

+9

Sandra G

Le Papillon has been our go-to special occasion fine dining restaurant for over 20 years. They are consistently EXCELLENT - the atmosphere is calm and relaxed, the service is top-notch, and they really go out of their way to make sure you feel welcome and satisfied with your dining experience. We usually have the chef's tasting menu, and unlike some Michelin-starred restaurants we've sampled, there are never any "clunkers" on the list. All the ingredients are fresh and handled with obvious great care. Make sure to get the Souffle Grand Marnier for dessert (they will sub it in for the tasting menu dessert option which is always good but has to live in the shadow of that divine souffle) - I don't know how they get such good berries in December, but they are always wonderful.

Michal Ashby

I cannot say enough positive things about Le Papillon. It is wonderful. The food is always delicious. The atmosphere is quiet, and soothing and the service is welcoming and so friendly. Every time we go, we comment about how much of a positive experience it is. Each course is made with such care. I am not generally a French cuisine fan, but the flavors and look here are amazing. Each time we go, we talk about "small bites" wondering if it will be filling, but we are so full by the end we barely make it. And do not sleep on the bread! Whether it is a walnut or olive loaf, it is some of the best bread we have had. If there were any left by the end of the meal, it would be coming home with us... Spoiler alert: there is never any left by the end of the meal.

+5

Thunder Zeus

This was the best dining experience for me in 2 years! The quality of the dishes were phenomenal, while the price is just right, not like those overpriced Michelin restaurants. Attentive but not overly disturbing service. Great lighting and atmosphere. Waiters are professional at answering questions about each course. The dishes i would highly recommend are: the crab meat soufflé, the butternut squash soup, the sea bass!

+11

Michelle Huang

Le Papillon has always been one of my favorite restaurants. I think it offers great value for money in the Bay Area. For a French restaurant, the prices are very reasonable. Last time, we went with two families, and I ordered the four-course meal while my friend ordered the three-course meal. We weren’t sure what wine to choose, but the waiter recommended a great one. This is an established restaurant with beautiful lighting, a great atmosphere, and excellent service. I especially love their soufflé; it’s really delicious!

+10

Amir Hermelin

This was a surprise little gem! From the outside it looks unappealing, next door to a liquor store, but from the inside you're taken to a quaint homey atmosphere! Note that it's a fixed menu where you select 3 or 4 courses (4 is plenty, dishes are very rich) at a very affordable price compared to the other gourmet restaurants in the area! Highly recommend getting soup as one of the dishes, and I'd skip the lettuce salad - everything else was amazing! For the main courses we got the sea bass and steak - both were exquisitely made! The appetizers were also great I've included photos of what we got but since all 4 were great I'm assuming other appetizers are also great (you can get 2 appetizers in the 4 course meal if you don't want dessert)

+6

JP Figure (DollJPF)

Our 30th anniversary dinner at Le Papillon was absolutely wonderful. The romantic ambiance, delicious food, and impeccable service made it a night to remember. We're so grateful to the staff for making our celebration special. Highly recommend!!

+24

Vicky T

This is an interesting French dining experience. All the dishes are creative and beautiful. The combination of flavors is amazing. They have complementary small snack in between. We chose 4 courses for $140. The service was extremely professional. It’s interesting fine dining experience

+5

MSY F

Very nice dinner experience. I have been to this restaurant before the pandemic. This is the first visit after reopening. Food and service are still excellent just as expected even not a Michelin star restaurant. I ordered the more flexible four course dinner menu, no matter the presentation, taste , portion are just right. Plus the 2012 Abreu Rothwell Hyde, what a nice dinning experience. If you order the same wine, make sure to have the server to decant wine for about an hour, that should bring out the full potential of the wine. In my opinion, for such a good food, good wine with reasonable price tab, this is a hidden germ in the city. I sure will come again and again. Update 09/21/23 Second visit in 5 months. I bought my own Paso Robles Chateau Margene 2016 CAB this time. Ready to drink right after open, so good to pair with the food. I tried the tasting menu this time. Again ... food and service are excellent as expected. Very fresh alaskan spot prawn, with a touch of caviar, you sure can tell that is perfect match. Maryland soft shell crab is an interesting fusion attempt, but tasted beyond my expectation. Chestnut cappelletti chicken blow my mind away with the first bite, so tender with complex favour. Loin of veal is as good as any top steak house in the bayarea. Of course, soufflé grand mariner is a must have every single visit and you will never be disappointed. What a nice dinning experience after very stressful work. I will be back.

+13

Mini Rag

A three course meal is $150 (with tips, taxes, no drinks). The dishes are authentically French, the glazed eggplant and chilled lobster were excellent (course 1), the sole and couscous were both great as well. We had the chocolate coconut dessert, it was all chocolate. They also served three amuse-bouche, all yum (especially the beet). Service is prompt and attentive. The atmosphere is a bit old, but tasteful.

+16

The service was great. Very attentive staff. Food design was excellent but I expected more on the taste and interior design and music.

Staffs are real nice, service is good. Food is ok, not bad but nothing special either. 4 course meal for $90, 3 course meal for $80, tasting menu is $130.

+3

It's a classic restaurant in the area I think more than 35 years, kind of modern French cuisine. We had and excellent services, unfortunately 2 of the main dishes had an issue, one was cold and the other one was dry. They resolved the issue efficiently and cordially. They served few chef treat. They do a tasting menu (only if all on the table like to have it) with or with out wine paring and 3 o 4 course dinner. No a la carte menu Food and treat was delicious. 👍👍for the chef and kitchen crew. Definitely I will back to try something else. I can't wait for it.

One of the great place to have your fine dining French cuisine in San Jose. You have to come with proper attire and parking lots are quite limited . The quality of food is great from Dungeness crab suffie , snails as appetiser and Lam chops, beef and seabass were well cooked and tasted great. A bit big portion for French cuisine in my view but overall is great. Attentive service with good choices of wine.

Quite the hidden gem. Certainly not what I expected based on location. However once inside we were greeted immediately, the service was excellent, and the food was served with exquisite beauty. The dessert was excellent as well. All around it was a fine dining experience, and somewhere I would go again. Now that I have visited the restaurant again I can say once again I am very pleased.

From the price point, we did not find this restaurant justify the food it delivered.

+2

In the heart of San Jose, California, lies Papillon, a French culinary haven that promises an enchanting dining experience. As a seasoned gourmet foodie and wine connoisseur, my expectations were high as I entered this esteemed restaurant, known for its sophisticated ambience and exquisite cuisine. The evening's agenda was a four-course menu, thoughtfully pre-fixed and paired with a selection of fine wines. Upon arrival, the atmosphere of Papillon enveloped me in elegance. The dim lighting, soft music, and tastefully classic decor set a tone of refined comfort. My culinary adventure began with a glass of sparkling rosé N/V Roederer Estate from Anderson Valley, a vibrant and refreshing start that hinted at the gastronomic delights to follow. First Course: Dungeness Crab Souffle. The first course was a Dungeness Crab Souffle, an exquisite combination of delicate crab meat, infused with the subtle notes of lemon and saffron, and crowned with a touch of caviar. The souffle was light yet flavorful, each bite melting in my mouth and leaving a lingering taste of the sea. Second Course: Kampachi Tartare. Next, the Kampachi Tartare graced my palate. This dish was a masterpiece of flavours and textures, with the fresh, clean taste of the kampachi complemented by the zesty lemongrass and tangy tamarind. The avocado sorbet added a unique, creamy coolness that balanced the dish wonderfully. Third Course: Soups. Then came a choice of soups: the Butternut Squash Soup with Pumpkin Seed Granola and the Truffle Parsnip Soup with Duck Royale. The butternut squash soup was a velvety delight, its sweetness enhanced by the crunchy granola, while the truffle parsnip soup was a rich, earthy concoction that harmonized perfectly with the succulent duck. Main Course: Choices. I was presented with two options for the main course: Roasted Duck Breast and Pave of Leg, and Loin of Veal. The duck, served with Vincotto Jus, stuffed morels, and black forbidden rice, was a dish of complex flavours and textures. The veal, accompanied by chanterelles, shallot boudin blanc, and sweetbread fritter, was tender and rich, each component adding depth to the dish. Each course was paired with a carefully selected wine, enhancing the flavours of the dishes. The Chorey les Beaune Villes Vignes from Michael Gay and Fils was a particularly memorable pairing, its robust yet balanced profile complementing the richness of the main courses. Dessert: The meal concluded with desserts – the Gateau Basque with poached apples and almond streusel, and the Chocolate Terrine with chocolate genoise, Marcona almond, and olive oil. The Gateau Basque was a delightful blend of textures and flavours, while the chocolate terrine was a decadent end to an exquisite meal.

+6

We had a great experience at la papillon. We visited LA papillon for my wife's birthday and their service was great. We had many complimentary special bites from the chef that tasted great. We had the 3 course and 4 course meals. 4 course meal was really heavy thinking back. We had their beef tenderloin and roasted duck for main course and it tasted great! For the proce, I think food could have been better. The ambience and the service is top notch and a great place for celebration. This place also requires good attire, so dress up!

+2

First of all, the portion isn’t French at all haha. They offer options of three courses, four courses and tasting menu of six courses with option of wine pairing. I’m glad I chose the three courses as the portion of the beef tenderloin is no less than that in a regular American restaurant. My favorite is the duck breast, lobster and the soufflé my friend ordered (right, I found I prefer my friends order over mine lol) which gave you very fresh feeling with a hint of just the right sour taste. Personally felt the pre-meal bread is a bit understandard, soft, sour and boring.

Slightly pricey but the food is unique and delicious

+5

Stephanie Lovell

Had a wonderful mid-week dinner at Le Papillon with Nicky and Kristen. We ordered the tasting menu, which came with a few extra bites from the kitchen. The highlights: • Chilled poached lobster with corn custard, kumquat, and caviar – silky and balanced. • Maryland soft shelled crab – crisp, delicate, and flavorful. • Rabbit terrine – my personal favorite, though Kristen’s least, earthy and refined. • Breast of pheasant with confit fig, pine nut, and Madeira jus – a great balance of sweet and savory. • Tenderloin of bison with green peppercorns and tempura enoki mushrooms – bold, tender, and beautifully presented. Service was attentive without being intrusive, and the pacing of the menu made the evening feel relaxed and special. Overall, a thoughtful seasonal menu and a great spot for a fine dining experience in San Jose.

+3

Jeff Kao

I first came here in Y2K. The tech giant we were working with wanted to come here. I didn't know the area nor the caliber of the restaurant. Fortunately for me our company paid for the meal. We have returned to Le Papillon on and off all these years. They do not change the menu much. We went with one 3 course and one 4 course prix fixe. Don't let the number fool you. We were both stuffed by the time we were done. Service, as it should be, was top notch. Unfortunately the halibut was really bland. It felt as if they forgot to season the fish. Sea bass was excellent. Make sure you order the souffle. They do not allow mixing prix fixe with tasting. I don't understand why. Perhaps I am not at the level to understand the reason behind it. Wouldn't it make sense to let patrons taste as many of the restaurant's creations to 'expand our horizon?' While I know tasting menu typically takes much longer to go through, if the guests are going to share the food, I think there are ways to pace it for the table. Perhaps I'm a bit naive on how they operate in the back.

+2

Betty Wu

I have saved Le Papillion as places I wanna go for a while, and finally visited yesterday. We ordered 3 and 4 courses meals, and we could skip the soup and salad for one additional appetizer. Good - nice service and nice atmosphere. - the 3 complimentary mousses from the chef was exceptional! Tasted creative and beyond my expectation - food has large portion sizes. I was absolutely full after the meal Could have been better - - it would be better if bread could be warmed. - could add more creativity into the dishes. I would like to taste something different when I’m paying >$100 for fine dining Soufflé Grand Marnier was larger than I’ve expected, and tasted great. My personal favorite is the Chilean Sea Bass

+2

Service and main course was good. I liked the sauce on appetizer with hazelnut power. Staff were friendly. Dessert was disappointing! The soufflé strongly smelled & tasted white eggs. It’s difficult to rate them as a fine restaurant, it would say 2.5 out of 5.

The tasting menu is not worth $160. Cod is fishy and the sauce doesn’t match it. Same problem with the abalone. The alcohol in cream made the dessert taste bitter. The appetizer is great though.

+2

Unexpected fine dining on a corner location on Kiely. I enjoyed the meal I had on Dec. 14 2019. The service is of good standard, they were helpful. The only thing is one of the servers almost mowed me down when I was walking to the rest room. I would try this restaurant again.

+4

This restaurant has been around for many many years. I think we might have visited many years ago, but decided to try it again. Unfortunately, kind of disappointing. The ingredients didn't taste "not fresh" or "bad", but they didn't have the taste of high quality. For example, the hamachi was blend, so was the fish. The lamb was just ok. If you are just looking for higher CP, then this would be ok.

+5

Form over function. Excellent service, decent wine menu. The cocktails were quite basic. The food is pretty but leaves a lot to be desired.

Food was alright. I don't think I will go here again. For three people it was around $500 The food wasn't mind blowing. For the money the food should have been mind blowingly amazing.

I tried the tasting menu for $150 and while it was ok, it wasn’t spectacular. The service was extremely attentive and the price didn’t bother me. But the actual taste of the food and mixes of flavors wasn’t inspiring. The food was served beautifully and everything was cooked perfectly, it’s just the combinations of flavors and tastes wasn’t as wonderful as I expect from a meal of this type. I left full, and it wasn’t a bad meal. It just wasn’t a great meal. It was just ok.

I wanted to give a five star on the dishes since they are so good, but my stomach was really uncomfortable after this meal, feeling better after throw up. This is the only meal I ate today.

Service was great, but food ...really awful, no wonder they are not a Michelin star restaurant, food is either overcooked and or wayyy too much sodium. come on, this is worse than my husband's cooking... do better!!! you are charging $200 per person, food should not be so nasty! Warning*** do not get dessert!! do not get dessert here!! we had 12 people in 2 table, we tried all of the desserts.. do not get the desserts!!! the only thing that was okay, was the souffle. if you want good food, just go to Gary danko or something, not here. I left with great disappointment.

+4

Yikes. What a waste of money and time. If you have extensive experience in fine dining, you’ll be shocked by how dated the restaurant and menu is. The interior decor — from the ceiling to the windows to the lamps on each table — is of a bygone era. The background music is cheesy (it’s not even played by a real piano — it’s a keyboard!) The lighting is unnecessarily dim. What’s good: -All the amuse bouches -The eggplant dish was well cooked and seasoned -The crab soufflé was filled generously with crab, but needed seasoning -The veal loin and steak were cooked to perfection -The service was polite and attentive What’s bad: Everything else. -The potatoes on each meat dish were unseasoned -The mushroom that came with the beef tenderloin was completely unseasoned -We weren’t given steak knives or sharp knives for cutting meat -Pinot noir was served in a burgundy glass -Champagne was served in a universal wine glass -The chocolate terrine was delightful, but the genoise and almonds had zero flavor — as in they tasted like nothing -The chocolate marjolaine was dry The bill for two people, four courses each, two alcoholic drinks, one mocktail, and tip was over $450. WHAT A WASTE. Go straight to SF if you’re looking for a nearby French upscale dinner that’s actually worth it.

+6

Renard Korzeniowski

Beautiful building, average interior, other guest being very loud but for Americans it might be normal. Food was good but for Michelin star restaurant at this price it was poor at least compared to places I've been to in other countries. Jazz guns and rouses felt kitschy. Service was very nice and made an effort to answer all of my questions about the food