Caprial's Bistro & Wines

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7019 Se Milwaukie Ave (at Southeast Portland)
Portland, OR 97202

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(503) 239-8771
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Reviews
( 17 )
( 7 )
( 3 )
( 6 )
( 7 )

Best

Caprials is on my all time fav list! Love going for special events or just a week night out.\r My husband and I had a wonderful meal on our Anniversary /New Years Eve. Meal and s...

Worst

When we were first seated, I wondered if the service policy was to let dinners relax and not bother them. But when it took almost an hour to pay for the check, I realized it was ...

Lunch Hostess - Thumbs down 10/12/2006

Arrived 5 minutes before lunch time opening and the Hostess ushered us back outside on the pavement. Upon opening, she flipped the sign making no eye contact whatsover or motion to invite us in (when literally a pane of glass separated us), turned her back and walked back into the empty restaurant...which is what it remained on our part anyway. \r I have been to dinner @ Caprials several times and had great meals but was checking out lunch for the first time and this left such an unpleasant experience in mind, that I've struck them off the list. A letter of complaint brought no response. Pros: Food can be great Cons: Service is less than desireable more

Been for lunch twice... 9/16/2006

Both times I've been for lunch I've had a hard time finding something I want to eat on the menu. I only eat seafoood or veggie meals, and both times I've gone, the pickings were slim for me. My dining companions have always been happy with their meat entrees, but the last time I ate there I had a spinach salad that was tiny and underwhelming. It was $13, which I thought was ridiculous, especially considering the size. I was hoping to find creative dishes that had interesting uses of local vegetables, but both times I've gone to Caprial's I have been disappointed. Pros: fresh food Cons: limited menu, uncomfortable seating, high prices more

Great service, food, they had it all 8/7/2006

I took my young(7) daughter recently. She is a big fan of John and Caprial's cooking show on PBS. We had a ball! Perfect service, right from the yummy bread chunks they bring out as soon as you sit down, to the blackberry, vanilla creme brulee! We ordered the Black Forest Panini and the Bistro Burger. Best burger I have had. The bun was heaven. Fried onions and a really good relish sauce made it unique. I will probably get the salad instead of the home made fries next time. Just a bit cold. Even still, we will be BACK! Pros: great service, food, ambience. good for older kids Cons: fries we a bit cold more

Are you people crazy!!! 6/21/2006

To all those who have supposedly had a bad experience at Caprial's, I say try again! This is my families restaurant of choice. We have never had a bad meal there. They have THE BEST creme brulee....I wish they would bring back the pork spring rolls (my absolute favourite.) To the lady with the back injury, get over it. If you have ever been to a cooking class at Caprial's you would know that there are different kinds of classes and you can sit down during them and watch Caprial and John cook. They then serve you the amazing food that was just cooked. \r Just to reiterate, nothing about this restaurant is mediocre. From the ambiance to the food and waitstaff. It makes for a romantic, relaxed evening. I can't wait to go again!!! Pros: Food!!!, ambiance, service Cons: Parking more

very disappointed 6/2/2006

My husband, daughter, and I went to Caprial's in May. We had heard that the food was not that good, but we wanted to check it out for ourselves because we eat out a lot and love good food. We are adventurous eaters. Presentation was nice, but the food was only average and definitely overpriced. The man who introduced himself as our waiter pretty much ignored us. The young man who kept our glasses filled was very pleasant and friendly and provided information at our request. This was a weeknight and customers were at only two other tables. Pros: nicely decorated Cons: average food quality, overpriced more

Caprial's is good 5/12/2006

I went to Caprial's on a Thursday evening with my in laws (5 people in all). We had reservations. We were seated promptly, and service was a little stuffy but average for Portland. Our water filler guy was very attentive, and though we were sucking down water like crazy, he kept our glasses at least half full at all times. I was a little disappointed that the food on the menu didn't match the food on the website. I ordered the vegetarian entree which was delicious. My husband got steak and it was good too. The dessert was heaven. I would definitely go back, probably trying something a little less expensive like a salad or a lunch entree instead of dinner, and get dessert again. Pros: Good Dessert, Cute Ambiance, Good Dinner Entree Cons: Expensive, Stuffy Waiter more

Caprial's doesn't disappoint! 4/2/2006

We tried Caprial's for the first time yesterday evening. We started with some terrific & inventive cocktails. Our first course was the cheese plate with homemade crackers. This excellent starter featured 7 different cheeses, fruit compote and toasted hazlenuts. For our entrees we tried the special flat iron steak with chive & cheddar mashed potatoes (incredible flavor and perfectly cooked) and the Duck with dirty basmati rice (tender and delicious). For dessert we tried the Chocolate Turtle Cake (not sickeningly sweet). Wine prices are very affordable. Pros: Food, Affordable Wines, Ambiance Cons: Parking more

great! 2/25/2006

I would highly recomend this restaurant 1: Caprial and John are great chefs 2: Great Location 3: Greatest service ever 5: I have never had such exquisite Food in my life. i will come again and again. more

Hot Food - Cold Service 2/15/2006

Besides being greeted promptly, we may as well have been at Dennys as far as service goes at Caprials The food was AWESOME, the unique wine ""list"" on the wall is a great idea. We were seated at the worst table in the house, made reservations 2 weeks in advance. Took at 10 minutes for someone to acknowledge us, and that long to get a glass of wine. The server did not seem even moderatley interested in serving us, and the manager was just as bad. It was a birthday, and my husband had confirmed they knew it twice, several others around us got dessert with a candle, we were lucky to get dessert at all. The food was good enough to try again, but that will be it. Too bad, it was on our top 3 for food in Portland so far. Pros: Food, Wine List Cons: Cold Service, Indifferent Managemen more

NW Fine Dining in sleepy neighborhood 1/17/2006

We go to Caprial's for special occassions. I fine the food is always excellent, and the service fantastic. I was surprised to see other's post service issues. We must have had great luck. I do find the price a bit daunting for the neighborhood it resides in. Seems almost out of place next to all the dive bars and antigue stores. Anyway, excellent choice for a nice evening out. Pros: food, proximity to my house Cons: price more

Terrible Customer Service 1/11/2006

The worst customer service I have ever experienced. I purchased certificates to take the classes or buy products at their store and then had a serious back injury that prevents me from standing for long. I wanted to buy products but the owners closed that arm of their business and decided that anyone holding certificates will be forced to take a cooking class or eat at their restaurant. The food is pretty average for the price so rather than waste money on over priced undesired restuarant food I requested a good faith refund of my money. The owners who profess to be ""caring about their customers"" told me that it is too bad for me that I had a serious injury - life happens and they won't refund my money. What a sad contribution to Portland, an uncaring duo of mediocre ""media-based"" cooks. more

Consistent quality, great value at lunchtime 12/9/2005

My husband and I always judge a restaurant by the depth and complexity of its sauces. Famous chef aside, Caprial's Bistro is one of the only PDX restaurants that consistently serves up wonderfully seasoned, truly exceptional dishes with sauces that are spot on. We enjoy going here a lot--especially at lunch when the menu is incredibly reasonable. I don't know how these folks do it, day in day out: great food, knowledgeable staff, no stuffy attitude. Pros: Great food, Great portions, Great waiters more

One of our favorites 7/21/2005

Been going to Caprial's for many years and have yet to be disappointed. My husband and I went last night for my birthday and had a wonderful meal and service was top-notch. Caprial seated us - she was very warm and made us feel at home, as usual when she is there. My husband had the flat iron steak with green pepper sauce - he raved about it. My pan roasted chinook salmon filet with parmesan crust was moist and yummy and a huge portion. I loved the risotto cake it was served over. Our salads were full of flavor (house salad with an orange/ginger vinaigrette) and crispy fresh. Dessert was a dream as always. I love their wine selections and they serve a great cocktail, too! Pros: great food, great service, warm atmosphere Cons: parking (sometimes) more

Service is all about attitude... 1/8/2005

Went with the family (all adults now) to see what everyone was talking about. Friends of a friend and local celebrity aside, Caprial's (& John's) is rumored to have great food and ambiance. We shared the curried humus and the fried wontons for appetizers. I had the seasonal fish dish and the amaretti mousse for dessert. The unanimous review of the food was that it lacked interest and originality. The wontons were the most exciting part of the meal. Our server's attitude was disdainful throughout the night. We also found ourselves waiting a long time between courses and practically had to beg just to pay the check. The only redeeming factor was that the woman who refilled our water was extremely attentive, almost never letting my glass get below the halfway mark. It's too bad that attitude of service didn't carry over to the rest of the staff. Pros: Wontons, Watergirl/Busser Cons: , Seating, Food/Tastes more

great day in Portland 11/3/2004

A friend and I stumbled upon this resturant during a day of shopping. Stopped in for lunch, and talked into dessert, we loved it! Pros: creme brulee more

...finally a bar menu 2/18/2004

I was so glad to find out recently that Caprial's had added a bar menu to the restaurant. I don't have to save up. I can go have a beer and a burger for like twelve bucks...and the burger is the best in town. I was also pleased to see their more casual approach, no more ties on the servers. I don't know, I'll definitely go back. Thanks Caprial. Pros: open later, great cocktails, BURGER more

zhousu 11/9/2003

This is the best place in Portland, for a gourmet meal. Caprial & John Pence, are known for their local TV cooking show, and Caprial has appeared on Sara Moulton's ""Cooking Live"" cooking shows. She even knows Julia Child. They are graduates of the CIA, in New York. There are no mistakes, going on, in their kitchen. Everything I've had, from their kitchen, is the best, I ever had. Caprial, is even a better cook, than my mother was, and she was the best in the World. I can't say enough nice things, about Caprial & John. You will usually see one or the other, in the restaurant, most any day. To describe their food, I'm at a loss for words. You simply must try it, yourself. Pros: The best., None better., Great wines. Cons: Poor parking., Too far from home., +'s outshine the -'s more

Great food, bad booths. 6/18/2003

It's rare that I eat a meal out which I can't deconstruct and figure out how to make in my own kitchen. However, the preparations at Caprial's leave me pleasantly bewildered! The flavors are layered masterfully without being overwhelming, and all the ingredients are the best and the freshest available. My only complaint is for the low-backed booths which are so notoriously uncomfortable that the staff has stared providing pillows to help prop up guests. But if you're not lucky enough to get one of those, you're going to need to wad up your coat and shove it between your low back and the booth. The prices are high for Portland, but the food is well-worth it. Pros: complex flavors, knowlegable staff, great wine selection Cons: seating uncomfortable more

Service is not equal to the prices 4/11/2003

When we were first seated, I wondered if the service policy was to let dinners relax and not bother them. But when it took almost an hour to pay for the check, I realized it was just bad service. The food was ok, but not equal to what is expected for the prices. Dessert was definitely the best part of the meal. Pros: great location, atmosphere Cons: bad service, foods ok more

Northwest with flare 6/20/2002

I've had fancy dinners before, but Capril's is the best. It doesn't look like much at first, but you leave very satisfied. The service is excelent and they actually give you time to finish your food before coming out with the next course. A rare thing in restaraunts it seems. The atmosphere is suprisingly casual despite the menu prices. Don't pass up the desert either! Pros: great service, excelent food, comfortable dining Cons: no parking, res. way in advance, limited menu more
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Menu for Caprial's Bistro & Wines


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Editorial
  • In Short
    The warmly lit dining room is complemented by neutral tones, wood tables and one wall dedicated to the restaurant's worldly 200-label wine collection. Eager diners pack in to...

  • 3/3/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Tues-Thurs 11:30am-2:30pm and 5-9pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm and 5-9:30pm
  • Payments: Visa, Master Card, American Express
  • Neighborhoods: Southeast Uplift Neighborhood Program, Sellwood - Moreland Improvement League
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