Fenouil

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900 Nw 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 (at Northwest Lovejoy Street)
Portland, OR 97209

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(503) 525-2225
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Best

The waitress was most helpful. Great salads! Beautiful sunny day on the patio. Pros: Great cocktails and house sparkler, great happy hour Cons: Great for copuples, friends...

Worst

My husband and I went into Fenouil on Saturday night for our first time. When we first walked in the door we were greeted by a hostess who seemed to act as if she were speaking do...

Oui! C 'est Bon! 9/16/2006

We had a pre-theater meal at Fenouil yesterday evening, and just loved it. We started with the special soup of the evening, a potato leek and blue cheese topped with crisp leeks. It was good but paled compared to what was to come. We also tried the lobster beignets with aioli, they were quite tasty as well. We followed with the frog legs - possibly the best we've ever tasted. Lightly fried, just a little crispiness, and so fresh. We also tried the Magret de Canard Roti et son Confit. An excellent duck dish that was also a generous portion. We also ordered a blue cheese potato gratin as a side dish. My only complaint was that this succulent side dish was so small! For dessert we tried the Profiterole and the Pistachio Chocolate Eclair, both went down quite nicely. The wine list was moderately priced and emphasized European selections. The service was prompt, professional and pleasant. We'll be back. more
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My nieghborhood spot... 7/6/2006

...if a giant fancy French resataurant can be a"neighborhood spot". Highly addictive. When I started coming here last fall it was the duck that had me hooked. Now it's the fruit de mers. The upstairs seats overlooking the kitchen is my favorite spot, but during the summer most people would prefer a seat outside in the sun. One of my favorite dessert menus in town, they're mini, so order a lot if you eat like me (a lot). My knowledge of the french wines is probably sub par but I've always gotten help and never had an unpleasant bottle. I'm a pretty needy diner, I ask a lot of questions, I can't make up my mind, etc...but the staff at Fenouil never lets me down. I can never decide on a "favorite" restaurant but this is the one I eat at the most. Pros: fruit de mers with champagne Cons: tough to get reservations on weekend more
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Mediocre Food, Inexperienced Staff 6/27/2006

Fenouil's attempt to create an epicurean enclave on Jameson Square fails by way of an overwrought menu, inexperienced staff, and unexceptional food. Our waitress was abrasive in her failed attempts to appear erudite. During our initial course, she neglected to bring a glass of Pinot Blanc that we had ordered and when we told her to forgo the wine she asked if we "really didn't want the wine" or rather were we "just mad at her". It was a strange interaction and revealed her lack of training; 10 minutes later she provided a complimentary glass of Pinot Blanc which, unfortunately, was entirely inappropriate for our duck entree and precisely why we had cancelled our original order. In addition, we were never asked if we wanted wine with dinner, the servers who brought our food were incorrect in their placement, and the food itself was mediocre. Fenouil, like some of its neighbors in the Pearl, would benefit from fewer tables, a tighter menu, and increased server training. more
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Great indoor/outdoor location 6/11/2006

I went in there with my girl friend for her birthday. The wait staff was nice, although on ocassions it felt they were taking their own sweet time, but once the food and drinks were ordered the service was prompt. My girl had martinis and she liked 'em. The decor is great. Especially when the doors are open. The food was nice, the entree salty but still good. Pros: Atmoshpere, Setting more
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Good food but lacks in service 5/11/2006

I've been four times now and had poor service three times(same waiter two times).I expect the waitstaff to pour the wine, refill water glasses, serve the salads before the entree, etc. Food is well prepared.Good quality/price.Great space & decor but avoid the windows at lunch on sunny days. Reception needs friendly lessons and should drop the attitude.Mgmt is attentive and makes rounds.Great gnocchi.Good quiche.Good flanksteak. Greasy fries. Pros: nice space, good food, good location Cons: service, hostesses, parking more
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Fenouil RAWKS! 5/3/2006

I was prepared to be treated a bit stiffly, as the place is very swank in feel, and I was meeting friends (fellow chefs) that were grubby from a busy brunch shift elsewhere. But the bartender-Carrie-was super cool and personable. She was pretty new, but when we asked if they did happy hour on Sunday's, she said she did not know-but checked immediately. Turns out they did, and we ordered a whole bunch of things to try. We all sat in the bar area and ate, very much enjoying out time there. Carrie was attentive but never intrusive, the food was great-and quite the value. A good place to go if you are a little tight on cash but want to grab some snacks without breaking the bank! Pros: Happy Hour!, Atmosphere, Carrie Cons: No booze outside-yet more
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Wine list 4/16/2006

Great food overall but the wines are way over priced. more
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Le meilleur steak frites! 3/23/2006

Delicious lunch: tasty steak, delicious fries (i could not turn them away). Service was very good. Lovely setting. I will come back and bring friends. more
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sunday night group dinner 3/6/2006

We went for the Sunday night dinner served family style. Great food and fun. The staff is friendly and accomodating. One family even brought their children and they fit right in like a family in France out for Sunday night dinner. The owners and managers are also good citizens and generous to the community. They support Portland, let's support them. more
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Wine ~ Food ~ Atmosphere 3/6/2006

The wine, dinner and the atmosphere were wonderful and the Service was exceptional. Even though the glass of wine was $16.00 it was worth it. Best Pinot Noir I have ever had. Hats off to the chef for a great meal and presentation. We will be back and will recommend to friends and visiting business associates. Pros: open atmosphere, Great Location, Exceptional Staff more
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The Best ! 3/1/2006

I took my client to Fenouil's today for lunch. It is a beutiful place and the food and service were excellent. My client was very pleased. I highly recommend this place for lunch. I will be back for dinner soon. Pros: excellent food more
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Brunch at Fenouil 2/18/2006

While I have eaten at Fenouil a few times over the last couple months I was surprised to find out that they served Brunch on Sundays! My wife and I went for a lovely brunch last weekend and the food was just as good as it is at night. I had the crab omelet and my wife had the mushroom quiche. Also the brunch "libations" should not be missed. The space there is totally different compared to the nighttime. The floor to ceiling windows let in all that beautiful Portland sun. We had a great time - I especially enjoyed the laid back atmosphere and the great soul soundtrack. Pros: Food, Service, Soul Music more
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Great restaraunt 2/11/2006

This is a great restaraunt with excellent food and atmosphere. We were seated in a secluded area next to the fireplace and enjoyed excellent, attentive service and fabulous food. The dessert was especially good. Free valet parking is also a nice benefit. The waiter was a bit nervous, but loosened up through the meal and was knowledgeable about the menus. Pros: romantic atmosphere, free valet parking, dessert more
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Great expectations - dashed 1/18/2006

Looking for a great boite to celebrate my birthday, Fenouil seemed just the place - especially based on other readers experiences. However, I was really disappointed - almost crestfallen. The service was just plain bad - it took up to 15 minutes to get a glass of wine and we waited for a long time between courses for food. The mussels were excellent, however. They did comp one entree and threw in a b-day dessert, but I would have rather paid more money for better service and great food. Pros: Valet, Beautiful space Cons: Service, Quality more
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French food from a fantasy 1/10/2006

Went to Fenouil for a birthday dinner and had one of the better meals in recent memory. The scallops, monkfish, and escargot were all from another planet. Presentation was top notch as was the service. Phil (our server) was excellent and after overhearing that it was someone's birthday took it upon himself to bring out a truffle with a sparkler in it. Mind you this was after we had all had dessert, but one can't have enough truffles. Everything about this place is first class from the ambiance to the cuisine. Looking forward to returning for dinner as well as Sunday brunch. Pros: quality of meal, romantic, great service Cons: n/a more
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Touch of Class 1/8/2006

The level of service, the knowledgeable staff, the delectable flavors that grace your palate are what were were all marveling over at dinner last night. Phil was our waiter and provided us with an amazing experience. The scallops melted in our mouths, the escargot was simply off the charts tasty, and the wine that was recommended was a perfect touch. The pace of the meal was just right, the service seamless, and the atmosphere is elegantl, yet warm and inviting. I highly recommend sitting by the fireplace if you can. Four stars for Fenouil! We happily anticipate our next dining experience there. Pros: Seamless service, Four star cuisine, Elegantl atmosphere Cons: None more
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Good Food/Great Location 12/30/2005

We enjoyed our dinner last night at Fenouil. The food was good-not great,the location was wonderful as was the interior space the restaurant occupies(great ambience) and the waitstaff very competent and accomodating. The escargot are must have and the steaks were great. While not exactly "French" food, the food was generally well prepared and well presented. Net result--very good dining experience. Pros: Ambience, Waitstaff, Food Cons: Price more
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Fenouil Tops the List for French Cuisine! 12/28/2005

I have eaten French food in Paris, New York, and Portland. Fenouil gives French restaurants in all of these cities a run for their money. The food was spectacular. My friend and I started with huitres (oysters), then continued with the charcuterie plate and two different types of cheese. All were outstanding. I then continued with a Coquille St. Jacques (seared scallops with bacon) with watercress puree while my friend enjoyed the canard (duck). We were speechless. Some restaurants overdo salt and grease in both of the above dishes--the chefs at Fenouil maintained the flavor of the food without overdoing it. For dessert, I enjoyed the souffle au chocolat while my friend enjoyed two different square-shaped scoops of ice cream, with a sparkler on top to celebrate her birthday. The ambience was exquisite, with smooth jazz from the 60's and elegant decor. The service was outstanding. Pros: food, ambience, service more
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Amazing food.... 12/25/2005

We were there when their restaurant was closed, however ate off of the bar menu... the food was absolutely amazing. Pros: Amazing Food, Ambiance, Selection Cons: Uneducated Staff, Slow Service more
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New French Brasserie 12/15/2005

Had brunch at Fenouil last Sunday. We didn't even know they were open. the food was great, the French pastry amazing (served with small size French jam). it was nice to have a casual brunch in such a beautiful restaurant. Pros: food, fireplaces, service more
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Menu for Fenouil


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Contemporary American cuisine influenced by European techniques in an elegant setting make Fenouil Portland's premiere dining destination.

Owner Message

  • Fenouil's "living" menu changes with the seasons, from wild Chinook salmon in the spring to Nantucket Bay scallops in the winter. Executive Chef Jake Martin strives to use the best ingredients and let the flavors compliment and enhance one another. Complete your meal with continuously changing, seasonal dessert selections.
    With Portland's city lights as a backdrop, Fenouil's dining room and bar mix a high-energy vibe with European romance for a seductive and urban decor. Vaulted tile ceilings and limestone-clad columns blend seamlessly with roll-up garage doors, expansive windows, cozy banquettes, two fireplaces and an open kitchen.
    Locals mingle in a more casual setting in the bar which features nightly specials and live music on Thursdays and Saturdays. The Small Plates menu includes Rabbit Sausage Tortellini, Pate en Brioche, and Ahi Tuna Crudo.

Editorial

  • In Short
    The two-story dining room with a soaring ceiling, an elegant neutral color scheme and stone fireplace sets the scene for refined French dining. Well-heeled patrons gaze upon sweeping views of Jamison Square while tucking into bistro favorites including foie gras terrine with brioche toasts, French onion soup and frites. Other items include steak and paella. For dessert, there are mini chocolate souffles or imported cheeses.

  • 8/23/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Bar: Mon-Fri 11:30am-close, Sat & Sun 9am-close Bistro Menu Available 2pm -close Happy Hour: Mon-Sat 4pm-6:30pm Sun 2pm-close Dining Room: Mon-Thur 11:30am-10pm. Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat 9am-10pm (Bar until 11pm) Sun 9am-9pm; Brunch until 2pm
  • Payments: Master Card, American Express, Discover, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Neighbors West - Northwest, Pearl
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