A tranquil and stately "butterfly" has been calling the Niles area of Fremont home for over 40 years. Perched on Mission Boulevard just west of the entrance to Niles Canyon, near the Sullivan Underpass, Papillon - the French name for Butterfly - has been quietly serving lunch and dinner patrons from near and far with elegance and panache.
Fine dining and attention to customer service are not just words here. Diners are welcomed graciously and seated in either the traditional style dining room, tastefully decorated with muted tones or the atrium that glows softly in the evening or allows filtered sunlight through an ivy covered glass solarium for the lunch crowd.
Fine dining and attention to customer service are not just words here. Diners are welcomed graciously and seated in either the traditional style dining room, tastefully decorated with muted tones or the atrium that glows softly in the evening or allows filtered sunlight through an ivy covered glass solarium for the lunch crowd.
Services
Catering and Events are opportunities for us to work more closely with our guests, occasions for us to share our dedication to celebration in exciting new ways. Our professional staff will be ready and willing to answer any additional questions you may have and assist you in putting together your event.
We will remain open for takeout orders or delivery. Any questions please call Papillon Restaurant (510) 793-6331. Papillon Restaurant is also available for private occasions! See our available options for private dining events below or call 510-793-6331 to reserve a room for your reception or party.
Reviews (23)
Annie West
Jan 20, 2022
Report
They have a nice Nice wine list and strong cocktails. The appetizers are yummy. We tried crab cakes, ahi tuna, baked brie and brussel sprouts. For our mains we tried the ribs but the mashed potatoes were cold. We asked for a hot serving but it never came. The filets were perfectly cooked medium rare and the veggies were crisp and fresh tasting. The beef wellington was great only it got a little soggy. Probably sat in the gravy too long or had been frozen. The gravy was delightful and the bread soaked it up so you could savor the flavors. The tiramisu was what we believe homemade with love. The
Carolyn M.
Jan 17, 2022
Report
We have been dining here for years. Have had special occasions in their private dining room, as well as many lunches and dinners for smaller family groups.
The food is fantastic, beautiful plating, and a large menu selection. I would only recommend having two courses, the servings are large and rich soups and sauces. Lobster ravioli is a big favorite. It is old school, but nothing wrong with that.
The food is fantastic, beautiful plating, and a large menu selection. I would only recommend having two courses, the servings are large and rich soups and sauces. Lobster ravioli is a big favorite. It is old school, but nothing wrong with that.
Harmoni M.
Jan 15, 2022
Report
I went there recently for dinner after 20+years.
The food and service was great. Except that the
decor hadn't changed since my last visit. The bar area smelt "musty" from the old carpet. The owners must give this place a badly needed facelift. There is so much potential!
I won't be going back as the place is just downright dingy and depressing.
The food and service was great. Except that the
decor hadn't changed since my last visit. The bar area smelt "musty" from the old carpet. The owners must give this place a badly needed facelift. There is so much potential!
I won't be going back as the place is just downright dingy and depressing.
Destinee M.
Jan 05, 2022
Report
Growing up in Fremont I was always curious about Papillon. 25 years later I finally decided to check this place out on New Year's Eve.
I made reservations through Yelp and was seated pretty much right away. The restaurant is beautiful and had a vintage vibe. We were sat near the fireplace; which was nice because it was freezing outside.
The server we were assigned was really kind. I started off with some white wine, calamari and lobster ravioli. The calamari was delicious! The lobster ravioli was served on top of a lobster bisque soup and it was also flavorful, however the Ravioli filling
I made reservations through Yelp and was seated pretty much right away. The restaurant is beautiful and had a vintage vibe. We were sat near the fireplace; which was nice because it was freezing outside.
The server we were assigned was really kind. I started off with some white wine, calamari and lobster ravioli. The calamari was delicious! The lobster ravioli was served on top of a lobster bisque soup and it was also flavorful, however the Ravioli filling
Steven C.
Jan 01, 2022
Report
As a Fremont native my whole life, this place is a tricky one to review. I think its amazing that it's been here for over 40 years but at the same time you can really tell this restaurant has been here for over 40 years. However, I'm glad I finally got to experience it on New Year's Eve 2021.
Quick TL:DR
As a "stated" fine-dining French restaurant = 3/5
As a regular restaurant with fine-dining aspects = 4/5
LOCATION:
It's located on Mission Blvd and pretty much in the "Niles" district of Fremont. Definitely not very easy to get to as there is no off-freeway
Quick TL:DR
As a "stated" fine-dining French restaurant = 3/5
As a regular restaurant with fine-dining aspects = 4/5
LOCATION:
It's located on Mission Blvd and pretty much in the "Niles" district of Fremont. Definitely not very easy to get to as there is no off-freeway
Emanuela Allgood
Dec 31, 2021
Report
Sheila C.
Dec 19, 2021
Report
I came here a few years ago and I didn't have a good experience so I was hesitant to come back. My fiance and I were looking for a semi fancy dinner near us and figured to give this place another shot. We had a dinner reservation during the weekday and it wasn't busy. When we got there, there was no hostess and there were two workers that saw us but didn't acknowledge us...
When we finally got seated, our server did not seem like she was having it. She kept rushing us to order even when we told her to give us a few minutes to decide. The other waiter who would help out was really
When we finally got seated, our server did not seem like she was having it. She kept rushing us to order even when we told her to give us a few minutes to decide. The other waiter who would help out was really
Chomnan L.
Dec 18, 2021
Report
John Prior
Dec 18, 2021
Report
Dean J.
Dec 18, 2021
Report
I came here at 6pm yesterday to celebrate my grandmother's birthday with the clan, 10 of us in total. On our way to the table, we admired the ornaments outside and the modest Christmas tree inside, very festive for the holidays and adding to the cozy feeling of the establishment. Though Papillon could perhaps seem like fancy French fare, the menu is actually quite extensive in its offerings and the atmosphere is relaxing.
We ordered a couple plates each of the Frog Legs, Escargots, and Mussels as appetizers. The Mussels seemed to be the crowd-favorite followed by the Escargots (yes, we were
We ordered a couple plates each of the Frog Legs, Escargots, and Mussels as appetizers. The Mussels seemed to be the crowd-favorite followed by the Escargots (yes, we were
Melinda L.
Nov 24, 2021
Report
Margarita Morg
Nov 13, 2021
Report
Hoa G.
Oct 26, 2021
Report
This review is for our visit on October 1st for my birthday.
Upon arriving to the restaurant, a gentleman came to seat us. We were brought to the back where a menu was given to us and we decided on what we wanted to get. We opt for appetizers and drinks and just spent the evening together. Our waiter seemed like he was rushing us a bit. When my boyfriend was finished with his beer, he asked the waiter if he can try a different kind and he turned to leave, not bothering to ask if I wanted something else to drink. So my boyfriend told him that I wanted to order something else. All around us we
Upon arriving to the restaurant, a gentleman came to seat us. We were brought to the back where a menu was given to us and we decided on what we wanted to get. We opt for appetizers and drinks and just spent the evening together. Our waiter seemed like he was rushing us a bit. When my boyfriend was finished with his beer, he asked the waiter if he can try a different kind and he turned to leave, not bothering to ask if I wanted something else to drink. So my boyfriend told him that I wanted to order something else. All around us we
Melvin J.
Oct 25, 2021
Report
This place has been around for 40 years! Wow! That is incredible! And the decor definitely reflects it. It's very dated, seats probably should be replaced. But even though it is dated, the service was great and everyone very friendly. The food was decent but felt like it lacked seasoning. However I have to say don't sleep on the dinner house salad. That was delicious! And that chocolate torte is so rich. If I were to go back I'd probably get that again.
Andrew Lin
Oct 17, 2021
Report
Service was good, food was surprisingly good too. The clientele were all seniors over 60 but apparently seniors know good food!
We got a crab cake appetizer. It could have been a bit more moist, but it was pretty decent.
I liked my mixed green salad with walnuts, and the girlfriend really enjoyed her clam chowder.
Their lobster sauce is really good, you can get prawns in lobster sauce or tiny rock shrimp. (However, it tastes really good because it just straight up has a lot of butter in it). My rock shrimp came with a nice, cheesy risotto
The girlfriend got shrimp scampi with angel hair. It
We got a crab cake appetizer. It could have been a bit more moist, but it was pretty decent.
I liked my mixed green salad with walnuts, and the girlfriend really enjoyed her clam chowder.
Their lobster sauce is really good, you can get prawns in lobster sauce or tiny rock shrimp. (However, it tastes really good because it just straight up has a lot of butter in it). My rock shrimp came with a nice, cheesy risotto
The girlfriend got shrimp scampi with angel hair. It
Sandra J.
Oct 04, 2021
Report
Came here for my birthday, yay! We ordered escargot, duck breast and scallops. The food's honestly solid and flavors were balanced. There wasn't one thing that was overwhelmingly salty or dry, etc. But I think the presentation of the vegetables leaves something to be desired. We also noticed maybe 2 gnats flying around our table, and the windows looked like they hadn't been cleaned in a while (we were seated by the wall). There were spider webs and dead insects. The decor may also need some updating. They were probably going for low-lit, classy, intimate lighting but it felt more
Belly Fat
Sep 17, 2021
Report
This restaurant is dear to my heart. My mother loved this place and would always treat us to a fantastic meal here. We have been for birthdays, anniversaries, or to show off this hidden gem to visitors from out of town. I celebrated my 50th birthday, my mothers passing, new years eve and many thanksgivings. Charlie and his late father are such honest and genuine people. The staff is awesome, but the food is why you should go, just let all the other amazing things about this place create your own awesome memories
Sharon O.
Sep 10, 2021
Report
Have been a half dozen times for special occasions and love the food. The atmosphere is romantic, though some aspects feel a bit outdated. There is a large bar area and a now, as a result of Covid, an outdoor patio dining area in addition to an indoor dining area.
The outdoor patio is nice and enclosed on sides, open above with plants and ambiance to make you forget you are sitting just off Mission Blvd.
The Beef Wellington has been my go to for years. Only challenge they have is getting the beef to be medium rare, which may just be the nature of the dish.
Also loved the pistachio encrusted
The outdoor patio is nice and enclosed on sides, open above with plants and ambiance to make you forget you are sitting just off Mission Blvd.
The Beef Wellington has been my go to for years. Only challenge they have is getting the beef to be medium rare, which may just be the nature of the dish.
Also loved the pistachio encrusted
Matthew Collar
Aug 16, 2021
Report
Such a neat experience and so much history. This was my girlfriend's grandmothers favorite restaurant and was so fun to see what her hype was about. Butterfly decor brings out what Papillon is all about. Large cuts of steaks, fresh crab on the menu and peach bread pudding was the show stealer - thick, cinnamon-y and rich in flavor, its a must have!
Felicia C.
Aug 04, 2021
Report
I really enjoyed my experience at Papillon. We had a reservation for 7:30pm and were seated immediately. The staff was extremely attentive whenever we needed anything and answered any questions we had about the menu.
Housemade Lobster Ravioli- This was honestly one of the best things I have ever eaten at a restaurant. It's a MUST GET! This suprised me because I expected lobster ravioli to have a lobster and cheese filling, but instead, inside the pasta, there was a tender piece of lobster. Not only was the pasta delicious but the sauce was amazing as well! Only if this was an entree...
Housemade Lobster Ravioli- This was honestly one of the best things I have ever eaten at a restaurant. It's a MUST GET! This suprised me because I expected lobster ravioli to have a lobster and cheese filling, but instead, inside the pasta, there was a tender piece of lobster. Not only was the pasta delicious but the sauce was amazing as well! Only if this was an entree...
Kenneth Yong
Apr 27, 2021
Report
We sat in the patio area but indoor dining is also available. The patio area is airy and comfortable, but the food is the main highlight of Papillon as they celebrate their 40th year! We started with Escargot, Crab cakes and Tuna Tartare - the Escargot is awesome and make sure to finish the sauce with bread! Tuna Tartare and crab cakes are delicious starters as well. For the main dishes, the Angus Filet Mignon is super tender and delicious with Gorgonzola! For seafood lovers, the Pistachio encrusted scallops is a must try! Lastly, service is very good and attentive. A definite repeat!
B. Li
Jul 01, 2020
Report
Short:
Reasonable pick if you've a taste for escargot. Even better if you enjoy a red wine with a beef entree.
Long:
Off the bat, good wine selection. A lot of choice picks for local reds.
They've set up a large tent in the parking area for large parties and opened the interior with open air. You'll still see an occasional patron at the bar though.
Had a hankering for escargot, was not disappointed. Dripping of garlic and butter, but I did wish the butter used was a compound butter.
Beef wellington was cooked to a proper pink. Sauce was rich and savory. Cooking was done well and generally
Reasonable pick if you've a taste for escargot. Even better if you enjoy a red wine with a beef entree.
Long:
Off the bat, good wine selection. A lot of choice picks for local reds.
They've set up a large tent in the parking area for large parties and opened the interior with open air. You'll still see an occasional patron at the bar though.
Had a hankering for escargot, was not disappointed. Dripping of garlic and butter, but I did wish the butter used was a compound butter.
Beef wellington was cooked to a proper pink. Sauce was rich and savory. Cooking was done well and generally
Devin Ramdutt
Dec 30, 2019
Report
Awesome experience at this restaurant. Great food and great service, located on the outskirts of the suburbs. Started with cocktails and appetizers and then we both had perfectly cooked rare steaks with a great bottle of Bordeaux. We finished with dessert and the bill was less than $200! Very impressed.
