
Le Papillon
An upscale, elegant French restaurant since 1977, renowned for its exquisite contemporary cuisine and extensive wine list.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Le Papillon

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An upscale, elegant French restaurant since 1977, renowned for its exquisite contemporary cuisine and extensive wine list.
"Consistently excellent for over 20 years, Le Papillon offers a truly unforgettable fine dining experience."
Make Reservations Early
Book your table in advance to guarantee a spot at this popular fine dining establishment.
Consider the Tasting Menu
Opt for the chef's tasting menu for a curated journey of seasonal ingredients and signature dishes.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
French
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Renowned Soufflé Grand Marnier
Indulge in a decadent and airy Soufflé Grand Marnier, a divine dessert experience that caps off an exquisite meal.

Exceptional French Cuisine
Experience refined French gastronomy with carefully crafted dishes like crab meat soufflé and Chilean Sea Bass.

Impeccable Service & Ambiance
Enjoy a calm, relaxed atmosphere paired with attentive, friendly service, perfect for special occasions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations Early
Book your table in advance to guarantee a spot at this popular fine dining establishment.
Consider the Tasting Menu
Opt for the chef's tasting menu for a curated journey of seasonal ingredients and signature dishes.
Don't Skip the Bread
The restaurant's bread selection, including walnut or olive loaf, is a highly praised starter.
Dress Code Awareness
Be aware that this elegant establishment has a dress code for a comfortable dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations Early
Book your table in advance to guarantee a spot at this popular fine dining establishment.
Consider the Tasting Menu
Opt for the chef's tasting menu for a curated journey of seasonal ingredients and signature dishes.
Don't Skip the Bread
The restaurant's bread selection, including walnut or olive loaf, is a highly praised starter.
Dress Code Awareness
Be aware that this elegant establishment has a dress code for a comfortable dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Le Papillon is consistently praised for its impeccable French cuisine, calm and elegant ambiance, and top-notch service, making it a favored spot for special occasions over many years. However, some diners have noted recent issues with allergy accommodations and perceived price inflation during special events, leading to disappointment despite excellent service and atmosphere.
"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!"
Thunder Zeus
"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!"
Jennifer Alwyn
"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!"
Carl Foisy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Le Papillon is celebrated for its phenomenal French cuisine, impeccable service, and elegant, relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for special occasions.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at this popular fine dining establishment.
Yes, Le Papillon offers a chef's tasting menu, which is a curated culinary journey showcasing seasonal ingredients.
Yes, as an elegant establishment, Le Papillon has a dress code, so be mindful to dress appropriately.
While previously accommodating, some recent reviews suggest potential inconsistencies with allergy accommodations.
Diners frequently rave about the Soufflé Grand Marnier, Chilean Sea Bass, and the artisanal bread.
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The Best Fine Dining In San Jose, California
This distinguished restaurant has received accolades from Michelin, DiRona, and Zagat (among others) and has been catering to the brightest of the Silicon Valley set since 1977. Chef Scott Cooper uses seasonal, sustainable, and organic ingredients and brings together Pacific, French, and Asian influences in exquisite dishes like flounder with preserved mandarinquat, Okinawa sweet potato, and nori oil. Cooper’s inventiveness extends to the desserts: try the white chocolate and passion fruit frozen mousse with coconut and palm sugar.
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Chef Scott Cooper worked his way up from dishwasher, holding nearly every position in the industry before eventually becoming executive chef. His international travels are reflected in modern Cal-French dishes like a ragout of Burgundy snails with fennel panna cotta, linguine and prawns in Cognac truffle cream, and braised duck breast with sour cherry, sage and black forbidden rice. Been there, done that?
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Le Papillon’s fine French cuisine and incredible service and atmosphere set the standard for luxury dining in San Jose. Their tasting menu boasts such delicacies as red deer loin with huckleberry reduction and golden chanterelle mushrooms and Alaskan spot prawn crudo. Treat yourself and your love to a special Valentine’s Day four-course dinner, and choose from delectable dishes like poached lobster, warm duck confit salad, Chilean sea bass and rack of lamb, followed by indulgent French desserts like chocolate marjolaine, butterscotch tarts, or a soufflé Grand Marnier for that extra wow factor.
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For a classic fine dining experience, try Le Papillon, which has entranced San Jose diners with its haute cuisine since 1977. The dining room is on the quieter side but the staff is congenial and kind, making this an excellent option for special occasions and fancy dates. You can try one of two dining styles here: the six-course tasting, which tends to start with seafood before moving to interesting meat courses like pheasant breast and deer loin with huckleberry sauce; or the three- or four-course prix fixe, which you can customize from a seasonal menu.
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Upscale 1977 eatery pairing a contemporary French menu with over 500 different wine varieties!. For over four decades, Le Papillon has been serving the finest cuisines, beautifully presented in an elegant, quiet setting. Established in 1977 on a bustling street corner, this restaurant offers an extensive French menu that includes both a tasting and a prix fixe menu which changes to include the finest seasonal, sustainable, and organic ingredients at their peak.
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Le Papillon has been a San Jose institution for fine dining for decades, offering French-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting. Their multi-course tasting menus highlight the best of seasonal ingredients, with dishes like Lobster Bisque, Dry-Aged Duck Breast, and decadent Chocolate Soufflé. The attention to detail in both the food and service is impeccable, creating a truly luxurious experience.
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Just off of 280 on Saratoga Avenue, Le Papillon has been dishing up fine French fare since before the Silicon Valley had earned even its moniker. Executive Chef Scott Cooper worked his way up the ladder from dishwasher and also put in several years at Le Papillon’s sister restaurant, the aforementioned La Foret. The menu is constantly evolving to best showcase local seasonal ingredients.
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410 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129408-296-3730 Visit Website. The first entry on this list of the best restaurants with private dining in San Jose is Le Papillon, located on Saratoga Avenue. This upscale restaurant has a contemporary feel and is the perfect backdrop for tasting over 500 types of wine and Silicon Valley’s best French cuisine crafted by Chef Scott Cooper.
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When it comes to fine dining restaurants in San Jose, few places capture refined luxury like Le Papillon. With a 4.2-star rating and over 1,300 lovely reviews, this famous French restaurant has become a top choice for special occasions, romantic evenings, and anyone with a taste for gourmet experiences rooted in tradition. Le Papillon isn’t trendy, it’s timeless.
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For those seeking a dash of elegance and French gastronomy, Le Papillon stands out as a beacon of fine dining. The ambiance here is unmatched, with meticulous attention to detail that can be seen in both its decor and plating. It’s a place where time slows down, allowing couples to enjoy each other’s company against a backdrop of culinary excellence.
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Established in 1977, Le Papillon specializes in contemporary French cuisine, providing an elegant dining atmosphere. Signature dishes include a ragout of Burgundy snails with fennel panna cotta, linguine and prawns in Cognac truffle cream, and braised duck breast with sour cherry, sage, and black forbidden rice. View this post on Instagram
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La Foret in South San Jose - French 2) Le Papillon in West San Jose - French 3) Adega in East SJ - Portuguese 4) Fogo in the Row and Taurinus in Downtown SJ - Brazillian steakhouse 5) Arcadia in Downtown SJ - American steakhouse 6) Nemea in Downtown SJ - Mediterrannean There are also a crapload of fine dining in Los Gatos as well.
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Le Papillon, renowned for their innovative French cuisine and vast selection of over 500 wines, is just 4 blocks south of Buckingham Place Apartments at the intersection of Saratoga Avenue and Kiely Blvd. For more than 40 years, their sterling reputation and haute cuisine have satisfied a sophisticated international clientele.
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Le Papillon is an exceptional French restaurant that offers a fine dining experience. The food is exquisite and well-balanced in flavor, with interesting choices for appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The service is attentive and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu and wine selection.
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And if you're celebrating a special occasion (or prepared to splurge), consider making a reservation at Le Papillon, one of the city's top French eateries. On the opposite end of the spectrum, cheap eats can be found near San Jose State University's campus, less than a mile east of downtown.
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Here we can enjoy its good and delicious food with our family and friends. Chef Scott Cooper worked his way up from dishwasher, holding nearly every position in the industry before eventually becoming an executive chef. His international travels are reflected in modern Cal-French dishes.
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Romance is on the menu at this long-time French fave (it opened in 1977) that, remarkably, hasn't lost its edge over the years. The food is as contemporary as what you'd get in the best Parisian boites today. Case in point: the raw hamachi with truffles, a wonderful melange of earthy…
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This restaurant is known for its elegant atmosphere and impeccable service, making it an ideal choice for special occasions and romantic dinners. While the dining room may exude a quiet ambiance, the staff’s warmth and professionalism contribute to an exceptional dining experience.
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Elegant French cuisine, extensive wine list, beautiful decor. The French restaurant provided an excellent dining experience, complete with delicious food and attentive service. The three-course meal costs around $150 per person, including taxes and tips, but excluding drinks.
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Le Papillon is the epitome of fine dining in San Jose, specializing in Contemporary French cuisine with a Californian twist. The restaurant uses local, organic ingredients and offers an extensive wine list, making it one of Northern California’s most esteemed establishments.
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For a date idea in San Jose that’s both elegant and upscale, Le Papillon has you covered with a fine dining experience like no other. Featuring some of the finest French cuisine and a massive selection of wine, you won’t want to miss out on such a luxurious dinner date.
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For a formal dining experience, Le Papillon stands out with its exquisite French cuisine. Dishes like Dungeness crab soufflé with lemon, saffron, and caviar, or roasted duck breast, showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor.
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In the spring of 1977, Le Papillon was established on a bustling street corner in what was to become Silicon Valley. Owner Mike Mashayekh was driven by a single goal - to create one of the finest restaurants in the Bay Area.
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Le Papillon is Silicon Valley's definitive French restauraurant. Once inside, mid-town traffic feels a million miles away. And the food presentation matches up to the restaurant's namesake, seen in butterfly portraits a...
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Le Papillon, a renowned French restaurant, offers an exquisite culinary journey and an extensive wine list. Imagine indulging in a sumptuous meal while surrounded by an ambiance that exudes elegance and romance.
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Le Papillon: This is an elegant restaurant where you both can have an absolutely romantic and fun dinner. The ambiance, the menu, and the staff are sure to make your date here an experience.
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For one of the best places in the city of San Jose for a romantic dinner, go to Le Papillon. This is a great restaurant that is more than 40 years old. View this post on Instagram
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- Rating: 4.2/5 (1242 reviews)- Price level: $$$$- Address: 410 Saratoga Ave. San Jose, California - Categories: French- Read more on Yelp
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit