C'est Si Bon! Bistro+vins Reviews

I was on a business trip to Portland. One night we ate at Sizzle Pie, which makes good pizza but is a loud and visually raucous venue filled with 20-somethings other than us. C'est Si Bon was the antithesis of that. Small, quiet, and classy. John was friendly and provided great descriptions of the menu items. He made a suggestion that accommodated by food allergies as well as a fine wine pairing. I had a duck dish that he said took two days to prepare, resulting in a feast that was very tender with little of fat normally associated that that dish. It was on a bed of polenta and spinach with a few figs and drizzle as I recall. An intimate culinary experience.

The single rudest experience ever. I booked a table for six directly with the restaurant over a month in advance. The website requires reserving by an exchange of texts if you have more than four people. I had clients invited for dinner. On a rainy night we showed up five minutes early and we were turned away. The restaurant had confirmed our text reservation eagerly, but must not have entered it in their system. When we took out our phones to show them the reservation, the owner literally said he didn’t care and it would make no difference to show it to him because he had since given reserved all tables to others who reserved later so he would not seat us. Other guests overheard this and volunteered to move their table or to finish up and leave, but the owner said no to all of them and sent us back out in the rain as a party of six with no reservation at 7:30 on a Saturday night. I still have the text exchange but he said it wouldn’t matter. Disgusting

We went to the farmers markets and tried a few foods from different vendors. We loved this place so much we went back 3 times. We loved the savory turkey crepe and well as Nutella and bananas. We had the buckwheat crepes. These were great crepes. If you try one, you'll probably have 2 or 3

Absolutely delicious food and wine. Great service. Highly recommended. We had dinner there last night and had such a wonderful meal that I wanted to write this review. For those of you attending the Bridgetown Comedy Festival at venues on Burnside, it's just around the corner. Do yourself a favour and try this lovely, little, authentic French bistro.

John, the owner makes the experience special. His wines are always well selected and we usually just ask his recommendation. Menu is small but carefully thought out and food is always amazing. I adore that this place is small and friendly.

This a little known restaurant in Portland and that is too bad. (By the way, the name has changed to C'est Si Bon! Bistro + Vins) The space if very small so even though there were a couple empty tables the night we were there, They are only open Wednesday through Saturday. I'd recommend a reservation. They offer a regular ala carte menu but also have a prix fixe menu. We did the prix fixe and were very pleased. The owner and staff were very attentive to diners and obviously enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the dishes. The food was excellent and beautifully presented. A very reasonably price wine pairing was also available. Every wine worked beautifully with the food.

John, the owner, took the time to explain every menu item. He had me taste four wines before settling on one. Our meals were outstanding, and everything on the menu was mouth-watering. We could easily return to try another entree. The duck was simply fantastic.

When a quilt show brought us to Portland, my daughter found this little gem when searching for restaurants near our hotel. What a delightful find! The freshly created entrees and salads are simply yet beautifully prepared in the traditional manner. The crepes--seriously--as wonderful as those I enjoyed on Ile St. Louis last spring. A beet and goat cheese salad, a fabulous crepe filled with peaches in a lighter than light caramel sauce--what more could you ask? Of course, cider straight from Normandie! If you prefer, try one of their many varieties of wine available by the glass. A casual exterior doesn't prepare you for the special treats inside. One more thing, it has to be the best bang for the buck in the area. Probably best to leave the little kids at home. Not a special occasion type of place, but the food, wine and the service turned it intio a very special occasion indeed! Vive la French cuisine!

Took my friend for her birthday. Got there about 7:30. We were enjoying our wine and conversation and were not ready to give our order when asked. As a result he made us wait until he was ready to take our order. His demeanor was curt and dismissive. Very authentic french style. Food was wonderful. Cozy little place but will try a more friendly French restaurant next time.

Great food but service was fantastic, there was 4 of us and all were extremely please with service and food. Deserts were extremely great. I had risotto and it was the best I have ever had. Extremely satisfied.

Great place for a romantic European dining experience. Best if you have the means to not worry about money and let the owner take care of you. He will. We left very happy. Magnifique!

Just wow! Food is amazing, wine is amazing, prices are fair and the staff is great! Highly recommend!

Made a reservation for something a little different on a Saturday night. Good thing we did, as there are only a handful of tables and several seats at the bar. The 3 of us started with the the goat cheese bonbons and the beet and blue cheese salad. The bonbons are two delicate pastries. They were lovely, but the best part is the salad greens that accompany - lightly dressed mixed greens with pears. The beet salad was also delicious - a bit different than many, as it consists of different types of beets prepared 3 different ways. My salmon main was a lovely preparation, served on a vegetable puree with herb chiffonade. I wondered about dill and mint together but it worked very well. Hubby had coq au vin and daughter had the squash and kale crepe. High marks for both. We finished with the dessert special, creme brulee with raspberry cream. Perfect ending. Don't come here if you're in a hurry. Service, while knowledgeable and friendly, was a bit slow. Not complaining as we were in no hurry, just something to keep in mind.

We have been here at least 6 times. I still remember our first time. You are likely to be greeted by one of the owners (John) and he will go through the menu explaining each item so well that you will find yourself considering items you normally hate. He makes everything sound so amazing - and the good news is that the food is that great! Vegans and Vegetarians: I don't know about vegans but at the very least vegetarians will find great options!

Went there for a company Christmas party. We had an amazing 6 courses menu with wine pairing. Service was perfect. John the owner knows a lot about wines.

My husband and I visited the Saturday Portland Farmers Market and had 2 crepes from C’est Si Bon—a savory brunch buckwheat crepe (scrambled egg, cheese, bacon, and arugula) and a sweet berry blast crepe (strawberries, blueberries, lemon curd, and whipped cream). We have had crepes from all over the world, and these were our favorite! Delicious!

We were at the Portland Farmers market and thought that the lines at this ( indicated excellence - and while the crepe was nice - I tried a pork confit, it was overly sweet and apart from that did not have much flavor, or filling. Maybe I should have tried one of their sweet crepes instead!

This is a small French bistro. maybe 12 tables in all. Cozy, kind of dark in a good way. A bit smoky/ food-smelling because the tiny kitchen is open to the dining room. There were only three staff people, as far as I could tell: Monsieur, who was the waiter and bartender and I suspect might also be the owner; Chef (no sous-chef); and a bus-person / pourer of water, who seemed eager to please Monsieur, but bewildered. Monsieur was friendly and helpful. Helped me choose the right French wine (by bringing large samples of two possibilities for me to try). Before that I had a Negroni, very good. I wanted a small salad, which was not on the menu, so Monsieur and Chef and I consulted and he came up with one. I had scallops and prawns with a tomato/bechamel sauce on a small amount of pappardelle - very good. I was too full for dessert (which is a shame, because their desserts sounded fabulous!) but Monsieur brought me a little glass of port, on the house. The whole process was fairly slow, which I liked, but others might get impatient.

Refreshing to be greeted on a Friday evening with the prospect of crepes, moules, or smoked duck...sans the two hour wait. C'est Si Bon tucked in just off of Burnside on NE 7th in the nook where Kir formerly served up fine wines. The wine list is excellent, the food exquisite, and the care that is taken to guide you toward a petit plat or entree that is right for you was so very nice on the warm May evening we stopped in.

Portland has so many choices in restaurants, but this little place was a real surprise. The restaurant only has a few tables but the space is cozy, the service is excellent and the wine list has many interesting options. The food was well prepared and tasty. Having just come back from 3 months in France, this was a nice trip down memory lane. Best of of all, it is an excellent value compared to other French bistro style restaurants in the city.

This is a small restaurant but what it lacks in size it makes up for in flavor and character. I'm just so excited about the food being cooked here. First, if you are gluten free, the options are amazing and you don't feel like you miss out. I had the shrimp and avocado appetizer and it was divine! Perfectly seasoned and cooked shrimp, chunks of avocado, red onion, pickled mustard seeds and more. I will dream of this dish!! I ate it so quickly that I forgot to take a photo. I also tried the buckwheat salmon crepe. O. M. G. I've missed crepes and am so glad I found these. Made to order and so nutty paired beautifully with salmon and cucumber. For my main meal I ordered the crispy polenta cake with braised beef, mushrooms and arugula. The sauce was velvety and the meat fell apart in my mouth. So, so good!! The chef here has outdone herself. Really great service here too. The owner was our bartender and knows how to pick excellent wines. I highly recommend this for date nights, and fun dinner with friends. Make a reservation though because I predict this place is going to be very busy as more people discover it!!

Other reviews recommended reservations. I highly suggest you follow that advise and try to reserve early. There are only five tables a window bar with about four stools and a small center bar that doubles as a wet bar and crepe making station. I've seen bathrooms larger than this restaurants kitchen but they can crank out some delicious food. The owners are open and friendly and very approachable. You can tell they work hard for a living but love what they do and it shows in the ambience of the small space and the quality of food they serve. There are plenty of really great wines to choose from with a selection of local Pinot and French deliciousness. Let the owner guide you through the French choices, it only makes sense with a French menu ;) We are definitely going to make this a regular stop when in Portland

One of new favorite Portland spots. Stumbled upon this just looking for an open table. Maybe holds up to 27 people it's a charming- romantic- intimate setting with a small menu of delicate flavors that will sure to please all palates. We had the French onion soup (which was amazing) and for entrees I had the braised beef and my husband had the shrimp and bell pepper risotto. The small portions are great! Best of all is the staff- the owner asks you what kind of wine you like and he picks something pours it and lets you taste. Wine selection is fantastic! A must try well kept secret!

After a day of "picking" a la American pickers, we needed a refuge of civility, class, and comfort. C'est Si Bon hit the spot a million times over. Low key neighborhood with easy street parking. Elegant decor, perfect background music (I go weak in the knees every time I hear the Girl from Ipanema), and intimate layout. The food was nothing but the highest quality and freshness. John (hardworking manager, crepe maker, and sommelier) and his team made us feel at home with detailed explanations of the menu. He paired us with amazing French wines that took the meal over the top. And then there was the grand finale Meyer lemon crepe. Heavenly! Of course good company can make the meal all the better and we had the good fortune of speaking with John a bit as well as connecting with a fellow traveler sitting next to us. The close tables allowed for intimate conversation in which we and our fellow traveler marveled at the atmosphere created by John and his team that transported us to another world and time. Seafood puff pastry appetizer - delish Mushroom puff pastry appetizer - yum Duck confit over potato gratin - superb Prawns over risotto - mouthwatering Meyer lemon crepe - heavenly Thank you for a memorable meal. We will be back on our next trip to Portland!

I met a colleague for dinner here and arrived a little early. I was warmly welcomed and constantly checked on to ensure my needs were met. This is a very small, intimate restaurant and very comfortable. The food was excellent and authentic. I would highly recommend.

Exceptional food, engaging service and excellent wine suggestions all contributed to making a memorable meal. We hadn’t been here in years and are happy to know C’est si Bon is still here to delight. The wines are carefully selected for quality while reasonably priced and perfectly compliment the skillful cuisine. Simply the best meal in Portland in several years!

My wife and I had a full dinner: appetizers, salad, crepes, and wine. Everything was beautifully prepared with outstanding ingredients. Unfortunately we were so full we couldn't indulge in the delicious sounding desserts. After all that bill was just over $50! And let me not slight the wonderful staff and great atmosphere.

C'est si Bon is such a delightful restaurant! The food is terrific (Chef is a multivalent culinary master). The atmosphere is charming and welcoming. Owner John makes one feel especially welcome. His recommendations as to food and wine were spot-on for us (and I would add that it is rare to have a restauranteur whose recommendations one really can depend on). The prix fixe and wine pairing is recommended if diners want the full meal experience, but the a la carte menu is excellent.

John is quite welcoming and can speak English and French if you're in the mood to recapture what you knew in high school. He does a very good job grooming his wine list emphasizing good wines that match the cuisine with a focus on fuller-bodied reds fomr USA and Cote du Rhones.

I have visited ten places while I have been here on vacation and this is the best place by far! The service is phenomenal the prices are spectacular the food was awesome. Everything about the restaurant was a great idea. I would not miss going to this place while I was in Portland. The wine list is extremely interesting. The bottle prices of wine are exceptional. The owner was friendly informative and perfect for his restaurant. The wait staff is very attentive and always ready to help you if you need them! Plus a free glass of Port Wine for dessert love this place.

This is a small, comfortable oasis of ambiance de France and carefully, excellently-prepared food. The staff and owner are professional and sincerely friendly. Portland has an exquisite treasure here.

Friends recommended looking for C'est Si Bon at the Farmer's Market held on the Portland State University campus and it was worth the search. Arrived at the Market's start time (8:30am on a Saturday), got in line and watched as the sweet or savory crepe selections were made. Why is it so mesmerizing to see crepe batter being poured, spread and lifted from the griddle? Beats me, but it is! The turkey crepe with tart cranberries, Tillamook cheddar and arugula nestled in a buckwheat crepe was divine. Loved the cute B&W paper the crepes are wrapped in, too.

I treated a friend here for her birthday. I had heard the restaurant had started out as a food cart and was anxious to give it a try. The restaurant is quite small but has a nice feel to it. A young woman greeted us and took us to our table. Before long, John, one of the owners, came over to discuss wine with us. He gave us a sample which we loved and ordered. After giving us a bit of time to look over the menu he came back with delightful explanations of everything. He was always friendly and fun. The appetizer/salad which we shared was delightful. The main dishes were exquisite both in presentation and taste. The portions were lovely. We saw other tables sharing lots of different things. When we ordered the chocolate mousse for dessert John came also with a small glass of Ruby Port and was that ever heavenly with the mousse. We will be returning!!

Tiny French place in inner East side. Fantastic dishes, great ambiance, and friendly, personal service. And, yes, they have more than just crepes.

You feel right at home in this tiny, bustling cafe. The wine list is extensive and well-priced. The food is standard French bistro fare, but what could be better? And, of course, many dishes are folded into a crepe. Service is friendly and efficient. The perfect neighborhood bistro.

We tried multiple Tripadvisor high-rated restaurants in Portland, and this is the best! You must have dinner here! The food is incredible, the stellar service is amazing, and the wine suggested by the owner was fantastic. Do not miss this experience!

We called in here late at night for a drink on the way home. A great find! A very knowledgeable owner, who had spent may years in France and knew his wine! We tried a couple of nice reds, sampled HIS dinner (as we werent eating) and chatted. Highly recommended for the talk, wine and ambience. We didnt try the crepes but will do next time!

Couldn't ask for a better dinner! Authentic French food in a small intimate setting. This place is a must for Portland! Super delicious!!!!

Yes, this is a small place so reservations are recommended or go early/late. While the place is small, the service has always been great. They always have specials not on the menu and i have always been impressed by the french food. The wine selection is very extensive. There is a parking (often packed...) on Burnside/7th Ave shared with the burnside brewing Company. Finally, the prices are super raisonnable - overall, this has always been a great experience.

Imagine if you can a dark night in Montmartre and you find escape in a pleasant and dimly-lit boite to help fan the flames of a budding relationship with someone special. This would approximate the atmosphere of C'est Si Bon. Plus even if the relationship goes south on you, the cab fare is cheaper. John and his wife (from Bordeaux) appreciate the subtleties of French country cooking which is so lacking a proper outlet in Portland. I've had several entrees and besides the ingredients, they are prepared properly for serving. Heck, he even helped me overcome my fear of beets (bad childhood experience, don't ask) by pairing it with duck. Most of the ingredients tend toward earthier flavors like mushroom and squash which enhance the flavor but don't distract from the main ingredient. I'm not a big dessert person, but my wife is a Francophile and has tried everyone to her pleasure. He is expert at making crepes on the spot which provide a fitting tableau for the subtler flavor of citrus, butter, and cream without an accompanying heaviness. As far as wines, John is eclectic and emphasizes reasonably priced wine with more os focus on Cote du Rhones (which work with the heartier dishes) and whites with a sharper edge to complement desserts and lighter dishes.

The flavors offered by each and every dish is so tantalizing and absorbing, I found myself noticing how the food maoved around inside may mouth, while it was closed of course, to experience all the flavors that emerged from every bite. Truly a time stopping moment in the enjoyment of great food. The prices are good too. My husband and I can enjoy full meal with wine, dessert and a good tip for $80.

So two Arizonans walked into a creperie..... and found the Ham, Gruyere, and Mornay crepe and the Vegetarian Squash, Creme Fraiche, and Kale crepe to be a wonderful experience for tired travelers. The host was so helpful and informative. He encouraged us to taste wines from Spain and France before we made our selection. Next time we will save room for dessert as the Meyer Lemon Creme sweet crepe sounds great. Portions were generous, ambience was friendly, and our meal was delicious ! We got there on Portland's wonderful mass transit, too!