Caprial’s Westmoreland Kitchen

Too bad.
ps there should be some way to signify on Unilocal when a restaurant closes. Rather than have to give it a review.

Best food in SE area. My friends and I enjoyed the texture and taste of the food. There’s even a cooking school if you’re interested.
It warmed our hearts and stomach. The portions were right on.
We were hardly interrupted by our waitstaff, so it’s a plus for me.

I joined Unilocal in order to post a review about a disasterous experience I had at Caprial’s yesterday.
I organize a happy hour group here in Portland and we go to many venues. We have any where from 20 – 100 people at a time at my events.
I had gone in here for happy hour one day and noticed there were only about 3 other tables with people. I figured they might appreciate it if I would bring in my group so I spoke with Michelle, the event planner about this. We agreed to do a «cocktail» style party for up to 30 people, extended happy hour until close, separate checks with the server adding an automatic 20% gratuity. She had mentioned brining in an additional server as well.
I arrived about 15 minutes early and was brought to the back, windowless room. I had wrongfully assumed (my fault for not clarifying this) that «cocktail style» menat there would be bistro tables for people to put their drinks and food on. My mistake for not clarifying this as there were no tables in the room so we brought in a few. I introduced myself to the server, Marty and told him I would be his point of contact if there were any issues. He wasn’t friendly or at all welcoming and it just went downhill from there!
My group started to arrive at 5:15 or so, many of them ordering wine. Generally they have 3 choices for their happy hour wines but on this day they only had 2 reds available for hh prices. Well, by 5:45 they ran out of one of them and by 6:10 they ran out of both of them! I asked Marty what he was going to substitute them with and he said they didn’t have anything available. When I looked at him with surprise he said that normally happy hour ends at 6:30 any way. I mentioned the extended happy hour for my group and he said there was nothing he could do. Unfortunately, this conversation took place in front of several people in my group who were drinking the wine.
I went out to talk with Michelle about this and she said she would talk with the owners. I also mentioned that Marty was terribly unfriendly and that things were not going well and my guests were not happy with his service (or lack there of). Not only was he our server but he was also bartending for our drinks and there was no busser. He didn’t take any of the empty plates or wine glasses off the 3 tables so things were piling up and my guests were waiting 20 minutes before they could even get a drink order in.
I again went out to talk with Michelle and said that Marty really needed help. We finally had the assistance of Brandy, a true saving grace for this place. She was sweet, accomodating and apologetic.
Although Caprial and John were aware of the fiasco going on in their restaurant, neither of them bothered to come out from behind the kitchen to apologize. And to add insult to injury, no one bothered to thank me for bringing in 30 people into their otherwise mostly empty restaurant. Just because you are a «celebrity» chef doesn’t give you the right to snub your customers.
Okay, restaurant service 101:
Greet your guests and THANK them for their business!
Give the customer what was promised!
Staff accordingly!
Smile at your customers!
Although their food is good, it is not memorable and with so many wonderful places in Portland who are thrilled to have our business, I will NEVER return to Caprial’s again!
As a disclaimer, I was in the restaurant industry for many years as a server, bartender and also manager of a restaurant/​bar so I am respectful of servers and appreciate what goes on behind the scene. What happened at Caprial’s last night was truly inexcusable.

While in Portland last weekend, we had dinner at Caprial’s. We were huge fans of their TV show & took our son & his girlfriend to dinner. Although the wait was long (which our chefs made up for with their gracious attention to our check) our meals were incredible. From the salmon, to the meatballs with spinach noodles and the cheese gnocchi,
lavender brulee and other desserts we were in heaven! Truly a top 5 meal of all time! Well done Caprial and Jon. You were working very hard in a slammed bistro and still turned out outstanding meals. Bravo to your wait staff as well!

The eaters at Caprial’s seem to stumble onto the location for one of two reasons. The television show attracts just as many people as the amazing happy hour. The latter of which was my first experience at CWK and man was it good. A friend of mine sword he wouldn’t try the place because of the price of admission, but after Happy Hour he was hooked. A convert. A new believer in the power of their rotational happy hour menu that is one of the rare gems left in the magical hours of late afternoon. Over the years it seems like it has been tough for good establishments to keep their great food items on the cheap for these afternoon morsels. Not Caprial’s, they deliver in a big way, it’s almost, almost as good as any full meal they serve. Whether it’s surf or turf, you’ll be pleased with the quantity and the quality.
The full menu is fantastic too, for me it’s somewhere to go on an evening of celebration. In my own personal quest of eating my heart out the competition can be stiff. I don’t get down here as often as I like, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t stellar food. Try the happy hour, savor every bite, and if you’re like me you’ll probably get a little food envy as people stroll in for the full course menu.

Even though their terribly obnoxious on the television… Caprial’s was great in person.

If I knew the crossroads, I’d walk down Sesame Street…
If Ken Burns had been my teacher I would have paid more attention in history…
If Masterpiece Theater was an actual theater…
… You see where this is going?
If you didn’t know Capril’s was home to the locally loved TV Show Capril & John’s Kitchen, you’d never know. I adore places that ooze the: «Welcome to the Northwest; here’s how we roll in the culinary world» vibe. Maybe it’s my own regional pretentiousness talking, but these restaurants tend to feel like home and I’m drawn to them for comfort.
Capril’s fits that mentality from start to finish. It’s certainly not a snobby or unapproachable spot in Portland… I like the atmosphere actually. This is a very welcoming little restaurant in Westmoreland, and one can sense that they’re in for a good meal from the moment they walk in the door.
Generally speaking this a spot to get your moneys worth for a nice night out. Unlike other swanky restaurants in town, you don’t feel like you’re sacrificing a filling meal for aloof (and minimal) presentation… But what’s the word I’m looking for to really describe the place?
«Exclusive»
Maybe? I guess I couldn’t quite grasp the whole experience… something seemed to be just out of my reach the entire time I spent here on a Saturday night for dinner with family.
There’s a nice little cocktail list, and the bartender can make a great tuaca sidecar, but it’s definitely more of a wine place. As of late, my spicy receptors have been on a kick, so I was pretty excited to find that the oracchette pasta had a bit of kick to it. The desserts? Stupendous! Stumptown? Awesome.
That being said, Capril’s isn’t the best choice for picky kids or adults. What you see on the menu is what you get, and trying to figure out an alternative can prove a bit challenging. I guess that surprised me about the place.
But for those who can get excited about the entrees, dinner is the perfect time to take out of town friends or family who want to get into the Portland scene without the sass and awkwardness that often times pops up at some of the other restaurants in town. It’s a great setting for unhurried dining and conversation.
And it might just inspire you to talk about the most recent episode of Oregon Art Beat.

my boyfriend took me here for my birthday. it intrigued me right away, mainly because I wasn’t familiar at all with it or the area (haven’t lived in Portland very long). went on a Sunday night so it was just us and a few other groups.
the food here was excellent. I had a steak with chimmichurri sauce, but it was the salad that stole the show. it was grilled romaine topped with bacon and drizzled with a caesar-​like dressing. my boyfriend had a perfectly roasted chicken served with brussel sprouts. I seriously had never tried a brussel sprout before (hard to believe, yes I know). it was a great introducton.
the service was above average, but not great. this was especially odd considering there weren’t many people there.
want to venture back there soon for happy hour or just to eat at the bar.

i’m biased, because John and Cappy are our neighbors, but every time I’ve gone in the past 6 years I’ve had GREAT food. although like most restaurants, service has it’s ups and down.
Great cocktails. great atmosphere… and great food.
Try the PorkLand brunch… it’s a pork lovers dream…
Everytime i see people waiting outside Fat Alberts. I have a little inside laugh… mediocre food like I make. while I’m eating outstanding brunch for just a buck or two more.
Dont’ take my word for it. give it a try. happy hour is great. and those big comfy chairs by the window are a great place to enjoy some drinks and apps and watch the world go by.
(you’ll all note in my reviews that I’m critical of servers. only because my wife and I were servers in college and we were both damn good, making sure that our customers always had a good experience, even if the kitchen wasn’t performing)

I have been here twice lately and was pretty disappointed both times. The food was okay — but not what it was the first couple times that I went. The sausage is poorly described because it’s more like bologna (seriously — my bad, but still). The burger was WAY over cooked — my dad asked for medium RARE and there wasn’t a single thing pink about the entire thing.
The wine selection and atmosphere are nice… and I still have yet to go for dinner, but I’m starting to think that I best go elsewhere. There are so many good places in Portland, why waste my time on mediocre?

Me: They’d like to meet us at Caprial’s.
Wife: Gabrielles? Where’s that? I wanted to try the Maiden!
Me: I know. Maybe this place will be good! It’s in an awesome location.
Wife: Hmph. Okay. You’re driving. I want a cocktail.
Me: (Sigh)
[Three hours and dinner later]
Wife: Holy shit. That was good. Those clams were great!
Me: We need to change my will when we get home. When I die, I’d like to be buried with their croquettes.
Wife: Shut up while yer ahead, buster.
Me: (Sigh)

We had a very enjoyable evening at Caprials! Drinks were good, though they should buy a blender to do Margaritas properly. Appetizer Salt & Pepper Prawns were exceptional. Beet and spinach salad was really tasty. I had a very good Salmon dish, but the Pan Seared Scallops my wife had were even better. My sister’s Homemade Black Pepper Pappardelle Pasta was fantastic and I will have it next time.
Service was very attentive and the atmosphere was nice though a little noisy for my Mom. Prices were a little on the high side otherwise I would give it a 5 star.
Another Portland gem!

My husband took me to Capril’s for my birthday last year, and it was great. We got there and John was actually working the door. I know this because I am addicted to their show. :) Nicfe touch since it is THERE resturant, and in the past when I’ve gone to «celebrity» resturants, you know that they are not there.
Anyways, so we got taken to our table. This was my only complaint of the evening. We got seated at a half couch where we were surrounded by families. It’s difficult to have a romantic dinner when you have 2 families sitting a foot away on either side.
Our waiter was fine, though he seemed to be having difficulty navigating the close proximity as well. We got our drinks and looked over the menu. It was definetly a Bistro style menu, with about 6 – 8 entrée choices. My husband picked a steak and a had salmon. It was an interesting salmon, stuffed with cheese. But it was really very good. Salmon was well cooked and was obviouly fresh. No fishy smell or taste. The husband said the steak was yummy and actually came out medium, which aparently is difficult to do based on some of the other steaks we’ve had.
Overall it was a good experience, but I had to take away a star for putting us in the middle of the caose of two families, when other tables were open. I would go again, but make sure to request NOT to sit on the couch next time.

My husband and I recently got hooked on Caprial and Johns Kitchen which is (in case you don’t know) shown on OPB. They recently showed this fun episode about locally grown berries and we were just about drooling! So, about an hour or so later we were getting brunch to go from Caprial’s Westmoreland Kitchen. It used to be called Caprial’s Bistro by the way… they expanded it and added brunch on weekends.
The food was quite good and they were very accommodating. I didn’t get the impression that they normally do take out brunch but even though it was fairly busy they were still more than happy to do so. Very cool. I got the Alsea Acres Goat Cheese Omelet, substituting bleu cheese for the goat cheese. It was interesting and quite good, the cheese was more of a sauce than chunks of blue cheese. There were a lot of herbs in it and it also had delicious caramelized onions. The breakfast potatoes were spicy and cooked perfectly. The only thing I wasn’t crazy over was the toast, it was cut too thick and wasn’t all that toasted. They also gave us these two mini muffins that were so fresh, they were not too sweet and we loved them. I think they were cranberry. Yum.
My husband got the corn beef hash and he was too funny. He kept saying, its strange… its interesting… its so good. I think he mentioned it was way less fatty and much better meat than he is used to with corned beef hash. He ate the whole thing so he must have liked it. I gave him the bacon that came with my meal (which they wrapped in tinfoil for me so that it didn’t bacon up my food, very cool) and he didn’t like it all that much. Soooo, four stars rather than five.
Well, now I am addicted to the restaurant and the television show! Hurray for Caprial and John!

I can tell just from the Reuben and side salad I had for lunch today that this place deserves 5-​stars. That, and Caprial and John’s reputation precedes them… enough so that a mere confirmation-​by-​reuben is enough to win my approval.
I finally, after years of wondering how this place was, made my way in for lunch today. This was based entirely on Shane’s recommendation and Tim B’s motivation.
Caprial’s has a nice, open kitchen. Friendly, laid back vibe, amazing smells, comfy window tables with living-​room style lounge chairs.
The lunch menu? In that $ 7 to $ 11 range, and all looks amazing. Sandwiches, salads, quiche, and some entrees. The special was a 5-​spice pork chop that sounded fantastic. But… we were there for the reuben.
Oh, my, gawd! The picture Tim B posted DOES do the reuben justice. House-​cured beef on a thick slice of bread, covered in kraut and melted gruyère. I had a side salad with the caramelized sherry, which was topped with pickled red onions and thin sliced fennel. All I can say is WOW to both dishes. The salad dressing was some of the best I have had in a long time. It takes real skill to make a perfect dressing… that’s another way I can be assured that this place rocks. It’s all in the details!
The service was pro — totally on point.
I can tell from the rest of the menu that the food here is a step beyond gourmet. I eagerly anticipate dinner next time.
Oh, and PLUS-​1 star for Elysian IMMORTAL IPA on tap!!! (I guess that brings it to about 6-​stars!)
Yay for new rad food eating places!

Oh my god! We just had lunch here. Exceptional! My wife had split pea soup — superb. I had a skirt steak salad: slices of perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful steak on a bed of arugula with roasted potato wedges, topped with caramelized shallots, garnished with pomegranite seeds. Near perfection, along with a luscious glass of tempranillo. It’s been a while since I’ve been this bowled over by a place. Can’t wait to go back!

The soups here are amazing, and the pasta dishes, and the seafood, and the salads, and the bread, and anything with meat or chicken… okay, pretty much anything you put in your mouth will be heaven to your taste buds now that I think about it.
And the restaurant is classy and sophisticated, colorful and spare all at the same time! And the service is good… damn good, with waiters who are just as charming and sophisticated as the restaurant.
Once you go to Caprial’s you will want to go back… the next day… maybe even the same night, because you won’t be able to stop thinking about the desserts they offered that you passed up!!!

I haven’t eaten here in a while but I noticed it on the new review list and was really surprised that there were only two reviews so, here goes. I love Caprial’s. 1^st class kitchen, fresh local NW cuisine, great desserts and, best of all. a retail wine wall! First, the wall. All the wines are up on a big wall so you can walk around and look at and hold and pick the wine you want instead of just looking at a list. Second, retail. That means instead of paying $ 25-​$ 35 dollars for a bottle of wine you can buy at a wine shop for 10 bucks, you get a bottle of wine that costs you $ 25-​$ 35 at a wine shop. This is honesty, truly admirable and reflects their desire to have you drink great wine with their excellent food. The entrée prices are a bit higher than they would be if they were making more money marking up cheaper wine but it’s honest. Great place to take out of town guests for a quintessential NW dining experience. The only problem (for me) is it’s in Sellwood, far from my house, otherwise, 5 stars.

The food here is excellent!!! They serve Pacific Northwest Cuisine which means fish, duck, and meat. My friends had braise duck and I had a steak. The duck was delicious!!! The best I had ever had anywhere! Good portions, too! The steak was excellent, too! Tender and very juicy. This is a family business, run by a husband and wife couple. They work extremely hard and have a cooking school too at their place. Service was good and with a nice atmosphere. It’s a little pricey, but well worth it!!!

Chocolate and wine equals yummy
I haven’t eaten here but did stop in recently for a dessert and a some Pinot Noir. By the way, chocolate and Pinot is a killer combo! I highly recommend both the chocolate torte paired with the Pinot. But there are several other dessert options, not to mention some 200 kinds of wine to choose from.
Tip: There is an entire wall of wine on display and for sale at retail prices that are to beat.