top 10

Bistro Maison

Claim
marker

729 NE Third St (at Northeast Galloway Street)
McMinnville, OR 97128

marker
(503) 474-1888
Incorrect info? Correct your listing
Photos
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Bistro Maison - McMinnville, OR
Reviews
( 30 )
( 0 )
( 0 )
( 2 )
( 3 )

Best

My wife and I have travelled the globe. I have never experienced a better chef! If you like French food you will not find a rival. We all know that the French style is all abou...

Worst

My boyfriend and I have been here twice and though the food is usually good, we always end up feeling uncomfortable. Even if we just want to order two entrees to keep costs down w...

Editorial review from Citysearch 8/19/2013

We go here for as many of our special occasions as we can. And oftentimes because there is no place equal to it anywhere nearby. I don't have a favorite menu selection. I think I do, then I try something new, and that becomes my new favorite. The ambiance is truly warm, romantic, and although I've never been to France, I feel like I'm there when we visit Bistro Maison. Deborah and jean Jacques are masterful ... he as the chef and she the front of the house. No need to order wine ... she will pair perfectly for you. OK ... the pork chops are a MUST! Indoor and outdoor seating ... all lovely and very comfortable. You will not be disappointed. Worth the drive if you have to travel to get to it. We like to walk 3rd Street in McMinnville, and then wind up at the Bistro. Third Street, with it's shops and wine tasting rooms, so much to do, is a must, too. more
Reply | Report abuse |

Editorial review from Citysearch 8/17/2013

when you pay your bill the little insert states ""we are going\r to build this rest one customer at a time"" they have achieved that and more...the servers are pleasant and \r the food is delicious. Love to sit outside...the best in\r McMinnville!!!!\r Fred more
Reply | Report abuse |

Editorial review from Citysearch 7/20/2012

Our favorite restaurant -- period. If we have only one dinner out with friends during visits, this is where we take them. And our children expect to go here when they visit a couple times a year. Fantastic food, great service, lovely setting -- especially when the weather is nice enough to be on their courtyard. Jean-Jacques knows his food, and Deborah knows her wine -- always offering us a new, tasty choice. Can't recommend highly enough. Love it! more
Reply | Report abuse |

Ranks with the worlds best 12/28/2010

My wife and I have travelled the globe. I have never experienced a better chef! If you like French food you will not find a rival. We all know that the French style is all about the sauces. Jean-jacques makes everything himself. From the Pate' to the ice creams and sorbets. The only thing he doesn't make himself is his wonderful breads. I have visited this restaurant several times. My favorite dish, not a usual find on his menu, is the Sturgeon. I have never had it prepared the way Jean-jacques prepares it. The tender, not over-cooked fish, is covered in some wonder sauce, that lets the flavor of the fish show through and sliced and served like small thin steaks. My mouth waters just writing about it. The Duck was another dish prepared like no other duck I've experienced. If you want an under-priced meal with over-the-top flavors, with a wine list to match, then this is the place for you! This place is all about the food! But nothing here is lacking. Some of the finest (best trained) service staff you will find any where! All in bistro style!!!!! more
Reply | Report abuse |

Valley's Best 12/24/2010

Deborah and Jean-Jacques are an incredible pair and blessing to the area. Jean-Jacques foods are artfully prepared and presented. Deborah's wine pairing are extraordinary! Their carefully trained staff, makes certain that the service is unparalled. The synergy of their talents makes for a wonderful dining experience. We have been going there since we moved to McMinnville, and they opened in 2003. We spend every special occasion with them, and have NEVER been disappointed. The menu is varied, but never hesitate to take the ""chef's offering"". It may be off the menu, but it is outstandingly wonderful. Trust Deborah to find the perfect wine for the table, even if the entrees cover the range of fish, beef, pork and/or poultry. This is restaurant without peer in the Willamette Valley. If they allowed 6 stars....they would still be under-rated! more
Reply | Report abuse |

Fantastic Rehearsal Dinner at Bistro Maison 8/26/2010

Thank you Deborah and Jean-Jacques so much for such a wonderful rehearsal dinner! The food was incredible. We knew that it was going to be great, but it exceeded our expectations. We are still hearing from guests (we had nearly 40) about how wonderful it was. Deborah, thank you so much for being such a great coordinator. You really went above and beyond to make the experience so great. The garden worked out great as well--it created just the right mood. It was just an amazing experience from the food, to the setting, to the service, to your coordination. We highly recommend Bistro Maison for special events like rehearsal dinners! more
Reply | Report abuse |

A touch of Provence in McMinnville 7/2/2010

Bistro Maison is a favorite of ours. Each time we go it is memorable. I have never felt the urge to write a review of a restaurant before , but felt compelled to as each visit here is so consistently outstanding. The service is impeccable, warm and welcoming. From the moment you come in the door it is like you are taking a bit of a vacation in Provence..the decor, the music and of course the menu transport you there. We have for a long time shied away from ordering salmon out as we just are so disappointed each time. The salmon preparation we had at Bistro Maison recently was excellent, so moist and declious. My husband ordered the Steak au poivre and was equally happy with his dinner. From start (Kir Royales and Fromage et Charcuterie) to finish (the Chocolate flourless torte was heavenly) , and everything in between this most recent visit was every bit as wonderful as the previous ones. Just to mention a couple favorites other than the salmon and Steak preparations : an incredible Coq au Vin ; and a deliciously comforting Cassoulet. Too often, even when we go to restaurants that in the past have been ""reliable standbys"" we are disappointed with something we ordered or the service. So we wanted to applaud the excellent job that Jean-Jacques and Deborah and everyone associated with Bistro Maison do to make dinner at Bistro Maison out of the ordinary and a truly special dining experience. Pros: Everything : Food, Ambiance, Service Cons: Not close enough to Portland-but so worth the drive more
Reply | Report abuse |

Best place for French Cuisine 2/17/2010

If you can find a place that manages to offer gourmet French cuisine without being pretentious, in a unique, warm 'Bistro' atmosphere that has been very welcoming to adults and children alike (even when they were smaller), while consistently feeling like we paid too little for what we ate/drank/experienced, you'll keep going back. Love the food, the atmosphere, the service, the hosts. Pros: Atmosphere, value, and YES: the FOOD Cons: Too far (but worth the trip every time) more
Reply | Report abuse |

Details 10/24/2009

Before the restaurant opens each day, I imagine Deb goes through the restaurant making sure each detail is as it should be. Not for the sake of pretense, but for the experience of the customer. She then spends the remainder of the day following through, making sure the atmosphere is matched by the food and people who help you experience it. Because that is what the Bistro Maison is - a warm, intimate, and above all delicious dining experience. Clearly the people of Bistro Maison are passionate about two things - their food and their customers. Pros: Fantastic Food and Staff more
Reply | Report abuse |

Too bad they are not open every day 10/19/2009

I just love the food at this place. And there is always a glass of excellent wine to go along with it. Good enough to host the next G8 meeting. more
Reply | Report abuse |

Friendly and welcoming with amazing cuisine 10/18/2009

We have been dining at the Bistro Maison for about six years now, and we have never been disappointed. We have been through most of the menu, from the mussels to the hanger steaks, the coq au vin, the salmon--everything has been beautifully prepared and presented. We've attended regular dinners, lunches, and special occasion parties such as wine dinners with local winemakers and New Years Eve, for which Deborah decorates the restaurant with celebratory panache. It is clear she and Jean-Jacques love what they do. They are both knowledgeable and eager to explain their dishes and advise about wine choices--Jean-Jacques loves to come out of the kitchen when he can to visit with patrons. He uses many items from local growers, including fresh vegetables from the Farmers' Market and meat from Carlton Farms, which makes his preparations fresh and timely. The staff is equally enthusiastic about the menu selections and eager to help out a hesitant visitor. We will continue to be regular customers and consider ourselves fortunate to have such a restaurant so near (we live in McMinnville). Pros: Service, atmosphere, knowledge, use of local products more
Reply | Report abuse |

Simple Elegance result in Excellence 7/10/2009

This jewel knows food & drink is but signifier of things far deeper & sublime. It embodies excellence. Much care is given to insure deeper things shine through. Joy, contentment, passion, simplicity_the lifeblood of Bistro. From arrival you are welcomed & woven into the ""terroir"" like you are both royalty & family. Deborah brings a gracious luminous delight as she welcomes you. Her heart of blessing & spirit of celebration make it axiomatic that everything be the best_food & drink quality, presentation, purpose, attitude, staff, nothing is allowed to be mediocre! This desire for excellence is what honours breaking bread together. Their food is their ""vision made flesh"", a culinary incarnation of the ""sacred."" Simple yet nuanced & balanced, tasty yet fresh & clean, never heavy & burdensome. Chef JJ matches Deborah's front of the house perfectly, a marriage that rends the veil of time & allows eternity to break in on the meal. Staff is an extension of the vision. A visit to the Bistro will be remembered as one of those magical ""time stands still for awhile"" evenings full of magic & delight! You depart bubbling over with the life, the fun, the company?restored & renewed & deeply content. If you are searching for exterior signs that confer status and importance, this is not the place for you. Go elsewhere and be dazzled by the inevitable culinary sophistry that is the inescapable result of seeking to make the ""road sign"" into the destination. If you are searching for flattery that inflates & infatuates, Bistro is not for you. You will be disappointed & unfulfilled. But if you love the essence of breaking bread__community, hospitality, contentment, satisfaction, joy, then this is for you, a Way Station to the Kingdom of Delight! It has my utmost recommendation & gratitude for being honoured with memories and experiences there that will outlast a lifetime. Pros: Feeding the soul as well as the body! Cons: That we can't go all the time! more
Reply | Report abuse |

What a delight, what a treasure! 6/15/2009

This is an email I sent to the owners of Bistro Maison after dining in their establishment. If you haven't been and love great food, service and ambience then you must try this restaurant. Impeccable does not begin to describe a dining experience here. We were a party of 4 This last Saturday night and I wanted to let you know of the amazing experience we had at your restaurant. First, the ambience was perfect. We decided to eat in your patio after taking a look... we usually don't like to eat outside at restaurants because it is usually an after thought by the staff. Not so in this case. Your patio was perfect- including your boxer. The tablecloths were pretty and matched the atmosphere, the chairs were comfortable and the landscaping served as a pleasant backdrop. Second, your staff was amazingly proficient, friendly and attentive without being annoying. They also knew their menu and were able to convey a sense of ""I've got to try that"" without being pushy. We never wanted for anything and were replenished with water a bread at the right moment. Third, your special drink of Aperol was delicious and perfect for an evening meal on a summer night. We intend to purchase some Aperol and share the drink with friends while we tell them of your restaurant. Fourth- the food was beyond delicious. We all had fish at our table and it was prepared perfectly and presented beautifully. I must say that the green beans and carrot were also perfectly cooked. I get so tired of the vegetables in other restaurants cooked to death and annoying. Yours were a great match with my Halibut in a Morel cream sauce. Fifth- We got to ""dine"". there was no hurry to turn the table and we were able to savor our appetizers and dinner and enjoy great conversation. Kudos to you and your staff for doing everything possible to make our evening memorable. Although I was the only one that had been to your restaurant before I felt as if I had discovered something new even though my other experience had been just as wonderful. I wish you the most success in keeping your restaurant the beautiful gem that it is. We will be back with friends in tow! Pros: Exquisite food, atmosphere and service! more
Reply | Report abuse |

Were never seated 5/24/2009

My wife and I were in McMinnville for a Memorial Day outing. We noticed Bistro Maison among several interesting looking eateries on the town's charming 3rd ST. The door was wide open and the open sign was lit. We waited several minutes in the entry area where not an employee nor a patron could be seen. Finally when we were approached by a young woman, we were told there would be a lengthy wait. I looked aroung at all (and I do mean all) the empty tables and ask if she was serious. She said they were only serving outside and only had one person in the kitchen. We left. This was out first and probably our last experience at Bistro Maison. Pros: ????????????????? Cons: Waited to be greeted............ more
Reply | Report abuse |

Amazing Restaurant! 5/11/2009

My husband and I had dinner at this absolutely amazing restaurant. I am still in awe of my dish: the sturgeon with mushroom sauce. Amazing!!! (I know, I am overdoing that word).... Pros: Superb service, food and wine more
Reply | Report abuse |

The Coq au Vin is to die for!!! 10/6/2008

Bistro Maison offers amazingly fresh bistro fare w/ a superb and moderately priced wine list that compliments the authentic French cuisine. Deborah is a thoughtful hostess and her chef/husband Jean-Jacques is a masterful genius in the kitchen. My wife and I dine at Bistro Maison every time we are in McMinnville and are continuously impressed. The Coq au Vin is to die for!!! Pros: cuisine, wine list, authenticity of preparations, friendly service more
Reply | Report abuse |

Masterful and amazing chef, no better food and wine. 9/23/2008

As resident of McMinnville, I am grateful for the excellent restaurants we have in our historic downtown area on 3rd Street. However, even in the mix of these wonderful places, Bistro Maison stands out from the rest. I am amazed that we have chef Jean Jaques Chatelard in our little town. My husband and I have been fortunate to travel rather extensively including Italy and France. The food at Bistro Maison is world class as is it's chef Jean Jaques, and proprietor Deborah. When we are dining in Portland, I constantly find myself comparing everything to the quality and taste of Bistro Maison. Not only are they amazing on a day to day basis, but if you get the opportunity you will want to attend one of their wine dinners. These are truly events where you will not forget the food and wine. No one does more thoughtful food and wine pairings than Deborah. Pros: Amazing french food prepared by a world class chef to perfection Cons: Most of the time none more
Reply | Report abuse |

Too much pressure.... 7/25/2008

My boyfriend and I have been here twice and though the food is usually good, we always end up feeling uncomfortable. Even if we just want to order two entrees to keep costs down we are always pressured by the owner and waitresses to buy drinks, appetizers, a dessert... It makes me feel that though we are being cheap for only spending $40 on a meal for two. The mark-up on the wine is also very high. We bought a bottle of Pinot for $60 ( a splurge to celebrate our anniversary ) and found it in the grocery a day later for $15. I just don't like to be constantly pressured into buying more, more, more when I'm trying to have a relaxing evening with my honey. It makes me feel like I'm at a car dealership. Pros: Good bacon/cheese salad and pasta Cons: obnoxious owner, overpriced wine more
Reply | Report abuse |

Always excellent! 5/16/2008

We love this restaurant: the owners are friendly, the food is delicious, the ambiance cozy. We enjoyed this years Mother's Day fixed menu that had so many delicious options that it didn't seem ""fixed"" at all. The use of fresh local ingredients makes the food even more appealing. We make the ""trek"" to McMinnville at least a couple of times year to savor the wonderful things they have to offer. Pros: Wonderful french cuisine, friendly service more
Reply | Report abuse |

September Surprise 9/14/2007

On a repeat visit to McMinnville and surrounding wine country, we decided to check out Bistro Maison, based on reviews we'd read on this site. On a mid-week night in September we arrived for our early evening dinner reservation. With the weather still pleasant, we chose the lush patio/garden seating where tables were covered in warm yellow and blue cloths and candles. Overhead, were strings of lights with reflectors that cast a romantic glow. The wait staff was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable, and the owner personally attended to our wine selection. We started our meal with a cheese and pate board, followed by an entree of crusted pork chop with huckleberry sauce, mash potato, and roasted green beans. The starter was varied, and piqued our anticipation of the main course. The chops (at least 1-inch thick) were perfectly done, and the sauce was rich and piquant. We finished our meal with molten chocolate cake with homemade vanilla bean ice cream, and coffee of locally roasted beans. This restaurant provides excellent quality, and expertly prepared meals --served with sincerity. more
Reply | Report abuse |
< Previous 1 2 Next >
Menu for Bistro Maison


Summer SALE!!!:
15% OFF all yearly plans
Use year15 at checkout. Expires 1/1/2021
Editorial

  • In Short
    This bustling authentic eatery is a little piece of France nestled in the heart of Oregon's wine country. The small dining room has Provencal décor with dark hardwood...

  • 3/28/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Wed-Thu 5pm-8pm, Wed-Fri 11:30am-2pm Fri-Sat 5pm-9pm Sun 12pm-8pm
  • Payments: Visa, Master Card, Discover
badge