Filbert's Cafe

I did a google search to find the best pork chops in portland -- I'm a fanatic -- and Filbert's got the most hits. So I went to their website and...this restaurant is no more. Closed January 2008, R.I.P. And I never got to try the pork chop. Very sad. Ah well... onward! more

My boyfriend took me to Filberts for our anniversary and it was perfect. the enviorment was great. The music, interior design, and just the natural warm and cozy feeling of the place made it the perfect place to eat for a romantic night out. The service was also great, not only was the waitress attentative and friendly, she also came out with a candle on our dessert because it was our anniversary. The best thing about Filberts though, was the food. I ordered a squash soup, pork chops, and raisin bread pudding. They were all very delicious. The pork chops were tender and sweet, and me and my boyfriend both agreed that the soup was the best soup we ever had. I would reccomend Filberts to anyone and I will definitley be going back soon. Pros: food, service, ambience Cons: parking more

I've heard such great things about this place and I really wanted to enjoy it and have a great meal but on the day I went there were no vegetarian options besides a salad. Maybe their menu changes or maybe they would have been willing to make a "special meal" but we ended up leaving without eating because I didn't want to just have a salad. I hope I just went on a no veg day but I've come to expect that most restaurants in Portland have a least a few veg options if not a whole section for vegetarians. more

We went to Filbert's a year ago while on an end of summer trip from Vancouver BC to the Oregon Coast. The food was inspired, yet simple and well prepared. No sashimi with yak butter sauce _ just an exemplary representation of the best of the area. The service was pleasant, indeed caring, and we left vowing to return again. It often happens that a return visit a year later is disappointing, but we were delighted to find that our return visit was just as good as the first. My crab cakes were light, fresh and perfectly paired with a cucumber, jicama and carrot salad dotted with black sesame seeds. The herbed pork chop was served with a white bean and tomato side. It was amazing and a perfect choice. All too often pork is overcooked and accompanied with an overly sweet fruit sauce. Not at Filbert's. My husband's salmon was also perfectly cooked. I passed on dessert, because I was too full but my husband chose the berry creme brulee. Yum! more

This was my second time dining at Filberts and it was every bit as good as the first. I've only been there during the week since I travel to Portland on business, but both times it was not at all busy. That surprises, me even though it's located somewhat away from the busy NW area, because the food and service have been outstanding. Both times I had seafood - the latest a wild salmon in a raspberry reduction that was as good as it gets. The wine list is extensive with numerous Oregon Pinot Noirs, but the selection by the glass is fairly limited. Although parking can be a pain in the NW, this spot is just far enough from the main area that it's not been a problem to find street parking. The ambiance is quite nice as it is an old house that has been nicely decorated. Pros: Food, service Cons: Limited wines by the glass more

My fiance was in town from NYC and wanted to take me to a nice dinner for my birthday. I surfed around on city search and that's where I found filbert's. Our waiter (manager) was very friendly and down to earth. The decor was trendy, classy and instilled a warm atmosphere. I had the New York strip steak and it was WONDERFUL! I highly recommend this fine eatery. more

I recently took my girlfriend of four years to Filber'ts to celebrate our anniversary. While placing the reservation, I was asked if it was for a special occasion, which, at that time, I was unaware would play a role in the night to come. The location, while just a tad off the beaten path, was romantically intimate and quite appropriate for the evening. We were welcomed warmly and seated instantly. Dinner itself was amazing. My girlfriend began with a salad, while I had crabcakes. Her salad (with goat cheese and candied pecans) was delicious without being dreadfully overdressed, while my crabcakes were by far the best I'd ever had (which made it all the more unfortunate that I only got two). Our main dishes (pork chop for her, trout for me) were balanced and did not disappoint in the slightest. During the course of the meal, the owner (manager?) came out and congratulated us on our anniversary, which was a great touch. We were offered a complimentary champagne toast, but since neither of us were drinking that night we were told that our desserts were on the house. Dessert was a supreme ending to a good night. The service throughout the night was ideal: our server was friendly without being overbearing and seemed genuinely interested in our enjoyment of the night. I cannot rate Filbert's higly enough; we will definitely be back! Pros: Food, Service more

I had a co-worker coming into town that wanted a "Portland" dining experience. I searched the local reviews and was certain this would do the trick. He had the pork chop which he said was wonderful; I had the lamb shank, which was like a dried out pork roast. Did I tell the server this at the time, and ruin my co-workers out of town dining experience... no. I suppose I should have, but it didn?t seem fair to him. That being said, I felt obligated to pass this on. The dinner was not very good, or I would at least not recommend the lamb. Pros: Small intimate atmosphere. Cons: Stay away from the lamb shank. more

I chose this restaurant to celebrate my 30th birthday because of it's rating as one of citysearch's ten best and because every other review had only positive comments. I am so glad I chose Filbert's! We were a party of eight and even though it is a small space we did not feel cramped. In fact, the restaurant is beautifully decorated and very cozy feeling. Our table was right by the front door but even on a very cold night in Portland, no one felt chilled due to the heating vent being above our table to keep us toasty. We were greeted at the front door by our smiling server and the owner. Our glasses were immediately filled with complimentary champagne to help us start our celebration. What a wonderful touch! I was wished a sincere Happy Birthday by both the owner and our server. Our server was fabulous, attentive at just the right moments with a focus on all the little details that make a dining experience wonderful. She had the kitchen plate two deserts that a friend brought along and she accommodated our request for separate checks with a smile. The food was amazing from the beginning to the end! We had the crab cakes and mussels along with the mixed field greens and baby arugula salad. For entrees we tried the sole, trout and NY strip. All were perfectly prepared and matched with accompaniments. The flavors were fantastic! I cannot say enough good things about Filbert's, it is a new favorite. Thank you Filberts for a lovely start to my birthday celebration! more

The food is delicious, the staff is friendly and attentive...my husband and I could not have asked for a better dining experience! Pros: Delicious food, excellent wine list, friendly service Cons: None! more

The staff was wonderful, the food was different and excellent. The chef/owner personally came out to checkon us! We asked where a particular beer was from, they got on the internet and found out for us. A wonderful place to spend a special day or to create a special day! Pros: everything Cons: none more

My husband and I decided at the last minute to dine here for our wedding anniversary. I logged onto city search to locate a romantic spot and stumbled upon Filbert's. Based upon the excellent reviews, we thought we'd give it a try. We were wowed by the wonderful service, apppealing decor and fabulous food. Crystal and Deidre make an excellent team and took superb care of us. We started out with a bottle of bubbly and the crabcake appetizer. Though the crabcakes are not traditional New England style, they are truly delicious. The presentation is unique and somewhat Asian inspired. Don't let the size of them fool you as they are more filling than they appear. We then moved onto the simple and elegant field greens salad. The never-empty bread basket is full of delicious bread from Grand Central Bakery. This bread is particularly yummy with a chewy texture and served with their special Filbert butter. Next--the entree's. My husband ordered the pork chop which he says is the best chop that he's ever had. It was served with a corn spoon bread that was out of this world, and killer roasted veggies that had the most amazing smokiness that we've ever tasted. I ordered the Halibut which was prepared to perfection with a lovely medley of sauteed Walla Walla onions, greeen and yellow wax beans ( I hope I haven't left anything out!). After we finished oohing and ahhing after our meal, we let the food settle for a while before ordering the creamiest Creme Brulee ever. My husband, who is not a big fan of Creme Brulee, had no problem polishing half of it off! A few more things worth mentioning: the atmosphere here is lovely. A tranquil setting with big picture windows and colorful artwork adorn the walls and add to the ambience. The copper ceiling and lighting are unique and lend a cozy feel. Chef Bill came out to our table and wrapped up an evening of delightful perfection! This is fine dining in a down-to-earth setting that makes you want to return again and again. Pros: Excellent food, reasonable prices, attentive service more

The highlight of our meals was here. It only has 8 tables but you dont feel cramped maybe its the copper ceiling. It is off the normal path on 23rd place and NW Vaughn, but worth the trip. We started with the crab cakes that looked like little double stacked Jumbo Marshmallows, but the flavors with the greens, rice wine, and cucumber sauce melded together to deliver great flavors we have never tasted before. We also had the pork dumplings, yum they came with a daikon, carrot, and cucumber salad and sweet soy sauce. The filling was full of pork and all the flavors complemented each other. I had the lamb shank, which was moist and very flavorful served atop cous cous and a summer squash and kalamata ratatouille, again the flavors of everything just enhanced every bite. My wife had the NY Strip served with cherry tomato and grilled walla walla confit, the natural beef melted in your mouth. We finished with the Chocolate Chess served in a Hazelnut tart shell with a scoop of creme fraiche ice cream. All the flavors complemented each other wonderfully, oh the best part is they serve coffee in a press and it was a perfect marriage with the chocolate tart. Going to Filberts is like visiting a friends house for dinner. Pros: Ambience, Chef personally prepared food, Welcoming environment Cons: None more

From the time we walked into the front door until the time that we left we were treated like Special Guests. The atmosphere was great, the waitstaff very educated in the food and wine selections, very personable. The Chef/owner greeted us at our table after dinner had been served to make sure that everything was to our satisfaction which it was. Now on to the Menu The appetizers of Crabcakes were wonderful, the best we have ever had, just melted in your mouth and the flavor was fresh not fishy. The Seared Salmon was out of this world and cooked to perfection. The flavor was perfect. Oh and we cannot forget the Creme Brulee which was melt in you mouth perfect. Thank you very much for a night we will both remember as it was where I proposed to my Sweetheart and she said yes! Thank you for everything . Pros: wonderful all around Cons: none more

Very clean place with a cozy atmosphere. Service was spot on and when an unruly patron was loudly talking with profanity they were on the siuation pronto!! My fiance' and i were sitting right by the unruly parton and just ignored it but the owner paid for our desserts for the hassle. Good food overall, wine list was from local wineries and priced reasonably. Owner/Chef comes out and greets people as they eat. Good Times!! Pros: Great atmosphere, great wine selection from local wineries Cons: asked for medium rear streak and got medium more

Last night was my first time at Filberts, and I couldn't be happier about our choice for dinner. The service was perfect, and Bill (Owner / Chef) came out to our table, and after a short converstation about local cuisine and wine, he comp'ed us two glasses of AMAZING dessert wine. It was so good in fact, that my girlfrined and I bought the rest of the bottle and finished that with our fantastic lemon cream tart with fresh berries. Dessert wasn't the only thing that was good... The Braised Lamb Shank with goat cheese polenta was out of this world, but my girlfriend, who had the seared Salmon, definitely got the better of the two dishes. Her food was Awesome! One of the best pieces of fish I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. I can't wait to eat there again! Thanks to all who have posted about this restaurant, without your great reviews I would not have found it. Filberts is a very bright star in a city known for it's cuisine! Welcome and Thank You BIll & Diedra!!!!! Pros: Great food, atmosphere, service Cons: Try not to sit next to the open patio if your girlfriend forgot a sweater! more

My friends and I have a supper club in which we meet up for dinner at P-town eateries. No rules, upscale, trendy, cafe- all are welcome. It was my husband's turn to choose and Filbert's was the choice. The location was great- industrial and out of the way. The ambience- spectacular! Best part of this place is tied between the people and the food. Deidre was a doll, suggesting the deck- but advising she would happily reseat us in the dining room if the wind picked up. We shared the deck with another dinner group who were fun and gracious despite our fun party of six. Chef Bill came out and met us, so friendly and down to earth, you would think he was a lifelong NW'er. Our server Maggie was like an old friend- we would have loved for her to join us!! The wine selection was wonderfully all local, the food was amazing!! My pork was perfectly tender, my husband's salmon perfectly seared with asparagus that he devoured(hey- he hates MY aparagus!). Easy $5 corkage fee was perfect for our group- a mix of FT and PT Willamette Valley winery workers as well as an Italian wine sales rep. The decor is delightfully cozy yet refined NW upscale bistro and all of this in a converted Old Portland house. We've been many places in PDX- from the full owners experience at Al Amir to Andina reservations made 2 days before it was named restaurant of the year, but Filbert's might be our new favorite!! Maybe we will be the Filbert's Supper Club now??? While I would love to keep this place a secret- that won't be possible- it will soon be the newest hip restaurant and remain such for years to come!!! Pros: The people- owners and employees, food, wine Cons: the word is going to get out :( more

I found this cozy gem on CitySearch and took a chance. It turned out to be the nicest restaurant I've been to in a long time. The food was outstandingly delecious. The steak literally melted in my mouth and the halibut was like buttah! The service and hostess were fabulously accomodating. The atmosphere was elegant yet low key in the same instance. Along with beautiful art, great design and a quieter location from the standard NW eatery, this place will quickly become a favorite spot for anyone who visits. Pros: Quick seating, kind service, great menu. Cons: None. more

Enjoyed the food and service. This was a treat for both of us and we will be back. more

I'm always sketchy about trying a new place with an out of town guest. Well I played Russian Roulette on this one. The place inside is totally great; comfortable and tastful. It just *feels* good to be there. The light is good. The mussels and crab cakes were exceptional. They made for my guest the best steak I've ever had. It was perfectly cooked Oregon naturally-raised beef...wow. And the Potatoes Anne: two thumbs up. The lamb shank which was good, though I wished I had the steak. The desserts -- there was a banana cream thing that was awesome, and the bread pudding, which admittedly is not my thing, but my partner thought it was a little "thick." Huh? The wine list is all NW, which is good and bad. But all in all, the place was fabuolous, and I'm taking my company there next week. Pros: Food, Ambiance, Service Cons: Location more