Café Nell – French
Sunlight streams into this neighborhood sanctuary where the clinking of wine glasses accompanies plates of vibrant roasted beet salads and pillowy wild mushroom pasta. The kitchen masterfully bridges the gap between casual elegance and culinary artistry, serving up everything from briny oysters and Northwest crab cakes to perfectly seared steak au poivre in a space that feels both intimate and timeless.
1987 Northwest Kearney Street, Portland OR 97209 https://cafenell.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: French
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, pescatarian, plant-based, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, high-fiber, south-beach, carnivore, tlc, lectin-free, slow-carb
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Friday
- 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Saturday - Sunday
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its flavorful and perfectly prepared salads, guests consistently praise the inviting ambiance and reasonable pricing that make for a satisfying dining experience. Reviewers highlight the helpful and attentive staff who ensure a welcoming visit, noting that the standout dishes include fresh, well-seasoned greens that exceed expectations. This spot is frequently recommended by diners for its balanced flavors and pleasant atmosphere.
Menu
Starters
- Forest Mushroom Bruschetta - $17: roasted cauliflower & white truffle puree, mushrooms duxelles, balsamic drizzle, extra virgin olive oil, toasted baguette, crispy leeks Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Northwest Crab Cakes - $28: two 2.5 oz crab cakes, frisee salad, calabrian chili sauce Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bay Scallop, Wild Mushroom, Spinach Pillows - $18: wild mushrooms, pacific bay scallops, baby spinach wrapped in puff pastry, deep fried, served with avocado jalapeno dipping sauce Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Artisan Cheese Plate - $22: rotating selection of three artisanal cheeses, seasonal accoutrements Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Oysters on the Half Shell: four west coast oysters, champagne shallot mignonette, lemon wedge Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Atkins, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
- Cobb Salad - $20: mixed greens, grilled chicken, bacon, soft-boiled egg, avocado, blue cheese crumbles, tomato, blue cheese dressing Available at: dinner, lunch
- Dungeness Crab Salad - $26: dungeness crab meat, butter lettuce, cherry tomato, avocado, honey-lemon vinaigrette Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Breakfast Caesar - $18: romaine lettuce, house-made caesar dressing, parmesan, chopped bacon, sunny-side egg, hollandaise Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Roasted Beets Salad - $16: candy-striped beets, baby arugula, tangerine, ruby grapefruit, feta, candied hazelnuts, sweet honey lemon vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Steak Au Poivre - $45: grilled cascade natural teres major shoulder tenderloin, whipped potatoes, grilled asparagus Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Salmon - $39: grilled creative king salmon, root vegetable gratin, broccolini, mustard cream sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Carnivore, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Braised Pork Osso Bucco - $39: carlton farms pork shank slow-braised, autumn risotto, parmesan, burgundy reduction Available at: dinner, lunch
- Huevos Rancheros - $20: two eggs over easy, house-made ranchero sauce, black beans, spanish chorizo, cheddar cheese, pork sausage, avocado Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: breakfast, brunch
Pasta
- Bolognese - $25: fresh ground beef, pork, fennel, freshly grated nutmeg, parmesan, parsley, rigatoni Available at: dinner, lunch
- Dungeness Crab Macaroni & Cheese - $20: blue, gruyere, tillamook cheddar, dungeness crab Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fettuccini with Hearty Pesto - $19: pesto of spinach, kale, herbs, and walnuts, extra virgin olive oil, parmesan Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Burgers and Sandwiches
- Nell Burger - $20: cascade natural ground beef, cheddar, bacon, caramelized onion, fried egg, dijon, tomato, aioli, brioche bun Available at: dinner, lunch
- Turkey Burger - $20: house-brined ground turkey, goat cheese, avocado, caramelized onion, lettuce, tomato, aioli, brioche bun Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Chocolate Chip Brownie Cake - $12 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Crème Brulee - $12 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Fried Apple Pie a la Mode - $12 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
Beverages
- Lemon Sparkler - $9: champagne, limoncello, twist Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Nell Cosmo - $9: vodka, cointreau, cranberry, lime Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Draft Beer Selection - $4
Restaurants near Café Nell
- Négociant — French
- Urban Fondue — French
- Bar Diane — French
- Papa Haydn — French
- Fullerton Wines — French
- Jojo — French
- Ken's Artisan Bakery — French
- Artisserie Fine Bakery — French
- St. Honoré Boulangerie — French
- Bijou Café — French
- The Melting Pot — French
- St. Jack — French
