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: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, 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, tlc, lectin-free, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at Café Nell
Dairy-Free at Café Nell
Café Nell in Portland has 1 dairy-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Forest Mushroom Bruschetta. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Café Nell
Café Nell in Portland has 1 gluten-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Oysters on the Half Shell. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Café Nell
Café Nell in Portland has 11 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Forest Mushroom Bruschetta, Artisan Cheese Plate and Bay Scallop, Wild Mushroom, Spinach Pillows. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Café Nell
Café Nell in Portland has 2 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Oysters on the Half Shell and Grilled Salmon. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Café Nell
Café Nell in Portland has 1 keto-tagged dish on its current menu, including Oysters on the Half Shell. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Café Nell
Café Nell in Portland has 1 low-carb-tagged dish on its current menu, including Oysters on the Half Shell. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Café Nell
Café Nell in Portland has 3 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Forest Mushroom Bruschetta, Lemon Sparkler and Nell Cosmo. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Café Nell
Café Nell in Portland has 9 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Forest Mushroom Bruschetta, Artisan Cheese Plate and Fried Apple Pie a la Mode. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Café Nell
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Dungeness Crab Macaroni & Cheese | 1.3 g | 74 g |
| Oysters on the Half Shell | 0.2 g | 39.1 g |
| Steak Au Poivre | 19 g | 31.4 g |
| Cobb Salad | 43.9 g | 28.2 g |
| Fettuccini with Hearty Pesto | 78.6 g | 25.1 g |
| Turkey Burger | 63.2 g | 24.8 g |
| Grilled Salmon | 0 g | 23.6 g |
| Roasted Beets Salad | 22.1 g | 22.5 g |
| Forest Mushroom Bruschetta | 89.3 g | 18.4 g |
| Artisan Cheese Plate | 61.3 g | 17.3 g |
| Huevos Rancheros | 58.4 g | 15.4 g |
| Chocolate Chip Brownie Cake | 144.9 g | 13.1 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
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, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Northwest Crab Cakes - $28: two 2.5 oz crab cakes, frisee salad, calabrian chili sauce Dietary tags: Halal, 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: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Artisan Cheese Plate - $22: rotating selection of three artisanal cheeses, seasonal accoutrements Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, 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, Gluten-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Atkins, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy 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, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Steak Au Poivre - $45: grilled cascade natural teres major shoulder tenderloin, whipped potatoes, grilled asparagus Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Salmon - $39: grilled creative king salmon, root vegetable gratin, broccolini, mustard cream sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Braised Pork Osso Bucco - $39: carlton farms pork shank slow-braised, autumn risotto, parmesan, burgundy reduction Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC 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: Anti-Inflammatory, 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: Halal, 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, Halal, 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, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Crème Brulee - $12 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Fried Apple Pie a la Mode - $12 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Café Nell
- Is Café Nell dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Café Nell has 1 dairy-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Forest Mushroom Bruschetta.
- What can I eat at Café Nell on a dairy-free diet?
- Forest Mushroom Bruschetta carry the dairy-free tag, out of 1 tagged dish on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Café Nell have vegan options?
- Yes. 3 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Forest Mushroom Bruschetta and Lemon Sparkler.
- Is Café Nell gluten-free?
- 1 dish is tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Café Nell?
- Dungeness Crab Macaroni & Cheese, at roughly 74g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near Café Nell
- Urban Fondue — French
- Bar Diane — French
- Papa Haydn — French
- Ken's Artisan Bakery — French
- Négociant — French
- Artisserie Fine Bakery — French
- Jojo — French
- Fullerton Wines — French
- St. Honoré Boulangerie — French
- Bijou Café — French
- The Melting Pot — French
- Urban Crêperie — French
