MÅURICE: A Pastry Luncheonette
921 SW Oak St, Portland, OR, 97205
MÅURICE: A Pastry Luncheonette Menu
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Address :
921 SW Oak St
Portland, OR, 97205 - Phone (503) 224-9921
- Website https://www.mauricepdx.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 7:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Bob R.
This is a review by a vegetarian I'm not as big a fan of the space and format as others but there's no denying that both the sit-down and walk-out desserts are very good and uncommon. Maurice enters into a three-way tie for best scone (rosemary-currant) with Commissary and Miss Zumstein
(4)Judy L.
Darling. Seating for one at the countertop. Chicken pate with blueberry salad - may seem like a teeny portion, was quite filling. If you run out of bread slices, you can request for more toast. GET THE LEMON SOUFFLE PUDDING.
(5)Kevin K.
This quaint Parisian breakfast and lunch nook is the place to be in Portland. Named one of the "Top 10 Best New Restaurants" by Bon Appetit Magazine, my girlfriend and I knew we had to stop by for one of their breakfast pastries while in town. The menu is simple and seasonal, but that's what makes it stand out. We tried the currant & rosemary scone with fresh creme and the jam of the day which was kumquat marmalade. The flaky, buttery pastry was not too sweet and was complimented perfectly by the jam and creme. The rosemary was light and not overpowering, but gave it a perfect savory element. We also couldn't pass up the lemon soufflé pudding. Perfectly tart and creamy, the soufflé was warmed up and dusted with powdered sugar before being served to us. We will definitely be going back next time we are in town to try the other delicious treats.
(5)Bree M.
I strictly came to MÅURICE for the Lemon Soufflé Pudding Cake and it was better than I imagined! It was tart and sweet. The texture was a perfect pudding cake ratio. It was my first time there and I am so happy I stopped in! The young woman who helped us was incredibly nice and sweet! I wish I caught her name because she really added to the cuteness of the place. Overall satisfied and sad that I had to go home to Los Angeles. Can't wait to come to Portland again and make MÅURICE a necessary stop!
(5)Josh M.
We really wanted to love MÃ¥urice. It's a wonderful, well designed sunlit spot. Everything down to the silverware and tea cups is a deliberate, beautifully curated experience. However, the food did not live up to the surroundings. My friend and I both ordered the baked eggs. Essentially this dish was undercooked eggs with a lot of cream poured over, topped by a chunk of harissa; beautiful to look at -- not so much to eat. It was so runny that we asked the waitress for bread to sop up the egg and cream soup (to be honest I don't understand how you would be able to eat this mostly liquid meal without bread) and then were charged $2.50 for a tiny (but tasty) saucer of 6 meager slices of baguette. On the other hand, the peach brioche we ordered (and coffee and tea) were wonderful. And excellently presented. As was the service. We can't speak for the rest of the food, but maybe stay away from the eggs. Would visit again to try other dishes.
(3)Jean Y.
Maurice serves pastries, coffee, and tea starting at 10am and lunch starting at 11am on Saturdays. I was happy to see a good selection of Chinese teas, including pu-erh, baozhong oolong, lapsang souchong, and more. We shared: * Quiche du jour - $10 This quiche of mushroom, chevre, and elderberry was best described as gooey goodness. * Smørebrød du jour - $12 Beautifully plated shrimp salad, thinly sliced cucumbers, and salmon roe over rye bread. Not too salty and very refreshing. * Poached farm egg with harissa, chickpeas, + peppers - $10 Just yum. Our server was extremely cheerful and welcoming. I really liked the clean white farmhouse decor and the gold-rimmed dishes.
(4)Maximus H.
Service is terrible. They are very uppity, snobbish and judgmental. They look down on people and the employees working their seem terribly unhappy. After i met the owner, i understood why. I believe the food receives energy from the people cooking it and if this is the atmosphere there, i am staying away. The food is not worth the angry prejudicial service. This behavior happened to me twice, so it was not one-off.
(2)Ana R.
Best lunch I had in a long time! It made me remember the "la dolce far niente"-type lunches that I was used to have in my hometown of Buenos Aires. Everything was perfect, from the service to the Quiche of the day with greens and Oolong tea. I also bought a petit parcel of Fig Macarons and a Rosemary & Currants Scone to go for later, both were superb. The scone tasted like my Mom's, invoking some more great memories. Thank you Maurice for the amazing experience!
(5)Kathleen C.
I'm a little torn between a 3 and a 4. Pretty tiny place. Only one table that seats about 4. All others seats 2 and then a bar counter. 3: Because food here is just ok. Flavors are a bit more subtle. Nothing is too salty or too sweet, which could be a good thing, but also makes nothing stand out too much. We ordered the clams. $14. It was normal/good, but like I said nothing wowing. The rockfish was the same. It tasted fresh, but pretty flavorless. Like needs salt? Around $16. Got the Bay Shrimp open face sandwich. $12. I did not enjoy the bread it was on. Best part was the dill on this. The banana tapioca pudding was not bad. Not too sweet, which was more of a good thing. However, very very little banana flavor to it. The sangria I ordered had no ice, which is fine, but it was also filled up like 1/3 of the glass. Just odd serving so little for $8. Lunch ended up being $58 total before tip for 2 people, which is a bit hefty for not a lot of food. Overall, portions were small here. 4: The place is very bright with white walls and cute little accents. The chefs preparing the food seemed to be enjoying what they're doing from my view of the open kitchen. That was a plus. Like they're just enjoying their day sprinkling on the floral hints on top of my banana pudding. My server was also very pleasant. The sangria was actually pretty dang good though the portion was tiny as stated above. I can see myself returning for a drink/desserts, but having full on pricey lunch that isn't super wowing? Pass.
(4)Dana G.
Pretty adorable little french kitchen with a young man cooking chicken pâté while I enjoy a perfect snack of iced tea (with a single giant ice cube) with a small green salad (topped by pickled mustard seeds) as I gaze out the glass storefront past the crisp white tables, chairs, and walls, out to passerby out front. Many look inside to see what's here! Atop my table is the biggest most beautiful flower that I've had the privilege of petting lately...
(4)Piccolena T.
I love this place so much. I wish I could afford to eat here all the time. The portions are small but what they should be for us oversized Americans. I'm honestly inspired to cook and eat better.
(5)Kevin M.
Not sure how this got on Bon Apetite's Top 10, unless they had self-service. Food was excellent but not amazing. Servings were bite sized. Service was just not up to par by any measure. We walk in and there's no wait: numerous seats at the counter were open and ready to go and one table was open and simply needed busing. We were told there is a wait and asked to sign the wait list. We waited for ten minutes or so and were called in and directed towards the counter (no three seat spots now available so we were confused). Gal said she thought it was for two. She said this to all three of us. So, we waited another ten minutes, while they bussed the same table that was unbussed when we walked in. After eventually being sat, we waited quite awhile before the waitress was ready to take our order. Not going to go into any of the food, it was all perfectly fine, if overpriced to the portion. I will say it took over one hour from sitting to getting our first dish. Dishes came in haphazardly and three tables seated after us got their food before we got our first dish. We also ordered drinks and when they were served, we asked for a description because we were curious what differentiated them. The guy setting the drinks on our table said, "I just started a week ago so I don't really know, but I'll ask." Then the lightbulb went off. Excellent cook/chef opens a very cute little restaurant but has no idea how to train and prepare the staff. I hope MPL gets its act together. It is a cute spot with yummy food, but I can't recommend eating in the restaurant because service is so lacking. Oh, almost forgot the funniest "bad service" item: I had added up the bill in my head and knew it was going to come to $80 or so (actually came in at $83) and gave the server a hundred dollar bill. She said they couldn't take hundreds because they don't have change. When the bill arrived, I gave her the hundred and said I don't need any change. Then she told me they don't take hundreds. She got a smaller tip when we paid with credit card. We also heard the other table (two table restaurant) loudly saying they were leaving no tip because there was no reason to leave a tip.
(3)Michelle L.
More pomp and circumstance than substance. Initially charming at first, but slowwww service for tiny, tiny, tiny portions. You will leave hungry after ordering just one dish -- unfortunately, most of the dishes are priced between $8 to $12 so be prepared to drop $40 on lunch if you want to leave satisfied. Menu is also not that expansive; only a handful of baked goods to choose from, which is disappointing since Maurice brands itself as a pastry place. Food itself is just... fine. Polenta and egg is a great texture, but terribly bland. Lefse with gravlax is poorly made; the gravlax is one dimensional and is too cold, and although they recommend rolling the lefse like a cigar for consumption, the bread is too brittle to allow you to do so. Seemed like it was just microwaved bread that had been sitting out too long and gotten tough. Surprised this made Bon Appetit's list of 50 best new restaurants in the country; should've known better than to listen to obvious critics.
(2)Marlena H.
A lovely spot for fresh, inviting, and delicious food. From the fruit, to the salad, to the delicious desserts, Maurice is definitely worth the wait at lunch time in an area full of pub food and pizza.
(4)Brian T.
A good place to snack or get dessert because the portions are really small. Come if you're looking for something light, just like the decor. The water cups are small, but they are very keen on keeping you watered as you eat. The Lemon Soufflé Pudding Cake is my favorite, but it took me a bite or two to get used to how sour it was. I also like the Roasted Nut & Sultana Truffle and Nana's Butter Cookies. I didn't try the Black Pepper Cheesecake because I don't usually like cheesecake but if that's your thing, then that's grab it when you see it... It's very popular. Next time I want to try the Créme Brûlée Pops and Caramel Chews. If you're smart like Maurice from Madagascar, you're going to want to come to MÅURICE: A Pastry Luncheonette for your dessert needs.
(4)Claudia G.
Lovely spot for lunch during the week. I went with a friend and we both had the quiche, and shared a carrot salad. The quiche was tasty, but the salad was just perfectly dressed; I loved it. We saved room to share a chocolate dessert (the chocolate capuchin cake) and it was nice; not too sweet. Personally I loved the decor; a lot of white, simplicity in every detail. Just tasty food in small portions.
(5)Takako S.
Love this place. Grab a fresh baked pastry with a cup of coffee when they open their door. Kristen knows how to make a plate beautiful as well as tasty. Fresh ingredients and delicate works on each dishes always surprise me and entertain my eyes as well. Feel like being in a cafe in France when you come here.
(4)Kim H.
Little European pastry shop. Stop by for dessert - it's my favorite in Portland. Definitely pick up the butter cookies, which seems to be their only staple as the rest of the desserts change almost every other week!
(5)Nicole H.
I felt like I was in someone's kitchen cooking food with love! The plum and beet toast and the carrot salad were eclectic and absolute perfection.
(5)Laura P.
What a wonderful spot! I believe I have escaped the city and walked through the door of a lovely french country patisserie. Everything was exquisite from the linen napkins to the plates with a fleur de lis design. I selected one of the two quiche du jour, the duck confit with rutabaga and blue chèvre, served with a small salad on the plate with a lovely vinaigarette. Absolutely amazing! Don't miss he pastry, it looked amazing. I will definitely return for the pastry on another escape!
(5)CecilHillcrest W.
Great spot to take your out of town in-laws or friends from out of town for lunch. Don't bring anyone who might be in a time crunch bc you'll want to relax as it's a small place and the flavorful food takes a minute to be prepared. They treated us great, even tho some in my party were a bit hasty and demanding. Would recommend the quiche as well as any of the pastries! We will be back!
(4)Debbie L.
What a darling place on Oak near Powell's. Light and bright and very European. A nice selection of goodies, pastries, coffee, teas etc. We just had a spicy heavy lunch at Canteen and wanted a sweet and coffee but not too much. Maurice's was the perfect spot for both. Not far from Powell's and next door to Courier Coffee which is served at Maurice btw, what a great grouping. I am already looking forward to going back! If you have visitors coming to Portland, this is a great little place to show off after shopping at Powell's or just to enjoy for yourself.
(5)Sarah A.
I am new in Portland and was super excited to visit Maurice. I was following the account on Instagram for close to a year dreaming about tasting the beautiful creations. I finally went twice this week. My first visit was ok because I literally picked up my pastries to go but today I decided to go there for breakfast with my 1 yr old. First, the service is very off putting at Maurice and a little bit awkward. The servers are slow and inattentive despite it being such a small space. Second, I felt that the owner isn't too fond of children. Reading the previous reviews it's clear that other people have felt the same way. She acts as if she is forced to entertain obnoxious visitors at her home and not patrons of her business establishment by rolling her eyes and pursing her lips from behind the counter. For $23 for tea and three pastries it's really not worth the price or heartache. Go next door to Courier Coffee for an exceptional cup of coffee and super-friendly and attentive service instead. Sorry Maurice we will not be returning!
(1)Johanna L.
Wasn't crazy about this place. The portions are quite small and overpriced - we spent $75 for lunch w/ tip for three items and a pastry, and my stomach was growling when we left. The bay shrimp avocado dill open faced was just not my thing and was badly in need of salt. The duck confit quiche was a great idea in practice and had great texture, but again badly in need of salt. I had the creamy polenta with a sunny egg which was rich and beautifully prepared, but again... where is the salt? No salt shakers on the table or within view of my table... I could have asked but it seemed like one of those places where it comes seasoned as the chef intends and you'd better not ask (otherwise.. why aren't there shakers on the table?). The tiny cheesecake pastry was quite lovely, but not lovely enough for me to stop back in. Bigger portions + access to seasoning = this place would maybe go up a few notches in my rating. Overhyped in my opinion.
(2)Kecia W.
Best Scone in Portland! I walked past this morning and noticed a display of gorgeous scones through the window. On a whim, I decided to walk in. The flavor of the day was rosemary current. This scone was outrageously delicious! Crisp on the outside and moist and tender in the middle, not to sweet and certainly not too heavy. I planned to eat half, but I couldn't help myself. I ate the whole thing. I can't wait to return!
(5)Barton K.
I think this little lunch shop is wavering between 3 and 4. It has beautiful presentation and a good atmosphere. I think our first course took the rustic vibe way too far. We ordered the radishes and butter - which I usually totally love and serves us some tough bad watermelon radishes. The skin on these things could break a tooth and the French radish tops were pretty dried out. It just looked sad. Perhaps that's a fluke bc the photos of other radish plates looked beautiful. Ron's open faced smoked trout sandwich with purslane and goose berries was delish although we both thought could use a touch more fromage. My risotto was so beautiful it was billed as broccoli but it also had some sweet purple cauliflower and maybe preserved yolk on top. The green purple and yellow colors tucked into the creamy rice was a savory sight although I think could have used a touch of salt and we both agreed the rice was overlooked. Our dessert was a brioche with luscious blackberries nestled in the seeded pastry it was the best way to top off the lunch. Ps the water glasses are tiny and it took a long time to get refills All in we had a pleasant lunch, that didn't knock out socks off so we will give it one more try.
(4)Ian M.
can definitely see why this was on Bon appetits hot list, this place is a must-go Swedish luncheonette serving outrageously good pastry have gotten some sort of lemony concoction that just melted in the ol mouth and a black pepper cheesecake with celery sorbet. the cheesecake came with seasonally-on-point rhubarb and a graham cracker crust, out of this world. celery sorbet was unexpected but perfectly complimented the other flavors in the dish. expensive but where else do you find celery sorbet ?
(5)Michael C.
Given the press hype about this place I was a bit surprised by my experience. There clearly was tremendous attention to detail in the design but I am not sure the execution is as careful. Service: Very good. A Interior: Bright and very interesting however it is hard to enjoy your drink and food when there are 5 or 6 fruit flies buzzing around your head. B Drinks: Someone has excellent taste in wine. The selection is small but top notch. A Food: I ordered a chicken pot pie. The presentation was terrific but the pie tasted dry. The chicken was dry as were the other ingredients. I am not a fussy eater so when I notice things like the dryness I suspect it may be even more apparent to others who do not share my peasant tastes. B- Overall: Given the press I expected better. My experience can best be summed up as disappointing.
(3)Amy R.
A bit of a disappointment. I had been wanting to go to Maurice since it opened, and after reading all of the rave reviews I was very excited- it seemed like the perfect place to visit for lunch and pastries. The food was OK, not great, a bit under-cooked and the portions were small. That was OK. What was not OK was waiting over 15 minutes for my check in this tiny restaurant, and not once had anybody asked me how the meal was, or if they could get me anything else (I would have ordered dessert had they asked). A missed opportunity.
(2)Kirsten S.
I enjoyed my time at Maurice, but my overall opinion of it can be summarized by saying it's very limiting. I'll explain: The menu is small. If you are a picky eater, there's a chance you won't like anything on the menu. For example, the day I was there, almost every option was seafood and I hate seafood. So, if you're not in the mood for anything in particular and are a flexible-eater, you'l be fine. The portions are extremely small, especially for the price. When I ordered a crepe with slow-cooked pheasant, I believe it was something like $15, I couldn't believe my eyes at how small it was. It was delicious! But, I could have eaten at least three of what they gave me. My stomach was literally still growling after I was finished. The place itself is very small. Do not recommend coming in with more than one other person and I definitely would not recommend bringing kids or babies. My other complaint would be the staff works with absolutely no sense of urgency. Everything is slow and they just stroll around. I'm not sure if this is meant to contribute to the European vibe, or...? As someone who worked in the service industry for many years, this ambling around just really got my goat. The desserts are most certainly to die for. Yes, try that black pepper cheesecake; you won't be disappointed. If I do go to Maurice again, I would just grab some desserts and take them with me. The quality here is high, but the quantity, and everything else, is lacking in my humble opinion.
(3)L K.
If Kinfolk Magazine ever opened up a cafe perhaps this place would be it. Charming and simple. It hits on all marks - quality, presentation and service. During my visit to Portland I was anxious to check out all the "must eat" places and this was the only one that did not disappoint.
(5)Tessa T.
DO NOT BRING CHILDREN HERE. The place is delicately decorated and the food is simple but tasty however one of the employees asked me to quiet down my one year old son while he was playing with a rattle. There were only two other people eating there besides us and they were quite young so i couldn't understand what the problem was. Obviously someone people don't understand what it means to be a parents. I feel bad for her children or future children.
(2)Nicole B.
Delightful lunch spot to sip tea & enjoy a good book. ~I very much appreciate the chef's ability to take typically powerful flavors and combine them in ways that are delicate and approachable. The duck confit and apple quiche is to die for!
(5)Carolyn S.
Blink and you miss it! I'd had this place bookmarked for awhile but hadn't been able to find it. Not much marking the outside, but once you get inside it's the cutest little spot. I just came in for a scone (since my mission to eat through all the scones in Portland continues) and was not disappointed. I got the black currant rosemary scone. 'Whaaaaat?' You may say. I said the same thing. Such an interesting flavor.. I'm not used to rosemary in sweet pastries, but the balance of flavor was so wonderfully done. The scone was delicious, aromatic, and fascinating to eat. They even wrap it in the cutest way! I'm definitely going back to try more baked goods.
(4)Mark R.
Amazing food. I had the risotto with chanterelles, and it was unbelievable. Simply the most flavorful dish I have had in years. I had a little bit of someone's pear soup and it was fantastic as well. Black pepper cheesecake for dessert. Great place, service was good. I've read the reviews about the bad service...they were very nice to me and I was seated right away. The lady brought me wine she liked and tea she thought I would like. I stayed past my meal drinking tea just because everyone was so friendly!
(5)Laura P.
I had the best scone ever at Maurice -- rosemary and black currant -- and then I couldn't resist trying the pate. Also the best ever. Subtle flavors, expertly handled; and if you've sworn off scones because of the hocky puck factor, you must go to Maurice immediately. Unbelievably good. Nice, helpful, friendly but not all over you servers, as well. A couple was there with two well-behaved children playing with dominos, that I assume they brought with them; looks like a great place for kids who are able to behave appropriately in restaurants, to me.
(5)M T.
Quaint luncheonette about 2 blocks from Powell's bookstore. Limited choices on the lunch menu, but the two items we ordered were very tasty (my wife had the quiche, and I had the smorbrod sandwich with shrimps. The dessert we choose, one of the tarts, was delicious. Fun sitting at the lunch counter, although they have booths and tables, too. For the two lunch items, plus one iced tea and one tart, the bill was $31 (before the tip). Service was excellent, and the servers and the owner were very friendly.
(4)Megan R.
This little spot is very charming, everything seems very sweet and petite. We stopped in for cake and coffee and were very happy with our choices. The portions are small, but they were jam-packed with flavor. The lemon pudding cake was so delicious, it was $6 for a wee 2.5" square.
(4)Ron M.
We'd read the reviews and were excited to try it. I checked online and saw it opened at 10. We got there and were told that though they open at 10, they don't actually have food until 11. What? I argued with the woman at the counter, saying that if they don't have food until 11, then they don't really open until 11. Oh well. Lots of other great places in town.
(1)Rhoda W.
Nice decor. Tasty if limited selection of sweets. Limited food offerings before 11 which would be ok if they didn't make an exception for one couple and the refuse to serve us. Server was not very courteous when explaining either. A lot could be excused if you are pleasant. Drip coffee only.
(1)Leslie W.
Stopped by for a coffee and tiny and delicious chocolate palmier. Bought scones for tomorrow's breakfast. I adore the care with which the scones were wrapped, individually in waxed brown paper. There are things about Europe I detest and things I adore--like how much care is taken with food and pastry. Maurice is very European and wonderful and adorable, and those little palmier cookies are an absolutely perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Brava!
(4)Casimira T.
We; me, my partner, our 4 month old baby, and our dog, had a delightful time at Maurice. Since that is quite the array of needs, wants, and desires to address, I decided it was noteworthy. The open kitchen with 'lunchonette' seating is beyound adorable and inviting. We decided to stop in on a whim and order two lemon desserts and a pastry from the case and two coffees. Our baby was fussing and received nothing but smiles from the staff while her dad walked her around the cozy restaurant. Our dog, happy since she didn't have to wait too long and was viewable from the window. I believe there is also a few outdoor tables too.
(5)Alycia H.
Terrible service. Was waited on by the owner (recognized her from a write up in the local weekly). She seemed annoyed that I had a few questions about the desserts in the case. When I asked her about one of them she pointed up at the menu on the wall. Since it was only a list of the items in the case with no description it wasn't much help. All in all, it was like pulling teeth to get her to tell me about her own desserts. The worst part is, she made it seem like I was bugging her, when I was starving and genuinely ready to eat anything! I was so put off by her lame attitude I left and went to Irving St. Kitchen and had an amazing dessert with wonderful service. P.S. Also, I was the only customer at Maurice's.
(1)Audrey L.
A cozy, charming spot for a light lunch or tea. Quaint decor, mismatched silverware, handwritten notes on the menus. The food was quite good - especially anything based on baking fundamentals. The quiche of the day was possibly the finest thing that I ate in Portland - perfectly smooth, just enough eggy character, and a crisp, flaky crust. Meatballs, salads were petitely portioned and delicately flavored. A selection of desserts showed a fine hand - the black pepper cheesecake and meyer lemon pudding disappeared incredibly quickly. The shortbread and chocolate cookies were also tasted and were so butterly delicious that more were ordered to go. So why 3 stars? Like other reviewers have mentioned, the service is not exactly warm and welcoming. Eye contact appeared to be optional and accidental. And not a word after we paid the bill and went out the door - not a "thank you", nor a "good bye". So despite the excellent food, there will not be a "hello again" from this Yelper.
(3)Lauren Y.
Came to Maurice on my visit to Portland after reading about it on Thrillist. The atmosphere is adorable but the food a huge disappointment. Got the quiche which was tasty but small. The carrot salad was like eating the parts you peel off of a carrot, no flavor in the dressing and $8! Do yourself a favor and just drop in for the cheesecake and eat lunch somewhere else.
(2)Mary R.
Can not be cuter and more inviting. I've been twice recently- once for afternoon tea and a sweet something (loved the coconut seed banana bread- warmed and dosed with butter.) And again for a light dinner of clams, glass of extraordinary Austrian wine, and a few delicate cookies. Highly recommend for small bites and a certain something in terms of pristine atmosphere and branding.
(4)G.L. T.
Read about Maurice on OregonLive this morning; the article was titled "Five Portland desserts you need to try this year: Diner 2014" The dessert that was featured in the photo was the Black Pepper Cheesecake but the dessert that was written up was the "stunning rhubarb vacherin, a petite puck of almond biscuit cake and frozen celery and gin sabayon set in a pool of magenta rhubarb consommé, and topped with puckery rhubarb compote, celery sorbet, and shards of pink peppercorn meringue wafer." Oh. My God!!! The Rhubarb & Celery Leaf Vacherin was uh-mazing!! Just mind-blowing! The textures, the flavors - it just all went so well together - it was crazy sounding but it wasn't overdone. It was light and refreshing and I could have eaten every single portion in that case. Oh. My God!!! Genius. Really. Celery leaf in dessert? It works. Big time. Go here. Eat this. Your welcome. The Petite Macarons - pricey. IMO they should have bend .50 ea and not .75 ea. They are super dinky. Petite may be an understatement. BUT, nice texture, nice chew, and the filling was light. Neither of the desserts were loaded with sugar. So refreshing to NOT bite into something so sweet you get instant cavities. Chef is self-taught! Talented & creative.
(5)Bonnie B.
I don't post restaurant reviews unless a place has etched itself in my memory, and this was such a place! I went here on a Saturday afternoon for lunch after a coworker highly recommended it. All morning I had been pining for a place like Cafe Fanny's (Alice Waters old cafe in Berkeley, closed in 2012); I wanted a cozy setting, delicious (but "simple" food), and a bustling atmosphere, and as I walked through the door I knew I had picked the right place! As it was around 2 on a Saturday afternoon, it was packed to the brim (it only seats about 30, maybe 8 tables and the rest is "bar" seating where you can view the food being prepared), but since I was alone they were able to squeeze me in at the end of the bar. My order was taken promptly (coffee and the polenta with poached egg). One thing I noticed is that the menu is handwritten, which I took to mean that they change it up every day. My only complaint about the entire experience is that it took about 20-25 minutes to prepare my food, but as it was the busiest time of the week, this was but a minor nuisance that could be easily overcome by planning my next dining experience at a less busy hour. I had a book and a letter to write anyways, so it wasn't a bother (I also had a CEO and his escort sitting next to me on my left, 10/10 would eavesdrop again). But here's what you really need to know: THE FOOD IS SO GOOD. I have never even had polenta so delicious before! The portion sizes aren't large, but the quality of the food will really blow you away--for me it was literally love at first bite, and I savored every spoonful! After finishing my coffee (which was also delicious), I left full and happy and with a bill that only totaled $12. Needless to say, I'm going back. Probably later today with my boyfriend in tow. :)
(5)Alex R.
Maurice is a fussy, eccentric uncle in the cafe business. It's lovely, it's airy, and there's a lot of white. The larger tables in the window are a bit strangely oblong, and look like they can seat 5 or 6 comfortably; more if you're polygonal. The menu is eclectic and ranges from a butter-laden flaky wonder of a cookie for $1 to a crumbly slab of magnificent scone for $3 up to the more extravagant cheese plate at $15... and this is where the uncle gets a little dotty.. that and our tea, which was left to steep until we asked after it when paying the check. There is a place in Portland for a $15 cheese plate, or even a $21 cheese plate (looking at you, VQ), but expectations at that price point are vastly different than a $8-$12 pricing. We definitely expected something share-worthy or a bit more of a spread than we received - 3 dainty portions of cheese, 4 thin slices of tea bread, some hazelnuts and some lovely quince paste. I still have room in my heart to be charmed by Maurice, but my first visit was a bit too uneven to be won over. I hope for next time, at tea, with a scone at my elbow.
(3)cory h.
French pastries and savories done right. Maurice gets big points for originality, freshness, and downright deliciousness. The quiche I had was one of the best I've had in Portland. We have been back three times for various pastries. Beyond excellently prepared basic cookies, my favorite dessert here is the chocolate banana cake. The menu changes often, which is a big plus as I like to be surprised and delighted. The only downside to this place is that meal portions are very small, ala French style, so if you're really hungry you'll need to be prepared to drop some serious coin.
(4)Kathryn N.
This place was fantastic. It's tucked away on SW Oak and I can see myself returning here with a good book, or a good friend, when I have a free hour or two. I had the Meyer Lemon pudding cake and loved it. Tart, a little bit sweet, and the perfect size. Service was fantastic too, friendly but not intrusive. The only down side was the coffee. I wish I had known in advance there were no refills on coffee, instead they charge for another cup, which at $2 won't break the bank but it would have been nice to know.
(4)Kristi P.
I went here for lunch, but it seems like it may be more of a coffee/tea/dessert place, or at least not a heavy lunch place. It was a 2 person operation when I went there, which can be an issue with the thimble-sized water glasses. We had the lefse with smoked salmon--you just get one wrap with a little bit of salmon, a cream spread, and some large roe. At $9, it seemed over-priced and unfilling. The poulet au pain was a chicken thigh (bone-in), inside a pastry shell with carrots. It was accurately described like a pot pie (upscale version), but would prefer if they removed the bone. It was tasty and definitely more filling. The clementine on the side was a nice touch to snack on while waiting for our desserts, and at $9 also, made the lefse seem even more overpriced. The Meyer lemon pudding cake ($5) was yummy with a slightly crispy top and very moist cake. The rhubarb vacherin was small, but impressive. The celery leaf sorbet (?) with it had an amazing celery taste. If $10 seems expensive for a dessert, I got the feeling if I got to watch all of the components being made from scratch, I might value it even higher. You can see and taste the great care and pride that goes into everything they serve here. In conclusion, the service was friendly and the food was tasty, but I left not quite full and a bit lighter in the wallet than I would have guessed.
(4)Jill Y.
Darling place with cozy seating and warmth all around, from the soft lighting to the friendly and helpful service. Best dessert I've had in a long time. Doubt I'll go somewhere else to satisfy my sweet tooth. Ever. Again.
(5)Jennifer P.
Delicious high quality food but TERRIBLE service. Every step was SLOW. Waitress gave us free dessert and was apologetic. All entrees and desserts were superb. Will return because the food was that good, but they need to step it up with service.
(3)Brad W.
I just found this amazing little niche café and loved it! On recommendation, I took a client for a lunch meeting--perfect spot for a quasi intimate break in the day. Bright, clean, happy staff, happy lunch-ers. Food was unique, pretty and tasty. I tend to love owner-present cafes as they pay attention to the details and provide an intentional experience. Ill be back.
(5)S M.
Everything they make is perfectly crafted. Their salads are well balanced combinations of fresh produce, just the right mix of dressing and the perfect amount of salt. Their sandwiches are creative combinations. Their desserts are equally creative and well executed (similar to many reviewers, I'm a fan of their black pepper cheesecake.
(5)Alexander S.
Beautiful ambience and delightful treats/drinks. FYI only drip coffee. We both got teas which were fantastic. In sum, we were recommended this place and would do the same.
(5)Ben S.
Dined here an early Friday evening in December. Food was interesting and competently prepared. Available dishes were very limited. Portions were small, and the prices, for the tiny portions, outrageous. Will not return.
(2)Autumn K.
The food is absolutely amazing! We had the polenta and the quiche. For dessert we had the pepper cheesecake and lemon souffle. The atmosphere is quaint. Best for couples. Service was wonderful. Just an amazing place all around. We will be back.
(5)Saundra A.
Love love love this little French cafe! I had a quiche which came with very fresh and most likely locally grown greens (the gal was trimming the roots off them when I got there!), a currant scone, and Jasmine tea. The quiche was incredibly delicious- flaky crust and just right filling. The scone was the best I've ever had- moist with a few crispy edges and full of flavor. And as a tea aficionado, I was impressed with the list of whole leaf teas. The cup I had was so fragrant and flavorful and brewed just right. Very efficient service too.
(5)Lo P.
The black pepper cheesecake is as good as everyone says it is. Grabbed some the other day and spent the rest of our trip to Portland trying to figure out how to "be in the neighborhood" for a second round.
(5)Amy M.
I wish I could eat here every day. Kristen serves beautiful, articulate, whimsical dishes that showcase the beauty of the ingredients and her thoughtful, creative combinations, along with her inspired pastries. There is something both delicate and intricate as well as profoundly simple about the food here - as well as the environment - not something you encounter often. Indeed, this is not your ordinary fare - be prepared to be surprised and amused.
(5)a. r.
Oh my. Another case of putting the cart before the horse, Portland- yes we absolutely need a place other than the Heathman for tea, but what gives? Maurice gets the full 1 star for the well thought out design- 100% Scandinavian (think Carl Larsson except all in white). The service leaves everything to be desired: "our menu is in the process being written up, can I start you out with a tea pastry?" Fine, once we get those- we are ignored for 15 minutes while 3 parties are sat, two of whom receive menus. When we ask for one, "oh I didn't realize you guys wanted lunch..." Well we did just talk to you so...then we're told, "I just gave out my only 2 menus so it will be a minute." You've got to be joking. 2 menus? Do you only expect to ever seat 2 tables at a time? When we finally get a precious menu from the tall smug server with the acerbic tone, it's no work of art- it borders illegible and sloppy. Maybe work on your cursive skills and budget for the snail speed it takes to "handwrite them every morning," the devil is in the details indeed. Good god. Get it together. Get over yourselves. It's too soon to rest on your laurels.
(1)Meredith S.
Eating at Maurice actually made me sad to have to return to Cleveland. Black pepper cheesecake with grape sorbet and the quiche Di hour were both phenomenal, as was the chai. If we lived in town we would be regulars. No question.
(5)Denis P.
Desserts are extra delicious, fresh and combined with the French ambiance makes for a lovely date ;)...
(5)Gary A.
Disappointed! The options are few, the amount is small, some prices are high, and the service was glacial and aloof. When we arrived, there were only a few customers but we had a hard time getting the server's attention. That was true throughout our meal. Both of us ordered the quiche that was in the cooler case, but it took a long time before our food arrived. Not a pleasant experience and we don't plan to come back.
(2)Amy S.
Just stopped in today for lunch and had a perfectly pleasant lunch. We ordered one quiche of the day (squash and blue cheese) with a salad and one lefse with Swedish meatballs, potato and quince dulce. While I did not try the quiche it looked wonderful and my friend enjoyed it. I had the lefse with meatballs made from an old family recipe and they were phenomenal; great texture and had the perfect ration of fat and meat. The quince paste paired nicely with the meatball and lefse. I will be back in to try out a pastry; all of which looked wonderful.
(3)Vikki R.
Sometimes when it is rainy and grey outside, I just want to be in a clean, well-lit place where I can enjoy good coffee, a thoughtful pastry, and a great book. This is your spot. Maurice is relaxing and bright, the service is consistent, and decor whimsical with its small saucers and sugar bowls. This small gem transported me to Copenhagen. I just went for coffee and some snacks. Their linzer tart/cookie with cloudberry jam had a tender crumb, wasn't overly sweet, and at $1.25, was the perfect complement to my coffee. Their lemon pudding cake, warmed in a beautiful Danish bowl, was delightful. I could eat that everyday for afternoon tea. I am intrigued by their food menu and will definitely be returning for lunch or dessert after dinner with friends.
(5)Eva G.
I was walking around PDX and found this wonderful place! Their scones are absolutely delicious! The BEST I have ever tasted! Cute little place to eat. My quiche was yummy too. A little on the pricey side, but still nice place to experience!
(4)Matthew N.
I really like this the concept: a french inspired lucheonette place with an emphasis on pastry and sweet treats.The inside is fresh an cute with white washed walls and little seating booths. We liked that they have extended hours at the weekends- who doesn't like a little late night dessert! We just got a selection of snacks- a couple of oysters, the quiche and salad and warm lemon pudding cake, delicious. Looking forward to sampling the Black Pepper Cheesecake next time!
(4)theresa c.
Another over hyped disappointment in Portland, lousy food lousy service yup that about sums it up!!!
(1)Holly P.
Had a good meal, with good service, and great desserts. The place is "precious" leaning to twee. If you're in the right mood for that, it's perfect. All the dishes were yummy, and I liked the Scandinavian style décor. I will definitely return to try more of both the savory and sweet options.
(4)Norman W.
This place is absolutely lovely. The food, the presentation, the ambience, the service. I don't remember our server's name, but I do know she was pretty and nice and attentive, and she knew who Luis Bunuel is and was not at all scared away when she approached our table and heard me talking about a movie where a woman has her eye sliced by a straight blade. More importantly, this place has the perfect balance for a nice long lingering drinking lunch. I started with a deliciously refreshing sparkling rose, followed by a crisp, lightly sweet white wine. We had the radish starter which is simply fresh cut radishes served with real butter and coarse salt, which is how I will forever eat radishes now. Then I had the smorrebrod. Smorrebrod is a very traditional Danish lunch of open face sandwiches. This particular one was served on a hearty spelt bread with beets, strawberries and goat cheese. It was an incredible flavor combination, not exactly sweet, but somewhere between sweet and savory on the flavor spectrum. For dessert (which you can't miss here. If you're going to be all calorie-conscious, just don't even come. Just don't bother. I can't even.), we had the black pepper cheesecake which is as wonderful as people say; but we also got an apricot basta, a buttery tart with sweet cheese, almond paste, almonds and half a fresh apricot served atop, with a little sweet glaze of some kind drizzled over the top. JUST. SHUT. UP. I can't even describe the taste sensation except to say it was a perfect dessert, and it didn't even have chocolate! But somehow it was still perfect. I was really impressed by everything, the menu, the quality of the food, how it was presented, the timeliness of the service. I highly recommend Maurice.
(5)Mark M.
I'm in that cohort of wanting to love it but had a mediocre experience. The service first of all is truly terrible--it's a small place and had two servers working yesterday afternoon with only 3-4 tables in use, yet for 10-15 minutes we couldn't get the attention of anyone (the male server was actually more rude rather than inattentive) so we skipped dessert--what I anticipate would have been the highlight of the meal. It overall had a precious, fussy quality--inventive little dishes that might have seemed more worth the high price if the service was improved and the physical comfort level higher (hard seats, and too warm).
(3)Luke P.
It's Swedish not French. And that's just fine by me. Amazing lunch / coffee spot with delicious food and drinks.
(5)Claudio M.
Here's the thing...I think the pastries here are excellent. The seasonal brioche rolls that they do are tasty. I would give those 4 or 5 stars. But the lunch we had here was mediocre. The place has a nice feel to it. It's small and sweet and is nice place to sit and eat but now we know we just stop in for their pastries and get them to go.
(3)Brian S.
I've eaten at a lot of places all over the world and this place has prompted me to write my 1st restaurant review. A couple friends of mine have been wanting to try this place for months. One of my friends couldn't wait so he went last week and I heard the usual story - small portions and overpriced, so I knew that going in. A friend and I went yesterday for lunch and when we entered the place it reminded us of cafes we've seen in Europe. Very cute and everything is just really beautiful....the place settings, the cutlery, dishes, flowers on table, menu, bathroom decor, etc etc. I can tell a lot of time was spent on ambiance and I appreciate that. Someone has very good taste in my opinion. The portions are very small but everything was very tasty for the most part. I don't mind small portions if the prices are proportionate. We had the cheese plate to start which was served cold, not room temp. After the cheese warmed up a little it was much tastier. Then we got the small green salad. Very plain (just lettuce), very salty but simple and decent. Next we got some type of bean cassoulet with a poached egg w/harissa and the clams. Both good but these were more like sides than entrees. Then we ordered dessert and this is where things went a little downhill. I ordered the black pepper cheesecake and my friend ordered the lemon souffle. My cheesecake was frozen solid. I waived down the server and asked her if this was supposed to be a frozen dessert. She told me that they are kept very cold but won't supposed to be rock hard. I told her it was rock hard. She left and I should've probably insisted she bring something else. I told her that maybe it would thaw out soon. I didn't finish it - frozen cheesecake is next to inedible. Got the chocolate cake and scone to go and cake was dry when I got home. Scone was great though. So the bill came and it was $79 bucks for lunch for 2. Pricey without even any alcohol. They didn't take off the cheesecake. Again, I should've insisted but didn't really think about it much and I was just ready to leave. The more I thought about it the more I felt ripped off. I don't understand this business model......especially for things made in portland. I see 9 dollar little bags of pdx-made Quin gummy candy at New Seasons, 12.99 for a 12oz pdx made craft beer. I'm revolting against these stupid prices. Seems like it all started with those Kale chips for 9 bucks. I don't obsess or think about prices much, until I feel gouged. Maurice, please keep the cuteness, cut the prices, improve the customer service and this place would get 4 or 5 stars. Until then I won't be back.
(3)Vidya L.
Never seen a place quite like it. Amazing baked goods and deserts, some entree items as well. Cool vintage flatware glasses and decor.
(5)Mark A.
Stumbled past this place on 3/14. Was hoping for pie, but was enticed by the dessert case. Allowed myself to get upsold to an $11 glass of wine, but luved to regret it. The dessert was good, but the pour was skimpy, and showed up as $13 on the bill. One dessert, one glass of wine, and hot tea was almost $30 before tip. No prices listed anywhere. Won't be going back.
(2)Davey H.
Very cute atmosphere. Staff were friendly and attentive. We had the quiche and greens and although it was good, the quiche came out slightly cold in the centre.
(4)ann k.
My husband and I went there last week because we saw it had just been voted by Bon Appetite as one of the top ten new restaurants in the nation for 2014. We loved it. I was very surprised it didn't have higher ratings on other restaurants apps; but I think I know why. Portlanders, myself included, have a tendency to go for big plates, with strong flavors. This truly IS a different type of restaurant for Portland, it is where you go to actually taste the food, not just eat it. The savory plates are smallish, but very well prepared and presented. The flavors of the dishes are wonderful, full but not overpowering, all discernible, and balanced. My quiche was rich and perfectly seasoned, which is a first, as usually I find them a little bland. They say "save room for dessert" and this was true. The pastry and dessert offering was delightful, sometimes understated in appearance, always elegant and comforting in flavor. I had the lemon soufflé, it was smooth and light and burst with flavor without being sharp, nor overly sweet. If you are 'starving" and looking for a meal that is big, robust and makes you feel stuffed when you leave, wondering why you ate so much, this is not the place for you. If you are looking for a bright, airy delightful french neighborhood cafe, with a master chief, that has deliciously flavored and seasoned fare, that leaves you feeling fully satisfied, and like you've had a something a little different, special and totally delightful, go to Maurice. The cafe is smallish and personable. The ambience is delightful, lots of white tables, white chairs, clean and airy, with many french decorative touches that keeps the place inviting and comfortable, but uncluttered. Coffee is great. Take your "other", your spouse, your friends and have a wonderful brunch/lunch in surroundings that make you want to relax and enjoy. Just GO!!
(5)Kirsten S.
I really want to love Maurice, it's got a great ambiance and you can tell that a lot of care and love goes into what they do. But unfortunately our food was not that great. Maybe we just picked the wrong stuff, or my expectations were too high, given all the hype. My Moroccan lentil pastry was tiny and rather bland and dry, it came with a couple bites of green salad which helped a bit, but overall this was very underwhelming. Clams were good, but not great, and again very small portion. Their sweet pastries are more convincing, would come back for those. But for a regular lunch meal not.
(3)