Dupuis’ Restaurant — Restaurant in Washington

After getting turned away from several restaurants in Port Angeles, my bf and I took a chance on this seemingly-innocuous cute little crab-shack off the side of the road--and boy were we blown away! I never imagined we would be walking into such a jaw-droppong fine-dining experience. The ambience was lovely, dark but full of sparkle (decorations everywhere, from glassware to hanging lights), creating an intimate feeling, like our table was an island of light floating through a starry night sky. The chef is obviously passionate about what they do--all flavors were excellent, love poured into every bite, even down to the soft rolls and pineapple-butter. The steaks were done perfectly, the best I've ever had, anywhere, hands down--a perfect medium rare, my bf's just a breath under. Exquisite color, not a hint of gelatinous-ness. The crab cakes with sour pineapple/cranberry chutney were exceptional--a new interpretation of crab cake that I'd not yet encountered--and my cherry/amaretto cocktail was to die for! The salad was full of fresh veggies and the creme brulee with bread pudding was like a hug for one's tummy, the perfect sweetness without being heavy or overbearing. The waitstaff were gregarious, authentic, and attentive, and the owner herself was busy on the floor, which, to me, is always the sign of a quality establishment. She helped us pick an after-dinner wine for pur dessert course, a gewurtzraminer, and it couldn't have been more perfect a compliment--the creme brulee's sweetness didn't turn it sour or bitter, it finished clean and cut through the creamyness with a fine complimentary acidity. Every course came out at the perfect time, and we became more and more impressed with the sheer quality. We left full and satisfied. I can only describe our state of mind as that of a fat cat, happy in a sunbeam on an autumn afternoon. I dudpecg every item on the menu is just as delicious. YOU HAVE TO STOP HERE. This is top-quality fare that I've only ever experienced at five-star...

The side salad that comes with dinner is really good! Many places just phone in the salad with like three or four ingredients, but these folks take it seriously with spring mix, tomatoes, onion, cauliflower, chick peas, red beans, and the real surprise: a spiced carrot spear. Tasty.

I had high hopes that would continue, but it did not. I ordered the pecan crusted cod on the specials list. It wasn't so special. The cod seemed fresh, but the crust was nowhere to be found. I would describe it as dusted more than crusted, maybe powdered. The flavor was bland and spicy - a difficult thing to pull off. The pineapple cream sauce on the side did not improve the flavor. I don't know how I (or the chef for that matter) thought pecan and pineapple would work. You could make it happen, but not without some supporting flavors that this lacked.

For my other side I chose their signature potatoes dupuis. It's...like a potato salad. As if in it's past it was a delicious warm German style potato salad. I love those! My imagination says that this once was a good recipe, but over the years the ingredients themselves have changed or the recipe was simplified and things were subbed over time to what is now a total mess that I could barely eat.

My wife had the balsamic chicken. The flavor was good, but the chicken was overcooked.

She also had the flourless chocolate cake. Boring.

Old and dull decor. The service was decent enough. They need a remodel of the place...

I took my wife here for her birthday. We brought our 21 month old son, who spent most of the time we were waiting for our food marveling at the decor: old lanterns, wooden carvings, glass vases, and other curious trinkets that gave the place an Americana charm.

We ordered the Seafood Pasta, Halibut and Chips, and the Beef Tips Penne. Each dish came out hot, generous, and made with care. The seafood was fresh, the halibut crisp and tender (served with crispy, battered fries), and the beef rich and well-seasoned. The plating was thoughtful without being fussy. Fresh salads came with the meals, light and refreshing. My wife also got a tomatoe soup that tasted home made. We didn't order desert because we were so full and we ended up taking most of the Halibut and chips home for my little boy's lunch the next day.

It cost more than Frugals, sure; but thirty dollars for a crab and shrimp entree is more than fair. With sodas, tax, and tip, the bill came to $110 for the three of us. And it was money well spent. I'd rather pay $100 for a meal that my family really enjoys than $50 on "meh" food.

My only minor complaint was that the service was a little slow, but that was only because they were busy.

Since moving from Seattle to Port Angeles, I haven’t had a better meal out at a restaurant. Good food, good atmosphere, and a birthday dinner that felt like more than just a night...