The restaurant itself is really beautiful! Food was overpriced for what it was (small portions, the taste was off). I ordered the $42 steak frites and it came out so cold - I asked to heat it, and it came out the exact piece I ordered, not much warmer. The taste was okay, but I was hoping for a more elevated experience, given the price. Don’t skip on the churros, they were so good. Service was lacking, and despite the food taking so long - when it came out cold, I had to flag another waitress to try and get it warmed up.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 2
Ivy Bohrmann
While the food was tasty, we ended up waiting over an hour between courses on a Thursday night. We were there for 2.5 hours due to the slow service, which went unacknowledged. At least we were with good company!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
Maya Bornstein
Food was ok but not worth the price. A lot of stuff came out cold and underseasoned. The appetizers were really small for how much they cost, and the scallops only came with 4 of them. The deviled eggs cost $9 and it was only one egg. It was also really cold inside.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Patatas Bravas, Coq Au Vin
guillaume lamérant
First restaurant in Portland. IT was great experience. Very attentive service and quality cuisine. To try
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sima Karshenas
In February, we journeyed from New York to Portland. Despite the chilly weather hindering our enjoyment, the highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the dinner experience here! Finding a restaurant that meets the standards set by New York's great culinary scene is a challenge, but this place exceeded expectations. If you're in Portland or nearby, it's a must-try! You can truly taste the passion chef puts into his cooking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Laura Cabot
We made a reservation for a special evening out well in advance. Although the reservation was lost,we were graciously accommodated by their stellar staff. Would go back just for the ham, it would be great to offer a ham sampler. I wanted to try them all!Vegetarian options: Limited but substantial
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jamón Serrano, Coq Au Vin, Local Greens Salad, Spanish Sundae, Steak Frites
Lisa Garstka
Chaval was a 1st for both me and my son, but it won't be the last. We ordered several appetizers and split an entree (all nightly specials) and I can't say which was my favorite because they were all exceptionally delicious. The wine suggestions of our server were spot on.It was a great night..not rushed, wonderful atmosphere..we'll definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jamón Serrano, The Burger
Yi Fang Shen
The good:I love love love the patatas bravas, the creamy sauce they were smothered in was truly amazing.The garlic lemon aioli accompanying the steak fries was truly delicious and a delight.They serve rabbits. That's new, yet morbid.The sparkling water was serviceable.The pear and nuts were an intellectual and elevated dessert with sweet, salty, and nutty notes throughout.The burger tasted a bit burnt and had kraft singles on it!! They get a star for having the woowoo for such a move. Love some Kraft singles.The ok:The rabbit was alright. For almost $28 I really expected better but maybe I don't like rabbit.Somehow the service there was both too overbearing and not bearing enough. Like I felt I could never get into a good conversation flow without a server interrupting me and I'd lose my place.Vegetarian options: Most of the menu is meat.Parking: Tiny lot.Kid-friendliness: Not very kid friendly, I wouldn't bring a kid here.Wheelchair accessibility: Narrow restaurant with icy lot, might be hard to maneuver.
We stopped in for date night before a show at the State Theater, and it was a delectable experience. The interior is warm and inviting, perfect for a dinner for two. While Chaval is known for tapas, we opted for the tried-and-true coq au vin and started with the salad on the specials menu. The salad was balanced in flavors, with the creamy blue cheese crumbles complementing the crunch of the almonds. The coq au vin for two was just the right portion and full of flavor. We'd recommend adding another side, as we wished we had even more potatoes or veggies to pair with the chicken! Reservations are hard to come by, so plan in advance, but the seats around the bar area are first-come, first-serve. We'll be back and we recommend you try it out too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coq Au Vin, Date Night, Local Greens Salad
Excellent food, service, and atmosphere. The bartender Sheila is very knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Her tattoos are very cool as well! I would recommend to anyone looking for a date night or upscale dinner in Portland, in a quieter location away from the downtown bustle.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sean Mokler
A truly amazing dining experience from start to finish. Beautiful front dining room with some very interesting and amazing smells when you walk in. (all good, just hard to identify). There is a back dining room and you walk through the kitchen to get to it. Friendly staff all around and very attentive. The best grilled ham and cheese of my life as an appetizer, perfectly grilled with a truffle mushroom spread (executed perfectly so the truffle didn't overwhelm) iberico ham and a perfectly paired cheese I can't remember the name of. The fall salad was also delicious and perfectly dressed. We got the monkfish and duck as entrees and the monkfish was tender and delicious with an amazing mushroom sauce and perfectly cooked vegetable that were a great compliment to the fish and sauce. The duck was crispy and tender and also perfectly cooked. Finished with their version of a lava cake that was decadent in all the best ways. Absolutely a new spot I will be returning to whenever I get the chance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Confit, Fish
Elizabeth Hoke
Best food I have ever eaten. Our waiter Charles was exceptional and although a small venue the atmosphere was guite homey. I highly recommend calling for a reservation. We'll worth the price on meal items.Dietary restrictions: They will accommodate for food allergies or preference such as no mushrooms in a dish.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The Burger, Fish
K
A fabulous experience. The staff take care of you here, it's an amazing restaurant filled with amazing people. The dishes are elegant and oftentimes surreal. The cocktails are mystifying and delicious. And strangely enough, the vegetables are what I come here for! (Prior to my first visit, I had always assumed the menu was meat-centric - and it kind of is - but they have love for vegan plates, too!) I've even met many new friends while perched at the bar. Chaval is a true neighborhood gem.Vegetarian options: Vegetarians and vegans are welcome here! There are plenty of standard menu items that are vegan already (patatas bravas [swap the aioli for romesco sauce], carrot tartare, the vegetable entree, etc.). Plus several dishes can be modified easily, just ask the server.Dietary restrictions: The staff are well-versed on the menu items and which ones can be modified to accommodate dietary restrictions. Gluten-free, dairy free, nut allergies, vegans - there are possibilities for everyone.Parking: They have a lot with space for about a dozen cars; the earlier your reservation, the likelier you'll find a spot here. If you're coming during the prime dinner hours, you'll have better luck looking for street parking along Pine St, Brackett St, or over on West St.Kid-friendliness: Well-behaved children are clearly welcome but the atmosphere is a little more sophisticated than most toddlers would be able to appreciate! There is also constant high-volume traffic throughout the dining room during the busy parts of the night (wandering explorers would definitely be a safety hazard).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Patatas Bravas, Local Greens Salad, Pan Con Tomate
The restaurant itself is really beautiful! Food was overpriced for what it was (small portions, the taste was off). I ordered the $42 steak frites and it came out so cold - I asked to heat it, and it came out the exact piece I ordered, not much warmer. The taste was okay, but I was hoping for a more elevated experience, given the price. Don’t skip on the churros, they were so good. Service was lacking, and despite the food taking so long - when it came out cold, I had to flag another waitress to try and get it warmed up.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 2
While the food was tasty, we ended up waiting over an hour between courses on a Thursday night. We were there for 2.5 hours due to the slow service, which went unacknowledged. At least we were with good company!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
Food was ok but not worth the price. A lot of stuff came out cold and underseasoned. The appetizers were really small for how much they cost, and the scallops only came with 4 of them. The deviled eggs cost $9 and it was only one egg. It was also really cold inside.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Patatas Bravas, Coq Au Vin
First restaurant in Portland. IT was great experience. Very attentive service and quality cuisine. To try
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
In February, we journeyed from New York to Portland. Despite the chilly weather hindering our enjoyment, the highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the dinner experience here! Finding a restaurant that meets the standards set by New York's great culinary scene is a challenge, but this place exceeded expectations. If you're in Portland or nearby, it's a must-try! You can truly taste the passion chef puts into his cooking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We made a reservation for a special evening out well in advance. Although the reservation was lost,we were graciously accommodated by their stellar staff. Would go back just for the ham, it would be great to offer a ham sampler. I wanted to try them all!Vegetarian options: Limited but substantial
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jamón Serrano, Coq Au Vin, Local Greens Salad, Spanish Sundae, Steak Frites
Chaval was a 1st for both me and my son, but it won't be the last. We ordered several appetizers and split an entree (all nightly specials) and I can't say which was my favorite because they were all exceptionally delicious. The wine suggestions of our server were spot on.It was a great night..not rushed, wonderful atmosphere..we'll definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jamón Serrano, The Burger
The good:I love love love the patatas bravas, the creamy sauce they were smothered in was truly amazing.The garlic lemon aioli accompanying the steak fries was truly delicious and a delight.They serve rabbits. That's new, yet morbid.The sparkling water was serviceable.The pear and nuts were an intellectual and elevated dessert with sweet, salty, and nutty notes throughout.The burger tasted a bit burnt and had kraft singles on it!! They get a star for having the woowoo for such a move. Love some Kraft singles.The ok:The rabbit was alright. For almost $28 I really expected better but maybe I don't like rabbit.Somehow the service there was both too overbearing and not bearing enough. Like I felt I could never get into a good conversation flow without a server interrupting me and I'd lose my place.Vegetarian options: Most of the menu is meat.Parking: Tiny lot.Kid-friendliness: Not very kid friendly, I wouldn't bring a kid here.Wheelchair accessibility: Narrow restaurant with icy lot, might be hard to maneuver.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Jamón Serrano, Patatas Bravas, Steak Frites
We stopped in for date night before a show at the State Theater, and it was a delectable experience. The interior is warm and inviting, perfect for a dinner for two. While Chaval is known for tapas, we opted for the tried-and-true coq au vin and started with the salad on the specials menu. The salad was balanced in flavors, with the creamy blue cheese crumbles complementing the crunch of the almonds. The coq au vin for two was just the right portion and full of flavor. We'd recommend adding another side, as we wished we had even more potatoes or veggies to pair with the chicken! Reservations are hard to come by, so plan in advance, but the seats around the bar area are first-come, first-serve. We'll be back and we recommend you try it out too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coq Au Vin, Date Night, Local Greens Salad
Wow!! What a meal...what great people.
Restaurantji Recommends
A perfect dinner out :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent food, service, and atmosphere. The bartender Sheila is very knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Her tattoos are very cool as well! I would recommend to anyone looking for a date night or upscale dinner in Portland, in a quieter location away from the downtown bustle.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A truly amazing dining experience from start to finish. Beautiful front dining room with some very interesting and amazing smells when you walk in. (all good, just hard to identify). There is a back dining room and you walk through the kitchen to get to it. Friendly staff all around and very attentive. The best grilled ham and cheese of my life as an appetizer, perfectly grilled with a truffle mushroom spread (executed perfectly so the truffle didn't overwhelm) iberico ham and a perfectly paired cheese I can't remember the name of. The fall salad was also delicious and perfectly dressed. We got the monkfish and duck as entrees and the monkfish was tender and delicious with an amazing mushroom sauce and perfectly cooked vegetable that were a great compliment to the fish and sauce. The duck was crispy and tender and also perfectly cooked. Finished with their version of a lava cake that was decadent in all the best ways. Absolutely a new spot I will be returning to whenever I get the chance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Confit, Fish
Best food I have ever eaten. Our waiter Charles was exceptional and although a small venue the atmosphere was guite homey. I highly recommend calling for a reservation. We'll worth the price on meal items.Dietary restrictions: They will accommodate for food allergies or preference such as no mushrooms in a dish.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The Burger, Fish
A fabulous experience. The staff take care of you here, it's an amazing restaurant filled with amazing people. The dishes are elegant and oftentimes surreal. The cocktails are mystifying and delicious. And strangely enough, the vegetables are what I come here for! (Prior to my first visit, I had always assumed the menu was meat-centric - and it kind of is - but they have love for vegan plates, too!) I've even met many new friends while perched at the bar. Chaval is a true neighborhood gem.Vegetarian options: Vegetarians and vegans are welcome here! There are plenty of standard menu items that are vegan already (patatas bravas [swap the aioli for romesco sauce], carrot tartare, the vegetable entree, etc.). Plus several dishes can be modified easily, just ask the server.Dietary restrictions: The staff are well-versed on the menu items and which ones can be modified to accommodate dietary restrictions. Gluten-free, dairy free, nut allergies, vegans - there are possibilities for everyone.Parking: They have a lot with space for about a dozen cars; the earlier your reservation, the likelier you'll find a spot here. If you're coming during the prime dinner hours, you'll have better luck looking for street parking along Pine St, Brackett St, or over on West St.Kid-friendliness: Well-behaved children are clearly welcome but the atmosphere is a little more sophisticated than most toddlers would be able to appreciate! There is also constant high-volume traffic throughout the dining room during the busy parts of the night (wandering explorers would definitely be a safety hazard).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Patatas Bravas, Local Greens Salad, Pan Con Tomate