Chaval

- 58 Pine St, Portland, ME 04102

For Mainers seeking a genuinely exceptional dining experience that marries the rustic heart of Spanish cuisine with the refined techniques of French cooking, Chaval in Portland's charming West End is a true local treasure. More than just a Spanish restaurant, Chaval is a casually stylish brasserie that offers a sophisticated yet approachable blend of Iberian and French flavors, creating a warm, cozy, and romantic atmosphere that is perfect for a memorable meal. The name 'Chaval' hints at its friendly neighborhood charm, a place where the staff is known for being welcoming, open, and genuinely attentive.

Chaval's menu is a testament to culinary passion, driven by chefs with impressive international credentials who have chosen to root their expertise right here in Maine. Their focus is on high-quality, seasonal, and local ingredients, ensuring that while the inspiration is European, the flavors are fresh and reflective of New England’s bounty. The dining concept encourages exploration, with a menu featuring savory small plates, or 'tapas,' alongside hearty entrees, allowing guests to mix and match for a fully customized culinary journey. From traditional Spanish staples like Patatas Bravas and house-cured Jamón Serrano to French-inspired classics such as Coq Au Vin, the cuisine is both unique and deeply comforting.

Customers consistently rave about the exquisite balance of flavors in every dish and cocktail, often describing their meal as the "best dinner... in years," which speaks volumes about the quality delivered at an affordable price point. The restaurant prides itself on being a destination that feels both impressed and comfortable, a truly unique combination in the Portland dining scene.

Chaval is perfectly situated in a beloved and quaint part of Maine's largest city, serving as a neighborhood anchor in the vibrant West End of Portland.

• Address: 58 Pine St, Portland, ME 04102, USA

The location on Pine Street is tucked away from the busiest tourist spots but is easily accessible for Portland residents and visitors exploring the historic West End. Planning your visit is straightforward, as the restaurant provides options for both parking and accessibility:

• Parking: The restaurant offers the convenience of a free parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as ample free street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.
• Accessibility: Chaval is fully committed to welcoming all patrons, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.

Chaval provides a full spectrum of services to accommodate diverse dining preferences, from intimate dinners to larger gatherings.

• Dine-in Service: Full table service is available for dinner, with weekend brunch also offered. Given the restaurant's popularity and small, intimate dining room, both brunch and dinner reservations are highly recommended, as there can often be a wait.
• Takeout and Delivery: For the ultimate convenience, both takeout and delivery options, including no-contact delivery, are available, allowing you to enjoy the Spanish and French flavors in the comfort of your Maine home.
• Outdoor Seating: During the warmer months, or with the help of heaters, an outdoor seating area, which includes a beautiful garden patio and semi-private "greenhouse" seating, offers a delightful al fresco dining experience.
• Catering: Chaval offers catering services, allowing you to bring their acclaimed cuisine to your own events.
• Full Bar Service: A bar is onsite, serving a full range of offerings including alcohol, beer, hard liquor, cocktails, and an exceptional wine list, with popular features like their signature Spanish G&T.
• Private Dining: A dedicated private dining room is available for exclusive gatherings and special functions, providing a more intimate setting away from the main dining area.
• Dietary Accommodation: The staff is well-known for being happy to accommodate various dietary needs, including excellent vegan and vegetarian options, with dishes often modified or prepared to suit specific restrictions.

Chaval has earned its reputation in the competitive Portland food scene through several key highlights that define its unique identity and appeal to local diners.

• Exceptional Cocktails and Wine: The restaurant is recognized for its "Great cocktails" and an extensive "Great wine list," which features curated selections like Jeio Prosecco and Gil Family Estates "Honoro Vera". The cocktail program, featuring drinks like the refreshing Spanish G&T ($15.00) and the whiskey-based Double Old Fashioned ($13.00), is a major draw.
• Award-Winning Desserts: Headed by an acclaimed Pastry Chef, the dessert program is a non-negotiable highlight, praised as a "Great dessert" spot. Must-try sweet endings include Churros ($11.00) and the indulgent Cheesecake ($13.00), often featuring unique, inventive flavors.
• Signature Spanish Small Plates: The tapas section is rich with authentic choices, such as the crispy Patatas Bravas ($7.00), the simple elegance of Pan Con Tomate ($8.00), and a selection of cured meats like Jamón Serrano and premium Jamón Mangalica.
• Cozy, Romantic Atmosphere: The dining space is often described as cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale, making it an ideal venue for an intimate date night or a special occasion. Its welcoming ambiance is appreciated by all, including groups, tourists, and the LGBTQ+ community.
• Focus on Hospitality: The staff’s impeccable service is a consistent point of praise from customers, described as "friendly, open, and welcoming." This commitment to hospitality elevates the entire dining experience, making guests feel comfortable and valued.
• Refined Entree Selection: Beyond tapas, the main course selection—labeled 'Forks & Knives'—includes hearty options such as the Fideos ($24.00), a Spanish vermicelli pasta dish, a sophisticated Steak ($33.00), and the comforting Coq Au Vin.

Whether you are planning a visit or need to arrange a takeout order, you can easily reach Chaval at their Portland location.

• Address: 58 Pine St, Portland, ME 04102, USA
• Phone: (207) 772-1110

Chaval is worth choosing for the Maine diner who values high-quality, creative cuisine paired with truly exceptional, warm service in a delightful neighborhood setting. It stands apart by successfully blending two of the world's most beloved food cultures—Spanish and French—into a cohesive and exciting menu that evolves with the seasons.

The tapas and small plates format makes it a perfect choice for friends or couples looking to share and sample a wide array of flavors, fostering a convivial, social dining atmosphere. The quality of ingredients is evident, from the cured and salted selections like Warm Olives ($6.00) and Jamón Serrano to the fresh offerings in the 'Stuck In The Middle' section, like the seasonal Honeynut Squash ($13.00). Moreover, the reputation for 'Great cocktails' and an award-winning pastry chef ensures that both your pre-dinner drink and your sweet ending will be as memorable as the main courses.

As a local destination that feels both upscale and cozy, Chaval offers the sophisticated dining experience often sought by Mainers and tourists alike, but without the pretense. The staff's genuine kindness, as highlighted in numerous customer reviews, is the 'secret ingredient' that transforms a delicious meal into a genuinely pleasant and highly recommended experience, often touted by locals as the best dinner they've had in years. For an intimate, flavourful, and flawlessly executed Spanish-French meal in Portland, Chaval is the clear choice.

Chaval

58 Pine St, Portland, ME 04102, USA