Chaval

We were visiting Portland late summer. A local recommended this place to us and, boy oh boy, were we in for a treat. We were seated at the bar with a front row seat to the kitchen. The cod was delectable and so were the desserts. Don't pass up on the churros! They were sweet and slightly salty. Simply exceptional.

Chaval was recommended to us by a family member as a great date night location, however it was okay at best.

We had reservations for dinner and we were able to be seated within our time frame. The staff while friendly did seem a bit disorganized as three different people came to our table to start service. We ordered drinks and appetizers but the appetizers took almost 45 minutes to arrive.

When dinner arrived the only dishes that looked good was the venison and the burger. The beef cheeks looked thrown on the plate and the pasta looked like a bowl of solid black noodles with a pile of gelatin on top.

Everyone agreed the venison was the best dish. The burger was overcooked and dry. The lobster noodles tasted like a salt shaker was mixed in the noodles and the beef cheeks were unflattering.

Not quite sure what happened in the kitchen but it did seem like someone was trying to copy a recipe.

The final nail in the coffin was our server left for the evening and once again we were bounced between three different people.

For the price ($50+/per person) there are definitely better options in the area. We actually went for other food after dinner since people did not want to finish thier dishes. Not sure if they just had an off night or what but for the price it shouldn't be that off.

As a frequent travel who does research in places and loves dining in high quality places, the experience at Chaval was deeply disappointing. The short story: the food was mostly good, a bit overpriced, but the service was horrendous. We arrived at the beginning of the dinner shift (5:30p) and had our full order before 6:00p— we ordered lots of things, drinks, appetizers, first and main courses. The appetizers came quickly, and then… we waited well over an hour (!!) for the main course dishes to come. We were very patiently waiting despite the delay. After an hour wait, we asked the server to tell us how long more we had to wait, and instead of offering an apology, a round of drinks on the house, or anything, he tried to justify the delayed, saying they had warned one of the dishes “took a little longer,” and that “this is how long food takes. “ we were so taken aback. We have dined across the world and never had this fully unapologetic experience in a place with so much hype. Notwithstanding all of this, no apologies, no compensation of any kind, they even felt entitled to include a 20% tip. I hope I the management reads this and takes actions. I am not coming back and will discourage all my friends from dining there.

Wow!! What a meal...what great people. I haven't been to Portland in years and was lucky enough to drop in or a cocktail at Chaval. By the time I left, I had met Damian and Ilma and many of the staff. All wonderful and all with so much knowledge to share. And the food..... unbelievable!! From special cocktails by Asher to side dishes, main dishes and dessert.
Head over the West End in Portland and grab dinner at Chaval. You won't be disappointed !!

Amazing talent in the kitchen. Great service, so knowledgeable and charming. So many flavors... Very enjoyable place!
Highly recommended.

I had the monkfish, he had the brisket special. Both impeccable, A bottle of the Mont Gravet, and the ham and caramel Ice cream. Very knowledgeable service- Eve was our server- very lovely young lady. 5 star all around.

The Brie toast, the poached cod, and the special were heavenly. We sat at the bar closest to the kitchen and it was fascinating and fun to see all of the beautiful food prepared with care. I look forward to returning the next time I am in Portland.