Chaval

"This Spanish- and French-influenced Pine Street establishment from pastry chef Ilma Lopez and her husband, chef Damian Sansonetti, makes exceptional use of local ingredients in dishes from grilled Maine mackerel with heirloom tomatoes to Breezy Hill Farm pork chops with peekytoe crab and shellfish cream sauce. Whether you sit inside Chaval’s warm dining rooms or on the cheerful private patio, don’t miss dessert, which might involve cream-filled trocaderos or wild Maine blueberry and lemon curd pie. For additional treats, check out the couple’s luncheonette and bakery, Ugly Duckling, on Danforth Street." - Stasia Brewczynski

"On a charming residential street in Portland’s gorgeous West End, Chaval's Iberian-influenced menu offers snacks, small plates, and larger dishes, and you can build your meal in whatever fashion you like. Some favorite tapas include patatas bravas, served with spicy tomato sauce and aioli; deviled eggs with boquerones, queen olives with pimenton, and local wild mushrooms served with a lightly fried duck egg, crisped chorizo, and sherry vinegar. Seasonal salads and larger dishes might include Maine halibut with runner beans, spruce yogurt, and Iberian XO sauce. Save room for the sweets from James Beard Award nominee Ilma Lopez, like Spanish Bar, a chocolate pudding with smoky serrano ice cream, and a drizzle of salty dark caramel." - Alexandra Hall

"Spanish/French neighborhood brasserie The vibe Cozy, romantic The crowd Grown-ups who know good food The drinks Creative cocktails; Spanish sherry on draft The food Iberian classics with Maine ingredients" - Mindy Fox

"This neighborhood brasserie in the West End turned their pandemic pivot into an outdoor seating glow-up and is now serving Spanish and French-inspired seasonal food al fresco on their heated patio. Their weekend brunch menu features a breakfast basket filled with homemade baked goods, local wood-roasted coffee, and housemade Bloody Marys and mimosas. Take it to the next level and reserve one of their charming, private greenhouses outback where service is provided by walkie-talkie for a more secluded (and possibly fun) experience." - Alana Dao

"Diners have several outdoor options to choose from at Chaval. Eat on its heated patio — which is adorned with a mural from local painter Tessa G. O’Brien — or relax in one of its private ‘greenhouses,’ where you don’t have to worry about the elements while enjoying your meal. This neighborhood brasserie serves French and Spanish cuisine, and attracts locals and tourists alike, making it one of the West End’s most popular destinations. And whatever you do, make sure you save room for co-owner Ilma Lopez’s desserts. Chaval is on spring break until April 19. When it resumes, it will be open for outdoor dining (reserve here) and takeout." - Briana Volk