Great restaurants transport guests. Step inside Chesa and the world outside, melts away. Orange wood smoke from a Josper grill gently warms the air. Large black and white sketches trigger memories of Spain. Suddenly, standing beside a rack of Jamón ibérico, wine glass in hand, snacking on tapas is a way of life again.

Welcome to Chesa. One of Portland’s most highly anticipated and quickly celebrated restaurants of 2016. ALOR recently had the honor of interviewing Chesa Owner and Chef, José Chesa.

Chef José Chesa

That interview comes out tomorrow. In the meantime, a photography tour that’s sure to leave Foodie’s hungry for more.

It’s just a taste, a teaser, a foodie pleaser.

Photography Tour: Chesa

The desire to check out restaurant images before visiting, is the exact reason, ALOR is creating a photography sneak peeks for restaurants we recommend.

Chesa Restaurant Images

Chesa sits between the Irvington and Sullivan’s Gulch neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon on NE Broadway Street. A glass entry lets in light and a glimpse of what awaits inside.

The Front Door of Chesa

Booth and table set up allow for large parties and family dining. As the evening wears on, Chesa becomes one of Portland’s places to be.

Restaurant Chesa Before Opening

Similar to a family home, a balance is struck between masculine and feminine in the details.

Coffee Cups at Chesa

Traditional Porrons incorporated in an untraditional way, lighting!

Pouron Lighting of Chesa

The beauty of soft lighting and woods are a just a small part of Chesa’s ability to transport guests to Spain. The food, blissfully is what delivers a true taste of Spain.

Chesa Food Images

We couldn’t resist at least one gratuitous Jamón Ibérico image.

Jamón Ibérico at Chesa

Now without further ado, we’ll let the plates speak for themselves. The visual equivalent of the Chesa menu.

Tabla Iberica

Selection of Iberico meats and cheese. Pure. Heaven.

Tabla Iberica

Yogurt

Idiazabal foam, marinated farm beets, souffle rice. From the second it hits the table, this dish is delightful. Bright colors and flavors are a great light option on the menu. When this hits, place your bets on who brings out an iPhone first.

Yogurt

Tortilla

Spanish tortilla cooked in the josper until just set.

Tortilla

Nuestra Croqueta

My personal favorite and completely addictive. Countless tapas bars throughout Spain serve Croqueta but few get it this right. Porcini croquettes served with a decadent porcini sage ali-oli. Yeah. Yum.

Nuestra Croqueta

“Chef Chesa takes traditional tapas to a new level.” Bon Appetit

Bocata

Smoked chistorra, spanish style bun, teriyaki mayo, mahon, date-sherry ketchup. That’s one tasty Glamwich.

Bocata

Costilla

Iberico pork rib, fennel and garbanzo salad. Nuff said.

Costilla

Foie (N)

This Foie gras for closers.

Foie

Pop

Grilled Spanish octopus that is perfectly succulent and yes, poppable.

Pop

“It’s artful but accessible, mining soul-food and surrealism as only a Barcelona native could.” PDX Monthly

Lentejas

A dish that makes plating an art form, only a close up will do! Spanish lentil hummus, bonito del norte tuna, salmon roe, naan bread (not shown.)

Lentejas

Spent? But wait there is so much more that Foodies will flock to photograph! Ok, enough for now. Time for a cocktail?

Cocktails Anyone?

Oh and the Paella, oh that deserves its own post coming soon. For now…

Chesa Paella

A style of Paella Chef Chesa makes in honor of his father, learned from his Grandmother. A traditional Sherry marinated rabbit, Iberico ham, viridian farms beans, bomba rice, boletus ali-oli. Deep, developed flavors that compel you to eat the entire Paella.

Chesa Paella in honor of Chef José Chesa’s Father

Barceloneta Paella

Squid, sofrito, spanish cuttlefish, langostino, fried xanquet, bomba rice, lobster broth.

Barceloneta Paella

Our photography is a sneak peek from tomorrow’s interview! What Chef José Chesa has to say about the Portland food scene is unique and unabashedly honest. Yet It’s his approach to life, food and family that focused our interview a little closer to the heart.

Chesa Restaurant Reviews

We’ve aggregated a few reviews of Chesa below for ease.

“Chef Chesa takes traditional tapas to a new level.” Bon Appetit

2016 Best Restaurants in Portland Oregon Live

“It’s artful but accessible, mining soul-food and surrealism as only a Barcelona native could.” PDX Monthly

Chesa Portland Address & Hours

2218 NE Broadway St, Portland, OR 97232 | MAP

Tuesday – Saturday ( 5 pm – 10 pm)

Chesa Phone Number 503-477-9521

Chesa Website

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