RECOGNITION · PORTLAND, MAINEAWARDS & RECOGNITION
From the James Beard Foundation to Portland's own dining critics, here's a look at how Chaval's kitchen, bar, and hospitality team have been recognized over the years.
Chaval is led by chefs and co-owners Ilma Lopez and Damian Sansonetti, whose Spanish and French-inspired cooking in Portland's West End has earned recognition from the James Beard Foundation, regional and national press, and the guests who return to our Pine Street dining room again and again.
CHEFS & CO-OWNERSJAMES BEARD FOUNDATION RECOGNITION
Pastry chef and co-owner Ilma Lopez is a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef, first recognized for her work with the couple's original restaurant, Piccolo, before bringing her craft to Chaval's dessert menu. Chef and co-owner Damian Sansonetti was named a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist and finalist for Best Chef: Northeast for his Spanish and French-inspired cooking at Chaval.
Together, Lopez and Sansonetti have helped put Portland's West End on the national culinary map — one seasonal menu at a time.
HONORS & NOMINATIONSCHAVAL'S AWARDS TIMELINE
A running list of the recognition earned by Chaval and the chefs behind it. This page is updated as new honors are announced.
| Year | Award | Category / Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | James Beard Award Finalist | Best Chef: Northeast — Damian Sansonetti |
| 2022 | James Beard Award Semifinalist | Best Chef: Northeast — Damian Sansonetti |
| 2018 | James Beard Award Semifinalist | Outstanding Pastry Chef — Ilma Lopez |
| 2017 | James Beard Award Semifinalist | Outstanding Pastry Chef — Ilma Lopez |
| 2017 | Best New Restaurant | Portland Press Herald |
| 2014 | Rising Star Pastry Chef | StarChefs Coastal New England — Ilma Lopez |
| Annual* | Travelers' Choice Award | Tripadvisor |
*Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Award is awarded on a yearly basis to properties that consistently earn strong guest reviews.
JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION
Semifinalist and finalist nods for Chaval's co-owners across Best Chef: Northeast and Outstanding Pastry Chef, the industry's most storied culinary honor.
LOCAL & NATIONAL PRESS
Chaval's West End brasserie has been featured in Bon Appétit, Down East Magazine, Boston Magazine, and the Portland Press Herald.
GUEST RECOGNITION
A Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award and consistently strong reviews from the guests who make Chaval part of their West End routine.
QUESTIONSAWARDS FAQ
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Chaval's co-owners have been recognized multiple times by the James Beard Foundation. Damian Sansonetti was a 2022 semifinalist and finalist for Best Chef: Northeast, and Ilma Lopez is a two-time semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef. A win at the national ceremony hasn't happened yet — but we'll update this page the moment it does.
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Chaval is owned and run by chefs Ilma Lopez and Damian Sansonetti, who also opened Portland's beloved Piccolo before bringing their Spanish and French-inspired cooking to the West End.
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Visit our Press page for a running list of articles, reviews, and media mentions from local and national publications.
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Reservations for dinner in our West End dining room can be made online through Resy, by phone, or by email. Visit our Reservations page to book your table.
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Chaval is located at 58 Pine Street in Portland, Maine's West End, open Monday through Saturday from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
CONTINUE EXPLORINGMORE WAYS TO ENJOY CHAVAL
VIEW OUR MENU
Explore the seasonal Spanish and French-inspired menu our chefs have built their reputation on.
READ OUR PRESS
Catch up on reviews, features, and stories about Chaval from local and national publications.
MAKE A RESERVATION
Already know when you'd like to dine? Book a table in our restaurant’s West End dining room.