Porta, Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HT.
www.portatapas.co.uk
Style of venueThis new tapas and wine bar from the brothers behind the Joseph Benjamin has been open only a few weeks. But it has already made an impression on Chester’s dining scene. This informal venue, in the shadows of Northgate Bridge and next to their Bib Gourmand restaurant, would sit just as happily in a Spanish village.
DécorRustic charm fills every corner. Pull up a high stool at the bar while watching your tapas dishes being cooked. The décor is simple and well thought-out. Stone floors, dark wood furniture and chalkboards displaying the menu.
On the menuMore than 20 tapas dishes. Three of us shared several ample portioned tasters including Spanish staples of patatas bravas (£3.50), Manchego cheese with quince (£4.90) and potato and onion tortilla (£3.50). Favourites were the salted Catalan almonds (£2.50), chorizo and lentil stew (£5.50). A dessert of a small Pastel de Nata (£2.25) – a Portuguese custard tart – finished things off beautifully.
AmbienceCosy and relaxing. The layout is perfect for enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of this lovely tapas bar. Get in quick! Porta was almost full despite on a dreary Wednesday night.
ServiceService was efficient, helpful and friendly.
CostEnough dishes to satisfy three people’s appetites, with soft drinks and a beer came to only £50.
Emma Mayoh
BOOKING NOT REQUIRED
PortaNorthgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HT.www.portatapas.co.uktwitter @portatapas
