Vya, a new tapas and paella restaurant where guests can arrive early, stay late, and let the night take shape, is now open in Southeast Portland. Refined yet approachable, Vya introduces spontaneity, romance, and a “stay a little longer” spirit to the Pacific Northwest.
Blending European ease with a modern Portland perspective, Vya embraces the lively, social dining at its core. Reservations are now available on OpenTable.
THE CONCEPT
Inspired by the energy of bustling, everyday barras in Barcelona, Vya embraces dining that feels effortless and social. The à la carte menu centers on tapas and traditional paellas, developed with a contemporary approach and incorporating seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients. Chef Connor Gallaher, a Santa Fe native who honed his Spanish cooking at Portland’s Urdaneta, leads the kitchen. Influenced by his time in India, Southeast Asia, the Basque region and Madrid, he blends timeless techniques with Oregon’s seasonal bounty to create a menu that feels transporting yet grounded in local ingredients.
EAT & DRINK
At Vya’s heart is paella, a dish rooted in gathering and often said to have been created “para ella” (for her), cooked slowly and meant to be shared. The menu draws from the traditional elements of tapas and paella, offering vibrant, shareable small plates and large-format dishes for the table, all transformed through a modern lens. Two paella options are available, including a Paella Mixta with chicken, shrimp, mussels, and clams; and a Paella Vegetarian/Vegan layered with kombu shiitake dashi, piquillo peppers, mushrooms, artichokes, and garofalo beans.
While paellas cook in under 30 minutes, an extensive tapas menu is available, with highlights including Jamon and Mahon croquettes with pimentón aioli; beet tiradito with tiger nut ajo blanco, avocado, and dill pollen; and blistered shishitos with green curry foam and crispy basil.
The bar anchors the space, greeting guests for evening drinks as seamlessly as a full dinner, balancing its traditional inspiration with creativity. The beverage program is led by Beverage Director Ashley Iler Burson, alongside Bar Lead Cass Schaedler, who holds a Level 1 Sommelier certification and WSET Level 1 certification in spirits. The beverage program highlights Spanish and Portuguese wines, sangria, both classic and modern cocktails such as gin and tonics, and a thoughtful zero-proof selection. Highlights include:
- Gin-Tonic Sucio with Gin Mare, thyme, pink peppercorn and olives
- Sangria de la Casa with red wine, Torres 10 brandy and seasonal fruit
- Flying North with Freeland Bourbon, cascara liqueur, lemon and honey
- Lush (zero-proof) with dhōs gin, hella green, ají spice, lime and foam
THE SPACE
Located in the former Palomar space within the Solterra Building on SE Division, Vya’s 50-seat restaurant and bar brings renewed vibrancy to the neighborhood. The building’s rooftop is set to open this spring as a seasonal extension of the experience, offering an open-air setting with a European flair for private events and afternoons worthy of an al fresco toast.
HERE FOR THE MOMENT
Vya is located at 959 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97214 and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4:30 pm to 11 pm.
