Best restaurants in Chester

Nestled between the Chester’s medieval streets and ancient fortress walls are some incredible foodie spots. Whether you're after delectable Italian cuisine, flash and fancy cocktails or somewhere to pimp up your fries (who isn’t looking for pimped fries?) Chester has got you covered.

Updated on 09 August 2023

Chester is a beautiful city is drenched in history, but it also has plenty to offer on the food front too. Chester's best restaurants are a diverse lot, covering a range of different cuisines and styles, from chic fine dining outposts to easy going, grab-and-go street food that will leave you happy and sated, ready to explore the city's medieval streets once more.

If you are sightseeing and craving a boost in the form of street food to get you from A-B, looking for dinner with a live music backdrop or award-winning menus for a romantic treat, we've found something for you. While it must be said that Great British food and good ol’ country pubs are a big part of the food scene in Chester, you'll also find incredible wine bars, speciality coffees and an extensive range of international cuisine, our list caters for different budgets and we have done the research to cover every occasion, so all you need to do is go! 

After an afternoon exploring hidden gems, canal-side strolling or a day at the races we can probably all agree that not many things are worse than aching feet, an empty tummy and feeling completely clueless about your next move for food. So, our roundup has everything you need to know about the places you’d be crazy to miss in Chester. We have included Michelin stars, family favourites and supper club specials and hope you can excite your eyes, tastebuds and dining companion(s) when you impressively tell them you know 'the perfect place'.  

For more details click through to each restaurant’s listing where we have included details on menu items and price, restaurant decor and ambiance to ensure you don't miss a trick when choosing where and what to eat in Chester.  

Pierogi

Pierogi

44 Brook Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3DZ

Pierogi is the first Polish restaurant in Chester, named after the speciality they serve - handmade Polish dumplings. Husband and wife team Voytek and Katarzyna Pachucy lead this welcoming joint.

Under £30
Polish
Moules A Go Go

Moules A Go Go

6-12 Cuppin Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1

There’s more to this guy than good looks and big mussels, okay? This cosy Belgian bistro also serves up delicious steaks, burgers, cocktails and much more. Moules A Go Go have been preparing fresh Anglesey mussels for over 20 years.

Modern European
British
Chef’s Table Chester

Chef’s Table Chester

4 Music Hall Passage, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2EU

Feel like part of the family at this wonderfully intimate, 30 seat restaurant. The independent, local team won the 2019 Taste of Chester award. They do say the best things come in small packages. 

£30 - £49
Modern European
 The Old Harkers Arms Chester

The Old Harkers Arms Chester

1 Russell Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 5AL

The people of Chester are spoilt for choice when looking for a good ol’ pub lunch. However, the Old Harkers Arms is a great place to start. This refined canal-side pub is big on pub classics with a twist.
Under £30
Pubs
British
International
Arkle at the Chester Grosvenor

Arkle at the Chester Grosvenor

The Chester Grosvenor , Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1LT

This 3 AA Rosette restaurant offers luxury fine dining at The Chester Grosvenor Hotel, located in the city centre of Chester. Arkle prides itself on its extensive cellar and expert sommeliers as well as being awarded the AA Notable Wine Award.

Over £80
British
The Pied Bull

The Pied Bull

57 Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HQ

Drenched in history, yes, but dated? Absolutely not. The Pied Bull, Chester’s oldest coaching house has held a continuous licence since 1533. It's safe to assume they really know what they’re doing by now.

£30 - £49
Modern European
British
Da Noi

Da Noi

63 Bridge Street, Chester, CH1 1NG

Hearty Italian fare is at the centre of Da Noi’s offering, with head chef Valentina a passionate native of Italy, keen to share her love of the food she grew up on.

Under £30
Pizza
Italian
Koconut Grove Chester

Koconut Grove Chester

Ethos Court, Chester, CH1 3AT

Taking Chester on an all-inclusive tour of Southern India, Koconut Grove offers seemingly endless menu options with a friendly atmosphere. Inspired by India’s stunning Kerala region this laid back, authentic curry house grinds spices in house daily.

Under £30
Indian
Covino Chester

Covino Chester

118 Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HT

With over 100 artisan wines to choose from it may come as no surprise that Covino started out as an independent wine bar. Since extending, Covino now offers delicious, daily changing small plates - keep your eyes peeled for super supper club events.
Under £30
International
Wine Bars
Chez Jules - Chester

Chez Jules - Chester

71 Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HQ

Adding a certain je ne sais quoi to Chester’s casual dining scene, this welcoming French restaurant based in an old fire station is an atmospheric spot for a meal. Choose from delicious, seasonal, daily changing menus. Bon appetit. 

Under £30
French
The Yard Chester

The Yard Chester

26 City Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3AE

The Yard provides a modern Italian in the heart of Chester, combining style and substance with a cheerful, welcoming decor. Their head chef learnt under Gordon Ramsay and knows a thing or two about Italian food.

Under £30
Modern European
Italian
9 Elephants Thai Drink & Dine

9 Elephants Thai Drink & Dine

9 Elephants Thai Drink & Dine 11A Upper Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 4EE

9 Elephants breathes new life into Thai dining with a menu of easy-sharing Thai tapas. There are bicycles and birdcages on the ceiling and the lively menu is just as fun and eclectic as the decor.

£30 - £49
Thai
North Light

North Light

Unit 1 , Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2EY

Fun and artsy North Light ticks all the boxes - dog-friendly, dietary-friendly, and people friendly! With live music nights through most of the week, you can tuck into some great food whilst also listening to up-and-coming local artists.

Sticky Walnut

Sticky Walnut

11 Charles Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 3AZ

Don't let the unassuming shop front exterior trick you at Sticky Walnut, what's behind is anything but ordinary. This cosy, foodie hot spot serves up delicious European cuisine. This contemporary restaurant is no stranger to an award or two. 

£50 - £79
Modern European
The Botanist - Chester

The Botanist - Chester

13 St Werburgh Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2DY

The Botanist in Chester serves crowd-pleasing comfort food in a cosy setting which resembles a country lodge. Food might include bangers and mash, or one of their famous hanging kebabs, all accompanied by a lengthy list of cocktails.
Under £30
Modern European
British

Looking for more delicious places to eat in the North West? Check out our guide to the best cafes in Manchester.

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