The Best Restaurants in Chester

Looking for something incredible to eat in Chester? Look no further. We’ve been on a delicious mission to discover the very best eateries this historic city has to offer. We’ve selected the best from the rest and jotted down our findings into a seriously handy list of the best restaurants in Chester. Creating this round-up was a tasty treat but settling on just one place to eat is more likely to be the problem, we’ll leave that job to you.

Updated on 28 January 2020

Nestled between the Chester’s medieval streets and ancient fortress walls are some incredible foodie spots. Whether you're after authentic Italian cuisine, Instagrammable cocktails or somewhere to pimp your own fries (who isn’t looking for pimped fries?) Chester has got what you need. A beautiful city, drenched in history, but dated? Absolutely not.

Whether you’re looking for street food to get you from A-B when sightseeing, dinner with a live music backdrop or award-winning menus for a romantic treat, we've found something for you.

Great British food and good ol’ country pubs dominate the food scene in Chester, but you'll also find incredible wine bars, speciality coffees and an extensive range of cuisines, our list caters for different budgets and has options for every occasion.

After an afternoon discovering the beautiful sites, a canal sidewalk or a day at the races we can probably all agree that not many things are worse than wandering indecisively with aching feet and an empty tummy. So, our roundup has everything you need to know about the places you’d be crazy to miss in Chester. For more details click through to each restaurant’s listing where we have included details on menu items and price, restaurant decor and ambiance and (of course) the all-important taste test - our honest reviews ensure you don't miss a trick when choosing where to eat in Chester.

Joseph Benjamin

Joseph Benjamin

134-140 Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, Cheshire, CH1 2HT

Starting as a 14 cover restaurant, Joseph Benjamin has grown into one of Chester's best eateries. Join the Wright brothers in their deliciously creative restaurant. These talented brothers take modern British food on world tour.

£30 - £49

Modern European

Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor

Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor

The Chester Grosvenor, Eastgate, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1LT

Simons Radley’s one Michelin Starred restaurant offers over-indulgence at its best. Experience the delicious 8 course tasting menu or the impeccable a la carte menu set to the delectable backdrop of the Chester Grosvenor. If that doesn't sell it for you, there's an enormous bread trolley. We repeat, bread trolley.

Over £80

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 Ramsey and knows a thing or two about Italian food.

Under £30

Modern European

Italian

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

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 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

Artichoke Cafe Bar Bistro

Artichoke Cafe Bar Bistro

The Steam Mill, Chester, CH3 5AN

This slick warehouse conversion looks as good as its food tastes. Artichoke offers something for everyone, at any time. From tasty breakfast through to evening tapas and late-night gin cocktails, it’s definitely one to visit.

Under £30

Mediterranean

Tapas

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

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

SquareMeal UK Top 100

1539 Restaurant & Bar

1539 Restaurant & Bar

Watergate Square, Chester, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2LY

Wine and dine whilst taking in the stunning panoramic views of Chester Racecourse. This arena is the oldest continually used sporting venue in Britain, with the first race taking place in (you guessed it) 1539. Expect some delicious twists on British classics or enjoy afternoon tea by the winning post.

£30 - £49

Modern European

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 breathe new life into Thai dining: think a tasty 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

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

Burger Shed 41

Burger Shed 41

41 Bridge Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1NG

Burger Shed 41 brings the fun of a New York burger joint to Chester. Think big stacked burgers, hot dogs, milk shakes and coke floats. Go along with a few friends and stuff your face with burgers!

Under £30

Burgers

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

The Chef’s Table Chester

The 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

Covino Chester

Covino Chester

118 Northgate Street, Chester, 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

hypha Chester

hypha Chester

5 City Walls, Chester, CH1 2JG

The cities first plant-based restaurant and it's definitely worth all the ‘hypha’. Their aim is to abolish the idea that vegan food is boring, and their contemporary decor is worthy of a place on your Instagram. Mission accomplished.

Under £30

Vegan

International

Da Noi

Da Noi

63 Bridge Street, Chester, CH1 1NG

This family owned Italian is a newcomer to Chester’s fine dining scene, but no stranger to accolades. Da Noi just picked up the award for best authentic Italian menu in England and Wales. Molto Bene!

Under £30

Pizza

Italian

Moules A Go Go

Moules A Go Go

39 Watergate Row South, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2LE

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

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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