There are some fantastic dining options in Chester, if you only know where to look.
From 5-star dining to easy, breezy pub lunches, here are our top picks for restaurants in Chester you simply must try.
The Chef’s Table
Located in the heart of Chester, The Chef’s Table is a must-visit for foodies. The Chef’s Table strives to offer you the best seasonal dining experience in the North West, using fresh, local produce available that day. It’s the place to come for variety – their menus are constantly changing with exciting dishes to capture the taste of the season. Come here for all the meaty goodness; try the roast lamb loin with pistachio crust, rolled and stuffed ‘lamb-chetta’, sultana caponata, ricotta stuffed courgette flower and polenta, it’s totally amazing. For veggies, the duck egg with duck egg sabayon, duck egg mimosa, griddled courgette and tater tots will win you over.
The Yard
For Italian food, you must try The Yard. The Yard is a family owned and run modern Italian restaurant in the centre of Chester. It combines both style and substance, with food prepared by their head chef, who previously worked for Gordon Ramsay. The food here is Italian with a twist; think antipasti to start, with Italian cured meats and cheese, followed by burrata with sweet and sour beetroot, and sour cream and citrus cured salmon with pickled cucumbers. For main course, enjoy some of the finest pasta in Chester – there’s everything from squid ink pasta with salami and shrimps, to beetroot ravioli with mixed beets and celery leaves. Glorious!
Hanky Panky Pancakes
It may not be a fancy restaurant, but it would be wrong to visit Chester and not check out Hanky Panky Pancakes. A great alternative to traditional afternoon tea, Hanky Panky specialises in, you guessed it: pancakes! Hanky Pancky’s founder was inspired by childhood memories and fondness for pancakes to create something truly delicious that the whole family could enjoy. You can sample savoury pancakes such as The Fun Guy with mushroom pate and baby spinach, or The Nippy with smoked salmon, lemon and cracked pepper, as well as some devilish sweet creations. Naughty sweet pancakes include The Honeymooner with honeycomb ice cream and apple compote, and The Fully Monty with vanilla ice cream, maple syrup and banana. Of course, you can add-on marshmallows, Nutella, berries and lots more to make them extra indulgent.
La P’tite France
If you fancy a French meal, La P’tite France is a must-try. Offering traditional French cuisine, owner Pantxika always selects the best and freshest ingredients, to make your meal extra special. It’s got great atmosphere, too - enjoy your meal to the sound of classic French music, with specially-chose French wines to accompany your foodie journey. The French food here is really good; you must start your meal with mussels cooked in white wine and garlic, or perfect King Prawns with carrots, fennel and onion. Move onto their great meat - the roast duck leg with orange sauce or Rib-Eye steak is a must-try. You can’t leave without trying their homemade creme brûlée, it’s the best.
Siam Thai & Teppanyaki Restaurant
In the mood for Asian food? Then this place is just for you. Siam is an independent, family-run business which opened in April 2006. It’s quite the spectacle; this vast building, overlooking the Shropshire Union Canal, has been re-imaged and offers fine dining split between three floors. On the ground floor is Chester’s first Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant, while upstairs is an authentic Thai restaurant and bar. The Teppanyaki restaurant features dishes such as spicy tuna rolls, lobster tail with garlic and beef fillet with peppercorn sauce. With an extensive list of sushi and sashimi, you certainly won’t go hungry here. The Thai restaurant has everything you could hope for – chicken coconut cream soup, slow-cooked lamb curry and the best vegetable spring rolls in Chester, dig in!
