Top 5 Places to Eat in Chester

Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price, Sandra Frank
26/08/2025
Charming street view of Chester, England, featuring the historic Eastgate Clock.
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Chester's dining scene offers a diverse and acclaimed selection of independent restaurants, ranging from casual tapas to sophisticated modern British cuisine.

1. Sticky Walnut

Cuisine: Modern European

Nestled in the Hoole suburb, Sticky Walnut offers an intimate and inviting atmosphere with its rustic exposed bricks and wooden furnishings. Known for exceptional, intelligent food and non-standard flavour combinations, it is a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Many diners praise the relaxed ambiance and attentive service, often highlighting it as a top choice for a memorable date night.

Price: Three courses from £39-£47 (approx. $50-$60 USD)

Getting There: Located in Hoole, just outside Chester city centre. It is a short taxi ride or a pleasant walk (around 20-30 minutes) from the main area.

2. The Forge

Cuisine: Modern British, Steak & Seafood

The Forge, situated in the city centre, prides itself on ethically sourced, high-quality meats, particularly British beef dry-aged for a minimum of 28 days. Awarded two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence in 2023, it offers a sophisticated dining experience with knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the menu and cocktail selections. Expect hearty, delicious dishes and impeccable service in a stylish setting.

Price: Mains typically £25-£40+ (approx. $32-$50+ USD)

Getting There: Located in Hotel Indigo, Grosvenor Park Road, which is in the heart of Chester City Centre and easily walkable from most central attractions.

3. The Chef's Table

Cuisine: Modern British, Micro-seasonal

Having recently moved to a prestigious new location on Pepper Street in August 2023, The Chef's Table continues to impress with its accomplished modern British cooking. The restaurant focuses on micro-seasonal à la carte and tasting menus, often featuring produce from their own farm. The new premises offer a sophisticated ambiance with climate control and step-free access, and they are known for their comprehensive gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options.

Price: Set lunch menu from £30 for two courses; tasting menu around £80-£95 per person (approx. $38-$120 USD)

Getting There: Found on Pepper Street in the city centre, it is easily accessible by foot from all major central areas.

4. Porta Tapas Bar

Cuisine: Spanish Tapas

Porta Tapas Bar is a vibrant and intimate spot in the Northgate Quarter, perfect for relaxed evenings with friends. We appreciate the authentic Spanish tapas dishes, which are well-priced and often praised as some of the best outside of Spain. The no-reservations policy means you might wait, but there is often an upstairs bar to enjoy. It has a cosy atmosphere and is very accommodating with allergens.

Price: Tapas dishes typically £4-£10 (approx. $5-$13 USD) per plate

Getting There: Located on Northgate Street, it is a central location easily reachable by walking.

5. Chez Jules

Cuisine: French Bistro

Chez Jules offers a lively taste of France in Chester, renowned for its excellent value 'menu du jour' and 'prix fixe' options. The atmosphere is bustling and friendly, with a classic French bistro feel. It's a popular choice for both casual dining and families, consistently delivering on flavour with dishes like slow-braised steak and goat's cheese salad. Their value-for-money deals, especially on certain evenings, are a highlight.

Price: Two-course set menu from £13.95; three-course set menu around £26.95 (approx. $17-$34 USD)

Getting There: Centrally located on Northgate Street, making it easily walkable from most parts of Chester City Centre.

Check out our other pages on Chester

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