Chester Restaurant Guide

“With stunning views over Chester Racecourse” (“book early to be sure of a window table”), this well-established venue marries “fine wines and food” and, so long as you “don’t go on race days”, there are “usually quiet areas for those important business meetings”.

Set within the most unique location in Chester, the racecourse, we serve generous helpings of comfort food, alongside a selection of traditional beers, real ales and wines.Weekends are all about relaxing with family and friends and what better way to spend your precious...

2019 Review: Hot on the heels of opening Docket No. 33 in Whitchurch, this autumn 2018 newcomer opens in the heart of the city (on the site of the Ginger Wine Bar, RIP). Chester has always had a shortage of ambitious modern British ventures making this potential rival for the likes of Sticky Walnut all the more welcome.

Acclaimed by some conservative types as “the best dining experience in the north-west of England” – this much-accoladed dining room sits in the heart of an unusually grand city-centre hotel (well, it is owned by one of the UK’s wealthiest men, the Duke of Westminster) right next to Chester’s iconic Eastgate clock. Simon Radley has held a Michelin star here nigh-on since he joined in 1998, and his “awesome” cuisine, the “wonderful service” and the duke’s impressive cellar (with 700 bins) maintains this as one of the region’s culinary ‘heavy hitters’ if you are seeking an experience of traditional luxury and sophistication. “Huge bill” though. The hotel also provides “the best afternoon tea for miles” in its Arkle Bar & Lounge.

Gary Usher’s increasingly famous Elite Bistros chain started with this “lovely neighbourhood bistro” in Hoole – although it’s “only small”, and it’s in what might seem like “an unlikely location”, being a low-key residential suburb of Chester, whose main claim to fame is that it’s not far from the railway station. The venue bears all the all-round formula that’s driven Gary’s success though: an “intimate” yet “bustling and lively” atmosphere; “warm, humorous service”; and “generous portions of very well-cooked food” from a “slightly unusual” menu that’s “very reasonably priced”.

“Small but perfectly formed” – this “tiny place with an open-plan kitchen” tucked away off Northgate Street serves “wonderful food” with “great depth of flavour” and “you’re really well looked after” too.

2017 Review: So far the exit of celeb chef Michael Caines, who has left the ABode Group to launch his own Devon hotel (Lympstone Manor) in February 2017, hasn’t hurt this “fifth-floor hotel-restaurant with pleasant views” of the town and racecourse; while still sometimes considered “expensive”, fans say that the “great, enthusiastic young team is cooking up a storm”.

“A long-term favourite which has been going for decades” – in recent times now decamped to La Tasca's old digs from its original home in The Rows – it boasts “plush and trendy” décor; “the moules marinières are wonderful and there are nights dedicated to surf and turf or lobster”.

2018 Review: Located on the city’s amazing medieval walls, and with “excellent town-house ambience and a location overlooking the river”, all agree this small hotel couldn’t be better situated. Foodwise highs and lows were reported this year – more feedback please.

Good all-round ratings again (if on limited feedback) for this swish steakhouse and cocktail bar in the city-centre. It offers an unusually comprehensive range of cuts, with a variety of Aberdeen Angus and USDA options, plus a big selection of sides.