The Ultimate Chester Food Guide - Some of the best restaurants in Chester The Ultimate Chester Food Guide - Some of the best restaurants in Chester
Great restaurants that won’t break the bank
A good place to start! I won’t name every restuarant in Chester trawling through my likes and dislikes. I want to give people a good indication of why they should visit certain restaurants and why.
I’ll start with a top 5 of excellent Chester restaurants that are incredibly reasonable for what you get.
1. Greenhouse
What: An exceptional European tapas restaurant. Undooubtedly the most varied, individual and interesting small plates you’ll find in Chester. The head chef is highly skilled and comes from Sicily. Claudio brings influences from all over Europe to the menu.
Where: Rufus Court
Why: The usual, generic tapas dishes that can be found in most restaurants of this genre are not found here. For example, rather than small croquettes of jamon or mushroom, instead you’ll enjoy pulled pork croquette braised in Guiness with intricate toppings and sauces. There is a fantastic seafood offering as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.
The menu changes with the season and the restaurant sources locally. As well as a fantatsic atmosphere the restaurant feels hidden away from the city centre in an intimate courtyard. You can visit Greenhouse for excellent food with family, friends or work colleagues and feel comfortable and relaxed. Equally, come for a drink (excellent cocktails) and cicetti at the bar or on one of the restaurant’s comfy couches. Greenhouse has an outdoor area into the lovely courtyard. Personally, I don’t think you can go wrong; you’ll always find excellent service and a warm welcome.
2. Pars Kahve
What: A superb independently run Turkish restaurant owned by Adem and Holly. Pars Kahve has real character and exceptional food. You can sit inside and enjoy authentic yet modern decor, or out on the rows where cusions are laid out and you can feel like you’re on holiday!
Where: Watergate Street Rows
Why: The menu offers high quality and variety with sharing platters that are excellent value. I’ve never once been disappointed with the array of turkish delicacies available. There are little touches of brilliance from the chef, and if you do go, I beg of you, try the Sicak hummus. Loads of creative vegetarian and meat dishes to choose from and incredible baklava. Front of house is always excellent and you’ll always feel welcome here, the service is second to none.
Some of Chester’s best restaurants (that aren’t overpriced)
The next two Chester restaurants could easily feature in different sections, but it seems wrong to leave them out here.
3. Russels Thai Tapas
What: The second of two restaurants from a young Thai couple and my favourite because it is the more unusual of the two. Thai food but small plates; this concept, according to owner …. is one that stems from the way Thai people eat in the evening.
Where: Foregate Street
Why: Russels is one of the more unique Thai restaurants. The menu is primarily is a selection of small sharing dishes which offer cruchy, sour, soft, sweet and a whole range of tastes and textures. There are dishes which are familiar, but many that aren’t and for this reason I would strongly urge anyone to give it a go.
The only place in Chester where you will find a bao bun, the chef has taken a great deal of time on exceptional flavours in simple sounding dishes. The crispy chilli chicken wings are sensational! Outside the city walls is not the usual place to dine in Chester, however this beautiful restaurant that mixes modern and traditional is worth heading off the beaten track for.
4. Stile
What: A pizzaria which has won numerous awards and is run by Italian chef Giacomo Guido. Giacomo has been in Chester since 2018 and the restaurant serves Neapolitan style pizzas that never dissapoint. Pizza making courses and evening events are also now available at Stile Napoletano
Where: Watergate Street
Why: Having been nominated for the best pizza in London in 2015 after moving his family from Ischia, Giacomo settled in Chester. The restaurant has gone from strength to strength. Using a mixture of organic, local produce and Italian ingredients the Restaurant has been named third best in the UK. My Italian tour guide is from Verona says it is the only place she has eaten pizza that has reminded her of home.
If you live in Chester you will know Stile Napoletano. The restaurant is small and exclusive, and the menu is not overwhelming. Giacomo creates exceptional flavours, I wouldn’t go so far as to say fusion, but he puts a twist on the classics at times. A great Chester restaurant for date night!
One of the best restaurants in Chester on the rows
The last Chester restaurant recommendation is something a bit different. They also own a cocktail bar in Chester that is bursting with National Awards. Both are an excellent shout, and this particular restaurant is great for early evening dining.
4. Shrub
What: A vegan restaurant with some of the tastiest most creative food you’ll find in Chester. If you’re visiting Shrub you’ll have one of the best views of Chester’s cross and the hustle and bustle of our city centre in Chester.
Where: Watergate Rows
Why: You will not find better vegetarian/vegan food in Chester, and Shrub won Taste Cheshire’s ‘Best Restaurant’ in 2025. As well as amazing cocktails and excellent service Shrub enjoys a reputation for delicious small plates. A lot of what you’ll eat is mediterranean or Lebanese style food; there is fusion as well as fresh vegetables.
Sammi and Cameron own Shrub and tbc on Watergate street. They have created both an exciting and varied menu as well as beautiful decor inside and out.
Eat on Chester’s Rows
The balcony area curves around looking down from the canopied rows. The heaters and ceiling decor make for a cosy, modern environment all year round. I have to say, the desserts at Shrub are superb, and for vegan that surprises people.
That’s my 5 best medium-range priced restaurents in Chester. Give them a go, you’ll be supporting incredible Chester independents that won’t hit your pocket too hard.
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