From plush wine bars, pricey pavement cafes and award-winning restaurants to cosy tea rooms and charming traditional pubs, Chester is a city with a wonderfully varied dining scene. The picturesque walled city sees vast numbers of tourists pass through each year, so be prepared for some popular spots to be seriously packed during the summer, and book in advance at formal restaurants.
Fine Dining
For fine dining that justifies the high price tag, try Simon Radley at the Chester Grosvenor. This is the Michelin-starred restaurant at the Grosvenor Hotel, and the eponymous chef Simon Radley has headed up the kitchen for over two decades. The French-inspired restaurant has held its Michelin star since 1990.
Best of British Cuisine
This ancient city is home to scores of antique buildings, many of which now function as pubs selling traditional British dishes such as pie and mash, fish and chips and hearty Sunday roasts. While there are plenty of such pubs in the city centre, a good choice for families is to head out to the country pubs in the suburbs, which boast plenty of outdoor space. The Cock O'Barton, at nearby Barton Village, is a stylish country pub serving high-quality British dishes.
Bargain Bites
Many of Chester's cafe bars and restaurants offer good early bird and set menu deals, and those on tight budgets can take their pick from any number of low-cost sandwich shops, tea rooms and fish and chip shops.
The Red Lion on Northgate Street is a traditional Nicholson's pub with a solid selection of ales and classic pub food.