Chester Eateries

Frequently asked questions

Does Chester have any Michelin Guide restaurants?

Yes, and the city has a strong presence in the guide. Chester currently has four restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide: Arkle at The Chester Grosvenor, Upstairs at the Grill, The Jolly Gardeners and Noted. Between them they represent the breadth of Chester's dining scene, from fine dining in one of the city's most storied hotels to a beautifully refurbished Victorian gastropub. It is a line-up that reflects just how seriously Chester takes its food.

Does Chester have good vegan and vegetarian restaurants?

Yes, and the plant-based offer in Chester is genuinely impressive. Shrub on Eastgate Street Row is one of the most celebrated fully vegan restaurants in the city, with a menu running from artichoke wings and seitan burgers to indulgent desserts. Pink Lettuce on Bridge Street Row is another entirely plant-based option, with everything from a five-course tasting menu to sharing platters and after-work drinks. Jaunty Goat on Northgate Street is a Chester institution, with a fully plant-based second shop serving exceptional coffee alongside seasonal brunch dishes and bakes. Maray brings vibrant plant-led Middle Eastern sharing plates to the city, with much of the menu either vegan or easily adapted. Vegan House at Chester Market serves an entirely plant-based street food menu including burgers, loaded fries and doner kebabs. And for something a little different, Chai Station on Brook Street is Chester's only Indian vegetarian restaurant, serving authentic regional dishes freshly made to order. Chester was ranked second in the UK for vegan eating out of 20 cities, behind only Edinburgh. The full Visit Cheshire plant-based guide has everything you need.

Where is good for Sunday lunch in Chester?

Sunday lunch is taken seriously in Chester. The Old Harkers Arms beside the Shropshire Union Canal is a favourite for traditional Sunday fayre done properly, with the added bonus of one of the finest whisky selections in the city. The Chester Fields, just outside the city centre, is an award-winning converted barn serving pub classics and restaurant-style dishes with fresh, locally sourced produce. The Ring O'Bells in nearby Christleton is another award-winning option, with a high-quality menu, fine wines and craft beers in a warm and welcoming country pub setting. Booking ahead is recommended at all three, particularly on busy weekends.

Where can I get afternoon tea in Chester?

You can find a list of great places to indulge in Afternoon Tea in Chester here.

Does Chester have good pubs?

Some of the finest in the north west. The Bear and Billet on Lower Bridge Street is one of Chester's oldest and most handsome pubs, with a history stretching back to 1664. The Brewery Tap on Lower Bridge Street is a favourite for real ale lovers. The Pied Bull on Northgate Street lays claim to being one of the oldest inns in Chester. Between the historic pubs and the city's more contemporary bars, Chester has an evening offer that suits every mood.

Is Chester good for outdoor dining?

Very much so in the warmer months. The riverfront along the Dee is particularly popular, with several restaurants and bars offering terrace seating with views across the water. The Rows also provide a unique setting for alfresco café culture, and Chester's city centre streets come alive with outdoor seating when the weather allows. Read our blog about Alfresco Dining in Chester.

Is Chester good for coeliacs and gluten-free dining?

Very much so. Chester has a genuinely strong offer for coeliacs and gluten-free diners, with a growing number of restaurants taking allergen awareness seriously rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Marmalade is consistently praised by the coeliac community for its knowledgeable staff and dedicated approach to avoiding cross-contamination. Hickory's Smokehouse on Souter's Lane has a well-regarded gluten-free menu including burgers and mains, with staff trained on allergen awareness. Zizzi offers gluten-free pasta and pizza options, as does Pizza Express. Shrub on The Rows caters brilliantly for gluten-free and dairy-free requirements alongside its fully vegan menu. And for a sweet treat, the Pudding Parlour at Chester Market serves gluten-free ice cream cones, a small but genuinely appreciated detail for those who know how hard they can be to find.

As always, it is worth calling ahead to discuss your specific requirements, particularly if you have coeliac disease rather than a general preference, so the kitchen can take appropriate precautions.