Whether you are visiting Chester or planning a night out in the historic city, there is no need to skip milestone events.
You can stay where you are, because Chester is home to several acclaimed fine dining destinations that are just the ticket for a special occasion. This is your mini guide to stylish eateries in and around the city.
The Forge
The UK’s culinary scene has come on leaps and bounds over the past three decades, and nowhere in Chester is this more evident than The Forge, located within Hotel Indigo on Grosvenor Park Road.
There is a menu centred on British provenance, and a focus on items that are wild and sustainable. Think wild venison or dry-aged beef, cooked over oak and beech logs in full view of the dining table.
The Forge is the creation of restaurateur and wild food chef Mike Robinson, who has made the kitchen centre stage in these unique surroundings. You’ll find an elegant dining space which has been awarded two AA Rosettes, with dishes that celebrate local produce from land and sea. If it’s time for some birthday or anniversary drinks, you can either order from the bar or call over the roaming cocktail trolley.
Palm Court
A resplendent dining room, set in a conservatory, at the heart of the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa. The atmosphere at Palm Court owes much to the surroundings, with a scene set by tropical Kentia palm plants, crystal chandeliers and a bubbling fountain.
You’ll settle down to read a menu that spans British and European dishes – with options ranging from goat’s cheese soufflé, sea bass, bourbon-glazed short rib and wild garlic chicken ballotine – plus a renowned Sunday carvery.
The size of Palm Court means that it can accommodate various celebrations; whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a large family gathering.
The Chester Grosvenor
Now to a Chester institution. No list would be complete without The Chester Grosvenor, the city’s flagship five-star hotel overlooking the famous Eastgate Clock.
Since 1865, it has been a classy culinary destination restaurant, and for special occasions, consider Arkle, the 3 AA Rosette restaurant. The Tasting Menu is a nice option, giving you the chance to savour dishes such as scallop ceviche, line-caught sea bass, Creedy Carver duck, and white chocolate dessert.
For something a little more relaxed, La Brasserie serves modern European dishes alongside Chester’s glamorous Champagne Bar. Either way, a visit here feels like an event in itself.
Upstairs at the Grill
Set in an iconic building on historic Watergate Street, Upstairs at the Grill brings a touch of Manhattan to Chester.
Originally established in 2002 and reimagined in 2022, this split-level steakhouse specialises in prime cuts from Britain and breeds from around the world. There’s an extensive wine list and a mixologist on hand to create classic cocktails. On their current SS26 menu you can tuck into protein-led delights such as beef fillet tartare, fire-kissed scallops, 32oz bone-in ribeye and Delmonico steak, a famous American cut of beef that originated at the historic Delmonico’s restaurant in New York City in the mid-19th century.
The atmosphere is chic yet relaxed, with a terrace that’s ideal in warmer months and a roaring fire for cooler evenings. This is a savvy choice for steak lovers, those celebrating a special date night or birthday, and visitors exploring the city centre.
Chef’s Table
An independent restaurant on Pepper Street, another central location near the city’s river, walls and racecourse.
Chef’s Table takes a microseasonal approach to British cuisine. Menus change regularly and are designed around produce grown on the restaurant’s own farm in Daresbury, resulting in dishes that are fresh, inventive, and full of personality. Recent hits with reviewers include scallop ceviche, butter-poached scallops, togarashi beef fillet and wild halibut loin.
There’s a bright, airy dining room and open kitchen, which adds a sense of occasion, and the tasting menu allows diners to sample more dishes during their short window of availability. With two AA Rosettes to its name, Chef’s Table consistently gets a mention when the city’s top dining destinations are discussed.
Making Your Reservation
Each of these restaurants offers something distinct, from the theatrical open-kitchen grilling at The Forge to the timeless glamour of The Chester Grosvenor.
Whatever the occasion, booking ahead is strongly recommended, particularly at weekends, as these venues are understandably popular with both locals and visitors. With such a variety of exceptional dining options on offer, Chester continues to prove itself as one of the North West’s most exciting food destinations — well worth exploring for your next celebration.