Alfresco Extravaganza in Chester City Centre: A Gastronomic Journey Through the Streets
Welcome to Chester, a city renowned for its culinary delights. In this blog, we embark on a delectable alfresco dining adventure, exploring some of the finest eateries where you can eat outdoors and still enjoy our beautiful historic city. Whether you’re seeking a romantic date night, a family outing, or a vibrant atmosphere, Chester offers a diverse range of alfresco options to cater to all tastes. Let’s savour the flavours together as we discover some city gems to whet your appetite.
Bridge Street: A Haven For Food Lovers
Bridge Street is a bustling hub of gastronomic treasures, perfect for a memorable alfresco dining experience. Urbano Pizza sets the stage with its handmade pizzas cooked to perfection. Share a slice with your friends or a loved one, as you take in the historical charm surrounding you.
For burger aficionados Urbano’s sister restaurant, Burger Shed is a must-visit outdoor destination. Their mouthwatering burgers are crafted with locally sourced ingredients, offering an explosion of flavours in every bite. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with friends or family, and don’t forget to pair your burger with one of their craft beers.
If you’re craving a relaxing brunch, Bridge Street Coffee awaits with its delightful breakfast options and freshly brewed coffee. Bask in the morning sun as you tuck in to their scrumptious pancakes or Eggs Benedict, making for a perfect start to your day. Jaunty Goat and Cinderbox are also great brunch and breakfast options too!
For a touch of elegance, Cote Brasserie offers an alfresco setting with a French flair. Sip on a glass of wine and savour classic French dishes like steak frites or moules marinières while you immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere. Or hop over to Carluccio’s for a taste of Italy!
If you’re looking to stay steady in the sun all day, head to Boheme, which will give you an Alfresco Extravaganza from Coffee in the morning sun all the way through to cocktails (or coffee) in the evening rays.
Just off of Bridge Street, take a turn for Commonhall Street… this is where you will find Commonhall Street Social. Their alfresco area is a social hub for all to enjoy, especially at the end of a long week! Groups can huddle to enjoy a few pints, and trust us, conversations will feel so easy in this sun trap.
Watergate Street: A Fusion of Taste and Ambiance
Watergate Street boasts a captivating energy that elevates the alfresco dining experience – especially at the weekend. Assembly, with its charming open-fronted windows give you a feeling of being on a terrace and is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts and foodies alike.
For a taste of Naples, Stile Napoletano brings authentic Italian flavours to Chester. Their handcrafted pizzas are made with imported ingredients, ensuring an authentic and delicious experience. Up on the rows you can’t go wrong with The Flower Cup for some of the best brunch in – make sure to head there early at the weekend!
Further into the day you can enjoy a drink from Beer Heroes, Vin Santo or Providence Gin to watch the sun go down and capture the golden hour of Chester on the streets. If you’re looking for a lively evening with friends, Bar Lounge offers a modern twist to alfresco dining, combining urban vibes with a diverse menu. From unique cocktails to mouthwatering sharing boards and seasonally changing main dishes
Northgate Street: A Culinary Wonderland
Northgate Street is a culinary wonderland where you can find something to please every palate. Don’t ask us – it’s one of Mr Rayners favourite spots for food too! Chez Jules serves up classic French cuisine in a charming on-street dining setting and just a few doors down Blue Bell has some of the most authentic Spanish dishes around – Ole!
For wine enthusiasts, Covino is a wine bar that offers a small but beautiful outdoor space to relax and enjoy a glass of wine. Their carefully curated wine list compliments their delectable ever-changing menu, making it an ideal spot for a romantic evening.
Porta is a tapas bar with an alfresco area that exudes a vibrant Spanish vibe. Savour a medley of small plates, from crispy calamari to tender chorizo, while sharing laughs and good times with friends.
Heading further into the city The Coach House offer a huge outdoor alfresco area where you can enjoy food and drinks with a larger group of friends, across the way Veeno is perfect people watching spot whilst Cestrians and tourists take on the city.
Pepper Street: A Culinary Haven
As we continue our gastronomic journey through Chester’s alfresco dining scene, we arrive at Pepper Street, a haven for food enthusiasts seeking delightful experiences. Here, we find a diverse range of establishments to suit various preferences and occasions and of course some Al Fresco dining spots to enjoy!
Opera Grill, situated on Pepper Street, stands out with its striking architecture and opulent ambiance. This upscale restaurant offers a lavish alfresco dining area on their terrace on the first floor and a smaller outdoor street side area perfect for drinks with friends.
Piccolino in Chester is a stalwart of the restaurant scene and a long time favourite of the Cheshire set. Next door at All Bar One, the vibrant alfresco setting that attracts both locals and visitors alike. With the addition of the brand new Six One Six restaurant and bar, Pepper Street certainly sets itself apart on the flourishing al fresco scene in the city!
Moving around the corner under Newgate Bridge you can also find even more hangouts in the sun such as Popcorns floral surrounded seating at their bustling entrance to their courtyard at the rear where you could easily spend the night.
Other Alfresco Gems: Celebrating Variety
In addition to the main streets, Chester has even more to offer in terms of alfresco delights. Look up at The Cross and see the likes of Shrub (vegan haven) and Pars Kahve (authentic Turkish menu to drool at) where you can enjoy the historic splendour of the rows and amazing food all at once. Take a venture down Godstall Lane where you can experience divine dining with Duttons or quirky catch ups at The Botanist. Or finally, don’t miss the new terrace at the Chester New Market, offering a contemporary dining experience with a diverse range of food stalls to choose from inside.
Chester’s alfresco dining scene is a tapestry of culinary wonders spread across its vibrant streets. Whether you find yourself on Bridge Street, Northgate Street, Watergate Street, or discover other hidden gems, the city offers a variety of dining options suitable for dates, families, and revellers alike.
From handmade pizzas and mouthwatering burgers to French delicacies and Mediterranean delights, Chester’s alfresco eateries present a culinary journey that caters to all tastes. So, gather your loved ones, relish the historic charm, and indulge in the delectable flavours that make alfresco dining in Chester an unforgettable experience.
Bon appétit!
Read more on Eating in Chester here #FoodieChester
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