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Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Chester

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OpenTable
Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Chester? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Shrub restaurant
Shrub
4.9
4.9 (1652)
£26 to £40
British
Chester
About the restaurant
Welcome to Shrub.
Modern Cafe Culture in the heart of Chester.
Whether it's a coffee in the morning, a light lunch on the terrace with a glass of wine from our eclectic selection, to an intimate dinner for two in the restaurant, we aim to offer something for everyone at every time of the day.
If you're not hungry join us for drinks in our bar area where you can sample some of our delicious in house cocktails.
Whatever the time, whatever the occasion we look forward to seeing you.
Top review
LeslieGold
Dined 7 days ago
Exceptional vegan restaurant. Loved all the suggestions that Alex made. Save room for the brownie for dessert! Yum!
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A photo of potato terrine of a restaurant
Popular dish
potato terrine
A photo of house burger of a restaurant
Popular dish
house burger
A photo of artichoke wings of a restaurant
Popular dish
artichoke wings
A photo of Dormouse Haven Restaurant and Tea Room restaurant
Dormouse Haven Restaurant and Tea Room
4.9
4.9 (226)
£26 to £40
Afternoon Tea
Cuddington
About the restaurant
Tumble down the rabbit hole and find yourself at Dormouse Haven Tea Room, where every corner tells a tale as curious as Alice’s adventures! Our walls, adorned with hand-painted murals inspired by Wonderland, and shelves dotted with whimsical collectibles, invite you to a tea party you won’t soon forget. Gather your band of merry mad-hatters for private dining experiences tailored for groups up to 30—perfect for any celebration that calls for a touch of the extraordinary.
Top review
Stephen
Dined 2 days ago
First but definitely not the last visit yesterday. Enjoyed everything and usually for me, thought it was worth every penny! Nice people, but the best is proper china cups and enough in pot of tea for a few cups for both myself and wife. Can’t wait to take my six year old granddaughter who will love it. Highly recommend!
A photo of The Chefs Table restaurant
The Chefs Table
4.8
4.8 (4016)
£26 to £40
British
Chester
About the restaurant
Lunch Offer - Two Courses for £40 / Three Courses for £45
Dinner - A la carte Menu • or • Six Course 'Taste of the Menu' £75
Full service Lounge with Happy Hour Wed-Friday, 5-7pm

Chef's Table is an award-winning intimate modern British restaurant in Chester, offering a contemporary dining experience focused on fresh, seasonal cuisine, high-quality produce and flavour. Our menus change every 4-6 weeks to reflect what's growing on our farm in Daresbury, alongside ingredients from across the globe that inspire our cooking and menus.

Vegan / GF / DF Menus available
Climate controlled premises.
Private Hire available for 10-50 guests.
- - -
If your preferred time is not available please make a note on your reservation and we will try our best to accommodate you in the event of a cancellation. If you don't see the time you would like, please email us at info@chefstablechester.co.uk with the preferred time, party size, and telephone number and we will check our availability.
Top review
Gill
Dined 1 day ago
Superb. Beautifully cooked food. All 3 courses jam packed full of wonderful flavours and quality ingredients. Jess was very welcoming and helpful. No where else in Chester can compare to the standard of cheffery.
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A photo of Lunch Offer : 3 Courses £45 of a restaurant
Experience
Lunch Offer : 3 Courses £45
A photo of 6 Course 'Taste of the Menu' of a restaurant
Experience
6 Course 'Taste of the Menu'
A photo of The Lounge at Chef's Table restaurant
The Lounge at Chef's Table
4.7
4.7 (378)
£26 to £40
British
Chester
About the restaurant
Situated within Chef's Table, the Lounge (previously Twenty Eight Lounge) is a relaxed drinking and dining space with a full service restaurant menu - whether you're popping in for happy hour and a few small plates, or settling in for a long and leisurely evening over dinner.

On the lighter side, you'll find refined snacks and seasonal small plates, indulgent fare including our wagyu burger, fried chicken with caviar, and lobster frites alongside salads and an 'on toast' menu using our own freshly baked bread and our twist on the classic club sandwich.

Equally suited to a spontaneous drink, a relaxed catch-up over food with friends, or an intimate date night, the Lounge also makes the perfect stop before or after dining at Chef’s Table next door.

Head Chef : Jay Tanner
2024 Condé Nast Traveller Restaurant Awards Winner : Reader's Favourite
1 AA Rosette • Square Meal Top 100 Restaurants 2025
Top review
David
Dined 6 days ago
Came here for dinner. Food was perfect. Cocktails very well made. Service spot on. Will definitely return
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A photo of Happy Hour of a restaurant
Experience
Happy Hour
A photo of The Bear restaurant
The Bear
4.7
4.7 (81)
£26 to £40
Gastro Pub
Tattenhall
About the restaurant
The Bear stands proudly at the heart of picturesque Tattenhall, a beautiful South Cheshire village with a rich history and vibrant community.

Centrally located in the village High Street, the team invite you to experience genuine hospitality within spaces that balance tradition with contemporary design. Our 19th Century Inn has been lovingly restored to create a warm, welcoming haven with exceptional food and carefully selected drinks. Outside, the large walled garden with south facing terrace is a delightful sun trap.

Whether you’re joining us for a relaxed lunch, intimate dinner, celebratory gathering, or overnight stay, The Bear offers a distinctly premium experience while remaining authentically connected to its village roots.
Top review
Robert
Dined 6 days ago
The food was really good. We had the cheese burger which was awesome.
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A photo of Golden Hour of a restaurant
Experience
Golden Hour
A photo of Carbonara restaurant
Carbonara
4.6
4.6 (180)
£26 to £40
Italian
Chester
About the restaurant
Our family-owned restaurant and bar - set in a venue of beauty & history within the heart of the Roman city of Chester, be sure of a warm welcome, exceptional wines and exquisite Roman dishes as we put our passion onto your plate. Set within the historic St. Michael’s Parish—a beautifully preserved 350-year-old building—our upstairs private dining space provides an inviting and characterful setting. Inspired by our namesake dish, Carbonara embodies our passion for genuine Italian flavours and tradition.
Top review
Lori
Dined 2 days ago
This restaurant just went to the top of our list for dining in Chester - will definitely be back! The staff and owner were wonderful! We even got a tour of the place which was fascinating!
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A photo of Carbonara of a restaurant
Popular dish
Carbonara
A photo of Opera Grill - Chester restaurant
Opera Grill - Chester
4.5
4.5 (574)
£26 to £40
Grill
Chester
About the restaurant
Located in the heart of Chester, Restaurant Bar & Grill Opera Grill is one of the city’s most iconic dining destinations.
Spanning three floors, the venue features stylish restaurant and bar spaces, a live music lounge with stage, a south-facing rooftop terrace, private dining room and vibrant cocktail bars perfect for celebrations, drinks and all-day dining.
Inspired by global flavours and premium ingredients, the menu showcases signature steaks, fresh seafood, grilled dishes and crafted cocktails in an experience-led setting.
Open from lunch until late, seven days a week, Opera Grill Chester is ideal for brunch, dinner, celebrations, private events and late-night dining.
Top review
Angela
Dined 6 days ago
Fantastic service, food was lovely. We were looking forward to the entertainment but there was only one set. She was a lovely singer though :)
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A photo of Dinner in the Dark of a restaurant
Experience
Dinner in the Dark
A photo of The 26 Collection of a restaurant
Experience
The 26 Collection
A photo of Gospel Sunday by Sing Out Music of a restaurant
Experience
Gospel Sunday by Sing Out Music
A photo of Piccolino - Chester restaurant
Piccolino - Chester
4.5
4.5 (529)
£26 to £40
Italian
Chester
About the restaurant
Chester’s historic beauty and unique atmosphere make it one of the UK’s most popular places to visit. This ancient city is a must for history-lovers: walk the Roman walls following in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, and visit the largest Amphitheatre in Britain. It makes sense that with all that Roman history, Chester is also home to one of the area’s best Italian restaurants, Piccolino!
Piccolino, an authentic Italian Restaurant, is a proud fixture of the Chester dining scene. Located on Pepper Street, Piccolino in Chester boasts an open kitchen, cocktail bar, and wine boutique. Piccolino is also home to Chester’s very first Prosecco bar and alfresco terrace.
We visit the regions, meet the producers and are committed to sourcing the best quality ingredients. At Piccolino, passion for provenance is at the forefront of our menu, which incorporates the best and freshest seasonal produce, Italian cheeses, meat and seafood, all delivering pure classic Italian flavours.
Top review
Kunle
Dined on 9 Oct 2026
As always, great experience , good ambience and lovely food Customer service is excellent
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Experience
Express Lunch
A photo of A Taste of Piccolino : Tasting Menu of a restaurant
Experience
A Taste of Piccolino : Tasting Menu
A photo of Weekend Signature Festive Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Weekend Signature Festive Menu
A photo of The Forge restaurant
The Forge
4.4
4.4 (572)
£26 to £40
Contemporary British
Chester
About the restaurant
AA 2 Rosette restaurant. The Forge Restaurant in Chester is one of Chester’s best restaurants with delicious food and unrivalled service. With a passion for wild, sustainable British ingredients, and a love of simple cooking over fire and charcoal. The Forge has its kitchen front and centre in the middle of this lovely, and elegant space. Incredible dry-aged beef and wild venison will be found in the maturation cabinets, awaiting their turn on the amazing forge grill, to be lovingly grilled and roasted over beech logs. Head chef Dan Regan, a passionate chef, heads up the young, vibrant team in the kitchen. Combining amazing, wild, sustainable ingredients from land and sea into sumptuous creations that form really memorable eating experiences. We focus on British ingredients, as local to Chester. Our venison, always a hugely popular part of our menus, is harvested from herds on estates that focus on improving biodiversity and deer health – a process we call Farming the Wild.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 6 days ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish! We visited The Forge in Chester for dinner and honestly couldn't have asked for a better evening. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was brilliant, and the staff were absolutely outstanding. You know when you go somewhere to eat and the food is the main event? Well, The Forge has somehow managed to make the food AND the service equally memorable. Everything was spot on, and we left feeling like we'd had a genuinely special evening rather than just gone out for a meal. The staff deserve a massive amount of credit. They were welcoming, friendly, attentive and had that brilliant ability to make you feel comfortable without constantly hovering over you. It's clear that a great deal of effort goes into making customers feel valued, and it really shows. A special mention goes to Luigi, who was an absolute legend! I'll save the full praise for his own dedicated review because that man deserves a section all to himself. 😂 Restaurants can serve expensive food on fancy plates all day long, but it's the people who work there who turn a nice meal into a brilliant experience. The Forge absolutely nailed it. If you're visiting Chester and wondering where to eat, do yourself a favour and give this place a go. Great food, fantastic staff, a lovely atmosphere and service that genuinely makes a difference. We'll definitely be recommending The Forge to others, and we'd happily return. A massive thank you to the whole team for making our evening so enjoyable. You should all be proud of what you do! Five stars, without a second thought. And if all restaurant experiences were this good, I'd be running out of excuses to cook at home! 😂🍽️
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A photo of Heritage Ribeye of a restaurant
Popular dish
Heritage Ribeye
A photo of Steak Night at The Forge of a restaurant
Experience
Steak Night at The Forge
A photo of Breakfast Set Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Breakfast Set Menu
A photo of The Ivy Chester Brasserie restaurant
The Ivy Chester Brasserie
4.3
4.3 (959)
£25 and under
British
Chester
About the restaurant
Situated on Newgate Street in the heart of the city centre, The Ivy Chester Brasserie offers a sophisticated yet relaxed environment for every occasion. From casual lunches to leisurely dinners, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully crafted menu in a beautifully designed space.
Top review
Paul
Dined 2 days ago
Great location, menu choice, table layout and people
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A photo of Cool Britannia Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Cool Britannia Menu
A photo of A Night of Whitney of a restaurant
Experience
A Night of Whitney
A photo of Little Monsters Breakfast Banquet of a restaurant
Experience
Little Monsters Breakfast Banquet
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