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Alfresco Dining in Chester: Where to Eat Outdoors in Style
When the sun’s shining and the city comes alive, there’s no better way to enjoy Chester than a spot of alfresco dining. From riverside pubs and rooftop cocktails to café terraces, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Bridge Street is at the heart of Chester’s alfresco dining scene, where an eclectic collection of restaurants and cafes spill out onto the pedestrian-friendly street. This lively area offers a fantastic variety of outdoor seating options, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious meals and drinks while taking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re after a casual brunch, a leisurely lunch, or an evening meal under the stars, Bridge Street provides the perfect backdrop for dining alfresco in Chester.
Here’s your guide to where to eat alfresco in Chester – so pull up a chair, soak in the views, and dig in.
World Cuisine
Take your tastebuds on a global tour without leaving the city! These international hotspots offer fantastic food and fabulous outdoor spaces.
Stile Napoletano
Craving the real taste of Naples? Stile Napoletano was recently named one of the best pizzerias in the world. Each authentic Neapolitan pizza is a masterpiece, crafted with traditional techniques and the finest Italian ingredients for that perfect soft, bubbly crust and mouth-watering toppings. Grab a seat in their welcoming outdoor area and savour your fresh, piping-hot slice right in the heart of Chester, pizza perfection!
📍 49 Watergate Street, Chester CH1 2LB
Carluccios
At Carluccios, expect Italian classics and Bridge Street views – the perfect pitstop for pasta lovers and people-watchers.
📍 38 Bridge Street, CH1 1NQ


Côte Brasserie
Enjoy chic French dining on a stylish terrace at Côte Brasserie. Steak frites, wine, and sunshine? Oui, please.
📍 36 Bridge Street, CH1 1NQ
Olive Tree Brasserie
Olive Tree Brasserie offers Greek-inspired cuisine meets city-centre glamour, with outdoor tables ideal for mezze and cocktails.
📍 39-41 Watergate Row South, CH1 2LE
Ristorante Sergio
Ristorante Sergio is a popular family-run Italian with a charming courtyard – perfect for romantic evenings or laid-back lunches.
📍 18a St Werburgh Street, CH1 2DY
Turtle Bay
Head to Turtle Bay for big Caribbean flavours, reggae beats, and a vibrant street-side seating area made for rum cocktails and sunshine.
📍 Exchange Square, Unit 8 Princess Street, Northgate Street, CH1 2HA
Urbano 32
Urbano 32 is an Industrial-cool pizzeria with seriously good small plates and has a prime alfresco spot on buzzing Bridge Street. Plus grab 2 for 1 pizzas every Thursday!
📍 32 Bridge Street, CH1 1NQ
Porta
At Porta expect small plates, Spanish wines, and sociable street seating – this tapas bar is a true local favourite.
📍 140 Northgate Street, CH1 2HT


Piccolino
Piccolino is a chic Italian spot featuring a sleek terrace, serving up modern classics—perfect for a romantic date night or a stylish lunch out.
📍 33 Pepper Street, Chester, CH1 1DF
Thai Baan
Thai Baan brings the authentic flavours of Thailand right to your plate. Their chefs have mastered the art of Thai cuisine, creating dishes that are bursting with vibrant colours and bold flavours. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a warm summer evening, eating alfresco here perfectly complements the exotic dishes.
📍 41 Bridge Street, Chester, CH1 1RS
Restaurants
From wood-fired BBQ to modern British bistros, Chester’s restaurants bring big flavours to beautiful open-air spaces.
Hickory’s Smokehouse
Hickory's is BBQ heaven on the banks of the River Dee, think slow-cooked meats, cocktails, and a huge outdoor deck.
📍 The Groves, Souters Lane, CH1 1SD
BarLounge
A true local institution, BarLounge is the place to be for cocktails, crowd-pleasers, and soaking up all-day sunshine on their buzzing terrace. This year, they’re celebrating 25 fantastic years of great vibes and even better drinks—cheers to a quarter-century of alfresco fun!
📍 75 Watergate Street, CH1 2LB


The Forge
The Forge is a celebration of British farming, game, and sustainability, where meat and fish are cooked over flames for bold, elemental flavour. Take a seat on the terrace and enjoy responsibly sourced dishes inspired by nature, in a setting that’s as refined as it is rustic.
📍Grosvenor Park Road, Chester , CH1 1QQ
Duttons
Tucked away on charming Godstall Lane, Duttons is a laid-back city-centre spot perfect for cocktails and catch-ups in the sunshine. Its cosy outdoor terrace, seasonal menus, and friendly vibes make it a favourite for alfresco brunch, lunch, or a cheeky afternoon spritz.
📍10–12 Godstall Lane, Chester , CH1 1LN
Oddfellows
Oddfellows is a whimsical townhouse restaurant with a gorgeous secret garden terrace – ideal for brunch, lunch, or a cheeky cocktail.
📍 20 Lower Bridge Street, Chester, CH1 1RS
Opera Grill Restaurant & Bar
Set within a striking Grade II-listed neoclassical building, Opera Grill delivers theatrical fine dining both indoors and outdoors. Its sun-drenched all-weather terrace, complete with retractable roof and heaters, invites you to savour charcoal-grilled steaks, fresh seafood, and delicious cocktails under the open sky, all to the backdrop of live music and vibrant summer vibes ,
📍3 Pepper Street, Chester CH1 1DF

On the Rows
Dining on the historic Chester Rows is a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in the UK. From colourful cocktails to Turkish treats, these elevated alfresco spots offer people-watching, city views, and some seriously good food, all just a few steps above the hustle and bustle.

Shrub
Plant-powered and planet-friendly, Shrub is a vibrant, award-winning eatery where veg-led dishes meet sustainable sipping. Their Rows-front terrace is perfect for soaking up the sunshine while enjoying a cocktail (or two) and a delicious small plate feast.
📍 1–3 Eastgate Row, North, Chester CH1 1LQ
Pars Kahve
Tucked away in a cosy corner of the Rows, Pars Kahve is a hidden Turkish delight. With strong coffee, homemade baklava, and a balcony overlooking the street below, this independent café is an irresistible stop for a sweet alfresco escape.
📍5 - 7 Watergate Street, Chester CH1 2LB
Pubs and Bars
There’s no better way to enjoy Chester than with a drink in hand and the sun on your face. From stylish rooftops to riverside retreats and cosy beer gardens, these bars and pubs serve up good vibes, great drinks and delicious grub.
Vin Santo
Vin Santo is a stylish Italian-inspired wine bar tucked away in the city centre, boasting a bright, sunny terrace perfect for alfresco sipping. With a carefully curated wine list, inventive cocktails, and delicious charcuterie, it’s the ideal spot to unwind and savour a true taste of Italy.
📍 21 Watergate Street, Chester, CH1 2LB
The Pied Bull
Chester’s oldest pub, with a modern twist and a spacious beer terrace. The Pied Bull is known for its craft ales, hearty food, and vibrant live music, the perfect place to kick back and relax after a day exploring the city.
📍57 Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HQ


Jax on the Square
Known for lively vibes and creative cocktails, Jax’s outdoor seating on the Square makes it a hotspot for alfresco fun. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a buzzing evening, Jax has your drinks covered.
📍102 Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HT
Providence Gin
Providence Gin is a boutique gin bar crafting bespoke botanical blends and cocktails, with a welcoming outdoor area. Sip on some of the UK’s best artisan gin while enjoying Chester’s historic surroundings.
📍 9 Watergate Street, Chester CH1 2LB
The Coach House
The Coach House is a classic Chester pub with a modern edge, known for great ales and hearty pub grub, it’s a go-to for relaxed outdoor gatherings. Looking to enjoy a tipple? There are drinks for every occasion so, whether you’re looking for a thirst-quenching beer or cider, the perfect wine to accompany your dinner, or fun and refreshing cocktails you will find the perfect drink for you!
📍39 Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HQ
The Boathouse
Riverside vibes at their best! The Boathouse boasts a floating deck and terrace right on the River Dee. It’s the ultimate spot for alfresco drinks, cask ales, and sharing good times by the water.
📍The Groves, Chester, CH1 1SD
The Commercial
A vibrant city-centre pub with an inviting outdoor courtyard. The Commercial serves up craft beers, classic cocktails, and a buzzing alfresco scene, ideal for both day and night socialising.
📍 St Peters Churchyard, Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HG


Flat Earth
The Flat Earth Bar is fantastic new addition to Chester’s food and drink scene. The bar’s theme is inspired by flat earth conspiracy theories and the unexplained with décor covering everything from the Yeti to lake monsters and faked moon landings!
This quirky new bar is deceptively large with the bar extending all the way back to the city walls including two outdoor seating areas. With a cosy atmosphere, large bar and comfortable seating, this bar is a must see for all visiting Chester.
📍21 Newgate Street, Chester, CH1 1DE
PlanaTerra
Flat Earth’s sister spot Planaterra brings a fresh vibe to Chester with its cool ground-floor wine bar and coffee shop, serving up artisanal food and drinks with plenty of style. This stylish new bar has a mixture of low and high seating, made from repurposed antique cabinetry, outside coffee tables and a small stage for acoustic performances.
📍54 Northgate Street, CH1 2HT
Rooftop Social
Elevate your alfresco experience at Chester’s coolest rooftop bar. With panoramic views, handcrafted cocktails, and a buzzing atmosphere, Rooftop Social is the perfect place to soak up the sun or see the stars.
📍Pepper Street, Chester, CH1 1DF
Veeno
This stylish Italian wine bar exudes a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, perfect for unwinding with a glass of the finest Italian wine. Veeno’s extensive wine list and authentic Italian snacks make for a delightful, laid-back outdoor experience.
📍52 Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HA

Coffee and Cake
Sometimes, all you need is a great coffee and a slice of cake enjoyed outdoors with fresh air and sunshine. Whether it’s riverside views or quirky cafés, Chester’s alfresco coffee spots offer a delicious pitstop around every corner.

Snugburys by the River
More than just ice cream! Snugburys by the River is the perfect spot to indulge in creamy scoops, fresh cakes, and barista-quality coffee, all with stunning riverside views. A great place to soak up the Cheshire sunshine.
📍4 - 6 The Groves, Chester CH1 1SD
Zugers
A family, run Chester institution for cake lovers, Zugers delights with classic bakes and delicious coffee in a relaxed setting. Grab a table outside on the bustling street and watch the world go by while you enjoy your sweet fix.
📍 2 St John Street, Chester, CH1 1DA
Flower Cup
Where botanical charm meets exceptional coffee, Flower Cup’s outdoor seating area is the perfect floral hideaway. Sip delicious ethically sourced coffee from Neighbourhood Coffee alongside heavenly cakes in this Instagram-worthy spot with a fresh, flowery vibe.
📍61 Watergate Street, Chester, CH1 2LE
200 Degrees Coffee
Known for its expertly roasted beans and smooth espresso, 200 Degrees offers a bustling café vibe with alfresco tables ideal for watching the world go by. Their cakes and pastries are the perfect companion for your next stroll around the city.
📍31 Bridge Street, Chester CH1 1NG
Chalk Coffee
Specialising in single-origin brews and seasonal blends, Chalk Coffee’s outdoor seating offers a calm space to enjoy expertly crafted coffee with fresh cakes. The perfect alfresco nook for serious coffee lovers.
📍24 Watergate Street, Chester, CH1 2LA
Cinderbox Coffee
Cinderbox Coffee serves up strong, flavourful coffee and tasty cakes in a relaxed outdoor spot.
📍55 Bridge Street, Chester, CH1 1NG


Bridge Street Coffee
Bridge Street Coffee on Chester’s bustling Bridge Street is a sunny little oasis where you can enjoy top-notch artisan brews and tasty treats outdoors. Grab a seat on their alfresco terrace and watch the city go by while sipping on smooth coffee and nibbling on homemade cakes, perfect for a laid-back coffee break with a side of people-watching.
📍23 Bridge Street, Chester CH1 1NG
Bridge Street Coffee
Situated on Northgate Street by Chester’s vibrant new market, Bridge Street Coffee is the perfect alfresco spot to sip expertly brewed coffee while soaking up the city buzz. Their sunny outdoor seating invites you to relax with a creamy latte and a slice of their heavenly homemade cake, ideal fuel for exploring the city sights. They also sell a range of delicious chocolates from Belgian chocolatier Neuhaus, the perfect gift or treat for yourself!
📍Unit 4 Coachwork Arcade Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2EY
Jaunty Goat
With two convenient city-centre locations, Jaunty Goat is famed for its rich coffee and artisan cakes. Their alfresco seating areas provide the perfect vibe for catching up with friends or grabbing a quick caffeine boost on the go.
📍Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HQ
📍Bridge Street, Chester CH1 1NH
Rainbow Tea Rooms
The Rainbow Tea Rooms is a friendly coffee shop located in the heart of Chester's alfresco dining scene. Sample some custom-blended coffee from Kickback Coffee, brewed expertly by their baristas, enjoy a great selection of lunches, light bites and sweet treats. If it’s a hot day, we thoroughly recommend their Lemon Meringue ice cream!
📍28 Bridge Street, Chester, CH1 1NQ

Whether you're craving authentic Neapolitan pizza, vibrant Caribbean flavours, or a chic French dining experience, Chester’s outdoor eateries offer something for every palate and occasion. So next time the sun shines, step outside, soak up the city atmosphere, and enjoy alfresco dining in style.
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