Experience the Tastes of Mainland Europe in Chester

With many of us choosing staycations over our typical European destinations this summer, we thought it would be a great idea to highlight our stunning city’s European culinary offers. From Danish delicacies to French favourites and countless other cuisines in between, see below our top picks to enjoy a taste of Europe on our very own English doorstep:

Pierogi, Polska (Poland)

Named after the small Polish dumplings that it serves, Pierogi is the ideal option for those desiring a touch of Poland on their Chester staycation. Choose from a quaint selection of handmade Pierogi including the savoury Ruskie and Kapusta offerings (Potato & Curd Cheese, and Saeurkraut & Mushroom respectively), and the sweet Słodkie (Sweet Curd Cheese & Vanilla) to name a few. Add a little extra to your dumplings with Sour Cream or Caramelised Onion to enhance your culinary experience.

Pierogi themselves not taking your fancy? Why not try the Żurek or Barszcz, both authentic polish soups consisting of ryemeal and beetroot respectively? Alternatively, check out Pierogi’s mouth-watering selection of baked goods, changing on a regular basis, and their tempting drinks menu – coffee and beers aplenty!

Whichever dish(es) you choose, either take them away on the rest of your journey throughout the city or enjoy in the stylish yet humble interior of the restaurant.

Bollicini, Italia (Italy)

With a menu created in collaboration with one member of Italy’s four-man National Cookery Team, fine Italian cuisine is guaranteed at Bollicini. Choose from an extensive Italian fayre, with dishes ranging from well-loved classics such as Bruschetta, Calzone, and Lasagne, to lesser-known delights including Pepata di Cozze (Steamed mussels), the Filetto di Merluzzo al Forno (Baked cod fillet served on a bed of ratatouille) and the Agnello in Due Versioni (Herb crusted rack of lamb, potato puree, and micro herbs served with a red wine jus). Be sure to follow your main event with a Dolci, be this a Tiramisu, Baileys Panna Cotta, or iconic Gelato to name a few.

Bollicini’s drinks selection is equally ambitious, featuring pages upon pages of quality spirits, wines, beers and cocktails, alongside magnificent tea, liqueur coffee (including the Bollicini Special) and hot chocolate offerings, and soft drinks to go around!

Bollicini’s modern, recently refurbished interior is certain to please. If the weather allows though, be sure to enjoy your Bollicini meal in the gorgeous onsite garden.

Chez Jules, La France (France)

Mirroring the rustic restaurants and cafés of Parisian streets, the soft lighting, wooden tables and chic aesthetic of Chez Jules create the perfect dining environment to enjoy the very best authentic French bistro cuisine in our city. As the name suggests, Chez Jules’ Menu du Jour varies daily, but you can expect spectacular dishes for all diets such as Tartiflette, Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, and Cauliflower Steak (VE). For Desserts et Fromages, think Crème Brûlée, Blueberry Delice and Tarte au Citron to name a few.

Be sure to visit Chez Jules on weekends between 10am and 12 noon for its elusive Brunch menu, which may include dishes like Croissants, French Toast, Eggs Royale and Croque Madame. Pair these with a side of Toulouse Sausage, Wilted Spinach or Sautéed Mushrooms for an extravagant fayre. Also on Sundays is a dedicated menu, taking the British Sunday Roast on a French-infused twist. Look out for Beef Bourguignon, Roast Ribeye of Beef, Warm Jersey Royals Terrine and more!

Porta, España (Spain)

Situated in the heart of Chester, the Spanish tapas and wine bar Porta is the perfect restaurant to watch the world go by with great food to match. With tapas being small plates designed to be mixed and matched, enjoy the flexibility and indulge in all of the dishes that appeal, be these Patatas Bravas, Tortilla, Pan con Tomate and more! After your savoury platos, be sure to enjoy a Chocolate mousse with honeycomb, Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tart), or a fine beverage from their extensive drinks selection.

Chip’d, Nederland (Netherlands)

Unsurprisingly, Chip’d specialises in fries. However, using a variety of potato which is recognised as the best in the Netherlands (Agria), and prepared using the Dutch twice-cooked method, Chip’d’s offerings are almost certain to please! Did we mention that their chips also come with a mouth-watering selection of 17 Dutch sauces including Curry Ketchup, Andalouse, Peri-Peri and Satay? All of Chip’d’s chips are gluten-free, and vegan diets are catered for as well.

Alongside chips, you can also enjoy Frikandel (similar to a hotdog), Bitterballen (ragu beef balls and mustard), and Mozzarella Dippers to name a few!

Olive Tree Brasserie, Ελλάδα (Greece)

Finding authentic Greek food in the North West had always been a challenge. Nowadays, whether you are craving Moussaka, Metaxa Chicken, a Kebab, Dolmades (stuffed leaves) or something different entirely, Olive Tree Brasserie will have you covered. Alongside your Mediterranean fayre, why not sip on a glass of Greek Kitma Spiropoulos, enjoy a pint of Septem Monday Pilsner (Greek premium beer), or go all out and enjoy a glamorous cocktail such as a Greekstar Martini? One of the main ingredients in the latter is the rare Greek spirit Mastiha, so be sure to try it whilst you can!

After your starters and mains, consider tucking into a gorgeous Greek dessert such as Baklava or a Chocolate and Tahini Brownie. Liqueur coffees are also served as standard, including one with the above lucrative spirit Mastiha.

BG Bakery, България (Bulgaria)

Situated on the bustling Brook Street is BG Bakery. Serving a huge selection of traditional and freshly-made Bulgarian bread and pastries, it certainly allows for a taste of Europe in the city. Our top recommendations are the pumpkin pies and tutmanik (subject to availability), but all of the bakes look equally delicious! Whilst at BG Bakery, why not purchase some of the long-lasting Bulgarian snacks and food products on the shop’s shelves to enjoy later? 

Istanbul BBQ, Türkiye (Turkey)

With Turkey spread across both Europe and Asia, we thought it was only fair to include Turkish specialities in this list. One restaurant in Chester which offers such dishes is Istanbul BBQ, located midway along Brook Street.

Istanbul BBQ’s large A La Carte Menu offers all matter of delicacies from Stuffed Vine Leaves, Falafel, and Lahmacun (Turkish pizza), to Spicy Turkish Sausage, Lamb Skewers, and Chicken Kluck. Those ordering hot dishes can watch them being cooked on the large charcoal BBQ which sits at the heart of the restaurant. Finish your meal with an iconic Turkish dessert, be this Kadayif (shredded filo pastry), Kunefe (shredded filo pastry with a cheese centre) or Sekerpare (soft round biscuits topped with hazelnut and lemon sugar syrup) to name a few, and a hot drink such as a Limoncello Liqueur Coffee or Turkish Tea.

From a practicality perspective, the site boasts spacious disabled toilets with baby changing facilities and high chairs available too.

Do any of Chester’s Mainland European offerings sound appealing? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to tag us in any photos of your experiences on Instagram using #Chester!