Everyone loves to grab a bite to eat – whether you’re celebrating a special event or just fancy a tasty treat, tucking in to some hassle-free deliciousness is a great way to relax and unwind.
Sometimes, though, your chosen destination can make or break your dining experience. On those occasions you want to be certain you’ll receive excellent food and service, one of the best things to do is look to the thoughts of reviewers.
Thankfully, TripAdvisor allows you to do just that. The review service constantly shows up-to-date rankings, ordering restaurants based on how good their feedback is.
That’s why we’ve crafted this handy rundown of TripAdvisor’s top 10 highest-rated restaurants across Cheshire, so you can dine in confidence:
1. Lost & Found Knutsford
Described as a ‘bohemian hideaway free from the stresses of modern life’, this refined restaurant can be found in Knutsford’s old Town Hall. The revamped interior offers a rustic aesthetic with a modern feel, complete with flora and art deco finishings.
The menu offers up high-end interpretations of beloved staples, including burgers, steaks, and pizzas. You can also tuck into a range of light bites on the side with options such as smoked haddock, leek and cheddar fishcakes on offer.
One happy customer said: “We booked a party at the weekend and everything from start to finish was perfect. From booking to the moment we left, the food, drinks and service were all exceptional. Thank you so much and highly recommended to friends and family. I will be 100% sure to book in the future.”
2. Li~ly Restaurant
This independent restaurant is run by culinary husband-and-wife team Aiden and Sarah Byrne, who say they are ‘passionate about delivering a unique, personal touch’. The Knutsford restaurant is named after the local River Lily, reflecting their focus on local heritage and produce.
The eatery is housed in a restored historic building, with the owners working hard to preserve as many original features as possible – while giving things a modern twist. The fine dining menu changes on a monthly basis. Currently on offer are dishes such as cheese mousse, guinea fowl liver parfait, and poached cod loin.
A happy customer described their experience: “Fine dining at its best – each course was perfectly presented by members of the team and was matched with a range of wines to enhance each course. Having visited this venue over the years, it has been enhanced so as to immerse you in a relaxing, light and spacious setting to enjoy beautiful food and wine – a real treat and booked in again for the New Year.”
3. Six One Six
Nestled in the heart of Chester, Six One Six is a ‘high-end’ independent restaurant and bar that can be found on Pepper Street. Named after The Battle of Chester in 616AD, this fine-dining venue takes pride in its roots, using priding itself on its locally-sourced ingredients.
Inside you’ll find a ‘moody and cosy’ atmosphere, with backlit marble ceilings and dark, atmospheric décor. The menu offers ‘fresh Modern British cuisine’ with options ranging from classic steaks and cheeseburgers to confit shallow tart tatin.
One rave reviewer said: “This innovative restaurant has a stylish vibe and lovely staff. Our meal was exceptional. We both had fresh fish; sea bass, and lightly battered, melt in the mouth, hake. Excellent Chapel Down English wine was a treat. Many interesting menu options are available. We were really pleased to find this restaurant and try it. We suggest that you do too.”
4. The Broughton
Part of the Paragon Group, this classy eatery has been flouted as their most ‘ambitious and anticipated’ venue yet. Based in Balterley, Crewe, the restaurant aims to deliver a ‘luxurious yet comfortable’ experience.
On the menu is a range of sophisticated and appetising dishes, all served up for a reasonable price. You can tuck into cider braised pork belly, sea bass and king prawn red Thai curry, or go all out with a fillet steak wellington.
A five-star review read: “Excellent service with absolutely brilliant food. I chose the panko mushroom Kiev meal – a delicious vegan option – I enjoyed it so much i miss it already! Food was lovely and hot and was greatly complimented by others I was with.”
5. The Royal Oak Worleston
A multi-award winning traditional country pub, found in the heart of Worleston, this cosy venue has recently undergone a big refurbishment. It’s well-known for its cask ales, wide selection of wines, and its wood-fired pizzas.
The restaurant won TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice 2024 award, highlighted for its hand-built curved bar, summer pavilions, and log fires. On the menu you can expect high-end interpretations of staple gastropub classics, with options such as fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and cheeseburgers topped with pulled pork.
One glowing review read: “Loved the setting and the vibe. Proper cosy country pub. If you love that sort of thing, this is the place for you. Staff were all fantastic, but our server Meg was 10/10, couldn’t have asked for any better. Very attentive, and she was so genuine. It was refreshing to have someone serve us who actually wanted a conversation and listened. She is fabulous. Food was on point and really good portion sizes.”
6. The Clink Restaurant
This restaurant allows you to enjoy some tasty food while giving back to the community. Owned and operated by The Clink Charity, this innovative eatery ‘offers women prisoners full-time work within a true-to-life restaurant and kitchen environment’ giving them training to aid their rehabilitation.
Situated in a converted chapel on Styal Road, Wilmslow, the atmosphere is light and spacious. The set 5-course menu changes regularly. It offers an authentic fine dining experience, with current offerings including focaccia with smoked bacon butter along with smoked salmon and a roasted chicken dinner.
A reviewer from Stockport said: “This is the third time I have been here and I just love the place. Had lunch and afternoon tea previously which were both great. Last night we tried the evening dinner which was the Christmas set menu and once again it was excellent.
Compared to what you pay in some restaurants the value for money is excellent. The food is Michelin-star quality without the Michelin star price. The servers are great and maître d Carrie and the manager are excellent.”
7. St Martha Greek Taverna
Described by customers as a genuine slice of Greece, this up-market eatery is currently the highest-rated restaurant in Nantwich.
This traditional Greek restaurant serves up Mediterranean meze in a rustic setting with an outdoor patio. On the menu are beloved staples like pork and lamb souvlaki, halloumi, and feta cheese salad.
A reviewer from Winsford sung its praises: “My wife and I have eaten and plenty of pubs and restaurants over the years and while they generally ‘satisfy’ and we enjoy our experiences its not often that we get ‘blown away’ but at St Marthas we did. We enjoyed a cosy meal for two for my wife’s birthday (9th November) and as we haven’t eaten here before we took advice from our waitress and glad we did.
“She explained and suggested that we order a main meal each and maybe a dish or two from the ‘Meze’ (small platter) menu. The Feta and Spinach pie which was enrobed in crisp Filo pastry was amazing and their bread is home-made which didn’t disappoint.
“For us the highlight was our Souvlaki plate which consisted of skewered season chicken with onions, roasted baby tomatoes, Greek Pita bread and Tzatziki. My wife opted for the similar dish which was spiced minced lamb Souvlaki and again was amazing. Thank you to all of the staff especially the chefs who have done a great job here, just brilliant!”
8. Rio Brazilian Steakhouse
This authentic Southern American steakhouse promises to take diners on a ‘culinary journey’, serving up a ‘traditional Brazilian Churrasco dining experience’ with its team of ‘specially-trained Gaucho Chefs’.
Inside you’ll find planted walls and flowered high ceilings, designed to transport you to the ‘Tijuca Urban Jungle’. Steak, lamb, and chicken are carved at the table in a traditional Rodizio style, delivering some spectacle to get your stomach rumbling.
One reviewer said: “This restaurant is perfect for a date night or just a casual meal. The atmosphere is very relaxed and all the meat was cooked to perfection.
“Evie was amazing and very attentive! She couldn’t do enough and was great explaining how everything worked at the start. She checked with us throughout that everything was okay and was very pleasant! We will definitely be coming back.”
9. The Wheatsheaf
Housed in a historic coaching inn, originally constructed in 1890, The Wheatsheaf hotel in Sandbach has since become one of Cheshire’s highest-rated dining locations. The venue is owned by the Pear family, who also own Pecks Restaurant in Congleton.
The building has undergone a series of renovations and refurbishments, which the group say have transformed it into a ‘quintessentially British gastropub’. There’s plenty of tasty offerings on the menu, including feather blade beef bon bons, sautéed duck breast, and fillet steak.
One gleaming review read: “Best burgers and beers we have had in years with a friendly welcome and amazing service. Even with a 15 month toddler, the team were very accommodating, with great changing facilities too. Thanks to Amy and Niall for looking after us – we will definitely be back.”
10. Upstairs at The Grill
Featured in the Michelin restaurant guide, Upstairs at The Grill was founded inspired by the steakhouses of New York city. The classy establishment boasts a ‘chic yet cosy atmosphere, courtesy of its mix of modern and retro elements’.
Michelin pointed diners towards the steakhouse’s porterhouse cuts, bone-in fillet, and rib-eye. The premium Welsh meats are five-week dry-aged for extra flavour.
One satisfied customer said: “Absolutely fantastic! We booked for my husband’s birthday along with his brother and sister-in-law. From the moment we arrived we were exceptionally well looked after.
“The bar service was excellent and the waiter looked after us, making menu recommendations and wine recommendations. He then explained and showed us the speciality steaks.
“Between us we ordered scallop starter and cheese soufflé. They were both amazing dishes and so pretty. The scallop Thermidor was divine. Next up, we had two rib eye steaks and the special tomahawk steak, as well as a tuna. Ordered with various sides and sauces. Every mouthful was amazing. We were blown away and so happy we had made the choice to eat here on this special occasion.”