Sticky Walnut

Are you looking for the best bistro in Chester? Let me introduce you to a real gem tucked away in the charming neighbourhood of Hoole, Sticky Walnut. This award-winning local favourite has built quite the reputation, and after my recent visit, I can confidently say it deserves every bit of praise it receives.

Whether you’re local to the Chester area like me or visiting from further afield, Sticky Walnut is the kind of place that makes you want to become a regular. With a seasonal, ever-changing bistro menu, quality ingredients, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for foodies.

Why Sticky Walnut is One of Chester’s Culinary Highlights

Located in the heart of Hoole, Sticky Walnut combines the warmth of a neighbourhood bistro with the finesse of a fine dining experience, without the hefty price tag. The first thing you’ll notice is the charming vibe. It’s cosy, with friendly staff, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel at home straight away.

But it’s the food that truly steals the show.

Sticky Walnut prides itself on using seasonal ingredients, crafting monthly-changing menus that reflect what’s freshest and most flavourful. You can enjoy two courses on their bistro for £20 or three courses for £23, which is honestly one of the best deals I’ve seen for food of this quality.

The Bistro Menu – A Seasonal Delight

One of the most exciting things about dining at Sticky Walnut is the monthly rotating bistro menu. This keeps things fresh and gives you the perfect excuse to return again and again (which I fully intend to do!).

During my visit, I opted for the three-course bistro menu, and what a treat it was from start to finish.

Starter: Pan con Tomate y Manchego

I kicked things off with the pan con tomate y Manchego, a beautifully simple yet flavour-packed starter. The garlic and olive oil sourdough was perfectly toasted, topped with grated fresh tomato and Spanish sheep’s cheese. It was the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes with each bite – so fresh, zingy, and comforting.

As someone who appreciates bold, balanced flavours, this starter ticked every box. The sweet tomato, sharp Manchego, and punchy garlic oil created an instant craving for more.

Main: Empanada de Espinacas

Next up was the Empanada de espinacas, a short-crust pasty filled with braised spinach, spring greens, walnut, and lemon, served with beetroot ketchup.

I absolutely adored this dish, the pastry was perfectly flaky and buttery, and the filling had layers of flavour – the earthiness of the greens, the crunch and depth of the walnut, and a subtle zesty lift from the lemon. The beetroot ketchup on the side added just the right touch of tangy sweetness.

Dessert: Dulce de Leche Ice Cream and Churros

For dessert, I decided to go for the dulce de leche ice cream which was heavenly, super smooth and creamy, with a deep caramel flavour that I loved. It felt like the perfect way to round off the meal.

I also shared the churros with cinnamon sugar, and honestly, they were some of the best churros I’ve ever had. Served warm, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and with just the right amount of cinnamon, they hit all the right notes. Overal, I was very impressed with the sizes of the portions, and I was left feeling a good level of satisfied.

Drinks: Sophisticated Without the Spirits

For my drink, as I was driving, I opted for something non-alcoholic, and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed both options I tried. I went for the Cranberry Spritz  (Everleaf Mountain, cranberry, raspberry, soda), which was refreshingly crisp with just the right amount of fruity sweetness. I also had a sip of the Moon of the Faith (Everleaf Forest, apricot, orange, and fig soda), which had a slightly richer flavour. Both were beautifully balanced and felt just as special as any cocktail. It was really nice to enjoy something that felt indulgent and thoughtfully crafted, without the alcohol—proof that a great drink doesn’t have to be boozy to feel like a treat.

More Than Just a Bistro – Menus for Every Occasion

Sticky Walnut isn’t just a great spot for a three-course bistro lunch or dinner. They also offer:

• A main à la carte menu for more flexible dining
• A Sunday menu perfect for a relaxed weekend treat
• A kids’ menu, which makes it a great option for families
• A breakfast menu, including a special Breakfast & Bubbles set menu available for Chester Races

Whether you’re planning a cosy brunch, a celebratory dinner, or a casual catch-up with friends, you’ll find something that fits the occasion.

And importantly for people like me, there’s a selection of pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan options across the menus. Sticky Walnut does a great job of ensuring everyone feels catered for.

Service & Atmosphere: Warm, Relaxed, and Memorable

Beyond the food, I was really impressed with the service. Our waitress was kind and attentive without ever being overbearing. One little detail I loved was that they remembered who ordered what and where we were sitting so that they were able to bring the dish straight to you, a simple touch, but one that adds a lot to the overall experience.

Incredible Value for a Fine Dining Experience

Sticky Walnut genuinely feels like fine dining without the price tag. At just £23 for three generous, high-quality courses, it’s one of the best value meals I’ve had in a long time.

The attention to detail in each dish, the seasonal ingredients, the innovative menu changes… it all adds up to something really special.

For anyone who enjoys trying new dishes, appreciates great service, and loves supporting local gems, this place should absolutely be on your radar.

Final Thoughts: Will I Be Back?

Absolutely. I already can’t wait to return next month to try their next bistro menu. Sticky Walnut has everything I look for in a favourite restaurant: fresh and flavourful food, excellent service, a relaxed atmosphere, and a menu that keeps things exciting.

Whether you’re local to Chester or visiting the area, Sticky Walnut is well worth a visit. I will definitely be recommending it to all my family and friends.

Planning Your Visit to Sticky Walnut

Location: 11 Charles St, Hoole, Chester CH2 3AZ
Website: stickywalnut.net
Reservations recommended – especially for weekends or special event days like the Chester races.

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