TNE's review of Restaurant Bar and Grill Opera in Chester

Restaurant Bar & Grill Opera is one of those places that makes an immediate impression. Set within an incredible Grade II listed building in the centre of Chester, upon entering, the space is beautiful with high ceilings, soft lighting and colourful touches throughout.

It definitely sits somewhere between a restaurant and a destination with a buzzy bar, live music, terrace, and a sense of energy throughout. It’s super versatile whether you're looking for a tasty meal with family or a night out out with friends in Chester.

We visited this week for a review, and we were so impressed. The service set the tone straight off the bat, the team were attentive and couldn't do enough for us - the kind of hospitality that makes the whole experience feel seamless and special.

The menu at Restaurant Bar & Grill Opera focuses on premium grill dishes and seafood with a little bit of something for everyone thrown in there. It's for sure one of the standout places to eat in Chester city centre if you’re looking for something elevated but still approachable. RBG also have sites in Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool.

So let's get into the important details. We started with the fillet steak tartare and the spicy yellowfin tuna tartare. The perfect balance of land and sea, both were so well executed and fresh.

For mains, we went for the côte de boeuf with truffle butter, paired with truffle mash (I'm kind of a truffle fan, ok). The steak was well cooked, full of flavour, and the truffle added depth without dominating. We also got the black miso cod which really didn't disappoint - there's nothing better than that subtle umami flavour. We had sticky rice and glazed carrots on the side which definitely deserve a mention too - the sweet and salty flavour combo was great.

To complete the food coma, we finished off with sticky toffee pudding and a warm chocolate fondant. As a bit of a STP connoisseur, this one ranked high and brought all the vibes - warm, rich and indulgent in the best way. The chocolate fondant was equally as great.

... and then we rolled out there after what was one of my favourite meals in a long time.

Restaurant Bar & Grill Opera runs throughout the day, offering brunch, lunch and late-night drinks in Chester, alongside a bar and regular live music that adds to the overall experience. The terrace makes it a strong option for drinks, particularly in warmer months.

Their Sunday offering is also worth noting. If you’re searching for one of the best Sunday roasts in Chester, Opera offers a more elevated take on the traditional roast, with options including grass-fed British beef, roast chicken and a vegetarian alternative. Each is served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and a rich gravy - a classic Sunday roast, done with attention to detail.

All in all, we highly recommend a visit!