Joseph Benjamin

Booked ahead of a stay in Chester after searching for the best restaurants. The only availability was two stools in the window but I’m so glad we took them as it provided a great spot for people watching. We just had some olives to start and they were amazing (a Spanish queen olive called Gordal). We shared the paella for main which is made fresh to order. It was really very good, washed down with a French gin called G’vine which was new to me (and I have tried a lot of gin). I was impressed that the G&T was served in a small glass rather than the huge stemmed glasses which drip condensation due to the massive amount of ice. Finally we shared the baked cheesecake which was very rich and nicely accompanied with a fig jam and strawberry. This restaurant is not cheap, however the food was great quality, cooked fresh and the staff were lovely, so definitely worth it. The decor is low key and very clean. I think the price reflects the location and I would definitely recommend it for a romantic meal or celebration.

What a wonderful meal here today! Felt welcomed on arrival and the staff were attentive throughout, but not rushing us at all which makes a nice change. The food was delicious and not overly expensive I thought (roast potatoes could have been a little softer but that's my personal taste). Throughly enjoyed the meal and would highly recommend to anyone. Definitely up there with the best restaurants in Chester. And a lovely touch on our dessert plate for our anniversary.

Had a meal here on Friday September 25th One of the best meals I’ve had in recent years so to rate 5 stars wasn’t a hard decision The staff were really pleasant, friendly and helpful Food was amazing. We had gordal olives to start follows by chicken paella- amazing Drinks were good too Very clean and stylish place situated in the heart of Chester I fully recommend

Fabulous atmosphere great food very friendly staff. It was a lovely evening out.

Pleasant staff. Fried squid was ok. Ox cheek was delicious. Summer drink selections were both nice. Bit too much honeycomb in the chocolate mousse for me but was a nice experience overall and would go back.

I finally got to visit this lovely restaurant before COVID after my fellow colleague talking about it non-stop for about a year, and honestly remember why he always talked about it. Just go and be amazed by the chef's work! :)

We visited Chester on Saturday (our 17th wedding anniversary), and on the way in my wife called the restaurant to book a table for two. She was told that the kitchen closed at 14:30, do we could have a table at 14:00. We arrived to what appeared to be a very busy restaurant. The clientele was varied, from young to old, including children, and had a great vibe. We were shown straight to our table, and given menus and a jug of water. We both ordered the crab linguine to start, with a portion of sourdough bread and butter, and we both thought it was lovely - fresh ingredients and really tasty! The sourdough was nice too! For my main, I opted for the chicken ceasar salad with fresh anchovies, which made the dish for me. I also went for a portion of chips on the side. I really enjoyed it! My wife chose the shell-on king prawns (no photo, I'm afraid 😲) and the half hispi cabbage with sriracha sauce, both of which were excellent, especially the cabbage! We both went for a dessert, with me going for a brownie with peanut butter ice cream which was great, and my wife chose the balsamic strawberries with olive oil cake and mascarpone ice cream. She enjoyed that, but preferred the brownie! All in all a great meal and experience. We would heartily recommend this un-pretentious restaurant, and will hopefully be visiting again soon!

Excellent paella! Had the duck and artichoke. Nice relaxed ambience. The very cheesy cheese cake is for the connoisseur. Recommend this place

I had seen this restaurant on several Best Eats of Chester lists and we happened to stroll by while we were ready for lunch. We also spotted the numerous Michelin star decals on the door, so we knew this was the spot! We saw they had several lunch specials including 3 sandwiches. I was out with the family and all of them got the Brisket sandwich which came with a small salad, and they all ordered a side of chips as well. They all loved their sandwich which they remarked was crispy. I ordered the celeriac and chestnut soup which featured fresh local produce. It was only a starter, so I expected it to be only a cup of soup, but it was a full bowl that came with a side of freshly made sourdough bread and very nice butter. I also ordered a side of truffle parmesan potatoes which were delicious. I'm a total sucker for anything truffle, so there was no way I wasn't ordering them, but they totally delivered! They were so good! I loved my meal! It was so good! My family enjoyed their meals as well. They also had cafe lattes and hot chocolates, which both looked good to plus they each ordered dessert which they were all into as well. Overall, the 5 of us were made up with our meals. I'd happily eat here again and I highly recommend it! TIP: Go for lunch for the nice lunch specials which are only 5-7 pounds; the main meals are about 15 pounds.

I love Chester and definitely don't spend enough time here! Last weekend, having wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of Manchester City Centre for quite some time, it was decided that a foodie tour of Chester was on the cards - and this is what brought me to Joseph Benjamin for Sunday lunch. What a lovely restaurant this is. Small but cosy, we were seated on a table for two near the window. Plenty of natural light, fresh flowers on the table and a fantastic atmosphere from the get go, i knew this place was going to be great. After spending some time looking at the Sunday lunch menu, which looked fantastic and would have been amazing i'm sure, I decided to order from the full menu as there were a few dishes that most definitely caught my eye! For my starter I opted for Soup of the Day with sourdough bread. The soup was Aubergine and white onion and was incredibly creamy. Definitely one of the best soups i have had in a restaurant. For my main course I opted for the Cod Cheeks with shrimps, curried cauliflower, spinach and a raisin puree. It was very very nice. The cod cheeks were cooked to perfection and had so much flavour! Not at all overpowered by the curried cauliflower, which was so very tasty too! However, half way through the dish i noticed coriander with the spinach underneath the cod cheeks, and whilst this would be an amazing accompaniment for most people, I really can't eat coriander - although i really really wish i could!! Neil C, after demolishing half of his Pigeon and Hare Bourguignon with parsley mash, very kindly offered to swap. This turned out for the best as he got to try some of my dish, which i'm sure he had been eyeing up from the start! He seemed to enjoy it as much as i was. His bourguignon was great too - the pigeon and hare giving off the most amazing of dark flavours and the mash, although it was green!!. was creamy, fluffy and light. I couldn't pass on the opportunity to try a desert, so i went for the Coconut Rice Pudding with mango and lime. It has been years since I had rice pudding and it was just as amazing as i remembered. Hot, thick, creamy, gloop with a sweet taste of the coconut contrasting with the zingyness of the mango and lime on top. Just incredible. Overall i cannot fault the food, service, place, anything!! - The experience was outstanding from beginning to end! I would go to this restaurant again and again.

We could only get an early table here, as it is popular, and with good reason. The food is full of flavour and perfectly presented. The menu is sensibly limited to a few options, but they are all really well done. I would definitely recommend anyone to eat here without hesitation. We're going back to try the lunch menu soon.

Stumbled across JB when walking the walls in Chester. What a great find! Friendly staff, warm welcome, good quality produce, well prepared and served fresh. We keep going back :-)

A superb place, we only stopped of for a brew and a quick bacon buttie lunch snack and was great. The place is modern and staff are friendly. Food on the way out looked the business

Fresh, inspired, interesting ,delicious interesting wine list don't miss eating here if your in Chester

Stopped here for an evening meal! Absolutely delicious. I could tell everything was fresh and cooked to perfection! I would definitely recommend coming here for a delightful meal

I went to JB on a recommendation and thought the experience was just ok. It did not blow me away. Food was tasty enough, service was very good. But did not leave with feeling that I should go back.

from the moment we walked into the restaurant to the moment we left we were both very impressed with everything. Tick boxes - welcome by all staff who saw us yes - would you like a drink yes - is this table ok yes - order taken and checked yes - wine list with suggestions yes - food exceptionally good showing off local/british produce, flair and imagination - plates hot, food hot and well-presented - service spot on both with timing and delivery - the staff were all attentive, pleasant and professional without being obvious - coffee excellent and clean toilets!! - the whole experience was of a very high standard so to all who provided for us on Thursday evening 17 June 2010 thank you. Returned for breakfast on Friday!!!

Had a fabulous meal. We had the caesar salad, shrimp, pork belly, and brownie. The caesar salad was one of the best I have ever had. And the brownie was awesome, it looked like a normal brownie but it was amazing. The cappuccino was also to die for. Can't wait to return.

This is an outstanding restaurant/cafe/deli. The owner has great skill in selecting excellent ingredients. The food is simple and tastes fantastic. We came to Chester for the weekend and were lucky enough to discover 'Joseph Benjamin' straight away - we returned for two evening meals and a breakfast! Relaxed, unpretentious and friendly.

On a weekend break in Chester we walked into the city from our hotel and noticed this cafe/deli/restaurant immediately. It is just as you enter the city on Northgate Street and on the left hand side near the entrance to the city wall walk. It looks lovely from the outside, and inside it is tastefully decorated, and the ambience warm and inviting. My wife has special dietary needs so it often hard to find something to suit, but the owner Benjamin was extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and nothing was too much trouble. He advised us about the menu and he and his brother, Joseph, the chef, came up with a lunchtme meal that was delicious, fresh, which looked and tasted amazing! They also created a meal for myself which my wife could also taste, and we were just so impressed with everything. Tables are well-situated and not too cramped, the atmosphere bustling, lively but service impeccable and all staff friendly and attentive. The price was very reasonable for food and wine, and there are also other deli foods to buy and I was able to buy my wife some delicious chocolate to take-away with us. All in all one of the most perfect, delicious lunches we have ever had, served by professionals in an extremely clean and stylish atmosphere! We would definately recommend and return on our next visit to Chester!