Pastarazzi

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Contents 1 Blurb 2 Where 3 Atmosphere 4 Prices 5 Food 6 Conclusion 7 Other Reviews

[edit] Blurb

Located in the old TSB building, Pastarazzi stands out both gastronomically and architecturally. It was founded almost 20 years ago by restaurant entrepreneur Stephen Wundke (once owner of the Groves and Club Globe) and has been an institution in Chester for many years.

NB: Booking is recommended as on some nights this place is very popular - and please make sure that they understand you - one of us booked a table for 14 Feb only to be called back and told that the guy who answered the phone had thought I meant "Saturday" and they were full - very disappointing.

[edit] Where

Within the City Walls at the bottom of Grosvenor Street by the "Chester HQ" roundabout and next door to the Grosvenor Museum.

[edit] Atmosphere

Upstairs, what must once have been the Gothic-Victorian bank-managers office is now a wood panelled bar while the back of the bar used to be a Dublin chemist's display counter. Downstairs, the restaurant has long shared tables and a good view of the open-fronted kitchens. Being an up-market sort of place, the clientèle generally tend not to be too boisterous, but the atmosphere can get busy, lively and at times even noisy. The flawless staff here strike a perfect balance between being there when you need them and not being over fussy.

[edit] Prices

On the expensive side (but not too far) yet still excellent value as the portions can be ample. Wines start at around £14:00 a bottle. Some people have complained about the automatic service charge that gets added to bills, but this is removed on request. There is an excellent lunch deal.

[edit] Food

This writer for one has never, ever, been disappointed by the food here. Gastronomically this place is the "dog's bollocks". As this place was Chester Restaurant of the Year 2006 and 2007, it's fair to say that others are impressed too. If there is one problem with the menu it is that (sometimes) there is too much choice - but saying that it does not mean the quality suffers as happens at many places with an extensive menu.

[edit] Conclusion

The Sysop's favourite restaurant in Chester from the early 90's onward and not to be missed! If someone owes you a favour and asks you what you want in return, dinner at Pastarazzi is a pretty good choice - seriously though, we can't write a review without being biased! If I ever wrote "1000 places to eat before you die"(now there is a challenge!) I'd list it.

[edit] Other Reviews

Being on or near the top of the heap this place attracts flak from some reviewers. So far as we are aware the owner takes any comments very seriously (looking on the net is easier than looking in other restaurant's bins) and things get fixed

• Top Table lists it as Chester's "best loved" restaurants, but then accidentally locates it in Newcastle!
• Chester@large has some observations and a lively discussion in the forum.
• What Chester 360 had too say.
• We would have expected more from Onionring
• No reviews here either
• A "professional" review from the "Liverpool Post"
• Another from the Chester Chronicle
• A useful and very positive review of their Valentine's Day special
• Another Blog/Review but from 2004
• more