Best Restaurants in Chesterfield – Insider Guide

Here’s everything I know about restaurants in Chesterfield in north Derbyshire. We moved here about eight years ago and have really enjoyed exploring the different places to eat in the Chesterfield area. There’s a thriving independent food scene here. It’s one of the things I like most about the area which borders the Peak District national park to the west, and Sheffield to the north.

There really is something for everyone. From the quirky independents on Chatsworth Road in Brampton to some really high-end fine dining.

Here’s my view on the best restaurants in Chesterfield and the local area. A couple of these I have visited as a result of PR invites. I was under no obligation to include them here but anywhere where I’ve had a discount or a gifted meal is marked with [AD] for advertisement. Updates and edits made February 2024.

Restaurants in Chesterfield town centre

I’m often asked about my all-time favourite places. I find it genuinely hard to pick favourites (different places are good for different things) but ultimately, in the Chesterfield area it’s Bottle and Thyme and the Tickled Trout.

Bottle and Thyme

Bottle and Thyme is one of those places that does everything brilliantly. You can go for coffee and cake or cocktails or breakfast or lunch or an evening meal – and it’s just perfect. I love their whole vibe of independent, ethically sourced produce. The staff are always lovely, the presentation is good… and the food is delicious. In the last few years I’ve mainly gone for breakfast but this is somewhere I recommend time and time again.

Other great places to eat in Chesterfield town centre

Lombardi’s – a bustling, family run Italian restaurant.

[AD] Thai Pavilion – a beautifully decorated, traditional Thai restaurant with delicious, authentic food.

Galleon Steakhouse – we’ve been here a few times over the years and always enjoyed a good meal (my husband is very much a ‘steak Saturday’ man). Since the start of lockdown they’ve launched an amazing delivery service, so we tend to order a takeaway to eat at home now (babysitting issues!) but it would be remiss of me not to include them here.

Since originally writing this post, we were invited to dine in at The Galleon and stay overnight in one of their Spire View rooms – read my review [AD].

Odyssey – we’ve actually only dined here once, and a few years back but the atmosphere was so lovely. Somehow, stepping inside Odyssey transports you right back to being on holiday in Greece. It really is quite magical! I thoroughly recommend the assortment of dips to start.

The Market Pub is a traditional English pub that does amazingly good food. Known for its pies (handmade in house with meat from the local butcher) and seafood, it also has a good vegan menu.

Qoozies – is only open in the day time but for a quick breakfast or lunch it’s so good. They specialise in doing healthy versions of fast food – although there are also some really decadent options – like speciality hot chocolates and pancakes.

Places to Eat in Chesterfield that are just outside the town centre

Chatsworth Road, Brampton

Chatsworth Road is jam packed full of great independents. If you like the vibe of Ecclesall Road in Sheffield, you need to head here. Highlights include the Café at Libby’s and Koo, two great coffee shops at the top end of Chatsworth Road. Slightly further down is Deja Vu (previously called Maison mes Amis), serving up delicious French food, tapas style.

Nonna’s is a beautifully contemporary Italian bar and restaurant that’s also great for coffee or drinks.

At the West Bars end of Chatsworth Road, Junction is more of a bar/pub but is fabulous for food (served daytime only). I am obsessed with their halloumi and avocado sandwich. Cafe Nellie [AD] is also nice for traditonal cafe fare and great coffee.

Sheffield Road, Whittington Moor area

The Batch House

New to the Chesterfield food scene, The Batch House bills itself as an artisan food hall with ten independently operated food and drink outlets under one roof. It’s great for a relaxed, informal meal. Ordering is via scanning a QR code, so different people in a party can all order from different vendors.

It’s easy to park (just make sure you scan the QR code and register for free parking on your first visit and then it’s automatic number plate recognition) and dog friendly too.

Sheffield Road area

Further up Sheffield Road is Afat’s Grill who dish up reliably great Turkish food. The menu is fairly traditional Turkish fare – marinated meat expertly grilled over charcoal, really fresh salads and perfectly cooked rice – but it’s all done well. I’ve only dined in once, a long time ago, and at lunchtime, so can’t really comment on the ambiance. However, we get this delivered probably twice a month and it’s always so, so good. Definitely one to bear in mind if you’re looking for somewhere new to try that’s reasonably priced. Similarly, Giorgio’s Italian is also great and really family friendly.

[AD] Back towards town is the iconic Casa hotel. With its rainbow lit up windows, Casa is nearly as famous a landmark as the historic twisted spire. Inside is Barca Bar, a fabulous space for cocktails and tapas (and sandwiches and salads at lunchtime). Upstairs is the slightly more formal Cocina restaurant, which celebrates local produce, much of it from the owner’s farm just four miles away. It’s famous for its Derbyshire steaks. I also recently had the most amazing Devon crab here (read more about that here). A great place for a special meal.

Sicily Restaurant

In between Casa hotel and the town centre (and walking distance from both) is the little gem that is Sicily Restaurant Chesterfield. Currently my favourite Italian restaurant in the whole of Derbyshire, nevermind just Chesterfield. Multi-award winning and family-run, it dishes up consistently delicious Italian food, with plenty of dishes relating specifically to the family’s Sicilian roots in a warm, inviting setting.

Great Restaurants just outside Chesterfield

Tickled Trout, Barlow

The Tickled Trout in the picturesque village of Barlow is one of my all-time favourite restaurants in Chesterfield, or indeed anywhere in the world. It’s a perfect example of a truly great gastro pub. It’s relaxed, welcoming and stylish. The food is simply delicious and ranges from simple classics like fish and chips to well executed gastronomic delights, many with an Italian twist. I am obsessed with the pizzas, the arancini, the Vietnamese dressed halloumi and the OMG truffle fries (seriously the best, ever). I’ve been here countless times over the years and it’s always consistently great, whatever the occasion. Read more here and about the private dining room here.

Red Lion at the Peak Edge Hotel

[AD] About a ten-minute drive from Chesterfield town centre, and gloriously out in the sticks is the sublime Peak Edge hotel. The bar areas of the Red Lion are probably my favourite of anywhere locally – it’s beautifully decorated and you’re always able to find a cosy corner. The Garden Room restaurant is light and airy with magnificent views out over the surrounding countryside (and Highland cows!) and the food is always good. Read my recent review of Sunday lunch or afternoon tea.

Bulls Head, Holymoorside

[AD] The Bulls Head in pretty Holymoorside shot into the spotlight when chef patron, Mark Aisthorpe appeared on BBC’s Great British Menu this spring. Progressing to the regional finals, Mark was pipped to the post by Luke French of Sheffield’s Joro.

The menus at the Bulls Head are based on the freshest, seasonal, local produce. Whilst there is a bar menu, I’d recommend going for either an a la carte or tasting menu. The food is incredible. Read more here.

Places to eat in Wingerworth

Also worth checking out is the Hunloke Arms, a chilled, family friendly pub that does great all day dining and Figaro, a vegan café-bistro, both in Wingerworth.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Chesterfield restaurants. Let me know where else I need to try next!

There’s more information on visiting Chesterfield here.