
Carbonara
Quick info
About Carbonara
Carbonara is a family-run Italian restaurant and bar in Chester, up on the second level of the Chester Rows at 49 Bridge St, close to St. John's Church and the Roman Amphitheatre. The menu centres on Roman cooking, with the namesake carbonara offered in a vegetarian version and Amatriciana on the list alongside it. Ferrero Rocher Mousse is among the desserts. A lunch menu and daily specials run beside the main menu, and the team explains dishes in both English and Italian. The restaurant occupies the 350-year-old St. Michael's Parish building, which holds Roman items and Italian decor. An upstairs private dining room gives groups a space of their own, and dogs are welcome. Carbonara is open daily.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, restroom, seating
- Good for kidsGood for kids · Has changing table(s) · High chairs
- DietaryVegan options · Vegetarian options
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention carbonara pasta, vegetarian carbonara, chester rows location and amatriciana.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention carbonara pasta, vegetarian carbonara, chester rows location and amatriciana.
Customer Review Summary
The namesake carbonara draws the most attention, with reviewers calling it stunningly authentic, on par with versions eaten in Rome, and made without cream, as the Roman owner told one table. A vegetarian carbonara and gluten free options also come up, and two vegetarians found plenty on the menu. Close behind are the Amatriciana with vibrant tomato flavor, a crisp caprese, and pasta one diner calls the best cooked of their life. Drinks mentioned include a strong but balanced Hugo Spritz and Roman white wine from the extensive list, and one couple, who never order dessert, tried the Ferrero Rocher Mousse. Staff are described as friendly, attentive, and quick. A large group seated upstairs had each course brought promptly, and the staff explained dishes in both English and Italian. The setting on the Chester Rows, with red carpeting and dim lighting, earns praise, though one reviewer found it a little hard to find on the second level. One family recalls staff showing their history-obsessed five-year-old the building's Roman items.
Customer Review Summary
The namesake carbonara draws the most attention, with reviewers calling it stunningly authentic, on par with versions eaten in Rome, and made without cream, as the Roman owner told one table. A vegetarian carbonara and gluten free options also come up, and two vegetarians found plenty on the menu. Close behind are the Amatriciana with vibrant tomato flavor, a crisp caprese, and pasta one diner calls the best cooked of their life. Drinks mentioned include a strong but balanced Hugo Spritz and Roman white wine from the extensive list, and one couple, who never order dessert, tried the Ferrero Rocher Mousse. Staff are described as friendly, attentive, and quick. A large group seated upstairs had each course brought promptly, and the staff explained dishes in both English and Italian. The setting on the Chester Rows, with red carpeting and dim lighting, earns praise, though one reviewer found it a little hard to find on the second level. One family recalls staff showing their history-obsessed five-year-old the building's Roman items.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Had one of the nicest italian meals I have ever had in chester in 40 years. I never knew this restaurant existed with being up on the rows. I have been to other Italian restaurants in Chester howeve in quality they do not compare to Carbonara. We sat outside and it was lovely on the rows. There is an plant based restaurant next door however as two vegetarians tge amount of food available for us on the menu was amazing. They even do a vegetarian Carbonara. Will be back very soon”
- Google user
“My boyfriend and I came for dinner this evening, and we honestly had the best time! Sam was absolutely amazing and provided us with exceptional service from start to finish. The chefs did a fantastic job. The food was absolutely delicious and all of the waitresses were so friendly and welcoming. This was our second visit, and we will definitely be coming back again. Thank you to all of the staff for making our evening so special. I’m confident this is the best restaurant I’ve been to in Chester. 🤍”
- Google user
“incredible food, possibly the best cooked pasta I've ever had in my life. the staff were all super friendly and helpful. could not fault it at all.”
- Google user
“A Restaurant like no other, stepping into the building I was greeted with friendly staff and an immersive Italian environment. Very fitting in the heart of Chester and all their Roman history. And we can't forget the food, it was genuinely immaculate, I've never tasted any other food this captivating. It's a real gem and a must visit if you have some cash to splash on premium dishes.”
- Google user
“Wow !! What a beautiful family run restaurant, everything was amazing. All the staff were so lovely and welcoming and had a laugh with us too, quick service and the food was just perfect, definitely worth every penny and we will be returning :) We even got the Ferrero Rocher Mousse and we never get desserts usually .. 😍😍”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Nestled in the heart of Chester, Carbonara is a family-run Italian restaurant and bar, specialising in authentic Roman cuisine and fine wines. Housed in the historic St. Michael's Parish — a beautifully preserved 350-year-old building — our upstairs private dining area offers a charming atmosphere. Our name, Carbonara, reflects our commitment to culinary authenticity. We prepare this iconic Roman dish using only the traditional ingredients, and our menu features an extensive array of meat, fish, vegetable, and pasta dishes, with a variety of weekly specialties. We take pride in accommodating all dietary needs and preferences, crafting bespoke dishes upon request to ensure a personalised dining experience and an unforgettable taste of Rome.”
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Dine-in
- Good for kids
Show more amenities
- Vegan options
- Bar onsite
- Cozy
- Beer
- Coffee
- Free water refills
- Offerings· 9
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Dining options· 5
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
- Family-friendly· 2
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Highlights· 2
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Atmosphere· 3
- Casual
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Pet-friendly· 2
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Planning· 1
- Dinner reservations recommended
Location
Italian restaurants near Carbonara
- Piccolino Chester4.61,7130.1 mi£20–70
burrata with pesto, calamari starter, nduja pasta
- La Cantina4.82915.3 mi away£1–15
banoffee pie, margherita pizza, calamari and mozzarella fritta
- 6.2 mi away
banchetto di carne pizza, smoked salmon linguine, sunday lunch
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbonara | 4.6481 | — | £20–60 | carbonara pasta, vegetarian carbonara, chester rows location |
| Piccolino Chester | 4.61,713 | 0.1 mi | £20–70 | burrata with pesto, calamari starter, nduja pasta |
| La Cantina | 4.8291 | 5.3 mi away | £1–15 | banoffee pie, margherita pizza, calamari and mozzarella fritta |
| Fouzi’s Cafe Bar Pizzeria (Rossett) | 4.8539 | 6.2 mi away | — | banchetto di carne pizza, smoked salmon linguine, sunday lunch |
The 3 nearest italian restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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