11 Restaurants in Chelmsford

The city is known for its food and drink, and you'll find plenty of excellent Chelmsford restaurants including ancient gastropubs with distinctive Tudor gables, stylish bistros, modern steakhouses and family-friendly Italians. Look out as well for food and drink festivals, such as the Essex Fine Food & Drink Show, that encourage the local restaurants in Chelmsford to put on special menus and deals. The city centre is always bustling and has attracted a number of very well-known chefs who are keen to offer the finest dining at top-quality, independent restaurants in Chelmsford. New venues are opening all the time, especially in the Bond Street and Exchange Way centre, while other great spots to find Chelmsford restaurants include Gray's Yard and Backnang Square, or Tindal Square, Moulsham Street and Duke Street which tend to house hidden gems that the locals try to keep to themselves!

With so many restaurants in Chelmsford to choose from it can be hard to know where to start. Consider the nature of your trip. If you’re going for a romantic meal for two then a stylish bistro with an avant garde menu could be ideal. Russell's on Bell Street is a top-rated restaurant for fine dining and sources excellent local and seasonal produce for its menus. Fancy a delicious Chinese? Try out Eden on Moulsham Street which offers fine interpretations of the classic cuisine. There are so many restaurants in Chelmsford to choose from and we’re quite sure you’ll be able to find the perfect one for your occasion.

If you’re looking for a restaurant in Chelmsford for dining in a group, why not try The Plough on Duke Street? Here you’ll find delicious, hearty British pub food made with quality ingredients, as well as great local ales served in comfortable surroundings. Pastasciutta in the market is also very highly regarded. It’s an authentic Italian serving the freshest pasta and authentic Italian dishes at excellent prices. Don't forget the Chelmsford restaurants on Bond Street, either – the shopping centre has some great chain restaurants and these are always very welcoming to groups, especially where special occasions are involved. Contact your chosen restaurant in advance if you’re dining in a group for a birthday or special event, and who knows? Maybe you’ll see a balloon or two when you arrive?

This part of the UK has always been famous for its local eels, but if you don't quite fancy the slime, why not embrace local food traditions and enjoy a bowl of ginger pudding instead? There's nothing nicer than a hot steamed pudding with a jug of custard on a chilly day in one of the cosy Chelmsford restaurants. You'll find the more traditional restaurants in Chelmsford are embracing their roots and digging out old recipes to reintroduce to modern diners. Other local favourites to look out for are Burnham oysters, pea soup, plum pudding, pickled herring, ploughman's pasties, rock cakes, syllabub and elderberry wine. The ingredients used are always of excellent quality, too, as Essex has a rich agricultural tradition and plenty of recognised local suppliers, many of which have won awards for their food.