The neighborhood
Eat
Chester
Chester has more award-winning restaurants per square block than anywhere else in the Connecticut River Valley. Every one of them is steps from your front door.
2 min
Walk to all six
The neighborhood
Chester has more award-winning restaurants per square block than anywhere else in the Connecticut River Valley. Every one of them is steps from your front door.
"The smells from Grano drift across the brook on warm evenings. River Tavern books out on weekends. Village Bistro is where locals go for happy-hour or a quiet, romantic dinner. Chester punches well above its weight — and you're staying in the middle of all of it."
Italian · Handmade pasta · Local grains
Chef Joel Gargano mills native New England grains in-house — an old-world approach that shows in every plate. His pasta is the reason guests at The Millhouse book dinner reservations the moment they check in. Grano is directly across the brook from your front door. On a warm evening, the smell alone will have you calling ahead.
Warm, knowledgeable service. Italian wine list worth lingering over. One of Connecticut's best and most talked-about kitchens.
Farm-to-table · American · Seasonal
Chester's culinary cornerstone since 2001. River Tavern sources from local farms, fishermen, and cheesemakers — the menu changes with what's good that week, not what's convenient. The kind of restaurant that makes guests extend their stay by a night.
Book ahead for weekends. The bar seats are the best in the house for a solo dinner or a quiet conversation over a glass of something special.
New American · European · Neighborhood
A neighborhood eatery with a European soul. Village Bistro is the kind of place where regulars have a table and the bartender knows your order — but first-timers are made to feel the same way. The steak tartare is a signature worth ordering.
Perfect for a relaxed dinner that doesn't rush you out the door. One of Chester's most beloved spots, and easy to see why.
Neapolitan pizza · Wood-fired · Casual
Chester's wood-fired pizza destination. Otto does Neapolitan properly — blistered crust, in-season crafted toppings, serious technique. The kind of pizza that makes you realize how low the bar usually is.
Casual, lively, and consistently excellent. Great for a Tuesday night when you want something unfussy but still really good. The rotating specials of local craft beer and pies are worth a visit. Enjoy a seat by the fire, at the counter, or outside with a view of our scenic town.
Thai · Fresh · Family-owned
A genuine hidden gem in the middle of Chester village. Thai Riverside serves traditional recipes made with fresh, daily ingredients — none of the compromises that come with generic Thai menus. The basil dishes and house curries are the ones to order.
When the rest of Chester is booked solid on a Saturday night, Thai Riverside is the answer — and often a standout meal of the trip.
American · Bar · Chester institution
Chester's neighborhood bar and grille — named for the Pattaconk Brook that flows right past The Millhouse garden. The kind of place that's been feeding locals long before the restaurant scene arrived. Classic American comfort food, live music, cold drafts, and the easy conversation that only happens in a room where everyone knows everyone.
The perfect end to a long walk or a rainy afternoon. No reservations needed. Just show up.
Ready to book your table — and your stay?
Book The Millhouse directly and skip the platform fees. Your hosts know every table worth having.