By Laura Turner
There aren’t many Italian restaurants that are Michelin approved, let alone in Chester, but that’s not the only reason Da Noi – meaning ‘from us’ or ‘at ours’ in English – is special.
Run by husband and wife duo Fabrizio and Valentina, who both hail from the foodie haven of Turin, expect an authentic taste of Italy not just from the food but the wine list too.
The wines at Da Noi are carefully selected by Fabrizio to compliment Valentina’s mouth-watering menu.
Just a few months after becoming restauranteurs, Da Noi was awarded a prestigious distinction award for 2020, 2021 and 2022 by Michelin – and there are plans to expand their award-winning venture in the future.
We visited on a Saturday afternoon to try the new Autumn lunch menu, which is heavily influenced by chef Valentina’s last trip home and starts at a very reasonable £27pp for two courses.
Three courses are £32pp and we love there is a mini wine flight you can add for £11pp for two wines and £15pp for three.
In true Italian style we started our meal with an ‘Aperitivi’ of Amaretto Stone Sour (£8.50). We’ve had one or two of these before, however this was the first time we’ve ever tried it with the addition of orange. The flavour was incredible and the sweetness from the orange made it dangerously drinkable.
Before our food arrived, chef Valentina sent a complimentary trio of Amuse Bouche to our table. Each little bite was delicious, however our favourite had to be the ‘PON’, gorgonzola and mascarpone rolled in walnuts.
For starters we opted for the vegetarian Chickpeas Veloute with Fried Lentils and Rosemary Dust and the French-inspired Frogs Legs with Gorgonzola and Polenta. A must order.
Mains were Italian Sausage Risotto, which really packed a flavour punch, and the Venison Fillet with Celeriac Puree, Figs and Hazelnuts. This was melt in your mouth and no extra surcharge was added to the bill, as might be usual with a meat course.
We finished the meal with Hazelnut Cake with Hazelnut Cream and Fabrizio’s favourite ‘Bunet’ pudding with Cocoa and Amaretti Biscuits. If you’d rather end with something savoury, there is the option to order a cheese course (£14.50pp) as an alternative.
As well as a set lunch menu, there is a longer evening menu featuring similar dishes. Highlights include the Salted Cod with Squash Puree and 80% Dark Chocolate (£12.50) and Ravioli Carbonara (£12) to start.
Next time we visit we’d love to try the Squid Ink Gnocchi (£16.50), Oysters with Caviar and Bergamot Spaghettoni (£18) or the Beef Fillet with ‘Burnt Oil’ Mayo, Confit Potatoes and Chestnuts (£32) for mains.
Definitely put this on your list of places to visit in Chester. It’s perfect for a special celebration and although it’s Michelin-approved, it won’t break the bank.
Best For: Date Night, special occasions and fine dining
Da Noi at 63 Bridge Street, Chester CH1 1NG is open Thursday to Sunday 12pm-4pm for lunch, Thursday and Sunday 5:30pm-11pm and Friday and Saturday 5-11pm for dinner. Note it is closed Monday to Wednesday
Prices start at £10 for a starter and £15.50 for a main. Wine pairing is available from just £11pp
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