Artezzan’s New Menu: A Mediterranean Masterpiece!

We recently had the pleasure of visiting the award-winning Artezzan in Chester to sample their new menu – the first update in a year! It’s always exciting when a restaurant we love revamps its offerings, and Artezzan certainly didn’t disappoint.

Since Artezzan’s recent change in ownership, there’s a palpable buzz about the place. The staff were absolutely on top of their game – attentive, friendly, and clearly thrilled to showcase the new dishes. While Artezzan has always been known for its generous menu, offering a delightful array of choices, the new menu has been slightly refined. Fear not, though, all your old favourites are still there, but we were definitely drawn to the exciting new additions, and the staff were more than happy to share their personal recommendations.

A Taste of the New

We kicked off our culinary journey with the new Pizette, a fantastic replacement for the beloved stromboli. We opted for the Napoli and Gran Moravia version, and wow! It was a flavour explosion – a garlicky bruschetta-esque delight in flatbread form. The accompanying whipped tomato & garlic butter was, in a word, phenomenal.

Next up were the Pinchos. If you’re not familiar with Pinchos, they’re essentially smaller starter plates, perfect for trying a few different dishes or enjoying with a glass of wine or beer. Artezzan has always excelled in this department, and the new additions are no exception. The short rib croquettes were incredibly tender and meaty, served with a smoked garlic aioli that I’m now completely obsessed with. We also sampled the hand-rolled béchamel croquettes with Gran Moravia and that same irresistible smoked garlic aioli.

And then there were the Patatas Pave. These aren’t your average dauphinoise potatoes; they’re a work of art! Dauphinoise potato, smoked garlic aioli, hand-grated Gran Moravia, and a crispy sage garnish – it’s a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. The lamb kofta was another highlight – perfectly cooked, soft, and juicy, served with a cooling tzatziki and a vibrant harissa dip. The cool cucumber and hint of heat from the harissa were a match made in heaven.

Mains to Remember

For our main courses, my partner couldn’t resist the new Diablo Pizza. From the menu description alone, it sounded like a winner, and it certainly lived up to the hype. Artezzan’s dough is always impeccably fresh, soft, and chewy, thanks to that gorgeous pizza oven on display. The toppings were perfectly balanced – you could taste every element, from the spicy pepperoni to the chili, with a lovely touch of sweetness from the hot honey dressing. It’s a pizza that manages to feel both authentically Italian and excitingly modern.

I opted for the Short Rib Tagliatelle, and it was pure indulgence. The depth of flavour was incredible, and despite the generous portion, I simply couldn’t stop eating it! The truffle was earthy, the mascarpone was creamy, and the whole dish was just utterly divine. The staff admitted it’s a favourite of theirs, and I can certainly see why – 8-hour braised pulled short rib in a rich jus, topped with mascarpone and truffle oil. Need I say more?

Already Planning Our Return

We know we have to go back to Artezzan soon. There are so many other tempting dishes waiting for us! I’m particularly eager to try the:

• SALMON EN PAPILLOTE: Steamed salmon supreme with citrus crushed new potatoes, roasted fennel, fresh lemon, orange, and white wine, served with samphire, crispy kale, and a lobster & citrus bisque.
• MOROCCAN BAKED CHICKEN: Chargrilled and baked half spatchcock chicken in an authentic blend of Moroccan spices, with grilled courgettes, red pepper, sultana & pine kernel couscous, harissa tzatziki, and fresh coriander.
• HERB CRUSTED LAMB SHANK: 6-hour slow-cooked lamb shank coated in a herb crumb, with pomme purée, pea & mint concasse, and a rich lamb jus reduction.

Afters…

Despite being completely full, we couldn’t resist ending the evening with a dessert cocktail each. The COFFEE AND VANILLA RUM OLD FASHIONED (Sailor Jerry’s Spiced Rum, Tia Maria, and vanilla syrup) was a sophisticated treat, while the WILD STRAWBERRY & APPLE MARTINI (Rum, manzana verde, fraise de bois, aquafaba, strawberry purée, lime juice, and passion fruit syrup) was a vibrant and fruity delight.

A Mediterranean Gem in Cheshire

Artezzan takes an honest and nostalgic approach to Mediterranean-inspired food, served in a modern, fresh, feel-good way. They offer a unique dining and drinking experience, celebrating authentic Mediterranean flavours. Their menus are designed to take you on a journey through the Mediterranean, drawing inspiration from Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. The food and drink evoke memories of sun-kissed terraces and golden beaches, and they use the best in responsible and ethically sourced ingredients. Where possible, Artezzan works with local suppliers like Nicholl’s of Parkgate and Dave Johnson Quality Butchers in Chester, showcasing the region’s outstanding produce.

If you’re looking for a taste of the Mediterranean in Cheshire, Artezzan is an absolute must-visit. With its delicious new menu, impeccable service, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for any occasion.

We were gifted this experience by Artezzan however the opinions in this article are all our own, If you don’t believe us, or even if you do, we recommend that you try it for yourself.

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Artezzan takes an honest approach to Mediterranean inspired food served in a modern, fresh, feel-good way.

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