What it's like
Maray Chester is the Coachworks Arcade small-plates restaurant for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours, cocktails, sharing food, vegan and vegetarian choices and Northgate pre-theatre meals.
Maray brings the Liverpool-born small-plates format to Coachworks Arcade, just off Northgate Street. The idea is simple enough: order dips, pitta, vegetables, fish, meat, sauces and cocktails, then let the table negotiate like adults or at least convincing actors.
It works especially well before Storyhouse, after the Cathedral, around Chester Market plans or for a dinner that can turn into drinks without crossing town. Disco Cauliflower is the obvious signature, but the better move is ordering broadly.
Worth knowing
Maray is a strong Chester addition if you like sharing food and letting the table loosen up. It is a weaker fit for one-plate-each diners, bargain hunters and anyone who hears small plates as a threat.
Plan your visit
- Address
- Unit 1, Coachworks Arcade, Chester CH1 2EY, off Northgate Street.
- Hours
- Current venue hours show Sunday-Thursday 12:00-21:00 and Friday-Saturday 12:00-22:00.
- Food
- Small plates inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, designed to share.
- What to order
- Disco Cauliflower, warm pitta, whipped goat's cheese, mezze-style plates, fried chicken, fish, vegetables and cocktails are all close to the point.
- Lunch
- A weekday lunch menu is advertised, currently 12:00-16:00 Monday-Friday. Check direct before building a bargain plan around it.
- Dietary
- The menu is useful for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Speak to staff for allergies and cross-contamination.
- Booking needed?
- Advised for evenings, weekends, groups and pre-theatre timings. Walk-ins are welcome when space allows.
- Kids
- Children are fine if they like the food and sharing style, but there is no kids menu listed.
- Dogs
- No, assistance dogs aside.
- Access
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating and toilet are listed. Check direct if you need a specific table.
- Parking
- Use paid city-centre parking around Northgate / Market / Delamere Street and walk in.
How to use it
- Order across sections rather than treating the menu like starters and mains.
- Put vegetables and dips on the table early; Maray is strongest when everyone gets involved.
- Book for pre-Storyhouse slots. You are close enough for it to work, but only if timing is not left to vibes.
- If someone hates sharing, take them somewhere else and protect the group mood.
What's on and practical notes
Useful for pre-theatre meals, weekday lunch, larger group menus and private-hire style bookings. Check the current menus before organising a group.
No checked TTDC event listings for this place right now. Check its own listings before building a visit around an event.
Nearby plan
Nearby pubs and bars
Nearby attractions
FAQ
Where is Maray Chester?
In Unit 1, Coachworks Arcade, off Northgate Street, close to Storyhouse, Chester Market, Town Hall and the Cathedral.
What should you order at Maray Chester?
Disco Cauliflower, warm pitta, whipped goat's cheese, mezze-style plates, fried chicken, fish, vegetables and cocktails are all sensible starting points.
Do you need to book Maray Chester?
Bookings are encouraged, especially for evenings, weekends, groups and pre-theatre meals.
Is Maray good for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes. Vegan and vegetarian options are a clear part of the offer, with gluten-free options too. Check allergens direct.
Is Maray a sharing restaurant?
Yes. It is built around small plates designed to share.
Nearby alternatives and add-ons.
Chip'd Chip'd Chester is a Dutch-style chip shop on Northgate Street, useful for hot cones, loaded fries, kids' boxes and a quick stop near Storyhouse and the Town Hall. 
Blue Bell The Blue Bell is a Northgate Street old pub building, useful for a quiet pint, low-key drink and a historic stop rather than polished dining. 
Chester Town Hall Chester Town Hall is the Northgate Street civic landmark, useful for first-timer photos, events and orienting yourself near Storyhouse.