Covino in Chester is an independent, petite wine bar serving up small plates in a warm and inviting setting. Aside from the day to day menu there are also regular events and supper clubs, giving guests reason for repeat visit.
As might be expected, the space itself is lined with wine bottles and counter seating is centred around the bar. The buzzy atmosphere is topped up with punters willing to stand to get their hands on a glass of something nice and a quick bite to eat. While the menu changes regularly there is always a seasonal lean to things, with cheese and charcuterie mainstays. For a quick nibble why not start with a few snacks – like Ortiz anchovy fillets, salted almonds or chewy sourdough bread and oil. For something a little more substantial the ‘plates’ section of the menu delivers interesting and unusual combinations. Hake, cauliflower and baby gem come together in a colourful plate of varying textures, while cured trout with goat’s curd and pickled plums carefully balances sweet, salty and sour flavours. Elsewhere there is miso glazed aubergines for vegetations (or anyone, for that matter), which come with black rice and peanuts and a charred hispi cabbage creation which is dressed with a chipotle sauce and topped with toasted almonds.
At lunch times there’s a very reasonably priced set menu which includes two plates and a glass of wine for £15 per person. Expect things like devilled mushrooms on toast or pasta with ragu and focaccia crumb.
For private parties there’s a cosy basement room that can seat up to 14 guests in the intimate space. You’ll be dining around one large family-style table and treated to your own bespoke menu, which makes it ideal for birthdays or other celebrations where you want to pick and choose favourite flavours, combinations or dishes. To really mark the occasion in style there’s also the restaurant’s 130-strong wine list to choose from.