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Are you in the mood to tease your taste buds? Pop along to La Parilla and lose yourself in a Mexican taste sensation.

Set on a corner mid-way up Bold Street, this is a little restaurant with a big bite. Offering traditional, award-winning Mexican cuisine, the menu offers something - whether you’re into a mild flutter or a springy kick, you’ll leave here satisfied.

We popped by unexpectedly one evening and managed to grab a table indoors. There is outdoor seating available too but be aware this may offer a slightly different dining experience to the one we had. We wanted to enjoy the cosy cocoon of indoors and be transported to far away climes!

Warmly welcomed, service is high quality here. The staff are attentive, smiley and nothing is too much trouble. Mexican music plays in the background but isn’t so loud it drowns out conversation and there is a distinctly rustic cantina-style atmosphere.

We’ve tested this restaurant out on a couple of occasions now and both have been delicious dining experiences.

There’s a tantalising selection of cocktails but due to being en route to the theatre, we went for mocktails instead. Although it’s not explicit which ones are mocktails on the menu, staff were happy to make it alcohol-free for us.

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Serving up an edgy slice of India, Mowgli is a pleasantly aromatic assault on the senses.

Based on Bold Street and dishing up streetfood with a twist, the narrow frontage evokes a feeling of sanctuary upon entry. Birdcage lights hang above boxy wooden tables while ships rope adorns the walls and a sturdy bar made from railway sleepers dominates the view. The styling is a cosy cocoon with remnants of ‘the outside’. The bustling street beyond the doors.

Having been here a few times - with friends, with family and also on a date - it is a good allrounder venue. But what about the food, I hear you ask.

Well, the menu is as sensuous as the surroundings suggest. There are full flavour dishes, combined textures (yoghurt chat bombs are a must if you like this) and eastern twists on tried and tested favourites such as fries.

Although the styling is top notch, the food at this link in the chain is more reliably mediocre than ravishingly memorable. The spices are there and the presentation is present. But, is there the full sensory shebang you may expect upon entering Mowgli? Not in my opinion.

It’s tasty food and worth eating here but in terms of the package experience, this venue is not as strong as other Mowgli’s I’ve visited.

Overall, whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or something to tide you over, Mowgli can cater to your mood. It’s a good place to go for a safe bet meal.

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Tucked away on a side street by Chester Cathedral, Ristorante Sergio is a must if you’re in the area.

Oozing authenticity, this long-standing family-run eatery is a hearty Italian home away from home. I’ve visited several times now with various family members and am yet to find fault with it. Although I haven’t been here with friends or partners, it is a great place for a date or a lively catch up with pals.

Expect to be warmly greeted at the door (in Italian) often by more than one person - every body says hello here.

Yolk yellow meets terracotta brickwork over arches and select artworks and curiosities adorn the walls. The styling is boldly mediterranean here.

But, does the taste of the food match the talk of the decor?

It’s a confident yes from me. Every dish I’ve had has been well-balanced in terms of herbs and flavour, and the portions are well-judged - you don’t leave hungry!

The drinks menu offers a fair selection with Italian specialities such as Limoncello, Grappa and Galliano. However, mocktails and alcohol-free options are not overtly available. These can be discussed individually and bespoke drinks made but are not marked on the menu.

Nothing is too much trouble for staff at Ristorante Sergio and the food, atmosphere and all-round experience is is high quality - if you’re looking for escapism, go here.