THERE are plenty of restaurants around Runcorn, catering to a variety of tastes.
From pies to pizza, to Chinese dishes, here's a look at some of the highest-rated Runcorn eateries on TripAdvisor.
The Norton Arms is nestled in the heart of Runcorn, on Main Street in Halton Village.
One reviewer online said: "We went to the Norton Arms for a roast dinner!
"We had the turkey roast dinner, it exceeded our expectations and was cooked beautifully.
"Really good value for money, the member of staff Joe really looked after us - we will definitely be back!"
Deadman's Kitchen at The Royal Oak can be found on Heath Road South in Weston Village.
One happy customer commented: "We can't stay away, another great dinner yesterday.
Norton Arms
"We've had a few Sunday dinners and a breakfast, great food, great atmosphere.
"It's hard eating out with young children, but our children love it here and sit well and eat.
"This is down to the staff talking to them and making them feel welcome, I'm sure.
"Thank you for making family meals out so much more enjoyable."
Perky Grinders is an independent coffee shop located on Jack Search Way.
One reviewer said: "This is my go-to place for breakfast.
"The staff are friendly, the food is good."I have the veggie breakfast, and this establishment uses high-end veggie sausages that feel and taste like, well, sausages.
Jack Search Way
"I particularly like the fried haloumi that comes with it."
Situated on Weston Road, The Prospect is a family-run business serving a range of delicious dishes.
One customer wrote on TripAdvisor: "Had a lovely Sunday dinner at The Prospect Inn.
"The food was hot, tasty, and full of flavour - proper comfort food done right.
"A special mention to Pauline, our waitress, who was brilliant throughout: friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better."
Melenio is an Italian restaurant found at Devonshire Place.
One reviewer said: "Called in here based on the TripAdvisor reviews, and we were quite simply blown away.
"The venue was tucked away on the street, and we parked for free around the corner, just a minute walk away.
Weston Road the Prospect
"We were met by the friendly host who showed us to our table and quickly sorted a drinks order.
"The menu was great and well-priced with lots of options.
"The food was cooked in the open kitchen a short distance away and arrived at our table bubbling hot.
"Pizza, lasagne, and pasta dishes were substantial and full of flavour and represented great value for money.
"We left with pizza in a box for later, the hostess and front of house team were simply brilliant and super friendly.
"Well worth a visit if you enjoy authentic fresh food and great value for money in relaxed surroundings."
Located on Jack Search Way, The Queen of Hearts has a varied menu, featuring pub classics, curries, and American-style bar food.
One diner wrote in a review: "We recently visited for Mother's Day.
Queen of Hearts
"Once again, the food was really nice, the roast dinner was lovely and plenty on the plate.
"We had burgers, steak, pizza, lasagne, and curry, all served lovely and hot, and all meals came out together.
"Everything in here is excellent, all the staff are welcoming and friendly, can't wait to visit again."
Ten Lock Flight can be found on Crossville Way.
One customer said: "We called into this restaurant pub by chance as a last-minute Valentine's evening escape.
"The staff were very friendly and attentive."The pub was rammed, but we were served quickly, and the lovely food was piping hot.
"What a refreshing change! I will be returning definitely."
Really good value for money, the member of staff Joe really looked after us - we will definitely be back!
The wider picture
Location, rent and staffing shape restaurant stories long before the food does, and the operators who last are the ones who plan around all three.
What to remember
- The Norton Arms is nestled in the heart of Runcorn, on Main Street in Halton Village
- "We had the turkey roast dinner, it exceeded our expectations and was cooked beautifully
- "Really good value for money, the member of staff Joe really looked after us - we will definitely be back!"
- Deadman's Kitchen at The Royal Oak can be found on Heath Road South in Weston Village
- One happy customer commented: "We can't stay away, another great dinner yesterday
The bottom line
Every change in the dining room eventually reaches the same test, which is whether people keep choosing it once the novelty has worn off.