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Places to eat in the Lake District – Top 15* 

Ahh, The Lake District. Home to a number of speciality foods. Visitors from near and far travel to enjoy the likes of our great Cumbrian sausages and infamous sticky toffee pudding.

Around every corner, you’ll find so many great places to eat. Such as a welcoming pub or a dashing hotel. All of which offer cutting-edge edge cuisine and Michelin starred dishes. Granted to keep bringing you back year after year!

There are so many different kinds of dining experiences to choose from. So we thought we’d lend a helping hand. Here’s our list of our top 15* places to eat whilst you are here!

BAHA, Bowness on Windermere

“Lovely quirky funky place to eat, the decor is fab, food is lovely and very different to anything else local, good choice for everyone.”

The Lake District is an amazing place to be if you love wonderful views and romantic hotels.  At BAHA you can enjoy a casual dining experience with flavours which comfort the soul and shout fun!

The atmosphere in the restaurant is relaxing, stylise and perfect for couples! Guests can enjoy an array of small plates, hearty sharers, classic dishes and there are a variety of Vegetarian options.

4.5 ⭐ on Tripadvisor
Prices: £12-£50
CONTACT: 01549 277515

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Lake View Garden Bar, Bowness on Windermere

“Recently visited here with some friends – we had a brilliant afternoon, service was great and the food was lovely! Very enjoyable afternoon spent. Will be back. Thank you! Prices to be expected in the Lake District.”

We’re sure, like us, you’re looking for a place to eat with your loved one that’s peaceful and romantic. No matter what the occasion is, we think there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting outside on a terrace or inside in a cosy bar snuggled up with your special someone while enjoying food from a menu that’s full of traditional British classics.

That’s why we recommend Lake View Garden Bar to all of our guests. With two terraces (both with lake views) as well as cosy indoor seating options, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the water-side views of Lake Windermere whilst tucking into some delicious pub grub.

Oh, and it’s just a 2-minute walk from Cranleigh Boutique Hotel & Church Suites.

Cranleigh Boutique guests can even enjoy 10% off food & drink at BAHA during their stay—just remember to download the App before you arrive!

3.5 ⭐ on Tripadvisor
Prices: £5.50-£15.95
CONTACT: 01549 277965

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The Drunken Duck Inn, Ambleside

Located on a beautiful hill just between Coniston and Ambleside, lies The Lake District’s first gastropub. The Drunken Duck Inn.

Guests here can enjoy restaurant standard food within the rustic-chic beamed bar. Enjoy stunning views and renowned dishes such as whole roasted cherry-glazed duck and trusted Ales. It’s a great place to eat some tasty gastro grub and a good walk around the area. 

4 ⭐ on Tripadvisor
Prices: lunch menu £45, dinner menu £120
Contact: 01539436347

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The Wild Boar Grill & Smoke House, Windermere

The Oak-beamed, welcoming and cosy Wild Boar Grill & Smokehouse is known for embracing a passion for a traditional and classic British hearty menu. 

With a touch on seasonal and local ingredients, guests here can enjoy an incredible range of meat and vegetarian dishes that burst with flavour. With an open kitchen, friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere. It’s easy to see why guests come here, over and over again.

4.5⭐ on Tripadvisor
Prices: £20+
Contact: 01539 445225

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The Brown Horse, Winster

Located on a picturesque hill just between Coniston and Ambleside lies The Lake District’s first gastropub. 

Enjoy restaurant standard food within the rustic-chic beamed bar. As well as, stunning views and renowned dishes such as whole roasted cherry-glazed duck and trusted Ales. It’s a great place to enjoy some grub after a walk in the local area.

4 ⭐ on Tripadvisor
Prices: lunch £5 – £23, dinner £13 – £23
Contact: 01539436347

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The Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge

In a stunning riverside spot at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, The Swan is recommended by many.

Stylish decor and delicious food, this elegant country-style gastropub and hotel boast home-cooked hearty evening meals and light lunches. An all-day menu includes salads, sandwiches and sharing platters. As well as the option of eating outside by the picturesque river. Children can enjoy an exciting children’s play area

4 ⭐ on Tripadvisor
Prices:  £5 – £18
Contact: 01539 531681

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The Punchbowl Inn, Crosthwaite

Situated in the heart of the delightfully unspoilt Lyth Valley at Crosthwaite in Cumbria is the smart but relaxed country inn, The Punch Bowl Inn.

Set with a homely English pub feel, guests can enjoy a selection of modern and interesting British dishes. Expect the best of local, seasonal produce in a restaurant polished with oak floorboards, comfortable leather chairs and a stunning stone fireplace.

The menu is based on a mixture of classic British and French flavour combinations that use modern techniques. The menu is also updated regularly to meet seasonal availability.

4.5⭐ on Tripadvisor
Prices:  £14.95 – £20.95
Contact: 015395 68237

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The Fizzy Tarté, Bowness on Windermere

A trip to the Lake District will always be made more memorable with an Afternoon Tea and cocktail experience. A where better to enjoy those than at The Fizzy Tarté? A sophisticated Cocktail and Cafe bar in the very heart of Bowness-on-Windermere.

Guests of The Fizzy Tarte can enjoy a taste of self-indulgence with servings of stunning patisseries, three unforgettable Afternoon Tea selections. Love a tipple? Delve into a selection of luxury Champagne, and expertly made cocktails.

All things considered, showmanship, table service, stylish surroundings and a unique, sophisticated atmosphere make it easy to see why the Fizzy Tarte has such a big following. It’s also worth knowing, this fantastic new cocktail bar has now started offering cocktail masterclasses!

4.5⭐ on Tripadvisor
Prices:  £5 – £25
Contact: 01539 443773

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Zeffireli’s, Ambleside

First thing to remember, this is a completely Vegetarian restaurant!

With a tempting lunch offering of quiches, soups, pizzas, home-baked cakes and pastries in the bustling heart of Ambleside. It’s easy to see why this Zeffireli’s is a popular meeting point for both locals and tourists alike.

In the evening, guests can enjoy a vegetarian and Italian menu made with the best of organic ingredients. Dishes on the menu have a distinctly Mediterranean twist. However, you may find that the menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons and the availability of local ingredients.

5⭐ on Tripadvisor
Prices:  £14.95 – £20.95
Contact: 015394 33845

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Chesters by the River, Skelwith Bridge

For those with a sweet tooth and a love for homemade cakes, you’ll love this little riverside location.

Offering locally-sourced food in Skelwith Bridge Chesters by the River is a smartly modernised cafe.

In short, genuinely good food with flavoursome salads, freshly baked bread and pastries are all available to eat in or take away. This spot is a gem in the summer. For this reason being,  it features a beautiful outside seating area. It faces the beautiful river and features a number of popular walks nearby.

4⭐ on Tripadvisor
Prices:  N/A
Contact: 01539 434711

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The Masons Arms, Bowland Bridge

Situated in Bowland Bridge is the Masons Arms. Rustic yet romantic. This Lake District Inn boasts canopies and heaters that allow guests to relax and enjoy spectacular views of Winster Valley.

Furthermore, you’ll find locally sourced produce, excellent wines and dozens of fine beers. It’s easy to see why this pub is often quoted as one of the Lakes favourites.

Enjoy the like of, true Lake District food. Such as, Lakeland damson and pork sausage, local game, roasted belly pork, Cartmel lamb shank and so much more!

4.5⭐ on Tripadvisor
Prices:  £15.95 – £18.95
Contact: 015395 68486

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Lake Road Kitchen, Ambleside

Showcasing the best meat, fish and shellfish from Northern Europe. As well as, home-grown and foraged produce, is the famous Lake Road Kitchen. 

Located in the heart of Ambleside, you will find just 9 tables, an open kitchen, superbly baked bread and beef aged by the restaurant.

Though, if you would like to try it, you will need to let them know in advance. Owner and chef of the kitchen is none other than Jamie Cross. He’s cooked at the world-beating Denmark restaurant, Noma for over two years. Oh! A And he’s a recent Masterchef contestant too!

Contact: 01539 422012
Prices:  5-course menu £60, 8-course menu £85
4.5 ⭐ on Tripadvisor

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Baba Ganoush, Kendal

For those who are looking for great food to go, Baba Ganoush in Kendal is well worth the hunt for.

For instance, enjoy one of the nations best breakfasts as reported by The Guardian. As well as, soups, hot specials, and grilled sandwiches. Plus a great selection of Mediterranean salads and cakes.

Surprisingly, you’ll find all the dishes here are made completely from scratch, with most priced under £10.

However, we recommend you pop in during the afternoon (before 3pm) as this little kitchen is closed during the evening.

4.5⭐ on Tripadvisor
Prices:  N/A
Contact: 01539 738210

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The Bistro at The Lakes Distillery, Cockermouth

If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish place to enjoy an informal and modern dining experience, The Bistro at The Lakes Distillery in Cockermouth is the place to go.  

Coupled with, the likes of handmade cakes from qualified patisserie chefs, guests here have so much to choose from.

Go all out with lunch, a full afternoon tea or leisurely three-course supper, made by Michelin Starred Chefs. In summer, guests can dine al-fresco in the beautiful courtyard, before taking a short walk to see the local alpacas.

4.5⭐ on Tripadvisor
Prices:  £2.95 – £16.75
Contact: 017687 88850

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The Sun Inn, Kirkby Lonsdale

Many may forget that Kirkby Lonsdale belongs in The Lake District. However, The Sun Inn, a AA rosette rated restaurant, located just in the heart of it.

We’re happy to let you know that the trip to this picturesque market town is well worth it. Hosted by an experienced chef with a passion for local produce from the Lake District, you’ll find that the food is both seasonal and delicious. Nonetheless, guests here can enjoy an à-la-carte menu, substantial bar snacks, and three-course menu.

5⭐ on Tripadvisor
Prices:  £3.95 – £19.95
Contact: 015242 71965

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