Best Restaurants in the Lake District for the Culinary Curious
- MemoirsofaMountainGirl
- Feb 5, 2020
- 3 min read
All that fresh air and hiking and biking can make for a hungry explorer! Not that I need an excuse, I am always wondering where to eat and planning my next meal! When I plan my trips, Culinary Experiences always feature top of my itinerary as I think it is all part of the experience, to soak up the culture of a place and eat like a local. None more so than the stunning Lake District, it has so many quaint local options for wining and dining during your stay, catering for all budgets, and home to three Michelin-Starred restaurants, you are spoiled for choice if you want to splurge.
Below are a few of my personal favourites. I am hopeful that post the Corona pandemic, they all come out the other side and I would encourage support for smaller, local establishments to keep the community here thriving.
Located in the heart of Ambleside, serving the freshest of local produce, this is a great little cafe, perfect for breakfast, lunch or brunch. The menu is minimal and no frills but just fresh, good for you food.
If Seafood is your thing - Hooked is your place. An unassuming, small establishment located in Windermere which serves up locally caught seafood and shellfish. Anywhere serving a fresh lobster - i'm already there!
Located in Windermere, nestled away in an old railway building - the Smith is my type of place. A pizza, tapas and cocktail bar, what is not to love. The decor is cool and comfortable and the pizza is divine. This is a great spot of you are visiting the Lakes with a handful of friends and want a chilled evening.
Located in Ambleside, the old stamp house one of the Lake's three Michelin-Starred restaurants showcasing fine-dining and food inspired by the local area. Definitely worth a visit if you want a date night or a change from the casual dining scene in the lake district.
A cosy hub in the heart of Ambleside, the Copper Pot is a perfect stop off for breakfast or a small lunch or even if you just want a sweet treat.
An Artisan coffee shop and crêperie, located in Keswick, in a quaint old building, this is a must visit during your trip to the Lakes and perfect for an afternoon tea stop off with freshly baked scones.
Located on the 35-acre Langdale Estate, and quite a little romantic spot in my opinion, owed to the outdoor terrace where you can gaze at the stars of an evening over a bottle or two from the onsite 'wine room'. Dishes from the stove are recommended - try the lamb for two!
As if the name wasn't alluring enough, the Cottage is an award wining, Michelin-Starred dining establishment located in Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite, Near Keswick. The Tranquil Woodland Setting and sophisticated menu, make it my top pick for dining in the Lake District. Bonus note - Accommodation is also available on site. For more accommodation tips when planning your trip to the Lake District, check out my other blog post on Seven Reasons to visit the Lake District for more info.
The best for Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch, this little bakery (located in Broughton Village as the name might suggest) is an institution in the Lake District and has been around for decades serving the local community and tourists a like. It has a rich history and is perfect even if you just want to stop off for a coffee and some freshly baked goods. This is the perfect place to unwind in front of the fire and really take stock of where you are.
For more Things to do and see during your stay in the Lake District check out my other posts:
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