San Pietro Italian
San Pietro Restaurant is a wonderful Italian restaurant which has been recognised as the “Best restaurant in Cumbria” in 2019 and 2021, as well as the “Best Restaurant in England” in 2021 by England’s Business Awards.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a memorable dining experience, San Pietro promises to deliver exceptional food and service. This is an extremely popular restaurant and so booking is essential.
San Pietro TripAdvisor
Tel: 015394 44854
Tapios Tapas
Tapios is a delightful Mediterranean and Spanish tapas restaurant where you can really get into the holiday atmosphere. On warmer evening you can take one of the tables outside or they often open up the large windows. Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic dinner or a group of friends seeking great food, Tapios is worth a visit! It’s a popular place to eat, so making a reservation is recommended.
tapios.co.uk
Tel: 015394 22242
Francine’s
A lovely family run restaurant with amazing food, that’s found its way into the Michelin guide. The ambiance is warm and welcoming and the interior is cozy and intimate, perfect for a romantic evening or a small gathering with friends. This is a place to book in advance as it gets very popular.
francinesrestaurantwindermere.co.uk
Tel: 015394 44088
Hooked
Just a 1-minute walk to the end of our street, Hooked is a seafood restaurant which serves fresh seafood with influences from the Mediterranean, South East Asia, and Australasia. The cosy ambiance of Hooked, with its subtle lighting and soothing coastal sounds, provides the perfect setting for a romantic evening or a gathering with friends. If you’re a seafood enthusiast, Hooked is definitely worth a visit although booking in advance is recommended.
hookedwindermere.co.uk
Tel: 015394 448443
Cafe Italia
Right on the corner looking down away from the village. A great spot for coffee outside or perhaps a light lunch upstairs watching the world go by. Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to enjoy Italian delicacies, a cup of tea, or a late-night snack, Cafe Italia has you covered. The outdoor seating and relaxed ambiance make it a great choice for casual gatherings. No booking required but it does get very busy during peak times.
restaurantsnapshot.com/CafeItalia
Tel: 015394 46228
The Tilly Bar & Kitchen
The Tilly is a family-owned and run bar and restaurant offering friendly and informal dining and drinks. Their menu features a wide variety of dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. They also offer a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. No booking required but this is another restaurant which gets very busy.
thetillywindermere.com/
Tel: 015394 234010
The Crafty Baa
A must go to “Bar” quirky and lively micro bar, serves meat and cheese platters and light bites. It also boasts the smallest pub in the lakes and has previously won the pub of the year.
thecraftybaa.com
Tel: 015394 88002
OPA
This is a hidden gem and is Windermere’s Greek resturant. The atmosphere here is relaxed and
the happy hour deal is too good to miss! Although you can book a table, there is also the option to walk in on most occasions.
Tel: 07774 682643
The Elleray
This is a traditional pub serving food with a real fire to enjoy in the winter months and a lovely hidden beer garden
for sunnier days. No booking is required and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
Utopia
Just a little further up from Café Italia, Utopia is a homely Cafe/Bar serving coffee, cakes, light lunches, and it also opens as a fully licensed bar in the evening so is a great place to relax, with no booking required.
Tel: 07368 853167
Brown Sugar
Located at the top end of the Village. Again, good outside seating area and great selection of food and drink. Great
place for a coffee and lunch, and evening meals are served up stairs. This is quieter than the other restaurants and no
booking needed.
Tel: 015394 88260
dutton-cuisine.co.uk/brown-sugar
Homeground
Lamplighter Dining Rooms
Whether popping in for a snack at lunch, indulging in their unique Sunday lunch experience or a full four-course meal in the evening, the Lamplighter is a firm favourite with the locals and guests in the area. Bookings are suggested and essential for their amazing Sunday lunch.
01539 443547
lamplighterdiningrooms.com
BOWNESS RESTAURANTS
Porto Restaurant
A family run fine dining restaurant close to the Lake, in Bowness. The restaurant offers an exciting modern dining experience with an easy-going vibe. Guests can choose to sit in the cosy downstairs area, the relaxed upstairs restaurant, or enjoy the sunny rooftop terrace. Whether you’re looking for a romantic spot, meeting friends for coffee or lunch, or celebrating with family, Porto has a variety of great food options.
015394 48242
porto-restaurant.co.uk/about/
Villa Positano
Villa Positano is a charming Italian restaurant located in Bowness, offering a variety of Italian dishes, including pizza, pasta, and Mediterranean options. The restaurant is known for its cosy and traditional Italian ambiance, providing a warm and friendly dining experience. It’s a popular spot, so making a reservation is recommended, especially during peak times.
015394 45663
Jacksons Bistro
Jackson’s Bistro is a delightful restaurant with a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors have praised the delicious food, including dishes like duck, lamb Henry, burgers, Beef Stroganoff, and chicken and prawn curry and their sticky toffee pudding is definitely worth a try! Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a delightful lunch, Jackson’s Bistro is a great choice.
015394 46264
facebook.com/pages/Jacksons-Bistro/161807917167000
Angel Inn
The Angel Inn is a traditional pub with lots of character where walkers, dogs, families, and locals can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, food, and a good drinks selection. Visitors can enjoy drinks and take in the views over Windermere from the large pub garden.
015394 44080
inncollectiongroup.com/angel-inn/
Urban Food House
The Urban Food House in Bowness is a modern bistro, offering coffee, brunch, and dinner, making it a perfect spot for various occasions. This is a great place if you’re looking for a meal that caters to vegan preferences or if you just want to enjoy a meal with a modern twist in a welcoming atmosphere.
015394 54345
urbanfoodhouse.co.uk
The Westmorland Inn
The Westmorland Inn is a traditional Lakeland Inn, ideally positioned between Windermere and Bowness village. The cosy, comfortable bar features up to 5 real ales, premium lagers, wines, spirits, and an excellent selection of gins and cocktails. The dining room serves a traditional pub menu daily, including a Sunday Roast.
015394 44078
AROUND THE AREA – SOME OF THE “MUST-GO-TO” RESTAURANTS
Source at Gilpin – great Lake District produce and classic methods to deliver unbelievable textures and flavours – modern British cuisine with a twist. Michelin Star. Also, look at Gilpin Spice for a relaxed Pan-Asian
Booking essential – 015394 88818
thegilpin.co.uk/eat-and-drink/
L’Enclume – one of the best restaurants and dining experiences in the UK.
‘Ingredients that change with the seasons inspire my menu development and ensure a truly traceable dining experience reflecting my farm-to-table philosophy’ — Simon Rogan
L’Enclume holds Three Michelin stars and a Green Star for Sustainability and Gastronomy, and five AA Rosettes and was named the number one restaurant in the UK by The Good Food Guide 2020.
30-minute drive to Cartmel, booking in advance is essential. 015395 36362
lenclume.co.uk
Also in Cartmel is Simon Rogan’s other restaurant Rogan & Co, a great opportunity to try Michelin Star cuisine in a more relaxed and informal setting.
Booking essential. +44 (0)15395 35917
roganandco.co.uk
If you can’t get a booking for L’Enclume and you still want to try Simon Rogan’s cuisine, try Henrock which is at Linthwaite House Hotel just outside Bowness – 10 minutes by car.
Booking Essential. +44 (0) 15395 87766
henrock.co.uk
Old Stamp House – located in the heart of Ambleside, this fantastic restaurant is superb. Gaining a Michelin Star in 2019, not to be missed. Chef Ryan Blackburn is passionate about the best produce from Cumbria, you will have a fantastic meal here. Tuesday to Saturday, 6-9pm Lunches Wednesday to Saturday 12.30-2.00pm
Booking essential. 01539432775
oldstamphouse.com
Gilpin Spice – The laid-back ‘Gilpin Spice’ has an open kitchen serving tapas-style pan-Asian dishes inspired by countries along the spice trail – spanning the Philippines, the Indian sub-continent, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and China. Open 7 days, 12-2 and 6-9pm.
Booking recommended. 015394 88818
thegilpin.co.uk/eat-and-drink/gilpinspice/
Samling – a modern restaurant with amazing views over Lake Windermere. Very accomplished cooking and extensive wine list. In response to the dramatic landscape we sit in, Executive Head Chef Robby Jenks is developing and refining menus with a purity of flavour based on the core ingredients in each dish. Where possible these ingredients are from our greenhouse, gardens and woodland, locally sourced, or the best available in the UK; and they influence Robby’s menus seasonally. Highly evolved, clear, bold flavours match the grand simplicity of lake and mountain views.
Lunch and Dinner served daily along with Sunday lunch.
015394 31922 for bookings.
thesamlinghotel.co.uk/foodanddrinkslist/food_drink/
Kysty – Ambleside – owned and run by Michelin starred Ryan Blackburn
kysty.co.uk