OUR GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS IN AMBLESIDE
Our favourite restaurants in Ambleside
Ambleside is bursting with great places to eat and drink: the town has become something of a destination for foodies over the past few years, and is a vibrant hub of restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes. From cosy daytime eateries, to sophisticated fine dining, here are our top eleven places to eat in Ambleside.
Lake Road Kitchen
An award winning, fine dining restaurant in the heart of Ambleside, a visit to Lake Road Kitchen makes for a truly memorable experience. The menu is constantly changing and evolving; as a result, there are no sample menus online. Instead, guests are invited to experience a five, eight or twelve course tasting menu which changes as regularly as every day. It’s a truly special dining experience which you won’t forget in a hurry.
For reservations please fill in a booking form on their website: https://www.lakeroadkitchen.co.uk/home#reservations
Wabi Sabi
A definition of Wabi Sabi I found is “finding beauty in uncertain times” and I think we could all benefit from some of that right now. Wabi Sabi is a fantastic Japanese restaurant on Compston Road. They also have a little shop selling handmade Gyoza, sushi, ramen kits, sake cocktails and Japanese inspired cakes. Great food, great ambiance – what’s not to like! They are open for lunch and dinner – booking is essential.
For reservations please ring: 07446 769375
The Priest Hole Restaurant & Tea Rooms
The Priest Hole Restaurant and Tea Rooms are part of Kelsick Old Hall, one of the oldest buildings in the beautiful village of Ambleside with many original features and a lovely atmosphere. There is also a delightful outside terrace for alfresco meals on those warmer days, or just to sit and have a coffee and watch the world go by. .
For reservations please visit their website : http://www.thepriesthole.co.uk/?CONTACT_%26amp%3B_BOOK_US
The Flying Fleece
The Flying Fleece has just opened in July 2020, in a 15th century fulling mill. Food is served all day, while the atmosphere is casual and relaxed: diners can even enjoy their meal while admiring the working weir, millrace and wheel which still stand inside the building.
For reservations please ring: 01539 423424
The Old Stamp House
Opened in 2014, The Old Stamp House is an award winning, fine dining restaurant headed up by Cumbrian chef Ryan Blackburn.
For reservations please book on their website : https://www.oldstamphouse.com/reservations
Zefffirelis & Fellinis
For vegetarian dining in Ambleside, look no further than Zeffirelis and Fellinis (even enthusiastic meat eaters will find something to enjoy here!).
For reservations please book on their website: https://www.zeffirellis.com/
Doi Intanon
With a well deserved reputation as one of the best Thai restaurants around, Doi Intanon aims to bring a flavour of Asia to the heart of the Lakes. Owned by Chris and Busara since 2000, this welcoming Thai eatery in the centre of Ambleside is popular with both locals and visitors thanks to its authentic cuisine and delicious, freshly prepared dishes. Find classics such as Pad Thai and Thai Green Curry on the menu, alongside some Thai specialties you may not have heard of before!
For reservations please book on their website: https://ambleside-thai-restaurant.com/
Dodds of Ambleside
A popular restaurant found in the heart of Ambleside, Dodd’s is open from noon ‘til late and welcomes guests for lunch, coffee and dinner in a relaxed environment. Known for its freshly prepared Mediterranean cuisine and friendly welcome, it’s a great place to enjoy a meal in Ambleside. Dishes are prepared using fresh local produce, while an open kitchen adds to the vibrant atmosphere.
It’s also worth noting that Dodd’s doesn’t take bookings, however there is a small bar where diners can enjoy a pre dinner drink while waiting for a table.
For reservations please ring: 015394 32134
CopperPot in Ambleside
This popular little cafe, nestled on a side street in the heart of town, is a great place to relax and recharge while exploring all Ambleside has to offer. Slate walls and soothing tones provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy a freshly ground coffee made using Mr Duffin’s Coffee, locally roasted in nearby Staveley. Open for breakfast and lunch, as well as coffee and home baked cakes, there’s plenty of indoor seating as well as a small garden in which to enjoy those sunny Lake District days.
Please visit their website to book: https://www.copper-pot.co.uk/
RattleGhyll in Amblesidettle Ghyll
Hearty, homemade vegetarian cooking, served up in a cosy cafe by friendly staff: that’s exactly what you’ll find at the popular Rattle Ghyll cafe. Located next to the beck which winds its way through Ambleside, Rattle Ghyll is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of town. Take a seat and peruse the daily papers with coffee and cake, or enjoy lunch while the beck babbles quietly in the background. The menu focuses on fresh food and decent portions, while the cake selection changes on a daily basis. For the discerning (or the indecisive!), a ‘Cake Platter’ featuring five smaller slices of cake allows for a little taste of a few different bakes.
For reservations please ring: 07342115830
The Apple Pie
An incredibly popular, well established family business, The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery is known for its baked goods, which are made on site and served up to take away or enjoy in the cosy on site cafe. Scones, cakes and (of course!) apple pie are all on the menu, alongside locally roasted coffees, house blended hot chocolates, Farrer’s teas and a wide selection of cold drinks. For lunch, enjoy homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, pies and more.
For reservations please ring: 015394 33679
Kysty
The casual dining sister of The Old Stamp House, Kysty is a bistro which offers something a little different. Its name means ‘discerning about one’s food’ in Cumbrian, and the focus is certainly on providing well prepared, creative and delicious fare inspired by Cumbria, made using local produce. A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere awaits visitors, serving an early evening menu between 5 and 6pm(Tues – Fri), followed by dinner from 6pm to 9pm(Tues-Sat). They also serve lunch from 12am to 2pm on Saturdays.
For reservations please ring: 015394 3364
