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We are so fortunate in the Lake District to have some amazing restaurants to try. Did we also mention that Cumbria has the most Michelin stars outside London?

Here’s just a few of the best Lake District restaurants to tickle your tastebuds: some Michelin stars, some rising stars.

They are all incredibly popular, so be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment…


L’Enclume, Cartmel (3 Michelin stars) 

Simon Rogan’s flagship restaurant, L’Enclume, has just been awarded its third Michelin star. With menus inspired by the constant changing of the seasons, expect the best seasonal and local ingredients, handled with passion and creativity.

Vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers are grown on their smallholding, Our Farm, and take centre stage, along with the finest produce from the surrounding countryside.

The chefs at this Lake District restaurant only use exceptional, mostly homegrown ingredients harvested in their prime. You’ll enjoy tasting menus which change as often as the weather in which these top-class ingredients are grown.

L’Enclume interior by Nina Claridge Photography


Hrishi at the Gilpin, Crook Road, Windermere (1 Michelin Star)

The Michelin starred, four AA Rosette main restaurant, ‘HRiSHi’ sits at the Gilpin Hotel.  Head chef Hrishikesh Desai combines great Lake District produce and classic methods to deliver unbelievable textures and flavours – modern British cuisine with a twist.

They also pride themselves on fine dining, with absolutely no pretentiousness! It’s easy to see why Hrishi is regarded as one of the Lake Districts best restaurants!

A very Cumbrian afternoon tea c Hrishi at the Gilpin


Forest Side, Grasmere (1 Michelin Star) 

Another Michelin star and 4 rosettes, you’ll enjoy elegant dishes focused on fresh, local produce, with many ingredients sourced from local farms.

Expect exceptional roasted duck, locally sourced cheese and fresh, Shetland mussels. There’s even vegetarian options available for diners with a preference.

Set in a fairytale mansion on the outskirts of Wordsworth’s Grasmere, this is a simply magical location for a very special meal.

Forest side sample menu. c Forest Side


Heft, High Newton, Newton in Cartmel, Grange over Sands (rising star)

Heft, in High Newton, is run by local Cumbrians, Kevin & Nicola Tickle, who understand the rhythms of nature and the seasons. Kevin’s unique take on modern British food uses a wealth of locally reared and farmed produce in his dishes.

Both Kevin and Nicola come from families that farm, forage and fish, and the experience is evident throughout their menu.

This Lake District restaurant serves extraordinary food in a relaxed setting. The 17th century inn is complete with a bar serving quality beers, carefully selected wines and interesting gins and whiskies.

c Heft


The Punch Bowl,  Crosthwaite, Lyth Valley

This Lake District Inn is nestled in the quiet Lyth Valley, just 10 minutes drive from Bowness. This elegant and relaxed country pub offers great food, friendly atmosphere, log fires and views across the countryside.

The Punch Bowl offers award-winning, locally sourced food. Again, using fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, grown at the nearby Mirk Howe Farm, damsons, rhubarb beetroot, artichokes, herbs, salads, and more.  They also source wild garlic, sorrel, blackberries and elderflower.

Cosy log fire in the bar at the Punch Bowl


The Drunken Duck, Barngates, Ambleside

The Drunken Duck is idyllically set amongst the rolling countryside of the Lake District National Park. This lovely country inn is just three miles from Ambleside, and close to the beautiful Tarn Hows.

Here you’ll find a cosy bar with a rustic log fire. The bar is stock with around six or seven of their own-brew ales, along with an excellent wine list, and some interesting botanical gins. Warm yourself up following an adventure through the lakes with a crisp pint of Barngate ale.

There is a seasonal, short-choice menu, currently the same for lunch and dinner sittings. The bar always has around six or seven of their own-brew ales with an excellent wine list, and some interesting botanical gins.

The Bar at the Drunken Duck c Drunken Duck


Lake Road Kitchen, Ambleside (in the Michelin guide)

This multi-award winning intimate restaurant is set in the heart of Ambleside. One of the Lake Districts best restaurants, Lake Road Kitchen offers amazing 8 and 12 courses tasting menus.

Their suggest pre-dinner drinks menu takes the guessing game out of which tipple to choose. There’s even a hand-picked after-dinner drinks menu for a night cap.

Lake Road Kitchen is applauded as ‘one of the best and boldest restaurants in the UK’ due to its ‘remarkable combinations of taste and texture.’

c Lake Road Kitchen


Cottage in the Wood, Whinlatter, Keswick  (1 Michelin Star) 

Perched 1,000ft up in the Whinlatter Forest above Keswick, The Cottage in the Wood is a unique Michelin-starred Restaurant combining sophisticated cooking with friendly service and a warm welcome.

The Michelin Guide said. “Top quality ingredients and classic techniques take the lead, and there is a certain sophistication to the well-balanced flavour pairings. Like the food, the service is natural and honest, and you leave feeling that they really do care about every little detail here.”

c Cottage in the Wood


Kysty, Ambleside

Sister restaurant and badged as ‘Casual Dining by The Old Stamp House’ ​Head Chef Dan Hopkins at Kysty brings a seasonal menu of dishes inspired by the Cumbrian landscape.

Working with small artisan producers who grow and rear quality produce with real care and attention to detail, their passion for food shines through. Dishes reflect the simple food ethos of their Chef Patron, Ryan Blackburn, which is to utilise only the finest seasonal ingredients available.

Kysty Ambleside c Kysty


Home by Simon Rogan

If you can’t get into one of the best Lake District restaurants, don’t forget our partnership with Home by Simon Rogan.

Have the restaurant experience delivered to your home or holiday cottage (UK mainland)! 3-course Meal Boxes start from £40 per person.

Home by Simon Rogan c Nina Claridge


Do you need anymore convincing to eat at one of the best Lake District restaurants?

After all that gorgeous food you’ll need to sleep it off! Browse our fantastic range of cottages and book your foodie break with us today! 

And why not plan your holiday itinerary ahead of time with a read through our guide on what’s on in the Lake District.