Top Restaurants in Windermere
Windermere Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Windermere
This popular resort town is located just a mile from Windermere Lake, the largest lake in Europe and alleged home of more than one peculiar sea creature. If we've scared you out of skiing, boating and fishing in Windermere Lake, there's always horseback riding and golf. Or you can explore the lake from the safety of a ferryboat, which regularly takes passengers from Hawkshead to Bownes.
Things to do in Windermere
1. Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
At the heart of Gilpin is a very passionate family and team, dedicated to creating lasting memories for their guests, who return time and again for celebrations and escapes. With five stars, one Michelin Star and three AA Rosettes, warmth and friendliness are balanced with extraordinary service, exquisite décor and stunning culinary experiences at these two luxury country houses spanning two estates in the beautiful Lake District. Dine in either the Michelin starred main restaurant, ‘Hrishi’, where Hrishikesh Desai combines great Lake District produce and classic methods to deliver unbelievable textures and flavours with just a twist of Asia, or in ‘Gilpin Spice’ a new informal restaurant transcending international boundaries, with an open kitchen focussing on dishes from the spice trail spanning the Indian sub-continent, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan and China. At Gilpin Hotel all of the bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the Gardens - 6 Garden Suites with their own cedarwood hot tubs, and 5 fabulous detached Spa Lodges with private ensuite spas (rainmaker showers and steam rooms inside, hydrotherapy hot tubs and saunas outside) for a very special, private experience. Just a mile away at Gilpin Lake House, just 6 suites enjoy exclusive access to 100 acres of grounds, including a stunningly beautiful private lake, boat house, pool, hot-tubs and spa.
Reviewed By DMW228 - Manchester, United Kingdom
The setting and style of Gilpin Spice is the wow. The wine is delicious. The service was okay. The food was tasty but frustrating - it’s not tapas because the portions aren’t large enough to share. We were told to order a meal each! Starters, mains, sides & desserts & still we left a little hungry. The food presentation was perfect & it was very tasty but it just left us slightly disappointed. Of the 5 of us, 2 will go again. The setting is worth the trip. It’s pricey. We did have a lovely night - as I mentioned, the wine is delicious
2. Restaurant at Samling
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
Reviewed By HighlanderJan - London, United Kingdom
We had a fantastic stay at the Samling, including a wonderful dinner. From the dining room, you get a beautiful view over Lake Windermere. However, when it got dark, the dining room felt very cold and sterile as we sat in front of a big black window. It all seems to be designed to make the most out of the stunning views during the day.
Anyway, the Samling is a wonderful place and I can recommend it highly!
3. Villa Positano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By traceyandmartin - Bradford, United Kingdom
Booked to come here for myself, husband and two friends. Even though we were a little were shown straight to our table. The service was really good. We all enjoyed our meals and have to say the strawberry cheesecake was probably one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. Have not seen our friends for a long time spent a long time chatting but never felt rushed. Would definitely recommend anyone to eat here and will be returning on on our visit to the Lake District.
4. The Albert
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The Albert hotel welcomes you to the perfect place to eat, drink and relax. Just a stone's throw from England largest lake,Lake Windermere. Food is served Monday to Saturday from 12 noon till between 9 and 9.30pm. On a Sunday we serve traditional Sunday lunch along side our main menu form 12 noon till 8.15pm.
Reviewed By PussUK - uk
We ate here 3 evenings and it was brilliant each time. They have a good varied menu and the food was well cooked. What else could you ask for. It's very reasonably priced whether you want a burger or salmon and fresh vegetables.
5. The Lamplighter Dining Rooms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Jason H
We visited The Lamplighter back in September for my wife's 50th birthday
On the morning of our visit, I called the restaurant to try to arrange a special welcome for my wife.
We were greeted with complimentary champagne and escorted to our table where rose petals were scattered over the table
Very friendly staff made it a lovely night out...
6. Cedar Manor
Overall Ratings
5 based on 302 reviews
First built in 1854 as a private country retreat and housing an unmissable 200 year old cedar tree in its grounds, tradition and a sense of place are important to both the look and the food at The Cedar Manor Hotel and Restaurant. You will find Cedar Manor offers a seasonally changing a la carte and table d'hote menu of classic British food on which all produce is sourced from providers based in the surrounding Lake District. Open to guests and non-residents, one might want to relax with a book in the cosy hotel bar before taking a seat in the restaurant which has been awarded an AA Rosette for Fine Dining.
Reviewed By Martin V - Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Took my partner here for his special birthday. Everything about the experience was fine, from drinks in the bar to the relaxed and intimate atmosphere in the candlelit dining room. Service was high end professional and immaculate. Our food was really very good indeed. I mentioned the special occasion in advance, and we had a discreetly decorated table and a lovely decorated plate from the chef with petits fours. Bravos all round especially to our waiter.
7. Balance Of Bowness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Balance restaurant in Bowness brings together the best of traditional dining with fresh ideas and a smart interior. The tables are beautifully set with linen and candles, the music is soft and ambient, and the atmosphere is calm and relaxed. All of this sets the stage for the food, which celebrates the best Lake District ingredients alongside hand-picked flavours from around the globe.
Reviewed By Dawn W - Manchester, United Kingdom
My partner and I ate here. We shared the wood pigeon salad. The pink breast meat went so well with the redcurrants and braised fennel. I followed that with mushroom risotto which was very nice. My partner had the lamb; cooked perfectly but the vegetables were amazing. The sweet potato was infused with rosemary and the carrots were delicious. We shared gingerbread pannacotta which was gorgeous. We drank a bottle of Rioja. The bill came to £64. Fantastic value for great food.
The service was friendly and professional. We would definitely return.
8. The Golden Mountain Chinese Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 743 reviews
Reviewed By Graham_bellingham - Oswestry
If you like modern trendy restaurants then don`t eat here. The Golden Mountain décor is from another decade but don`t let that put you off it`s spotlessly clean throughout. The food is delicious and there's plenty of it my wife and I ordered way too much not realising the portion sizes were so large. On top of this the staff are warm, friendly and really efficient. Would definitely recommend anyone to visit here.
9. Francine's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By clare s - Sandhurst, United Kingdom
We pre booked a table for a Saturday evening due to the positive reviews. The food was outstanding and the staff were very attentive. Can’t wait to go back on our next visit. Would highly recommend.
10. Jackson's Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Bettyboo1805
After menu Reading fatigue whilst trying to choose somewhere to eat in Bowness we happened upon Jackson's Bistro. £15.95 for 2 courses of £18.95 for three seemed great value and the menu was a bit different from the regular pub grub, Italians or Chinese in Bowness.
We weren't disappointed - excellent service, good house wine, some unusual combinations (chicken, Bolognese and parma ham together as a main course was delicious!) and the puddings were the crowning glory! The creme brûlée with bananas was incredible and the home made sticky toffee pudding put Cartmel's offering in the shade. Fab place and would highly recommend. The a la carte menu looked great too so would return to try that on next visit!
