6 Best Restaurants in Ambleside, The Lake District

Billing itself as "Vegeterranean" to reflect its Mediterranean culinary influences, Fellinis is one of Cumbria's finest foodie destinations and a particular treat for vegetarians and vegans. Upstairs is a plush studio cinema screening art-house releases, while downstairs the restaurant rustles up sumptuous concoctions for a sophisticated crowd. The large, open dining room has soft seating, bold patterns, oversize lamp shades, and a chill, jazzy soundtrack. White tablecloths, contemporary art, and fresh flowers enhance the modern sensibility. Service is attentive without being fussy. Sister property Zeffirellis, a 5-minute walk away on Compston Street, also offers a fine-dining-and-cinema combination with a jazz bar to boot.

Cuttlefish shells piled in the window and a Nordic-style wood-paneled interior give a clue as to the culinary style of what is quite possibly the most awarded restaurant in Ambleside. About 80% of everything green on the menu is foraged; the remainder comes from the highest-quality, mainly local suppliers. Every dish is imaginatively conceived and expertly put together, revealing a variety of global influences. There are two set menus (eight and twelve courses) each night, or a shortened five-course menu. Wine pairings are available, and the restaurant can cater to most dietary preferences. Reservations are essential as there are just nine tables.

The quality of locally sourced and foraged food has been raised to a new level by this Michelin-starred restaurant, which, together with the Lake Road Kitchen, has given Ambleside unexpected status on the British gastro map. Chef Ryan Blackburn has created a menu anchored to Cumbrian traditions but at the same time mouthwateringly innovative and contemporary. Look for dishes such as scallops with pumpkin, braised daube of beef with smoked celeriac, and Cumbrian gingerbread. The restaurant has an unprepossessing setting, down steps in a dim room, but there's history in the whitewashed, rough-hewn walls: Wordsworth once worked here as "Distributer of Stamps.” A tasting menu is also available at lunch and dinner.

Matthew Colley is a charismatic chef who opened his own restaurant in 2001 to serve "retro classic" dishes to hungry Lake District walkers. He's passionate about local, artisanal produce and makes almost everything from scratch, including his own Cumbrian sausages. The early evening set menu is an exceptionally good value (three courses for £25 if you order before 7 pm); opt for the deep-fried brie, the Pollo Marsala with shallots, and whatever the special dessert of the day is. The atmosphere is warm, leaning towards lively on the weekends, and families are welcome. There's a separate children's menu.

Hidden away up a winding lane past the old mill waterwheel, homey Rattle Ghyll is a deservedly popular little deli and takeaway serving great soups, sandwiches, and lots of salads. The deli also has an eco-conscious refill station and coffee from regional roasteries.

Situated in Ambleside’s old mill yard, the Tap Yard serves craft beers fresh from the tanks in a wood-filled but contemporary, high-ceilinged space that also has outdoor seating. It's a lively spot in the evenings, popular with locals as well as visitors, and there's a wide menu of wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, and antipasti to share. Dogs are welcome, and there's a separate children's menu.