We’ve handpicked 11 of the best restaurants in Windermere and compiled them into a handy list. You’re sure to find something to suit all tastes and budgets here!
One of the most popular destinations in the Lake District, Windermere is a bustling hub of delicious restaurants, pubs, cafes, and bistros.
Read on to discover the best places to eat in Windermere…
1. Bandito Burrito
Tripadvisor 5/5– Mexican / Healthy / Street Food –£
© Bandito Burrito
Experience the authentic flavours of Mexico in the heart of the Lake District at this top Windermere restaurant.
Ranked number one on Tripadvisor, Bandito Burrito is a quirky burrito bar positioned on Windermere’s Main Road.
The menu packs a punch, serving quesadillas, nachos and burritos prepared with traditional Mexican ingredients. There are vegan and vegetarian options available for those with a preference, with all menu items available on a click & collect takeaway service.
This Windermere restaurant doesn’t accept bookings, so be sure to check the opening times ahead of your visit to avoid disappointment.
Veggie/vegan options 
Dog-friendly Takeaway
2. The Windermere Speakeasy
Tripadvisor 5/5– Mediterranean / Healthy / Wine Bar–£ £ – £ £ £
© The Windermere Speakeasy
Coffee house by day, elegant co*cktail bar by night, this quirky eatery is a must-visit. Take a well-deserved rest from exploring the rural delights of Cumbria and head to The Windermere Speakeasy.
Add a touch of luxury to your day with an indulgent spot of afternoon tea, or opt for a light-bite, served until 5pm. Carry the conversation into the evening, where the coffee house transforms into an eclectic co*cktail bar. Expect a menu of traditional Mediterranean delicacies, signature co*cktails and fine wines.
Gluten free alternatives are available upon request, as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes. If you time it right, you might even catch happy hour!
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly Takeaway ✘
3. Hooked
Tripadvisor 4.5/5– Seafood / British / Healthy–£ £ – £ £ £
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A pint-sized bistro-style restaurant, Hooked is a must if you’re in search of fresh, sustainable seafood.
Serving a seasonal menu dependent on the catch of the day, you can look forward to dishes including pan fried scallops, Cajun swordfish and lobster grilled with garlic butter. One of the best places to eat in Windermere, an indulgent dessert menu really is the cherry on top!
Its Sister restaurant, Urban Food House, sits nearby in Bowness-on-Windermere, serving a hearty menu of pizza, burgers, and lighter bites. There’s even a brunch menu available to help fuel an exciting day of excursions.
Veggie/vegan options ✘ Dog-friendly ✘ Takeaway ✘
4. HRiSHi at the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Tripadvisor 4.5/5– Asian / Contemporary / Vegetarian Friendly– £ £ £ £
© HRiSHi at the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
The next on our list of Windermere restaurants is HriShi. This Michelin-starred, four AA rosette award-winning restaurant sits within the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, between Windermere and Kendal.
Head chef, Hrishikesk Desai, serves a sophisticated menu guided by locally sourced Cumbrian ingredients. Choose between a taster menu or a three course a la carte, each with hand-picked paired wines. For those who choose, there’s also an extensive plant-based menu available.
As one of the top restaurants near Windermere, be mindful that there is a smart/casual dress code to adhere to. Ripped jeans, trainers and shorts aren’t permitted, and men are required to wear a shirt with a collar.
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly ✘ Takeaway ✘
5. Francine’s Restaurant
Tripadvisor 4.5/5– French / European / British –£ £ – £ £ £
© Francine’s Restaurant
Described as both a coffee house and bistro restaurant, Francine’s is a wonderful choice at any time of day.
Lunchtimes see a menu of homemade cakes, freshly-prepared sandwiches and steaming cups of tea, perfect for a pit-stop following an adventure through the fells. In the evening, this Windermere restaurant comes into its own, with an extensive a la carte menu and daily specials board.
French fare served in a cosy, Cumbrian setting makes for an elegant dining experience.
Sample menu 🡭
Bookings via telephone only:015394 44088
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly Takeaway ✘
6. San Pietro
Tripadvisor 4.5/5– Italian / Pizza / Vegetarian Friendly –£ £ – £ £ £
Set in the heart of Windermere, San Pietro is a quaint Italian restaurant headed by former Marco Pierre White Chef, Jason Turner.
This multi-award-winning Windermere restaurant boasts a sheltered terrace, ideal for soaking in the summer sunshine with an Aperol Spritz in hand. The rustic, wooden interior sits under an intimate arched ceiling, offering both romantic and social dining experiences.
The mouth-watering menu consists of traditional Italian Cuisines and international dishes. Tuck-into wood fired pizzas, fresh gnocchi, indulgent panacotta and homemade tiramisu.
The flavours of Italy await at this popular place to eat in Windermere.
Bookings via telephone only:015394 44854
Veggie/vegan options ✘Dog-friendly Takeaway ✘
7. Sugar and Spice Café and Bistro
Tripadvisor 4.5/5– Cafe / British / Vegetarian Friendly –£ £ – £ £ £
Next up on our list of Windermere’s best places to eat is Sugar and Spice Café and bistro. A family-run, quintessentially British eatery, Sugar and Spice is a wonderful place to dine, whether it be for breakfast, lunch, or a nibble inbetween!
Pour yourself a cup of loose-leaf tea and indulge in a decadent spot of afternoon tea, or warm up at the end of an action-packed day on the lake with a bowl of homemade soup.
As a fully licensed establishment, you can swap your cup of tea for a glass of bubbly to celebrate your special occasion in style.
If you’re short on time, pop in and grab a cup of coffee and a slice of cake to enjoy on the go. With vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available, Sugar and Spice Café and Bistro is one sure to tickle your tastebuds!
Bookings via telephone only:015394 22979
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly ✘ Takeaway
8. The Crafty Baa Windermere
Tripadvisor 4.5/5– Bar / Wine Bar / Vegetarian Friendly –£
Charcuteries, grilled cheese, and craft beers are on the menu at this pint-sized Windermere restaurant.
The Crafty Baa comprises of three themed rooms, each renovated using recycled and upcycled materials. One of Windermere’s top places to eat, The Crafty Baa is also home to the smallest pub in the Lake District, The Pie and Pint!
Traditional pub memorabilia paired with exposed stonework and a wooden décor create an intimate and inviting atmosphere. Cosy up around the open fire and sample over 100 craft beers available on tap. If you’re up for the challenge, why not try two of the world’s strongest beers?
Little ones and furry friends are more than welcome, and there’s even regular live music performances to add a bit of ambiance to your evening.
Winner of the AA Best Pub of the Year award, you can expect a memorable dining experience at The Crafty Baa.
Sample menu 🡭
Bookings via telephone only:015394 88002
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly Takeaway
Restaurants near Windermere
Many of our favourite restaurants are located just outside of Windermere, but are well worth the trip!
9. Boardwalk Bar & Grill
Tripadvisor 4.5/5– Steakhouse / Bar / British –£ £ – £ £ £
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Worthy of a special mention is Boardwalk Bar & Grill in Windermere’s twin town of Bowness. Idyllically positioned on the shores of Lake Windermere, diners are rewarded with unrivalled views across Cumbria’s famous glistening waters.
The hearty menu consists of pub classics, chef specials and grilled meats, with intolerances, allergies, and preferences in mind. You can expect traditional fish and chips, steak fresh from the grill along with plant-based burgers and hot dogs.
With a dog-friendly outdoor terrace, you can enjoy a welcome break from your lakeside stroll with your four-legged friend. Sip a seasonal co*cktail as you soak in the spectacular sights of Lake Windermere.
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly Takeaway ✘
10. The Easy Breeze Piano Bar & Restaurant
Tripadvisor 4.5/5– Bar / Pizza / International –£ £ – £ £ £
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A post shared by The Easy Breeze – Bowness 🇬🇧🇺🇦 (@theeasybreeze)
Whether you’re a fan of flavoursome food, hand-shaken co*cktails, or live music (or all three!) this restaurant near Windermere is for you!
Dine on stone baked pizza, street food or a selection of small plates as your favourite songs are expertly performed on the piano. If you’re looking to make a day of it, why not pre-book an afternoon of bottomless brunch?
A fan of football? There’s no need to worry about missing your favourite sporting event. You’ll find televisions dotted throughout the restaurant, along with co*cktails, spirits, and a selection of beers on tap.
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly ✘ Takeaway
11. The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant
Tripadvisor 4/5– British / Grill / Gastropub –£ £ – £ £ £
Overlooking the moorings at Windermere Marina, The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant is a truly idyllic spot to enjoy a bite to eat.
Admire the enchanting waterfront views as you tuck-into a delicious menu of nibbles, lighter bites, and traditional pub classics. Culinary delights include mussels, confit duck and beer battered fish and chips.
You’ll find an extensive wine list at this Bowness-on-Windermere restaurant, perfect for indulging in an evening tipple. Toast a glass of Chateaneuf de Pape as you watch the sunset across the water from the outdoor terrace.
Sample menu 🡭
Bookings via telephone only:015394 22785
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly Takeaway
Found something to tickle your tastebuds? Browse our range of holiday cottages in Windermere and plan your trip to sample these delights for yourself! Our guide to the best walks in the Lake District is sure to keep you entertained during your visit!
Ratings sourced fromTripadvisor
