An insider’s guide to the best places to eat in Ambleside
There are tons of places to eat in Ambleside. One thing’s for certain – you won’t be stuck for choice when you visit. But which places are a bit of you? How do you know where to choose?
Rather than present you with a list of ALL the places to eat out in Ambleside, we’ve done the filtering for you. Here, we’ve selected the places with the most delectable food, warmest welcome, best coffee, and freshest vibes. And we should know – we’re from this neck of the woods.
We’ve made it really simple for you by breaking it down into:
- Where to eat in Ambleside before and after a hike
- Three restaurants in Ambleside for an awesome evening meal
- Our pick of Ambleside pubs with reliably good food, a buoyant atmosphere, AND good beer
Let’s go!
The best coffee shops in Ambleside to fuel up before and after a hike
Fell walking is central to the culture of Ambleside. Whether you’re having a slow morning, need a quick caffeine boost before your walk, or want something solid at the end of it, these places fit perfectly into that rhythm:
Before a hike: slow breakfast in Ambleside
Grain Ambleside
🕒 08:00-17:00 (daily)
With bright, relaxed Scandi vibes, Grain is an Ambleside café built around good coffee and fresh food. Visitors and locals enjoy the delicious eggs, oats, and baps all day.
Why here?
It’s the perfect place to linger over breakfast or brunch before heading out into the fells.
Before a hike: the best coffee, pronto
ASAP Coffee
🕒 Wed-Mon: 09:00-16:30
A small, cool coffee shop in Ambleside. Originally hailing from Manchester, ASAP Coffee is known for quality. It’s also consistently reviewed as the best of Ambleside’s newest independent cafés.
Why here?
As the name suggests, the most delicious coffee, quickly. Ideal for a quick caffeine hit before you hit the fells.
After a hike: cafés in Ambleside that say, “you’ve earned this”
Force Café
🕒 Mon-Fri: 09:30-17:00 | Sat-Sun: 09:00-17:00
Set near popular walking routes and the Stock Ghyll Force waterfall, Force Café is the perfect pitstop for walkers. The food is always delicious, considered, and fresh, with seasonal specials.
Why here?
Force Café is ideally situated to end your walk. Reward yourself with stunning views of the fells and valley on their beautiful terrace.
Insider tip: Force Café is open on Friday and Saturday nights between Easter and September, hosting a variety of events. Their weekly Friday night yoga classes are one of the best things to do in Ambleside to start your weekend.
Copper Pot
🕒 Mon, Thu-Fri: 10:00-16:00 | Sat-Sun: 09:30-16:00 (closed Tue-Wed)
A cosy, music-filled café in the centre of town, Copper Pot is known for home-cooked food, cakes, and a friendly, welcoming feel.
Why here?
Get the comfort food your heart desires after a demanding walk. Think loaded fries, beef nachos, and a Cumbrian Reuben. You get the picture.
Three restaurants in Ambleside for a great evening
When you go for dinner, it’s not JUST about great food. The ambience of the restaurant, friendly service, and timings all play a part too. These Ambleside restaurants stand out on every level. A memorable evening is guaranteed.
Lake Road Kitchen
🕒 Wed-Sun: 17:00-21:00
⭐Google rating: 4.8
💰££££
Lake Road Kitchen is an intimate, fine-dining space built around a changing tasting menu. The focus is firmly on quality ingredients and a carefully crafted experience. This is amazing food, service, and atmosphere, tailored for everyone, not just food connoisseurs.
Why here?
Their tag line is: “Warm, attentive, professional. Never theatrical.” Need we say more?
Good to know
It’s an intimate space, so if you have more than 8 in your party, call well in advance to secure a table.
The Schelly
🕒 Wed-Sat: 12.00-14:00 & 17:30-21:00
⭐ Google rating: 4.7
💰 £££
A modern, independent restaurant renowned for its seasonal cooking, The Schelley offers a more relaxed take on fine dining. You’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and looked after like a VIP all night.
Why here?
The Schelley is the perfect mix of contemporary, casual, and excellence. Every bite here tells a story.
Good to know
Chef-Owner Ryan Blackburn also owns The Old Stamp House – a Michelin-starred restaurant (and one of the best restaurants in Ambleside). So he knows a thing or two!
Jintana Thai
⭐ Google rating: 4.6
🕒 Mon-Thu: 12:00-15:00 & 17:00-22:00 | Fri-Sat: 12:00-22:00 | Sun: 12:00-21:00
💰 ££
A lively, well-established restaurant in Ambleside, Jintana brings a different energy to town with eastern flavours and hospitality. It’s consistently busy and known for its strong reputation beyond the Lakes.
Why here?
With friendly service, authentic flavours, and a buzzy atmosphere, visiting Jintana ensures you’ll head back to your holiday accommodation with a big smile and a happy tummy.
Good to know
Jintana is the first and only Thai Restaurant in Cumbria to receive a Thai Select Award for its authentic food and décor.
The coolest pubs in Ambleside to unwind in
If you want a chilled night and are wondering where to eat in Ambleside that matches your mood, Ambleside’s pubs are your go-to. The village isn’t short of choice, in fact its pub scene is one of the reasons to visit Ambleside. However, these three pubs offer great atmospheres, an independent spirit, and delicious food.
The Tap Yard
Set in a converted mill yard, The Tap Yard is a modern, craft-led space with brewery-fresh tank beer. It’s regularly hailed for its outstanding food offering (pizza, burgers, sharing plates).
🕒 Sun-Thu: 12:00–22:00 | Fri-Sat 12:00-23:00
Why here?
The Tap Yard is the perfect mix of holiday vibes, plus feeling right at home.
The Lakes Brew Co Tap Room
Not your typical pub, The Lakes Brew Co Tap Room is focused on deliciously fresh, locally brewed beer, and a small but perfectly formed menu, refined by Toast. You’ll find an outdoorsy, laid-back crowd here, all after one thing – a good night.
🕒 Mon-Thu: 12:00-21:00 | Fri-Sat: 12:00-21:00
Why here?
The Lakes Brew Co Tap Room is one of the best places in Ambleside for proper craft beer.
The Flying Fleece
The restored historic building that inhabits The Flying Fleece gives it a cosy, traditional feel. Here, you can drink local ales, eat seasonal food, and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
🕒 Mon-Thu: 12:00-21:00 | Fri: 12:00-22:00 | Sat: 09:30-22:00 | Sun: 09:30-20:00
Why here?
If you want a comfortable and chilled, but modern and welcoming pub, The Flying Fleece ticks all the boxes.
Make the most of your time in Ambleside with a Coppermines holiday cottage
Ambleside is a cute, compact village, but when it comes to food and drink, it packs a punch. And, if you’re planning to stay nearby, our handpicked cottages in the Lake District make the perfect base. Drop us a line for a chat about where to stay.
