Best Restaurants in The Lake District

In total, there are 28 award winning restaurants in The Lake District, based on the combined awards from the leading UK restaurant guides.

Were you expecting to see more restaurants in The Lake District? Remember at Leading Restaurants we only list restaurants holding awards from major restaurant guides; currently less than 3% of all restaurants in the UK and Ireland hold an award from a major guide.

The best restaurant in The Lake District is Old Stamp House in Ambleside (based on our unique combination of the leading UK restaurant guides) where head chef Ryan Blackburn serves up award winning Modern Cuisine. Old Stamp House currently holds 1 Michelin Star, 3 AA Rosettes, a ranking of 37th in UK in the Hardens Top 100 and a rating of Exceptional in the Good Food Guide.

There are currently 8 listed Michelin Star restaurants in The Lake District consisting of 8 restaurants holding 1 Michelin Star. There is also 1 restaurant holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand and 6 restaurants holding a standard Michelin Guide listing.

There are currently 25 listed AA Rosette restaurants in The Lake District consisting of 3 restaurants holding 4 AA Rosettes, 7 restaurants holding 3 AA Rosettes, 9 restaurants holding 2 AA Rosettes and 6 restaurants holding 1 AA Rosette.

Tucked away in the north-west of England, the Lake District is an enchanting region that continues to woo globetrotters and food enthusiasts with its captivating hills, crystal-clear lakes, and a rich array of culinary delights. Its location, imbued with picturesque beauty, has allowed it to become not only an epitome of solitude and tranquillity but also a hotbed of novel gastronomy. The local food scene, heavily influenced by its farming heritage, is a blend of age-old British traditions, inventive culinary techniques, and the generous use of local produce. One can never dissociate the succulent Herdwick lamb, the iconic Cumberland Sausage, or the homely Westmorland Damson Jam from the history and culture of this region. Restaurants in The Lake District tell their own colourful tales of the region's history, with many housed in ancient, heritage buildings. At the heart of this food landscape lies a special emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal produce and handcrafted delicacies, which is testament to the booming farm-to-fork philosophy. The repertoire spans not only traditional British and rustic pub fare but also encapsulates a wealth of fine dining experiences, with numerous restaurants being bestowed with prestigious Michelin Stars. The unfaltering commitment to quality ingredients and inventive cuisine reflects the spirit of the Lake District - deeply rooted in tradition yet continually evolving.