Restaurants in Ambleside

The Samling is the Lake District's most complete fine dining package: panoramic Windermere views, technically precise tasting menus, and a wine programme with a World of Fine Wine 3-Star Accreditation. At ££££, the four-course lunch is the smartest entry point, while the seven-course dinner is the right choice for a serious occasion. Hard to book at weekends; plan well ahead.

Lake Road Kitchen is Ambleside's most serious tasting menu, with La Liste recognition (82pts, 2025) and daily-changing 8 or 12-course menus from chef-owner James Cross. The room is small, calm, and deeply personal — right for a special occasion, hard to book. Plan four to six weeks ahead for weekend slots.

At £65 for lunch and £105 for dinner, The Old Stamp House is among the best-value serious tasting menus in the UK. Ryan and Craig Blackburn's cellar dining room in Ambleside delivers technically accomplished Cumbrian cooking in a relaxed, unfussy setting. La Liste rated it 84 points in 2025 and the 4.8 Google score across nearly 700 reviews signals consistent quality, not a one-off.