Best Food in the Lake District: Local Dishes, Hidden Gems & Dining Experiences

If there’s one thing the Lake District does just as well as scenery, it’s food. From hearty pub meals to elegant fine dining, the region’s culinary scene is packed with local produce, traditional recipes, and passionate chefs who put flavour first. Whether you’re craving a classic Sunday roast after a long walk or looking to try unique Cumbrian specialities, here’s your complete guide to the best food in the Lake District.

What Food Is the Lake District Famous For?

The Lake District’s food heritage is built on simple, honest ingredients — sourced straight from the hills, farms, and waters of Cumbria. Some of the region’s most iconic dishes include:

• Cumberland Sausage – A coiled, herby sausage made from seasoned pork, traditionally served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy.

• Sticky Toffee Pudding – Arguably Cumbria’s most famous dessert, originating in Cartmel, this indulgent pudding combines dates, sponge cake, and rich toffee sauce.

• Herdwick Lamb – Native to the fells of the Lake District, this slow-growing breed produces uniquely flavoured, tender meat.

• Damson Gin – Made from locally grown damsons around Lyth Valley, it’s a sweet, fruity twist on the classic spirit.

• Cumbrian Cheese – From tangy Kendal Creamy to award-winning farmhouse varieties, local cheesemakers have made Cumbria a quiet powerhouse for dairy lovers.

These dishes capture the Lake District’s character — rich, comforting, and deeply rooted in local tradition.

Best Places to Eat in the Lake District

From gastro pubs to fine dining, here’s where you can experience the best of Lakeland cuisine.

1. Country Pubs with Classic Menus

The Lake District’s pubs are the beating heart of its food scene — many serve restaurant-quality dishes in a relaxed setting. Expect roaring fires, local ales, and menus filled with hearty comfort food.

Top picks include:

• The Drunken Duck Inn (Ambleside) – Seasonal British fare with a creative twist.

• The Yew Tree Pub (Borrowdale) – A beautifully restored historic pub known for its locally inspired menu and Sunday roasts.

• The Queens Head (Troutbeck) – A rustic gem serving Cumbrian classics and local craft beers.

2. Fine Dining in the Fells

For those looking for something special, the Lake District is home to several Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurants, blending local ingredients with culinary artistry.

Highlights include:

• L’Enclume (Cartmel) – Simon Rogan’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant celebrating hyper-local produce.

• The Old Stamp House (Ambleside) – A small, atmospheric restaurant championing Cumbrian heritage dishes.

• Forest Side (Grasmere) – Set in a Victorian mansion with a menu built around local foraging and farm produce.

Farm-to-Table and Local Producers

Food in the Lake District is more than dining — it’s about connection. Visit local farmers’ markets and farm shops to taste the region’s best products straight from the source.

Don’t miss:

• Hawkshead Relish Company – Famous for its chutneys, preserves, and sauces made using traditional methods.

• Cartmel Village Shop – The birthplace of the original Sticky Toffee Pudding.

• Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – Home of the world-famous spicy-sweet treat invented by Sarah Nelson in 1854.

• Booths Supermarket (Keswick & Windermere) – A northern favourite that champions regional suppliers.

Sunday Roasts and Pub Classics

A Sunday roast in the Lake District is almost a ritual. Think tender beef or lamb, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, golden roast potatoes, and seasonal veg — all paired with a pint of local ale.

Many pubs and inns offer dedicated Sunday menus featuring locally sourced meats and vegetarian roasts. Pair it with a view of the fells, and you’ve got one of the best dining experiences in Cumbria.

Sweet Treats and Ice Cream Stops

Looking for something sweet? The Lake District has no shortage of artisan dessert makers and ice cream parlours.

• The Little Ice Cream Shop (Bowness-on-Windermere) – Known for creative flavours like Kendal Mint Cake and Sticky Toffee Pudding.

• English Lakes Ice Cream – A long-standing local brand using Cumbrian milk and cream.

• Kimi’s Gelato (Keswick) – A local favourite for Italian-style gelato with a Lake District twist.

Halal and Inclusive Dining Options

The Lake District’s food scene has become wonderfully diverse, offering great choices for halal, vegetarian, and vegan diners. In popular towns such as Windermere, Keswick, and Ambleside, you’ll find a mix of traditional British dishes and international cuisines — all served with warm Cumbrian hospitality.

Recommended options:

• Prince of India (Windermere) – A long-standing favourite serving authentic curries, kebabs, and a wide range of halal dishes.

• Lake Raj (Bowness-on-Windermere) – Known for its classic Indian flavours and family-friendly atmosphere.

• Zeffirellis (Ambleside) – A vegetarian Italian restaurant and jazz café offering delicious, ethically sourced food.

Food and Scenery: The Perfect Pairing

What makes food in the Lake District so special isn’t just the flavour — it’s the setting. Picture yourself enjoying a glass of wine overlooking Derwentwater or tucking into a local cheese platter after hiking Catbells. Every meal here feels like part of the landscape itself.

Whether you’re a foodie, a family traveller, or a hiker looking for hearty fuel, the Lake District’s dining scene offers something for every taste.

Plan Your Food Adventure

From cosy country pubs to elegant dining rooms, local delis, and farm shops — the Lake District is a paradise for food lovers. So, when you’re planning your next trip, don’t just explore the fells — explore the flavours.