Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Cumbria

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best service in Cumbria? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Cottage in the Wood

4.9

4.9 (217)

£41 and over

Modern European

Keswick

About the restaurant

Perched 1,000ft up in the Whinlatter Forest above Keswick in the northern Lake District, The Cottage in the Wood is a unique Michelin Star Restaurant with Rooms combining Jack Bond’s creative cooking, boutique-style rooms, friendly service and a warm welcome in a stunning natural setting.

Online reservations are available for parties of 1–4 guests.
Bookings for 5-6 guests require a deposit, please contact us directly to make this reservation.
Phone: 017687-78409
Email: Info@thecottageinthewood.co.uk

We very much look forward to welcoming you to ‘The Cottage’
Beth, Jack & The Team at The Cottage in the Wood

Top review

Donna

Dined on 16 Oct 2026

The food was beautifully presented and tasted amazing. The descriptions of each dish by both the waiters and the chefs added to the experience. Service was excellent - attentive but not intrusive. Just the best.

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Experience

New Years Eve 2026/27

The Ivy House Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (816)

£25 and under

British

Keswick

About the restaurant

Located in the centre of Braithwaite village, within the Holiday Property Bond Hotel, Ivy House Restaurant offers its guests contemporary Cumbrian classics, in a breathtaking Lake District setting.

From succulent Cumbrian classics to modern European delicacies – the team have designed their daily changing menu to delight and inspire.

Just 2 and a half miles from Keswick and 10 minutes from Bassenthwaite Lake- the elegant restaurant and peaceful village of Braithwaite, is the perfect location for a relaxing evening meal out, after a exhilarating day in the Lakeland Fells.

We apologise as we are not pet friendly. But our sister restaurant Merienda in Keswick www.merienda.co.uk is pet friendly.

Top review

Gaia

Dined 3 days ago

Had such a lovely time at Ivy House! The food was delicious, the staff were friendly and welcoming, and there was a lovely, relaxed atmosphere. Really enjoyed our visit and will definitely be back. Would happily recommend!

Merienda

4.5

4.5 (525)

£25 and under

British

Keswick

About the restaurant

Keswick is one of the most scenic parts of the Lake District – which in itself is up there with the most scenic parts of the United Kingdom – and in the very heart of the town, you can find Merienda on the Main Street, whose food is about as beautiful as the surroundings. We offer wholesome, uncomplicated food in a homely ambience, and you can enjoy it any time of day, from a quality morning pick-me-up (We are serious about coffee and use quality Merienda's exclusive espresso blend from Darkhouse Coffee Roasters, Keswick) and hearty breakfast, to a range of delicious cakes and filling sandwiches, to a scintillating evening dinner menu accompanied by a range of fine wines and quality beers. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are the focus of a menu filled with British classics and dishes inspired from around the world – reserve a table and head on down.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined 6 days ago

Everything here was great. The food exceptional and the staff super friendly. We had a great evening and would highly recommend to anyone in Keswick

Bagheera in The Lakes

4.7

4.7 (30)

£25 and under

Café

Keswick

About the restaurant

OUR STORY
Bagheera was born from a love of two places that feel very much like home – the mountains and lakes of South India and the fells and lakes of Cumbria.
For years, we have welcomed locals and visitors to Keswick through their restaurants, sharing their passion for good food, warm hospitality and memorable experiences. With Bagheera, we wanted to create something different – a place where the vibrant flavours of South India meet the relaxed charm of the Lake District.
Our breakfast menu is inspired by the cafés, homes and street food stalls of South India and Keswick . Every recipe has been thoughtfully adapted for Keswick, using quality local ingredients and aromatic South Indian spices that are rich in flavour, not heat.
Whether you're setting off for a day on the fells, exploring the town, or simply enjoying a leisurely brunch with friends, we hope you'll discover something new and delicious.
From our family to yours, welcome to Bagheera.
George & Meera

Top review

Claire

Dined on 16 Oct 2026

A lovely friendly restaurant. Staff were courteous and warm Food was delicious Waiting times just right Thank you!

The Lakeview Restaurant at Macdonald Old England Hotel

4.2

4.2 (64)

£26 to £40

British

Windermere

About the restaurant

The Vinand Lakeview Restaurant at Old England Hotel & Spa sits on the shore of Lake Windermere and boasts stunning views over the lake and surrounding fells.

Known locally as 'the restaurant on the lake', it offers one of the most impressive views across the water and the food served is as exceptional as the scenery. Our modern British fine dining menu features seasonal dishes that have been carefully created by our head chef using the freshest ingredients.

Top review

Denise

Dined on 14 Oct 2026

Excellent food 😋 👌 would definitely recommend to everyone

The Cavendish Arms

4.7

4.7 (2262)

£26 to £40

British

Grange-Over-Sands

About the restaurant

The Cavendish Arms in Cartmel
Please note we cannot guarantee specific tables when booking on line or at busy times.
The Cavendish Arms in Cartmel, is a 550 year old Coaching inn set in the heart of Cartmel. With Simon Rogan and his famous Lenclume restaurant we have some very high standards to maintain. Our food is fresh and sourced locally to ensure the freshest ingredients are on your plate at all times. Our menu changes often and is always being developed by our very talented Head Chef and his team. Along with a great food offering, we are challenging boundaries with our selection of gins, whiskeys and many more superior spirits, we always try to have an alternative rather than using main stream brands behind the bar, ensuring our guests receive the best possible value for money we can provide whilst experiencing a better than expected product. In short our aim is to make sure you leave having had a memorable time and wearing a huge smile

Top review

Barbara

Dined 7 days ago

If you’ve never been here, it’s a definite must!!! The food is absolutely excellent (5 clean plates) the service was absolutely spot on (I actually told him how good he was) and for sure the ambience is second to none 👌

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Popular dish

Pear Tarte Tatin

Popular dish

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Duke of Cumberland

4.6

4.6 (33)

£25 and under

Pub

Kendal

About the restaurant

Set in the heart of Kendal, The Duke of Cumberland is perfectly placed for both locals and visitors, with the Lake District right on our doorstep and easy access from the town centre. Whether you're exploring the surrounding countryside or stopping by after a day out in Kendal, we're a relaxed and welcoming spot to call into, alongside your four legged friends too.

Top review

John

Dined 6 days ago

Pre-booking process very straightforward and quick with a confirmation email received immediately. We were shown to our table on arrival, service for both drinks and food was very pleasant and very quick. An excellent meal, we will definitely be back again.

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Experience

Festive Set Menu - £22.50pp (£5pp deposit)

Experience

4 Course Christmas Day (£10pp deposit)

The Easy Breeze

4.5

4.5 (63)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Windermere

About the restaurant

Tucked off Church Street in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere, The Easy Breeze is a restaurant, cocktail bar and live music venue rolled into one, run by Mark & Ange for ten years.

Our restaurant serves seasonal plates made with fresh, local ingredients, from cult-favourite Korean Bao Buns and the Breeze Burger to our Chateaubriand sharer. Sundays mean a proper roast with all the trimmings, and bottomless brunch is always a good idea.

Upstairs, the Show Bar brings the buzz: live music, big-screen sport and a judgement-free dancefloor. Fancy it cosier? The Back Bar has a pool table and a pint with your name on it.

Dog friendly, with a sun-trap beer garden and private rooms for birthdays, work dos and Christmas parties. Booking for 7 or more? Send us an enquiry through our website.

Great food. Great drinks. Great times. See you on Church Street.

Top review

Beverley

Dined on 9 Oct 2026

Great food and atmosphere. The best cocktails. Would love them to do a happy hour.

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Experience

Bottomless Brunch ✨

Experience

Sunday Roast with live music 🎶

Experience

Get Your Meal For Free.

Pooley bridge inn

4.4

4.4 (1062)

£25 and under

British

Penrith

About the restaurant

This wonderful inn is located in the centre of the pretty little village of Pooley Bridge, only moments from the edge of Ullswater Lake. Our spacious, traditional bar features open fires, free WIFI and a relaxing ambiance, which welcomes both dogs and children. On warmer days, enjoy our pleasant outside tables both in our beautiful front garden, and the peace of the Stable Courtyard away from the village bustle. Call us or pop in and say hello!

Top review

Mark

Dined on 11 Oct 2026

Great place for Sunday roast after a lovely walk. The staff are amazing. Best service for a long time - big shout out to the the team. Food was very good too. Overall great place.

Rickerby Retreat

4.5

4.5 (379)

£25 and under

Bistro

Carlisle

About the restaurant

Rickerby Bistro offers a stylish dining experience with a rooftop terrace, serving brunch, light lunches, and Afternoon Tea. Located in Rickerby Park in the heart of Carlisle, we also feature an on-site spa with ESPA treatments, CND nails, Lycon waxing, and a swimming pool. We also cater for private hire, including baby showers and hen celebrations gatherings.

Top review

Sarah

Dined on 25 Sept 2026

We had an absolutely outstanding meal here and couldn’t have been more impressed. The food was beautifully presented, full of flavour, and every dish was clearly prepared with great care and attention to detail. The restaurant itself is lovely, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the service was friendly, attentive, and professional throughout. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish, and we thoroughly enjoyed every moment. We’ll definitely be returning and would happily recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a fantastic meal and a lovely dining experience.

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