Where to Eat in Bowness-on-Windermere: The Best Restaurants and Bars

October 23, 2017 Karren Gelb

Bowness-on-Windermere is a town in South Lakeland, Cumbria, England. Due to its position on the banks of Windermere, the town has become a tourist honeypot. Although their mutual growth has caused them to become one large settlement, the town is distinct from the town of Windermere as the two still have distinguishable town centres. Historically part of Westmorland, in 2012, Bowness was one of the official stop off points for the Olympic torch before it made its way to the Olympic Games opening ceremony.
Things to do in Bowness-on-Windermere

1. Linthwaite House

Crook Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3JA, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Private Dining, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi British, European, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner HK$385 - HK$494 +44 15394 88600
Excellent
78%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 165 reviews

Linthwaite House

Linthwaite House Hotel restaurant overlooking Lake Windermere in the sublime Lake District is a very special place indeed. With views that would have thrilled Wordsworth, Linthwaite House Hotel has chosen luxurious, tasteful interiors to please even the most jaded urbanite and the kitchen, under chef Simon Bolsover, is daring and modern too. Fresh, local ingredients conspire in a signature dish like 60 Degree Herdwick Lamb with braised neck kataifi, cep and kidney risotto. Choose from light lunch menu on the Terrace, daily changing table d’hote menu or simpler a la carte in the elegant dining room, with its vast mirror collection, in the evenings, vegetarian menu, or trad Sunday lunch, all accompanied by a blistering global wine list.

Reviewed By RichardVUK - UK

Beautifully situated with fabulous views over Windermere, we went here for my wife's birthday. The food was outstanding, the service excellence and the ambience lovely. One thing that struck us was the enthusiasm and loyalty of the staff and the excitement for the forthcoming re-development. The new owners have now closed the hotel and restaurant for the Summer to carry out a complete refurb and the staff were all keen to tell us how good they thought the plans were and clearly the new owners (?Leeu Group, or something like that) have a real gift with inspiring their staff with the Group vision. We are looking forward with excitement and expectation to the reopening of the restaurant and hope that the owners will be able to persuade the chef to stay on as he is clearly very talented.

2. Villa Positano

Villa Positano Ash Street, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3EB, England Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +44 15394 45663
Excellent
66%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Villa Positano

Reviewed By traceyandmartin - Bradford, United Kingdom

Booked to come here for myself, husband and two friends. Even though we were a little were shown straight to our table. The service was really good. We all enjoyed our meals and have to say the strawberry cheesecake was probably one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. Have not seen our friends for a long time spent a long time chatting but never felt rushed. Would definitely recommend anyone to eat here and will be returning on on our visit to the Lake District.

3. The Albert

Queens Square | Queens Square, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3BY, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$78 - HK$196 +44 15394 43241
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

The Albert

The Albert hotel welcomes you to the perfect place to eat, drink and relax. Just a stone's throw from England largest lake,Lake Windermere. Food is served Monday to Saturday from 12 noon till between 9 and 9.30pm. On a Sunday we serve traditional Sunday lunch along side our main menu form 12 noon till 8.15pm.

Reviewed By PussUK - uk

We ate here 3 evenings and it was brilliant each time. They have a good varied menu and the food was well cooked. What else could you ask for. It's very reasonably priced whether you want a burger or salmon and fresh vegetables.

4. The Masons Arms

Strawberry Bank | Cartmel Fell, Bowness-on-Windermere LA11 6NW, England Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$392 +44 15395 68486
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 675 reviews

The Masons Arms

Reviewed By SEASIDEJOHN - Blackpool

Stopped here for a pint at lunch time and loved the place so much we went back at night for a meal. I had the venison and blue cheese pie with chunky chips, food was great, the bar is typically old down stairs with a small bar and a couple of real fires, upstairs which seems to be the main restaurant is done out superbly, some great touches with great furniture, upstairs also leads to the bedrooms that the pub has but didnt get to see them.
I would have given this a 5 star but just felt the staff wanted us to leave as we were the last ones in and it wasn't that late, but the fire had gone out and nobody came to ask about desserts or if we wanted another drink.
I'll give this another go as the food was really good and just hope we caught them on a bad cold Monday night!!

5. Cedar Manor

Ambleside Road, Windermere LA23 1AX, England Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards British, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Dinner HK$385 - HK$494 +44 15394 43192
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 302 reviews

Cedar Manor

First built in 1854 as a private country retreat and housing an unmissable 200 year old cedar tree in its grounds, tradition and a sense of place are important to both the look and the food at The Cedar Manor Hotel and Restaurant. You will find Cedar Manor offers a seasonally changing a la carte and table d'hote menu of classic British food on which all produce is sourced from providers based in the surrounding Lake District. Open to guests and non-residents, one might want to relax with a book in the cosy hotel bar before taking a seat in the restaurant which has been awarded an AA Rosette for Fine Dining.

Reviewed By Martin V - Staffordshire, United Kingdom

Took my partner here for his special birthday. Everything about the experience was fine, from drinks in the bar to the relaxed and intimate atmosphere in the candlelit dining room. Service was high end professional and immaculate. Our food was really very good indeed. I mentioned the special occasion in advance, and we had a discreetly decorated table and a lovely decorated plate from the chef with petits fours. Bravos all round especially to our waiter.

6. Balance Of Bowness

Lake Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3BJ, England Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards European, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks HK$55 - HK$385 +44 15394 47447
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Balance Of Bowness

Balance restaurant in Bowness brings together the best of traditional dining with fresh ideas and a smart interior. The tables are beautifully set with linen and candles, the music is soft and ambient, and the atmosphere is calm and relaxed. All of this sets the stage for the food, which celebrates the best Lake District ingredients alongside hand-picked flavours from around the globe.

Reviewed By Dawn W - Manchester, United Kingdom

My partner and I ate here. We shared the wood pigeon salad. The pink breast meat went so well with the redcurrants and braised fennel. I followed that with mushroom risotto which was very nice. My partner had the lamb; cooked perfectly but the vegetables were amazing. The sweet potato was infused with rosemary and the carrots were delicious. We shared gingerbread pannacotta which was gorgeous. We drank a bottle of Rioja. The bill came to £64. Fantastic value for great food.
The service was friendly and professional. We would definitely return.

7. Francine's

27 Main Road, Windermere LA23 1DX, England Serves Alcohol, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards French, European, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$110 - HK$196 +44 15394 44088
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Francine's

Reviewed By clare s - Sandhurst, United Kingdom

We pre booked a table for a Saturday evening due to the positive reviews. The food was outstanding and the staff were very attentive. Can’t wait to go back on our next visit. Would highly recommend.

8. Jackson's Bistro

West End, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3EE, England Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar European, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +44 15394 46264
Excellent
70%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Jackson's Bistro

Reviewed By Bettyboo1805

After menu Reading fatigue whilst trying to choose somewhere to eat in Bowness we happened upon Jackson's Bistro. £15.95 for 2 courses of £18.95 for three seemed great value and the menu was a bit different from the regular pub grub, Italians or Chinese in Bowness.
We weren't disappointed - excellent service, good house wine, some unusual combinations (chicken, Bolognese and parma ham together as a main course was delicious!) and the puddings were the crowning glory! The creme brûlée with bananas was incredible and the home made sticky toffee pudding put Cartmel's offering in the shade. Fab place and would highly recommend. The a la carte menu looked great too so would return to try that on next visit!

9. Rastelli Ristorante-Pizzeria

Lake Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3AP, England Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Italian, Pizza, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner HK$8 +44 15394 44227
Excellent
64%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 924 reviews

Rastelli Ristorante-Pizzeria

Reviewed By Chez R - Manchester, United Kingdom

A nice table in a busy restaurant.
The staff were very nice and helpful.
Excellent menu choices as you would expect.
We never waited long for service as the staff made sure everybody had a drink and when the food came it filled the large plate.
Bill was what to expect in the areas.
Will go again

10. The Angel Inn

The Angel Helm Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3BU, England Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$165 - HK$385 +44 15394 44080
Excellent
51%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

The Angel Inn

Family owned and run Hotel, bar and restaurant in the Centre of Bowness on Windermere, the perfect place to stay for your Lake District break, within close walking distance of Lake Windermere and everything the area has to offer.

Reviewed By 50Smart - Dublin Ireland

During a recent visit to Windermere, The Angel Inn was recommended for dinner and we decided to try it out. Arrived with no reservation and although it was very busy we were able to get a table. Food was excellent and very enjoyable, staff were attentive, friendly and helpful. Will definitely visit again.

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