Lake Road Kitchen in South Lakeland

Absolutely outstanding from the start. Intimate and yet welcoming and not in the least stuffy. Every member of staff is a credit and James Cross and his team are masters at combining unusual methods and flavours to create delicate and flavour packed delights. We chose the taster menu which was genius; an array of dishes that satisfies both meat eaters and vegetarian. How you take octopus and make it taste like pork with crackling is a masterclass in understanding food. Your Star is very well deserved and thank you for making us feel welcome. We talked about the food and service all the way home in the car x

This was our first star restaurant and we wasn’t disappointed. Tbf the food is probably one of the best value meals you’ll have. We had the 8 course tasting menu at £105. Just over £12 a dish. You’d pay that for a frozen warmed up starter in an average eatery these days! The service here is amazing. From ringing the door bell and the waiter knowing who you was, to your own coat hook on the side. The place only holds 10 covers and they must be at least 10 staff! We aren’t posh by any account and was alittle concerned we may be under dressed in jeans and jumper but we were made to feel welcome and it’s a more smart casual than formal setting. Which made us feel at ease The food was the best I’ve tasted. The explanation of what we was eating, where it’s from and how it’s cooked was really good. The chefs are so passionate and can tell they want to do it, this isn’t just a job. Of all the stuff that came to our table some were better than others. This isn’t a criticism but the younger lad could maybe do a bit more talking. Or if he’s a great cook but not much of a chatter then get someone else to do the talking. We ordered a bottle of wine but fancied a desert wine, just to see what they are about. We took the waiters recommendation and it was really good! All in all it was the most expensive meal I’ve ever had but the best meal and experience I’ve had. Would highly recommend and a big thank you to everyone there for making us feel at ease there.

This restaurant is a real gem . We had the most wonderful 5 course tasting menu , my partner also had the wine flight . The experience from start to finish was first class . The wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm from the staff when it came to serving our courses and wine was exceptional. James the chef and owner is doing great things . We have visited numerous Michelin restaurants in the Uk and abroad and we can honestly say that Lake Road Kitchen is up there with the very best . Well worth a visit .

All round it was a fabulous dining experience. We went for 5 course tasting menu. To start we had their home made bread with pastrami, it was truly the best bread I've ever tasted. Salmon course was again incredible, the sauce was a flavour explosion. Next course was the reason I've given four not five stars. My biege diet was so excited at Michelin fried chicken but it didn't quite hit the spot for me despite it being regularly raved about. The flavours were great, but the chicken got a bit lost - never thought I'd want less crispy coating! My favourite course was the monkfish, utterly sublime, we then finished with the most incredible cheesecake. Wine quality was great and really complimented the food. Service was great, very enjoyable!

Selling add-ons during the meal left your customers feeling disappointed. My partner and I took a few days to reflect on the experience of dining here before reviewing. We both concluded we were left a bit disappointed. I reserved a table for my partner's birthday. There was a strict instruction that we could have the table for 2 hours to allow for the 2nd seating that evening. We chose a 5 serving testing menu with wine pairing. It took exactly 2 hours to complete. Some of the food was as you would expect from the Michelin star rating. Some was not. The Sourdough presented at the start just tasted (and the crust looked) burnt. The fried chicken presented for the second course was too greasy (with grease dripping onto my shirt) and there was a tiny portion of chicken coated. I felt this was a joke! Leave it to KFC lads! What we felt was most disappointing was the feeling we were being sold add-ons during the experience. In the 2 hours seated, we were offered 4 different add-ons to the meal (2x extra courses, take home butter, wine upgrade, cheese course). I realise these are options but it felt pressured because you are not presented with a menu and options to read in the first place - you don't know what you're going to eat until it's presented to you and then asked during the evening if you want add-ons. This is not what you would expect. There's good work here. The Salmon and the Monkfish dishes were exceptional, but these were sadly undermined by a disappointing sense of arrogance. I'm also sorry to report that one of the waiting staff was very smelly and this lingered a little while you were trying to eat. If it's your first Michelin star dining experience you might be impressed however. Total spend for 2 x 5 serving tasting menu with wine pairing (2 hours) = £280

I visited Lake Road Kitchen to celebrate my 40th birthday and it was superb. My sister and I are both coeliacs and this restaurant was so inclusive. We didn’t miss any of the courses and everything had been adapted where necessary to an amazing standard. The food was insanely good and the passion of the team for their craft shone through. The atmosphere was lovely and relaxed. An absolute gem in a beautiful part of the world.

An absolutely fantastic and inventive meal served by friendly staff in a great little location. To find this level of food and ambience in Ambleside was a real treat.

We often seek out Michelin star restaurants on our travels and this did not disappoint. The ambience was spot on, the waiters and chefs very knowledgeable and interesting sharing a story about each plate and some of these dishes were truly the best I've ever had, the salmon and particularily the cheesecake were absolutely incredible.

Incredible experience from start to finish. Sally was wonderful to correspond with to arrange the booking. When we arrived, we were greeted by Chef and it only got better from there. We loved the playlist which created an upbeat yet relaxed atmosphere. Once settled in, you’re taken on a culinary adventure served by passionate staff who provide such beautiful origin stories of each dish and ingredient. You truly understand the intention behind every single element - both in cuisine and service. We had the 5 servings plus wine pairing and felt satiated. It was seriously the best gelato I’ve ever tasted in my life. My husband and I were celebrating our 10 year anniversary and they truly made it special. Our only complaint is that haven’t dined here sooner! We’ll definitely be back.

Our 3rd time at LRK and it just gets better and better every time. Thank you again for the most incredible meal, service, food, atmosphere, staff, there just isn’t enough words. We will continue to tell everyone who comes our way to give you guys a visit, thank you again! Just pure class!!

We arrived at LRK excited to begin our '6 stars in six decades' culinary adventure, generously gifted by our children to celebrate both our big birthdays. The door was locked and as we had arrived early, we gave a tentative knock, but to our suprise, we were welcomed in by name and diners we're already eating. It was like we had entered an exclusive club. Promptly seated, decor modern with a minimalistic vibe highlighted by the unfettered table tealight, we studied the cocktail menu and settled for Champagne and a Monkey 47 gin. Although menus absent we had already opted for the 8 course taster menu with wine pairing. A tasty sourdough bread arrived with a dry aged butter, accompanied by a pecan smoked pastrami, dill pickled cucumber and mustard mayonnaise. The waiter suggested making a sandwich which felt slightly out of place but the bread was tasty if the pastrami slightly underwhelming, perhaps overpowered by the pickled cucumber. Our first course was 'knock it out of the park' exceptional, Ora king salmon with a tomato and maple dashi. It was literally a melt in the mouth experience with a heavenly savouring aftertaste, matched perfectly with a French wine you probably wouldn't drink on its own. Fried chicken with smoked peppers and lime was a finger food morcel perhaps trying too hard to be something different than fried chicken. Smoked Shetland monkfish followed, which was nestled on a delightful velvety cream burrata with beetroot. The fish had been lovingly taken to 38degrees infused with just the right level of smokiness for a perfect balance of flavour, once again paired beautifully with the wine. Veal shin with koshihkari rice porridge in saffron, topped with parmesan flakes was a bold dish with the saffron dominating, maybe not for everyone. Steamed Norwegian halibut was next, in a chicken buttersauce with black truffle which was packed with flavour demonstrating once again the Chefs natural talent for cooking fish. Our final savoury dish was a barbecued Iberico pork saddle with braised fennel and wild garlic capers brought together with an exquisite pork gravy, if only there was more! Pistachio gelato with English cherry was a delightful first dessert followed by a delicate cheesecake with a blackcurrant and gooseberry compote, delicious. No petit fours but coffee was classy with a deep rich flavour which topped off a real eclectic mix of tastes, textures and flavours from a chef clearly fearless in his craft.

We arrived at LRK excited to begin our '6 stars in six decades' culinary adventure, generously gifted by our children to celebrate both our big birthdays. The door was locked and as we had arrived early, we gave a tentative knock, but to our suprise, we were welcomed in by name and diners we're already eating. It was like we had entered an exclusive club. Promptly seated, decor modern with a minimalistic vibe highlighted by the unfettered table tealight, we studied the cocktail menu and settled for Champagne and a Monkey 47 gin. Although menus absent we had already opted for the 8 course taster menu with wine pairing. A tasty sourdough bread arrived with a dry aged butter, accompanied by a pecan smoked pastrami, dill pickled cucumber and mustard mayonnaise. The waiter suggested making a sandwich which felt slightly out of place but the bread was tasty if the pastrami slightly underwhelming, perhaps overpowered by the pickled cucumber. Our first course was 'knock it out of the park' exceptional, Ora king salmon with a tomato and maple dashi. It was literally a melt in the mouth experience with a heavenly savouring aftertaste, matched perfectly with a French wine you probably wouldn't drink on its own. Fried chicken with smoked peppers and lime was a finger food morcel perhaps trying too hard to be something different than fried chicken. Smoked Shetland monkfish followed, which was nestled on a delightful velvety cream burrata with beetroot. The fish had been lovingly taken to 38degrees infused with just the right level of smokiness for a perfect balance of flavour, once again paired beautifully with the wine. Veal shin with koshihkari rice porridge in saffron, topped with parmesan flakes was a bold dish with the saffron dominating, maybe not for everyone. Steamed Norwegian halibut was next, in a chicken buttersauce with black truffle which was packed with flavour demonstrating once again the Chefs natural talent for cooking fish. Our final savoury dish was a barbecued Iberico pork saddle with braised fennel and wild garlic capers brought together with an exquisite pork gravy, if only there was more! Pistachio gelato with English cherry was a delightful first dessert followed by a delicate cheesecake with a blackcurrant and gooseberry compote, delicious. No petit fours but coffee was classy with a deep rich flavour which topped off a real eclectic mix of tastes, textures and flavours from a chef clearly fearless in his craft.

I visited LRK last week with my mum, sister and 6 year old daughter. We all absolutely loved the tasting menu, each dish was delicious and the perfect portion size for us. We opted to add on an additional course each, mine was the prawn which was my favourite course. The team were so welcoming, friendly and really made our visit so relaxed snd enjoyable. Although my daughter is only 6, she enjoyed all of the courses, especially the salmon and cheesecake! We hope to visit again soon next time we visit Ambleside

Exceptional meal from a highly professional friendly team who take great pride with top quality produce creating a gastronomic delight

Getting a taster menu to everyones taste is difficult, we experienced some interesting and unusual dishes for wish some were good and some not to our taste. The Monkfish, Crispy Chicken and Gelato deserts were really enjoyable, but didn’t enjoy the texture of the Steamed Halibut or prawn dish which was cold and rubbery by design and the taste of the Porridge dish. At this level, a few points could be enhanced in our opinion, for one, cold finger towels should be replaced with hot. What we didn’t like and degraded the experience for us was the upselling of additional courses leading up to the event via email and on a few occasions on the night. Unfortunately not one we are looking forward to returning to.

Amazing evening celebrating 40th Wedding Anniversary. We had the 8-ciurse tasting menu and could not fault the service, food and atmosphere.

My wife and I ate here against last night with two friends. Our third time. Absolutely smashed it - Each course was presented with passion, by a wonderful team and a great matching set of wines So many great courses and the quality of the ingredients was amazing - the Fried Chicken, the Pistachio Gelato, the Baked Cheesecake - so many that were to die for. Amazing to have the chance to meet the chef and chat to him about some of dishes. Loved it!

My wife and I had an exquisite dinner at Lake Road Kitchen a couple weeks ago. Every course was beautiful, unique, and delicious. The ambiance and service is second to none. What a gem in the Lake District. We live in Wisconsin and visit the Lakes every five years. However, this was our first visit to Lake Road Kitchen. Suffice to say, we'll see you again in 2029.

Warmly welcomed by the chef/proprietor this was a fantastic experience from start to finish. We chose the 12 servings menu with a wine pairing, and also chose the optional alpine cheese course, which was a highlight of an exceptional evening of food. The depth of flavour in every dish was amazing and comparable with many two and three star restaurants we’ve enjoyed. The passion of the team is evident in every detail. Standout dishes included the fried chicken, monkfish, snails, alpine cheese, salmon, and all three sweet courses. The wines matched perfectly and included some less well known grapes and regions. A fantastic evening.

I was surprised with the 8 course tasting menu for my 25th birthday - no better way to celebrate 1/4 of a century! James, chef patron, was a legend. You can tell he cares so much about his food and in particular, how you enjoy his food. And somehow the food tasted even better than it looked. The bread - the BEST bread I've ever had. The butter that came with it was dry aged and it tasted meaty with the bread - I don't know how. My favourite dish, although it's incredibly hard to choose, (other than dessert because that's a different category) was the salmon. It was the best salmon I've ever had and I savoured every bite. And the PISTACHIO GELATO. I crave for pistachio gelato every time I visit a hot country in Europe. To have this at home in the Lakes, and not only this, but the best quality pistachios paired with British cherry jam. Incredible. Amazing. Wonderful. Also, shout-out to Darren who was vibes. He was an exceptional server. Hats off, the experience really felt once-in-a-lifetime as I'll remember this meal for the rest of my life. They also made me feel very special on my birthday, which I didn't expect at all. Worth every single ££ spent and it was a privilege to be able to go there.

What a privilege to experience LRK’s 12 course tasting menu. Hats off to the talented chefs. It’s hard to find a stand out course since each plate seemed to trump the previous one. It was a celebration of world cuisine from the South Asian inspired fried chicken to the Scandinavian, Noma influenced techniques. I make sourdough bread but this, with the 10 month dry aged butter, was absolutely exquisite. Each dish was delicious and well balanced, appealing to all 7 of our group, aged 19 to 89. The service was exceptional and unpretentious. Each chef’s modest & enthusiastic knowledge of their craft was a credit to James. What a team. It was a truly memorable experience. Thank you to all.

If all you ate was the sourdough bread you would leave feeling happy .. the food was beyond impressive.. the service was personal, attentive but never intrusive.. the choreography of the experience was elegant . .. without doubt one of the best restaurants I've ever had the pleasure to visit .. book well in advance to avoid missing out .. awesome evening

It is a scandal that this restaurant is deemed worthy of a Michelin star… …this is (should be) a two-star restaurant. Comfortably. One of the most impressive things is how they have managed to incorporate an ambience of cool vibes, warmth and extraordinary professionalism all at the same time. It’s not very often that a restaurant manages to achieve this. Whilst I don’t imagine that’s a lucky coincidence, it does have the feel of effortlessness to the diner. All of this is noticeable, almost as soon as you walk in. There is a striking absence of pretentiousness, despite having significantly more justification to display some than many other restaurants of lesser quality. We were welcomed by both our waiter for the night and, shortly afterwards, by the owner/head chef. Both of whom were welcoming, warm and knowledgeable. When I asked the owner whether or not the wine-pairing was worth it, whether the wines were that good, I received a blisteringly honest, hilarious, and accurate, response, that was both down-to-earth and reassuring. I knew then that we were going to love dinner. And we did. We had the 8 (cum 9) course tasting menu. And I had the wine-pairing. I can honestly say that we adored every single course. There was not one course that failed to blow us away. And that included dishes that we would not typically choose/enjoy. Around 3 courses in we started playing “which course has been your favourite so far?” Aside from being an almost impossible game, the answer would change after every course. It would be impossible to review every course, and I certainly wouldn’t do it justice if I tried. But a few highlights that come to mind would include: The salmon - we were advised to eat this very slowly. Somewhat bemused, we did as we were told. Definitely sagacious advice. I recommend you do the same. It was dreamy. The fried chicken - this was wonderful. We were told that some of the regulars would order extra portions in advance of their visit. I can see why. If we are lucky enough to be back in the area, we will do the same. The walnut gelato - this was an example of something that I would not normally get excited about. How wrong I was. Easily one of the best puds I have ever had. Get chef to explain how it is made. It will blow you away. And likely explains how and why it is as good as it is. Pro-tip: if you have the cheese cake as one of two pudding courses, don’t ask the chef if it is Basque. The wine-pairing was, as advised by the owner, absolutely fantastic. Matched perfectly. I even asked for the bottle to be brought out a couple of times so that I could snap a photo and order some when I got home. As a reflection of how good these wines are, I have really struggled to find the exact same bottles, and have had to settle for close matches. I can’t recommend this restaurant highly enough. Thank you for a wonderful evening. Given the chance, we will be sure to return.

We were very lucky to get a table. Without a doubt one of the best restaurants we have ever visited. Worth a seven hour drive! Very memorable flavours, carefully considered textures, processes and flavour combinations. Everything is balanced, yet inventive, and every course was very different to the other but sat well within the menu. We chose a 5-course tasting menu with one additional course. The portions were just right. And let's not talk about the butter and sourdough! We now have to work out when we can go back. Everything - unbelievably good and flavours we will remember.

Thank you to all the team for a unforgettable culinary delight. You should all be proud.

I am already missing some of the "most amazing" and "memorable" dishes I have tasted in my life. "Thank you to all the team".

Oh my god, the best dining experience I’ve ever had. From the moment we sat down, the staff made us feel like our arrival was the height of their evening. The food was unbelievable, to the point that two days later we haven’t stopped talking about it. But somehow, the service was even better. I would go back in a heartbeat and can honestly say it was worth every penny. I’ve never enjoyed a meal more.

Had such a special experience from start to finish! We went as a special treat for our engagement and all the staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly throughout our meal. Both chefs and waiting staff talked us through each dish, short, sweet and to the point. Every dish was incredible, I will dream about the kingfish ceviche forever! We occasionally treat ourselves to these kinds of experiences and sometimes you can feel a little out of place, however the whole experience felt extremely humble and not pretentious in the slightest! Would definitely come back to try the 12 courses as we had such a lovely evening.

Returned again and absolutely no drop off in standards of either quality of cooking or service here. Front of house still perfect combination of professional friendliness and kitchen - what can I say other than refer you to Aiden Waiting's excellent review below. He absolutely nails it. It's a small hard working restaurant working at the top of its game. If you're in the area make sure you get a table. Once again one of the best meals we've had for a long time. July 2024. Have been back a couple of times since I wrote this and nothing has changed. In fact better if that's possible.

Darren, James and the rest of the team were absolutely fantastic during my visit last night. We were pressed for time but nothing was too much trouble and the food was spectacular. Very much looking forward to my next visit

Just yes across the board. The bread alone is worth a visit. Thinking about relocating from Sydney to the Lakes just so I can become a regular.

Unbelievable experience and worthy of all its acclaim.

Just returned from enjoying a superb 8 course tasting menu. Food was exceptional and staff couldn't be better. Friendly unpretentious atmosphere with first class food.

Humble, professional & mesmerizing..! The passion, effort and oodles of knowledge that James and his team show is second to none…! These pros clearly know what they are doing and have rightly earned their M.Star…. the construction and attention to detail that goes into every dish is phenomenal, each plate delivered with a smile and a charming cheekiness that just works! Well done chaps, we’ll definitely be back. Rob, Stacey, James & Sarah. (Double Beef…. With a extra beef 🥩)

Came for a birthday meal and had the 8 course tasting menu. We had wonderful experience. Everything from the delucious food, service, and atmosphere was outstanding, and delivered by a small 4 person team. It may seem a lot of money but it was well worth it. Perfect evening 👌 ✨️

Lake Road Kitchen in Ambleside is an absolute gem! From the moment we walked in, the warm, inviting atmosphere and the attentive staff made us feel right at home. The menu is a delightful foodie journey, each dish expertly crafted and beautifully presented. There was no standout dish for me as they were all outstandingly good. The wine pairing was impeccable, enhancing the flavours of each course. The attention to detail and the passion for culinary excellence are evident in every bite. It's clear that the team at Lake Road Kitchen takes great pride in what they do. This was more than just a meal; it was an unforgettable dining experience. Highly recommend!

Second visit to this amazing place. We chose LRK for our Wedding Anniversary meal. James and his team are warm and welcoming and very knowledgeable of their products in both food and wines. Lovely evening.

Every dish at this Michelin-starred restaurant exuded simplicity yet showcased an incredible level of care and attention to detail, resulting in an explosion of flavors with each course. The impeccable balance achieved in every dish, despite pushing culinary boundaries, was truly remarkable. Opting for the additional Wagyu dish was a decision I won't soon forget. Having recently returned from Kobe, I had high expectations, but James' steak surpassed even the renowned Kobe beef in taste and quality. Discovering Lake Road was a delightful surprise, and it's safe to say it may become our new favorite spot in the Lakes. L'Enclume might need to brace for some competition! Thank you, to James and his team - a very well deserved star.

We have had the good fortune to dine at LRK a good many times and have seen the menu and delivery develop over the years. The Michelin star has long been overdue but the quality of ingredients, each individual dish and the attention to detail that goes into every plate they serve has been there for many years. The tastes, textures and inventiveness that is brought to your table and explained in knowledgeable detail by the small team are always exceptional and the passion in what they do is always clear to see and enjoy. My wife is a pescatarian and this is never a problem, they know this and her menu is carefully crafted to give her the same enjoyable experience as the main menu. James and his whole team, some off site, work extremely hard and thoughtfully to deliver the best experience they can and the pedigree of restaurants where he has developed his skills and talents would be very proud of the menus he delivers. We look forward to our next visit.

Cheesecake, sourdough and snails

Party of eight booked table for 5-30 last Thursday . Our waiter was very nice and polite and all seemed to be going well until the restaurant became more busy and we were told to turn the volume down - we were not being loud and no one in the restaurant was looking over . The food was bland and really quite average and the portions far too small . We then requested the cheese board but were told in no uncertain terms we didn’t have time as we had to leave in 25 mins ! To top it all off one of our group then walked to the end of our table to pass a message to someone else and was shouted at to go and sit down by the owner / chef in a rude and aggressive manner! By this time we had paid ( inc the 140 pound service charge) and were pretty fed up with the whole experience - two of the guys stayed behind to negotiate a service charge refund which we got - We spent around £1400 ! Most in the group have eaten in restaurants all over the world and were shocked at the attitude of the owner and disappointed in the food - far better alternatives are available locally

Possibly the best place we have ever visited for food. Each meal is incredible. A chef from the kitchen brings out each meal and explains where the food has come from and what has been done to get it to the plate. The monkfish was surprisingly good and the desserts were my favourite. We would definitely visit again.

Absolutely incredible dining experience. The team works together seamlessly to bring incredible flavours in the food and the wine parings. So much knowledge and care has been put into creating a really special evening. Service was outstanding. Thank you so much!

Best meal of my life. Truly a concert of flavor and experience. A must visit if travelling through and a must for any local to experience. Thank you for the most unforgettable night!

Just fabulous! Innovative and high quality cooking.

Great food served by enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff. Really enjoyable evening, thanks

This was my first Michelin Star restaurant and the staff could not have been nicer, the food was just superb and the best I’ve ever had. From the Chefs to the server everyone who looked after me tonight was just incredibly helpful warm and welcoming and I definitely will be returning again. I wish I could give this place more than 5 stars. James, Thomas, Nick, Darren who looked after me tonight and Sally who was really nice and helpful over email a massive massive thank you to you all.

Everything about this place was excellent. Went with my fiancé just before Christmas and did the 8 course tasting menu. The food was delicious; every single course. The service was impeccable. All the dishes, plus wines, were explained in detail, with a nice touch of humour. Atmosphere was also brilliant. From the minute you walk in, you feel welcomed as if going to a friends house. Music was also a great vibe (even requested the playlist which they happily shared via email)! Have already recommended this place to friends and family next time they are in the Lake District. We certainly plan to return in the future.

Came here to celebrate myself and my partners engagement. It was easiest the best meal we have ever had. We had the 5 course taster menu with wine pairing. The fried chicken in particular was incredible, however every course was exceptional in its own right. The service was so attentive with every course and wine explained. We will definitely be returning to try the 8 course taster menu. Only a matter of time before this gets a Michelin star. Worth the money to eat such high end food.

Superb uncomplicated beautiful dishes, packed with flavour, a really well balanced tasting menu for £74 for 5 courses, Delicious crusty homemade sourdough with their own butter, we've not tasted better. Clean, fresh flavours from the starters, amazing powerful barbecued miso pork dish and intense double baked cheesecake with juma berry compote. Excellent wine pairing, sommelier and all the staff were immensely knowledgeable and friendly. A more relaxed and informal dining experience with less complicated intense dishes than the Old Stamp House but equally as tasty. My wife actually preferred this restaurant, so no better praise.

The experience far exceeded our expectations. Service was incredibly thoughtful, friendly, informative and just the right pace. Matching wines were a delight. Food was a triumph - perfectly balanced, interesting and downright tasty!

One of the best meals we have ever had. We had the 8 course tasting menu and added the Prawn cutlet sandwich, which was my husband's favourite! And we had some of the best bread we have ever eaten. Two small criticisms: Slightly too protein heavy (would have liked more carbs/ veggies) and the decor was disappointing for the standard of food (the toilets looked particularly cheaply furnished). Would definitely return - make sure you get the cookies!

We go to lots of fine dining restaurants which includes restaurants with up to 3 stars. Often the food is impressive, but is sometimes impressive for its own sake. The Lake Road Kitchen goes for fine dining that has a comfort food vibe from around the world. A congee with beef reminded me of Taiwanese beef stew, and the popcorn chicken was Korean/Japanese with a little delicious spice. Our extra dish of Parmesan custard was comforting and rich but refined as well; somehow Japan meets Italy. Wine pairings are better than anywhere I can think of with care about how the dish is served with the wine. A monkfish dish had far too much rich beetroot jus with it, but as soon as you tasted the wine it all came together. The four-person team all pitch in with front of house mixing with chefs in presenting the food. The effect is very authentic and gels together well. Last time I ate this well, it was Tommy Bank’s 2 star restaurant in Yorkshire where one of the Lake Road chefs was a senior chef for some time. With the Asian influence the two chefs have come together to produce something that is interesting but still really comforting. I’d happily make a detour to come back here again.

Everything about this place is amazing, we had the best night for hubby's birthday and our 25th Anniversary last night. The food was outstanding, we opted for the 8 courses but added in the parmesan dish to share as an extra which was the best decision ever as it was exquisite! We loved that you are talked through every dish and couldn't believe how stunning the flavours were. Thanks to all 3 of you for making our evening so special. Best food we've ever had and we've eaten a lot of lovely food over the years! We will definitely be back xxx

Genuinely one of the best dining experiences we have had in our lifetime. Every member of staff gave an incredibly insightful introduction to each course, clearly demonstrating their passion and the love that went into every meal. All incredibly friendly & welcoming also. Every. Single. Dish. Was perfection. Each one has its own brow raising moment and we savoured every bite. Beautiful atmosphere and relaxing ambiance. (This is also coming from someone who suffers with generalised anxiety!) So a big thank you to the owner and all the staff for an incredibly memorable evening! Looking forward to our next trip up to the Lakes!

A "special occasion" restaurant with interesting taster menu.

Fantastic experience, both food and service - extra thanks to Darren for making our evening so exceptional!

Truly amazing. LRK is my favourite tasting menu in the country. It is totally deserving of multiple Michelin stars. I have visited LRK 5 times now and every single time is a new experience, but just as amazing, if not more than the last. I couldn’t recommend LRK more, it’s truly the best food experience in the Lake District. The woodruff ice cream is my favourite, but trust their menu. The walnut ice cream I had was so good! Every dish was phenomenal, I let them keep the menu a surprise until the dish arrived and it made the experience so fun and exciting!

Revisit after 5 years as we live a long way away and delighted to find food still exceptional. Cooked with great enthusiasm, passion and pride by James and his team. Service outstanding. From the bread and aged butter at the beginning you know you are in for a great feast and food was able to constantly delight and surprise. Exceptional restaurant. Fantastic team.

What an experience . After many visits ,Lake Road Kitchen still thrills with the outstanding quality and flavours of the food , the service and ambiance . How it doesn’t have a Michelin star beats me. The heart and sole of the restaurant is the chef and the excellent team . The detail in every course and the flavour profiles make it impossible to choose a favourite. We took friends for the first time and they were equally thrilled by this small but perfectly formed restaurant .

This was our second visit to LRK. It is absolutely outstanding. We had the 8 course menu, my wife is a veggie and I have to say that her dishes were equally as good, if not better than mine. Hard to pick stand-out courses but for me the Parmesan Custard and the Pork were very special. The wine list is well curated and not ridiculously expensive. We planned our visit during dinner and we came home with their sourdough bread and chocolate cookies. Love it, love it, love it!

It was nice to be back. We were here 3 years ago in 2020 - this was our most memorable dinner at the Lakes, more than L’Enclume, Old Stamp House etc. Today was another amazing dinner - thanks to James and his team. We loved every minute here, from the food to the hospitality. We will definitely come back!!!

Beautiful food and a relaxed atmosphere, a perfect evening. We had the 8 course tasting menu, one vegetarian and one standard, plus one wine flight and the Wagu beef. Every dish was light, fresh, interesting and so moorish. Great pacing of dishes, the staff were seamless and there was a great vibe. Absolutely loved it

An absolute gem of a restaurant in this lovely place. The vision and delivery is just exceptional. Could not recommend this place more.

This restaurant is a firm favourite of ours. Exquisite food that is beautifully presented in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. It is absolutely in the same league as the Stamp House and Heft and I cannot understand the lack of a Michelin star.

We absolutely loved our experience at LRK. We had the 12 course menu for 1 standard and 1 vegetarian. It was clear that all the team were incredibly passionate about what they do and it showed with each course. For me personally, that was the best vegetarian food I have eaten. Definitely worth a visit!!

This was our third visit to Lake Road Kitchen and again, it didn't disappoint. It's the only restaurant we always return to every time we visit the Lakes and one of our favourites overall. We went to a Michelin Star restaurant the same week and the food at LRK was just as good, if not better. We were made to feel special and every dish was explained to us so it's well worth paying a bit more for the experience. We'd never tried a taster menu until we visited LRK for the first time in 2018 and have tried many since but no others compare to LRK. We will continue to return every time we visit the Lakes. Thank you James and your team!

Run by a bunch of hopefuls without the chef owner to be seen. Overpriced and overrated. Not for the discerning foody . But if you are looking for somewhere to impress your girlfriend, then you may just get away with it here.

We ate here and although we had ordered the 8 course tasting menu we added in another 2 courses that were on offer and so had a 10 course menu and wine flight to go with all 10 courses! We had the most amazing evening with sensations to the taste buds with both the food and wine! The service was exemplary and the atmosphere great - perfect number of tables for an intimate dining experience. A truly memorable evening and somewhere we hope to return to again.

Delightful 8 course tasting menu with some optional extras (the parmesan custard a quality flavour sensation) and bespoke accommodation of allergy and pescatarian. Each dish a delight explained by the team including chefs and front of house engaging fully with the food and interest of the guests. The stand out dishes were the Kingfish Tataki, monkfish and fried chicken, the preparation and attention to flavours and detail was standout and a real belief in good food to be enjoyed, but with real finesse clearly in full evidence. The whole dining experience from service, ambiance, to the food was a delight and a real evening experience, that we will return to again at the earliest opportunity

Exceptional! One of the best meals we've ever had! Never had such personable service from a chef and team. Very relaxed surroundings. Amazing tasty food with incredible attention to detail...it's definitely a place to go!

A very enjoyable meal with great tastes in the 8 courses

This is the second time that we have dined at LRK and again LRK did not disappoint! My wife and I had the 8 course tasting menu with the wine pairing. The food was easily of Michelin standard, as was the whole experience. As before the staff were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. LRK provides an exquisite dining experience, that I can whole-heartedly recommend. We very mcuh look forward to our next visit. Thank you LRK

Staff was attentive and knowledgeable. Wine pairings were well chosen but overall, is overpriced and mediocre compared to another local (Stamp House) tasting menu restaurant. Salt is the dominant flavour; most dishes are overpowered by some combination of salt, miso, soy, tamari, and/or vinegar. Agree with other reviewers that it’s more theatre than culinary delight. We were offered opportunities to ‘upgrade’ in a pre-arrival email and at many moments during the evening…degraded the experience…extra course, fancier wine, wagyu beef, cheese plate. Felt commercial and touristy - like a place for big money but little discerning taste. Will not return; do not recommend.

Beautiful and stunning food (tasting menu). Great wine pairing and excellent friendly (not snobbish) service. Highly recommend, yes expensive, but worth the money for the experience. Loved it.

My wife booked lake road kitchen as a surprise for my 40th Birthday and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The whole dining experience was faultless!! We were made to feel very welcome from the start and felt very relaxed throughout the meal....

Probably widely reviewed everywhere, but I just recommend you trust this venue to give you pleasure. Welcoming staff, easy access to chef/owner, incredibly inventive menu, provenance and freshness to the fore. But most of all it felt like all the staff wanted you to enjoy their hospitality, wine choice/pricing were excellent from a compact list, and relaxation in an uncramped space was encouraged. Will repeat here as often as I can.

A fantastic local find. Intimate dining experience with only a few tables, all overseen by the knowledgeable staff who are clearly passionate about delivering a dining experience that meets their own high standards. Menu was super enjoyable - packed with taste without necessarily coming across...

An excellent eight course tasting menu with options for more courses. This is now the third time we have visited and each time the food has been superb. Every course was so well flavoured and cooked.

What a great restaurant, deserving of a Michelin star. The 8-course menu was superb - the amount of preparation, the quality ingredients, the attention to detail and most of all the flavours were superb. It was lovely to have Nick and Thomas, the chef's, bring...

Food was great. And good choice of wines.

What a great restaurant, deserving of a Michelin star. The 8-course menu was superb - the amount of preparation, the quality ingredients, the attention to detail and most of all the flavours were superb. It was lovely to have Nick and Thomas, the chef's, bring out the dishes and talk about them and the restaurant manager Darren was very knowledgeable and friendly too. It's a very nice restaurant with a good atmosphere and local sheepskins on the chairs. Highly, highly recommended.

A wonderful birthday experience. So glad we went! Every dish stands out on its own. Even the bread was divine. The restaurant itself is very hygge with a lot of wood and sheepskin in the chairs. The food is an eclectic mix of tastes. A fair amount of seafood but that's not necessarily a baf thing as it's all different. A lot of ingredients are made, grown or refashioned in house or by Chef (some purées being made out of jams and chutneys with added ingredients). I really enjoy the way each dish is presented and described tableside by a really knowledgeable team. They don't parrot off the same story. The table next to us got different tidbits of information so it's still interesting to listen to! You always have to be quite trusting in these situations, don't be scared! I always think if a dish doesn't work, it wouldn't still be on the menu surely - I'd never think to put smoked fish on burrata with a beetroot dressing but it works! 🤤 It's definitely a place to go for a treat or special occasion but the staff are warm and friendly and the food is memorable. If you're thinking about it - do it!

This was a truly excellent dining experience. We have done many Michelin restaurants around Europe and the food and service here was as good as others I have had. The story behind every course was appreciated. I loved the “dive in with your fingers” on...

Everything was perfect! Definitely worth visiting

We are not new to eating at The Lake Road Kitchen and we have visited often since they first opened. We dined with them in January 2023, just before their winter closing. It was absolutely super, but we dined with them again last weekend, somewhat...

For us, Lake Road Kitchen was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The tasting menu ran the gamut from the truly unique (damson & miso ice cream, candied hazelnut, bee pollen) to refined takes on comfort food (fried chicken with pine shoots). The atmosphere was warm and the staff delivered excellent descriptions with each dish.

We ate here in January. It was our fourth time at Lake Road kitchen. The team organised a taxi both ways for us which was really helpful. This was our special treat meal in our holiday and so we were prepared to pay more. We...

Cheap?? You must be joking! It's the most expensive restaurant in Ambleside! You quote £100+ for a meal!!

Been lucky enough to eat in a few starred restaurants, tasting menus in two of them were nowhere near as good as the food in here. Excellent staff, service, food. Really like the room as well. Will definitely return.

Fantastic tasting menu. Better than two other restaurants with stars that we have been to. Staff, service and food all top quality.

The restaurant is small well planned out good atmosphere whilst in your own food bubble journey - staff are helpful but not over bearing - food and wine paired together are sublime - loved it

Without doubt this is the place to go, not only in Ambleside but the UK. From the outside, it's very unassuming but don't judge a book by its cover as the service and food here is a Michelin star in the waiting. We had the 8 course tasting menu and for us, it was plentiful and of the highest standard. I'd rate Lake Road over the Old Stamp House, which is good but Lake Road trumps it for me.

The BEST dinning experience we have ever had. Stop couldn’t believe there was only 2 tables in on a Sunday this place is just not to be missed and actually you should travel from far to eat here! Every course was just so exciting and outstanding. The wine pairing was spot on and delicious enhancing the whole evening. We will definitely be returning and recommending to friends. Thank you for making our holiday even more memorable.

An 8-serving pescatarian tasting menu, an 8-serving vegan menu and a wine flight was a wonderful experience for my wife and I. Extraordinary attention to detail coupled with an inventive use of novel ingredients was made all the more enjoyable by interesting explanations of the...

Amazing the food, whole restaurant team of people & the ambiance a great special evening one of the best

A fantastic restaurant, which suited our mixed groups requirements (vegan, pescatarian and gluten free). One of the best I have ever eaten at, Service is next level and faultless

A fantastic dining experience, every course was brilliant with each element explained upon service to the table! Service was faultless, friendly, informative and engaging. A real enjoyable evening! Thank you to all the team. We look forward to visiting again soon!

We have been lucky to have eaten at a number of starred restaurants , and the Lake Road Kitchen is up there with them. The food is imaginative , full of flavour and a credit to the chef and the rest of the staff ....

A fantastic dining experience, every course was brilliant with each element explained upon service to the table! Service was faultless, friendly, informative and engaging. A real enjoyable evening! Thank you to all the team. We look forward to visiting again soon!