Matthew's Bistro in South Lakeland

A restaurant filled with bizarre rules and an extremely terrible experience. I found this restaurant online hoping to try some local Lake District lamb. When we walked in at 5:30 PM, we were told there would be no available seats until after 8 PM. We understood, as we hadn’t made a reservation. During the two and a half hour wait, we went to another restaurant for a light meal. Finally, at 8 PM, we were seated and ready to order, only to be told that all three of us had to order a main course. We kindly explained that we had already eaten something during the wait and just wanted to sample the Lake District lamb. However, the waitress informed us (and mentioned it was her first time hearing about this rule) that the kitchen had insisted three people must order three main courses since this is a family restaurant and a difficult place to book, and every customer comes here wanting to try their food. I understand the waitress’s position, but I strongly condemn the kitchen for their arrogant and ugly attitude. If you have such a rule, please clearly display it in the restaurant instead of springing unreasonable demands on customers after they’ve waited so long. This kind of behavior, treating customers as if they should feel honored just to eat here, is truly nauseating. Don’t act as if your food is some gift you’re graciously bestowing upon us; it’s just a meal – don’t take yourselves so seriously. No one else does.

Fantastic food, great service and great value.

First visit tonight and it won't be our last. Scrumptious, plentiful food. Pleasant, attentive staff.

Peri peri prawns on the special menu.. the best..

Sadly extremely disappointed .We have been to Matthews Bistro numerous times and always gave positive feed back. Until this evening. My husband ordered steak and frites medium when arrives steak was well done asked for a steak knife and it was still hard to cut. . Brought it to the attention of the servicing staff we were asked if we required a replacement which we declined as I was halfway through my meal and by the time a replacement would have been received the dining experience would have been wasted. Sadly the plate was brought back again causing embarrassment to us to explain again what was the problem. The server then explain that rump steak was tougher than the fillet steak that was also on the menu..???When we received the bill we were disappointed that no goodwill gesture had been forth coming . My partner queried the bill and was met with a blank wall basically we should have accepted the new meal and my partner wasn't happy to pay the bill in full we were then threatened with the police . The servicing staff confirmed that they still had the steak in the back and would take a picture and use that in their defence . . We paid the the bill and told them we would not return . Comment was that's your decision. We understand that there can be issues but its how these issues are addressed, in this case poorly Obviously if a replacement was offered surely this is confirmation that the steak was overcooked in the first instance. Awaiting your response.

A lovely dining experience. Hard working but friendly staff. The food was very tasty and reasonably priced.

Absolutely amazing food. Garlic mushrooms to die for. Would definitely recommend to a friend. ☺️

We went to Matthew last night for dinner I had French onion soup and the beef bourgion and my partner had mussels and the lamb and all we could say was wow the food was absolutely amazing and he is very hard to please for the quality of the food the price was very reasonable we loved this place ❤️

What a find!! So thrilled to have been able to get a table for the early dinner menu - the food was outstanding and the staff were exceptional - I’ve just read a negative review from a couple who were in the restaurant at the same time - their version of events is very distorted - I witnessed their appallingly rude behaviour - I’m sorry the staff were traumatised - they did not deserve this. I intend to promote mathews bistro to all our family & friends as a first rate experience 😀😀😀

been here a few times over the years and it is consistently good at what it does. we had the early bird menu, pate and brie starters, sausage and beef for mains with a bottle of wine. excellent service, the food was great with hearty portions. always busy, book ahead if you plan to eat there

This may be an exceptional restaurant as the reviews suggest but its staff needs a lesson in humanity . The cliental are mostly local tourist looking for a relaxing evening. My husband and I were expecting the same and good food as the reviews suggested. We turned up 10 min early for our reservation as did another couple but the other couple got the same vacant table we noticed and requested. When I asked the waitress why we were not given the table she accused me of being rude since we walked in. She asked us to leave if we had a problem. All this would have been understandable if we were not two senior citizens who were the only brown people at the restaurant. It is indeed very sad that in 2024 racism still thrives in this beautiful part of Britain, the Lake District where people come to see nature and enjoy the simplicity of life. Sad that we were treated in the way we were.

Friendly staff, beautiful food, amazing choice with lots of specials. Really worth a visit. The Cumberland Sausage, Lakeland Lamb, Steak and Thai curry were all excellent. Thank you very much.

A great little place! We were lucky enough to get a table last minute as they were fully booked! The food and service did not dissapoint, we would definitely visit again when back in the Lakes

The last time I had Lasagne like that was in Cortona in Tuscany. It was absolutely superb and the same goes for the Spaghetti Bolognese!

Really enjoyed a well cooked and presented meal in a great atmosphere. The owner was amazing, accommodating my mobility scooter and making sure I got to and from safely. I would highly recommend a visit but make sure you book just in case.

We were recommended Matthew's and it truly did not disappoint. OMG what an amazing menu post 7pm👌. Onion soup, modules to start and the Lamb was incredible. Thank you Matthews and staff were perfection 👏👏👏🏆🥇🥇

My friend and I decided to try this place and really glad we did. We were so happy with the quality of the food, the service from the staff and the portion sizes that we decided to book for the next night too. The mussels are to die for and the lamb just falls off the bone, couldn't believe a side of fresh veggies was only an extra £1.50. Do yourself a favour and book a table, you won't be disappointed.

Fantastic bistro we stumbled upon in Ambleside. Very understated from outside with fixed price menu and no online booking (we phoned instead) so wasn't sure what to expect. It was fantastic! We opted for the pre 7pm menu - 3 courses for £28 and everything we had was delicious! Best meal we have had in a very long time! Service was good with staff very friendly too. Would highly recommend but definitely phone and book a table!

Oh my gosh The food is wonderful The lamb was simply delicious and waitressing very attentive Prices excellent and couldn’t believe that sides of vegetables were only £1.50 Totally recommend We will return Thankyou

Wide range of dishes available. Starters and main course were delicious and well presented - couldn’t manage dessert. Waitress was attentive.

Our new favourite place in Ambleside. Really good quality food from a classical bistro menu with great service from friendly staff. I recommend the Beef Bourgignon and the slow cooked Lamb. Generous portions too which helps if you've been in the hills all day.

Excellent meal as always. Classic dishes cooked perfectly and served in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The food was superb, very tasty, hot, well cooked and presented. We both thoroughly enjoyed our starters and main courses which were very generous portions. Unfortunately we didn’t have room for dessert, maybe on our next visit. The two young ladies who served us were very pleasant, knowledgeable and found time to chat, a refreshing change. Thank you Matthew’s for a very enjoyable and well priced evening.

A wonderful freshly cooked meal after our great north swim. Super service and quality food. Love to support an independent local business

We had a delicious meal at Matthew’s Bistro, the quality of the food was great. They run two menus, one is before 7pm and one is after 7pm which was £28 for two courses. I think the pre 7pm one was a bit cheaper, maybe £26 for two courses. I had a goats cheese starter, my husband had the moules, I had lamb for my main dish, my husband had chicken stroganoff. All dishes were cooked to perfection! The staff were lovely and coped well with a busy restaurant. I’d recommend booking in advance, you need to phone after 10am

My hubby and I decided to visit Matthew’s Bistro after a recommendation from our hosts at our B&B. Well it was by far our favourite meal of our 4 night stay. Food was amazing with generous portion sizes, the only downside was we didn’t have room for dessert. Although it wasn’t that busy (maybe as it was a week night) it had a nice atmosphere and there was only 1 waitress who was extremely efficient. We will definitely return here when we visit Ambleside again.

Great food but quite basic decor

I've been going here for many years whenever I'm in Ambleside It's always the same amazing food and lovely warm welcome and attentive service would highly recommend xx

After arriving in London from the U.S., we have been traveling through England for the past 10 days from Bath, to the Cotswolds, and now the Lake District - this was the best dinner and best value of our trip. A happy discovery; we enjoyed it so much we will be back for another visit tomorrow.

1st time eating at this bistro and the food was excellent, atmosphere excellent, and the staff were so friendly, we will definitely go back next time we are in Ambleside.

Was very recently at Matthew’s and wow what an experience. We went back two nights as the food was just too good. Nurturing, wholesome and good value for money I can’t say enough good things. One of the best fillet steaks I’ve ever had and I’ve had many. The chef here really knows how to cook meat. I will also definitely be back to Ambleside for that chocolate brioche bread and butter pudding. Still thinking about it.

Best ever… The best food in England！！

Lovely food and great service. Will be returning next time we're here.

Me and my fiancé stopped into this little Bistro when looking for an evening meal and we’re very glad we gave this place a chance. The portion sizes were very good and the quality of the food was also excellent. We ordered a bottle of wine and it wasn’t too expensive which was nice. The service was also quick and friendly. We will likely be visiting again soon. Two thumbs up. 👍👍

We had a lovely meal here. Bistro was busy without it being too noisy so you couldn’t talk. Service was spot-on as was the food.

Good food,friendly staff. So good we went back twice in five days. Definitely a place to visit if staying in Ambleside.

Excellent as it was a few years ago.

I don’t think we have ever eaten off the menu as the choice of specials is too good to miss. This time we have local venison in a port and black currant jus. Fabulous dinner - will be back again and again.

Lovely food and attentive unhurried friendly service - would definitely come back. I would thoroughly recommend this restaurant

We ate here on a Friday evening while staying in Ambleside. We’d booked a table which I think is advised as it did steadily fill up over the evening. The food that we had was fantastic (Green Thai curry and beef bourguignon). Everything was very tasty. The desserts didn’t disappoint either (crème brûlée, sticky toffee pudding and chocolate baileys cheesecake). The staff were very friendly. Will definitely be back.

There are some great reviews, and that is why we chose to visit… sadly we cannot share a glowing review as others. Food was average at best, we have had better meals in pubs… Sorry didn’t do it for us.

Excellent food. One that will stick in the memory. Very pleasant and friendly stuff. The venison was delicious. Lovely atmosphere.

Superb homely food. Well cooked and well portioned. Honestly, no faults what so ever. Loved it. Good value for money and lovely attentive staff.

Visted as a walk-in. Had the Beef Bourginion with seasonal veg and Apple and Quince crumble with custard. Everything freshly cooked. OMG delicious. Staff were amazing. So friendly and attentive. Bistro was full. The two girls absolutely worked their socks off. Thankyou for a fantastic experience.

Fantastic. What an absolute gem. Visited with family and our 6 week old grand son and we where made soo welcome, nothing was too much. The food is fantastic very tasty excellently presented. Fresh vegetables, cooked to perfection. The land very succulent, fell off the bone. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Fantastic night, well worth a visit.

We have visited this fantastic restaurant a number of times when visiting Ambleside, this was once again a great visit. We both opted for one of the specials, fillet steak with chunky chips, tomato, mushroom, salad and peppercorn sauce, absolutely delicious and a massive portion. With no room for dessert we opted to pay and go. There was an issue with the card machine which meant we had to leave, withdraw cash and return, fine for us, however if you were having to pay/withdraw on a credit card this might not be so great. For us, it was another very enjoyable evening..

Great food and friendly service

The wild boar and venison meatballs were incredible. So tender!

1st visit here but definitely won't be our last. The service was fabulous, so very friendly, but professional. The food was really delicious. Pate to die for, the lamb just fell off the bone, I'm not a big lover of mash potatoes, but they were smooth and buttery. I was too full for desserts, but they did look really good.

French style but a large range on the menu to suit everyone. Very well cooked and served. Small bistro style so well worth booking.

Food was disaster. Definitely not advising.

Delicious food. Excellent overall experience. We would highly recommend

Amazing food all round, definitely the best find we've made in Ambleside. A great place to spend our friends birthday. Great service too.

Excellent food amazing staff, french onion soup is the best, seafood ravioli is so good.going back again soon when next in Ambleside.

Excellent service and the food was superb, will definitely return on our next visit.

Fab food, and staff, will be back,

Back for our fourth visit and it never dissapoint!! Wonderful atmosphere, great, friendly service and unbelievable food and plenty of it. The pate I had was so tasty but my wife's goats cheese starter was so, so tasty. My lasagne was as good as it gets, with some lovely hone made garlic bread. My wife had the catch of the day which she also loved. There were some lovely looking puddings coming out, but neither of us had any roombfor any!! It is advisable to book as it can get busy, you will not be dissapointed with the food and you certainly won't leave hungry!!!!

One of the BEST places to eat in Ambleside! ❤️ I'm sad that we discovered this GEM of a Bistro on our last day in the Lakes. Such a lovely change from the hum-drum offering of pretty much every other restaurant, pub, or eatery around. The food is excellent and the service top-notch! Very reasonably priced as well as good-sized portions. The specials change regularly and offer even more selection to the extensive menu. Definitely will come here the next time we're in the area!

Quite boring food served in a cosy setting by friendly service. Being forced to choose two meals made it a relatively expensive experience as well. The intentions were there but both the entry liver plate (which turned out to be liver pate), and the catch of the day served on risotto were lacking spices and flavour. With the price at £28 I felt a bit robbed. The extra vegetable serving I ordered were unfortunately just as bland.

Very varied menu, with something for everyone, plus Specials on a blackboard. Set price as a 2 or 3 course meal other than some of the Specials. Food was really lovely and so were the staff. Wine very nice - we picked the NZ Sauvignon Blanc but there are cheaper options too. Recommend booking in advance

Great food, huge portions, reasonable price, really friendly staff. Can't fault it.

Stunning and beautifully cooked, high-quality food. I ordered lamb and it honestly fell apart. Would 100% recommend as the number one place to go in ambleside. Great location and second to none curtious and friendly staff.

Stand out was the patè, the rest was delicious too.

This is one of our favourite restaurants in Ambleside. Never disappointed with the food or service

We popped in after visiting the play park around 6pm and they were just about to accommodate a family of 4 - really should have booked butbit was our first evening in Ambleside. The food was absolutely exceptional, the kids enjoyed thier meals and we were all stuffed! Staff attentive and the service was good. Definitely on the list if you are after high quality food in Ambleside.

Excellent food and service and reasonably priced for the quality and generous portion! My special starter lobster ravioli was very fresh and delicious, while the slow cooked lamb was super tender and melt in your mouth. Was determined to try their pudding but just too full after the main, till the next time!

What a find we had Prawn cocktails for starters with lovely juicy plump prawns and a nice sauce For the main course I had the slow cooked lamb which was divine crispy fat that melted away in your mouth and the meat was so tender and moist it was pure heaven My 92 years young has a small appetite and we asked for a smaller portion so he could have his starter and the staff made him a nice size portion I had pudding rather than the starter bread and butter pudding which was Devine Overall highly recommended 🤩🤩

Great food, service a bit slow but overall good value and experience. Would definitely revisit

Good, tasty, reasonably priced quality food. Best place we have been to in Ambleside. Great service too.

Fabulous restaurant! Very friendly staff and a Dinmore menu with some great dishes. I had Matthews pate to stay which was delicious then the smoked haddock risotto for main..... yum 😋 You definitely need to book as they were turning people away.

5 of us. First time at Matthew's 3 courses all perfectly cooked and served very helpful.

Probably the best restaurant we’ve been to in Ambleside. Great menu, good quality, lovely food and great, friendly service.

Great atmosphere, lovely staff & excellent food

Absolutely delicious food, really friendly staff, would definitely recommend! :)

Excellent food and service as always.

Lovely food. I had the venison, which was delicious and key lime pie, which was so refreshing.

We loved the atmosphere and the food. Lovely people and excellent service and dishes. We went back the following night.

We did the early bird option here on a rainy day. The food was very nice and the service excellent. It is good to get value for money and this is definitely the case here.

Had a delicious meal at Matthew's Bistro during a short break in Ambleside. Every dish ordered was cooked to perfection. Staff were extremely pleasant and attentive. A must if you're in Ambleside! 😊

Excellent food great service and friendly staff will definitely be back next time we're in ambleside

Second time here, we really love everything about this little place, the food is so beautiful, you can tell they really cook with love,

An absolute gem in Ambleside! We treated ourselves to our final nights dinner at Matthew’s and wasn’t disappointed. From entering we were met with a friendly welcome , everywhere is spotless and it has a really lovely atmosphere. The food was fantastic! We will definitely recommend to family and friends when they visit the Lakes.

Very pleasant dinner. I’d strongly recommend the piripiri prawn starter.

Food was really amazing like the service, highly recommended!

Fabulous food; hot, expertly cooked, big portions and excellent service too. Cannot recommended highly enough.

Wow what an amazing little restaurant. The menu has a slightly french feel with dishes you don't often see any more like beef Bourguignon and Stroganoff (yes I know it's Russian). I had the Garlic mushrooms to start followed by the Bourguignon and they were cooked to perfection. The waiting staff were very attentive and the service was good on a very busy Saturday night. I will be back

Good choice on menu, delicious food, friendly staff. What more do you need

Every time we visit Ambleside we book here and we are never disappointed...delicious flavours and lots of choice. Very pleasant staff who make it a lovely experience

Cosy atmosphere and great food. Lovely, attentive hosts.

The service and food was amazing last night, we had French onion soup,meatballs for starter the fish for the mains that was absolutely amazing and the meatballs were to,the deserts are so good! Staff are really friendly to,definitely be back again

This is a small place so it is essential that you book a table. I had a pre conceived idea about what I would eat from the menu. One look at the specials board and I changed to a King Prawn and Chorizo spiced starter followed by Cumbrian Fillet steak. My wife had the steak after a garlic mushroom starter. All the food was brilliantly cooked. I highly recommend this restaurant.

We arrived for opening 5.30 and felt so welcome by Helen. Food was absolutely lovely and service was top class, its a definite return visit for us top marks for the chef as well

Extremely good food and staff very friendly. Would definitely recommend.

Lovely place and staff friendly

Great food and wine lovely friendly staff and nice atmosphere would very much recommend this bistro

best lamb ever. will definitely return

Great little place. Could not get in last year but this year they had a bit more flexibility. Great atmosphere, good set menu options plus some local daily specials. All very fresh and very tasty. Service was on point and the lady who served us clearly knew how to help customers to decide what they want. The impression I got was that several people were repeat customers, which says a lot

Absolutely wonderful restaurant! The service was fantastic, the lady serving us was such a delight ✨ the food was flawless and reasonably priced. The photo attached was a special and could not be faulted! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 100% would recommend

Great food from a friendly little restaurant.

Great food, juicy steaks and Lamb that fails off the bone. Excellent and very attentive staff.