Rastelli's Pizzeria in South Lakeland

3rd visit... and again outstanding service and quality of food.... atmosphere good.... looked after us again ...... fillet steak and deep fried camembert to start. lovely ... see you again

Visited tonight. Hadn't booked. Lucky to get a table as it was very busy. Very friendly lady who greeted us and took us to our table. Ordered a veggie pasta dish and the fillet of steak. Beautiful food. Lovely ambience. The waitresses were very attentive throughout our stay. As was the gentleman who brought our drinks out. Will definitely return again.

The food was great, really tasty and a good portion size. The staff were very attentive, if possibly a little too efficient as we were 2 courses down within 35 mins of getting there! The restaurant had a really good vibe about it, not at all pretentious and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The only negative for me was the VAT not being included on the prices. Just weird. But don’t let this put you off, a great meal out and I’d certainly go again.

Quite a traditional Italian interior, staff very nice. However, the dishes we had were a little spartan, my husband had a pasta dish Penne al Pollo with chicken which was very low on chicken, and I had a dish off the specials, slow cooked beef cannelloni in a tomato sauce which again was a bit lacking in substance, so much so that I asked for bread to mop up the sauce which though basic was very tasty. I was asked if I wanted a loaf or slices? I said slices, expecting the usual small crusty slices cut from something like a baguette as is usual. Instead I got two very cold slices of thick white sliced bread, glad I didn’t ask for a loaf? What was that about? There were two dishes not available and the owner apparently does not give out his wifi code. The food came out very quickly, too quickly to be honest, I know that may sound odd, but it gave the impression that things were pre-prepared and waiting to go out, that, along with the lack of the usual bread, (which by the way is usually on the table when you sit down in every Italian restaurant we have ever been in, often accompanied by olives) made us feel that it was only playing at it, though I do know that this restaurant has been in Bowness for years, and we had been before a few years ago and it was much better then.

Visited last Sunday evening after a recommendation, quite busy on arrival but seated within a couple of minutes. Brilliant service from start to finish, I had the duck and the wife had tarragon chicken both were excellent and we shared garlic bread with tomato which for a man of a certain age I thought it was the best I’d ever had, oh and the man who served the drinks was lovely and very handsome 😂 so all in all don’t hesitate to visit here it’s a winner winner chicken dinner , Chou

Over priced … Ordered ravioli off the specials board, sounded lovely, and tasted nice… HOWEVER 7 slightly filled pieces of ravioli in sauce for a main meal for £17.95 before tax… not worth it at all, thankfully as a couple we ordered a pizza too (base seemed shop bought) and had eaten a late lunch. If we had both ordered the ravioli we would have been starving!!! Forgot a picture at the start… but picture of half the meal!

In one word, disappointing ! It's not great when the only decent part of the meal was the garlic bread ! This place is constantly fully booked and I am scratching my head pondering why. There is no way any Italian has had a hand in the meals going out from this kitchen. The pasta, pizza and main courses are bland and poorly seasoned. The chicken dishes come with a passable sauce but no Italian would eat or serve vegetables like this - plain boiled cauli and other vegetables, no olive oil, no butter, no seasoning, no herbs or spices - literally like straight out of a freezer bag of veg and just boiled. I guess if you can fill the restaurant with holidaymakers there's little incentive to do better. Dessert featured literally the very worst tiramisu I have ever tasted. Most likely bought in, and literally no espresso/coffee or marsala to taste whatsoever, just a gooey mess of cream, mascarpone and chocolate sauce (!!) with some soggy sponge. Honestly, a Zizzi is far, far better and that is not authentic Italian either but at least they season things. Honestly, the very high ratings of this restaurant are making me question whether there is any point looking at Tripadvisor ratings. In this case believe the 1 and 2* reviews, trust me, if you like proper Italian cooking. If you like "Italian cooked for English" food, fine, tuck in. I wouldn't have minded so much if this place was reasonably priced either, but the meat dishes in particular are pretty expensive.

We visit this restaurant every time we visit Bowness. A wonderful restaurant with fabulous food made with top quality ingredients at great prices. Definitely a favourite and highly recommended. Always busy so advisable to book if you can. Great chatting with the lovely staff, always make you feel welcome. Exceptional service. Great to meet Leon, our barman who we enjoyed talking to. We will be back

Went on TripAdvisor recommendation and NOT disappointed! Staff very pleasant and obliging. Wine very good and served at a good temperature. Starter pizza with tomato was one of the nicest we’ve ever had. Chicken livers were plentiful and delicious ( suggest they serve with crusty bread, not toast) Starter portions of lasagne and tempura prawns were very nice. A very pleasant experience, thank you Rastelli

I had the pleasure of visiting Rastelli last night and I can honestly say it was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. We were greeted by such a lovely friendly woman who proved to be a hero later on in the evening too! Everyone there was so friendly and couldn’t do enough for us and the food was exceptional! Me and my daughter had pizza, but the other food coming out looked fabulous particularly the steaks. I just want to say a massive thank you again as we had to leave earlier than liked as my daughter managed to spill pizza all over her white outfit and they did everything they could to order us a taxi and the original lady who had greeted us came out of the restaurant and across the road to check we were ok and offered to order another for us as it didn’t turn up. There are not many places that genuinely provide such warm hospitality as well as amazing food!!!!! If we come back again we will definitely pay them a visit.

Fantastic restaurant, couldn’t recommend it enough! Had our first visit yesterday and was very pleased with the service, food and price. Very friendly and helpful service, they were very attentive and made us feel very at ease with our 12 month old being with us.

We loved that you could order online for free delivery! We had garlic bread which was fine. I ordered a bbq chicken & sweetcorn pizza which was good & my partner was thrilled to bits to be able to have a seafood pizza as some places have stopped offering fish options. Can’t comment on the restaurant other than passing it on the street & it being a good size & busy which we took as a good sign. Delivery man was friendly and food arrived on time. We opted to support local rather than go for dominos and we were happy with our choice.

This place does the best Pizza outside Italy done to perfection lovely place Staff amazing you will really enjoy this. Brilliant

Really nice Italian restaurant. Reminds me of the 1980s Italian restaurants! Food really nice and half portions huge. Staff so lovely - service was great.

Visited this restaurant 2 years ago and was as fantastic then as is now. Calzone was tasty and full of filling, pasta dishes were homemade and tasty too. Great service, friendly and swift. Would recommend this restaurant

Having visited Rastelli last year, we wanted you to return during our latest visit to Windermere. Booking is a must if you do not want to be disappointed at the door, and once your booking has been made you are sure for a very warm welcome from Nina. A family run Italian the menu has something for everyone. Inside there’s a lovely atmosphere, with traditional Italian decor and seating for around 40-50 covers. Every member of staff makes you feel welcome and valued from the moment you walk through the door to the time you leave. A special call out to Amelia who looked after us tonight. Her friendly smile is infectious and she is a credit to this close knit team. Meals are freshly prepared in the open kitchen and the choice is superb, pasta, pizza, steaks and succulent chicken dishes the plenty to choose from. Should you not have a big appetite there is a choice of smaller portions. We chose the Camembert starter followed by chicken in a mushroom, cream and brandy sauce. Dessert was the caramel cheesecake. With a drink each and coffee our bill was a little over £75.00. A short walk up the hill out of the centre of Bowness make sure this is on your list to visit

Last minute booking for two, both meals looked and tasted amazing. Staff were very polite and attentive. Would definitely recommend for those visiting the area!

I’ve been here a few times on our photography trips in the Lake District and it’s never been disappointing, brilliant food and brilliant staff. Very hearty Italian food at its best.

Food was good, hot, arrived quickly and service was good. Only criticism would be the price. It is expensive, charging £1.50 to add a few chilli’s to a pasta or garlic bread just felt like taking the mickey.

This is our favourite Italian restaurant in the Windermere area and, once again, it didn’t disappoint. The chicken livers are divine and my pizza vegetariana was excellent. My husband said his duck was perfectly cooked and delicious, and the service was very friendly and efficient. We have been coming here for over twenty years and it is always very good.

We came for an evening meal as a group of 20. The staff were amazing...so welcoming and attentive. The food was absolutely delicious. I would certainly return the next time I visit Bowness. Thanks so much to the staff for such a lovely time.

This place has been sitting at the top of the main road in Bowness for as long as I can remember ( probably longer) and I’ve always fancied a visit, but always ended up going to places towards the bottom of town. We finally found an excuse to go to this Italian as we were going for a late screening in the cinema over the road. I’m glad to say it was definitely worth the wait. We turned up around 6:30 and the service was excellent from the get go. The staff were really friendly and super-efficient. The place has a wonderfully traditional atmosphere and you just know as soon as you enter that you’re in for something special. We had starters from the specials board ( I had steak strips in lemon sauce - amazing!). My wife had prawns which she loved. For mains, I had a spagetti alla matriciana, a huge portion and packed with flavour, and my wife had a chicken in taragon sauce dish which she said was one of the best dishes she’s ever had in any Italian restaurant. Lovely desserts to finish, all washed down with an excellent Chianti. An excellent meal in an excellent restaurant, we will definitely make a bee-line for it the next time we’re in town.

We payed our first visit whilst on holiday in the lakes. From the moment we arrived, the service was very attentive and friendly, the food was excellent and a great atmosphere. Well done

The best Italian we've ever been to outside of Italy. The food was amazing, tasty and great portions. From entering to leaving the two ladies that served us were so nice, polite and friendly, we didn't get their names bit they were mother and daughter and both were lovely. I highly recommend if your passing, pop in, the welcome and atmosphere will have you not wanting to leave. Five stars all round.

The service and the food was excellent 👌 highly recommended well done 👏 will visit again without a doubt I had the lasagna and it was the best I've had

Nice staff and atmosphere. The food was good and well priced on the happy hour menu. The only thing I would say is the presentation of the food didn't do the taste justice. Overall a lovely visit for my partners birthday and I'm sure we...

We visit Rastelli in a busy Saturday night. The pizza was good and dessert too!! Lovely staff and atmosphere. Really enjoyed the night!! We recommend the place!!

gorgeous food, our waitress was great with us and our 6 month old baby. Best service we’ve had in a long time, very warm and friendly. Highly recommend

Simply amazing, the food was delicious, staff and service could not have been more friendly. Happy and welcoming atmosphere, a must if you visit Bowness.

Just returned from what should have been a great night at one of our favourite restaurants in bowness, we booked a table 3 weeks ago for 2 people as we always do, upon arrival we were shown to a table which had been squeezed in...

Delicious meal at Rastelli's! Easily the best restaurant in Bowness. Would highly recommend. We had two pasta dishes and a garlic bread. Do book as it gets booked up early, but we managed to get a last minute table as there was a cancellation. Very...

Fantastic place! Outstanding service, lovely food and sensibly priced especially given the location! Will be back soon!

We recently visited Windermere & had dinner ar Rastellis after reading the reviews. It was everything the reviews said. Staff were warm & friendly & the food was absolutely delicious. We both had chicken, my husband had cacciatori & I had a tarragon cream sauce....

Nina is the perfect host! We always visit when in the Lakes, the food is amazing, hole cooked, great portions, with a traditional family feel, a one off restaurant where you are welcomed by Nina and the team like friends.

Had a week in Cumbria as usual for this time of year, for my sons 21st, we ate here on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, food, staff and the chefs are fantastic, Love the place, would highly recommend

We loved this restaurant. A lovely atmosphere, great service and delicious food. Lots of specials as well as the main menu and as a coeliac it was fantastic to have a separate gluten free menu with so much choice too. Would highly recommend and return....

We always visit whenever we are in the Lake District and we are never let down. Fantastic food, fantastic setting and fantastic staff - particularly the lovely lady wearing glasses who is front of house! Can't recommend highly enough!

We have been coming to Rastelli’s for over 20years- the lady manager shows how a restaurant should be run- a masterclass in action! Staff are friendly and efficient / food is delicious. Definitely book if you are coming you won’t want to be disappointed by...

Absolutely fabulous meal, service with a smile, accommodated our table of x4 adults and x4 children perfectly. Proper Italian cooking! Will definitely be back.

Lovely meal tonight! We pre-booked for an early dinner as we have a 6 month old. The restaurant were so friendly and welcoming and were chatting away to our little boy. We were made to feel at ease bringing in our pram after a negative...

Disappointed with the food on this visit. Pizza and garlic bread both very undercooked. Pasta was the opposite, overcooked and a little mushy! The waiting staff however were good.

Food was tasty, ingredients great, portions filling. Staff friendly and service was prompt! Excellent place in town with so much competition. Keep up the good work, and thank you for a lovely evening.

Came across this after walking through Bowness and we weren’t disappointed. The staff were really friendly, and all the food was amazing - especially the cannelloni!

Excellent food and service. The aroma of great Italian cuisine hits you the moment you walk into the restaurant. The staff is very friendly and attentive. I loved that I had the option of a full or half portion. I’m a small person and staying at an B&B; I don’t have the option to reheat leftovers, so the half portion was quite enough without any waste. Very reasonable prices.

Amazing what a great experience the staff are wonderful the food is fantastic really delicious it was a grest experience we are on holiday and have rebooked later in the week iff you are in bowness check it out really great

We picked this restaurant after reading all the good reviews and weren’t disappointed. A lovely welcome and brilliant service from the very friendly team throughout. The food was served very quickly and was very fresh and tasty. We’re only here for a short holiday but might just have to try and find the time to go back

One of the best restaurants I have ever visited! Absolutely delicious food, friendly and attentive staff, clean environment, lovely atmosphere! We had the calamari starter and lasagna for mains and both were cooked to perfection. Would revisit any time we are in the area

Amazing italian cuisine in the heart of the lakes, food is always 10 out of 10 whenever l visit! Bonus now is they offer takeout which is fantastic for a small village, being a local also want to support local business's as times are hard for everyone! Staff are fantastic always smiling and amazing!!

First time here but won't be our last. Service food and beer were all excellent. We ordered pizza and pasta to share and it came already separated and plated up. Garlic bread was amazing

Tried this restaurant after being at others in Bowness and was really pleased with the outcome, we pre booked and when we arrived it was going like a fair with large groups and a children’s party going on as there were only two of us...

The staff were great, really helpful and polite. The pizzas however were average. Not complaining however, you get what you pay for. Very reasonably priced indeed. It seemed like the bases aren’t made on site and were very like the plain bases you get with...

We visited this charming traditional Italian restaurant on the recommendation of a local shop worker. We reserved a table online. I had a pizza and my wife had spaghetti Bolognese they were both excellent we also had desserts of Tiramisu and Cheesecake both were excellent....

We visited during peak school holidays and booked in advance and it was packed. Staff very efficient and food flavoursome and plentiful, lovely bottle of red enjoyed too! Would recommend but you need to book, staff were having to turn lots of walk-ins away.

Absolutely gem of a restaurant. We couldn’t recommend more, if we tried. The food was authentic and delicious. The customer service was wonderful….!!. Thank-you so much.

Book first as it gets busy - why you may ask - because it’s amazing! Greeted by friendly staff on arrival, service was impeccable - food piping hot and not left waiting on the pass. I had the Pollo Creme dish and it was one...

The sea bass was top notch, the prawns and fillet steak starter so flavoursome. We will be back whenever possible. The staff are very friendly and the ambiance was great. If you like Italian food it doesn’t get any better than this. Go.

Cannot fault. Food was superb. Service good. They make such an effort here with everything. Would definitely go back but do book.

We were hear to celebrate my daughter’s boxing competition 10 family members the staff all asked her about her trophy made her feel special, the food was outstanding the service was 100% perfect recommend this place authentic Italian food friendly staff great atmosphere going again...

Restaurant was really busy but staff allowed us to eat in the bar area. Staff very welcoming, friendly and chatty. Food service was quick. Food was delicious.

We went here in Friday, the first thing to say was the service, was great they made room for us family of 5 2 adults and three children, all the staff where great, friendly and attentive. The food itself was amazing, we left feeling like...

Excellent food, cooked fresh but didn't wait too long. Staff very friendly while still remaining professional. Restaurant has a warm and welcoming feel to it. I highly recommend this place if you want a relaxed meal with family or friends..

We picked this place off the back of TripAdvisor reviews, and then realised it was also recommended on our B&B's website. They weren't wrong. Staff were polite, helpful and attentive. The food was outstanding, and one of the best meals out my fiancée and I...

Fantastic in every way. Food, service and atmosphere. We had gambas in garlic, calamari with a dip, shared a pizza with a tomato and onion salad. Looking forward to our next visit.

Amazingly good Italian food, menu has plenty of choices. Staff are very friendly and Nina who runs the restaurant is everything you want in a good restaurant, she's efficient friendly and seemed to never stop working. The best restaurant we've been to in Bowness-on-Windermere.

The food was superb and the staff very friendly and efficient. The best meal I've had in Bowness this week.

Not only exceptional Italian Food, but by far the best value in the Lakes ! We noticed this place filling up fast one evening, so decided to try it the next evening and we weren’t disappointed. Staff friendly, efficient and happy to be there. Food...

We came here for our anniversary dinner and it was beautiful. Service was quick and super friendly. Nina and Layla were fantastic and professional. Food was on point. Definitely worth booking in advance as this place is always busy, rightfully so as the food is...

Ate here as a couple twice during our stay in Lakeland. Since the restaurant is very popular we reserved a table in advance which I would definitely recommend since many people without reservations were being turned away. The food variety and quality was excellent and...

We have been going to Rastelli for over 15 years - the food is always excellent- especially the mushroom ravioli! Great service- polite and friendly.

Having been to Rastelli a number of times now with friends and family, we have never yet been disappointed. One thing I love about the place is that despite having only been a dozen or so times over the last decade, the staff still recognise...

We had booked this restaurant in advance of our trip and having passed by a couple of times when we landed we weren't sure what to expect. Well don't be fooled by external appearances, we had a wonderful time. We were a party of 4...

We booked a table late and took a walk down to the restaurant. The meal was fabulous, extra friendly staff and great atmosphere.

Recommend by friends. Better than they said. Food exceptional and great portion size. Staff really attentive and helpful. Go now. Book if possible

Fantastic service and wonderful food. Would highly recommend. We went to the earlier happy hour and it was excellent value

Very good food with friendly attentive staff. Really enjoyed our meal here and good value for money.

We ate here on our last night in Bowness-On-Windermere and we can not praise how lovely the lady who greeted us and took our order so genuinely caring and also unobtrusive. The food was excellent my husband had the chicken livers, I had the Mushrooms...

Both myself and my partner got a recommendation from Kevin at the Brown Horse. On arrival we were given a table but we asked if we could move to another table which Nina happily did this for us. In fact Nina was so nice it...

Found this restaurant by chance as it was near our hotel & we were so glad we did , food is delicious , good prices & big meals , all the staff were lovely, we enjoyed our visit so much we returned for a 2nd...

1st time we came here was around 2017 Now when ever we go to Windermere/Bowness This little gem is incorporated into our trip Been to 3 local italian restaurants around here and we keep coming back to this one 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 Being called a pizzeria is...

Really nice food and exceptionally friendly staff, my son had the steak and rated it as in his top 3 steaks from anywhere in the world he has eaten, top class and unbelievable price

Visited for early dinner on Good Friday, staff were polite, friendly and welcoming. Order was taken quickly. Food was lovely and great value. Will definitely be returning.......... Frequently!!

Delicious pasta and wonderful service. The table next to us had the calzone which looked amazing, and I want to try next time.

Good food, good service - very traditional, very busy so clearly popular. Could do with a little modernisation on the decor - but can’t really fault it.

A very nice hot pepperoni and chilli pizza and spot on service. Would have gone for a spicy ground beef or nduja with red onions but not on the menu. Very nice inside.

This restaurant is absolutely fantastic. Ignore any negative reviews they obviously aren’t people that enjoy traditional Italian cuisine. From start to finish our meal was a delight. Calamari starter on special board , 1 cannelloni & a fillet steak that was cooked to perfection followed...

Fabulous starter main course to coffee Customer service excellent credit to the restaurant a warm welcome … Amazing food as always why settle for second best when the best will only do @ Rastelli 12/10

Been coming here for 20 years for a range of family events . Always good food great service and a lovely atmosphere. Would highly recommend.

Enjoyed our meal probably the best penne arabiata I have ever had, cooked to perfection very very tasty. The staff were friendly, polite and super efficient, credit to the restaurant. Loved the restaurant interior felt really Italian. We will be definitely recommending this restaurant to...

The food was fantastic, staff very friendly. We would have scored it full marks had it not been for the noisy birthday group that was allowed to disturb other diners.

Went to Rastelli's with my partner whilst on a few days break in Windermere, the food itself was ok and I'd say reasonable value for the prices. Our table was booked for 8:15pm, and we did feel like we was being rushed by the staff,...

After 30 years of Our first visit to Rastelli's, back in 1993 when Ray Rastelli, Giuseppe and Luigi served superb Italian Cuisine, We (my wife & I) can safely say that Rastelli's still lives up to its name, Rastellis hasn't changed Superb Italian Cuisine, friendly...

We visited Rastelli restaurant on Saturday 25th Feb and to say it was fantastic is an understatement! The atmosphere, service and food was outstanding. I had the BBQ ribs and outside of NYC they were the best I ever had, my husband had the lasagne...

Where do I start. We decided to visit this restaurant after reading some of the reviews online! BUT - we honestly really regretted going! The pizza was of poor quality and it tasted cheap. The food was a knock off version of school dinners. My...

We ate here and had pizza. It was average. It hit the spot but wasn’t an amazing pizza and not the freshest I’ve ever had. It was fine. There was a medical emergency when we were there and the staff were good. They didn’t handle...

Lovely meal, exceptional food and service. I had garlic king prawns and chicken parma. Delishious. Will be back on next visit!

We arrived at 5pm with a 5 year old and a four month old baby. The waiting staff were so friendly, kind and accomodating. The pizzas were fabulous too! Thank you, we really enjoyed our visit

Called in for dinner. Not sure where all the positive reviews come from, food very average and surprising they don't make their own pasta and use buy in pizza bases aka takeaways. Lasagne was passable but sure there must be better options elsewhere.

We have been going to Rastellis for 20 plus years and our meal for 8 last night was great from start to finish. Two of us will probably be back again during the week!

We visited here in November and just sat down at the right time as a large table came just after us ! The food was lovely and the service was great. We would definitely go again.

Called for early evening meal before moving our journey on.... Fabulous service and the pizzas were wonderful.This is a very popular restaurant and after sampling it , we can fully understand why. We will definately return