The best restaurants in North West

My friend and I have been going out to lunch once a week for about a year in and around Southport/Birkdale/Ormskirk/Burscough. This got the vote as our favourite from both of us. There is no reservation system available so we turned up at lunchtime. It was busy but we got seated quickly. Our drinks came but then we had about a half hour wait for our food. I didn't mind so much but we had to go out and feed the parking meter, we know for next time to just book longer, it is honestly worth the wait. I had the chicken caesar salad the first time, my friend had eggs benedict. Its so refreshing to have something different on offer for lunch. There is a good menu but there are also specials which are very tempting. The salad I had was enormous with lots of tasty chicken and the croutons were to die for. I struggled to get through it as it was a large bowl of food, but so tasty. The waiting staff are friendly and the chef is a genius. Will be seeing you again for lunch very soon.

Love this place, have been going since it first opened. Style, atmosphere and location is perfect. Great views, easy walking distance to Elterwater, Chapel Stile, Grasmere and Ambleside. Food is always delicious, good portion size and nice menu variation. Cocktails are good and highly recommend the gin and vodka from the nearby distillery. Staff are warm and friendly with good service. Cosy fire in winter.

New menu alert!! Some lovely additions to the menu for autumn. The bacon chop was delicious as was the peanut parfait with banana purée. We had a lovely evening Ben and Phil attended to our every need. This really is a fabulous little restaurant and your support is vital in these difficult times. 👍

Tacos Del Sol is one of my favourite places to eat whenever I’m in Ambleside. Chris and Marisol, who run it, have created something special here—it’s simple, cosy, and the food is genuinely incredible. Their tacos and burritos are always packed with flavour. The chicken and beef are perfectly cooked and full of seasoning, and the guacamole and salsa pico de gallo are so fresh that they stand out in every bite. They also make quesadillas and nachos, which are just as good if you’re in the mood for something different. There’s a small selection of drinks, including soft drinks, craft beer from local breweries, and tequila. It’s not a huge menu, but it feels thoughtfully chosen and complements the food really well. The space itself has a relaxed vibe, with around eight seats inside where you can sit back and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a nice spot to slow down and take your time, and there’s even a bench outside if you’d rather eat in the fresh air or take your order to go. Chris and Marisol are always so friendly, and their passion for what they do really shows. It’s the kind of place that keeps me coming back because it feels like more than just a meal—it’s always a great experience.

Always a great place to grab food or a coffee! Gluten free options with big portions, lovely coffee, nice vibes and always super welcoming 🤍🌿

Saturday morning breakfast…… my wife had bacon and scrambled egg on sourdough. She told me that it was amongst the best scrambled egg she’s had. I’m vegetarian, so I tried the vegan wrap. Wow!!! It was amazing!!! Probably the best hot wrap around….. Prices very reasonable. This place is a must for weekend breakfast!!!!

Opa was a wonderful restaurant with very kind and accomodating staff. The food portions were very large and reasonably priced and the everything was cooked perfectly. Would recommend for solo travellers or anyone :)

Been here on a few occasions fantastic couple that run it.food is always homemade turkey soup was fantastic on Ulverston festival day.mulled wine homemade of course was lovely..always keep returning best cafe in Ulverston..

5 of us went for Sunday dinner last night. 3 beef 2 pork belly. Everything was just perfect, food hot, plates hot, all tasted fantastic. The staff serving us were polite and engaging (Mason and sorry didn't get the name of the young dark haired girl). We will definitely be back, was one of the best dinners we have all had in a long time. Thank You.

This is such a great place to go after a hike or just a treat. We have been many times and this is the best ice-cream in the Lakes. Staying in Hawkshead we knew there was a shop near by for our ice cream needs. The ice cream shop was the only reason why we stayed in Hawkshead this time . The first time we went on this trip there was a queue but the young lad handled it very well. The ice cream is always so delicious and well worth the price( it's a great price to what you get in London) and you get a massive scoop. Always friendly staff and very clean and hygienic shop. Awesome ice cream even when it's raining

Laura's effervescent charisma has been a huge loss to Handbridge since Meltdown's closure, but will no doubt be a giant gain to whatever comes next for the (former) Toastie Queen. I say former, as there's one final chance to taste her magic creations before the apron is hung up for good at fellow Chester indie scene star That Beer Place on Foregate St tomorrow, which I wouldn't miss for all the cheese in Cheshire...

Have walked past Bandito Burrito 5 times a week, but on a recent day off, we ventured in. My loss, what a place!! I had the Salt Beef burrito with cheese and all the fixings, my partner had the Vegan special. Both were delicious, and huge portions!!! The Mexican cola was tasty, much nicer than you know who, and was perfect to wash the burrito down. Perfect service, wallet-friendly. We'll be back!

Excellent food and good value for money. Everyone enjoyed their Turkey Pork and Fish, and absolutely no complaints.Roaring log fire added to the atmosphere, and everyone agreed to try and return soon.

Staff were really friendly and helpful, food is amazingly delicious. Highly recommend the sag aloo. Very clean restaurant

Went for a roast and the food was stunning! The beef, the roastys everything was gorgeous! We will definetly be coming back