Dog-friendly places to eat in Ambleside

Vast lakes, magical woodlands and dramatic waterfalls surround Ambleside in the Lake District, making this market town a haven for outdoor-loving hounds. In the town itself, which dates back to the Roman Empire, its historic streets are lined with stone buildings that hide charming places to eat and drink, all serving delights from the fields around. 

To fuel your days of Lake District adventure, or reward you on your return from the fells, we’ve highlighted our favourite dog-friendly restaurants in Ambleside, as well as cute and quirky cafes, and dog-friendly pubs in Ambleside. 

After some foodie inspiration, you can start planning your Lake District getaway today by exploring our collection of dog-friendly cottages across the national park. Find retreats for solo travellers and couples, extended families, and large groups of friends.

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Dog-friendly restaurants in Ambleside

Ambleside is one of the most popular bases for visitors to the Lake District, meaning there are plenty of places to eat across town. Below are just four of our favourite dog-friendly restaurants in Ambleside.

Luigi’s Restaurant

Set in the heart of town, this family-run restaurant has served traditional Italian dishes for over 30 years. Luigis’ Restaurant stands out as one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Ambleside, not only because of the fantastic fare on offer, but thanks to the dedicated floor that is reserved solely for dog owners. 

Let Fido say hello to his fellow canine chums as you sit down for some classic Italian food. From the menu, choose from traditional starters, some of which are perfect for sharing. The range of pasta dishes impresses, all of which offer varying portions for adults and children. 

Main courses include all the classics you’d expect from an Italian restaurant, and if you dine between 5.30pm and 7pm from Monday to Saturday, starter and pasta courses combine for just £17.95. 

Sheila's Cottage Restaurant

Adorned with Lakeland slate and hidden down a quiet lane, Sheila’s Cottage Restaurant is where tasty, bistro-style fare combines with wholesome home food. In this cottage-style restaurant, the building’s original features combine with modern comforts, just like their locally sourced ingredients blend with traditional recipes. 

On arrival, Fido will wag his tail with delight at the bowl of water and biscuits that await, while the humans of the group will enjoy the wide selection from both the daytime and evening menus. 

In the day, choose from a range of fresh sandwiches served on artisan bread, or opt for a lunchtime favourite such as battered haddock and chips, or a traditional ploughman’s board. Up the ante in the evening with a three-course dinner where sharing boards offer a sociable option, and the puddings leave mouths watering.

The Priest Hole Restaurant

The Priest Hole Restaurant operates in one of the oldest buildings in town and offers one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Ambleside for al fresco dining. Dogs are welcome on the sun-soaked terrace here, meaning diners can make the most of that Lake District weather. 

Homemade, traditional Cumbrian food is the order of the day at The Priest Hole, complemented by locally brewed beers and carefully chosen wines. Throughout the day, choose from freshly made sandwiches, lighter bites, and main courses that include towering burgers, traditional pies, and battered fish. 

From the evening menu, enjoy classics like pan-roasted chicken supreme and homemade steak and ale pies. Make sure to visit on the weekend to try one of their popular Sunday roasts, and let little ones choose from the generous children’s menu.

Lucy's on a Plate

Phone ahead of your visit to Lucy’s on a Plate to reserve one of the dog-friendly tables at this quirky Ambleside restaurant. Arrive without any dog restriction concerns and sit down to enjoy the wide choice of unique dishes. 

Sharing boards are plentiful, so why not make it a social occasion with colourful antipasti? Choose from contemporary starters like boozy chicken liver, bonbon jelly, and chorizo crustaceans, while more wholesome main courses include beef fillet medallions, lamb shank redemption, and the very berry Bambi. 

If you’ve booked a stay in one of our Ambleside cottages but fancy a break from cooking, then benefit from Lucy’s convenient delivery and collection service.

Dog-friendly pubs in Ambleside

What better way to end a Lake District walk than a well-deserved pint for yourself, and a bowl of water for Fido? Serving regional beer and locally sourced food, below are three of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Ambleside.

The Golden Rule

Cross the River Rothay that flows through the centre of town and you’ll find one of the best dog-friendly pubs in Ambleside – The Golden Rule. This no-nonsense pub ticks a boozer’s wish list; while there’s no kitchen, a traditional pub interior, a secluded beer garden and a good selection of local beers and bar snacks combine here. 

Whilst children aren’t allowed in the pub after 9pm, dogs are welcome whenever and will appreciate the bowls of water to refresh them after days of Lake District walkies.

The Royal Oak

Photo credit: The Royal Oak, Ambleside (bottom right)

Set in the heart of town, where a roadside beer garden offers the best spot to watch Lake District life pass by, The Royal Oak is a family-friendly pub where dogs are welcomed with open arms. Part of the Greene King chain and serving food all afternoon and evening, there’s always time to dive into the Royal for some wholesome fare. 

Energise for the day ahead with a small plate or sharing platter, or look to the main courses and burgers if you’ve worked up an appetite on the fells. Choose from classic pub grub like hunters’ chicken, scampi and chips, or beef goulash. Served in a brioche bun, the burgers impress and include hot honey chicken, buttermilk chicken, and a veggie alternative.

The Wateredge Inn

No Lake District getaway is complete without seeing one of the national park’s dramatic bodies of water, and a visit to The Wateredge Inn offers just that. Set half a mile from the centre of town and perched on the edge of the famous Lake Windermere, this sun-soaked and scenic inn is one of the best dog-friendly pubs in Ambleside. 

The inn’s interior is chic, but what’s more impressive is the waterfront terrace that sits on the banks of Windermere – Fido will love the sights and sounds here. 

Fill up for the day ahead with a full English or veggie alternative from the breakfast menu, and later in the day, from the seasonal menu, choose from stone-baked pizzas, towering burgers, and classic main courses like fish and chips, rump steak, and fish curry.

Dog-friendly cafes in Ambleside

If it’s fresh bakes, homemade sandwiches and steaming coffee you’re craving, then you’ll find a wide range of quirky, dog-friendly cafes in Ambleside. Below are three of our favourite spots in town.

Fresher's Café

Photo credit: Fresher's Café, Ambleside (bottom right)

Built from local stone and boasting pretty outdoor seating, Freshers Café is typical for the Lake District and a great spot to refuel ahead of days of adventure with the dogs. 

If it’s just a cuppa and a slice of cake you fancy, then take your pick from the daily bakes board where delights like fruit scones, raspberry buns, and lemon drizzle await. For something more substantial, opt for an all-day breakfast, a fresh sandwich, or a classic jacket potato with a solid choice of toppings.

The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery

Photo credit: The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery, Ambleside (bottom right)

What started as a humble bakery has now transformed into a two-storey cafe and bakery with a team of seven busy bakers and a spot in the Guardian’s Top 10 Places to Eat in the Lake District 2023. The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery is a firm favourite amongst locals, and you’re welcome to call in with your faithful friend. 

Choose from the many takeaway treats in the cabinet, and stuff them in your bag before setting off to explore the national park. If you fancy sitting down, then the calming interior beckons, as does the vibrant menu. 

Beyond the hot and cold drinks, choose from sweet treats like cakes, pastries, scones and buns, or up the ante with a fresh sandwich or wrap, a hot pasty, or an impressive Lakeland breakfast.

Stiles Coffee Bar

This family-run coffee bar sits on the main road into Ambleside, meaning it gets its fair share of visitors either returning from days out or just setting off on lakeside excursions. Stiles Coffee Bar prides itself on good quality, locally sourced food, as well as rich, roasted coffee, and in even better news, dogs are welcome to join you. 

The menu is expansive, with options for lighter biters, hungry hikers, and even little ones. Choose from all-day breakfasts, fresh salads, sweet treats, sharing dishes, loaded fries and plenty more in this family-friendly cafe.

Map of dog-friendly places to eat in Ambleside

Explore our map below to locate our favourite dog-friendly restaurants in Ambleside, as well as pup-welcoming pubs and quirky cafes.

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Book a dog-friendly stay in the Lake District

Now you’re clued up on the best dog-friendly restaurants in Ambleside, as well as welcoming cafes and our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Ambleside, why not start planning your Lake District getaway today? 

Click the button below to explore our collection of pup-welcoming retreats for solo travellers, outdoor-loving couples, groups of friends and extended families.