Our Favourite Grasmere Restaurants
Arguably one of the Lake District’s most picturesque villages, this wonderful collection of Grasmere restaurants provides a delicious spot...
Nestled in the southern Lake District, the picturesque village of Cartmel is a true delight for food and drink lovers. Though small in size, Cartmel has earned a big reputation — not only for its Michelin-starred restaurants but also for its welcoming pubs in Cartmel village, where you can enjoy hearty meals, local ales, and a warm Cumbrian welcome.
From the world-renowned L’Enclume and its relaxed sister restaurant Rogan & Co, to cosy favourites like The Pig and Whistle and The Kings Arms, Cartmel offers a rich mix of fine dining and traditional pub charm. Whether you’re indulging in a gourmet tasting menu or relaxing by the fire with a pint, there’s something here for every taste.
And don’t forget to stop by the Cartmel Village Shop to pick up the famous Sticky Toffee Pudding — a sweet souvenir from this foodie haven.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to eat and drink in Cartmel, from elegant restaurants to the most inviting pubs in Cartmel village — perfect for making your stay even more memorable.
Continue reading to discover why we’ve hand-picked these Cartmel restaurants and pubs as our favourites…
TripAdvisor 4.8/5– European / British / Contemporary– ££££
If you’re looking for a spot of fine dining in Cartmel then look no further than L’Enclume. Awarded three Michelins stars and five AA Rosettes, this Cartmel restaurant has been regularly named one of the best restaurants in Cumbria and the world.
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Head chef Simon Rogan prepares a mouth watering menu prepared with fresh, local ingredients produced on his very own farm. The menu changes with the seasons to ensure that meals are prepared with the very best of ingredients.
Rogan prides himself on creating truly beautiful food art in an environment that provides a feast for all five senses.
Available for £250* per person, the sample tasting menu includes grilled scallops, dry aged Middle White pork and apple marigold. For an added touch of luxury, there’s even taster, signature and select wine pairing available.
Due to its exclusivity, booking a table in advance is recommended. Please do specify any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Veggie/vegan options 
Dog-friendly ✘ Takeaway ✘
TripAdvisor 4.3/5– European / British / Vegetarian Friendly – ££££
Sister restaurant to L’Enclume, Rogan & Co awarded its first Michelin Star in 2018 is best suited to those looking for the Michelin Star experience in a more relaxed atmosphere.
This brasserie-style establishment offers a more casual dining experience whilst adhering to the culinary principles of delicious local produce to create a taste sensation.
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Like L’Enclume, Rogan & Co serves fresh, local ingredients sourced from Rogan’s very own farm situated in the Carmel Valley.
Open for lunch and dinner, this Cartmel restaurant offers a set three-course menu, priced at £79.00 per person. Expect Old Winchester cheese dumplings, parmesan crusted cod and dark chocolate fondant.
For a mix of sweet and savoury, you can even add a 3-cheese selection as a fourth course for an additional £18.00.
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly ✘ Takeaway ✘
TripAdvisor 4/5– Bar / British / Pub– ££-£££
For hearty, home-cooked pub grub, The Pig and Whistle is amongst our favourites places to eat in Cartmel.
This charming Cartmel pub sits in the heart of the village, a short distance from the world-renowned racecourse and historic priory.
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There’s a roaring open fire positioned in the bar area, inviting you to put up your feet and enjoy an evening tipple, whilst the bistro and sunny beer garden provide a lovely setting to dine at mealtimes.
Serving seasonal, quality and locally sourced ingredients, the menu at The Pig and Whistle is ever changing. You can expect hearty home comforts and Sunday lunch, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available for those with dietary requirements.
There’s also a children’s, light bites and tapas menu available, serving something to suit all appetites and preferences.
If you’re celebrating a big win at the races, choose from an exciting selection of fizz, spritz, ales and wines and raise a toast!
Book a table 015395 36482
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly Takeaway ✘
TripAdvisor 4.4/5– Bar / British / Pub– ££-£££
Sitting within a 500 year old coaching inn, The Cavendish Arms holds a fabulous reputation as a must-visit pub in the Lake District.
Rated as on of the top breakfast destinations in the Lake District by Visit Britain, it’s clear to see why The Cavendish Arms has made it on our list of top Cartmel restaurants.
Exposed wooden beams and rustic log burners decorate the interior of this Cartmel pub, providing a snug spot to dine at any time of day.
© The Cavendish Arms
Much like all of our favourite places to eat in Cartmel, The Cavendish Arms prides itself on sourcing the best local and seasonal ingredients, delivered fresh to their door daily.
This Cartmel restaurant serves a fascinating menu that extends from French Bistro to good old-fashioned pub grub. Covering all angles, it’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of diners.
Sandwiches are served until 5pm Monday through to Saturday, and there’s an mouth-watering roast available on Sundays. Choose from topside of beef, Lune Valley lamb shoulder, cornfed chicken or a veggie roast served with all the trimmings.
Due to its popularity, The Cavendish Arms is regularly fully booked. We would highly recommend booking a table at this top Cartmel restaurant to avoid disappointment.
Sample menu
Book a table 015395 36240
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly Takeaway ✘
Tripadvisor 4/5– Bar / British / Pub– £
Another favourite for proper pub-grub, The Royal Oak is a Grade II listed building, 17th century pub situated within the main square of Cartmel.
One of the more laid-back places to eat on our list, The Royal Oak takes pride in being a simple community pub, operated by Fell Brewery in the village.
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Opening its doors for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll choose from a menu of hearty pub classics, with everything from Cumberland Sausage and mash to chicken diane and beer battered haddock in the evening.
The food served is “designed to enhance and complement the beers” available, and occasionally the beer is even used in the cooking itself.
If you’re lucky enough to visit the Lake District on a dry day, there’s a sunny beer garden sitting on the riverside. Soak in the spectacular sights of the Lake District with a pint of ale or a crisp glass of wine in hand!
Sample menu
Book a table 015395 36692
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly Takeaway ✘
TripAdvisor 4/5– Bar / British / Contemporary– ££-£££
Recognised by the Good Pub Guide as “worth a visit,” this 300 year old pub in Cartmel is exactly that.
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This bustling 18th century gastro pub sits close to the historic Cartmel Priory and has all the character of a traditional country pub. Exposed beams, log fires and local ales create a cosy atmosphere, and regular live music events only enhance this ambiance!
Open six days a week, The Kings Arms serves a quintessentially English pub menu, with fish and chips, beef burgers and Sunday dinners.
Catering for buffets and family gatherings is available with prior notice, and in a unique twist, there’s also a marquee available for hire, complete with a bar and buffet.
On a sunny afternoon there’s a small beer garden sitting out front, perfect for enjoying a pint of guest ale sourced from local breweries.
Book a table 015395 36708
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly Takeaway ✘
Although not technically restaurants, there’s a handful of places to eat in Cartmel that deserve a special mention on our list.
TripAdvisor 4.5/5– Dessert / Cafe / British– £
Tucked away within Unsworths Yard, the Mallard Tea Shop is a truly delightful place to eat in Cartmel.
Taking its name from the colourful ducks that frequent the shores of the nearby River Eea, the Mallard Tea Shop is an absolute must if you’re in the area.
Opening its doors daily from 10am-4:30pm, the tea room is brimming with decadent cakes and puddings, all baked fresh in-house. There’s also a delicious menu of savoury goods including soups, sandwiches and jacket potatoes.
Welcoming four-legged friends, this charming cafe is the perfect pit stop for a warming cup of tea on any dog walk in the Lakes!
What’s better, the well-kept yard is the perfect spot to soak in some rays on a sunny afternoon.
Booking a table in advance isn’t possible at this Cartmel eatery, so be sure to head down early to get yourself seated!
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly Takeaway
TripAdvisor 4.5/5– Dessert / Cafe / British– ££-£££
Ever wondered where the British classic Sticky Toffee Pudding originated? It was right here in the Lake District!
© Cartmel Village Shop
You’ll be hard pressed to find a better dessert than the award-winning Cartmel sticky toffee pudding. Exclusively available for purchase from the Cartmel Village Shop, this is a must-visit.
If you’re not a fan of toffee, there’s sticky ginger, chocolate and banana to choose from, along with apple crumble, lemon drizzle and christmas cake.
Along with it’s puddings, the Cartmel Village Shop is stocked with a wonderful array of teas, coffees and hot chocolates, perfect for a chilly afternoon in the lakes!
Veggie/vegan options Dog-friendly ✘ Takeaway
Although not technically a place to eat in Cartmel, we couldn’t complete our list without Cartmel Cheeses.
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Try before you buy at this specialist cheese shop. Stocked with an amazing array of local cheese, the knowledgeable owners can help select the appropriate cheeses to accompany any meal, picnic, snack or board.
An artisian bakery sits next door, preparing fresh, homemade bread daily. How does a Cumbrian cheese and sourdough bread sandwich sound for your next adventure through the fells?
Veggie/vegan options ✘ Dog-friendly ✘ Takeaway
Fancy sampling the succulent flavours of Cumbria at one of these Cartmel restaurants? Or enjoying a cold beer in one of the pubs in Cartmel Village? Browse our range of Cartmel cottages and choose your perfect base!
And if these restaurants don’t tickle your taste buds, try our hand-picked collection of Ambleside restaurants!
For more amazing places to visit during your stay, give our guide on our favourite Lake District farm shops a read!
Hello, I'm Lizi, and I joined the team in May 2021. My favourite staycation destinations include Cornwall, Northumberland, and as ...
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