Matthew's Bistro
A cosy bistro serving classic British, French, and Mediterranean dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and warm hospitality.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Matthew's Bistro
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cosy bistro serving classic British, French, and Mediterranean dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and warm hospitality.
"You really need to book to guarantee a table at this highly recommended bistro."
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as the bistro can get very busy.
Early Evening Value
Consider the early evening menu for a delicious and budget-friendly three-course meal.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
British, French, Mediterranean
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 15394 31234
Address
Compston Rd, Ambleside, LA22 9DJ, United Kingdom
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hearty British Classics & French Influences
Indulge in comfort food like slow-cooked lamb or rich Beef Bourguignon, complemented by a cozy atmosphere.
Exceptional Value Early Evening Menu
Enjoy a fantastic three-course meal at a great price before 7 PM, offering outstanding value for money.
Warm Atmosphere & Friendly Service
Experience a cosy and welcoming dining environment with attentive and courteous staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as the bistro can get very busy.
Early Evening Value
Consider the early evening menu for a delicious and budget-friendly three-course meal.
Try the Specials
Don't miss the specials board for unique dishes, including exquisite seafood ravioli.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as the bistro can get very busy.
Early Evening Value
Consider the early evening menu for a delicious and budget-friendly three-course meal.
Try the Specials
Don't miss the specials board for unique dishes, including exquisite seafood ravioli.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Matthew's Bistro is highly praised for its delicious, well-cooked food using fresh, local ingredients, with standout dishes like Beef Bourguignon and seafood ravioli. Diners also rave about the friendly and accommodating service, as well as the cosy atmosphere. While popular, booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
"Wonderful, fresh, rich, delicious and reasonable pricing. The staff were extremely courteous, friendly and accommodating. They had no problem in moving our booking to the next day. Thank you for a wonderful evening"
Alex Bishton
"Very good food. Really enjoyed our experience. Moules Mariniere for starters, which, in my option, were the best mussels outside of the south of France.
Then I had the Wild Boar for my main which was out of this world. The better half had Beef Bourginion which she said was absolutely delicious.
We would definitely come back again tomorrow if we didn't live 60+ miles away."
Belmont Digital
"Dined at Matthews on Tuesday night when staying over in Ambleside.
Luckily got a table as it was quite busy with bookings.
The food was 5 🌟
Both of us had starters from the specials board, lobster ravioli and the piri piri prawns, then both had a pasta dish for mains. Outstanding. And the pasta portions are huge! Unfortunately they left us no room for dessert which also looked amazing.
Would definitely visit again when back on the area.
Thank you for a wonderful meal."
Andrea Collin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, booking is highly recommended as the bistro is very popular and can get busy, with walk-ins sometimes being turned away.
Diners frequently praise the Beef Bourguignon, lamb dishes, seafood ravioli, and the sticky toffee pudding. The specials board often features unique and highly-rated options.
Yes, they offer an early evening set menu with 2 or 3 courses available before 7 PM, providing excellent value.
Yes, the restaurant offers vegetarian options on its menu, including a 'Meat Free' section with dishes like Vegetarian Chilli and Thai Green Curry.
The bistro is described as cosy, warm, and friendly, making it a lovely place for a relaxed meal.
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Matthew Colley is a charismatic chef who opened his own restaurant in 2001 to serve "retro classic" dishes to hungry Lake District walkers. He's passionate about local, artisanal produce and makes almost everything from scratch, including his own Cumbrian sausages. The early evening set menu is an exceptionally good value (three courses for £25 if you order before 7 pm); opt for the creamy deep-fried brie, the Pollo Marsala with shallots, and whatever the special dessert of the day is.
Eating Out | Ambleside Online
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Ambleside Restaurants, Cafes, and takeaways
A small & friendly family-run bistro where you can be sure of good food and a warm welcome. Born and bred in Windermere, the owner and award-winning classically trained chef Matthew first opened the doors of the Bistro in 2001 with a vision to serve hearty home cooked food to locals and visitors alike. Together with his wife Dominika they pride themselves in working closely with local suppliers to bring you the best of what The Lake District has to offer.
The 20 Best Restaurants in Ambleside
Matthew's Bistro is an elegant and cozy restaurant that provides excellent service. The menu is well thought out, and the dishes reflect great ideas. The quality of the ingredients is high, and they are utilized in the daily catch of fish and special menus.
Romantic Breaks Ambleside, Lake District
Matthews Bistro – A cosy and warm bistro serving French, Mediterranean and British classics. Always good service, expertly cooked by Matthew and his wife Dominika.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit