With plenty of surrounding mountains ideal for hiking and an array of leisure and boating activities, it’s no surprise that a trip to Lake Windermere can work up an appetite! Well thankfully there’s a pretty impressive dining scene here, and Bowness-on-Windermere is at the heart of it.
Unfortunately there aren’t many vegan restaurants in Windermere, but luckily we’ve explored all the possible options so you don’t have to!
We’ve come up with five restaurants that will not disappoint. These vegan-friendly restaurants in Windermere have a great selection of vegan options that are well worth trying.
So grab your fork and let’s dig in!
Five Exceptional Vegan Restaurants In Windermere: Food Worth Waiting For!
1. La Trattoria Bowness
In our opinion, Italian food always hits the spot after a long day of exploring. And even though La Trattoria is not a vegan restaurant, we had to include them on our list of vegan restaurants in Windermere for the fresh home-made Italian inspired cooking, generous portions and fantastic vegan options!
Conveniently located just a short walk from The World of Beatrix Potter, this Italian restaurant has a quaint and homely vibe. Plants adorn their outdoor terrace which is a lovely place to sit in the sun, while inside you’ll find inviting and cozy vibes from the warm-toned booths, beautiful mural painting of Venetian gondolas and large windows that let in the sun.
As for the food, we think you’ll be impressed by the separate menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as their lunch specials.
The dish that stood out the most from the breakfast menu is the Vegan Breakfast which consists of 2 vegan sausages, 2 hash browns, fresh avocado with olive oil, oven baked tomato, fried mushrooms, baked beans, toast and jam. This filling and satiating meal is also very reasonably priced so you don’t have to think twice before ordering.
Also on the menu, you’ll find loads of options that can be prepared vegan on request. Some of the popular ones include their Vegetariana Pizza which is topped with tomato, mozzarella and mixed vegetables. and the indulgent Gnocchi al Forno consisting of tomato sauce, mixed vegetables and vegan cheese.
When it comes to the lunch specials, you won’t find many vegan options there. But they do have a Vegan Panini, which is a fast and convenient choice if you’ve got plenty planned for the rest of the day. That panini is prepared with vegan cheddar cheese, tomato and lettuce, and is a delicious midday treat!
La Trattoria is open from Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 10am to 10pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 10am to 10:30pm. You can also make a reservation on their website.
Address: 51-52 Quarry Rigg, Lake Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3DU
2. Urban Food House
Whether you’re on the search for delicious lunch, brunch, dinner or just fancy a little pick-me-up during the day, Urban Food House has got what you need.
Located close to The World of Beatrix Potter, this restaurant is a great stop to re-energise thanks to their selection of fantastic globally-inspired fare. Although not solely vegan, we included Urban Food House on our list of vegan restaurants in Windermere for the great vegan options they have and relaxed vibe they’ve created.
This restaurant has incorporated the best of both worlds; upbeat urban food and style paired with a relaxed rural charm. The cosy ambience, light-filled interior and trendy rustic decor (there’s a bike hanging on the wall!) all adds a lot of character and charm to this laid-back restaurant.
When looking at the lunch/brunch or dinner menus, you might not find many clearly labeled vegan choices. But don’t worry as you can just scan the QR code at the bottom right of each menu and it’ll show you the vegan options on your phone.
Some popular vegan choices on the lunch and brunch menu include the Roast Veg Ciabatta which consists of hummus, roasted vegetables and french fries, and0 their Vegan Chilli Nachos topped with lentil & mixed beans, and tasty guacamole.
As for dinner options, we think you might love the Indian-inspired dish of Butternut Squash & Spinach Dhal which is also served with basmati rice, garlic naan and a refreshing raita.
You can’t go wrong with a Mediterranean-inspired burger either, which is why we recommend their Falafel Burger which is topped with Gochujang mayo, tomato, lettuce and a side of French fries.
Urban Food House is open from Monday to Friday for lunch at 10am to 3pm, and for dinner from 5pm to 8:30pm, and on weekends from 10am to 9pm. You can also make your booking in advance on their website to avoid the queues.
Address: Lake Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BJ
3. Homeground Coffee + Kitchen
This cafe has a sleek modern look, a few very nice Instagram-worthy vegan dishes, and very welcoming and friendly service, and that’s exactly why we’ve included it on our list of vegan restaurants in Windermere.
Just a short walk from one of Windermere’s adventure-filled activities, the Windermere Outdoor Adventure Centre, Homeground Cafe is the ideal stop post-fun when you’re starving and in need of great food.
If you want a one-on-one dining experience with your travel buddy, then their indoor area could suit you as the dimly-lit space, dark accents and sleek wooden floors of that interior all create a cosy vibe. But if you love people watching while enjoying delicious food and drinks, then their little outdoor area with picnic-style tables will be ideal for a fun brunch with your family!
This cafe has earned a reputation for exquisite coffee, delicious burgers, as well as tasty brunch treats such as their French toast.
But we’re here for the vegan food, and one of the popular plant-based dishes here that’s well worth trying is their Falafel Burger topped with pickled radish, red onion salad, vegan harissa mayo, gherkins and za’atar (which is a blend of savory dried herbs).
However, if you have a sweet tooth, then we recommend their indulgent Rice Pudding which is a creamy coconut rice pudding, cardamom & brown sugar baked mango and topped with coconut chips. This dish is on the brunch menu and will give you a unique taste of the tropics – thanks to the mango and coconut – and a great start to the day!.
This cafe is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm and on weekends from 9am to 5pm. They do not accept bookings here, only walk-ins.
Address: Main Rd, Windermere LA23 1DX
4. Bandito Burrito
Are you on the lookout for a budget-friendly restaurant? Then Bandito Burrito, which serves excellent Mexican dishes full of flavour and seasonings, could be what you’re looking for.
One thing for sure is that this restaurant doesn’t skimp out on portions, yet despite that the items on the menu are still surprisingly affordable!
Some of the popular vegan options here include their ‘Vegan Cheese & Basil Quesadilla’, the ‘Sweet Potato, Carrot, Chick Pea & Coconut Curry Burrito’, and ‘Chipotle Mushroom Burrito’. Do mention that you’re vegan when ordering though as the staff will accommodate your dietary requirements and swap any dairy products for vegan cheese.
Another standout dish here is the very filling ‘Vegan Special’ which is prepared with tajin roasted cauliflower, red peppers, chick peas, guacamole, salsa, house slaw & rice.
How about pairing those tasty Mexican dishes with some beer? Well Bandito Burrito caters well to the beer-loving community as they have three great beers to choose from. But why not try the Mariachi Mexican Lager so you’ll get to have a real taste of Mexico!
The huge portions, attentive staff, rustic-chic decor, and of course excellent vegan choices, makes this place a must on our list of vegan-friendly restaurants in Windermere.
Bandito Burrito is open on Tuesday and Friday from 11am to 7pm, on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11am to 5pm, but is closed on Mondays and Sundays.
Address: 30 Main Rd, Windermere LA23 1DY
5. Fellinis Restaurant
This restaurant in Ambleside is located just a 15 minute drive from Windermere, a scenic drive that will take you past the Ambleside Waterhead Pier and Ambleside Roman Fort.
So with several attractions close by, and even a movie theatre in the same building as Fellinis, you can definitely make a half-day trip out of coming here for lunch or dinner!
Situated in an old Conservative Club building, Fellinis is the definition of elegant with their tasteful décor, upscale yet relaxed vibe, and excellent vegan options. It’s a tranquil setting with music playing in the background and wait staff ready to help and advise when needed – it’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner.
This exclusive ‘Vegeterranean’ restaurant serves exceptional Mediterranean inspired dishes, but caters well to vegans too. The very friendly and attentive staff here are happy to accommodate dietary requirements, so do mention that you’d like the vegan option for them to tweak the vegetarian menu items.
So regardless of whether you choose from their enticing menu of starters, mains, side dishes and desserts, you’ll be able to find plenty to suit your taste!
Fellinis is open everyday from 5:30pm to 10pm. (Related: The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Ambleside)
Address: Church St, Ambleside LA22 0BT
