Things to do: Eat

Cumbria and the Lake District is well known for its amazing artisan food and local producers and Carlisle is no exception. We’ve listed places to experience great food and an equally great welcome.

For an informal dining experience, see our blog on the food stalls in the Market Hall. www.thetranquilotter.co.uk/market-hall-carlisle.  We’d love your feedback.

Eat, Drink – Carlisle – top eateries for great food and atmosphere

We’ve compiled a list of eateries in Carlisle that have been popular with our guests and us.

1. David’s Restaurant: Intimate and romantic, David’s is well known for celebrating a special occasion. davidsrestaurant.co.uk
2. Alexandros Greek Restaurant & Deli: Authentic food, excellent service, reasonably priced. thegreek.co.uk
3. Assembly Restaurant at Rickerby Retreat: beautiful setting and food to savour, fine dining, worth the price. learn more.
4. Amato’s: in the heart of the Historic Quarter of Carlisle, Italian influenced with great customer service. amatos.co.uk
5. Lounge on the Green: set in Houghton, relaxed fine dining does what it says on the tin. loungeonthegreen.co.uk
6. Sannas: Italian restaurant, run by an Italian family. Modern Italian cuisine at its best with some delightful twists. sannas1.com
7. The Thin White Duke: Great atmosphere and delicious food in an informal setting. thinwhiteduke.info
8. Andalusian: Bar & bistro with quirky interiors and a warm welcome. theandalusian.co.uk
9. Foxes Café Lounge – an Artisan Coffee shop: Situated close to the Cathedral and Tullie House Museum, Foxes offers delicious food, smoothies, beer, wine and ‘Open Mike’ entertainment. It’s also the official home of the Carlisle Public Art Gallery. foxescafelounge.co.uk

Country Pubs near the Tranquil Otter

The Royal Oak, Moorhouse, CA5 6EZ, 01228 576475, 1 mile.

A friendly pub with a great atmosphere.  Recently undergone a major refurbishment. https://royaloakinn-inn.business.site/

The Greyhound, Burgh by Sands, CA5 6AN, 01228 575168, 1.5 miles.

The Greyhound in Burgh by Sands serves food every day from midday to 9pm. Take away food is available from Monday to Thursday and there is a collection only service from Friday to Sunday.

The bar and restaurant have wheelchair access as does the gents’ toilet. Dogs are allowed in the bar. Great atmosphere. They have recently opened a new covered outdoor seating area out the back of the pub.

The Drover’s Rest, Monkhill, CA5 6DB, 01228 576141, 2 miles.

The pub is open every day, except Mondays. They have a range of different menus which include Beer Tapas, A la Carte and the Doghouse.

The bar and restaurant have wheelchair access, there is a step to the toilet, help is available. Dogs are allowed in the bar. Best to book ahead. https://www.droversrestinn.com/

The Wellington, Great Orton, CA5 6LZ, 01228 710775, 2.5 miles.

The bar and restaurant have wheelchair access. Dogs are NOT allowed inside the Pub. Great village pub.

The Royal Oak,  West Curthwaite, CA7 8BG, 01228 710219, 7 miles. Menu here : https://www.lakeland-inns.co.uk/the-royal-oak/

The Aikton Arms, Wigton, CA7 0JF, 016973 49299, 4.5 miles.

The Inn at the Bush, Kirkbride, CA7 5HT, 016973 98001, 5 miles.

The Blue Bell Inn, Dalston, CA5 7PJ, 01228 272522, 6.5 miles.

The bar has wheelchair access, the toilets do not. Dogs are allowed in the bar.

The Joiners Arms, Newton Arlosh, CA7 5ET, 016973 52669, 8.5 miles.

The Kings Arms, Bowness-on-Solway, CA7 5AF, 016973 51426, 9 miles.

The bar and restaurant have wheelchair access. Dogs are allowed in the bar.

The Crown and Thistle, Rockcliffe, CA6 4AA, 01228 674511 4.1 miles.

The Wheatsheaf Inn, Wetheral, CA4 8HD, 01228 560686, 10.6 miles.

Wheyrigg Hall Hotel, Wigton, CA7 0DH, 016973 61242, 12 miles.

There is wheelchair access, but dogs aren’t allowed inside.

The Queens, Warwick on Eden, CA4 8PA, 01228 317651 12.2 miles.

Fully wheelchair accessible. Dogs allowed in.

Stoneybeck Inn, Bowscar, CA11 8RP, 01768 862369, 24 miles.

Highland Drove Inn, Great Salkeld, CA11 9NA, 01768 898439, 27 miles.

George & Dragon, Clifton (near Penrith), CA10 2ER / 017688 56381 / 31 miles.

Some restaurants and takeaways in Carlisle

Indian

The Viceroy, Rigg Street, CA2 5TN, 01228 598400, 5 miles.

The Shaha Tandoori Restaurant, Botchergate CA1 1RS, 01228 520050

Bari at the Bid In Hand, 016973 49671, CA7 0NR www.bariatbirdinhand.co.uk

Chinese

Golden City, next to Vandella’s shop, CA2 7EQ, 01228 597 860, 4 miles. Takeaway only.

Yummies, Warwick Road, CA1 1DH, 01228 598800, 6 miles. Takeaway only.

The Lucky Chop Suey, Newtown Road, CA2 7JA, 01228 521262. Takeaway only, Cash and Collection only.

Italian

Amato’s, Abbey Street, CA3 8TX, 01228 658021, 5 miles.

Gianni’s Pizzeria, Cecil Street, CA1 1NL, 01228 521093, 6 miles.

Casa Romana, Warwick Road, CA1 1DN, 01228 591969, 6 miles.

Alex’s Pasta Bar, Green Market, CA3 8JE, 01228 409040

Michelangelo’s, 35 Warwick Road, Carlisle CA1 1EE, 01228 525117, 6 miles.

SannaS, 30 Lowther St, Carlisle CA3 8DH, 01228 818333

Other tastes…

Alexandros Greek Restaurant, Warwick Road, CA1 1DR, 01228 592227, 6 miles.

Bartons Yard at the Halstons, Warwick Road, 01228 210240, 6 miles.

Penny Blue Restaurant and Bar, Warwick Road, 01228 210241

The Royal Outpost Thai and Asian Restaurant, Warwick Road, 01228 818448

Antolia Turkish Mez Bar and Restaurant, Abbey Street, CA3 8TX, 01228 402440

OKA Tapasu, a Japanese-Korean tapas restaurant, 9, to, 13 Carlyle’s Ct, Fisher St, Carlisle CA3 8RY

David’s, Warwick Road, CA1 1DR, 01228 523578, 6 miles.

Foxes Cafe, Abbey Street, CA3 8TX, 07541 829348, 5 miles.

In the Meantime, English Street, CA3 8LU, 01228 527262

Andalusian, Warwick Road, CA1 1DR, 01228 539665, 6 miles.

The Conservatory Restaurant, Wetheral, CA4 8ES, 01228 561888, 21 miles.

Michelin 2023 – The Lounge on The Green,  27 The Green, Houghton, Carlisle CA3 0NF, 01228 739452,  loungeonthegreen.co.uk