Matthews is a pleasant restaurant and after an excellent evening when we visited town a year ago, we were keen to go back. However, the meal didn't live up the memories. A number of us chose the lamb and we seemed to feel the same about it. Although the portions were very generous, the the meat seemed very greasy and... More

During our lake district trip we went to Matthew's bistro. The owner was very friendly and the food was very tasty with excellent ingredients (finally, carrots with taste !), the lamb henry melts in the mouth, all spot on, AND great price, too, definitely the best value place we've found in Ambleside, so here goes, 5 stars for Matthew !

Ate here three times out of five nights in Ambleside. Service is excellent, with jovial host and assistants. Two fixed price menus for early and mid evening, both with plenty of choice, as well as individually priced items and a children's menu. Restaurant quite small and busy. If you don't book then timing is critical to get a table. Normally... More

I was looking for a restaurant which would be nice for a small group, not pubby, with a decent range of properly cooked food and which could handle kids. I asked around my friends who had been to Ambleside and this was highly recommended. I can see why. The food was lovely, spot on, with local ingredients used when needed.... More

Matthew's Bistro is a place where you can have a good English meal (and apologies for the English, but the English kitchen is not the most refined one in the world) for an interesting price. What we had, was certainly better than the ordinary pub bar food, but the restaurant misses the atmosphere of a pub.

Very tasty, well prepared food. Good service. We have been here for the last three times in the lakes and always enjoyed the meal.

We took Trip Advisor reviews and booked Matthews Bistro for our Bank Holiday Sunday Night Dinner for 5 people. we booked in advance and thank god we did! It was very busy but the two staff were fantastic, taking time to talk to us and making the kids feel really welcome. If you attend and book before 7pm you get... More

We are vegetarian and they offered a good choice. Staff very warm and friendly. The atmosphere was good also.

I have been going to Matthew's Bistro for some years, every time I am in Ambleside and I have never been disappointed. The food is excellent, good to eat and good to look at too. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and everything arrives efficiently but you never feel rushed. Food is locally sourced and cooked to perfection, with sauces... More