Matthew's Bistro
Quick info
About Matthew's Bistro
Matthew's Bistro is a family-run bistro on Compston Rd in Ambleside, opened in 2001 by chef Matthew, who was born and raised in Windermere. The kitchen works with local suppliers from the Lake District and cooks traditional British, classic French and Mediterranean dishes. Slow cooked lamb appears on the menu, and daily specials are written on a blackboard. Piri piri prawns are among the starters. The cheese board finishes a meal with local Lakes Cheddar, biscuits and homemade chutney. The drinks list pairs wine with local craft beers.
Good to know
“We’re 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. Whether it’s traditional British, classic French or Mediterranean, we have something for everyone and our hand-picked selection of delicious wines and craft beers is carefully designed to create an enjoyable dining experience for all.”
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- AccessibilityWheelchair: restroom, seating
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention lasagne, cheese board, slow cooked lamb and daily specials board.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention lasagne, cheese board, slow cooked lamb and daily specials board.
Customer Review Summary
The lasagne comes up most, recommended by several diners alongside the chicken Milanese, with slow cooked lamb that fell apart and a lamb shoulder close behind. Others single out piri piri prawns, mussels in a balanced sauce, sea bass on tomato and fennel risotto, and a cheese board with local cheddar and home made chutney. Reviewers also like the local craft beers and wine, and describe friendly, courteous staff, including a waitress who handled repeated requests for a child. The complaints are specific. One diner found everything from the standard menu, especially the pasta, tasted like frozen ready-made food, though the daily specials were enjoyable. Another was disappointed by a steak burger patty that seemed like pub grub. Several reviewers urge booking in advance, noting walk-ins were turned away at peak times, and one felt the server did not apologise when doing so. One booking was moved to the next day without any fuss.
Customer Review Summary
The lasagne comes up most, recommended by several diners alongside the chicken Milanese, with slow cooked lamb that fell apart and a lamb shoulder close behind. Others single out piri piri prawns, mussels in a balanced sauce, sea bass on tomato and fennel risotto, and a cheese board with local cheddar and home made chutney. Reviewers also like the local craft beers and wine, and describe friendly, courteous staff, including a waitress who handled repeated requests for a child. The complaints are specific. One diner found everything from the standard menu, especially the pasta, tasted like frozen ready-made food, though the daily specials were enjoyable. Another was disappointed by a steak burger patty that seemed like pub grub. Several reviewers urge booking in advance, noting walk-ins were turned away at peak times, and one felt the server did not apologise when doing so. One booking was moved to the next day without any fuss.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“We had a mixed experience. The dishes we ordered from the daily specials on the blackboard were enjoyable and well prepared. However, everything we ordered from the standard menu tasted like frozen, ready-made food rather than freshly cooked. The pasta, in particular, definitely didn’t have the texture you’d expect from fresh pasta. While the 2-course menu for £25 is good value, if we’re paying to eat at an Italian restaurant, we expect food that tastes freshly made—not something that resembles a frozen ready meal from Tesco. We won’t be returning.”
- Google user
“We stopped in here for my partner’s birthday, and were lucky to get a table when we did as it quickly filled up and had to turn a few couples away. The starters were fantastic - we got a fried brie and a goats cheese & ham parcel. For mains I had the lasagne which I’d definitely recommend, however my partner went for the 8oz steak burger and was a bit disappointed at the patty as it seemed to be a bit of a glorified pub grub burger - at the price point she was expecting something more like a sliced steak filling. Other than that though a lovely experience and very tasty food”
- Google user
“We have just left The Bistro after an AMAZING meal. The food was devine and very tasty. We had Piri pri prawns for starters which were tasty , fiesta and the prawns were large , followed by sea bass on a tomato and fennel risotto, beautiful and we then sneaked in a cheeky cheese board to finish. There is a welcoming atmosphere and the service was professional and pleasent Thank you and we will return. Ps. The wine menu is good too.”
- Google user
“Rang twice to book for Friday evening after first looking at the menu on line. We got in but later than we would normally eat. Shown to the table about halfway down the bistro, a two table. Order taken after looking again at menu the same specials board. A good choice of drinks to, local craft beers as well as wine. We both had the slow cooked lamb, perfect, fell apart and tasted amazing As my wife always wants the cheese board rather than a sweet we shared it. Local lakes Cheddar cheese , biscuits and home made chutney Didn't take long to eat as it was so tasty. Finish of with a liquor coffee I have to say the food and service was great You must book as a few people got turned away Would I go back Definitely”
- Google user
“Had a brilliant meal here- would recommend both the lasagne and the chicken Milanese but to be honest there were so many great options to choose from it was actually difficult to decide! Staff were very friendly and I hope to be back soon!”
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Location
Restaurants near Matthew's Bistro
- The Priest Hole Restaurant4.41,3180.1 mi£20–30Outdoor seatingVegan optionsVegetarian options
sunday roast, burger overcooked bland, cheese board
- Bellis Café Bistro4.83090.1 mi
shakshuka, crispy chicken blt, cauliflower and cheese soup
- 0.5 mi£10–20Outdoor seatingWheelchair accessibleGood for kids
chargrilled chicken salad, dog friendly seating, mac and cheese
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew's BistroWheelchair accessible | 4.7374 | — | — | lasagne, cheese board, slow cooked lamb |
| The Priest Hole RestaurantOutdoor seating · Vegan options · Vegetarian options | 4.41,318 | 0.1 mi | £20–30 | sunday roast, burger overcooked bland, cheese board |
| Bellis Café Bistro | 4.8309 | 0.1 mi | — | shakshuka, crispy chicken blt, cauliflower and cheese soup |
| Four Seasons Terrace CafeOutdoor seating · Wheelchair accessible · Good for kids | 4.058 | 0.5 mi | £10–20 | chargrilled chicken salad, dog friendly seating, mac and cheese |
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