The Herbarium- one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Lancaster
Image credit: Antiquary, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lancaster is a fantastic city for foodies to visit, as the diverse range of eateries in the city means it has become a food destination. There are options to suit all tastes and budgets in Lancaster, including both British and international cuisines. To help you decide where to dine in the city, here are some of the best restaurants in Lancaster.

The Quarterhouse: Overall Best Restaurant in Lancaster

The Quarterhouse consistently ranks as one of the best restaurants in Lancaster, which is why we have also included it on our list of things to do in Lancaster. It is a modern British restaurant that serves small plates and sharing platters. The interior décor is contemporary rustic, and there is a bar. It is one of the hottest meeting points for foodies in Lancaster, and it is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.  

  • Address: 13 Moor Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1QD
  • Telephone: 01524 382958
  • Website: http://www.thequarterhouse.co.uk/menu
  • Opening hours: Closed on Mondays, open on Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 3.30 pm and 5 pm to midnight

Casa Pepe Tapas: Best Place for Tapas in Lancaster

One of the best tapas restaurants in Lancaster is Casa Pepe Tapas on Mary Street. The restaurant serves authentic Spanish food tapas style, and diners say it is outstanding. The only downside to Casa Pepe Tapas is the restaurant is only open three evenings a week.

  • Address: 5 Mary Street, Lancaster, LA1 1UW
  • Telephone: 01524 842405
  • Website: https://www.casapepetapaslancaster.co.uk/
  • Opening hours: Closed Sunday to Wednesday, open from 5 pm to 9 pm Thursday to Saturday

Sydney’s of Lancaster: One of the Newest Restaurants in Lancaster

A man called Syd had a dream to open a restaurant in Lancaster. When he tragically died in 2019 before the restaurant was opened, his sister and brother-in-law promised to continue his work and open the venue. Sydney’s of Lancaster has now become one of Lancaster’s best restaurants, despite being one of the newest additions to the city’s food scene. The menu consists of sharing plates, tapas, British food, and Mediterranean dishes.

  • Address: 28 Market Street, Lancaster, LA1 1HT
  • Telephone: 01524 544123
  • Website:  https://www.sydneysoflancaster.com/
  • Opening hours: 12 noon to 11 pm Monday to Thursday, 12 noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 12 noon to 10 pm Sunday

Quite Simply French- Restaurant with Rooms: Best French Restaurant in Lancaster

Not only is Quite Simply French- Restaurant with Rooms one of the best restaurants in Lancaster, but it is also one of the best places to stay in Lancaster. The quaint French restaurant has rooms above, and guests enjoy a breakfast included in the price of the room. However, you do not need to stay in the accommodation to eat in this French restaurant in Lancaster. There is a menu of authentic French dishes, and the restaurant specializes in seafood.

  • Address: 27A St George’s Quay, Lancaster, LA1 1RD
  • Telephone: 01524 843199
  • Opening hours: 5 pm to 9 pm Monday to Saturday, 12 noon to 2 pm and 6 pm to 8.30 pm Sunday

Countrystyle Kitchen: One of the Best Restaurants in Lancaster for Carvery

Countrystyle Kitchen is one of the best carveries in Lancaster. It is a restaurant and farm shop within Lancaster Leisure Park that serves dishes highlighting the farm’s seasonal produce. There is a range of hot dishes in addition to the Lancaster restaurant’s famous carvery. Diners can also enjoy hot and cold desserts. It is close to Williamson Park, which is one of Lancaster’s top attractions.

  • Address: Lancaster Leisure Park, Wyresdale Road, Lancaster, LA1 3LA
  • Telephone: 01524 841111
  • Website: http://www.countrystylemeats.co.uk/
  • Opening hours: 9 am to 3 pm Saturday and Sunday and 9 am to 6 pm Sunday

Whale Tail: Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Lancaster

Whale Tail is one of the best restaurants in Lancaster for vegetarian and vegan food. However, you do not need to follow a plant-based diet to enjoy a tasty meal at the vegetarian establishment. It is a laid-back café in Lancaster that serves vegetarian dishes made using local, organic, and fairtrade ingredients. It is one of the best places in Lancaster for brunch.

  • Address: 78a Penny Street, Lancaster, LA1 1XN
  • Telephone: 01524 845133
  • Website: http://www.whaletailcafe.co.uk/
  • Opening hours: 9 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Saturday and 9.30 am to 3.30 pm Sunday

Golden Jade Chinese Restaurant: Best Restaurant in Lancaster for Chinese Food

Golden Jade Chinese Restaurant in Lancaster
Image credit: Peter James, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The best Chinese restaurant in Lancaster is Golden Jade Chinese Restaurant, which offers dine-in, takeaway, and delivery options. It has a casual vibe and serves classic Chinese dishes. The reasonable prices of the food do not reflect the high quality of the dishes.

  • Address: 91 King Street, Lancaster, LA1 1RH
  • Telephone: 01524 844966
  • Website: http://www.goldenjaderestaurant.co.uk/
  • Opening hours: Open 5 pm to 11 pm every day except Tuesday when it is closed

Misso Box: Best Restaurant in Lancaster for Arabian Food

Misso Box is a restaurant in the Royal Kings Arms Hotel in Lancaster, and it offers something different from the city’s other restaurants. There is a menu of delicious Arabian food, including sharing mezze boxes that showcase the different flavours of Middle Eastern food.

  • Address: 2-8 King Street, Lancaster, LA1 1JN
  • Telephone: 07951061913
  • Website: http://www.missobox.co.uk/
  • Opening hours: 4 pm to 10 pm, seven days a week

Currylicious: One of the Top Restaurants for Indian Food in Lancaster

The best option for Indian food in Lancaster is Currylicious, as it has authentic Indian cuisine at reasonable prices. Diners also say the restaurant is very clean, the service is excellent, and the portions are decent for the price.

The Three Mariners: One of the Best Restaurants in Lancaster for Traditional Pub Grub

If you are a fan of traditional pub grub, then one of the best places in Lancaster to eat out is The Three Mariners on Bridge Lance. It is a traditional pub with a stone façade and a cosy interior with wood flooring. The menu consists of traditional pub fare, such as pies, fish & chips, burgers, and roast dinners. To accompany your meal, you can order from a wide selection of real ales, beers, and gins.

Toll House Inn: A Gastropub in Lancaster

Toll House Inn- One of the best restaurants in Lancaster
Image credit: Antiquary, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

We stayed at the Toll House Inn a few years ago. Although we ate our lunch at The Quarterhouse, we opted to dine at the inn for our evening meal and also enjoyed a fantastic breakfast there in the morning. For dinner, we both chose the steak with peppercorn sauce, and the steak was cooked to perfection. However, it was the lemon posset with damsons that we ate for dessert that stands out in my memory. Toll House Inn is consistently rated as one of the best gastropubs in Lancaster.

Kokobento Eat Different: Best Japanese Restaurant in Lancaster

For fans of Japanese cuisine, one of the best Lancaster restaurants is Kokobento Eat Different. They serve typical Japanese dishes, such as tempura, katsu curry, teriyaki, sushi, and bento boxes.

  • Address: 9 Common Garden Street, Lancaster, LA1 1XD
  • Telephone: 01524 874880
  • Website: http://www.kokobento.co.uk/
  • Opening hours: Closed on Sunday, open 4 pm to 9 pm Monday to Thursday, and 12 noon to 9 pm Friday and Saturday

Etna: One of the Best Restaurants in Lancaster for Italian Food

Etna is one of the best dining options in Lancaster for Italian food, and it is close to some of the city’s main attractions, so it is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner while out sightseeing. Diners love the traditional Italian restaurant in Lancaster because of its delicious food, friendly ambience, and excellent service.

  • Address: 22 New Street, Lancaster, LA1 1EG
  • Telephone: 01524 69551
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Etna/150626014970606
  • Opening hours: Closed on Monday, open for lunch service from 12 noon to 2 pm Tuesday to Saturday and dinner service from 5 pm to 10 pm Tuesday to Saturday and 6 pm to 9 pm Sunday

Gallico Lounge: Boasts a Terrace for Outdoor Dining in Lancaster

Gallico Lounge offers various dining experiences depending on where you choose to sit. The restaurant is split into two halves, with one large and airy space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a cosier snug to the rear of the restaurant. There is also an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining in warmer weather. On the menu, there is a great selection of British dishes, and the menu changes depending on whether you are eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

  • Address: Unit 3, Marketgate Shopping Centre, 7-17 Market Street, Lancaster, LA1 1HZ
  • Website: https://thelounges.co.uk/gallico
  • Opening hours: 9 am to 11 pm Sunday to Thursday and 9 am to midnight Friday and Saturday

Buccelli’s: Authentic Italian Restaurant

An excellent establishment to visit for authentic Italian food in Lancaster is Buccelli’s on Church Street. The restaurant is a modern bistro serving Roman fare, but there is also a counter-serve deli and a small grocery area. One feature of Buccelli’s that makes it stand out from other Italian restaurants in Lancaster is the healthy food options, which include pinsa, a healthier alternative to traditional pizza.

  • Address: 29 Church Street, Lancaster, LA1 1LP
  • Telephone: 01524 874970
  • Website: http://buccellis.com/
  • Opening hours: Closed Sunday and Monday, open 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and 10 am to 10 pm Thursday to Saturday

Cappuvino Bar and Restaurant: Best Restaurant for Cocktails and Food

Cappuvino Bar and Restaurant is a stylish venue serving classic sharing plates, charcuterie boards, cakes, craft beers, wine, cocktails, and milkshakes. All the food is freshly prepared, and the focus is on sustainability. Many of the dishes on the menu have a Canadian influence.

  • Address: 60 Church Street, Lancaster, LA1 1LH
  • Telephone: 01524 900321
  • Website: https://www.cappuvino.co.uk/menu
  • Opening hours: Closed on Monday and Tuesday, open from 10.30 am to 10 pm Wednesday and Thursday, 10.30 am to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 10.30 am to 9 pm Sunday

The Herbarium: Great for Vegan Options

The Herbarium- one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Lancaster
Image credit: Antiquary, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A great choice for vegans or vegetarians dining out in Lancaster is The Herbarium. It serves mains, soups, salads, sandwiches, and cakes, all of which are vegetarian, with many vegan options available. The Herbarium is a popular spot for breakfasts, although it has a bar for the days when it is open later.

  • Address: 5-7 Great John Street, Lancaster, LA1 1NQ
  • Website: http://www.theherbariumbar.com/
  • Opening hours: 9.30 am to 4 pm Monday and Tuesday, 9.30 am to 11 pm Wednesday to Saturday, and 10 am to 4 pm Sunday

Merchants 1688: Atmospheric Setting

Diners love the look of Merchants 1688, as the restaurant is set within a 17th-century wine cellar, and there is the option to dine outdoors in the small garden. Although it has the look of an old-fashioned French restaurant, Merchants 1688 serves traditional pub food with a focus on seasonality.

  • Address: 29 Castle Hill, Lancaster, LA1 1YN
  • Telephone: 01524 66466
  • Website: https://merchants1688.co.uk/food/
  • Opening hours: Open 11.30 am to 11 pm Sunday to Thursday, 11.30 am to midnight on Friday, and 11 am to midnight on Saturday

The Mill at Condor Green: Rural Setting Just Outside Lancaster

The Mill at Conder Green
Image credit: Mike and Kirsty Grundy http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

The Mill at Conder Green is just outside Lancaster in the village of Conder Green. It is also a hotel, and it lies on the banks of the Lancaster Canal. In the restaurant, diners can choose from a menu that consists of upscale Lancashire dishes served in a contemporary yet country-style setting. An interesting note is that the bread served at this restaurant is some of the best I have ever eaten. Diners can choose to eat or have a drink in the beer garden overlooking the canal, and there is a children’s playground to keep younger diners entertained while they wait for their meal.

Babar Elephant: One of the Best Restaurants in Lancaster for Indian Food

Fans of Indian cuisine should consider dining in Babar Elephant, as it is one of the best Indian restaurants in Lancaster. The restaurant’s appearance is more contemporary British than Indian, as it is in a 17th-century building with exposed stone. However, the menu is very much traditional Indian food, with all the typical items you would expect from an Indian restaurant, plus some house specialities.

Wagon & Horses: A Traditional Lancaster Pub

Wagon & Horses is a traditional Lancaster pub with a menu of classic pub fare to match. The pub overlooks the River Lune, and it is only a short walk to some of the best attractions in Lancaster. Diners at Wagon & Horses can enjoy drinks from the vast array of alcoholic beverages to accompany their meal. Diners say it is a friendly pub with a welcoming vibe.

  • Address: 27 St George’s Quay, Lancaster, LA1 1RD
  • Telephone: 01524 846094
  • Website: http://www.wagonandhorses.co.uk/
  • Opening hours: The pub is open until late, but the kitchen hours are 12 noon to 8.30 pm daily

Sun Pizza: Best Pizza in Lancaster

Pizza fans should head to Sun Pizza, which makes some of the best pizza in Lancaster, and there are multiple toppings available. Although pizza is the menu’s highlight, there are also many other authentic Italian dishes on the menu, including a diverse range of pasta dishes. Diners praise the atmosphere of the restaurant and the friendly service.

  • Address: 26 Sun Street Lancaster, LA1 1EW
  • Telephone: 01524 846252
  • Website: https://www.sunpizza.co.uk/
  • Opening hours: Closed on Monday, open 5 pm to 9 pm Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, 5 pm to 9.30 pm Friday, and 12 noon to 9.30 pm Saturday

The Sun Café & Restaurant: Best Restaurant in Lancaster for Mediterranean Food

The Sun Café & Restaurant is a venue close to Lancaster Castle, serving a combination of British and Mediterranean cuisine. Examples of dishes on the evening menu include beef carpaccio, Carpaccio of salmon, asparagus tortellini, blue cheese risotto, pan-roasted duck, ciabatta sandwiches, and devilled lamb liver.

  • Address: 25 Sun Street, Lancaster, LA1 1EW
  • Website: https://wmap.top/the-sun-cafe-restaurant-est-1996
  • Opening hours: Closed on Monday, open 5 pm to 9 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 5 pm to 9.30 pm Friday, and 12 noon to 3 pm, then 5 pm to 9.30 pm Saturday

Spaghetti House: An Affordable Italian Restaurant in Lancaster

Spaghetti house is one of the top Italian restaurants in Lancaster. It is a family-run business with an upbeat environment, and the menu offers a good selection of pizzas and pasta dishes. There is a special lunchtime menu and happy hours, so it is an affordable place to eat if you visit at the right time.

  • Address: 18 Mary Street, Lancaster, LA1 1UW
  • Telephone: 01524 846011
  • Website: https://www.thespaghettihouse.co.uk/
  • Opening hours: Lunch service at 12 noon to 1.30 pm Monday to Saturday, dinner service from 5 pm to 10.30 pm Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 11 pm Saturday, and 4.30 pm to 11 pm Sunday

Araya Thai Restaurant Lancaster: Best Thai Restaurant in Lancaster

If you are a fan of Thai cuisine, then the best place for Thai food in Lancaster is Araya Thai Restaurant Lancaster, which receives consistently good reviews from diners. It has everything on the menu that you would expect from a Thai restaurant, including curries, stir-fries, soups, and sharing plates. Diners say that fresh ingredients are used to create authentic and tasty Thai dishes and that the service is outstanding.

  • Address: 6 Chapel Street, Lancaster, LA1 1NZ
  • Telephone: 01524 383889
  • Website: http://www.arayathailancaster.com/
  • Opening hours: Closed on Mondays, open for lunch service from 12 noon to 3 pm Wednesday to Sunday, and for dinner service from 5 pm to 10 pm Tuesday to Saturday and 5 pm to 9 pm on Sunday

 Fortune Star: An Established Chinese Restaurant

Although it is only a small Chinese restaurant in Lancaster, Fortune Star is an established and much-loved favourite amongst the locals. It serves classic Chinese fare, with specials including thick noodles and hot pots. Diners praise the excellent food, the generous portions, and the reasonable prices.

  • Address: 16 Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PL
  • Telephone: 01524 842828
  • Website: http://www.fortunestarrestaurant.co.uk/
  • Opening hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday, open 5 pm to 11 pm Wednesday to Sunday

Pizza Margherita: An Informal Pizzeria

There is an informal vibe at Pizza Margherita, and the internal décor includes black and white chequered tiles on the walls and marble-topped tables. The menu predominantly consists of pizzas and pasta dishes. There is also a great selection of wines and beers to accompany your meal. Diners note that it is an affordable place to eat.

  • Address: 2 Moor Lane
  • Telephone: 01524 36333
  • Website: http://www.pizza-margherita.co.uk/
  • Opening hours: Closed on Mondays, open 4.30 pm to 9 pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4.40 pm to 9.30 pm Thursdays, 12 noon to 9.30 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 12 noon to 9 pm Sundays

Medusa: One of the Best Restaurants in Lancaster for Turkish Cuisine

Turkish food enthusiasts might want to consider dining at Medusa, which is a Turkish restaurant in St. Nicholas Arcades. The menu boasts mezze, grilled meats, kebabs, and dishes such as moussaka, chicken shawarma, and Turkish pizzas. Former diners say ordering a Turkish coffee is the perfect way to end a meal at Medusa.

Full House: One of the Best Restaurants in Lancaster for Malaysian Food

Full House is a low-key eatery at the back of the Chinese market, and it is one of the best places to eat Malaysian food in Lancaster. The speciality of the restaurant is noodle soups, and there are various options available.

  • Address: 21 Common Garden Street, Lancaster, LA1 1XD
  • Telephone: 01524 842888
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/fullhousenoodlebar/
  • Opening hours: 11.30 am to 9 pm Monday to Saturday, except Tuesday when it is closed, and 11.30 am to 8 pm Sunday

The Sun Hotel & Bar: One of the Best Restaurants in Lancaster for British Cuisine and Real Ales

The Sun Hotel & Bar
Image credit: Alexander P Kapp / The Sun Hotel and Bar, Church Street, Lancaster CCO2

The Sun Hotel & Bar is a 4-star hotel in a 17th-century building that also serves food. There is a menu of traditional British cuisine that diners can enjoy with real ales, wines, spirits, or soft drinks from the bar. Guests have the option to dine alfresco on the terrace in warm weather.

Have you eaten at some of the best restaurants in Lancaster? Let us know about your experiences, or make your own recommendations in the comments section below.