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City dining guide

Best restaurants in Carlisle

4 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Michelin-starred 3

Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai

★ Michelin££££Modern Cuisine

Named after the ancient tree that stands in front of it, this restaurant sits inside the Farlam Hall Hotel. A historic Cumbrian country house, its refurbishment transformed it into an elegant retreat that deftly mixes the antique with the contemporary. The restaurant offers Indian-influenced cooking in the form of a generous tasting menu showcasing British produce – including plenty of ingredients from the kitchen garden – enhanced by subtle spicing. The service team are on the ball and ensure you are well looked after.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 64 reviews

Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai in Farlam holds a 4.8/5 average from 64 reviews. Food quality is highlighted in 58 mentions, praised for beautiful presentation, unique flavor profiles, and subtle Indian influences, with standout items like olives and calamansi sorbet. Service receives 51 positive notes for being friendly and attentive, though one review noted uneven formality among staff. The atmosphere (45 mentions) is described as relaxed and non-stuffy, featuring an open kitchen. While one review cited meal pacing issues and another reported severe food poisoning after ceviche, the majority describe the experience as excellent, with balanced service and high-quality cuisine suitable for special occasions.

Suitable for diners seeking refined modern cuisine and attentive service for special occasions.

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Pentonbridge Inn

★ Michelin££££Modern British

There's an inviting, contemporary feel to this 18th-century Cumbrian inn that's situated so far north, it nearly crosses the Scottish border. If you time your visit right, you'll get a glimpse of a truly spectacular sunset. The adept kitchen team match the wonderful surroundings with ease, eschewing unnecessary flourishes and instead delivering beautiful balance and depth of flavour with just a few ingredients – as evidenced by superb vadouvan-spiced scallops. Extend your visit with a stay in one of the smart bedrooms.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.9/5 · 101 reviews

Located in northern Cumbria, Pentonbridge Inn offers modern British cuisine and lodging with an average TripAdvisor rating of 4.9/5 from 80 reviews. Food quality is highly praised, featuring an exquisite 8-course tasting menu adaptable for vegetarians and pescatarians, complemented by a knowledgeable sommelier and extensive wine list. The atmosphere is cozy and luxurious, with well-appointed rooms. Service is generally exemplary, though isolated complaints cite rude staff and lack of assistance with taxi arrangements. While some guests question the value without discounts, the establishment remains a top choice for fine dining and overnight stays near the Scottish border.

Ideal for travelers seeking high-quality modern British cuisine and comfortable overnight stays, with advance confirmation of service details recommended.

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Dog and Gun Inn

★ Michelin£££British Contemporary

The Dog and Gun is a proper village pub which does what pubs do best, by providing warmth, honesty and food that puts a smile on your face. Chef-Owner Ben Queen-Fryer cooks with his heart and plenty of natural talent, keeping dishes satisfying and recognisable. Local ingredients, including seafood from Maryport, are showcased in pure, understated compositions with plenty of depth, where flavour comes above all else. You’ll find suet puddings, soufflés and some of the best triple-cooked chips around – not forgetting a great local pint.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 100 reviews

Located in Johnby, Dog and Gun Inn specializes in contemporary British cuisine. Based on 80 reviews, it holds an average rating of 4.4/5. Guests frequently praise the high food quality, friendly and professional service, and pleasant atmosphere. Many describe the dishes as imaginative and expertly prepared. However, negative feedback highlights slow meal pacing with significant gaps between courses. A minority of reviewers criticize the value for money and perceived pretentiousness. It is a fine dining establishment requiring patience for its deliberate service style.

Suitable for diners seeking high-quality cuisine who have ample time and do not mind a slow-paced meal.

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Other guide picks 1

The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest.

£££Modern British

There’s plenty of rustic character to this appealing pub in a beautiful North Pennine hamlet. A warm welcome gets things off to a great start, before you tuck into dishes founded on produce that all comes from within 50 miles of the kitchen. This is shooting country, so that includes plenty of game – such as roasted grouse or partridge ballotine. Keep an eye out for the raspberry soufflé too, which is a cut above your typical pub pudding. Four bedrooms make this a great base for exploring the gorgeous surrounding countryside.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews

The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest in Dunning is a modern British pub with an average TripAdvisor rating of 4.2/5 from 80 reviews. Food quality is frequently praised, with highlights including crab burgers, ribeye steaks, and pies, though some diners reported soggy tempura prawns or disappointing turkey roast. Service is generally described as kind and helpful, yet occasional complaints cite slow pacing and lack of information regarding daily specials. The atmosphere is cozy, quirky, and community-oriented, making it dog-friendly and suitable for families. While many find good value, others feel the experience does not always justify the cost. Overall, it offers a solid mix of comfort and cuisine, despite inconsistent execution in specific areas.

Suitable for travelers seeking a cozy community vibe and classic British pub fare; inquire about daily specials beforehand.

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