The best places to eat and drink in Carlisle

The city of Carlisle has a huge amount of choices for places to eat and drink, with bars, cafes and restaurants to suit everyone’s taste. Whether you like a bit of classic British pub grub, a hearty Italian or an authentic Asian dish, Carlisle has it all…

  • Thin White Duck 

Open everyday 11:30am-11pm

Established in 2010, the Thin White Duck bar and restaurant was praised by the people of Carlisle for serving ‘the best burgers in Carlisle’ and is one the cities most favoured eateries. As well as serving amazing burgers, the restaurant also cooks up a range of seasonal dishes from classic fish and chips to flavoursome curries and steaks. The bar is also renowed for their quirky cocktails and range of gin! Food and drink is served in a unique setting, still retaining many of the buildings old features from its monastic days including a tunnel that once ran under the city to the Cathedral! The establishment oozes with a chilled, cool vibe with its name paying tribute to David Bowie.

  • Amato’s 

Open Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-2pm, 5pm-10pm

Amato’s is a family run Sicilian restaurant in the Historic Quarter of the city. After the Amato family moved from Sicily in 1960, the Amato’s have made a name for themselves in Carlisle. Firstly through tailoring and now through the partnership of brother and sister, Filippo and Rosa. With Filippo’s passion and expertise for Italian/Sicilian cuisine and Rosa’s drive for business, the pair have created a beautiful, atmospheric and delicious taste of Sicily. The restaurant serves authentic Italian classics ranging from pizzas and pastas and meat dishes and risottos, all lovingly cooked and served by the Amato family.

  • The Old Bank City Pub & Chop House 

Open Wednesday- Friday 10:30am-3pm then 5:30pm-12am Saturday 10am-12am, Sunday 10am-4pm

The Old Bank City Pub & Chop House was established in 2016 and is situated in a Grade II listed building on the corner of Fisher Street in the main shopping centre of Carlisle. The establishment serves a seasonal menu filled with British classics with a twist. There is a range of steaks and chops supplied from local family butcher Steven Wilson. Quirky, pub style brunch, lunch and dinner dishes are served by head chef and owner Matt Rayson in his own quirky way!

  • Whytes Café Bar 

Open Monday-Saturday 8:30am-4pm

For a hearty breakfast or a midday break from exploring, pop into the family run Whytes Café Bar for a spot of lunch and a warming tea or coffee. The cosy café offers delicious home cooked lunches and tasty cakes!

  • Royal Outpost Thai & Asian Restaurant 

Open Tuesday-Thursday 2pm-10pm, Friday-Sunday 12pm-10pm

The Royal Outpost opened its doors first in 2011, above an old pub in Carlisle’s busy town centre and serve wholesome, soul warming Asian fusion food, with passion and authenticity. The restaurant use fresh fruit and vegetables, rich sauces, flavoursome spices and tender meat in their dishes to create authentic food guests will return for! Food is served in an elegant setting in a Tudor-styled restaurant with oak paneled walls.