Our favourite restaurants in Kendal

The traditional market town of Kendal – idyllically sandwiched between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales National Parks – is fortunate to have a number of lovely cafés, bars and restaurants to choose from. But when it comes to eating out in the evening, we inevitably find ourselves returning to the same familiar spots. Here are our suggestions, along with some photographs to give you an idea of the food to expect. Hopefully you’ll get the chance to visit at least one of our favourite restaurants when you next find yourself in Kendal.

Corner 124

Probably our most regular haunt is the small-but-intimate Corner 124. Situated at a junction where Windermere Road, Sandes Avenue, Stricklandgate and Maude Street all meet, we’ve been visiting this little gem for 25 years when it used to be known as Deja Vu. Throughout that time, it’s consistently delivered with excellent Mediterranean cuisine.

We’re creatures of habit when we visit, invariably ordering the always-delicious chicken and chorizo paella for two, but there are lots of other wonderful main courses to choose from. Expect anything from ‘Confit duck leg in orange, ginger, sesame seeds and spring onion served with roasted charlotte potatoes and steamed broccoli’ to ‘Daube of beef, slow braised in blueberries, honey, garlic, onions & red wine, served with dauphinoise potatoes and steamed green beans’, and a lot more besides.

We usually go for just a starter and main, but the desserts are good also and a great way to try a few of them at once is to have their ‘assiette’ – a trio of mini versions of deserts that are also on the menu at normal portion sizes.

Booking in advance is recommended, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. You can book online via their website at https://www.corner124.com/ at or by telephoning during opening hours.

Address: Corner 124 Stricklandgate, Kendal LA9 4QGwhat3words: ///oath.hiking.miniTelephone: 07393 480230

Bangkok 7

Bangkok 7 – or BKK7 – is Kendal’s premier Thai restaurant, and you’ll find it on Facebook here.

They serve excellent Thai cuisine and you can choose from a set menu or opt for a la carte. The starter selection is great to share, and there is a vegetarian option.

And they have a wonderful choice of tasty curries – Massaman, Penang, etc. – and some wonderful rice and noodle dishes. Try the Khao Pad Boo (fried jasmine rice with crab meat, egg, carrot and spring onion served with a Special Mommy seafood sauce recipe). Presentation and service are also consistently good.

It’s a little pricier than the other restaurants suggested here, but still definitely worth it for a treat. In the Summer months, if weather permits, you can even dine al fresco at the front of the restaurant.

There’s an upstairs area to the restaurant but booking in advance is still recommended, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. You can book online via the Dish Cult website here or by telephoning during opening hours. There are a few reports among Tripadvisor reviews of apparent booking mix-ups so we recommend the former so that you have a reservation that is confirmed in writing.

Address: Bangkok 7, 24 Finkle St, Kendal LA9 4ABwhat3words: ///doctor.gain.blissTelephone: 01539 733733Closed on Sundays, and closes for a winter break from late December to early February.

Top tip

If you can’t get a reservation at Bangkok 7, a shout-out also needs to go to Thai Kitchen in Lakeland which operates a ‘drive-though’ takeaway collection service from a small industrial estate in Kendal. This is not your average takeaway, but Thai street food made to order. Pre-ordering by text or email is advisable and you can view the menu and learn more about how to order at https://www.thaikitcheninlakeland.co.uk/

Address: Unit 6, Dockray Hall Road, Kendal LA9 4RUwhat3words: ///mystery.airbrush.ampsTelephone: 07768 808249Closed on Sundays and Mondays

Comida

Comida offers a very relaxed ambience, serving tapas-style dishes in the heart of Kendal (it’s located between Kendal Town Hall and the Brewery Arts Centre).

Choose from delicious dishes such as the Green fig and roasted fennel salad, or the Goats cheese beetroot and honey, or the Padron peppers that are simply pan-fried with sea salt.

You can’t go wrong with the Valencian fried chicken and chipotle mayo, but there are also lots of vegetarian options such as the Paprika mushrooms, baked in a creamy paprika sauce, and the Roasted cauliflower and mojo verde, both pictured below.

Booking in advance is recommended – particularly at weekends and even during the week sometimes – and can be done via their website at https://www.comidafood.co.uk/

Address: Comida, 90-92 Highgate, Kendal LA9 4HEwhat3words: ///aspect.transit.enableTelephone: 01539 732082Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Top tip

The pub next door but one (98 Highgate) can be used by diners who cannot be accommodated. This offers a more limited Comida menu, presumably due to the challenges faced with taking some dishes across from the main restaurant, but is nevertheless an option that you might like to consider.