Fellinis is self-described as “a modern ‘Vegeterranean’ restaurant catering for the most discerning palate with a distinct Mediterranean twist”. Fully vegetarian with a wide range of vegan and gluten-free options, this is a dining experience for those looking for something extra special.
Cuisine: Mediterranean (vegetarian, with vegan and gluten free)
Opening Hours: 5.30-10pm daily
Location: Church St, Ambleside LA22 0BT
Date Visited: Oct 2020
Price Range: £6.95 starters, £14.95 main, £6.95 desserts
Contact: 01539 432487 enquiries@fellinisambleside.com
Website: fellinisambleside.com
WiFi: No
Device Charging: No (but probably not the reason you’re going, to be honest)
One of the most well-known vegetarian restaurants in the Lakes, the refined Fellinis sits in Ambleside close to Zeffirellis, its more down-to-earth sister restaurant, since 2009.
Fellinis was one of those places that I saw every visit to Ambleside hoping to try but due to a mixture of slight apprehension of whether I brought smart enough clothes or missing out because I didn’t book in time, I never quite made it previously. On this trip I packed with determination a smart top to couple with some smart jeans, and booked a table for my first evening.
In actual fact, it wasn’t intimidating at all and it was a really lovely dining experience. The restaurant was darkly lit, perhaps for a romantic atmosphere – indeed most other tables were couples – and the jazz and bossa nova music created a calm but lively ambience.
The social distancing measures were excellent, with tables spaced out, a clear one-way system, and waiters were careful to not touch your plates by leaving them on the tray for you to take.
The vegan and gluten-free options were clearly marked on the menu, saving worry about having to ask the waiter to run through every item. There was an extensive wine list, again with vegan options marked. As this evening was all about treating myself, I chose the marinated aubergine and roasted tomato salad with pomegranate seeds and green tahini dressing; toasted walnuts, raisin and cashew nut roast en croûte served with fondant potato and red wine jus; and avocado chocolate mousse with pistachio praline.
The aubergine salad was really tasty – very fresh flavours with a beautiful presentation. The nut roast was very satisfying; it was a hearty but not overly heavy meal that had some great flavours and texture with the accompanying roasted vegetables. The fondant potato was soft and the nut roast with gravy in the pastry was the star of the show.
Even though I was full after the starter and main course, I opted for a dessert for the sake of this review (and to satisfy my sweet tooth!). Whilst the mousse was nice I was a bit disappointed as it didn’t taste like anything special. It’s a fairly simple dish to make so a small twist on it would have made it stand out more. To accompany the meal, I chose one of the house reds, the Merlot delle Dolomiti, which was really smooth, fresh and fruity.
The service was friendly, quick and attentive (although a little too attentive to my tastes, being asked three times as I was eating how the meal was!). The restaurant was clean with a tablecloth service, and the decor was brown and beige with accents of red – elegant although with a slightly outdated feel.
This was a very enjoyable and relaxing experience and one that I would definitely recommend to any visitor to Ambleside. My bill came to just under £35 for a three-course meal including wine, which I thought was excellent value for money, especially considering the quality of the food.
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Thanks for this review, Christina. I was thinking of going here for my birthday when I visit the Lakes in May. Your review helped me decide on a firm yes! Thanks.
Thanks Emily, do let us know how you get on there – and anywhere else you find that’s good and we should include. Happy Birthday in advance!