Waterside Cafe and Bistro

4.6 ( 410 reviews )
Checking... 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM See Hours
£10–20
Kent View, Kendal LA9 4DZ, United Kingdom
+44 1539 729743

Waterside Cafe and Bistro has carved a niche as a delightful stop along the River Kent in Kendal. Customers rave about its inviting ambiance and the extensive menu that caters to all tastes. Mark Nicholson hails the cafe for its ability to thrive despite ongoing flood relief efforts, praising the special Chickenless Nugget Wrap paired with fresh house salads. Emmy GP highlights the charming outdoor seating and the diverse selection of cakes, teas, and coffees, making it a perfect family-friendly spot with excellent service.

Louisa McVey describes it as a “little gem,” noting not only the delectable yet reasonably priced food but also the added pleasure of a riverside walk. Haroon Mota recounts a memorable group dinner featuring a Middle Eastern menu, complemented by live music—a testament to the venue's hospitable and cozy atmosphere. The praise culminates with Lara’s admiration for the fresh, delicious offerings like the soup of the day served with cheese scones and perfectly brewed coffee. Waterside Cafe and Bistro is truly a haven for food lovers seeking quality dining with a scenic backdrop.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • No wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • From the business
    • Identifies as women-owned
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Serves great coffee
    • Serves great dessert
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for breakfast
    • Popular for lunch
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Has free water refills
    • Serves healthy options
    • Sells prepared foods
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves vegan dishes
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has gender-neutral toilets
    • Has toilet
    • Has Wi-Fi
    • Free Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
    • LGBTQ+ friendly
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts cheques
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed
    • Dogs allowed inside
    • Dogs allowed outside

Reviews For Waterside Cafe and Bistro

Mark Nicholson
May 21,2025
So pleased this cafe is still prospering despite the ongoing flood relief works on the River Kent outside. Plenty of options on the menu plus a specials board which included a Chickenless Nugget Wrap with a choice of 3 of the house salads. Won’t leave it so long before returning next time ...
Emmy GP
May 1,2025
Lovely waterside cafe, bistro. Delicious cakes, range of tea, coffee, etc... Tables inside and out, children's area. Disabled friendly toilet, baby change table, stunning hand basin. Excellent service.
Louisa McVey
Apr 27,2025
This is a little gem of a place with delicious reasonably priced food. It's well staffed and there are some outside tables. Situated on the river Kent it's possible to have a riverside walk before or after eating. Flood defence work is ongoing but this is outside the control of the cafe and shouldn't put you off visiting. The cafe also sells loaves of bread. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would definitely recommend
Haroon Mota
Apr 26,2025
We booked the restaurant for 35 people and had the Middle Eastern Menu. Such a nice cosy place with amazing hospitable staff. The food was delicious and the desserts were incredible. We had a Palestinian musician who performed for us post dinner which made it a very special evening with the best vibes. Highly recommended this place. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Kendal. Thank you for having our group - Muslim Hikers
Lara
Apr 23,2025
Fresh and delicious food served by a wonderful team. We really enjoyed the tart of the day (served with salad) and soup of the day (served with a cheese scone). Coffee was perfect, and the pot of tea was generously filled with loose leaf earl grey! Long live the Waterside Cafe!
Julian Baker
Apr 19,2025
Delicious vegan breakfast with tasty hot chocolate. A good selection of vegan cakes and some vegan ice creams. Knowledgeable staff and service with a smile.
Mike Halliwell
Apr 15,2025
Great little cafe beside the river away from the busyness of the town centre. Particularly useful if your cycling as there is plenty of space outside. Bit if work taking place along this section of river at the moment, but would imagine there's a great view without all the fencing.
Alex Abraham
Mar 28,2025
Waterside cafe is such a lovely place, filled with friendly staff and a cosy atmosphere. I've been here twice, first time getting the salad bar and second time getting the Buddha Bowl. The value for money is fantastic, and the portions are really filling. The staff were welcoming and very friendly. Look forward to visiting here again

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