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Vegan-friendly
Lacto
Ovo
Pizza
Italian
Mediterranean
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Vegetarian cafe and restaurant set in a complex that also houses cinemas and a jazz bar. Menu offers snacks like olives and potato wedges, pizzas, pasta dishes, salads, and mains like wellington plus drinks and ice cream for dessert. Established since the 2000s. Open Mon-Sun 10:00-22:00. Restaurant is closed Mon but the caféi s for drinks and cakes until 5pm.
124 Reviews
First Review by jonnie
stulave
Points +2753
A lovely restaurant, for a nice meal - Edit
This restaurant is vegetarian, the menu has a number of vegan options, it also identifies which vegetarian options can by made vegan. I went with two meat-eaters, who enjoyed their food a lot. I had 3 courses and have nothing but praise, good flavours and portion size. The staff knew I was vegan and served my food stating it was vegan.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-06-11
Guest
Flume
Points +705
I really didn’t rate this place - Edit
I am confused why this place is so highly rated. I got the two course and movie meal deal. The whole menu is good if you are vegetarian, but the staff seemed confused by veganism.
Read moreMy first course was bruschetta. They substituted motzarella with packet shredded vegan cheese. It was like an open sandwich, but the bread was soggy. The staff also had to check the menu to see if it could be made vegan
The 2nd course was Arrabiata. They did my pet peeve of advertising a vegan option, then removed anything non-vegan instead of substituting it. Bottom 20% of spaghetti I have had at a restaurant, I loaded it up with pepper.
There were also just a couple of strange things. Like they asked if I would like iced water, then brought me water without ice. Or having you save 2 quid by getting the movie meal deal, and then factoring in the movie ticket to the service charge, negating half the money saved by buying them together.
Honestly it was probably a 3 star meal, but I am feeling dramatic. I don’t think I am their target demographic.
Updated from previous review on 2026-06-11
Pros: Vegeterian restaurant
Cons: Seemed confused by ordering vegan, Advertised as vegan option, but just removed stuff
Guest
JohnBrownlow
Points +186
Very popular and with good vegan options - Edit
Zeff's has been a family favourite for over 30 years. We've eaten here dozens of times going back to when it was basically a vegetarian pizzeria upstairs! The food is always good and there's enough vegan options. The staff are polite and friendly. Good value for money.
Read morePros: Good food, Excellent service, Value for money
Guest
Dixon22
Points +81
Great food, service and ambience - Edit
It is so nice to go to a pure vegetarian restaurant and we had a great evening. However it would be nice to have more designated vegan dishes rather than vegan options - as a vegan I was anxious that they did veganize the dishes we selected ( pizza). The main course buddha bowl was a disappointment - it was essentially a salad and at 16.50 GBP very overpriced. Typically buddha bowls do include grains - admittedly the menu does not describe grains but it left for a very unsatisfying main course. The server did however provide some brown rice on request. The environment was pleasant- great to see it busy on a Tuesday night and did not feel overcrowded
Read morePros: Fully vegetarian/vegan, Mostly excellent service , Nice ambience
Cons: Need more designated vegan dishes
Guest
Plants4katie
Points +839
Classy vegetarian restaurant - Edit
Really nice atmosphere and yummy food. Visited with a meat eater friend and at first we did not even realise this was vegetarian only as in her words, the menu was flavourful enough. Classy venue and knowledgeable staff. Huge portions, it seemed impossible not to leave with a box
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-05-16
Guest
maisiegrace
Points +173
A treat ! - Edit
We had an amazing 3-course meal here and it was such a treat! I hope we can come back again one day. We ordered the mega mezze platter for starter, a bolognese and aubergine parmigiana for mains, and the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. It was all delicious but I have to say in particular the pesto sauce was wonderful, it was so good to have a real fresh pesto, which is a world away from the jarred stuff.
Read moreGuest
flissjoy
Points +24
So good!! Me - Edit
Pasta amazing. Wellington amazing. Cheesy garlic bread divine and dreamy. Lovely atmosphere
Read moreGuest
Travels_in_Reggie
Points +5013
Zeffirellis - Edit
I would have loved to eat in, but with a no dogs allowed policy, I settled for a takeaway. I chose one of their pizzas, and they were happy to make adjustments to the toppings to my taste. It was ready for collection promptly, and the pizza was really enjoyable. I’d happily return.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-02-06
Guest
Tanjarine
Points +103
Gluten free and vegan option’s aplenty - Edit
Highly recommend for vegan and/or gluten free.
Read moreThe chef has a gluten free lifestyle so there are many options on the menu…which is rare for vegan food!
Updated from previous review on 2026-02-01
Pros: Choices, Friendly, Gluten-free vegan
Guest
LesleyRigby
Points +103
Vegetarian restaurant! - Edit
Lovely atmosphere, very busy, excellent staff and service. The menu was very vegan friendly with gluten free also well catered. We sat upstairs in the Jazz restaurant and there was a great singer on.
Read morePros: Great food, Lots of choice, Great atmosphere
Guest
Leafn4give
Points +398
Delightful - Edit
Delightful vegan food, photogenic, tasty & served by friendly and attentive staff. Another vegetarian establishment catering better for vegans than many vegan eateries. Mini Buddha bowls for starters were great but forgot to take photos
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-12-02
Pros: Ambience, Tastey, Attentive & helpful staff
Guest
MeganDonovan
Points +28
Fantastic - Edit
Friendly staff, great atmosphere, we ordered the vegan nut wellington and the sticky toffee pudding, both were 10/10 delicious. Would definitely recommend visiting if you’re vegan in the Lake District! Will definitely return.
Read morePros: Fast service, Menu, Quality of food
Guest
JaredLin
Points +593
Amazing - Edit
Very fancy vegetarian restaurant. We had the vegan option food and was delicious. Definitely recommend visiting for dinner if you’re in Lake District
Read moreGuest
JoeandJane
Points +28
Such a shame no dogs allowed indoors - Edit
Have visited Zefferellis regularly since the 90’s . Always loved the food & cinema deals.
Read moreSadly nowadays it’s not possible or desirable to leave your dogs in a car, motorhome or holiday cottage so unless it’s a really warm day where we can sit in the rather uninspiring ground floor outdoors bit we can no longer visit.
Surely you can allow dogs in the front bit? Think you did in the front cafe bit in the early days?
You must lose so much trade because of this.
We just went elsewhere yet again, which was a shame.
Pros: Great food, Good interior , Vegan & veggie
Cons: No dogs allowed indoors
Guest
FionaWallace
Points +309
Perfection - Edit
Can’t go wrong here, great ambience, knowledgeable and friendly staff with years of experience. Menu extensive for both vegetarian and vegan.
Read moreAlways a must if you’re in the area
Guest
DroopySnoopers
Points +134
Not the best experience - Edit
Had two dishes, one vegan which was quite nice and one vegetarian which was not good at all.
Read moreThe menu for a Sunday was different to any other day according to what we found online and we weren't very pleased with the options.
The restaurant itself was very nice and the service was also really good. Just a shame about one of their dishes not tasting good at all.
Guest
susiehaha
Points +357
Great food, sumptuous surroundings! - Edit
Zeffs is a little touch of class in Ambleside 😉. Loads of vegan options at this otherwise veggie Italian restaurant. Rather over the top but delightful decor, always feels slightly decadent and swanky! As usual, I had the pecan and cashew nut roast wellington with mash, veg and a rich gravy, which is very savoury and delicious. Mrs HaHa had a pizza. Only drawback is it ain't cheap! But then nowhere is these days, especially in the Lakes. Always nice to visit again.
Read morePros: Good quality food., Nice surroundings , Great choice
Cons: A bit pricey
Guest
GracePlant
Points +1363
Gorgeous location - Edit
Vegan options are clearly labelled and a beautiful restaurant. The meal deal included with a cinema ticket, so worked out a good price:)
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-02-08
Guest
Ashphyxiaa
Points +34
Gorgeous - Edit
Some of the best pasta I've had since going vegan - which you'd think is a surprise! The tofu cheesecake was lovely but a bit rich. I adored the whole menu - as well as the vegan wine selection! Alcohol free Shiraz was lovely. Movie deal made it worth it.
Read morePros: Delicious, Lovely interior
Guest
tolmeia07
Points +575
Delicious and clearly labelled - Edit
Actually disappointed we only managed to go here once as the food was delicious (we had the vegan lentil spaghetti bolognese) and the restaurant was lovely itself. They offered vegan cheese and vegan butter for the bread and it was nice to know they understood the assignment 🫡 Highly recommend booking the cinema deal as you get a discount ticket included in your meal!
Read morePros: Delicious pasta, Reasonably priced, Lovely restaurant
Guest
PeskyBunny
Points +703
Excellent pizza and pasta - Edit
We really enjoyed this restaurant, fully vegetarian with lots of vegan options.
Read moreThe pizza was by far one of the best vegan pizzas we've had.
The nutball Spaghetti pasta was lush.
Can't say I enjoyed the cheesecake too much, overpowering chocolate and not much 'tang' , very rich but nice enough, just not very cheesecake-y
A tad pricey but worth it for the mains alone
Pros: Nice staff, Central location , Fully veggie and great choice
Guest
Coeliacsquirrel
Points +756
Ambleside Institution - Edit
I first came here in 1992! (yes I am that old) when vegetarian food, never mind vegan, was hard to find outside big cities. It’s offering of veggie/vegan pizza & pasta may not be as unique as it was then but the food is still lovely & the vibe still relaxed yet stylish. And most of the dishes can be made gluten free. Good to see it busy on an October lunchtime - hopefully it will still be here in another 30 years.
Read morePros: Wide selection of vegan options , Most dishes can be made gluten free , Good selection of vegan wines
Guest
cazrl71
Points +100
Good vegan food - Edit
Had the vegan aubergine parmigiana and it was delicious.
Read moreTofu cheesecake was really good. Very rich.
Pros: Aubergine parmigiana and tofu cheesecake., Nice surroundings and ambiance., Given a jug of water without having to ask.
Cons: Not cheap
Guest
shonamaule
Points +490
Incredible Vegan Food - Edit
We’ve been coming here for years and it never fails to amaze us! Such fresh, delicious Italian food and lovely service. The restaurant is gorgeous too! I had the vegan roast and it was brilliant.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-08-06
Guest
darrenb
Points +2456
Fab food with decent portions - Edit
Second visit to this lovely restaurant. Great to see it really busy.
Read moreThere's lots of choice for vegans and gluten free options clearly labelled. I had the nut roast which was delicious (if a little salty). Friendly and helpful staff. Will be back next time we're in the lakes.
Guest
EleanorBP
Points +104
Amazing Italian food - Edit
Delicious vegetarian and vegan food - no compromises! Friendly service, tasty Italian food and loads of variety- what's not to love
Read morePros: Wide range of delicious vegan and vegetarian food, Stylish decor, Kids can order smaller portions of standard menu
Guest
Simon_Keller
Points +2027
Lovely place - Edit
Okay, so I get why there’s some scores lower than 5. My main (lentil bolognaise) didn’t pack a flavour punch, although it was nice. The vegan cheese garlic bread was amazing. The interior is also excellent, it may have had some modernisation compared since other reviews. Service was good. Will certainly be returning.
Read morePros: Menu selection, Interior, Cheese garlic bread
Guest
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