In recent years Whitehaven has, and is continuing to do so, developed into the place
to go for a night out - be it to relax in one of our cosmopolitan café bars or have an excellent meal in one of the many high quality restaurants or cafes.
The increase in quality eating places during the day has given visitors and locals an excellent choice.
Zest is making its mark as one of 'the' places to eat in the county. Described as 'The Ivy of the North', it is based on Low Road just on the way out of town towards St Bees, and offers modern cuisine in relaxed surroundings. Past diners include Tony and Cherie Blair, and it is one of the favourite places of the renowned writers, husband and wife, Hunter Davies and Margaret Forster.
Zest Harbourside recently opened in 2002 and is already one of the most popular café's on the Habourside. Open 7 days a week, drink, snack or go the whole hog with 3 courses, whilst taking in the fabulous views of the Harbour and being served by friendly staff.
For good old fish and chips, there is a good selection in town including Arrighi's Chip Shop established in the early 1900's situated just off the town's Market Place, as well as Crosby's, to be found on Tangier Street.
La Venue To Go on King Street offers a wide selection of sandwiches, takeaway hot and cold meals, or visit the La Venue Café on Lowther Street sit down & enjoy the excellent, quality food. You could visit The Espresso in the Market Place - established for over 40 years, it is biker friendly on Sunday's and remember to get your first Coast to Coast stamp there.
Another option is to relax in the cool contemporary surroundings of the Westminster Café Bar on Lowther Street, and admire the beautifully manicured adjacent gardens of St Nicholas whilst you dine.
The Georgian House Hotel on Church Street offers good quality meals, days and evenings, as well as being on of the main small hotel's situated in the town centre.
The harbourside area is the place to go to enjoy Whitehaven's newest food hotspot!.. Lime Lounge, a contemporary Mexican and Tapas Bar and Restaurant with a relaxed and friendly dining environment. Casa Romano is a fine Italian Restaurant on Queen Street just along from the Westminster Cafe.
Richardson's Edwardian Tea Rooms and The Rum Story offer the chance to drop in for lunch and feel apart from the bussle of the town while you eat. If you are feeling international, then Whitehaven also has a good selection of Indian, Chinese and Italian restaurants.
Whitehaven has really raised its game with regard to drinking establishments. Most people head towards the top end of town where you can visit the 'Blue' Wine Bar who also a varied food menu, the new Wetherspoons - 'The Bransty Arch', the Welsh Arms, take in the naval-themed John Paul Jones Tavern, Duke Street 21, and then talk a walk to such places as 'Bar Martinique' on Carter Lane, head to the variety of pubs in the Market Place, such as The Wellington or go for some karaoke in The Vine.
Those seeking fast-food and takeaway meals are catered for around the town with a variety of outlets and Mcdonalds is located on the Bridges Estate next to the Sports Centre and Morrisons supermarket.
A selection of restaurants within the town centre area:
| Limelounge, 9 Marlborough Street, Whitehaven - 01946 693671 |
| American Connection - Marlborough Street - 01946 693671 |
| Zest Restaurant: Low Road - 01946 692848 : Harbourside - 01946 66981 |
| Georgian House - Church Street - 01946 696611 |
| Casa Romana [Italian] - Queen Street - 01946 591901 |
| Jasmine Palace, [Chinese/Thai] Duke/Strand Street |
| Blue Wine Bar & Restaurant - Tangier Street - 01946 691986 |
| Hornblowers - Church Street - 01946 590492 |
| Whitehaven Golf Club - Red Lonning - 01946 591177 |
| Westminster Cafe and Restaurant - Lowther Street - 01946 694404 |
| Askash Tandoori Restaurant [Indian] - 01946 691171 |
| Ali Taj Restaurant [Indian] - 01946 592679 |
| Golden Harbour [Chinese] - George Street - 01946 693388 |
| Howgate Brewster & Travel Inn - Howgate - 01946 66286 |