With many of us wanting to meet up with family members after months away from each other, there is no better place to meet up for a bite to eat than one of our region’s restaurants.

Here at the News & Star, we asked readers on both our Facebook and Twitter pages, to give their recommendations for the best places to head to in the county as pubs and restaurants begin to open their doors and gardens.

In no particular order, here are the best places, mentioned by you, our readers.

1 THE WILD OLIVE, GOSFORTH

The eatery, based at Croft Foot Cottage, serves up a range of traditional Italian cuisine and comes highly recommended by readers.

Rosey Richardson posted: “The Wild Olive in Gosforth is a favourite of ours, good child’s menu and a separate playroom.”

2 THE BOWER HOUSE INN, ESKDALE

Nestled in the Eskdale valley, The Bower House Inn is situated four miles from the Cumbrian Coast.

The venue is not only child friendly, but dog friendly too.

Dogs are welcome in the bar, in the beer garden and in some of their rooms.

News & Star reader Victoria Murray said: “We also liked the Bower House at Eskdale.

“Lovely food and good outdoor play areas for the kids.”

3 CROWN INN, POOLEY BRIDGE

The pub, located north of Lake Ullswater, serves a children’s menu, with plenty of activities to keep them busy.

Reader Michelle Coggins recommended this to us.

She said: “The Crown Inn has a riverside garden with ducks and swans.

“It also has a kids menu, games and colouring books.”

4 THE AQUARIUM HARBOURSIDE CAFE, MARYPORT

Located to the west of Cumbria at South Quay, Maryport, it is open seven days a week.

Di Sharrock said: “The aquarium harbourside cafe in Maryport has lots to see and do inside and out.”

5 THE LAKE DISTRICT WILDLIFE PARK CAFE, KESWICK

The award-winning wildlife and safari park in Bassenthwaite houses more than 100 species of exotic animals at the 25-acre site.

Belinda Ward recommended the cafe at the Lake District Wildlife Park over on our Facebook page.

Di Sharrock added: “Fab food!”

6 VILLA BIANCA RESTAURANT B&B, PENRITH

The Italian restaurant and hotel, on Corney Square, Penrith, is family-run, and was praised by one of our readers Sarah Washington.

The eatery serves up a variety of delicious dishes.