AS the festive season draws near, many restaurants are beginning to roll out their Christmas dinner menus and our readers have been sharing their top picks. 

While many have voiced the charm of ‘home sweet home’ surrounded by family and friends, local businesses are also receiving a lot of love.

Whether it's a hearty Italian dinner or a festive takeout option, the variety of choices is sure to suit every taste.

In no particular order, here are suggestions as chosen by you:

Rebecca Mossop applauded Vallum House Hotel on Burgh Road, Carlisle, for their festive options. 

"They do an amazing Christmas lunch throughout December and offer takeaways for collection Christmas Eve for Christmas day. Beautiful food," she said. 

This year they will be offering up the likes of the classic turkey Christmas dinner as well as beef courses and poached seabass. Its Christmas takeaways are priced at £15.95 per person. 

Gaining a couple of credits was Franco's Ristorante in Carlisle's Greenmarket. 

The restaurant, which has been serving up hearty Italian cuisine for 32 years, has recently been reopened under new manager Martin Bell. 

Franco's has recently come under new ownershipFranco's has recently come under new ownership (Image: Google Maps)

Lezley Gibson also praised Martin's other business - Espresso Hub on the Greenmarket. 

Anna Thompson put forward Casa Romana on Warwick Road. 

Other suggestions include 'Greenhill Hotel (Wigton) has a very nice Christmas lunch,' from Kenny Milburn, and Fiona Patricia Sanderson's choice of '1Up at Eden golf.'

Meanwhile, Joan Simmons praised the 'Lakes garden centre in Cockermouth'. 

Kelly Winter gave credits to the longstanding Crown and Mitre Hotel whilst Roger Greenwell gave a shout-out to White Heather in Wigton. 

Ainstable's Heather Glen Country House was also mentioned by Wendy Glendinning. 

The Sunny Hill in Whitehaven was also put forward for holiday dining with Roma Rona Nick also recommending a visit to Carlisle's Millbourne Arms, on Milbourne Street. 

In years gone by, Carlisle's Andalusian on Warwick Road has also been praised for its festive dining in which they offer up festive tapas and cocktails as well as the traditional classics. 

Carlisle's number one rated restaurant on Tripadvisor, The Old Bank, continues to get nods of approval. Their festive menu which will run from November 28th to Sunday, December 22, will be offering up twists on classics such as maple and Jack Daniels turkey breast. 

The restaurant has also recently added a new bar lounge to its offering, making it the perfect spot to grab a drink before unwinding with a scrumptious meal.