Leeds is undoubtedly one of the best cities in the UK for going out to enjoy food and drink.
We know lots of established favourites in Leeds city centre and beyond always draw people back. The good news, complimenting them, we’ve also got many new openings to look forward to.
We’ve composed a list of the very best which are set to launch in the city or have just recently opened. You’ll find a variety of interests, cuisines and budgets are covered.
Read more: We try the Leeds eatery beating off the competition for decades
We'll, of course, bring you further details of these launches when we have more info and, if we can, give you a sneak peek inside. For now, take a scroll below to see what takes your fancy.
You can tell us your favourite by commenting on this article. While, we'll continue to bring you details of the best new openings in Leeds.
Salt
Roundhay Road
Salt has offered a hint of what to expect from its new venue opening near Roundhay Park. Having enjoyed success in the city centre and in Sheffield, the team from Salt will soon launch a new bar in Oakwood. Salt will be moving into the Stew and Oyster premises in Roundhay Road.
Salt Founder Jamie Lawson said: “Given the resurgence we’ve seen in Oakwood as the place to go in North Leeds, taking Salt there was a no-brainer. The area has fast become a mini-hub for independent bars, cafes, and restaurants that we love and admire, and I know Salt can bring something completely fresh to the party
The Ivy Asia
Vicar Lane
The Ivy Asia has launched in Leeds based in Vicar Lane, next to its sister restaurant The Ivy. The Ivy Asia will offer lunch, afternoon tea, dinner cocktails and weekend brunch among other delights. There will also be DJs and live entertainment. On arrival, diners will be met by The Ivy Asia’s signature green onyx flooring with the restaurant will feature two large cherry blossom trees and bespoke Paul Clifford artwork. The new opening recently held a big lavish party attended by Leeds United players and Emmerdale stars to mark their launch.
Dijon Boys
Stonegate Road, Leeds
A group of chefs began their brand Dijon Chef earlier six-months-ago and have partnered up with Leeds eateries for special events to serve fine dining small plates. Now, they have opened their own restaurant inside Number 8 Cocktails in Stonegate Road, Meanwood.
The chefs create sharing dishes so people can try a bit of everything. Their menu includes seafood, meat dishes, veggie options and dessert small plates. Their Sunday roasts are a big hit with punters with recent options including pork, beef and a veggie pick, while they will also be serving a variety of small plates.
Cult Wing
Merrion Centre, Leeds
A punk-inspired booze and chicken wings bar has opened in Leeds city centre. Cult Wing, based at the Merrion Centre, has the city's – if not Britain's – biggest tequila bar with more than 200 examples of Mexico's most famous spirit. Don't try them all at once.
The Scribbling Mill
White Rose Shopping Centre, Leeds
JD Wetherspoon has spent £950,000 refurbishing a space for the new bar and eatery, in Dewsbury Road, previously occupied by Mexican restaurant Chiquito's. Now, it will be occupied by new pub The Scribbling Mill. It is named in recognition of the textile industry formerly associated with the area. The pub has a ground floor area with seating, as well as its own beer garden.
Piccolo
Thorpe Park, Leeds
Another Italian restaurant has opened on the former site of the Gino D'Acampo restaurant at Thorpe Park.
Piccolo, a sub-brand of the famous Piccolino chain, has opened at the Next site, off the M1. Piccolo – meaning 'small' in Italian – aims to deliver 'wonderfully authentic Italian dining experiences that invite you to pull up a chair and enjoy just like in a proper Italian family home'.
Menus at Piccolo restaurants have been designed by head chef Mark Window, who has more than two decades of industry experience, with breads and doughs by master baker Davide Argentino.
Dishes include Neapolitan mozzarella, ham and pea frittatina and paccheri (short, wide pasta tubes) arrabbiata plus seafood dishes of Positano and desserts like delizia al limone. Other dishes include goat's cheese ravioli, basil and mozzarella and Parma ham pizza with butternut squash plus walnut and chilli and wild king prawn guazzetto stew.
Karen Forrester, CEO of Individual Restaurant Company, says: “We are excitedly introducing Piccolo by Piccolino, which will deliver authentic Italian food and a world-class guest experience to all. With our existing teams at the helm, we look forward to welcoming both existing and new guests to our Italian family home."
To find out the latest food and drink news in our city you can visit our Best in Leeds homepage. There you will also find a guide to great things to do in Leeds.
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