We all know what a brilliant place Leeds is to grab a pint or enjoy a delicious a meal - and the city just keeps on getting better and better.
Given how many new openings we’ve had, we thought it would be wise to put together a guide to some of our picks. You’ll find restaurants, diners, bars and pubs in this list.
The venues are based in Leeds city centre and beyond. You’ll be pleased to know, there’s lots of types of foods and dishes covered.
Read more: Black Sheep Coffee is hiring for new Leeds city centre cafe
Below, you'll find a few details about each new opening and where they are based. Please feel free to comment on this article and tell us where you are looking forward to visiting.
As ever, we'll also continue to bring you details of upcoming launches in Leeds.
Kino
New Briggate, Leeds
Kino has launched with the backing of Opera North in New Briggate. It offers food sourced from local producers with guest chefs lined up for menus, in the newly-renovated Grade II-listed space beside The Grand Theatre.
There is a selection of pop-ups and guest chefs cooking up a storm in the coming months. From September, the restaurant will open with a full food offer and a residency from one of Leeds’ most exciting pop-up brands. Kino, which is now up-and-running, will initially open on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and all day on Fridays and Saturdays.
Honest Burgers
Cloth Hall Street, Leeds
Honest Burgers launched in Leeds city centre in July. The restaurant, based in Cloth Hall Street, arrived in Leeds following success in Liverpool and Manchester - creating 20 jobs. Speaking ahead of the launch, Tom Barton, co-founder Honest Burgers said: "Leeds has been a long time coming for Honest and we’re very happy to open. All of our restaurants have close ties with local breweries and producers.
“In Leeds, that means beers from Northern Monk and a local burger (launching in August) featuring beer pickled onions, smoked cheddar and a brand new black garlic chipotle chutney from lockdown star thiccc sauce. And for the first time ever, we’ll be serving a cheesy version of our cult favourite bacon gravy for all your burger and chip dunking needs."
De Baga
Stainbeck Lane, Leeds
De Baga opened a second Leeds restaurant after enjoying success in Headingley. The restaurant, known for its Indian dishes, opened its doors, earlier this year, in Chapel Allerton, replacing the former Box venue. You’ll find a variety of different curry dishes and sides as well as cocktails.
Riva Blu
Park Row, Leeds
The revamp of Gino D'Acampo's city centre restaurant on Park Row has delivered a sleek new look. The pink blossom tree in the entrance is striking, while the enticing views through to the kitchen offer a glimpse of the giant wood-fired pizza oven.
Green Room
Wellington Street, Leeds
After two years of planning and preparation Green Room is now open. Arriving at the start of the summer, the vegan-friendly, multifunctional venue operates as a coffee shop during the day and turns into a bar in the evening.
Craft beers and ales are supplied from award-winning breweries from the area including Northern Monk, Kirkstall Brewery and Magic Rock. The rooftop bar will also offer a wide selection of cocktails.
DJs and summer barbecues are planned for the rooftop bars. Green Room is also home to a pair of two-bedroom apartments.
Green was devised by Will Habergham and Kirk Allen, who have spent the past decade working in clubs, events, and music festivals. New Zealander Will took inspiration for the concept from a trip back home.
Pinnacle Beer and Gin Hall
Bond Street, Leeds
Pinnacle is based in the former Roxy Lanes venue. Spanning 7,000 sq ft, the new bar is the newest addition from Concept Taverns with it taking its name from the Pinnacle Building in Leeds. In addition to drinks, there is a food menu serving pizzas and falafel.
Ben Warren, Concept Taverns managing director, said: “After opening five new venues in the past year, we feel that Pinnacle Beer and Gin Hall is the tip of the iceberg for Concept Taverns. Combining all the best things we have learned in the city and surrounding areas, we feel our newest venue offers something special to Leeds with a truly unique hangout space for everyone to enjoy.
Rudy's
Stainbeck Lane, Leeds
Rudy’s Pizza has opened a new branch in Leeds. The Chapel Allerton base, in Stainbeck Lane, is based at the former Casa Mia site. Rudy's specialises itself on making pizza the Naples way. Specialities include Marinara, Margherita and Calabrese pizzas.
You can find the latest food and drink news from across the region by visiting our What’s On homepage. There you can also find guides for great days out across Yorkshire also.
Don’t forget, if you want to know all the latest food, drink and event news from across our city you can visit the Best in Leeds homepage. You can also sign up to the Best in Leeds homepage by heading to this page - and it's completely FREE.
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