We know the Leeds culinary scene is one of the most vibrant in the UK.
There are many, many wonderful venues which have helped create the rich and varied eating out culture in Leeds. We often bring you news of award winners receiving due credit from various different bodies.
Although about our faves? We thought it was only right to bring you a little LeedsLive authority and bring you our tips.
Read more: 9 new Leeds restaurants and bars you have to visit
Below, you’ll find some of our team’s top picks for dining out in Leeds. Some are established names while others are hidden gems just waiting for you to discover them.
Lots of different cuisines are covered with venues being based in Leeds city centre and beyond. So, take scroll below and see what takes your fancy.
You can also tell us your recommendations on commenting on this article or through our Facebook page.
Lupe’s Cantina Mexicana
204 Cardigan Road, Burley, Leeds, LS6 1LF
Family-run Mexican restaurant which offers incredible authentic cuisine. When we reviewed the venue a few years back, our writer said: “You could say given the restaurant's slightly odd location, hidden away from the city centre, Lupe's is something of a hidden gem but the food and drink is far too good to be missed.
“During our visit, Lupe's proved why it is considered to be the best Mexican restaurant in Leeds - we'll be visiting again very soon.”
Lavanta Meze Bar & Grill
269 Otley Road, Weetwood, Leeds, LS16 5LN
They have dishes inspired from cooking learned in the south of Turkey. From amazing mezes, flame-seared mixed grills and succulent steaks to seafood platters, the restaurant in West Park is a real crown in the jewel of Leeds' hidden food culture.
Jino's
38 North Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3HU
There are no frills at Jino's Tables are tightly packed in against one another and the decor is unfussy, but what it lacks in pizzazz it more than makes up for in incredibly fresh flavours.
The bring your own booze policy is a huge bonus too and a big hit with Headingley's student population. If you're after a classy meal out, then look elsewhere - but you won't find better Thai food anywhere in Leeds.
Trattoria Il Forno
85 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5BP
Trattoria Il Forno is a name that is often whispered in hushed tones in offices all across Leeds.
Around the water cooler people ask, 'Have you had the lasagna?' or 'What about the size of the pizzas?!' The Horsforth Italian has hordes of fans from far and wide, and although regular customers are keen to keep their favourite restaurant a secret, the surprise is well and truly out in the open.
Viva Cuba
342 Kirkstall Road, Burley, Leeds LS4 2DS
For anyone who hasn't yet been, Viva Cuba is a quintessential hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. Random and possibly slightly underwhelming on the outside, inside you're transported to the Caribbean - really! The atmosphere is spot on and the food is even better.
Mommy Thai
7 Duncan St, Leeds LS1 6DQ
Hemmed in alongside beauty salons and loud bars is this Leeds city centre venue is a little understated outside but delivers some wonderful delights inside. Mommy Thai features an array of classic Thai dishes, from pad thai to Tom yum, in a rustic setting. There are other Thai restaurants nearby that look classier, but the food here is unrivalled.
Banh & Mee
Kirkgate Market, 31 New York Street, Leeds, LS2 7DT
An ideal lunch option for those trotting around Leeds city centre. Fresh, crusty baguettes stuffed with colourful, aromatic and moderately spicy meats and salads make this Vietnamese sandwich shack a great dinnertime option.
Blue Sakura
2-3 Merrion Way, Leeds LS2 8BT
Blue Sakura redefines the concept of all-you-can-eat with a system that sees dishes made to order, from hand rolls to teriyaki, ordered in 'rounds' from the tablet on their tables. There's sushi, soup, tempura, grilled dishes, Teppanyaki dishes and Korean food - and all of it is absolutely mouth-watering.
El Gato Negro
35 Park Row, Leeds LS1 5JL
El Gato Negro is relatively new to Leeds, having opened in November 2019, but it has already gained a strong reputation among the throng of customers who have tried out the remarkable tapas menu. The giant restaurant, which is set across two floors, is a stunning setting for equally sumptuous food.
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Tattu
Minerva, 29 E Parade, Leeds LS1 5PS
Fine. We admit given the rather aesthetic we'll admit this restaurant is probably stretching the 'hidden gem' precursor. Although, if you still haven't visited then you have to. A stunning pink blossom tree arches over customers in the Chinese restaurant in Leeds city centre, which most definitely has the wow factor. But to focus purely on aesthetics would be remiss. The dishes at Tattu, which are altered on a seasonal rotation, are quite simply out of this world.
Ryan's Kitchen
329 Kirkstall Road, Burley, Leeds LS4 2HD
One of the best places in Leeds for joyous Jamaican food. On the menu, you will find jerk chicken, vegan dishes and fish options.
Pasta Romagna
26 Albion Pl, Leeds LS1 6JS
Pasta Romagna has proudly served Leeds, bringing a little taste of Italy to Yorkshire, since 1982. Those who regularly frequent will know entering the Albion Place venue is like taking a trip back in time. Those mirrored walls do create something of an 1980s feel.
A major part of the interior aesthetic is the various nods to the Italian culture which helped form Pasta Romagna. There’s also the Italian language radio softly playing in the background.
Crown Hotpot
Back Blenheim Terrace, Leeds, LS2 9HJ
Something of a quirky venue, you'll find Crown Hotpot above the Hang Sing Hong Store. You walk through the back of the shop and head up the spiral staircase at the back.
After her visit earlier this year, our reporter Jasmine Norden said: “What we also learnt is that this is definitely a meal out for a larger group - you get so much soup in the huge hotpot that what we had could easily have been shared among more people. The lovely staff were also constantly on hand offering to top up our broth when we rang low.”
Dijon Boys
10-14 Stonegate Road, Meanwood, Leeds, LS6 4HY
Dijon Boys at Number 8 Cocktail Bar in Meanwood provides the perfect outing for foodies in Leeds, as they offer up a diverse ever-changing menu with electrifying flavours, sourced from local products.
Our reporter Samuel Port raved about the quality of food when he visited earlier this year. He described some of the dishes as ‘simply exquisite’ and was full of praise for the service he received.
Concluding his review, Samuel said: “I can’t sing Dijon Boys’ praises enough. A phenomenal restaurant which introduced us to a lot of new dishes. Foodies in Leeds should put this Meanwood eatery on the top of their list.”
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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