Leeds has so many bars and restaurants, with a diverse range of cuisines on offer, in the last decade the foodie scene has risen massively and now there is no shortage of good eats across the city.
There are Indian restaurants, Chinese buffets, Korean barbecues, Michelin-recommended venues, boutique hotels and the list goes on and on. In a bid to help you find a good place for dining out, we used Tripadvisor to find the best-rated restaurants in Leeds.
We have put together a list of the 20 best restaurants in Leeds according to Tripadvisor reviews, there is a range of cuisines on offer and the reviews speak highly of the food, service and atmosphere.
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Scroll down to see the best rated restaurants in Leeds. This list was accurate at the time of publication, some ratings may have changed.
Dastaan
With a rating of five stars out of 249 reviews, Dastaan, located on Otley Road in Adel opened in July 2022 by Chefs Nand Kishor and Sanjay Gour who were originally head chefs at a Michelin-starred restaurant in London.
It has a focus on Northern Indian cuisine with a good value and generous portions. Sanjay and Nand stress that flavour is important and the food is made with love and passion.
One review said: "First time here tonight after hearing lots of good things. Really impressed. Varied menu, with lots of new options and flavours for us to try. Aylisia offered such wonderful service, super personal and very useful in talking is through the menu. On the pricier side from the normal curry house but worth it for a quality experience."
Another said: "Great curry, easily best in Leeds. Been a few times now and so so good. Akshit was a great server made us feel very welcome and try a few curries before ordering. Great experience."
Rudy's Pizza
After recently opening a third venue in Headingley, Rudy's is one of the most popular pizza restaurants in Leeds. The venue offers a casual and affordable menu and just really good pizza.
There are three in Leeds, one in the city centre, another in Chapel Allerton and the latest opening in the student area of Headingley.
One review said: "The food was spot on, perfect temperature, good timing. Staff were very friendly too. Phoebe was very helpful with any questions we had. Looking forward to coming back in 2 weeks! Really recommend for a casual dinner with good vibes."
Another said: "Absolutely love Rudys and the new Headingley restaurant didn’t disappoint. Friendly service and great food! Best pizza in Leeds!!"
La Palmera Restaurant
Located in Roundhay, La Palmera offers a taste of the Mediterranean their a la carte menu features a range of Italian and Spanish-inspired dishes such as pizzas, shellfish and toasted breads. With five stars on Tripadvisor, many say this is a great place for a family meal with an excellent atmosphere.
One review says: "Visited first weekend in March with a group of adults and children. Staff were amazing and really accommodating to requests with the kids. Food was fantastic fresh and really good quality. We had the early evening/lunch menu which was fantastic value. Would definitely reccomend and will be returning"
Another added: "Awesome food, great atmosphere. I enjoy myself on a special day with family. Would not change anything Perfect"
Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar
Riva Blue, formerly the site of Gino D'Acampo's restaurant is an Italian restaurant and bar based on the cuisine found in the Amalfi Coast.
The menu offers authentic Italian dining with a modern twist. There are a range of menus, offering pastas, pizzas and light bites.
One review says: "I visited on business and was a solo diner. They really looked after me with a warm welcome and sat me in the window with a great view. My server Sam was super-friendly and kept me engaged during my stay. Top service and very tasty food. What a lovely venue in a great location as well."
Another said: "Food was amazing, Aldo was very friendly and attentive. The setting of the restaurant was really nice. Lovely night will be back"
My Lahore
My Lahore first opened its doors in 2002 with a flagship restaurant in Bradford, it is a British-Asian kitchen offering traditional tastes with a twist and it's all 100 percent Halal. The menu has a range of items such as flame grilled meats, nibbles, burgers to global favourites.
One review said: "Great experience.
"We arrived in Leeds and stumbled across this restaurant due to its proximity to our hotel.
The varied choice catered for us all, and the service was excellent."
Another added: "Top curries, lovely people, great value, delicious! My hot fish karahi was amazing, Dad's meat combo starter was huge and mouthwatering, Mum's korma was one her favourites ever, and the lassi was great - top marks! Thank you, Kamil and the team!"
The Stables Bar & Restaurant
Located in Wetherby, The Stables is a traditional country pub located at Maustin Park caravan site. Their current spring menu features traditional pub classics such as homemade pies with hand cut chips, burgers, steaks and fish and chips.
One review on Tripadvisor says: "Chilli Nachos were the absolute best I have ever had. Plenty of filling and very tasty. Service was excellent. Atmosphere great. What a lovely place, everybody was so friendly."
Another said: "Had another excellent Sunday Lunch at Stables Restaurant. The staff are amazing and so friendly, the Stables has an amazing atmosphere also. Keep it up, we will be back soon"
Bengal Brasserie
Bengal Brasserie located in Burley is an Indian restaurant and like many of the restaurants on this list, was awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice award in 2022. They serve up a range of curries, with the expected starters with some claiming it is the best in Leeds.
One review says: "Every single visit to Shaq and his team is amazing! Food, top class. Customer service - top class. No other Indian restaurant comes anywhere near close to the experience of visiting Bengal Brasserie Haddon Road. Visit, you will not be disappointed."
Another said: "Shoutout to Shaq’s and the team! Lovely meal and a very nice experience. The food was top class - had a few takeaways from here before so decided to go in, was not disappointed."
Piassa Ethiopian Restaurant
Piassa, located on Roundhay Road in Leeds launched in 2016 and the menu features a range of vegan, vegetarian, meat and poultry dishes. Ethiopian cuisine is all about sharing, with many different combos and dishes to share.
One review said: "Nice food and nice experience there. It’s worth it to visit there and I will recommend highly to visit for delicious food"
Another said: "Fantastic food, very different to anything I've ever had. Slow cooked meat dishes were amazing. Very low key, so don't dress up, and make sure you're well wrapped up in the winter!"
Dakota Restaurant
Located in the prestigious Dakota Hotel in Leeds city centre, the Dakota Restaurant is a Michelin-recommended grill offering truly stunning food. The reviews say it is one of the best experiences in Leeds.
One person said: "Meal was fabulous and the staff couldn’t do enough. My husband is disabled and asked to have his steak cut up as he can’t use one hand. Eleanor H was superb. Handled it perfectly for him and brought back his dish all cut up beautifully, it’s the little things that help."
Another said: "Service, food, atmosphere was fantastic. All staff were amazing and very friendly. Want to give a special mention to Patricia who was absolutely lovely throughout, great professionalism with the small details in service whilst having a friendly approach also."
La Taberna
La Taberna, located in York Place is a Caracas Grill offering traditional Spanish food in the heart of Leeds city centre. It's a place for sharing and tasting different dishes from the flat iron steak to chorizo al vino.
One review says: "There's a lovely atmosphere and very friendly staff here. food was delicious and the Sangria was perfect."
Another said: "Amazing food, amazing service, just incredible authentic Spanish tapas, perfect evening. Red wine was perfect"
The Station House Cafe & Bistro
One for the outskirts, the Station House is located on Garforth railway station and though small, it offers traditional Italian food for commuters and diners alike. The menu has all the classics from pasta to pizza and salads and nibbles.
One review says: "This is the second time I have celebrated my birthday by having breakfast at the Station at Garforth. The atmosphere is splendid, food is delightful and service is wonderful. I am already looking forward to and planning my next visit."
Another says: "Best Italian in Leeds. Situated at Garforth railway station it has a quirky and relaxing atmosphere.
"Luigi and Joanne offer superb Italian food and wine at very reasonable prices Service is top notch and portions are generous"
The Swine That Dines
Located on New York Street in the city centre, The Swine That Dines is the place to visit if you think of yourself as a foodie. The menu offers uncomplicated cooking using local produce and in their words "a little bit of sunshine."
One review said: "Found this fantastic gem a few months ago, not your usual food, small menu, but this is a return visit and the menu changes regular.
"The service is more like a one to one service, food is beautiful, so sensitive with the flavours that they have chosen with the courses. It won’t belong before I’m back."
Another said: "A very warm welcome awaits you !! We had a lovely long Sunday lunch. Each course was delivered by Jo with her wonderful humour and always time for a chat. Stu came out to say hello as well. They both have so much passion and love for their tiny restaurant. Would highly recommend for anyone who wants a delicious meal cooked with love ! Thank you !!"
Piccolo by Piccolino
Piccolo is situated at The Springs retail park in Leeds. Piccolo offers authentic southern Italian-inspired menus and a relaxing atmosphere.
One review says it really does offer authentic cuisine, saying: "Wow excellent food! Authentic ITALIAN FLAVOURS. Excellent service and the fillet/truffle fries was incredible! 100% I recommend this restaurant, GRAZIE so much for the wonderful experience."
Another said: "Lovely family dinner at Piccolo’s amazing experience, efficient service. Emmanuel and team looked after us, 5* service. Thanks Team"
Residence 74 Cafe & Bar
Residence Cafe & Bar found on Otley Road offers a range of dishes from breakfast and brunch to evening dining. The menu features items such as burgers, grilled meats, sharing platters and gyros.
One review said: "What a great find this was, we visited after recommendations and it was faultless, lovely casual staff and great eggs Benedict too. Thank you!"
Another said: "The loveliest place, positive vibes & incredible food. I know ordering a salad is boring but the chicken caesar is sooooo worth it! Staff are super friendly and dogs are welcome "
Yokohama
Yokohama is a contemporary Korean and Japanese Restaurant situated in the heart of Leeds, serving both authentic Korean and Japanese food. All the food is all freshly prepared in-house to order, using the best quality ingredients from local suppliers. With over 100 dishes to choose from, including sushi, sushi rolls, sashimi, grilled food, tempura and rice and noodles.
One review said: "We visited on a Monday evening, and were seated and served quickly. There is a huge choice of food and what we had was lovely. Would be interested to try the Korean BBQ at some point too."
Another added: "Yokohama serves THE best korean food in Leeds. The food is always amazing- I love their kanpung gi and bimimbap. I've vistited many times and have never had a bad meal. The staff are always very friendly and efficient."
De Baga
De Baga is an award winning modern Indian restaurant with venues across Leeds. Their menu offers a modern interpretation to Indian cuisine with the menu featuring a range of familiar dishes with unexpected twists.
One review said: "The food at de baga is incredible. Everything is so fresh and so tasty but what makes this restaurant even more special is the service too. Can’t recommend enough!"
Another said: "De Baga have got everything right! The food is tasty, the service is excellent and the decor is gorgeous. We are both vegetarian and there were lots of options. The peneer and okra starters were delicious. As were the mains. I think the main draw is the ambience. It's stylish and unpretencious, and the owner is usually around to host you. Thanks for another excellent meal."
The Oxford Place
The Oxford Place, named after the street is the only restaurant offering 100 percent gluten free fine dining in Leeds. The menu is broad and imaginative and the reviews speak for themselves.
One review said: "My son and I had a delightful meal, and loved everything presented. Food combinations were mouth-wateringly good. Also lovely quirky design and atmosphere. You would have no idea you were eating GF food and so worth a visit for all."
Another added: "First visit last night, quirky, intimate restaurant. Food absolutely amazing. Belly pork to die for. Would highly recommend and will definitely be back"
Mango
Mango is a family-run Indian vegetarian restaurant based in Wetherby. Chef Rekha serves fresh, home-cooked food with innovative twists from Mango's open kitchen.
You'll find the majority of the menu to be vegan and/or gluten-free.
One review said: "Exceptional! We live in Wetherby and come here regularly. It’s fresh, vibrant and so unique! So different to the “typical” Indian, we love it here. Run by such a welcoming, lovely family too. Would highly recommend!"
Another said: "Went out with a friend last night to Mango. The food is so authentic and freshly cooked!! We loved everything we ordered, great atmosphere and friendly service! Thank you Mango for a very enjoyable evening!!"
Mumtaz
Mumtaz is an Indian restaurant close to the Royal Armouries Museum in the city centre. The menu is vast and offers a range of vegetarian and meat appetisers, seafood, traditional delicacies and sundries.
One review said: "I was working in Leeds and decided to try Mumtaz . It is very good with authentic cooked food . With pride in the presentation and service . Meron my waiter was excellent and has a great knowledge of Indian Cuisine and knows his customers well. Only one issue no alcohol but thats forgivable by the fantastic food"
Another said: "Lovely atmosphere and srrvice from reema was spot on. Can't fault the food never had a bad meal here. Was treated by the other half to an early mothers day meal"
Canal Club
Canal Club on Little Neville Street in Leeds offers a global inspired sharing menu and trendsetting cocktails to accompany. They have a range of dishes such as grilled aubergine tacos, sticky sesame pork belly bites and grilled goats cheese.
One review says: "Took shelter from the treacherous rain on a Monday afternoon. We were welcomed by Connor - who recommended the new ice tea cocktails. Had an enjoyable time for a couple of hours, taking in the happy hour offers including a good range of small plate food deals."
Another said: "Fantastic time and amazing value for money. Great service, Meghan you were fantastic! Definitely recommend. Will be visiting again soon."
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