Leeds is absolutely blessed with one of the best food and drink scenes in the UK...obviously in our opinion it is the best.
In Leeds city centre, and beyond, we have so many wonderful culinary delights to savour. We often run articles on award-winners and venues you have recommended to us but it has been a while since we’ve compiled our own list of tips.
So, here we go. In this feature, you’ll find a deep delve into food fare across our city. Of course, we couldn’t ignore some of the big-hitter venues who regularly receive award praise but hopefully below you’ll discover a few eateries which have landed on your radar for the first time - that's the aim.
Read more: Yorkshire restaurants loved by celebs
As we appreciate people are seeking different things we’ve tried covering a variety of areas. So, you’ll find best in class for popular cuisines, venues which offer great value on a budget and even those places where you might bump into a famous face.
Take a scroll below and see if there’s anywhere new you’d like to try. Of course, as ever, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to tell us your favourite restaurant, cafe or takeaway in Leeds by commenting on this article or messaging us on our Best in Leeds Facebook page.
Celeb hotspots
What better place to start than with a little glitz and glamour? If you are the kind of person who needs to be seen at the ‘in’ places then there might be some restaurants below for you. You’ll find those places loved by Leeds United players, Emmerdale stars and famous faces passing through our city.
The Ivy
Vicar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6BA
Not too much of a surprise to start with. In recent years, the famous establishment The Ivy has hit the road and opened a number of restaurants across the country. We have one right here in Leeds city centre and we’ve previously seen the cast of Emmerdale in there alongside BBC sport host Gabby Logan.
The Ivy Asia
55-57 Vicar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6BA
We couldn’t really include The Ivy without its neighbouring restaurant The Ivy Asia. It opened back in 2022 with a big lavish party attended by Emmerdale faves, Leeds United stars and Leeds winner of The Apprentice Sian Gabbidon. On the varied menu at The Ivy Asia, in Leeds city centre, you’ll find sushi, beef, chicken and vegetable dishes. You can pick from dumplings, skewers and seafood options.
There’s lots of sharing options available with the aromatic half duck and bonsai, which includes black truffle and gold truffle rolls, pickled radish avocado tartare and shallot salsa cucumber among other delights, catching the eye. The menu is designed for a communal dining experience.
The Reliance
76-78 North Street, Leeds, LS2 7PN
Renowned Leeds gastro pub The Reliance is a hotspot to catch Emmerdale stars. In 2022, we reported Marlon Dingle actor Mark Charnock held a big party at the venue to celebrate his 25 years on Emmerdale. It is a great place to dine or enjoy a drink with friends. At the start of 2023, the team from Harrogate-based Three's A Crowd took over the Reliance.
Zaap Thai
4 St.Annes Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3NX
Celebrity Juice star Keith Lemon charmed staff at Zaap Thai, Headingley, as he tucked into bao buns during a visit. Donning his signature fedora hat and eye-catching purple trousers. The Thai chain was founded by chef Ban Kaewkraikhot, the woman behind the Sukhothai restaurant group and it has a street food style menu which keeps lots of people coming back for more.
Rudy’s
2 New Station Street, Leeds, LS1 5DL
Music superstar Lewis Capaldi seems to have found his favourite restaurant in Leeds after popping in Rudy’s pizzeria. Stopping off after a performance at Leeds First Direct Arena, the Scottish singer was very impressed with the offering and service from staff.
Filling in a survey, asked what he liked about his visit to the restaurant, which has a branch in Leeds city centre and in Chapel Allerton, the music star said: “Great staff! V friendly.” Rudy’s follows the authentic Neapolitan tradition of pizza making, serving classic recipes such as marinara, margherita and calabrese, all originating from Naples, the birthplace of pizza. Rudy’s dough is made fresh daily using Caputo ‘00’ flour which ferments for at least 24 hours, alongside ingredients imported from Naples, including San Marzano tomatoes grown on fields next to Mount Vesuvius, and Fior di Latte mozzarella.
Tharavadu
7-8 Mill Hill, Leeds LS1 5DQ
Specialising in Indian favourites, Tharavadu, is one of the Leeds regulars on the culinary awards scene. In 2022, Hollywood stars Simon Pegg and Christopher Lloyd delighted staff at a restaurant when they popped in for a Saturday night meal.
They visited Tharavadu, after shooting their film Nandor Fodor and The Talking Mongoose in Whitby. They were accompanied by some of the crew and director Adam Signal.
Livin’Italy
Granary Wharf, Wharf Approach, Leeds, LS1 4BR
We reported back in 2019, the Leeds United squad had a big social at the charming Italian restaurant positioned underneath Leeds Train Station. Inspired, we have reviewed the venue. The restaurant has an abundance of Italian dishes to choose from.
The menu boasts all the classics as well as some with a unique twist. The restaurant also lets you make your own with an abundance of toppings available for your pizza - should you pot for one. During our visit, there were 33 topping options to choose from.
Chophaus
Louis House, Princes Ave, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, LS8 2FA
Another haunt where we’ve spotted Leeds United players is steakhouse Chophaus. We’ve spied the men’s squad and their partners at the restaurant near Roundhay Park.
Prashad
137 Whitehall Road, Drighlington, BD11 1AT
A restaurant which shot to fame thanks to a little help from Gordon Ramsay is a fair old achievement. Then to have The Hairy Bikers singing your praises is another shot in the arm. At the start of 2023, TV chefs Si King and Dave Myers paid Prashad a visit for their new series Hairy Bikers Go Local.
Co-owners Bobby and Minal Patel and their team opened their doors for the BBC2 series. The food at Prashad tells the story of the Patel family’s lives from India to West Yorkshire, with Gujarati recipes handed down through the family, made with the best produce Yorkshire has to offer.
Salvo’s
115 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3PX
England manager (at least at the time of writing) Gareth Southgate is known to be a regular at Headingley traditional Italian restaurant Salvo’s. At the start of 2022, we popped in for a visit and handed out a glowing five-star review.
Our reviewer said: “The incredibly friendly atmosphere at Salvo’s is matched by the outstanding food. The restaurant has won countless awards and was voted as the UK's best neighbourhood Italian by Gordon Ramsay on Channel 4’s The F Word, but the love and care that goes into every single dish at this family-run restaurant is a tradition that is still going strong after 50 years.”
Best Sunday roasts
Now we’ve put the celebs to one side, let’s focus on something a little more wholesome (and probably a lot more appetising to some) the small matter of the best Sunday roasts in Leeds. In this section, you’ll find some of our tips as well as those venues who have won national praise for their roast dinners.
Shears Yard
11-15 Wharf St, Leeds LS2 7EH
The venue’s Sunday lunch is known to draw people from miles around Yorkshire (and beyond). When our reviewer popped in for a visit they gave the roast menu a stunning five out of five.
Focusing in on some very key elements of the roast, our reviewer said: “The Yorkshire puddings were a triumph. Tall, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with not a burnt or soggy bit in sight, they absorbed the rich but not too heavy gravy and had to shuffled around the plate to reach the veg. The best way.”
Ox Club
19a The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PU
At the start of 2023, we reported Leeds city centre venue the Ox Club ranked in the top 10, across the UK, in the Rate Good Roasts competition. The Rate Good Roasts team have sampled many roast dinners to find their best.
The popular restaurant, a Michelin Guide fave, ranked joint fifth in the UK for their roast. The top 10 was headed by fellow Yorkshire venue The Hawthorn - based in Haworth.
Currently, the Ox Club Sunday roast dinner menu features roast rump cap of beef, Confit fennel, apple and herb porchetta, smoked trotter and fennel gravy as well as smoked beetroot wellington, braised chard, pickled walnut gravy.
Desserts include Dark chocolate cherry ganache, morello cherry sorbet with almond brittle, cheesecake and yuzu meringue pie.
The Fox and Hounds
Tinshill Rd, Leeds, LS16 7BT
It ranked third on a reader poll of the best roast dinners in the UK so he’s a shout to the Fox and Hounds. Their Sunday menu selections are pretty friendly to the bank balance.
You can get one course for £8.99, two for £11.49 and three for £13.99 - offering undeniable value. Roast options include beef, turkey and a vegan choice. Starters include soap, prawn cocktail and breaded mushrooms.
If you can squeeze in a pudding then you can pick from a waffle, treacle sponge pudding and ice cream among other options.
Dill and Bay Restaurant
19 Marsh Street, Rothwell, Leeds LS26 0AG
Coming in fourth on the Tombola poll referenced above, for 2022, was Dill and Bay Restaurant. Their Sunday dinner sittings run between noon and 8pm. Two courses are listed as £19.50 or you can treat yourself to three for £25. Sunday roast mains include Yorkshire silverside of beef, roast pork loin, roast chicken and a nut roast.
The Myrtle Tavern
Parkside Road, Meanwood, Leeds, LS6 4NE
The Myrtle Tavern’s roast dinner is as famous as it is eye-catching. We sent a reviewer to see if it lived up to the hype and, we are pleased to report, thankfully it does. Praising the mammoth Yorkshire pud, our reviewer said: "Any true Yorkshireman knows the true test of a Sunday lunch is its Yorkshire pudding and the Myrtle Tavern’s pièce de résistance doesn’t disappoint. The superb crispy shell envelops a light centre, which is perfect for mopping up the flavoursome gravy."
Vegan and veggie roast dinners
Roast dinners are truly something we all should be enjoying. If you are veggie or vegan there’s a great selection on menus and restaurants and bars all over Leeds. Our reporter Jaimie Kay has put together a list of his four shouts in the city for a meatless Sunday roast.
Whitelock’s
Turk's Head Yard, Leeds, LS1 6HB
Tucked away in an alleyway on Briggate is Whitelock's Ale House. The oldest public house in Leeds has been operating for centuries, changing with the times, including the food.
Whitelock's offer an impressive menu with all the pub classics including a veggie and vegan Sunday lunch menu. Once again, the offer of a vegan roast dinner is off the table, their nut roast is only suitable for veggies but they do offer an avocado burger that may appeal to vegans. It is worth noting our readers named Whitelock's the best place in the city for a roast dinner as part of the Leeds Loves awards.
The Brunswick
82 North Street, Leeds, LS2 7PN
Located on North Street, The Brunswick is a pub that serves burgers, fried chicken and Sunday roasts. They also have over 50 beers both cask and keg and advise booking for the roasts as they sell out most weeks.
The Brunswick opened in 2015 and is regarded as one of the best places to get a roast dinner in the city. They offer a range of meats, including topside of beef, porchetta, chicken supreme and veggie/vegan roasts for the non-meat eaters.
They are regarded as good value and flavoursome by visitors. This is a good choice if you want to try a vegan Sunday dinner.
Wapentake
92 Kirkgate, Leeds LS2 7DJ
Wapentake is a bar that prides itself on serving locally sourced, Yorkshire ingredients. Their menu is as local as possible, they source ingredients from their literal neighbours in Kirkgate Market.
All their meat products, fruit and veg and eggs come from the market meaning it's not travelled far at all. Wapentake also offer a range of vegan and gluten-free options to everything on the menu, including a vegan roast dinner.
Kirkstall Bridge Inn
12 Bridge Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3BW
This pub, located in Kirkstall by the River Aire serves delicious food and beer. It's not known so much for its veggie and vegan alternatives but according to reviews, it serves some pretty good vegan roasts.
Sitting atop their roasts is a massive Yorkshire Pudding complete with all the trimmings. One review praised the vegan alternative, saying: "What a wonderful change to have a decent Vegan option on a Sunday that isn't a nut roast or just vegetables, fantastic food in a lovely setting would highly recommend, food is fresh and home cooked and the meat versions looked fantastic, most pubs can't be bothered to make fresh vegan Yorkshire puddings, this is a real treat for any vegan or meat eater on a Sunday."
Our five star picks
As you can see, throughout this article we’ve tried to give you a little authenticity by providing some of our personal selections for places to dine in Leeds. We’ve dedicated this section to the five-star review experiences served up by restaurants in our city.
These come as part of our weekly review series where we anonymously visit restaurants, cafes and bars in Leeds.
L’Aquilla
152 High St, Boston Spa, Wetherby LS23 6BW
This venue pitches itself as a celebration of traditional Italian cuisine. After a 2022 visit, our reviewer described the restaurant and its offering a ‘stupendous’. In the feature, they said: “The linguine seafood dish came with prawns, mussels, scallops, squid, sweet cherry tomatoes, white wine, fresh chilli, and garlic.
“Again, it was a very generous portion and it was sumptuous. The prawns were ample sized and cooked delicately. The real highlight of the meal was the ravioli dish however, the parcels of pasta were filled with seabass, chopped tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil and white wine sauce.”
Mowgli
32 Boar Lane, Leeds LS1 5DA
The Mowgli series of restaurants has gone from strength to strength in recent years. People rave about their swing seating but it is the food which really propels the venue ahead of many of its competitors.
You can expect a selection of Indian street food classics on the menu. Awarding a five-star write up, our reviewer said: “Leeds has award-winning Indian restaurants and with Bradford next door, you're never far from a cracking curry. But Mowgli's tapas-style menu, exciting dishes and its buzzing, beautiful setting made for a special evening and we'll certainly return.”
Salvatore’s
107 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3PX
Salvatore Dammone is behind the venture which opened in 2022. He’s the grandson of the man behind Gareth Southgate’s favourite haunt Salvo’s. Another of Leeds’ finest Italian dining experiences.
Our reviewer stated: “Overall we had a fantastic time. I don't usually dish out five stars but I couldn't help myself. The service was excellent and the food was delicious - we can't wait to come again.”
Bacchus
131 Queen Street, Morley, Leeds LS27 8HE
Bacchus' menu includes dishes from meat infused with Turkish spices, Greek small plates and starters, fish, casseroles, pastas, kebabs, vegetarian options, and more.
After visiting, our reviewer said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at Bacchus and couldn't recommend it enough to people visiting Morley, probably one of the nicest Mediterranean restaurants I've eaten at in Yorkshire. I found the prices were fairly reasonable too, especially with the two courses offer.”
Heany and Mill
50 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 2AL
Heany and Mill is an elegant, sophisticated spot for casual dining. They offer breakfast, meat dishes, sandwiches, seafood and desserts. While their Sunday roast isn’t bad either.
Our reviewer went and sampled their regular menu. This what they said: “In all of the dishes, each flavour came through incredibly to create what I can only describe as just really great dishes.
The service was great and the atmosphere was alight with the buzz of people enjoying the sun, drinks and the food. Heaney and Mill is on the slightly more expensive side, but in my opinion, worth the money for splashing out on a special occasion.”
Cheap eats and hidden gems
For this section, we thought we’d enlist the help of a chef who knows the Leeds food scene better than most. You'd think if you were an acclaimed chef you'd be eating at fine dining establishments similar to your own.
But it's not the case, at least not for Masterchef finalist and Leeds restaurateur Jono Hawthorne. His multi-award-winning restaurant Chef Jono at V&V, on New Briggate, serves immaculately presented, inventive, international fusion cuisine.
Jono loves a good, cheap munch as much as we do and he knows where in Leeds to get one. Here is a selection of his favourite restaurants, takeaways and food shops.
Crown Buffet
Gower Street, Leeds, LS2 7PX
Despite its name, this Chinese restaurant just north of the city centre does a la carte as well as a buffet. Jono says pithily: "If you know, you know."
Mill Hill Kebabs
4 Mill Hill, Leeds LS1 5DQ
A kebab should be a proper dish in its own right, not something that's only palatable after a drinking session. And they're very palatable at this takeaway on Mill Hill. Jono says: "Proper kebab, proper salad and proper sauce. Bosh!"
Mrs Atha's
18 Central Road, Leeds LS1 6DE
This cool coffee house is Jono's recommendation for hot, caffeinated beverages. He says: "Coffee bangs and the decor is sick."
San Co.co
12 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NU
Jono calls this unassuming cafe on New Briggate a 'great little breakfast spot'.
Stuzzi
7 Merrion Street, Leeds LS1 6PQ
This restaurant in Grand Arcade is Jono's preferred place for Italian food, except for Italy perhaps. "No words needed. Just thank you for being in Leeds," says Jono.
The Whitehall
West Point, Whitehall Road, Leeds LS1 4JY
This restaurant and bar at West Point is where Jono likes to go for his Sunday lunch. He says: "One of the best Sunday roasts in Leeds. Not sure what is in their gravy but it is unbelievable."
Our hidden gem tips
Of course, it is only fair that we offer up some of our ‘hidden gem’ tips too. We can’t let Jono do all the work. So, additionally, below you’ll find some of our shouts for some of the best kept secret dining experiences in Leeds.
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.
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.
Murgatroyds
Harrogate Road, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7BN
For a little bit of indulgent balance, we'll squeeze a chippy on this list. Definitely one for a family day out as you can see the planes coming to and from Leeds Bradford Airport. The company was founded by the Chadwick family in 1994 - but it was named after a famous Leeds businessman that put Yeadon on the map in the 1870s.
Billy Murgatroyd was the owner of Moorfield Mills where Murgatroyds now stands. He was known for saying: “When I’m in London I’m called Sir, when I’m in Bradford it’s Mr. Murgatroyd, but when I’m in t’mill it’s ‘t’owd bugger’s back again!”
He didn’t doubt himself at all, asking: “Why settle for less than t’best?” And when it comes to fish and chips, Murgatroyd's is clearly determined to offer the best. Customers have deemed their fare 'the best ever' and 'fish and chips cooked to perfection'.
You can sit in or take your chips away - the choice is yours.
Tell us the shops and restaurants you'd like to see open in Leeds by completing our poll. You can also do so here.
The acclaimed
And, last but certainly not least, we are going to take a little stop to some of the most revered restaurants in Leeds. The venues below have huge heritage, regularly nominated for awards and have trophy cabinets filled with accolades.
The Man Behind The Curtain
68-78 Vicar Lane Lower Ground Floor Flannels, Leeds LS1 7JH
Opened in 2014 by chef Michael O'Hare. This venue prides itself on being a little unusual and so many love it for that reason. The dishes all have a modern twist and the presentation of the meals often borders on artistry.
Cora
162 High Street, Boston Spa, Wetherby, LS23 6BW
Cora is all about bold, modern British flavours and local ingredients, in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Spend time in their restaurant or at our counter grazing on some delicious nibbles.
Crafthouse
70 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6HW
Level 5, Trinity, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6HW
Crafthouse offers regularly changing seasonal British menus and views across the city from within the restaurant or their outside terrace.
HanaMatsuri
580 Meanwood Road, Meanwood, Leeds, LS6 4AZ
In the Michelin Guide, this restaurant is described as: “Suburban Leeds is home to this very intimate restaurant, which seats just seven guests and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Japanese memorabilia and shelves of sake fill the room. The chef-owner serves a wide range of sushi and sashimi crafted from good quality imported ingredients.”
Bengal Brasserie
Venues across Leeds
Reguarly features in the conversation about the best Indian restaurants in Leeds. In 2022, we reviewed their Burley restaurant and loved the experience. Our reviewer said lots but this probably sums it up well enough, they said: "Terrific service, I look forward to visiting again."
Home
3 Brewery Place, Leeds, LS10 1NE
Home’s food menu comprises a series of tasting dishes presented across multiple plates. Sustainable seafood, local lamb, venison and other game sit alongside seasonal vegetables and fruits. These ingredients are enhanced by locally grown herbs, seaweeds from rock pools and interesting flavourings from across the world.
Some of the elements on the tasting menu take weeks of preparation, while other ingredients are handpicked for the exact number of bookings received.
Dakota Grill
8 Russell Street, Leeds, LS1 5RN
Succulent steaks are a speciality here. They use prime cuts sourced from traditionally reared, grass-fed cattle from the very best British farms. The steaks are lightly seasoned and flash-grilled on hot coals.
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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