Casual dining restaurants are by far the most popular choice in Leeds and with the city centre bursting with options, competition is fierce.

The latest player on Leeds’ casual dining scene is Pizza Punks, with a great offering of reasonably priced sourdough pizza, fresh pasta and craft cocktails. Having already seen huge success with their other restaurants in Glasgow and Newcastle, the company chose Leeds as the home for their latest opening and boy are we glad about that!

Our experience at Pizza Punk in Leeds…

We were lucky enough to have been invited over on Sunday evening to find out exactly what Pizza Punks in Leeds has to offer and we were more than happy to oblige.

Just yards away from Trinity Leeds, Pizza Punks’ new restaurant looks modern and inviting from the outside, with their recognisable funky branding and what we think is a rather large exterior dining area for this part of the city.

We arrived at 6 pm and received an enthusiastic greeting from the staff member at the door. They had only opened the day before and business was already booming at Pizza Punks Leeds; no doubt partially due to the excellent marketing campaigns they ran during the lead up to launch.

The restaurant wasn’t at full capacity so we were given the option of a booth area at the back of the restaurant or a table by the window. I always appreciate being offered a choice of tables as I’m not one who enjoys being gawped at by passers-by whilst trying not to miss my mouth.

Soon after we were seated, a friendly young waitress came to take our drinks order. As their cocktail menu is quite extensive, being comprised of their own creative craft cocktails plus classics with a twist, I asked for the waitress’ recommendation. It was soon decided that my sweet-toothed husband would have the Swizzle’s Matlow Drumstick inspired cocktail and I would have the Vanilla Manhattan – supposedly the “the booziest one on the menu”.

Shortly after our drinks had been ordered, the same polite and bubbly waitress returned to take our food order. There were no lengthy waits whatsoever during our visit.

The sides and starters section of Pizza Punks’ menu includes all the expected offerings at a pizzeria – Doughballs, Salad, Chicken Wings, Bruschetta, Mac n Cheese etc. We chose the Chicken Wings and the Garden Salad to share between us.

Usually, ordering pizza is a simple process. You are often presented with a list of pizza names, each with different topping combinations. We all have our favourites and most of us like to stick to what we know. Pizza Punks, however, offer far more than that. Yes, such a list exists on their menu but you are also able to create your own. For just £11, you can have as many toppings as you want and the list of available toppings is pretty extensive. The same applies to their fresh pasta – choose your sauce and then add unlimited toppings. Quite apt for a company that describes themselves as “advocates of freedom and expression, of making your own choices and not playing by the rules” and “giving you the freedom to be who you are”.

I’ve always been a fan of pizza but having developed a tomato allergy in recent years, it isn’t usually an option for me when eating out. Most pizza places tend to offer only garlic butter as an alternative to the tomato sauce base and I find this makes the pizza far too greasy. I was pleasantly surprised to discover Pizza Punks offer a white sauce as an alternative and this was partly why I was so eager to accept the invitation!

Both my husband and I chose to create our own pizzas. I opted for the white sauce base and chose courgette, roasted rosemary and garlic potatoes and caramelised pork belly as toppings. My husband, being unashamedly predictable, requested a BBQ sauce base topped with Chipotle Pulled Pork and Rum Ham Hock.

Not long after our food order had been taken, our cocktails arrived. The Drumstick-inspired drink was indeed garnished with a retro lollipop – much to my husband’s delight! As mine was a smoked cocktail, it arrived in a bottle and was poured out by the waitress at our table. Upon tasting, I found the waitress’s description of it as “the booziest one on the menu” to be entirely accurate. That initial taste blew my socks off but further sips were far more pleasing on the palette as the beautiful flavours of smoked vanilla and chocolate bitters became increasingly noticeable.

Our starters arrived shortly after our drinks and we were given a number of wet wipes for sticky fingers. Both dishes were perfectly seasoned and packed with flavour – particularly the sauce on the chicken wings which delivered just the right amount of heat. Nothing to fault there whatsoever.

Our pizzas arrived not long after we had cleared our starter plates and we ordered a second round of cocktails before getting stuck in. This time, a Strawberry Smash for my husband and a Love Heart sweets inspired cocktail for myself.

When the pizzas arrived, mine was a tad overdone on the underneath but as someone who purposely burns toast, a blackened base is a bonus for me rather than a negative! I’m sure, had this not been the case, the staff would have rectified this immediately as throughout our visit they remained attentive and eager to please without being intrusive.

At Pizza Punks they have taken the best elements from various pizza-making methods to create their own unique style. As stated on their website, “This is not Neapolitan Pizza, this is not New York Pizza. This is Pizza Punks!”. Their dough was inspired by the legendary sourdough produced at the famous Boudin Bakery in San Francisco. Handmade in-house using the finest Italian ingredients, it is fermented for 48 hours to ensure maximum taste. The result is a thin, crisp base for the toppings and a wonderfully light but chewy crust.

Although delighted to have been able to choose a white sauce base, I had been somewhat worried that this would make the pizza too sickly. This wasn’t the case at all as the white sauce made the perfect base for the flavoursome toppings I had requested, A truly delicious pizza that was vastly different to any I’ve tried before. The creaminess of the sauce paired perfectly with the freshness of the vegetables and the subtle sweetness of the Caramelised Pork Belly. The Limoncello based cocktail I had chosen also complemented the flavours perfectly.

My husband’s pizza looked equally delicious and was loaded with meaty toppings. He can be a difficult one to please when it comes to pizza and usually comes away from big chain pizzerias voicing his disappointment. He wolfed his pizza down in no time before claiming it was one of the best he had ever had in a restaurant and then proceeded to devour the rest of mine.

Upon finishing, we were asked if we would like to order desserts. We politely declined as had no room for anything else within our stomachs. Had we brought our son, we would undoubtedly have ordered the Biscoff Cheesecake for him so that we could “just have a little taste”.

All in all, it was an enjoyable dining experience. The atmosphere within the contemporary restaurant was incredibly chilled with its industrial style decor, punk playlist and super friendly staff. Precisely what we needed on a dull and dreary Sunday evening. We left Pizza Punks and headed back to the train station feeling satisfied and in good spirits – possibly due to the strength of the cocktails and not just the exceptional quality of the food.

There are plenty of places in Leeds offering pizzas and cocktails but we recommend making Pizza Punks your next stop. At just £11 for a great quality pizza with as many toppings as you desire, it’s superb value for money. The cocktails average at around £8.50 and you certainly get your money’s worth in alcohol. I’ve paid a few pounds higher for cocktails in Leeds which tasted of nothing other than fruit juice. If you do visit Pizza Punks, we’d love to know your thoughts. We’ll be visiting again very soon!

The restaurants in Leeds Trinity are eclectic and there’s pretty much any cuisine you can think of there. With that in mind, it can be difficult to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best restaurants in Leeds Trinity. With the help of our guide, you’ll be able to satisfy your food cravings, whilst taking a well deserved break from shopping. If you’re planning on venturing out of the Trinity Centre, check out our Restaurants in Leeds guide.

Absurd Bird

Absurd Bird Unit TK5, Trinity Leeds / Trinity Kitchen, 27 Albion St, Leeds LS1 5ER

If Fried Chicken is your thing, Absurb Bird is a brilliant choice. They specialise in the food of Southern America, with a varied menu which includes monster wings, big bird burgers and even fried chicken waffles. It’s comfort food at its best – just bear in mind that the portions are generous so if you’re planning on shopping after, you might need to rest for a bit first.

The Alchemist

The Alchemist, 27 Albion St, Leeds LS1 6HW

One of Leeds’ trendiest bars and restaurants, The Alchemist offers an extensive and diverse menu. Perhaps best known for their creative cocktails, the food here is presented beautifully and the chefs are carefully selected. Although it really comes alive by night, it’s a great place for lunch. In the summer months, their roof terrace is often crowded so it’s advisable to book ahead.

Angelica

Angelica, Level 6, Trinity, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds LS1 6HW

Offering some of the best views of Leeds, Angelica sits at the very top of Leeds Trinity. It’s a bar and restaurant which comes with an air of class. They specialise in cocktails, bubbles and locally sourced beers although their food is popular. On the menu, you’ll find dishes to suit every time of day. Breakfast includes the likes of Eggs Benedict making it a great place for brunch. The highlight of their lunch and dinner menu’s are their seafood – including everything from lobster to oysters.

The Botanist

The Botanist, 67 Boar Lane, Leeds LS1 6HW

At the base of Leeds Trinity, accessible from outside the confines of the shopping centre, The Botanist is an ever popular haunt. They’re another bar and restaurant which is popular for their eclectic drinks menu. Food at the Botanist is homely and includes everything from burgers to Sunday lunch. It’s one of the most popular places in Leeds Trinity, so booking ahead is advised.

Cabana

Cabana, 4, Albion Street, Leeds LS1 5AT

One of the UK’s  emerging chain restaurants, Cabana specialises in Rio Street Food.They’re mostly popular for their meats, which come marinated with herbs and spices associated with Brazil. As well as serving food, they have a range of cocktails. If you’re after a bargain, they often have promotions running, so there’s the chance to grab yourself an affordable lunch in between shopping.

Carluccio’s

Carluccio’s, 413 Albion Street, Leeds LS1 5AY

You’ll find Carluccio’s on the top level of Leeds Trinity shopping centre. Specialising in Italian gastronomy they boast sensible prices, a wide and varied menu as well as a good sized wine menu. They’re part of a 80+ strong restaurant chain with a winning formula. Wether you’re looking for a relaxed dining experience or simply fancy tasty Italian food with a reasonable price tag, Carluccio’s is a safe bet.

Chicago Rib Shack

Chicago Rib Shack, Trinity Kitchen, Albion Street, Leeds LS1 5AT

American styles BBQ is the name of the game at Chicago Rib Shack. The aptly named restaurant dates back to 1982 and they’re clearly passionate about BBQing here. What’s more, it’s a reasonably priced place to eat, with a lunch time offering which includes Half Rack of Ribs/Classic Burger, Fries and a drink for just £10. If you’re looking for a quick, inexpensive bite to eat, it’s worth a visit.

Crafthouse

Crafthouse, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds LS1 6HW

On the fifth floor, Crafthouse is a fantastic restaurant in Trinity Leeds. There’s a sense of theatre surrounding the restaurant, you have to access it through a scenic lift after all. They serve an extensive menu of creatively put together food although you’ll pay more than most of the other restaurants in Leeds Trinity. With extensive wine list on offer to compliment the food, Crafthouse is perfect if you want something a bit more extravegant.

Giraffe

Giraffe, 414 Albion Street, Leeds LS1 5AY

Giraffe is a restaurant in Leeds Trinity with a great lunch time offering for those not wanting to spend a lot. Their lunchtime menu is available for just £6.95. On the menu, they’ve got dishes inspired by different parts of the world, including burgers, curries and steaks. Although it’s far from a fine dining restaurant, it’s great if you’re a bit picky and like to have a wide selection to choose from.

Handmade Burger Co

Handmade Burger Co, Trinity East, Leeds LS1 5ER

Open every day of the week, Handmade Burger Co is a great place to stop if you’re a burger fan. Their selection of burgers is extensive and they use good quality meat and produce to create their food. Founded in 2006, they now have over 40 handmade burgers available for you to choose from. They have 21 other restaurants across the country and have solidified themselves as one of the high-street restaurants to watch.

Meat Liquor

MEATliquor, Albion Street, Leeds LS1 5AT

Vegans and Vegetarians, this might not be the place for you. MEATliquor specialises in meat, with a great selection of burgers, wings and hotdogs. They’ve been trading since 2011, and have multiple restaurants across the country. If you’re looking for a meaty lunch with an affordable price tag, their lunch time menu is available for just £10 and includes any burger, fries and unlimited “soda.”

Honourable Mentions:

Wasabi

Partial to Sushi, Ramen or Katsu Curry? Wasabi is a great place to grab a bite for fans of no thrills, informal Japanese inspired food. Although it’s not a restaurant, their food is something a bit different and is extraordinarily popular over lunch time. The fast paced, pick & mix style of service is perfect for people working in Leeds who want something beyond your bog standard Tesco Meal Deal.

Other Street Food Vendors – Leeds Trinity Kitchen

Trinity Kitchen, which is tucked away in a corner of Leeds Trinity offers a whole world of food to choose from. It’s one of the most popular lunch spots for people working in Leeds. Offering a diverse selection of street food, it’s more affordable than the other restaurants in Leeds Trinity.

The roster of street food vendors changes from time to time, but you can be confident that you’ll find something to suit your craving. Among the most recent vendors to set up shop are Big Dub Love – who’ve brought “The Big Dub Burger” (Beef patty with chorizo, Mexican cheese, crispy onions and gherkins on a squid ink brioche bun.) Eat Like a Greek is another new arrival, specialising in… you guessed it – Greek Cuisine. Dapur Malaysia also took residency recently, serving a vibrant selection of Malaysian dishes. There’s too many to list in this article, but keep in touch with with our Leeds Food & Drink guides for updates.

Minh has an impressive 19 years experience in the food industry, which began back in Vietnam and Thailand where he learned how to create an abundance of fragrant dishes under the guidance of his parents. Later on, Minh headed to London where he underwent expert training to learn additional skills and master the art of cooking his favourite cuisine.

Viet-Thai is a cosy little establishment that seats 20 diners. Focus is very much on the freshness of the ingredients so expect superb quality produce in all their dishes! Minh and Huong have taken a healthy approach to Thai and Vietnamese cooking so expect light and delicious meals that won’t affect your waistline and leave you feeling like you have overindulged!

Starters are priced from £5.50 and main courses from £8.90. They don’t serve alcohol but you can bring your own booze to enjoy with your meal. Soft drinks are available.

Menu

Starters

1. Starters Platter: Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Juicy Tiger Prawns & Chicken Satay –  £7.90 /pp (Minimum two persons)

2. Vietnamese Crispy Spring Rolls, with a Light Sauce Dip – £5.90/5.50

3. “Cha” Vietnamese Fish Cake, with Sweet Chilli Dip – £6.20  

4. Juicy Tiger Prawns Lightly Battered, with a Peanut Sauce Dip OR Homemade Fruit Sauce OR Sweet Chilli sauce –  £6.20

5. Fresh & Healthy Summer Rolls, with Homemade Plum Sauce & Peanut Dip, with Tiger Prawns OR Tofu – £6.20/5.90

6. Chicken Satay, Dip in Peanut Sauce –  £5.90

7. Tender Squid OR Spare Ribs / with Garlic, Fresh Chilli & Spring Onion, a dry style – £6.50

8. Fresh & Crunchy Mango Salad with Fresh Herbs & Ground (Peanut Prawns/Chicken/Vegetarian)  – £6.50/5.90/5.50

9. Aromatic Crispy Duck 1/4 OR 1/2 – £10.90/19.90

Soups

10. Tom Yum with Tiger Prawns OR Chicken OR Vegetarian SMALL: £6.50/5.90/5.50 – LARGE: £9.50/8.90/8.50

11. Pho with Tiger Prawns/Chicken/Beef/Tofu  SMALL: £6.50/5.90/5.50 – LARGE: £9.50/8.90/8.50

Mains

12.  Green or Red Curry with Lamb/Fish/Tiger Prawns/Duck/Chicken/Beef/Vegetables – £11.50/10.90/10.90/10.90/9.90/9.90/9.50

13.  Vietnamese Curry with Lamb/Fish/Tiger Prawns/Duck/Chicken/Beef/Vegetables – £11.50/10.90/10.90/10.90/9.90/9.90/9.50

14. Tasty Sliced Lamb Or Pork Marinated in Five Spice & Herbs –  £11.50/10.50

14b. Vietnamese Caramel Pork (succulent pork in a thick,sticky sauce with warm spice, Moist style) – £10.50

15. Tender Chicken Breast Marinated with Fresh Ginger, Garlic and Spring Onion – £10.90

16. Crispy Chicken Breast with Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce OR Satay Sauce OR Fruit Sauce OR Sweet & Sour Sauce –  £9.90

17. Authentic Lamb/Chicken/Beef/Vegetables, Cooked in Chilli & Spicy Sauce        – £11.50/9.90/9.90/9.50

18. Traditional Black Bean Sauce with Garlic and Fresh Chilli, with Lamb/Tiger Prawns/Duck/Chicken/Beef/Veg – £11.50/10.90/10.90/9.90/9.90/9.50

19. Creamy Coconut Satay Sauce with Tiger Prawns/Chicken/Beef/Vegetables        – £10.90/9.90/9.90/9.50

20. Yummy Crispy Duck Breast with Homemade Fruit Sauce OR Sweet Chilli Sauce – £10.90

21. Shaking Lamb/Beef/Chicken/Veg, cooked with Fresh Chilli, Herbs, and Black Pepper Vietnamese Style – £11.50/9.90/9.90/9.50

21b. Lemongrass & Chili, Cooked with Bean Sprouts, Chilli & Herbs, with Lamb/Tiger Prawns/Chicken/Beef/Pork/Veg – £11.50/10.90/9.90/9.90/9.90/9.50

22. Juicy Tiger Prawns Cooked with Chilli Spring Onion & Garlic –  £10.90

23. Tender Salmon Cooked in Tamarind Sauce & Herbs –  £10.90

24. Catfish (A meaty white fish fillet from Vietnam marinated with spice and herbs) – £10.90

Location

It’s family run with a small and well trained team of friendly waiters and passionate chefs. Jino’s is the maiden name of Malinee, the owner.

They also offer BYOB, which is a big hit with locals who enjoy saving some money by bringing their own alcohol.

Where is Jino’s Thai Cafe?

Sample of Jinos Thai Cafe’s Menu

1. Poh Piah £4.45

Thai spring rolls. Crispy pastry wraps with chicken, veg & rice noodle filling, with sweet chilli dip

2. Poh Piah Pak (v) £4.45

Vegetarian spring rolls. As above, with veg filling in place of chicken, served with a sweet chilli dip

3. Kanom Pang Nah Gai £4.45

Deep-fried bread portions with marinated minced chicken & herb topping, served with sweet chilli dipping sauce

4. Goong Chup Pang Tod £5.75

Tiger prawns in crispy batter, served with sweet chilli dipping sauce

5. Geow Grob £4.45

Crispy fried parcels with minced chicken & herb filling, served with sweet chilli dipping sauce

6. Tod Man Pla £6.25

Thai style spicy fish cakes made in-house to Jino’s own recipe, with a sweet chilli & peanut dip

7. Pak Tod (v) £4.45

Fresh mixed vegetables, deep fried in crispy batter & served with sweet chilli dipping sauce

8. Tod Man Khao Pode (v) £4.45

Home-made fried sweetcorn patties, served with sweet chilli dipping sauce

9. Dao Hu Tod (v) £4.45

Deep fried tofu pieces served with sweet chilli & peanut dipping sauce

10. Satay Gai £6.25

Marinated strips of chicken breast, grilled on bamboo skewers & served with peanut & veg pickle dips

11. Satay Hed (v) £6.25

Marinated Chinese mushrooms, grilled on bamboo skewers & served with peanut & veg pickle dips

112. Satay Goong £6.95

Tiger prawns, grilled on bamboo skewers, served with peanut & veg pickle dipping sauces

113. Goong Hom Pa £5.95

Deep fried tiger prawns in a pastry wrap, served with sweet chilli dipping sauce

114. Gra Dook Moo £6.25

Thai style pork spare ribs in a special sauce

12. Jino’s Mix (for 2) £8.50

Chicken satays, spring rolls & deep fried vegetables in batter, all accompanied with dipping sauces

13. Jino’s Special Mix (for 2) £9.35

Tiger prawns in batter, Thai style spicy fish cakes & home-made sweetcorn patties served with dips

14. Jino’s Vegetarian Mix (for 2) (v) £8.50

Mushroom satays, vegetable spring rolls & deep fried tofu pieces, all with dipping sauces

Curries

From The Wok

FREE Thai fragrant steamed rice included with all curries (fried rice, noodles or coconut rice £2.00 extra)

FREE Thai fragrant steamed rice included with all stir fries (fried rice, noodles or coconut rice £2.00 extra)

Gaeng Ped Thai red curry. A spicy blend of herbs & spices, cooked with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, red & green peppers

52. with chicken breast £10.45

with chicken breast £10.45

with chicken breast £10.45

53. with beef £10.45

54. with tiger prawns £11.50

55. with mixed fresh vegetables (no meat) (v) £10.15

Gaeng Kiew Wan Thai green curry. Spicy dish with coconut milk, sweet basil, courgettes, red & green peppers

56. with chicken breast£10.45

57. with beef £10.45

58. with tiger prawns £11.50

59. with mixed fresh vegetables (no meat) (v) £10.15

Panaeng Rich, creamy Thai style curry with coconut milk, lime leaves, sweet basil, onions, red & green peppers

60. with chicken breast £10.45

61. with pork £10.45

62. with beef £10.45

63. with tiger prawns £11.50

64. with tofu pieces (v) £10.45

641. with mixed fresh veg (no meat) (v) £10.15

Gaeng Matsaman Aromatic coconut curry with potatoes, red & green peppers, onions & peanuts

65. with chicken breast £10.45

66. with pork £10.45

661. with beef £10.45

67. with tiger prawns £11.50

671. with tofu pieces (v) £10.45

68. with mixed fresh vegetables (no meat) (v) £10.15

Gaeng Pa “Jungle Curry”. Very spicy dish, cooked with red curry paste, holy basil, bamboo shoots, red & green peppers

681. with chicken breast £10.45

682. with pork £10.45

683. with beef £10.45

684. with tiger prawns £11.50

685. with fish (haddock) £11.50

686. with mixed fresh veg (no meat) (v) £10.15

69. Pla Shu Shi £11.50

Thai style fish curry. Tender pieces of haddock, cooked with coconut cream, lime leaves, onions, red & green peppers & flavoured with sweet basil

The menu is extensive and has all of the typically western Thai Dishes – Pad Thai, Yellow Curry and the like. However, it has a wider range of dishes which could be considered more adventurous, so it really does cater for the best of both worlds. What’s more, they deliver, so if you’re looking for something delicious on an evening, but want to kick back and have a night in, we can’t recommend Tamarind Thai Kitchen enough!

Where to find Tamarind Thai Kitchen

Sample of their Menu

Red Curry

Classic red curry cooked with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, courgettes, sweet basil, aubergine & chillies
Hot

Chicken

£6.95+

Green Curry

Traditional green curry cooked with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, courgettes, sweet basil, aubergine & chillies
Hot

Chicken

£6.95+

Massaman Curry

Rich Thai curry cooked with coconut milk, potato, onion, carrot & peanut garnished crispy shallots
Contains nuts

Chicken

£6.95+

Panang Curry

Rich & creamy Thai curry cooked with Thai panang curry paste, coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves & vegetables

Chicken

£6.95+

Pad Thai

Popular Thai stir-fried noodle cooked with egg, bean sprouts, spring onion & ground peanut

Chicken

£6.95

Tamarind Platter for 2

Chicken satay, chicken spring rolls, chicken & prawn on toast & pork spare ribs
Contains nuts

£9.95+

Vegetarian Platter for 2

Veggie spring rolls, sweetcorn cakes, tofu satay, mixed veg tempura
Contains nuts
Vegetarian

Vegetarian

£7.95+

Chicken Satay

Grilled marinated chicken skewers served with peanut sauce
Contains nuts

£4.20+

Thai Fish Cake

Minced fish with chopped fine beans, lime leaves & red curry paste served with sweet chilli sauce

£4.20+

Chicken & Prawn on Toast

Minced chicken & prawns with sesame seeds on toast served with sweet chilli sauce

£4.20+

Thai Pork & Prawns Dumpling

Steamed pork & prawns dumplings served with fried garlic and special soy sauce

£4.20+

Prawn Tempura

Deep-fried prawns in crispy light batter served with sweet chilli sauce

£4.50+

Chicken Tempura

Deep-fried chicken in crispy light batter served with sweet chilli sauce

£4.20+

Pork Spare Ribs

Pork spare ribs marinated in special sauce topped with roasted sesame seeds

£3.95+

Thai Chicken Wings

Fried marinated chicken wings served with sweet chilli sauce

£4.20+

Chicken Spring Rolls

Spring rolls filled with chicken, cabbage, carrot, peas & sweetcorn served with sweet chilli sauce

£4.20+

Thai Prawn Crackers

Deep-fried prawn crackers served with sweet chilli sauce

£2.20+

Chicken Chilli

Crispy chicken tossed with diced pepper, onion & chilli sauce

£4.20+

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Crispy spring rolls filled with cabbage, vermicelli noodle, carrot, peas & sweetcorn served with chilli sauce
Vegetarian

Vegetarian

£3.75+

Thai Sweetcorn Cake

Deep-fried sweetcorn cakes served with sweet chilli sauce
Vegetarian

Vegetarian

£3.75+

Tofu Satay

Fried tofu skewer served with peanut sauce
Vegetarian

Vegetarian

This is probably one of the best Tapas restaurants in Leeds due to the authenticity of its food and the relaxed, rural ambience it has worked so hard to achieve. Unlike many Spanish restaurant menus, the list of dishes available on offer at El Bareto is pretty extensive and not just exclusive to tapas style dining. If you have an aversion to seafood or you’re a strict vegetarian, you’ll still find a whole array of dishes to tuck into with friends or enjoy alone.

All the dishes on their menu are very reasonably priced. Starters begin at £2.50 for Marinated Olives and the most expensive item on the menu is the Fillet Steak in Blue Cheese Sauce at £12.90. We’ve listed their starters and tapas options below but the full menu can be found on their website.

Menu

Starters

Marinated Olives – £2.50

Marinated Anchovies – £4.20

Slices of Spanish Manchego Cheese – £7.50

Ibericos ( Jamon, Chorizo & Salchichon) – £8.90

Tapas

Chorizo Sausage in Cider – £5.90

Spanish Meatballs – £6.50

Garlic Mushrooms – £5.50

Oven-Baked Mushroom (Cheese) – £5.50

Oven-Baked Mushroom (Cheese & Bacon) – £5.90

Vegetable Ratatouille & Fried Egg – £6.50

Padron Peppers – £5.95

Jalapeno Croquettes – £5.95

Jamon Croquettes – £5.95

Pollo Croquettes – £5.95

Haddock & Prawn Croquettes – £5.95

Grilled Squid – £5.50

Deep Fried Squid in Batter – £6.50

Garlic King Prawns – £7.90

Lemon King Prawns £7.90

Location

Rated 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, Dos Amigos has established a great reputation in the area for being one of the best Tapas restaurants in Leeds. They serve a wide variety of tapas dishes, ranging from classics like Patas Bravos to a range of cheeses and Anti-Pasti.

Where to find Dos Amigos

Dos Amigos Menu

Bread – Pans

PAN

GF*  V  VEGAN

Basket of bread

£1.50

PIZZA AGLIO

V  VEGAN

Garlic pizza tomato

 £4.95

PAN PLUS

GF*  V  VEGAN

Basket of bread with choice of one dip (Alioli, Catalan or Oil & Balsamic)

£3.25

PIZZA AGLIO BIANCO

V

Garlic pizza with garlic, olive oil and cheese

 £4.95

PAN DE PIZZA

V  VEGAN*

Fresh dough balls with alioli or garlic butter

£4.75

PAN CATALAN

 GF*  V  VEGAN

Basket of bread with fresh chopped tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil

£3.25

PIZZA AJILLO Y QUESO

V

Garlic pizza with tomato and cheese

 £5.25

Cold Starters

MANCHEGO CHEESE

GF  V

Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk

£4.50

TABLA DE EMBUTIDOS

Selection of Spanish and Italian cured meats

 £6.95

BOQUERONES

GF

Marinated anchovies

 £3.25

SERRANO

GF

Sliced Spanish cured ham

 £4.95

ANTIPASTO (2 PEOPLE)

GF*

A selection of cold starters served with a basket of bread

 £12.95

ACIETUNAS

GF  V  VEGAN

Mixed olives

 £2.50

JAMON Y QUESO

GF

Mixed platter of manchego and Serrano

 £5.25

Tapas – Meat/Carne

ALBONDIGAS

GF

Pork and beef homemade meatballs in a tomato sauce

£6.45

HIGADILLOS

GF

Sautéed chicken livers with pancetta, chilli and red wine

£6.00

ARROSTO

GF

Slow roast crispy pork belly with cracked black pepper

£6.45

PINCHITOS DE MORUNOS

GF

Marinated pieces of lamb on a skewer

£7.95

POLLO AL CITRO

Pan fried chicken breast escalopes in a lemon and lime sauce

£6.45

CHORIZO

GF

Pan fried sliced chorizo rosario in red wine

£6.25

POLLO PIL PIL

GF

Chicken thigh fillets (no bone) in a chilli pil pil sauce with white wine and garlic

£6.75

ROSARIO

GF

Rosario chorizo pan fried with onion and sauteed potatoes

£6.45

ABACCHIO

GF

Lamb steak marinated in fresh rosemary and garlic

£8.00

PEPERONI RIPIENO

Roast sweet pepper filled with spicy pork and mozzarella cheese

£5.95

GUISADO DE JABALI

GF   CONTAINS NUTS

Diced wild boar haunch braised in molasses, prunes, apricots, and almond

£8.05

COSTOLE

GF

Meaty pork belly ribs in our own sweet and sour sticky sauce

£6.25

POLLO PLANCHA

GF

Chicken breast marinated in harissa, lemon juice and olive oil

£7.25

SOLOMILLO

GF

Mini rump steak grilled with cracked black pepper

£8.45

CROQUETAS DE POLLO

Homemade chicken croquettes with alioli (100% breast)

£5.45

Montado/Bruscetta

SERRANO HAM

GF*

£5.00

VINE TOMATOES & BASIL

GF*  V  VEGAN

 £3.50

MIXED SELECTION

GF*

 £6.50

OLIVE TAPENADE

 GF*  V  VEGAN

£3.50

MANCHEGO CHEESE

GF*  V

£4.75

Tapas – Vegetarian

PATATAS ALIOLI

GF   V

Fried potatoes with alioli dip

£3.95

JALAPENOS

V

Jalapenos filled with cream cheese

£5.35

PAPAS ESTRELLADAS

GF   V   VEGAN

Crushed baby potatoes pan-fried with rosemary, smoked paprika, garlic

£4.90

ZUCCHINI FRITTI

V

Courgette sticks in batter with alioli dip

£4.90

PORTOBELLO QUATTRO FORMAGGI

V

Flat mushrooms filled with manchego cheese, blue cheese, Parmesan and mascarpone

£5.35

VERDURA MISTA

GF   V   VEGAN

Sautéed mixed greens with potato and cannellini beans

£4.35

PATATAS  BRAVAS

GF   V   VEGAN

Fried potatoes with chilli and tomato sauce (cheese 75p extra)

£3.95

FAGIOLATA TOSCANA

GF   V   VEGAN

Mixed beans casserole with red peppers, tomato sauce and coriander

£4.90

LENTEJAS

GF   V   VEGAN

Tender puy lentils slow cooked in tomato sauce, harrissa and lemon juice

£4.90

CROQUETA DI POLENTA

V

Savoury polenta croquettes with a mozzarella centre

£4.35

ARANCINI

V

Deep fried rice balls in a crispy crumb with mozzarella centre and agro dolce (sweet chilli sauce)

£4.95

TORTILLA ESPANOL

GF   V

Spanish omelette with potato and onion

£3.95

BERENJENAS  RELLENAS

GF   V

Roast aubergine boat with mozzarella cheese

£5.35

PISTO MANCHEGO

GF   V   VEGAN

Sautéed peppers, tomatoes, onions and aubergine in olive oil and sherry vinegar

£4.95

FUNGHI AL’AGLIO

GF   V

Garlic mushrooms in a cream, white wine and garlic sauce

£4.70

PARMIGGIANA

GF  V

Lasagne style dish with layered aubergine and cheese in tomato sauce

£4.95

ARROZ PICANTE

GF   V   VEGAN

Saffron infused rice with onion, fresh chilli and peppers

£4.70

TAPAS – PESCADO/FISH

GAMBAS Y CHORIZO

GF

King prawns and chorizo pan-fried with onions white wine and tomato

£7.45

CALAMARES ROMANA

Lightly dusted squid rings deep fried served with alioli

£6.45

MEJILLONES

GF

Fresh mussels in white wine, garlic and parsley, with cream or tomato sauce (chilli optional)

£5.00

GAMBAS AJILLO

GF

King prawns in garlic and white wine sauce

£7.00

CROQUETA DE PESCADO

Hake and prawn croquettes with alioli

£5.45

FRITURA MIXTA

A medley of lightly dusted seafood and fish fried in olive oil (contains shell on prawns and fish bones)

£8.95

GAMBAS PIL PIL

GF

King prawns in garlic, fresh chilli, smoked paprika and white wine

£7.45

GAMBAS FRITO

King prawns in batter with alioli

£7.00

CALDERETA GALLEGA

GF

A mixture of fish, prawns and shellfish in a broth with roast garlic and peppers

£8.95

PAELLA  CATALANA

GF

Chorizo, pancetta, Serrano ham and chicken cooked in golden saffron bomba rice and smoked paprika

£7.00 / £14.45

PAELLAS  – TAPAS/LARGE DISH

PAELLA  VALENCIANA

GF

Prawns, shellfish, chicken and chicken livers all cooked in saffron bomba rice and smoked paprika

£7.00 / £14.45

PAELLA VERDURA

GF  V  VEGAN

Courgette, peppers, peas and broad beans cooked in saffron bomba rice

£6.45 / £13.00

PAELLA PESCADO

GF

Prawns, seafood, shellfish and fish all cooked in golden saffron bomba rice and smoked paprika

 £7.45 / £15.00

LITTLE ITALY

LASAGNE

Homemade beef lasagne

£8.50

PIZZA PROSCIUTTO

Ham pizza

 £8.50

PARMIGGIANA

GF  V

Lasagne style dish made with layers of aubergine and cheese in tomato sauce

 £8.00

PIZZA PEPPERONI

Pepperoni pizza

 £8.50

PIZZA MARGHERITA

V

Cheese and tomato pizza

 £7.95

PIZZA DIAVOLA

Pepperoni, chilli and onion

 £9.50

Originally, Miles made and sold his neapolitan pizzas from a van by touring the north and satisfying hungry crowds at regional events, festivals and celebrations. Now, he has a permanent home for his business in the centre of Leeds and it really is the place to go if you’re a die hard fan of this Italian classic.

Pizza Fella’s primary focus is on creating and serving exceptionally good quality pizza made using traditional methods and locally sourced toppings where possible. This is not a swanky pizzeria so don’t expect candlelight and starched napkins. It’s a relaxed, no frills restaurant in Leeds, offering a superb selection of freshly prepared pizzas served alongside a range of handpicked Italian wines and beers.

All of their pizza bases are made using just 4 ingredients – caputo flour, yorkshire water, salt and yeast before being appropriately topped and cooked in their traditional wood-fired oven. Their menu is considerably shorter than those of the large pizzeria chains. Pizza Fella serve just nine varieties of neapolitan pizza but the menu has been carefully thought out to ensure there is something to suit everyone’s taste and most dietary requirements. See menu below.

Pizza Menu

Number One (vegan)

The Marinara – tomato, garlic, organic sicilian oregano and extra virgin olive oil – £6

Number Two

The Classic Margherita – the original pizza from naples, tomato, fior di latte, parmigiano, extra virgin olive oil & basil – £8

Number Three

The Neapolitan – tomato, fior di latte, anchovies, capers and olives – £11

Number Four

Tomato, fior di latte, portobello mushroom, thyme – £9

Number Five

Tomato, fior di latte, goats cheese, pesto (nut free) – £9.50

Number Six

Tomato, fior di latte, napoli salami – £9

Number Seven

Tomato, fior di latte, portobello mushroom, rustego ham – £11

Number Eight (spicy)

Tomato, fior di latte, nduja, balsamic onions, fresh chilli – £11

Number Nine (vegan)

Tomato, organic sicilian oregano & extra virgin olive oil then pick three toppings from: portobello mushroom, balsamic onions, olives, capers, chargrilled zucchini, artichoke, chargrilled aubergine – £9.50

Location

Head Chef and owner, Steve Kendell, has a real passion for the rustic and traditional bistros that line the streets of Paris and Lyon. Keen to recreate a similar ambience with equally as good cuisine in the centre of Leeds, he opened Kendells Bistro with his wife Sharon. The talented couple spent many years exploring France together and sampling the diverse and delicious dishes produced there. It’s clear that Steve’s love for French food is a direct result of his travels but his exceptional culinary skills were developed much closer to home. Prior to them being awarded their coveted Michelin stars, Steve trained and worked at The Box Tree in Ilkley when their menu was predominantly English and the French cuisine they are now renowned for, was just still in the planning stages.

Fast forward a decade or so from launch and Kendells Bistro is a thriving restaurant in the heart of Leeds’ arts and culture district. By recreating and serving the food they know and love so well, the couple have successfully created a wonderfully authentic French bistro which offers superb, no-frills cuisine in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. A truly great restaurant in Leeds for those seeking top notch food and a laid back ambience.

Their menu changes daily and is dependent on the availability of the local produce that is vital in the creation of their mouthwatering dishes. The set menu at Kendells Bistro is very reasonably priced. For just £30.95 pp you can enjoy 3 courses and half a bottle of house wine each. See sample menu below.

Sample Menu

(Every thing stops for tea)
2 Courses £22.95
3 Courses £24.95
3 Courses £30.95 includes ½ Bottle house wine per person

Available:
Tuesday – Thursday 5.30 – Last Orders 7:45 pm
Friday – Saturday 5.30 – Last Orders 6:45pm

Starters

Parfait de Canard
Duck Liver Pate – Cointreau – Red Onion Confit – Sourdough Croutes

Gratin Lyonnais
Classic French Onion Soup

Saumon Rillette
Potted Salmon – Mayonaisse

Salade Frisee aux Lardon Fume
Smoked Bacon Salad – Poached Duck Egg – Croutons – French Dressing

(V) Tarte du Chevre et betterave
Goats Cheese – Roast Beetroot – Herb Crumb

Boudin Noir
French Black Pudding – Apple – Onions

Jambon Persille
Ham hock and parsley terrine

Mains

Confit de Canard
Slow cooked duck leg – Cabbage – Bacon – Dauphinoise

Boeuf Bourguignonne
Slow Baised Ox Cheek – Red Wine – lardons – Mushrooms

Supreme de Voilaille
Chicken Breast – New potatoes – Watercress – Cream sauce

Saumon en Croûte
Salmon – Puff Pastry – Butter sauce – Green beans – Bacon – Mash

(V) Aubergine Charlotte
Charred Aubergines – Harrisa Spiced Med Veg – Chick Peas

Jarret de Jambon
Ham Hock – Boulangere Potatoes – Rosmary Broth

Steak Au Poive Rump Steak – Peppercorn & Cognac sauce – Fries (£3.50 Supplement)

Desserts

Petit Pot au Chocolate

Gateau au Frmage et Framboise

Tarte aux Citron

Creme Brulee

Tarte Amandine au Poire

Profiteroles au Chocolate

Location

A trip to Salvo’s is always recommended if you’re in the mood for Italian food, and they also host a regular calendar of events, including live music to entertain their guests whilst they tuck in to delicious Pizza, Pasta or any of the eclectic range of dishes on their simple yet creative menu.

Where is Salvo’s?

Salvo’s Al La Carte Menu

Antipasti

Mozzarella | £7.50

Buffalo mozzarella, fire roasted cherry tomatoes, balsamic pearls, Sardinian crisp bread

Tagliere | £8

Meat antipasto selection from our Forno Salumeria, balsamic borettane onions, Sardinian crisp bread

Arancini | £7

Mushroom risotto bombs, rocket salad, truffle aioli

Ciccioli | £8

Pressed Neapolitan pork belly, afrodoce, peppers, crispy capers, apply balsamic glaze.

Polpette

Spicy pork and ‘Nduja meatballs, tomato sauce

Parfait della Casa

Chicken liver parfait, marsala jelly, toasted Puglian sourdough bread

Polpo alla Calabrese

Grilled octopus and potato skewer, spiced red pepper puree, black olives

Gamberoni Abruzzesi

King prawns, garlic, fresh chilli, parsley, lemon

Fritto Misto

Fried squid, king prawn, whitebait, courgette, aioli

Bruschette Miste

Toasted sourdough with mascarpone and ‘Nduja, salsa rossa and mozzarella, white bean truffle crush

Pasta

Pasta Ripiena del Giorno

Today’s fresh filled pasta, please see specials menu

Gnocchi Genovese s

Gnocchi, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, green beans

Pappardelle alla Campagnola s

Wide flat egg pasta, Portobello mushrooms, tomatoes, porcini cream, pecorino cheese

Penne Primavera s

Short pasta, peas, mint, green beans, courgette, Yorkshire ricotta

Lasagne al Forno

Baked layered pasta, rich pork and
veal ragu, mozzarella, Parmesan

Penne Piccanti s

Short pasta, spicy fennel sausage meat,
‘Nduja, creamy mascarpone

Strozzapreti con Anatra s

Short twisted pasta, confit duck leg, pearl onions, tomatoes, balsamic red wine sauce

Linguine alla Carbonara s

Long pasta, guanciale, Parmesan, egg yolk
Pappardelle al Ragu di Bologna s
Flat egg pasta, rich pork and
veal ragu, aged Parmesan

Fettucine al Granchio s

Flat egg pasta, crab, courgette, spring onion, garlic, chilli, white wine

Linguine Puttanesca al Tonno

Long pasta, tuna, olives, anchovies tomatoes, capers, garlic, chilli, oregano

Linguine con Frutti di Mare

Long pasta, king prawns, mussels, squid, queen scallops, white wine, garlic, tomato

Secondi

Melanzane alla Parmigiana

Baked aubergine, tomato, mozzarella, Parmesan

Funghi di Campo

Gorgonzola stuffed mushrooms, garlic spinach, caramelised onions,
and porcini sauce

Risotto Bianco

Roast shallot risotto, Parmesan cream, onion seeds, Parmesan crisp

Pollo

Free range chicken stuffed with spinach and provolone, fondant potato, charred broccoli, red wine jus

Branzino

Pan fried sea bass, shellfish broth, mussels, courgettes, cannellini beans, lobster oil

Nasello

Roast hake, dauphine potatoes, spinach, charred spring onions, red pepper butter

Cerva

Roast venison, roast carrot, pickled beetroot, crispy shallots, dauphine potato, balsamic jus

Agnello

Yorkshire lamb rump, fondant potato, cannellini bean puree, charred courgette, crispy kale

Maiale

Duo of pork – fillet, braised cheek, roast butternut squash, fondant potato,
red wine balsamic onion jus

Bistecca

Choose your steak, sauce and a side

10 oz Rump | 8 oz Fillet

Red wine sauce, house aioli, peppercorn sauce

Neapolitan Pizza

Tonnata

Confit tuna, black olives, red onions, anchovies, capers

Rustica

Smoked mozzarella, Italian fennel sausage, spiced ‘Nduja meatballs, pepperoni

Francescana

Yorkshire ham, mushrooms

Calabrese

‘Nduja, ricotta, red peppers, rocket

Mare e Monti

Chorizo, prawns, chilli, rocket

Kiev (folded pizza)

Pulled chicken, Yorkshire ham, garlic butter

Margherita

Tomato, mozzarella

lnternazionale

Yorkshire ham, mushrooms, roasted peppers, pepperoni, seafood

Carciofi

White pizza, artichoke, taleggio cheese, olives, spinach

Tartufata

White pizza, Portobello mushroom, Parmesan, buffalo mozzarella, truffle oil

Fresca

Smoked mozzarella, courgette,
roasted red peppers

Regina

Pomodorini tomatoes, buffalo
mozzarella, basil

Calzone dello Zio (folded pizza)

Caramelised onions, spinach, red peppers, taleggio