Here’s our ultimate guide to where to find the best restaurants in Leeds. Whether you’re in town on business, wanting to treat your S.O or even just after a casual bite to eat after a long day at work. You’ll find all the information you need to be able to get the most out of eating out in Leeds.
In this round-up, you’ll find something for just about every taste and dietary requirement, with restaurants ranging vastly in style and cuisine – from Hindu-inspired restaurants which create out of this world Vegetarian cuisine to long-running, family-friendly Italian eateries which have been serving the people of Leeds and beyond for generations. From fine dining to bulging burgers…
Here are the best restaurants in Leeds.
The Swine That Dines
58 North St, Leeds LS2 7PN
In a past life, the building which houses The Swine That Dines was a greasy spoon cafe. However, in 2018, it couldn’t be further away from this. Since this transformation, The Swine That Dines has quickly become one of the consistently well-reviewed restaurants in Leeds. It’s run by Jo and Stu, who are passionate about putting together excellent, creative dishes with the central ethos of avoiding any waste. With that in mind, they produce what many could consider as eccentric food, using the parts of the animals and plants which might traditionally be overlooked… and to great effect.
They have a regularly changing menu, which is a testament to the talent of the team there. It’s open throughout the day and welcomes guests for a laid-back fine dining experience with their own supper club taking place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. If you’re interested in indulging in something delicious, out of the ordinary and dare I say innovative, The Swine That Dines should take a firm place on your Leeds culinary bucket list. What’s more, they adopt a bring-your-own-booze policy on occasion which bizarrely makes this well established and well-respected restaurant among the most affordable on the list!
Lunch small plates start at £3.50, their evening menu is available at £49.50 based on two people sharing.
Fazenda
Fazenda, Waterman’s Place, 3 Wharf Approach, Granary Wharf, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4GL.
Looking for somewhere to truly indulge in Leeds? Fazenda has been part of Leeds’ makeup for some years now, and has become one of the most well-regarded restaurants in the city. It’s an all you can eat affair, in the form of a delectable Brazillian Grill. Their food is cooked to perfection and, the way in which you’re served, makes dining at Fazenda a fantastic experience. Upon arrival, you’ll be given a beer matt with two colours. One colour signals that you’re open to receiving more meat whereas the other says – give me a little break! Polite and attentive waiters are on hand with no less than 6 cuts of high quality, deliciously cooked cuts of meat for you to enjoy at your will.
They have certainly added a touch of class to the idea of an all you can eat and come highly recommended if you’re a big meat lover. Perhaps this isn’t the best option if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, although they do have an exceptional salad bar with a fantastic array of options for non-meat eaters.
Fazenda is on the more expensive side, although if you’re in the mood to eat, you can more than get your moneys worth. Their lunchtime offering ranges from £19.50 during the week (£21.50 at the weekend) and evenings will set you back £32.50.
Salvo’s
Salvo’s, 111-115 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3PX.
Salvo’s, oh Salvo’s. It’s a name that’s well known in Leeds, and it’s a name which has become synonymous with quality. It’s been in Leeds for many years – first opening way back in 1976. It has received endless rave reviews for its home cooking style of Italian food and was even visited by celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsey, who gladly gave them his seal of approval. Found in Headingley, a suburb a few miles from the city centre (easily accessible via train) you’re almost certainly in line to receive an exceptionally warm welcome when visiting Salvo’s. It’s that warm welcome which has lead to many in the region making it their restaurant of choice for everything from date nights, graduation gatherings, birthday get-togethers and more!
If you’re craving pizza, pasta or just about any Italian dish, we recommend that you make your way over to Salvo’s. People travel from far and wide however, so we suggest that you call ahead to book your place! They also host regular events, which always promise to bring the place to life, so it’s perfect if you’re after a fun night out.
Salvo’s is reasonably priced and has an extensive and varied menu, so it’s difficult to advice on exactly how much you can expect to spend. To give you a flavour of the pricing: Pizza’s start at £8.50, other main courses include the likes of: Branzino (Pan fried sea bass, shellfish broth, mussels, courgettes, cannellini beans, lobster oil) which costs £19.
Dos Amigo’s
Dos Amigos, 68-70 Abbey Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3JG.
Dos Amigo’s is an exceptional Tapas restaurant found near one of Leeds’ most visited tourist attractions, Kirkstall Abbey. Within the restaurants charming interior, you’ll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with Mediterranean inspired decoration strung from the walls.
If you’re in the mood to share, Dos Amigo’s is well known for its great quality tapas, with an extensive, yet managable menu of dishes including classics like Potatas Bravos, various seafood options, more adventurous dishes like Higadillos (chicken livers with pancetta, chilli and red wine, yum!) and slow roasted pork belly in their own sauce.
It’s a fantastic restaurant, with good service and a laid back atmosphere, perfect for sharing with groups of friends. What’s more, it’s a stones throw from Kirkstalls leisure complex, so is perfect for a pre-movie bite to eat!
Dos Amigos is reasonably priced , and if you visit between 5.30pm and 7pm, Tuesday to Friday you can benefit from 3 for 2 on all tapas dishes. The same offer applies on Saturdays, from 5pm to 6.30pm and Sundays from 5pm to 7pm. The offer makes this already reasonable restaurant exceptional value for money.
Sukhothai
Sukhothai, 15 South Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5QS.
Sukhothai is one of the best Thai restaurants in Leeds. Having first opened its doors in Chapel Allerton over 15 years ago, it’s the result of the passion and dedication of former Bangkok street food sensation Ban Kaewkraikhot. Although the original Chapel Allerton restaurant is still a flourishing culinary destination, they’ve since opened another restaurant nearer to the city centre (and a few more across Yorkshire.)
Sukhothai is well regarded for both their service and their food, with an extensive and finely tuned menu of exquisite Thai dishes, which are as aromatic in smell as they are in flavour. Sukhothai regularly tops lists of the best Thai restaurants in the UK and it’s no surprise that they’ve been able to expand to various other areas in such a relatively short space of time. Eating at Sukhothai is perfect for those who are new to Thai cuisine as the western palette is taken into consideration and you’re sure to experience a warm welcome from the passionate front of house team.
Sukhothai is also very affordable and although not the cheapest on this list is well worth it in terms of value.
Ox Club
Ox Club, 19a The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PU.
Found within the ever popular bar Headrow House, Ox Club is a relatively new restaurant, having been founded just three years ago in 2015. Since founding, it’s developed an outstanding reputation for its creatively crafted and ever-changing menu which centres around the art of grilling.
Their menu is as creative as its surroundings, and has a distinctive feel of the alternative. Their focus on flavour is evident and their unusual combinations are guaranteed to excite those adventurous eaters among you. If you had any questions about their quality, their inclusion within the Good Food Guide 2019 gives you a resounding answer.
Eating at Ox Club is an intriguing experience, and you can see their passionate chefs at work within their open kitchen. As well as a host of outstanding reviews from food critics from all disciplines, they received a glowing review from Jay Rayner, who works for The Guardian.
Their menu is affordable with starters ranging from £7 and mains from £18 to £24. They also offer a Prix Frixe menu, where you can enjoy three courses and a side for less than £20… bargain! As you may expect, being found within one of the coolest bars in Leeds, there’s a great selection of beverages available.
Crafthouse
Crafthouse, 5th Floor Trinity Leeds, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW.
Found within Trinity Leeds, Crafthouse is a name which resounds with foodies in Leeds. Its British inspired menu boasts a quality selection of intricately crafted dishes which range from the staple to the eccentric.
Being accessed via its very own lift, the service at Crafthouse is second-to-none and their attentive waiting staff are on hand throughout your visit, ensuring you have the best experience possible and to guarantee that you get your moneys worth!
Their cheffing team is headed by Lee Murdoch, who has developed a fantastic reputation because of his finely tuned menu. You can expect to find everything from seared goose liver, black pudding rosti and various other creatively British dishes. As well as their a la carte menu, they offer a seven-course tasting menu, if you’re looking for something a bit special.
At Crafthouse you can expect to spend anywhere from £13 – £25 on a main course, although it must be said that the views from the restaurant, which overlook Leeds are well worth the extra that you might pay at Crafthouse as opposed to other restaurants in Leeds. Crafthouse is ideal for a romantic dinner or a business lunch.
The Man Behind The Curtain
The Man Behind the Curtain, 68-78 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7JH.
The Man Behind The Curtain is famous across Yorkshire for being just one of six restaurants in the region which has been awarded a Michelin-star. The loving creation of eccentric head chef Michael O’Hare, The Man Behind The Curtain is not only one of the best restaurants in Leeds, it’s one of the most unusual too.
Every aspect of eating here is draped in theatre, from the creatively decorated interior to the stunning presentation of the food. It’s difficult to define exactly which cuisine best describes The Man Behind The Curtain, as the 10 to 14 course tasting menu is packed with exceptionally creative dishes with a diverse array ingredients forming their base.
As you may expect, eating at one the top restaurants in the UK isn’t cheap and menus range from £65 to £240 per person.
The Oxford Place
The Oxford Place, 2 Oxford Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AX.
The Oxford Place is one of the most unique restaurants in Leeds (if not Yorkshire) because of its glittering 100% gluten-free menu. For years, many coeliacs across the city have had difficulty finding a restaurant to commit to. However, with the arrival of The Oxford Place in 2014, this all changed.
Their central ethos of creating delicious dishes that gluten adverse eaters can enjoy has propelled them to attracting a dedicated and loyal customer base who declare that The Oxford Place is their restaurant. The interior is delightful, and their food is even better. Although their dishes are a little trickier to create as opposed to the traditional gluten-filled alternatives, the creativity of the team here results in their fantastically diverse and appealing menu.
And if you’re wondering whether you’ll enjoy this restaurant, even if you’re not a coeliac, the answer is a resounding yes! Their menu includes everything from Yorkshire Lamb rump and Battered Fish and Chips.
Dishes start at £14 and go up to £25.95. The presentation of their dishes is something to behold and all of this makes The Oxford Place another essential on your Leeds foodie bucket list!
Charlie Brett’s
Charlie Brett’s at The Allerton, Nursery Lane, Leeds LS17 7HW
Charles Brett opened his first fish & chip restaurant in 1919 on North Lane in Headingley. The business remained one of the best known and most well loved fish & chip establishments in the area for many, many years. The brand has since been taken over and freshened up to fit in with modern day dining.
Although famous for their fish & chips, you’d be wrong to assume that Charlie Brett’s is all about cheap and cheerful family takeaways. The head chef at their Allerton previously worked under Jean Christophe Novelli and Gary Rhodes. He produces some stunning fish dishes using only the best quality, locally sourced ingredients. For those who don’t like fish, there are also a number of excellent meat dishes.
Begin with one of their popular starters such as Moules Mariniere or Tempura Soft Shell Crab before tucking into Grilled Whole Lemon Sole or Seared Tuna Steak au Poivre. For meat lovers, there are scrumptious mains such as Kangaroo Fillet or Confit Duck Leg.
Starters are priced from £6.95 and main courses from £10.50. If you’re a fish lover, then Charlie Brett’s at Allerton is an absolute must!
Bibi’s
Bibi’s Italianissimo, Sovereign St, Leeds LS1 4AG
Bibi’s has been at the forefront of the restaurant scene in Leeds for years. Being founded in 1974 they’re a well-known fine Italian dining restaurant with tonnes of character who’ve stood the test of time. As well as the inviting, Art Deco style exterior, the sophisticated, classy interior their food is fantastic and their Showtime evenings, where they host a regular calendar of music to complement the food is often the talk of the town.
On the menu you’ll find all the Italian classics, including delicious Pizza and Pasta dishes. They have a number of menus to suit various occassions, including weekday afternoons to group parties. They also have a wide selection of cocktails and wines available which complement the food and atmosphere brilliantly.
In terms of how much you can expect to spend, it’s difficult to say depending on when you visit. However to give you an idea, you can expect to spend around £12 for a pizza or pasta and up to £24 for their specials.
Home
Home Restaurant, 16/17 Kirkgate, Leeds LS1 6BY
Home opened just last year and is one of the recent openings in Leeds which has excited food lovers the most. Since opening, it’s reputation has grown thanks to the hard work and skill of chefs Elizabeth Cottam and Mark Owens who are well respected chefs with years of experience. They’ve crafted a beautifully British menu with a focus on presentation which runs throughout their elaborate dishes down into ever detail of the restaurant, including it’s sophisticated and modern decor.
This is one for those of you who enjoy fine dining and locally sourced, high quality ingredients. It’s a great experience, but doesn’t go so far as to alienate those who’re not well versed in the complexities of cutlery. The service is warm and friendly and the waiting staff are on hand to help you navigate the extensive and delicious sounding menus. Their menus adapt regularly to showcase the finest ingredients of the time when you visit, so you can expect something different whenever you visit.
Although by no means the most expensive restaurant on the list of the Best Restaurants in Leeds, their menus start at £55 a head so Home is perhaps best reserved for a special occasion.
Matt Healy x The Foundry
Matt Healy x The Foundry, 1 Saw Mill St, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5WH.
Matt Healy is perhaps best known as a MasterChef: The Professional runner-up. Having returned home, he opened his first-ever restaurant in Holbeck Urban Village, Matt Healy x The Foundry… and to great response! The “unconventionally British” is bold and versatile, inviting diners to partake is something out of the ordinary, but with a resoundingly traditional undertone.
The menu is as versatile and diverse as the individual dishes, with the likes of Yorkshire venison, fresh oysters and beef tartare featuring within its pages. The restaurant is a relaxed affair, perhaps as well suited to a special occassion as it is a lunch time escape from the office. There are all kinds of delicious creations up for grabs, which has made it one of the most well respected restaurants in the whole of Leeds.
In terms of pricing, you can expect to spend anything from £7 – £18 for Small Plates, and £15 – £25 for a main course.
The Reliance
No round-up of restaurants in Leeds would be complete without mentioning The Reliance. It’s a vintage pub with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Although it boasts a somewhat understated interior, it contrasts this with its great service and the high-quality food it delivers – which is undoubedtly how their reputation has spread like wildfire. Their dishes are exceptionally creative, with bold culinary creations which you’ll be pushed to find elsewhere. They include the likes of baked queen scallops and all kinds of ingredient led dishes.
They’re also well known for their Sunday roast, which has quickly developed a reputation for being one of the best in Leeds. Booking is advisable as their reputation is known far and wide, which makes walk-ins very difficult.
In terms of how much you can expect to spend at the reliance, dishes are fairly expensive, ranging from £12 – £16 for a main.
Poco
Poco, 360 Kirkstall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2HQ.
Poco is Leeds’ very own Sicilian street food restaurant which has been grabbing attention for some time now. They focus on flavour, with a diverse menu of pizzas, arancini, chicken, cannoli and various other Italian classics. Their base dishes may be limited, but the variations available make it a substantial and eclectic menu.
Poco has built its great reputation up around authenticity and this is evident in their fantastic food. It’s perfect for lunch. It’s a cozy venue with limited seating, although it’s almost always busy.
It’s also one of the most affordable places on this list, with Pizza starting at £2.50 and Pasta at £5.
El Bareto
El Bareto, 120 Gledhow Valley Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 6LX.
We’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to places to get great Tapas in Leeds. A trip over to Chapel Allerton (a short drive from the centre of Leeds) and you’ll find the fantastic El Bareto, a family-owned, rustic and ever inviting restaurant with a smashing reputation.
If you’re a fan of Spanish flavours, you’re in for a treat. Their menu is extensive and caters to a vast array of tastes (and price points) they welcome patrons throughout the day and into the evening. They’re known for their great atmosphere, which is always buzzing with people sharing and enjoying their wonderful service and food.
Tapas dishes range from £3.50 to £13.
Vice and Virtue
Vice and Virtue, 68 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NU.
There are few chefs in Leeds which are as renowned as Luke Downing. Although he owns four different restaurants across the city, Vice and Virtue is perhaps the best-known and most critically acclaimed. It’s important to note that as it’s one of the best and most well-respected restaurants in Leeds, it’s a busy place… so make sure you book ahead!
Internally, the restaurant is beautifully decorated in a distinct art deco style, and where the decor is impressive, the food is even better!
Their multi-course tasting menus are full of carefully selected, locally sourced ingredients which are crafted into delicious dishes packed to the brim with flavour and quality. The food is presented exquisitely and this makes it a fantastic dining experience in terms of the presentation alone. Although it’s one of the most expensive restaurants in this round-up, it’s well worth it and should be reserved for a special occassion. As if that wasn’t enough, their wine and cocktail list is something to behold… In a nutshell, Vice and Virtue is a dining experience which should be firmly at the top of your Leeds Restaurant bucket list!
They have a number of menus to choose from which range from £30 to over £190 per person.
Bulgogi Grill
Bulgogi Grill, The Arena Quarter, 9 Merrion Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BT.
Bulgogi Grill is one of the most unusual restaurants in Leeds and is perfectly suited to those adventurous eaters among you! It’s a DIY affair where you have control over how well done you want your meat with their open grills which are found in the centre of your table.
It’s certainly an experience focused restaurant in Leeds which is perfect for a lively and fun first-date to show of your adventurous side or if you’re interested in exploring another culture’s food in a hands on way. Don’t worry if you’re not a great cook though, as the staff are on hand to offer their help if you should need it.
On the menu you’ll find all kinds of meats for you to barbecue including beef, pork, duck, prawn and squid. There’s also a wide array of sides available, including rice, lettuce, tempura vegetables and more.
It’s £27.95 a head, so it’s not the most affordable evening out on this list, but it’s well worth paying that bit extra for a unique experience.
Red’s True Barbecue
Red’s True Barbecue, 1 Cloth Hall Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2HD.
Red’s True Barbecue appeared in Leeds a few years ago and has since become one of the busiest restaurants in the region. They have two restaurants in Leeds, one in the city centre and one just a few miles from the centre in Headingley.
Each of the restaurants are almost guaranteed to be busy on any given night, and people flock to enjoy their delicious barbecue style food. With a relaxed, edgy atmosphere and a creatively designed interior, Red’s is certain to excite meat lovers from all over. Although probably the least vegan/vegetarian friendly restaurant in Leeds, their wings, ribs, burgers, steaks and various platters are fantastic and inspired by the spirit of southern USA. They also have a passion for craft beer, and you can find beers to complement the various dishes on the menu which are explained in their extensive drinks menu.
Red’s is great value too, and if you plan your trip for certain days you can take advantage of some hefty discounts. When the restaurant is busy, the atmosphere is contagious to say the least. You can expect to spend anywhere from £8.95 to £18.95 for a main course.
Bundobust
Bundobust, 6 Mill Hill, Leeds LS1 5DQ
Bundobust is another unique offering for foodies in Leeds who are partial to Indian street food. It’s a relaxed restaurant with a simple menu of intriguing dishes which are certain to excite the taste buds. It’s popular with people who’re looking for something more laid back than some of the other more formal restaurants on this list. Their relatively simple decor is inviting, and bookings are not needed here.
On the menu you’ll find the likes of Crispy Okra Fries, Paneer Curry and Tarka Dhal Lentil Curry… nom nom nom.
As well as a clear passion for the Indian street food dishes available, Bundobust is perfect for those who like to enjoy a beer with their food. They have an extensive selection of craft beers available and what’s more it’s very affordable, with small plates ranging from as little as £3.75 up to over £6.
Hansa’s
Hansas, 72-74 North St, Leeds LS2 7PN
Hansa’s is one of the few purely vegetarian restaurants in Leeds which has a unique and vast menu of meat-free dishes. They have a far-reaching reputation, and if you’re thinking to yourself “I need some meat with my meal…” many have entered thinking the same and have left Hansa’s converted to the wonderful vegetarian cuisine on offer here.
The menu offers exceptional diversity within a relaxed, almost serene environment. The atmosphere is inviting and the staff are always on hand to offer a warm welcome. They are inspired by Hindu traditions and the menu offers a real treat for those who are open to exploring spices which are not commonly found in Western cooking.
As well as being one of the UKs most celebrated vegetarian restaurants, they also cater for the extensively growing Vegan subculture, with dishes as delicious as they come.
The portions are generous, and the cost of dining at Hansa’s is very affordable, with main dishes capping out at £9 and a set menu available for less than £15.
Friends of Ham
Friends of Ham, 4-8 New Station St, Leeds LS1 5DL
Friends of Ham is an unusual restaurant found close to the train station in Leeds City Centre. Having opened in 2012, Friends of Ham has since expanded to further locations in Yorkshire. They offer a relaxed and laid back dining experience with a solid focus on quality. You won’t find complex dishes here, as they opt for sharing boards of locally source meats and carefully crafted, delicious cheeses.
The focus is also placed on the drinks available, with a fantastic array of craft ales, both locally produced and from breweries further afield. You’ll always receive a warm welcome and their lite on the lips offering makes it one of the best places to catch a bite if you’re planning on venturing out into Leeds afterwards.
Friends of Ham is quite expensive although offers good value when sharing with friends or a partner. You can enjoy dishes from as little as £3.50 although sharing boards are nearer the £20 mark.
Kendells Bistro
3 St Peter’s Square, Leeds LS9 8AH
Kendells Bistro is an exceptionally popular French bistro which is well known for its friendly front of house team, focus on reasonably priced beautifully crafted French cuisine and a great selection of French wines which complements their food.
They’ve managed to create an inviting ambience which is akin to the heart of Paris, yet it is located in Leeds’ flourishing art district, next to BBC Leeds and the Northern Ballet. It’s laid out with wooden tables and offers an intimate candlelit atmosphere.
You’ll find all kinds of French classics here with dishes changing regularly to show off the skills of their chefs! Booking is essential as its always busy!
Eating at Kendells Bistro is very reasonably priced, with a fixed priced set menu at £17.95 and main courses from the a la carte menu ranging from £9.50.
Tharavadu
Tharavadu is a Malayalam word which roughly translates into “keeping traditions alive”. This is the idea that is at the very heart of this ever popular south Indian inspired restaurant.
Regularly cited as one of the most unique restaurants in Leeds, it has a vast array of choices on the menu and is well regarded for its unusual dishes, such as crab in coconut, fried lentil doughnuts and toffee steamed rice cakes!
It’s an exceptionally popular foodie destination in Leeds and people have been known to travel from far and wide to sample the unique and delicious food on offer here.
Their central ethos is best described within their menu “Here in Leeds we are trying to recreate the riches and flavours of ‘Tharavadu’ cooking which is close to the Mother Nature, which has got the hand flavour of generations, and most of all healthy family cooking with no use of any artificial ingredients. Kerala cuisine has a multitude of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared using fish, poultry and red meat.”
Theravadu is very affordable, with dishes ranging from £3 to £18.
Pizza Fella
Pizza Fella, 114-116 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7NL.
Pizza Fella began life as a street food vendor operating out of the back of a converted van. However, their success was such that they moved into an understated pizzeria found on Vicar Lane. This was in 2016 and they’ve often been considered one of the best restaurants in Leeds since then! They have a relaxed vibe which is welcoming and warm.
The pizza is the main event here and their simple Neapolitan recipes are prepared right in front of you. They offer a wide range of toppings ranging from the humble Margherita to the more indulgent side of things where you can find everything from balsamic soaked onions to scrumptious meaty toppings. If you’re looking for somewhere for eating out in Leeds, and Pizza is on the top of your wishlist… Pizza Fella is the place for you!
Pizza’s range in price from £6 – £15.
Map Of The Best Restaurants in Leeds