Leeds Restaurant Guide

Part of a Georgian-style hotel (originally built as an impressive pile for a local mill owner), this small (11 bedroom) hotel incorporates a restaurant, whose striking contemporary light fitting and bare-brick walls provide a modern contrast to the heritage associations of the period exterior. We didn’t receive quite enough reports on its 8-10 course tasting menus for £85 per person (there’s a simpler Sunday Lunch menu), but one reporter says this is an “excellent hotel restaurant with outstanding food” and it has a cut-above rating from the AA of three rosettes.

“You are transported straight to Kerala with the depth of flavors, impeccable service, and warm, welcoming atmosphere” at this eleven-year-old Leeds favourite, which is in the top-20 most commented on destinations in our annual diners’ poll outside London (although “as your last edition said, you’d walk past it if you did not know about it”). “With South Indian cuisine still under-represented in many UK cities, Tharavadu not only fills this gap but sets a gold standard for authenticity and execution, so it’s no surprise that it’s frequently hailed as one of the best Indian restaurants in the North”. “Service is polished yet personal” and “the team seem to take genuine pride in explaining the dishes, and recommending pairings”. It’s a “comfortable” place too with a “great atmosphere, as it’s packed out”. This year, they opened a sibling called Uyare – see also. Top Menu Tip – “The dosas are among the best you’ll find outside of India – crispy, golden, and generously filled, whether you opt for the classic Masala Dosa or the indulgent Cheese & Chilli Uthappam. The Meen Pollichathu, a Kerala-style fish dish wrapped in banana leaves, is an absolute must-try, showcasing the kitchen’s ability to balance bold spices with subtle, aromatic undertones. Vegetarians are spoilt for choice too, with standout dishes like the Kadala Curry (black chickpea in a rich, coconutty sauce) and the Avial, a delicately spiced mixed-vegetable curry that feels both wholesome and indulgent”.

2022 Review: Feedback remains limited but remains very positive for this Chapel Allerton Thai (part of a local group), which hits twenty years old in 2022.

“Thai cooking of the same standard as the country’s best”, all served in a “busy and friendly” environment wins consistently all-round praise for this popular outpost of Ben Kaewkraikhot’s small Yorkshire group (which started in Chapel Allerton in 2002).

With its dramatic, Insta-friendly looks, it would be easy to dismiss this supremely glossy venue – part of a group originating in Manchester – as ‘just another pretty face’. Its mashup of Chinese and Japanese cuisine is respectably rated, however, and it’s also highlighted as “a great place for brunch”.

2024 Review: “They always go the extra mile” according to fans of this city-centre outpost of Yorkshire’s nine-strong chain of well-regarded curry houses – a family-run business established in 1977.

“Legend!” – “Flavours you just don’t get anywhere else” help inspire fans of Bobby & Minai Patel’s extremely popular converted pub, which remains one of the most commented-on Yorkshire destinations in our annual diners’ poll thanks to its “amazing veggie curries and beautifully presented side orders”. The meat-free dishes are derived from North West Indian recipes and primarily of Gujarati inspiration.

Award-winning Master Chef Finalist, Great British Menu-famed chef Bobby Geetha and Team provides a stunning contemporary British cuisine inspired by world flavours.Fléur Restaurant was the finalist for best Brunch in Leeds. Reviewed as Top 3 best Bottomless...

“For a consistently great night out” fans still tip the flagship city-centre branch of Ban Kaewkraikhot’s local Thai group, which started in Chapel Allerton and which also has a branch in Harrogate. It’s a lavishly furnished two-floor venue with a huge, 200+ item menu.

“Very enjoyable tasty food and friendly service” underpin a formula that’s won enduring success for this stalwart cellar in the lower ground floor of a solid Victorian mansion which celebrates its 40th year in 2025. The traditional-ish cuisine aims for ‘Yorkshire on a plate’ and the sensibly priced and focused menu covers all bases, including a selection of steaks.