West Yorkshire Restaurant Guide

“Why it lost its Michelin star I do not know, it was as good as ever”, so it’s hard to avoid the conclusion that this Yorkshire institution has been unfairly cursed by the tyre company. Established in 1962, this “intimate and opulent” venue is Yorkshire’s answer to Le Gavroche: “a proper classical restaurant, with all the standards of service, napery, glassware, etc that we're always being told aren't important for the dining public these days”. But since the October 2018 demotion by Michelin, change has been been nearly non-stop. The star loss led to the immediate departure of head chef Kieran Smith and appointment of Samira Effa in his stead. Then in April 2019 Michael Carr joined because Samira didn’t last. All the while “despite the upheavals, the Box Tree has sailed serenely on: the chintz still looks out over the hushed rooms, Didier da Costa still presides over a great wine list, and there is still soufflé for dessert”. And practically all reports still attest to its “impeccable”, somewhat classical cuisine and “gentle, low-key hospitality that treats you beautifully”. In September 2019 – more change – as Simon and Rena Gueller announced they are selling up, despite significant investment in the property these last two years. Hopefully the next owners will just forget Michelin, and continue to do what the place has been doing so well (and it’s rated on that basis).

“If you didn’t know it was there, you might just walk past, even though it gets very busy!” – this popular gem “a few minutes walk from Leeds Station” is well worth remembering for its “exemplary” Keralan food: “if you like fish and honest south Indian flavours then this is THE place”.

Well-known Chapel Allerton Thai (est 2002) with a number of spin-offs, including in the city-centre, which retains a strong reputation in these parts. Feedback was surprisingly thin last year, but good all-round.

“Sometimes the old guard can maintain its position – which certainly applies to the Aagrah”, a mighty chain whose “consistently high-quality and value-for-money” food features a “Kashmiri bias but includes most standards from the subcontinent”. Bonus – it’s “ideally located to enjoy Leeds nightlife before or after”.

“Wonderful, authentic Thai food” wins solid ratings for Thai-born chef-owner Ban Kaewkraikhot, whose original Chapel Allerton restaurant from 2002 has spawned two outposts in Leeds and one in Harrogate.

“Amazing flowering blossom décor” is the undoubted highpoint at this “noisy” Chinese-influenced Asian: part of an expanding glam-Asian national chain. Though not especially foodie, the cooking escaped any criticism last year: “it’s fun and you come away having had a good meal”.

“Superb Indian vegetarian food” – “spicy but beautifully presented” – has made this family-run Gujarati a West Yorkshire institution since its humble beginnings in 1992. Now run by the second generation under Bobby Patel (brother Mayur founded Bundobust), it’s “still going strong” – and the “starters are spectacularly good”.

“Sawasdee Ka! Welcome to Sukhothai — the home of authentic Thai food in Leeds and Harrogate. Sukhothai has been right in the heart of Leeds’ bustling student suburb of Headingley since 2007, occupying a commanding corner plot, on St Anne’s Road. It offers you the fantastic à l...