Leeds Restaurant Guide

For a “really enjoyable, reasonably authentic Tapas experience”, all served in a “buzzing” environment, many would recommend this national chain’s four London branches (in Victoria, Canary Wharf, Farringdon and Marylebone). “Uneven” service can make them “a bit hit ’n’ miss” (especially in SW1) but one constant is “a particularly strong list of Spanish wines, many by the glass or carafe”.

For its many regulars, a meal at this “always-consistent French bistro” with a “great wine list of interesting bottles, including aged classics” is “the highlight of any trip to Leeds”. The large basement venue has hosted business lunches and evening celebrations for more than 30 years.

“Delicious and fresh-tasting” grub served in a space “decorated like a Bangkok street market – there are even a couple of tuk tuks you can eat in” – adds up to a “cheap ’n’ cheerful, tasty Thai street-food experience in the centre of Leeds”. “Although it often looks packed, it’s not difficult to get a place straight away – service is prompt and efficient”. Launched in 2015, it now has spin-offs in Headingley, York, Newcastle, Nottingham and most recently Sheffield.

“Dead hippie sauce is a must” at these “very loud” operations, which “remain at the head of the gourmet burger pack” for many fans with “lots of options available”. After 14 years of growth from a food van to a national chain with 10 venues in the capital, they “don’t seem to have lost their way yet”. “The dark and grungy ersatz New Orleans interior vibe” is of the love-it-or-hate-it variety.

“Very tasty authentic Indian vegan and vegetarian street food” is paired with a “great beer selection” at the Leeds branch of the Manchester-based winner. “Could just as easily be in the ‘best Indian’ or ‘best cheap eats’ category”. Top Tip – “you have to try the okra fries!”.

“Pure gastronomic theatre and drama” has won national fame for Michael O’Hare and – after some ups and downs in feedback over recent years – his moody and “romantic” basement in the city centre reestablished itself this year as the most commented-on venue in Leeds in our annual diners’ poll. From a 10-14-course tasting menu, “the food pushes the limits of taste like at the Fat Duck and some dishes go a little far (oyster in a dessert?)”. Not everyone’s super-impressed, with the odd reporter feeling that “while the food’s good, it’s clear that everyone involved fancies themselves too much”. Significant disappointments are notable by their absence, though, with most diners feeling the place is on dazzling form.

“Perfectly executed and well-priced” dishes, including some “great puddings”, win the seal of approval for this sharing-plates venue. “Mabgate is starting to become a very cool neighbourhood – due in no small part to the Swine”. Top Tip – “those beef-fat buns!”

This family-run spot delivers “beautifully cooked” home-style dishes from Shandong, including their signature “lovely crispy dumplings for starters” and dan dan noodles. “We used to go here when it was Hansas (RIP), so it’s great to find that Wen’s Chinese restaurant also produces good-quality, authentic dishes”.

“Recently moved from the market, but still with a down-to-earth feel” – this Leeds gastropub moved in early 2022 from Kirkgate market to Lockside, in the Mustard Wharf development, complete with a covered canalside terrace. It is run by a MasterChef semi-finalist (Liz Cottam) and a former head chef of Ilkley’s Box Tree (Mark Owens), who also run Home. “The food is what every gastropub should be: delicious and always seasonal with their catch of the day”.

“The new venue” and “absolutely brilliant menu” have “really taken things up a level” at Elizabeth Cottam’s five-year-old venture, now in the city centre at Brewery Wharf on the River Aire. “The interior is very sexy and intimate, while the food has just gone up a notch”, with “an astonishing set of dishes”.