Top destinations for fine dining in Leeds
Fine dining in Leeds has never been so accessible with a place to suit everyone’s budget. If the thought of putting on your glad rags and driving for an hour or more in search of that ‘destination restaurant’ seems a sat-nav nightmare waiting to happen, then the great city of Leeds should be one of your first choices.
With an array of superb independents and award-winning eateries, Leeds should be one of your first places to consider for that upcoming special occasion.
Top destinations for fine dining in Leeds
Blue Pavilion
Blue Pavilion is a standout destination for fine dining in Leeds, offering sophisticated Chinese cuisine. Known for its elegant décor and exceptional service, the restaurant provides a luxurious atmosphere that appeals to food enthusiasts and those seeking a special dining experience.
Each dish is crafted with precision, using high-quality ingredients to create a menu that is both innovative and delicious. Whether you’re savouring their expertly prepared seafood or indulging in a decadent dessert, Blue Pavilion consistently delivers a memorable culinary journey, making it a top choice for fine dining in the city.
Where? 90 Merrion St, Leeds LS2 8LW – 0113 887 6888
Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Brasserie
Located right in the hustle and bustle of Briggate, Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Brasserie is one of our favourite destinations for fine dining in Leeds. The restaurant interior features stylish seating, slick metal finishes and polka-dot ceiling mirrors, topped off with a stunning view of the city’s skyline.
Their seasonal menu is made up of fresh local produce of the highest quality, ensuring every dish you pick, from the delights of spring to home-cooked winter favourites, will please you every time.
Where? 107-111 Briggate Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor, Leeds, LS1 6AZ
Fine Dining in Leeds: Tattu
This stunning contemporary Chinese restaurant is located within the heart of the city centre. Fusing traditional Asian flavours with exquisite presentation. Exclusive Chef Clifton Muil and the team have created a decadent 4-Course ‘Emperor’ menu to showcase some of the finest ingredients in one of Leeds hottest locations.
On this menu, you can expect to find tuna sashimi blossom, mixed dim sum, Japanese black wagyu and a white chocolate dragon egg. Why not plan your visit to one of the best fine dining destinations in Leeds.
Where? Minerva, 29 E Parade, Leeds LS1 5PS – 0113 245 1080
Dakota Grill
Priding themselves on their contemporary, elegant style and grill, Dakota offers a fine dining experience across their range of menus. This award-winning hotel, restaurant and bar is only steps away from Leeds Trinity Center, a prime location for those who live locally and keen foodie visitors alike.
Their ‘simply Dakota’ menu uses fresh ingredients to create stand-out dishes, wild mushroom gnocchi, sea trout with seaweed butter sauce and desserts including a dreamy chocolate moose. Whether you want to discover their decadent five-course tasting menu or stick with what you know and love, you won’t be disappointed.
Where? 8 Russell St, LS1 5RN, Leeds, 0113 322 6261
Fine dining in Leeds: Ox Club
Tucked just off the Headrow is Ox Club, a former textiles mill now turned Michelin-recommended restaurant, offering some of the best fine dining Leeds has to offer. They create depthful flavours using a solid fuel grill and champion local produce – what’s not to love!
Visit on a Sunday for their famous Sunday roast, or during the week, savour fine dining dishes featuring a kilogram of Côte de bœuf.
Where? 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU
Shears Yard
Shear’s Yard is one of the city’s first restaurants to showcase fine dining in Leeds. Tucked away just off The Calls within a stunning venue that oozes atmosphere and welcome, with its exposed brickwork, string lights and friendly staff.
Shears Yard’s menus continually evolve, guided by seasonality and local produce. Inspired by both classic and more unusual flavour combinations brought together by their experienced kitchen team.
Where? Shears Yard, 11-15 Wharf St, Leeds LS2 7EH – 0113 244 4144
Six by Nico
Six by Nico are famed across the country for their incredible themed tasting menus, each meticulously designed to transport you to another dimension. Each theme is centred around a destination or concept, with the current theme focusing on New York.
Their menu features 10 courses of New York-inspired plates, including Coney Island corn dogs with a fine dining spin. It’s an amazing way to experience fine dining in an immersive and typically more budget-friendly setting.
Where? 9 E Parade, Leeds LS1 2AJ
Fine dining in Leeds: Emba
Emba is a gastrobar by chef Elizabeth Cottam, located Lockside next to Leeds’ canal. Using big flavours, Emba prides itself on cooking the best local fish, meat and game over the crackling fire.
Enjoy a cold beer, seasonal cocktail or selected wine from their bar while enjoying the view, before making the all-important choice – what to eat. Savour grilled scallops with smoked yuzu and honey or aged côte du boeuf. You won’t want to skip dessert either, with highlights of the menu including a spiced apple vanilla slice or toasted jaffa mallow.
Visitors to Emba can enjoy great food with floor-to-ceiling views of the canal in its urban waterfront setting. Just a stone’s throw away from Leeds train station, the restaurant location reflects the traditional heritage of Leeds with one of the city’s most vibrant, modern developments.
Where? Lockside, Mustard Wharf, Mustard Approach LS1 4EY – 0113 531 6621
Fancy an after-dinner drink? Check out our guide to the best cocktail bars in Leeds, so you can skip straight to sipping!
Michelin recommended Goldsborough Hall 6-course tasting menu
Church St, Goldsborough HG5 8NR- 3-AA Rosette award-winning dining
- Former royal residence, near Harrogate
- SAVE 10% off
Lykke Sheffield Bottomless Brunch
Lykke, 11 New Era Square, Sheffield S2 4RB- 2 hours of bottomless drinks with pizza or brunch dish
- Danish-inspired bar and restaurant
- SAVE 20% off
£40 The Inn at South Stainley Restaurant Voucher
South Stainley, Harrogate HG3 3ND- Award-winning Harrogate inn
- Locally-sourced produce
- SAVE 50% off
Chef’s Table Tasting Menu Experience at Swinton Estate
Swinton Estate, Ripon HG4 4JH- Grade II-Listed hotel on 20,000 acres of parkland
- Michelin recommended tasting menu
- SAVE 15% off
Written by
01/08/2023