Best Restaurants in Leeds, Offers, Events, News & Reviews

When to go: For an extra special date night, or on one of their event nights

What to have: It’s got to be a roast followed by the Basque cheesecake

Specialising in live-fire cooking, Ox Club is hands down one of the best restaurants in Leeds.

Find a menu of seasonal ingredients carefully prepared with real skill, or book in for their famous Sunday Lunch and choose from Roast Rump Cap of Beef or Fennel and Apple Porchetta served with all the trimmings.

This young team elevate anything from Rump Steak to a simple Basque cheesecake. And the sides are just as magical.

19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU – 0113 487 1814

When to go: On a clear day for ultimate roof-top views

What to have: Three courses of their seasonally changing menu, dessert is a must

Located in the stunning Victoria Quarter, Harvey Nichols isn’t just about designer handbags. With seasonal delicacies to suit everyone’s taste, you must experience their grazing plates with crispy polenta bites or lamb, feta and mint sausage rolls.

Their seasonal mains are also something special, featuring chargrilled swordfish with radish and sugar snap salad, or pea risotto with tomato and crispy hen’s egg.

07 – 111 Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6AZ – 0113 204 8000

When to go: To celebrate an extra special occasion with authentic food

What to have: The Blue Pavilion Peking Duck served in a set of drawers

Serving up some of the best Chinese cuisine in the city, Blue Pavilion promises to take guests on a culinary journey where authenticity meets exceptional hospitality.

Serving up a vast menu of classic Chinese dishes and unique flavours, expect one of the finest dining experiences in Leeds.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, let their team of chefs decide the menu for you with set menus to share with your nearest and dearest.

90 Merrion St, Leeds, LS2 8LW – 0113 887 6888

When to go: For date night or Sunday lunch

What to have: Chefs Table, a set menu of their favourite dishes.

The Owl is led by Head Chef Mark Owens who opened the restaurant with business partner Elizabeth Cottam.

Located Lockside next to Leeds’ canal, The Owl serves modern British food, using the best local fish, meat and game.

Guests can enjoy great food with floor-to-ceiling views of the canal in its urban waterfront setting.

Lockside Mustard Approach, Leeds LS1 4EY

When to go: If you’re looking for a more relaxed ‘fine dining’ place to impress your friends

What to have: Their affordable 6-course tasting menu to get a taste of everything

Tucked away just off The Calls, in the cooler side of town, Shears Yard is located in a stunning 18-century building that oozes atmosphere and style.

With poured concrete floors, exposed brickwork and an array of filament bulbs to set the scene of an enchanting time ahead.

Don’t be fooled by the ‘fine dining’ description, Shears Yard has been a firm best in Leeds, not just for their food but their welcoming and friendly team, atmospheric and lively restaurant.

11-15 Wharf St, Leeds LS2 7EH – 0113 244 4144

When to go: For a special occasion

What to have: Their signature Sunday Lunch or their Taste of Dakota menu

Dakota Grill in Leeds is a luxurious bar, restaurant and hotel located in the heart of the city. Choose from a range of classic grills and steak cuts accompanied by your favourite sides.

It’s not just the menu that wows guests. The interior is equally as stylish, with a stunning dining area complete with atmospheric lighting and contemporary furnishings.

Their outdoor terrace is also something to brag about, making it the perfect place to enjoy some casual fine dining or a spot of afternoon tea.

8 Russell St, Leeds LS1 5RN – 0113 322 6261

When to go: With a big group of friends

What to have: The arm-length dosa pancakes

Sitting under a jingly truck roof dressed with kaleidoscopic flowers and calligraphy, you’ll forget you’re in Leeds’ business district. And the Indian Tiffin Room’s menu is just as colourful. This is not your average Indian restaurant.

Try the cool crunchy samosa chaat or the puri platter, sprinkled with ruby red pomegranate seeds. Then the street food staple, the dosa of dreams, paper-thin and stuffed with a choice of lentils, chutney, or masala potatoes.

Their menu is designed for sharing, so get a lot of small plates ordered and tuck in.

1-32 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5JD – 0113 397 2000

When to go: On a Friday night after a long day at work

What to have: Their traditional Thali’s are not to be missed

Tharavadu is a multi-award-winning restaurant in Leeds city centre where you will experience the flavours of traditional Keralan cuisine.

As the first authentic Keralan restaurant in Leeds, Tharavadu became one of the favourite dining spots in Leeds, in a very short space of time. Recommended by regional and national press, as well as a glowing review from the Michelin Guide

7-8, Mill Hill, Leeds LS1 5DQ – 0113 244 0500

When to go: When you’re in need of a little getaway.

What to have: Sunday lunch, which includes unlimited starters from their chef’s table

Just a stone’s throw away from Leeds train station is the stylish, boutique hotel Malmaison Leeds. Home to over 100 modern rooms, here you’ll find one of the best restaurants in Leeds.

Serving up a mixture of classic British cuisine and fresh Mediterranean flavours, treat your tastebuds to a selection of antipasti, seafood and perfectly grilled dishes.

If classics are what you’re after, the Sunday lunch boasts striking flavours using the best seasonal produce.

1 Swinegate, Leeds LS1 4AG – 0113 426 0047

When to go: On a romantic date night for a special occasion

What to have: The pork and kimchi dumplings are a MUST

Situated in Leeds’ Victorian Quarter, The Ivy Asia is in a prime location for locals, visitors and shoppers alike.

Combining exquisite decor with mouthwatering Asian fusion and unbeatable cocktails.

The Ivy Asia serves up amazing Asian-inspired dishes and jaw-dropping cocktails, balancing beautiful sweet and spicy flavours. From delicate sushi rolls to aromatic duck, spice-packed curries and smoking grill dishes.

55 Vicar Ln, Leeds LS1 6BA – 0113 531 7990

When to go: For a laid-back lunch or an indulgent date night in the evening

What to have: The famous ‘wall of flame’ rotisserie chicken

Since opening on Fish Street in 2023, The Empire Cafe has quickly become an unofficial hangout for local hospitality folk and foodies in the know.

With relaxed cafe-style seating upstairs and a more ambient dining room below, this gorgeous eatery tucked down a city centre ginnel is well worth hunting out.

Expect a regularly changing menu of inventive small plates alongside larger staples, such as the famous house rotisserie chicken and crispy fat potatoes. There’s also a strong cocktail menu and even a takeaway hatch from the kitchen – perfect for grabbing a chicken on the go.

When to go: For drinks and nibbles

What to have: The stuzzichini

At this popular city-centre spot, chaos reigns supreme as traditional dishes sit alongside modern Italian cooking and street food.

Find sweet and bakery goodies produced in-house, alongside a carefully selected list of the finest imported Italian drinks, meats and cheeses.

For an authentic experience, dine tapas style and ditch the cutlery in favour of your hands. It’s more fun that way.

7 Merrion St, Leeds LS1 6PQ

When to go: When impressing clients

What to have: The black pepper honey ribs

No, not the Russian duo of millennium chart fame, but the modern Chinese bar and restaurant, which has become a place to be seen amongst the socialites of Leeds.

With its stunning pink cherry blossom canopy and inventive cocktail list, it’s worth a visit any time of year. The fusion menu is crafted with precision and true attention to detail. Renowned as one of the best restaurants in Leeds.

Minerva, 29 E Parade, Leeds LS1 5PS – 0113 245 1080

When to go: With your mates after work

What to have: Bundo Chaat

Everyone in Leeds loves Bundo. From its long wooden benches and patio heaters to its compostable crockery and craft beer on tap, it’s the ideal place to chill out with your pals whilst munching on some seriously good street food.

Look out for their Gujarati take on seasonal specials, like pumpkin samosas and sprout bhajis.

6 Mill Hill, Leeds LS1 5DQ – 0113 243 1248

When to go: At Christmas when it’s all green and gold and twinkly

What to have: The chocolate bombe

The Ivy has been popular ever since it opened its doors on Vicar Lane in 2018. Offering an impressive hotel-style all-day dining menu, The Ivy takes you from buttermilk pancakes to Irish coffee with a touch of art-deco glamour. Don’t forget to check out their gin and tonic selection!

Vicar Ln, Leeds LS1 6BB – 0113 388 6222

When to go: When you’re in the mood for a different kind of curry

What to have: Puris to start and lamb Xacuti for the main

De Baga’s first restaurant in Headingley was such a hit, they pretty much had no choice but to open a second location in Chapel Allerton.

That’s two great spots where you can find some of the best Indian food, classic Goan flavors with a modern twist.

With a massive variety from land to sea. From rich buttery fish curries to a huge array of tantalising little bites, you’re truly spoiled for choice with this one!

8b Stainbeck Ln, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3QY

9 Otley Rd, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3AA

When to go: When you want to change a carnivore’s opinion of vegetarian cooking

What to have: Gujlawa

With two cookbooks, two AA Rosettes, a Bib Gourmand, popular Vegetarian cookery classes, their own Garam Masala blend on sale, and a dedication to serving their local Bradford community, this could be one of the most hard-working families in the business.

If you’re looking for fragrant, authentic Gujarati cuisine, Prashad will exceed all your expectations.

137 Whitehall Rd, Drighlington, Bradford BD11 1AT – 0113 285 2037

When to go: For a celebratory lunch

What to have: A bottle of the house red

On the corner of Meanwood Road, this family-run Italian serve a fantastic selection of fresh, handmade Cicchetti, with outstanding wines.

Try their ox-cheek, pea and grana padano risotto, or beautiful frangipane, chocolate and pistachio tart. A real neighbourhood gem and a must on our list of Leeds best restaurants.

603 Meanwood Rd, Meanwood, Leeds LS6 4AY – 0113 224 9679