9 of the Best Indian Restaurants in Leeds
The best Indian restaurants in Leeds are known for their uber-cool décor, innovative interior design and exciting authentic flavours. From old horse-boxes made into one-stop-shops for a lunchtime chilli paneer wrap, to the only 2AA Rosette awarded Indian restaurant in Yorkshire.
There’s something about the creamy sauce of roasted coconut in an authentic Goan curry, and nothing beats a selection of taster dishes on a traditional thali board. We’ve created the ultimate guide to inspire your senses with the best Indian-inspired ingredients in Leeds. Home, sweet, home is the motto of these chefs that have a passion for replicating the intricate Indian flavours right here in Yorkshire.
Browse by location – Indian Restaurants in Leeds City Centre | Indian Restaurants in the Leeds area
Indian Restaurants in Leeds City Centre
Indian Tiffin Room
Following the street food frenzy with a modern take on dishes inspired by the busy streets of India, you will find the Indian Tiffin Room located along the popular Greek Street. Since opening in Cheadle, Manchester and Leeds, they’ve received outstanding reviews in the national and regional press. Top of our Indian restaurants in Leeds list.
Inside, the vibrant interior has been carefully constructed, from the hand-carved curves in the arches above the eating booths, to the intricate patterns painted on the tile flooring.
The staff here are as inviting as their menu, bringing a completely new concept of award-winning street food with innovative dishes such as Indo-Chinese plates, a Tiffin Menu and Grilled Kebabs. The menu exploits the regional differences when it comes to Indian food and that’s why you should expect dishes such as a hearty Lamb Nilli Nahari, a tender Lamb Shank cooked in aromatic sauce, to the highly appraised ‘vegan’ dishes.
31-32, Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5JD – 0113 397 2000
Tharavadu
Deriving its name from the Keralan practice of ‘joint family’, both in togetherness and tradition, Tharavadu’s ethos is inspired by that very notion. Just a stone’s throw away from Leeds train station, the venue provides a teasing envision of what South-Western Indian food should feel and taste like.
Using authentic ingredients creates unique aromas with every dish and their passion for indigenous recipes sets them apart from your usual curry house. Tharavadu’s expansive awards list commemorates their remarkable efforts, such as being Michelin recommended in previous years.
From their humble menu, you’ll find Meen Kofttan with a Paratha, a fillet of fish supplied from an in-house Fisherman Family, or, a Chonchin Konju Roast, grilled Tiger Prawns topped with the Chef’s sautéed lemon sauce. Tharavadu’s Chefs are Nair (family) taught, so every dish has a story to tell.
7-8, Mill Hill, Leeds, LS1 5DQ – 0113 244 0500
Bundobust
Possibly the city’s most famous faces for street food and making them one of the best Indian restaurants in Leeds is Bundobust. In this speak-easy setting of jungle green paints contrasting interiors, you will be greeted by the sights and smells of authentic Indian spices cascading from the kitchen.
At the bar, a sight that all beer lovers would travel far and wide to see, are local beers to craft IPA’s both on draft and in bottles. Illuminating the venue’s versatility when it comes to both the concept of street style food and drink. Their signature dishes inspired by Gujarati, such as the famous Bundo Chaat and the classic Bhel Puri, to their contemporary Okra Fries; so good they even have their own merchandise, so you can go there and literally get the t-shirt.
6 Mill Hill, Leeds, LS1 5DQ – 0113 243 1248
Mowgli Street Food
Mowgli is not about the intimate, hushed dining experience. It is about the smash and grab zing of healthy, virtuosic herbs and spices and explosive flavours. After opening in Sheffield, Leeds is Mowgli’s second Yorkshire venue and they’re proving to be a hit! Showcasing food from the homes and streets of India, a million miles away from the ‘curry’ stereotype.
Like the Indian Street Market, dishes come out as and when they are ready. Their menu boasts exciting dishes including Himalayan Cheese Toast, Gunpowder Chicken, Mowgli Paneer, as well as other street meats and house curries. Also, their Tiffin boxes are perfect for those who want to grab a quick lunch.
Unit C, 32 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 5DA – 0113 403 3215
Best Indian Restaurants in the Leeds area
De Baga
Headingley and Chapel Allerton are renowned for the plethora of bars, pubs, and restaurants, ranging from oriental cuisines to classic bistros and cafés. Stepping into this Goa inspired Indian restaurant, you will get a true sense of atmosphere as the staff are renowned for never falling short of quality service. The restaurants modern interior features a chrome look beer tap, that compliments the thick rope lights that entices a low light ambience.
You’ll find tantalising vegetarian options such as Chana Ros, a home-made chickpea dish with thick coconut gravy, Goan style. Not forgetting their iconic dish, Lamb Zuchi, an intense south Indian curry made with a lamb leg and a host of spices roasted with the staple coconut.
9 Otley Road, Leeds, LS6 3AA – 0113 274 4492 – 0113 274 4492
8b Stainbeck Ln, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3QY – 0113 805 6229
Prashad
The ethos is simple here at this Gujarati inspired award-winning restaurant. Family environment with a tweak of finesse. Starting from humble beginnings back in 1992, the hard-working foodie fanatic family behind Prashad have expanded their talents over the years.
Their accolades are abundant, being honoured as runners up in Gordon Ramsey’s Best Restaurant in 2010, and being crowned the only 2AA Rosette and Michelin Bib Gourmand Indian Restaurant not just in Leeds but in Yorkshire. The feel of family encompasses the whole service, not only working as a unite within their service but also minimising their carbon footprint as a business by using local, sustainable produce from West Yorkshire’s finest farmers. You can now be taught by the professionals, knowing the difference between a Chaat from a Chole, with curry cooking demonstrations by Head Chef Minal.
137 Whitehall Road, Drighlington, BD11 1AT – 0113 285 2037
Manjit’s Kitchen
Bringing a concept that is as fresh as the produce used, Manjit’s Kitchen aims to utilise the pleasures of the casual dining experience by blending the flavours of Punjabi food and Yorkshire produce, creating award-winning vegetarian street food. The eat-in or take-out bar and kitchen has a friendly neighbourhood feel to it, one that is a personal reflection of Manjit herself.
Having her own homing roots as a focus of her main vision, from Yorkshire-inspired snacks to large Indian plates, Manjit’s sweet tomato Masala Corn Chaat with a smoky infusion from their sample menu is perhaps why they are called the ‘Number One Chaat Spot’.
As winners of the prestigious BBC Food, Drink and Farming awards for Street Food and Takeaway – they’re also top of our list in our guide to the best Indian restaurants in Leeds. Find them in Leeds City Centre where you can grab your lunch in style and spice in Leeds Kirkgate Market.
Kirkgate Market, Vicar Lane, Leeds LS2 7HY – 07941 183132
The Cats Pyjamas
Another top recommendation on our guide to the best Indian restaurants in Leeds is The Cats Pyjamas. When it comes to the phrase, ‘made with love’, the Cat’s Pyjamas speaks for itself. The only female head chef in the game knows how to infuse flavour with passion, carefully picking the most thought of herbs and spices to distinguish intricate differences in each dish. Their Headingley venue may be small, but that’s what makes it all the more inviting. Their staff is well trained, with knowledge of weekly craft beers and each plate, being informative when discussing the imaginative menu with their customers. Contemporary is the word for its décor; painted chipboard and exposed brick make it the ultra-chilled environment you will be in no rush to leave.
The dishes are colourful, with an abundance of Indian spices tickling your every taste bud, so eating the house out of home would not be a problem here. In well-known dishes such as the Railway Potato Curry and the Bombay Keema Curry, the Cat’s Pj’s are like no other, cooking up comfort food in the form of a curry.
53 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3AB – 0113 274 2618
Anand Sweets
Just a short drive outside the city centre is another one of the best Indian restaurants in Leeds, Anand Sweets. With restaurants in both Harehills and Hyde Park, they’re certainly making their mark in the city. Known for its warm atmosphere, bold flavours and affordable prices, this authentic eatery should be the next one on your list to try.
Loved by the locals of Leeds, Anand Sweets serve up an array of traditional curries, their famous samosas and of course their wide selection of sweet treats. Serving the people of Harehills for 25 years, they became even more popular after they were featured in the BBC show ‘Remarkable Places to Eat’ with Nadiya Hussain and Fred Sirieix for their delicious and flavoursome samosas.
109 Harehills Road, Leeds, LS8 5HS – 0113 248 1234
53-55 Queen’s Road, Leeds, LS6 1HY – 0113 322 4855
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Written by
30/03/2023