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

When to go: Sundays for our favourite roast in Leeds

What to have: Their midweek set menu for a taste of everything

If inventive bar snacks, indulgent mains and skyline views are your thing, CrowdedHouse is the spot for you. Serving up the best vibes in Leeds, this rooftop bar and restaurant oozes laid-back, effortlessly cool energy.

Whether it’s cocktails and boogie on their top floor, beef tartare and a bottle of red on the floor below or one of the best Sunday lunches in Leeds, CrowdedHouse is a Jack of all trades.

Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW – 0113 518 0100

When to go: Date night or bottomless brunch with friends

What to have: The black pepper honey ribs

Tattu has become the place to be seen amongst the socialites of Leeds, home to an immersive DJ-led atmosphere on weekends and more premium fine dining midweek and daytimes – this is another spot that does it all.

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: Sunset, to soak up views over the city

What to have: A selection of dishes to share and the best flaky paratha in Leeds

Boasting panoramic views of the city skyline and a beautiful roof terrace, Uyare is a taste of Keralan luxury above Victoria Gate.

By the brains behind Tharavadu, Uyare is the swanky rooftop sister, but still with the same great flavour it’s so widely known for.

Their signature bites are perfect to pair with a few of their freshly crafted cocktails, with favourites including crisp samosas, spiced king prawns and masala fried fish.

Victoria Gate 3rd Floor, Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU

When to go: For chop night or take the crew for Sunday Lunch

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: When impressing visiting friends

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 theatre.

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: On a Friday night after a long day at work

What to have: Their traditional thalis 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 best dining spots in Leeds in a very short space of time. It’s been recommended by regional and national press, as well as glowing reviews from some A-list celebrities including Rebel Wilson!

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

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 try a bit of everything

Hidden away on Wharf Street in The Calls, Shears Yard is the kind of Leeds restaurant that’s easy to fall in love with. Set inside a characterful former 19th-century rope and canvas works, it serves up modern British and European dishes with plenty of creativity. Expect seasonal ingredients, interesting flavour combinations and a menu that changes with the seasons.

There’s an à la carte menu, tasting menu, vegetarian options and a popular Sunday lunch, plus a great selection of cocktails. Whether you’re planning a date night, special occasion or simply fancy trying somewhere a little different, Shears Yard is well worth seeking out.

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

When to go: Saturday night, when there’s live music and flowing cocktails

What to have: Their market fish, served with grilled hispi cabbage and Baharat butter sauce, one of their signatures

The Banksia is a Mediterranean restaurant making its mark on Lower Briggate with incredible flavour and an unforgettable vibe, making it one of the best restaurants in Leeds.

Whether it’s sharing plates with friends or a boozy, bottomless brunch to celebrate the weekend, this is somewhere to add to your list.

Chef Matthew Gilligan heads their open kitchen, offering a beautifully curated selection of Aegean-inspired small plates perfect for relaxed all-day dining.

2 Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 4AE – 01132436454

When to go: Friday night, preferably in Autumn for ultimate cosiness

What to have: A creamy pint of Guinness and a Keema Shepherd’s Pie

New to Leeds in 2025, within a year of opening, Highland Laddie was voted the best pub in Britain by The Good Food Guide, and quite honestly we can see why.

Their ever-changing menu sees modern and really quite creative takes on pub classics, as well as their oysters and bar snacks, which have become a big talking point amongst foodies.

38 Cavendish St, Leeds LS3 1LY

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

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: 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: When you’re in the mood for pasta

What to have: Supplì, a traditional Roman street food

Stuzzi is the ultimate Italian small plates spot, showcasing the very best of dishes from across the country. Their menu changes monthly, meaning they follow the lead of the best produce of the season.

Imported straight from the source and designed to be eaten in true Italian fashion, Stuzzi is the perfect combination of street food, hearty pasta dishes and, of course, great Italian drinks- Negroni, anyone?

7 Merrion St, Leeds LS1 6PQ

When to go: For a fun, interactive foodie evening with friends.

What to have:  Try one of their unique, zingy cocktails and opt for fresh sushi and grilled items from this extensive menu.

With eclectic decor, dine amongst the cherry blossom trees and try their fun touchscreen technology at the table.

Blue Sakura in Leeds city centre is serving fantastic Japanese-style tapas in an all-you-can-eat concept.

Savour plates of fresh sushi, teppanyaki classics and dishes from the wok all at a set price for lunch or dinner, every day of the week. This popular spot has a great atmosphere, perfect for a gathering with friends over great food and sweet cocktails.

2-3 Merrion Way, Leeds LS2 8BT

When to go: After work with friends or pre-gig

What to have: South Indian tapas-sized dishes, from crispy curry leaf calamar and gunpowder potatoes or warming vegetable korma and a jackfruit biryani

Kerala Canteen is brought to us by MasterChef The Professionals Bobby Geetha, and is inspired by his travels and childhood. This city-centre hidden gem neighbours the BBC Leeds Studio and popular music venue, The Wardrobe.

There’s an extensive list of tempting Indian-inspired cocktails too, including a gunpowder and turmeric margarita and pina keralada. All served to you in a vibrant, energetic environment with earthy decor, making it one of the best restaurants in Leeds.

5 St. Peter’s St, Near BBC, Leeds, LS9 8AQ

When to go: When you need to satisfy a big group with diverse tastes

What to have: They’re pretty famous for their international-style bottomless brunch or sticky bao buns and pink drinks

Right in the centre of Leeds, and dripping in floral decor, Fléur restaurant is serving up a fusion of international flavours, using the best Yorkshire produce.

With brunch (and generous, international-style bottomless brunch!), lunch, afternoon tea and evening dining, Fléur fits the bill on any occasion. 

Each dish on the varied menu has been inspired by award-winning MasterChef The Professionals, Bobby Geetha’s global travels and upbringing. There are plenty of halal and vegan options too, so something to suit everyone in your party. 

Inside The Light, Leeds, LS1 8TL

When to go: Literally whenever, Rudy’s is perfect for any occasion

What to have: Capricciosa and a schooner of Poretti

Consistently good and a true crowd pleaser, Rudy’s has really taken the country by storm with its authentic wood-fired pizza perfectly paired with an Italian lager.

The Leeds restaurant is conveniently next to the train station, an ideal pit stop. It’s home to a friendly open kitchen and buzzing atmosphere – we’ve never seen it empty!

2 New Station St, Leeds LS1 5DL

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: We’d go when celebrating a special occasion with family, or for date night

What to have: One of their seasonal specials, from pan-fried lemon sole to hearty beef cheek

Nestled in Roundhay, San Carlo Flying Pizza offers authentic Italian cuisine beautifully complemented by a handpicked wine list from across the region.

With an open-rooftop terrace, it is the perfect setting for delicious sharing plates of antipasti and crisp Neapolitan pizzas.

Make sure you save room for a classic dessert too, a Sicilian pistachio cake and a creamy, chocolate-dusted tiramisu will undoubtedly end your meal on the perfect note.

60 Street Ln, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2DQ

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

What to have: Prashad’s tasting menu

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