Restaurants in Leeds
Ian Jones, Food and Drink EditorThe food scene in Leeds is the envy of its neighbouring cities, home to some of the most inventive kitchens in the north. As such, you’ll find excellent restaurants of all kinds, from those specialising in traditional locally-sourced fare, to more outlandish fine dining tasting menus, and Indian restaurants with a unique Yorkshire twist.
Leeds is arguably the capital of West Yorkshire, and it is an international city. The background of a Leodensian may be British, Irish, Indian, Pakistani, Kurdish, or Zimbabwean, and the list goes on. Restaurants have a long history in the city, with fish and chip joints going back deep into Victorian times, and a plethora of Italian, Indian and Greek eateries popping up after the second world war. Today, a medley of cultures creates a landscape of foods for the connoisseur.
The Reliance, for example, specialises in up-to-the-minute contemporary dining. Seared duckling hearts with daffodils? They’ve got you covered. Tharavadu meanwhile focuses on the cuisine of Kerala, India, with deliciously spiced squid, prawn, and fish dishes. You won’t get this just anywhere, and it’s far more delicate than your typical restaurant or takeaway fare. Gaucho meanwhile takes the idea of a steak and turns it into an art form. Rump, ribeye, sirloin, fillet – you won’t find a better steak experience in the north.
The city also boasts a number of excellent Michelin-recommended restaurants, including Horsforth bistro Bavette and Ilkley small plates favourite Forde. Ox Club in the city centre, meanwhile, is all about down-home wood-fired meat dishes. They earn their stripes the old-fashioned way. One still missing from Michelin’s list (but not from ours) is The Empire Cafe, which boasts a famous wall of flame chicken rotisserie, and acts as an unofficial hangout for some of the most respected industry figures in the city.
Romantic dinners for two, food for a group of friends, or a family gathering – whatever you’re looking for, Leeds offers the perfect culinary setting. Here are our favourite restaurants in Leeds.
