Phranakhon

A short walk from Leeds’ train station, this Thai tapas restaurant is tucked under a quiet city centre street lined with solicitors, property developers, and accountants offices. Descend its stone steps, however, and it’s a wholly different picture: with subtle lighting, exposed brick, and floral touches of blossom giving the restaurant a soft, romantic edge.

Named after the Phra Nakhon district in Thailand’s capital, also home to the famous Khaosan Road, Phranakhon is a collaboration from the team behind two of Yorkshire’s most beloved Thai restaurants, Rice Style and Khaosan Road Thai Bistro. With a joyfully eclectic menu designed for sharing, its dishes nod to the celebrated restaurants of the famous district and champion an authentic Thai street food experience. 

AsThai food is traditionally shared, the menu here is created with that in mind. With two or three plates recommended each, options are creative and varied. Combining an authentic street food experience with table service that is a little more elegant and refined, opt for classics like spicy papaya salad and Pad Thai, traditional spicy glass noodles with prawns and minced pork, grilled chicken thighs with toasted ground rice and dried chilli, and crispy prawn and pork wontons. 

Spanning ‘Phranakhon delights’, noodles, curries, stir fries, street food, ‘just Greens’ and ‘Pork addicts’, the menu is broken into sections with plenty of tempting dishes to choose from. Veggies and vegans are well catered to with breaded tofu, battered aubergine, crunchy broccoli with soy and chilli, sweetcorn and mooli fritters, not to mention a plate of battered chips topped with chilli and curry sauce. 

As for drinks, look out for Thai cocktails made from family recipes, as well as some Thai favourites, and more unusual creations. Great value deals run right throughout the week, so those looking to save a few pennies can rest assured they can easily grab a one-course lunch for £8.95 (Mon–Thurs, 12–2.30pm), or opt for 2 tapas, steamed rice and a drink for £20 in the early evening. There’s a weekend lunch special from Friday to Sunday, too.

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, whether you’re after a romantic dinner or a catch up with family and friends Phranakhon is a great choice.