Tharavadu

Easily the most popular and celebrated Indian restaurant in Leeds, Tharavadu specialises in cuisine from Kerala, a small coastal area of South-West India with a strong focus on fish dishes. Expect plenty of dishes you haven’t encountered before as well as some hearty favourites at this multiple-award-winning restaurant.

The Michelin recommended restaurant first opened in the city in 2014, and has become a fixture for great Indian food here ever since – making it into Leeds top ten Indian restaurants list on Tripadvisor in its very first week. A short walk from Leeds’ train station, it sits next door to the also popular Indian street food spot Bundobust – but in a testament to local’s good taste, neither are struggling for business.

The favourite restaurant of Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma when they find themselves in Leeds, on the menu you’ll find a blend of indigenous dishes and foreign dishes adapted to Keralan tastes. The region’s long coastlines, numerous rivers and strong fishing tradition contribute to a number of seafood dishes, whilst its history as a trading stop off can be credited with bringing in influences from further afield.

Here, diners can experience the authentic flavours of Kerala cooking, from chefs all born and brought up in the region, with many years experience in traditional cooking. It serves three menus – an A la Carte, lunch menu, and a special 11th anniversary tasting menu. From its main menu, enjoy the essence of a traditional village tea shop with homemade chutneys, homemade pappadavada, and more, before digging into the main event: with curries from the coast, signature housemade dosa, and traditional thali feasts to choose from.

Kitted out in deep varnished wood with many memories of home adorning the walls, Tharavadu is split across two floors with a large downstairs bar pouring draught beers from both India and Yorkshire, cocktails, wines, and lassis, and a large floor to ceiling window in its front which makes a perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by over a leisurely lunch. A huge success in Leeds that is championed by critics across the UK, Tharavadu has recently opened a second site in the city, Uyare, a rooftop bar and restaurant with great views of the city skyline.