Best restaurants in Leeds

Discover this vibrant northern city’s innovative drinking and dining scene with our round up of the best restaurants in Leeds. We've included restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, so whether you're on the hunt for a classic curry or looking to blow the budget on a Michelin star dining experience, we've got you covered.

Updated on 21 February 2020

Once a rundown mill town, Leeds is now a gleaming gem of the north with plenty to offer. Perfectly situated between the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales, Leeds is both a great jumping off point and a destination in itself, especially when it comes to eating and drinking.

Intense redevelopment in the city centre has given birth to a thriving food and drink scene, which covers everything from bars to fine dining, casual dining and quirky spots for a mesh of all three. There are even a handful of Michelin star restaurants in Leeds, meaning those looking for somewhere extra special to dine, perhaps for an occasion, won’t need to travel far to find top-drawer fare.

Bottomless brunches are as much a thing in Leeds as they are in London, and there are plenty of respectable chain restaurants too, so whatever you’re in the mood for, you definitely won’t go hungry. Dining in a large group? Leeds has plenty of pubs and restaurants suited to group dining, as well as a couple of fantastic Indian restaurants that cater to parties. We’ve tried to include a range of options to suit all types of diner, so whether you’re heading out with friends, planning a hot date or going solo, you should find an eatery that suits. Moreover, whether you’re just passing through, visiting for the weekend or relocating, we highly recommend that you check out our round-up of the best restaurants in Leeds below before reserving a table.

Gaucho Leeds

Gaucho Leeds

21/22 Park row, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5JF

Glitzy black, white and cowhide livery make dining here feel like an event, with the beef – sourced solely from the Pampas plains of Argentina – as the star of the show.
Argentinian
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Pho Leeds

Pho Leeds

Pho TK1 Trinity Kitchen, 401 Trinity Leeds, Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AY

As the name suggests, Pho specialises in Vietnam’s national dish of noodles in soup, bringing fresh, vibrant cooking first to London and now Leeds. This branch is smaller than its London siblings, but still packs a punch.
£30 - £49
Vietnamese
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Northern Monk Refectory

Northern Monk Refectory

The Old Flax Store, Marshalls Mill, Holbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 9YJ

Located on the first floor of the Old Flax Store, this brewery-based refectory hosts regular takeovers from local food vendors, though the focus on the varied styles of beer the ‘monks’ brew.
Pubs
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Bundobust Leeds

Bundobust Leeds

6 Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ

What with its menu of vegetarian Indian street food and craft beer and stripped-back surroundings, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d wandered into Shoreditch by mistake. Long wooden tables and eye-catching artwork set the scene nicely.
£30 - £49
Indian
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Tattu Leeds

Tattu Leeds

Tattu Minerva, Leeds, LS1 5PS

Show-stopping interiors combine with colourful dim sum, large and small plates, and handsome desserts to create a unique dining experience at Tattu. If money’s a bit tight, go for the set lunch menu which offers excellent value.
Over £80
Chinese
Dim Sum
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MEATliquor Leeds

MEATliquor Leeds

Bank Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AT

Expect the usual array of obscene burgers that promise to fulfil the brand’s ‘come hungry, leave wobbly’ motto, along with hotdogs, fries, sides and hard shakes. Kids and dogs are both welcome and vegans are catered for too.
Under £30
North American
Burgers
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Ox Club at Headrow House

Ox Club at Headrow House

Bramleys Yard, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PU

This charming restaurant housed in a former textile mill serves quality dishes in an adorable setting. It’s the kind of place you can visit with friends, on a date or with your parents at the weekend.
International
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Tharavadu

Tharavadu

Tharavadu, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ

Mega-popular with locals and visitors alike, this spot offers exemplary south Indian food served by the smiliest waiters in Leeds at an affordable price. And it’s just a hop, skip and a jump from Leeds train station.
£30 - £49
Indian
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The Man Behind The Curtain

The Man Behind The Curtain

68-78 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7JH

As intriguing and quirky as its namesake, this Michelin-starred restaurant in Leeds has garnered a reputation for delicious, artistically-presented, imaginatively-named dishes. Choose between six and 14 courses.
Over £80
International
One Michelin star
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The Reliance

The Reliance

76-78 North Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7PN

Home-cured charcuterie boards are what this pub’s most proud of, though you’ll also find soups, sandwiches, snacks and large plates on its menu. The informal pub setting means The Reliance is well-suited to both solo- and group-dining.
£30 - £49
British
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Vice and Virtue

Vice and Virtue

68 new briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NU

Forget vice, this award-winning restaurant and cocktail lounge specialising in modern British cuisine is virtuous in our eyes. Guests can look forward to a fine dining experience through a variety of tasting menus and paired drinks.
£30 - £49
Modern European
British
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Home

Home

16-17 Kirkgate, Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6BY

Stylish, friendly and with a 10-course tasting menu to satisfy even the trickiest customers, this contemporary small-plates restaurant run by chef Mark Owens and MasterChef semi-finalist Elizabeth Cottam is ideal for special occasions.
£50 - £79
Modern European
British
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The Swine That Dines

The Swine That Dines

58 North Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7PN

This relaxed eatery isn’t licensed but friendly staff are happy to provide you with drinking vessels for your wine or beer as you tuck into inventive small plates that change according to the seasons.
£30 - £49
British
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Fettle

Fettle

73 Great George Street, Leeds, West Sussex, LS1 3BR

Cosy and laidback, this organic café is a hotspot for quality, locally-sourced food. Open for early breakfast, brunch, and evening meals, guests can expect everything from fresh pastries to pork Wellington.
Under £30
Book now
Ibérica Leeds

Ibérica Leeds

Hepper House, 17a East Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2BH

New-century tapas in beautiful white and royal blue surrounds are what diners can expect from the Leeds branch of this Spanish chain. Majoring in cheeses and cured meats, the menu honours Spain’s centuries-old gastronomic traditions.
£30 - £49
Tapas
Spanish
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Angelica

Angelica

Trinity Leeds, Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5ER

Boasting panoramic views of the city, this sixth-floor D&D-owned restaurant/bar was made for celebrating. Swanky modern interiors go hand-in-hand with a menu full of international favourites spanning brunch to dinner.
£30 - £49
Bars
International
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Crafthouse

Crafthouse

Level 5, Trinity Leeds, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW

Fantastic views of the city are yours for the taking at this modern British restaurant in the heart of Leeds. Part of London-based D&D group, Crafthouse is popular for its smoky Josper-grilled steaks and native lobsters.
£30 - £49
British
Book now
Sukhothai - City Centre

Sukhothai - City Centre

Sukhothai 15 South Parade, Leeds, LS1 5QS

It’s hard to believe a restaurant with over 200 dishes on its a la carte menu could be exceptional, but this Thai restaurant manages it. A firm favourite among locals, Sukhothai continues to thrive thanks to its imaginative menu.
£30 - £49
Thai
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Senbon Sakura

Senbon Sakura

71 Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3BR

This Japanese kitchen is a local gem. Whether you choose to eat in or take away, you can look forward to flavourful Japanese favourites, including sushi, gyoza and noodle dishes, served with a smile.
£30 - £49
Sushi
Japanese
Book now
Friends of Ham Leeds

Friends of Ham Leeds

4-8 New Station Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DL

So popular was this friendly independent’s tiny ground floor bar/restaurant that it was required to expand next door after a couple of years. The menu majors in charcuterie and cheeses, craft beers and wines.
£30 - £49
Tapas
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Nation of Shopkeepers

Nation of Shopkeepers

27-37 Cookridge Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AG

Quality pub grub including (but not limited to) massive burgers, fried chicken, wraps, snacks and hearty veggie meals are the order of the day at this relaxed bar-kitchen-courtyard near Leeds Cathedral.
£30 - £49
North American
Bars
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Matt Healy x The Foundry

Matt Healy x The Foundry

1 Saw Mill Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5WH

MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Matt Healy is now at the helm of this wine bar and restaurant in Holbeck, which serves up fresh and inventive, seasonally-inspired small plates designed to share.
£30 - £49
British
Book now
The Fourth Floor Café

The Fourth Floor Café

Harvey Nichols, 107-111 Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6AZ

Much like its London counterpart, this northern branch of Harvey Nics is tailor-made for shoppers and the city’s smart set. The menu is seasonal, but you’ll always find British favourites such as steak, plus a separate vegan menu.
£30 - £49
Modern European
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Dakota - Leeds

Dakota - Leeds

Dakota 8 Russell Street, Leeds, LS1 5RN

Loved by locals and visitors alike for its excellent food and outstanding service, Dakota is a hotel restaurant with a difference. Majoring in comfort food favourites, there’s something for everyone at this stylish grill.
£50 - £79
Steak
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San Carlo Leeds

San Carlo Leeds

6-7 South Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5QX

Situated in the heart of Leeds’ smart legal and business quarter, this branch of San Carlo promises sleek, stylish good looks, a cheery, welcoming vibe and a wide-ranging menu peppered with trattoria classics.
Under £30
Mediterranean
Italian
Book now
East 59th

East 59th

47 Victoria Gate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7AU

Designed to resemble a New York rooftop bar and restaurant, this stylish hangout celebrates contemporary American dining. This means you can tuck into bottomless brunch from midday onwards any day of the week.
Under £30
North American
Book now

On a mission to try all the best restaurants in the UK? Check out our guide to the UK’s Top 100 Restaurants.

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