The 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 16 October 2024

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, it is both a great jumping off point and a destination in itself, with the best restaurants in Leeds proving to be one of the star attractions. You’ll find plenty of ways to work up your appetite throughout the city, whether it be walking along the canal, soaking up the culture at the Grand Theatre or shopping til you drop at the arcades in the Victoria Quarter, Grand, Queens or Thorntons.

Intense redevelopment in the city centre has given birth to a thriving food and drink scene, which covers everything from bars to fine dining, to casual dining and quirky spots, so there’s somewhere to suit every mood. 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. You’ll even find a number of restaurants in Leeds on our UK’s Top 100 Restaurants list, so you know you’re in for something special.

If you’re after something more suitable to a day out with friends, like the best bottomless brunch in Leeds, or somewhere known for its craft beers and street food, there’s plenty of options to ensure you don’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 places to eat in Leeds below before reserving a table.

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
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
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.

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
Bundobust Leeds

Bundobust Leeds

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

With its menu of vegetarian Indian street food, craft beer and stripped-back surroundings, it's clear to see that Bundobust is one of the trendier haunts this city has to offer. Long wooden tables and eye-catching artwork set the scene nicely.

£30 - £49
Indian
Oba Kitchen & Bar

Oba Kitchen & Bar

Unit 2 Wade Lane Merrion Centre, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8NG

This Korean and Japanese fusion restaurant offers traditional flavours in a contemporary setting. Whether you’re after some bottomless brunch, a budget bento box at lunch or a blow out dinner with friends, Oba has you covered.

£30 - £49
Sushi
Korean
Japanese
Fusion
Tattu Leeds

Tattu Leeds

29 East Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, 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.

£50 - £79
Chinese
Dim Sum
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
Modern European
Mediterranean
Vegetarian
Vegan
Tapas
Spanish
Afternoon tea
International
Fish
Wine Bars
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
Owl

Owl

Lockside, Mustard Approach, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4EY

Liz Cottam's charming restaurant overlooking Leeds lockside is still a dependable place to come at all times, for all occasions. It's a small restaurant so booking is essential, but absolutely worth it for Cottam's heart-warming, seasonal cooking. 

Over £80
Modern European
British
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
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
Dakota - Leeds

Dakota - Leeds

Dakota 8 Russell Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, 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
Afternoon tea
Bavette

Bavette

4-6 Town Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4RJ

The UK's gallic renaissance is alive and well in Leeds with this beautiful neighbourhood bistro in Horsforth. The cooking at Bavette is as good as anywhere in the country, we'd wager - hearty dishes and classic sauces are the order of the day, as well as a picture-perfect pate en croute. 

£30 - £49
French
Bistro
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
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
Prashad

Prashad

137 Whitehall Road, Drighlington, West Yorkshire, BD11 1AT

Gujarati food this good is more than worth the drive out to nearby Drighlington. Start off with the epic Prashad mixed platter to get a good sense of the delicious veggie offerings, and don't miss out on the mind-blowing masala dosas. 

Under £30
Vegetarian
Indian
Tharavadu

Tharavadu

7-8 Mill Hill, 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
SquareMeal UK Top 100
The Cut & Craft Leeds

The Cut & Craft Leeds

23 King Edward Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6AX

All the beef at this glitzy city steakhouse is aged for 60 days before it arrives on your plate, with a host of classic steak sides and sauces available too. Cut & Craft keeps things simple but it's deeply luxurious, and vegetarians are well accounted for too (by an amazing truffle aubergine lasagne). 

£50 - £79
Modern European
British
Dastaan Leeds

Dastaan Leeds

473 Otley Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 7NR

Dastaan is hugely underrated, both in it's Leeds and Epsom locations. Even in a city that knows good Indian food, Dastaan's cooking stands in the very top echelons - the malabar prawn curry is a must-order, as are duck and chicken seekh kebabs. We recommend the tasting menu if you want to try all the hits. 

£30 - £49
Indian

Looking to explore more of the North? Just a short drive away, you’ll find the beautiful city of York, with its stunning historical buildings, grand cathedral, and charming cobbled streets - plus, who couldn’t love the place that gave us most of our favourite chocolate bars? But beyond the beautiful sights, and various snacks, it’s also home to a variety of restaurants that are well worth a visit.

Whether you’re after something lowkey or high end, there’s a place to suit every taste and budget, including the odd Michelin star restaurant. Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to York without visiting the famous tea rooms Betty’s, where you can tuck in to a delicious afternoon tea, or simply pop in for a sandwich. Whatever you’re in the mood for, this captivating city is bound to have something that will tickle your fancy. Take a look at our list of the best restaurants in York to find out more.

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