Leeds has no shortage of curry houses, but Uyare takes things to new heights - quite literally - with its lofty perch above George Street. The team behind local-favourite Tharavadu has kept its Keralan roots, and transformed them into something grander, and slightly glossier, set against the city skyline.
Step out of the lift and you’re greeted by a sweeping bar with a wraparound terrace, all low-lighting and burnt terracotta, before moving onto an equally striking dining room. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide glimpses of the city below; abstract artworks sprawl across the corrugated walls. Plants stretch towards the double-height ceilings, whilst dinky lamps sit atop white-marble tables, casting warm pools of light across the room. Everything is rich blues with silver touches, pothole-style mirrors that give off a hint of luxury cruise-liner. On a busy Friday night, the place hums - punters streaming in and out, cocktails clinking, the air thick with spice. It’s clear Uyare is already one of the city’s liveliest spots.
A mango margarita makes a strong first impression: sweet yet fiery, it arrives rimmed with spiced salt and studded with shards of fresh chilli. Starters show off the kitchen’s expert balancing act: the lamb pepper fry brings richly-spiced strips of meat, alongside roasted tomatoes for a welcome burst of sweetness, all gathered neatly on a vibrant banana leaf. The chick-chick chaat is instantly eye-catching. Two crisp chicken samosas standing upright on a bed of chickpeas, drenched in yoghurt, tamarind, and mint chutney. Despite the trio of sauces, the pastry impressively holds its crunch, with a scattering of pomegranate seeds adding a sharp, fresh pop with each mouthful.
We could’ve easily spent our evening working through the extensive selection of authentic snacks, but curiosity steers us towards the curries. Roast tiger prawns swim in a punched-up coconut sauce, offering a slow-building heat that’s cut through by a sprinkle of pickled ginger. Elsewhere, soft cubes of paneer bask in a tingling-tomato base, streaked with a cooling yoghurt. Plates here show finesse - spicing is deftly handled, each plate dressed in colour - but at heart they’re comfort-driven, deeply rooted in flavour. A basket of poori provides the final touches, puffed and golden, built for mopping up every last dreg.
Uyare feels confident from the outset. With its elevated views and assured take on Keralan cuisine, it’s an exciting new addition to Leeds’ dining scene – one that’s already buzzing with life.