The 9 Leeds restaurants and cafes you need to try in 2025
Leeds is one of the UK’s best cities for food and drink.
A culinary gem. From serial award-winners to those venues away from the Leeds city centre serving unbeatable roast dinners. In a hopeful attempt to display some of our own knowledge and authenticity we’ve put together our selection of editorial’s favourite Leeds restaurants and places to go out to eat (not every entry will fit the conventional 'restaurant' description... just go with it).
In a similar fashion to our Yorkshire pub recommendations article, from across the team, we’ve submitted our Leeds choices with a few lines telling you why we love them so much. We have our fingers firmly crossed that you believe you know what we are talking about.
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The list below features suggestions from across the city. There will be a few hidden gems you’ve yet to discover.
Take a scroll and see which venue takes your fancy. Don’t forget, you can tell us your favourite Leeds spot to eat out by commenting on this article or by telling us on Facebook.
Hooyah Burgers
78 Albion Street, Leeds, LS1 6AD
It is a small but mighty restaurant that claims to have the best burgers in Leeds and I agree that it does after designing my own two four oz burgers with a seedless brioche bun with American cheese, bacon and lettuce. It has two floors for seating areas and was surprisingly spacious inside despite its exterior appearance. The staff were very pleasant and knowledgeable of the menu and were eager to answer any questions.
Suggestion by Samantha Teesdale
Olive Tree Brasserie
8 S Parade, Leeds, LS1 5QX
Opened at the end of 2023. The restaurant’s aim was to bring a modern take on Greek cuisine with the South Parade restaurant looking to build on the success experienced in Lytham, Chester, and Stockton Heath. The objective has been achieved.
The food has Greek inspiration at its core, with a focus on sustainability and an extensive range of veggie and vegan options with 40 per cent of their menu being plant-based. Meze and main course highlights include Mediterranean favourites such as the popular lamb kleftiko, moussaka, and dolmades.
There's even a Sunday roast...with a Mediterranean twist.
Submission by Craig Jones
Livin’Italy
Granary Wharf, Wharf Approach, Leeds, LS1 4BR
The quaint restaurant, based in the Leeds Train Station railway arches, is probably my favourite Italian in Yorkshire (although there are some amazing alternatives). With traditional dishes and pizza, you really can’t go wrong. If you can fancy a bit of celeb spotting, we’ve also seen the Leeds United squad enjoy meals there on occasion.
Submission by Craig Jones
House of Fu
15-19 The Headrow, Leeds city centre, LS1 6PU
It's a really lovely atmosphere inside - busy but not crowded. Decor is food and the food is amazing. I've been a couple of times and always opt for the spicy miso tantanmen - the crunchy chilli oil gives it a kick. Great for a family meal, a date or catch up with friends and family.
Submission by Sophie Corcoran
Bengal Brasserie
Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Leeds, LS8 4BA
My old haunt when I lived in the Chapel Allerton area. Easily one of the best curry houses in Yorkshire …and the best thing? There’s other branches in Leeds, including a new Moortown offering, and the region if the Roundhay one is a little of a trek.
Submission by Craig Jones
Sweet Basil Valley
1 Green Lane, Yeadon, Rawdon, Leeds LS19 7BY
It's a fantastic Chinese and Thai restaurant which is well decorated and serves some fantastic food. Service there is always great and it's got a wide menu, meaning there's something for everyone to eat, and with everything tasting good anyway it makes for a brilliant meal out.
Submission by Sebastian McCormick
Fourth Floor Brasserie and Bar at Harvey Nichols Leeds
Harvey Nichols, 111 Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6AZ
Very much offers a sense of glam. You can also enjoy stunning views of Leeds city centre. Their Sunday roast is one of the best in Leeds.
Submission by Craig Jones
Mother Hubbard’s
Harehills Road, Harehills, Leeds, LS8 5PB
Once again, reiterating the point that not every single entry is, or even needs to be, a traditional ‘restaurant’ is Mother Hubbard’s. During my time in Leeds, it was my local chippy and, as well as serving all the favourites you’d expect, it is my tip because of how it really felt like a focal point of the Harehills community.
There’s an indoor cafe area or, of course, you can take your tea home with you.
Submission by Craig Jones
Lupe’s Cantina
204 Cardigan Road, Burley, Leeds, LS6 1LF
I absolutely love Mexican cuisine and, undoubtedly, Lupe’s serves some of the very best in Yorkshire. The menu features real authentic dishes with many coming with a big kick. This can all be washed down with a wide selection of cocktails.
Submission by Craig Jones
If you liked this list you can find some further restaurant and eating out tips from the team, based all across Yorkshire, here.
To find out the latest food and drink news in our city you can visit our Best in Leeds homepage. There you will also find a guide to great things to do in Leeds. Stuck at home and wishing you were there? Download your favourite artists from Amazon and Apple music.
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