From buzzy Trinity to the stunning Victoria Quarter and historic Corn Exchange, this city is jam-packed with tasty eateries for shoppers and late-night revellers alike. Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat or somewhere more intimate come a special occasion, our top picks of restaurants in Leeds city centre are sure to hit the spot.
This cocktail bar and restaurant has the atmosphere of an exclusive private members' club. A great shout come a romantic date night or when in need of the best restaurants for groups in Leeds, The Lost & Found also has regular happy hour deals, alongside set menus and a Greek Street location too.
Dating back to 1997, Fuji Hiro is Leeds' original Japanese noodle and ramen bar. It's well-known for its warm hospitality and laid-back interiors, promising great service and generous portions at all times.
Their affordable menu is full of authentic flavours, with the majority of dishes coming in at under £15. Think beef ramen, chicken katsu curry, spicy tofu fried noodles and so much more.
Right by Leeds Playhouse and BBC Leeds, Kerala Canteen brings the vibrant energy of South India's toddy shops to the city centre. Expect bold flavours, shareable plates, craft cocktails, and an atmosphere designed for lively nights out.
Unlike traditional Indian restaurants, Kerala Canteen encourages you to taste more and share more with its tapas-style dishes. Take your pick of small plates and sharers for the table, from sea bass and king prawn masala to thali and gunpowder potatoes.
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The Alchemist isn't just a quirky cocktail bar, it's also one of the top Trinity Leeds restaurants and serves up an awesome menu of internationally-inspired eats. Graze on fish 'n' chips, jerk chicken and crispy pork belly in-between cocktail sipping. Plus, you can get Instagram snapping at their Greek Street hangout too.
Set in the historic old building society, Browns is ideal for a meal with the parents or a special occasion. Boasting large sash windows flooding light into the space, it also has an impressive weekend brunch menu, including lobster Benedict and pancetta pancakes.
Meat lovers are in for a treat at Reds True BBQ Leeds, a spot devoted to the Americana feel. When you head in for the likes of ribs, wings and mac 'n' cheese balls, you're sure to leave feeling fully satisfied (and pretty messy).
Found on East Parade in the city centre, Blackhouse Gastrobar is a snazzy restaurant decked out with fairy lights and chesterfield sofas. It's the perfect spot to tuck into beautifully cooked steaks, delicious fish and so much more.
All Bar One may not initially come to mind when sussing out the best restaurants in Leeds city centre, but you'd be missing out if you didn't pay the Greek Street bar and eatery a visit. Chow down on a delicious laksa, vegetable tempura and plant-based lasagne, all washed down with a happy hour cocktail or two.
Brasserie Blanc is a haven of French fare executed to perfection, leveraging seasonal ingredients and chefs trained in traditional culinary techniques to elevate the dishes to top-tier status. Serving up a mouth-watering array of comfort food, you could be dining on their signature twice-baked soufflé, escargot, cheesy pan-fried gnocchi, confit rabbit leg, brioche burgers with garlic mayonnaise and more.
There are also a selection of steaks and hearty sides, with wines and cocktails on hand to turn your meal into a boozy affair.
Located within a Grade II-listed building, Iberica is an enchanting Spanish gem. Touting a basement wine bar, ground-floor eatery and a majestic private dining room, this choice of best restaurants in Leeds has got all your needs sorted.
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You can't go wrong with a good ol' Slug And Lettuce. Situated along Park Row, the modern place to eat combines chic decor - neon lights, decorative mirrors and pastel-coloured seating - fronting a crowd-pleasing menu of global dishes suited for meeting up with your mates.
This top pick of the best Italian restaurants in Leeds city centre is ideal for pairing wine or cocktails with your choice of pizza, pasta, seafood and more. Gino D'Acampo not only has the tastiest grub, but the super swanky interiors to match.
Nestled near The Headrow and the Victoria Quarter, Giggling Squid Leeds offers a vibrant taste of Thailand in the heart of the city. High ceilings, a separate bar area, and a menu full of classics like seabass gra pao and massaman curry make it the ideal spot for lunch, dinner, or takeaway after a day of shopping or sightseeing.
A charming cafe bar on Merrion Street, Nesso is a welcoming spot for all-day dining and drinks. It features a Japandi-style interior, with a warm, glowing look and lots of pretty plants.
They offer a wide range of breakfast and brunch options, from chorizo eggs to smoked salmon and avocado on toast or Dubai chocolate pancakes. Later on, try sandwiches and sourdough pizzas, or nab a bottomless brunch for £36.95 per person.
When in need of Italian restaurants in Leeds city centre, look no further than Riva Blu on Park Row. Not only does this gorgeous spot have a gentle colour palette and hanging flowers, but also a range of Italian dishes to keep pasta, pizza and meat-lovers happy.
The Botanist is the perfect plot to settle into when you're peckish. Enjoy gawking at floral decor and pretty interiors, all while sipping on pineapple or blood orange sours. For food, tuck into everything from calamari to fragrant curries and crispy chicken sandwiches.
After an Indian restaurant in Leeds city centre? Mowgli is delving out a load of street food to satisfy your craving, all across a space filled with whole trees and fairy lights for decor. Plus, the cocktails are delish too.
Found near the station, inside the landmark Old Post Office building, Restaurant Bar & Grill is about as central as it gets for a restaurant round these parts. Better yet, the dining space is stunning, while the menu of British and pan-Asian fare is sure to wow in equal measure.
Just a short walk from Leeds train station, The Met Hotel brings an extra dose of sophistication to the city centre. With its high, arched ceilings and marble finishes, it's easy to see why it's been so loved by guests for over 100 years.
Today, you can take a seat in a cosy corner or the centre of its grand dining hall to tuck into prime cuts of steak, fresh fish and rich risottos, washed down with perfectly paired wines, cocktails and craft beer.
Mere minutes from the station, CrowdedHouse brings fine dining and classy continental vibes to the heart of Leeds. Serving up aged ribeye, oysters, butter roasted cod and sensational small plates, it's perfect for a bougie bite to eat.
Book a table on the rooftop and you can add unbelievable views across the city to the menu. The drinks list is just as well crafted, covering all the bases from wine, bubbles and beer to classic and signature cocktails.
Located within Hotel Indigo, The Banksia Restaurant And Bar is a cool space for dinner and drinks - though they serve breakfast and bottomless brunch as well. Expect elegant interiors, featuring lots of pretty plants and pink patterned furniture.
Sip delicious cocktails like the Violet Delight, while munching on Mediterranean sharing plates like roasted pomegranate chicken, lamb tagine and caramelised cauliflower. Plus, you'll find live DJs playing here every weekend.
Located inside the old Post Office building, Banyan is a grand, two-storey destination that's perfect for meals out with friends or a romantic date night. Expect opulent interiors filled with plush booth seating, floral tapestries and quirky neon signs.
You can secure two-for-one cocktails to go with your meal, both classic and signature. As for the food, expect international favourites like Korean fried chicken burgers, Thai red curry and flat iron steak tacos.
Found on Albion Street in the city centre, Cosy Club is a cool restaurant bar that's perfect for all occasions. The spacious dining room can fit small and large groups alike, decked out in retro wallpaper, stylish golden chandeliers and comfortable leather armchairs.
Open from 9am every day, their food offering spans breakfast right through to dinner, with bottomless brunches on offer too. On the menu? Everything from panko-crusted cod and chips to Thai green curry or double smash burgers.
A guide to Leeds city centre restaurants isn't complete without Fleur, the beautiful spot that's decked out with flowers, ceiling installations and rich pink hues. Not only that, but the internationally inspired menu comes courtesy of award-winning MasterChef finalist and Great British Menu-famed chef, Bobby Geetha.
At Pizza Pilgrims in Leeds, pizza is not just food - it's a passion. Offering a menu packed with Italian favourites, this vibrant restaurant brings the flavours of Naples straight to your table.
Sink your teeth into the mouthwatering margherita or spice things up with the double pepperoni and hot honey. The wood-fired oven adds that perfect crispy touch to every pizza. For dessert, the tiramisu is an absolute must-try - rich, creamy, and oh-so-indulgent.
If you're after a show-stopping meal, look no further than Teppanyaki, a Japanese restaurant where your food is prepared, flipped and seared right in front of you. The central location also makes it an obvious choice if you're catching a show at the Grande Theatre or the First Direct Arena.
One of the best vegan and veggie restaurants in the city, Eat Your Greens is whipping up a host of ethical small and large plates, meaning you can fill your boots feeling guilt-free. And with an in-built grocery store to boot, you'll be able to recreate your favourite dishes from the comfort of your own kitchen.
It may have a reputation for bringing the party when the sun goes down, but you'd be surprised to learn that Revolution also comes up trumps in the kitchen department. Gather the girls for an evening spent sipping cocktails and feasting on flatbreads, burgers or salads.
This vibrant, veggie-friendly spot is known for its Indian street food at affordable prices. Located a short walk from Leeds train station, grab a spot at one of Bundobust's long sharing tables and dig into a hearty combo deal for the full Gujarati feast experience.
Take a trip to the Deep South with a little help from this Merrion Street dive bar. MOJO's ethos is all about great times, good music and food that feeds the soul, knocking up a beastly menu of giant burgers or vegan fast food.
Get on down to Park Row where Gaucho Leeds is filling tums with a fantastic selection of Argentinian steaks. Whether you're a sucker for sirloin or just can't get enough of fillet, you can also pair your cut with a range of flavoursome sauces and sides.
This vibrant restaurant is putting its own spin on a number of street food classics from around the country. Order from Indian Tiffin Room's lip-smacking menu and get ready for a truly delicious evening of spicy dosas, filled puris, grilled kebabs and flavoursome curries.
Situated by the entrance of the Merrion Center, Cult Wing is a top choice for those of you who are feeling peckish. The clue's in the name, but this awesome venue has a delicious selection of international eats, from chicken to churros, alongside a crackin' cocktail menu to boot.
