Situated in the iconic Old Post Office building and with a square footage that city centre spots can only dream of, Restaurant Bar & Grill has long been a go-to choice for after-work drinks and intimate dinner dates alike. And (excuse the pun), would a £2 million revamp up the steaks? We dropped by to check out what’s new.

Rumour has it, over four thousand delicate gold leaf sheets went into the finer details of this makeover.

First thing to note was the change in layout. Walking in, we were met with a beautiful open-plan dining area that made everything feel bright and airy; ideal while the light evenings are still here. But come darkness, the low-hanging pendant lights helped set an even more intimate scene. Italian marble and solid walnut made up the main additions, while green leather and flashes of gold really ramped up the luxury. But it’s not too much, as there was relaxed about the venue (the in-house DJ we spotted upstairs can be thanked for that).

When it came to deciding what to order, my date and I ummed and ahhed over the menu at this top pick of Leeds restaurants. The setting sun had me in the mood for a delish strawberry, watermelon and hibiscus mojito (£10.75) and he grabbed a trusty pint of Amstel (£6.50). To start, we went for the sweet potato and chorizo croquettes (£8.25) with crispy duck spring rolls (£11). Our first pick was cooked perfectly; crisp on the outside but creamy and smoky on the inside, and topped off with a double dip-worthy saffron aioli. As for the second? Just as delicious - packed full of succulent shredded duck and boasting a satisfying crunch. A healthy serving of sticky and sweet hoisin sauce made them super moreish, but we still needed to save space for the main event.

Cheers to this slick new look.

The Restaurant Bar & Grill Leeds menu is renowned for its steak, featuring only the finest British beef cuts from hand-picked farms. After a whispered debate, we settled on the 300g of wagyu sirloin (£55) and 225g of fillet (£38). Chunky chips and a choice of sauce are included in the price - as are grilled, smoky portobello mushrooms and large tomatoes. The East Yorkshire wagyu was cooked medium-rare as recommended, served alongside a green peppercorn sauce that oozed around the plate to give a little extra saltiness and balance. The only leftovers were the cut of bits of fat from the edge, which we didn’t mind as that’s what made it so rich - yum. Meanwhile, The Angus and Hereford fillet was beautifully tender, with a tasty charring from the grill on the outside and a fresh chimichurri to pair. 

A quick word on the sides: portions are generous. The mac and cheese (£5) would make an ideal sharer between three and four people - a bargain if you come as a group - while also being luxuriously creamy. Topping it off? Tenderstem broccoli with chilli and garlic (£5). After such an indulgent meal, we were definitely too full for dessert, so instead opted for a hit of espresso (£3.75) each to send us on our way after a Friday night feast.

Much like the Restaurant Bar & Grill Liverpool menu, this sister spot has plenty of crowd-pleasers.

The DesignMyNight Digest 

The Restaurant Bar & Grill Leeds really is an all-year-round staple, from the huge outdoor terrace to the mezzanine level and the ample dining space - now all remodelled in rich wood and sleek marble. Makeover aside, why does this place have diners coming back time and again? Although it perhaps has a higher price point, quality and potion size makes a trip here worth a bit of extra dough.

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