It could be Valentine's Day, a night out with your long-term beau or the very first date; whatever the occasion, we all need a little bit of romance when coupling up. Whether you're after a place to be wined and dined, or somewhere so beautifully lit that you can't help but steal a kiss beside the candles, there's somewhere for you to eat across this city. So, have a read of our guide to the best romantic restaurants in Leeds for couples.
Date night just got a lot more delicious at Giggling Squid Leeds. Share a duck confit or Thai garlic hake, toast with cocktails at the separate bar, and enjoy a cosy yet stylish setting in the heart of Leeds.
High ceilings, ambient lighting, and the aromas of Thailand make it an intimate choice for couples looking for something a little different.
Blending vintage touches, industrial features and huge indoor trees covered in flowers, The Botanist is quite the looker for your next date night destination. And if that wasn't enough to entice? Think about washing hanging kebabs and steaks down with their signature cocktails, swoon.
With its dreamy decor and tapas style sharing menu, Kerala Canteen is perfect for date nights. Recognised among the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the UK and ranked Top 3 in Leeds and Yorkshire, its tapas-style dining format is inspired by Kerala's toddy shop culture.
Expect bold flavours, shareable plates, craft cocktails and an unforgettable atmosphere. The vibe here is try more, share more, so take your pick of creamy curries, thali and small plates for the table, from the gunpowder potatoes to the green chilli pork chop and crispy curry leaf calamari.
After romantic restaurants in Leeds city centre? Make sure Gino D'Acampo is on your list. Nothing says date night more than the Italian fare here, including Neapolitan-style pizzas and dreamy pasta dishes, while your meal can also be paired with wine and cocktails across the swish space.
From bottomless brunch to hearty Sunday roasts and more, The Lost & Found Albion Place and Greek Street have your rumbling tummies sorted from dawn 'til dusk. Fronting antique brass, leather and velvet furnishings in a Grade II-listed building, the interiors here are sure to wow the pair of you as well.
Browns has some of the swankiest looks and meals in the city, from bougie afternoon tea to fillet steak with garlic butter scallops. Mosey over to this sophisticated restaurant with your beau and you'll dine in opulent surrounds, while having bubbles or a beaut cocktail in hand.
For romantic Italian restaurants in Leeds, Riva Blu is a great shout thanks to its combo of floral decorations with a muted blue and neutral colour scheme. Aside from the stunning interiors, you can expect a menu of classics like seafood linguine, grilled yellowfin tuna and pizzas.
Filled with pretty fairy lights and entire trees growing inside the restaurant, Mowgli is a cute spot for a dinner date. Their menu is inspired by Indian street food, fronting dishes like ginger chicken, goan fish curry and tea-steeped chickpeas.
Boasting snazzy interiors, with low-hanging lighting, chesterfield sofas and a sleek bar, Blackhouse Gastrobar is a fantastic find if you're looking to romance your beau. Treat them to a sumptuous dinner of succulent steak, roasted cod and so much more.
For those after romantic date night vibes, head to Sukhothai in Chapel Allerton or South Parade. This gorgeous venue is home to a botanical theme - which provides a sultry backdrop, including a peaceful feature pond and water wall, making it a perfect spot to enjoy authentic Thai eats.
Settle down among the striking dark wood and pale leather seating of Chaophraya, where sumptuous Thai offerings await for your romantic meal. That's stir-frys, classic curries and even celebratory set menus when you fancy pushing the boat out.
While you might know The Alchemist best as a bar that whips up smoking and fizzing cocktails, their Trinity venue is a winner out of all the romantic rooftop restaurants in Leeds too. Sleek interiors, panoramic views and an international menu are bound to delight your eyes and belly.
Looking for a sharing platter to split with your other half? Their Sunday Feast costs £20 per person, featuring the likes of pork belly bites, buttermilk fried chicken and macaroni cheese.
It's not just about the delicious food at Tharavadu. The Kerala dishes here are tasty enough to get the sparks flying anywhere, but their moody interior, extensive wine list and array of craft beers combine to make this Michelin-recommended restaurant an amazing date destination.
All you can eat sushi? Well, if that isn't a proper date treat, we don't know what is. From the sashimi and pan-Asian grill plates to its pink sakura decorations, Sakku is a beauty. Our tip? Don't forget about their range of unique cocktails, including spicy mango margaritas and a tempting Tokyo Sunset.
Treat your other half to a romantic evening of wining and dining over at stylish Argentinan hotspot Gaucho. Keeping things flirty on Park Row, it boasts intimate lighting, luxe seating and one helluva menu - we're talkin' ceviche and juicy steak with killer cocktails to match.
A ridiculously romantic spot on Town Street, Bavette brings the beauty of the French bistro to Horsforth. Created by long-time hospitality pros Sandy and Clément, it serves up a warm welcome and laidback vibes along with its classic seasonal dishes.
Every plate is carefully considered, from the house charcuterie pork steak tartare to the feuilletés aux moules and venison haunch with sauce grand veneur. There's more to love over on the wine list, with cuvées sourced from Sandy's family estate.
Vice & Virtue is a top choice of romantic but fancy restaurants in Leeds city centre, as it's serving dishes from MasterChef finalist Jono Hawthorne. If you want to be a bit more sinful, venture to the cocktail bar downstairs for devilishly mixed drinks and a sexier gentleman's club theme too.
Bulgogi Grill is a restaurant with a neat little twist. The Merrion Road eatery gives you a range of BBQ meats and seafood, each marinated in traditional Korean seasonings and sauces. Then, it's up to each couple how – and for how long – you cook these on the concave grill in the middle of your table.
One of the most fancy restaurants in Leeds for a date, Tattu is the place for an eye-catching meal. Let this gorgeous spot do all the work, serving up tasty Chinese cuisine surrounded by purple fauna, with halal options too. Now all you have to do is turn up the charm and make gooey eyes across the table.
This sleek hideaway is the perfect pick of date restaurants in Leeds, thanks to its adorable aesthetic and delicious food. Uniting industrial chic with cute hanging lightbulbs, it's the perfect environment to steal a kiss while enjoying a selection of homemade liquors, wines, and locally-sourced European dishes.
Dinner with a show, anyone? Teppanyaki proves that the art of cooking itself is plenty to keep you entertained, as the friendly chefs fry up your meal on the hot plates at your table. Using theatrical skills like juggling, flipping and fire, this is a date night restaurant in Leeds that's worth remembering.
After Instagrammable interiors and beautiful British fare for your night of romance? Then The Ivy Leeds is the restaurant for you. From the floral decor to their unique sips and innovative twists on classic dishes, you're sure to take dates up a notch here.
A destination for romantic fine dining in Leeds, Home is boasting a warm and welcoming atmosphere to match the quality of its food. Their offerings are constantly evolving, adding inventive new plates using fresh British produce, so that you can enjoy different seven or ten-course tasting menus each month.
