Whether it's a slinky date night or friendly catch-up, you're going to want a crackin' place to dine. So, to make sure you don't go hungry, we've checked out the city's award-winning trattorias, upmarket Indian eateries and vibrant South American hangouts to round up the best restaurants in Leicester just for you.
Last edited by Marcus Sanigar
Last updated on 22nd October 2025
If you're on the lookout for the best Thai restaurant in Leicester, Giggling Squid takes some beating. Just down the road from the Richard III Museum, it serves up sharing platters, showstopping mains, Thai tapas and spicy stir fries in the midst of bold, botanical interiors. If you can handle your heat, the Chicken & Mustard Greens Firepot is not to be missed.
Wash down your food with a choice of Thai tipples, from ice cold beer to signature cocktails.
Found right in the heart of the city, Cosy Club is a cool and quirky restaurant bar that's housed inside a former knitwear factory - dating back to the 1800s. There are plenty of industrial touches and original features remaining, as well as some more modern additions that add a pop of colour.
There's an extensive menu of international dishes to get stuck into, from garlic and paprika prawns to Thai green tofu curry and double smash burgers, both meat and plant-based. There's a huge selection of unique cocktails too, from the Tiramisu Martini to a Mango Colada.
Looking for more? Then check out our cool, new table search engine to find your next favourite. Choose between 1000s of top-notch venues, alongside getting the chance to earn reward points to spend on experiences with each booking made.
Nestled in the heart of Leicester on historic Horsefair Street, La Fontana Italiana offers a refined yet welcoming Italian dining experience in a beautifully restored former Barclays bank. Guests can indulge in authentic dishes such as handmade pasta and stone-baked pizzas while enjoying scenic views of the Leicester Town Hall Fountain.
The restaurant's elegant interiors blend classic charm with modern comfort, making it perfect for everything from date nights to family gatherings. With a menu that caters to halal preferences and generous discounts for local community heroes, La Fontana delivers warmth, flavour, and style at every meal.
Found in the popular Leicester Highcross shopping centre, YO! offers a fun and interactive way to dine, with a conveyer belt of sushi that makes its way around the room. You can also order other Japanese eats, like stir-fries, curries and soups.
if you're looking for a hearty meal out within one of Leicester's most iconic buildings, The Gresham Bar & Restaurant is a top choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The all-day venue is always welcoming, flaunting pretty greenery and a marble-topped bar.
Tuck into everything from chicken and chorizo skewers to sirloin steak or a sweet potato and bean burger - inspired by Leicester's rich culinary history.
While located on the outskirts of the city, The White Horse is well worth the trip. Inside, this gorgeous, cosy boozer fronts a contemporary pub feel, with a panelled bar, chandelier-style lights and pretty views of the river. Venture over for beautifully prepared British classics done right.
When it comes to the best Indian restaurants in Leicester, Mowgli has to be right up there. Not only will you be able to munch everything from rhubarb ginger dhal to gunpowder chicken and keema, but also pair quirky cocktails with your street food.
If you're after exciting Indian restaurants, Tipu Sultan should be at top of the list. It showcases beaut interiors that mix modern opulence with old school tradition. Grab yourself a table to tuck into sizzling curries, lavish lamb chops and luxurious lassis.
Looking for the best Indian restaurants in Leicester? Spice up your evening with a trip to this award-winning find. Santhi Restaurant is whipping up everything from elevated street food to snazzy set menus for those extra special occasions.
San Carlo is often referred to as the best Italian restaurant in Leicester city centre, fronting gorgeous interiors as far as the eye can see, as well as cracking cuisine. Not only can you wolf down beautifully prepared plates of pasta, but also pizzas, antipasti and more.
