A thoroughly modern city which combines its local heritage with global influences, Leeds is a brilliant place to call home. One of the many strings to its bow is the excellent local dining scene. Whether you’ve lived close to the city centre your whole life or you’re heading in from a suburb such as Mirfield or Garforth, get ready to work your way through our list of the best restaurants in Leeds city centre.
Black Market
Located in the popular Chapel Allerton area in the northern suburbs, Black Market is a contemporary British restaurant where you’ll find bold new dishes and old classics alike. A diverse, playful menu, the bright and welcoming bistro has an open kitchen and plays old vinyl over Sunday lunch.
The Man Behind The Curtain
One of the very best restaurants in Leeds city centre, this effort from chef Michael O’Hare is hard to beat when it comes to fine-dining. Quirky, unconventional and truly inspirational, you’re guaranteed a unique experience at The Man Behind The Curtain. Expect creative, imaginative dishes and other-worldly interior design at Leeds’ only Michelin-starred restaurant.
La Taberna
If you’re on the lookout for Spanish tapas in the centre of town, La Taberna is an absolute must-visit. Consistently one of the top-rated restaurants in Leeds, this family-run haunt is known for its flat iron steak and chorizo al vino, and is a great place to go if you love sharing small plates with friends and family.
Tharavadu
Also in the heart of the city opposite the train station, Tharavadu is a mecca for those who love food from India’s Kerala region. One of the best restaurants Leeds has to offer in its own right, you can experience the mouthwatering flavours of traditional Kerala cooking produced by chefs who hail from the region.
HanaMatsuri
Finally, to the Meanwood area, HanaMatsuri is the place to go for excellent Japanese food. Specialising in freshly-made sushi and sashimi, this tiny restaurant delivers superb food from high-quality ingredients. Authentic and intimate, the Omakase dining experience is sure to provide you with a memorable evening out.
From city centre living to places such as Meltham on the outskirts of Leeds and areas like Methley closer to town, there are lots of great spots to call home in this part of Yorkshire. If you’re searching for a contemporary new build home designed to exacting modern standards, don’t miss developments such as St Andrew’s Place in Morley, Drovers Court in Micklefield and East Ardsley’s Ambler’s Meadow.