Dating can be stressful, whether it’s a first date, to celebrate an anniversary, a rare night out for parents, or just a good old fashioned treat with someone you love.
Adding to the pressure, any date can be ruined by a poorly chosen restaurant where you experience terrible service and even worse food.
Luckily for you, we've compiled this handy list of the best date night spots in Leeds that are sure to kick start any blossoming romance or reaffirm any longstanding relationship.
All you need to do is provide the romance...
Shears Yard
The right lighting is key for evenings out, and that’s why Shear’s Yard is an ideal destination in Leeds for getting into the romantic mood. The restaurant is renowned for its beauty and the whole place is softly lit thanks to a ceiling of Edison light bulbs which are sure to relax and impress your date.
Treat yourself to a couple of their fantastically inventive cocktails and sit back, knowing the service is excellent and the food is even better. The restaurant also has a separate licensed bar, so if the date goes well, you can stay for a drink or two that could take you into the early hours.
Shears Yard, 11-15 Wharf Street, Leeds, LS2 7EH.
Pintura
If your date loves gin (and if they don’t then perhaps you have some serious thinking to do) then Pintura is the place to go.
The basement is a dedicated gin bar and serves the legendary copa g&t with an array of tantalising garnishes and tonic flavours, sure to break the ice!
Pintura’s menu is inspired by San Sebastian, a city recognised as the greatest place in world for food, as reflected by its high concentration of Michelin starred restaurants. So, it's sets the bar high with an exciting an innovative selection.
However, if you have difficulty choosing, go for the tapas. Not only is it delicious, it’s perfect for sharing with a date.
Pintura, Unit 3.26, The Trinity, Leeds, LS1 6AP.
Arts Cafe
If you and your date appreciate art then the aptly named Arts Cafe is the one for you. With six weekly rotating exhibitions from local artists, the cosy bohemian atmosphere is sure to inspire some great conversation. The food is filling, well priced and fantastic quality with an inspiring menu that caters for both veggies and vegans.
Arrange your date for a Sunday and head down for the best roast in Leeds and spend a lazy afternoon getting to know each other.
Alternatively, go early one evening to catch the early bird deal before hitting the surrounding bars and clubs on Call Lane.
Arts Cafe, 42 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 6DT.
Giorgio’s
Serenade your date at this top Italian restaurant and amore will definitely be in the air. Giorgio’s has recently opened a second site in a listed Victorian mansion in Rodley, which provides an incredibly romantic setting often booked for weddings and anniversary parties too.
Dine on delicious antipasti, get tipsy on fine Italian wine and who knows…you may even recreate your own ‘Lady & the Tramp’ moment, enjoying one of Giorgio’s bowls of homemade pasta.
Giorgio's, 70-72 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 4BA.
Kendells Bistro
The Kendells menu is French Cuisine, and the French are known for their wining, dining and sweet romancing. Located right next to the West Yorkshire Playhouse, you could go all out and whisk them off to the theatre after enjoying the great pre theatre menu.
The atmosphere is relaxed and romantic, with candles lighting the cosy interior offering an intimate French bistro feel.
Kendells Bistro, 3 St Peters Square, Leeds, LS9 8AH.
The Man Behind The Curtain
If you really wanted to go all out, then The Man Behind The Curtain is bound to impress. It's recently received a Michelin star – making it the only restaurant in Leeds to be bestowed one –and is headed by ‘rock n roll’ chef Michael O’Hare.
The menu itself is a perfect conversation starter as the dishes are intriguing, fantastic and guaranteed to be delicious.
And if that isn’t enough to kill those awkward first date silences then the divine artwork and breath-taking interior is always a talking point.
It’s not cheap, but the food is worth every penny.
The Man Behind The Curtain, 68-78 Vicar Lane, Leeds, LS1 7JH.
Soul Kitchen at Wardrobe
If spending your evening sat down at a table isn’t really your vibe, then head down to Soul Kitchen for eating, drinking and dancing.
The menu is Deep South, Caribbean and Creole cuisine so be prepared for an explosion of flavour and a delicious array of dishes.
Soul Kitchen is the place to get drunk and be merry as Wardrobe has regular live music. So, once you've impressed your date with your restaurant choice, it's time to let your dance moves do the talking!
Soul Kitchen, 6 St. Peter's Square, Leeds, LS9 8AH.
The Olive Tree
Not all great eateries are in the city centre. The Leeds suburbs have some incredible (and romantic) restaurants to offer too, and the family run, award-winning Olive Tree has long been one of the city’s favourite places to dine for years.
Sharing food is such a romantic experience; so kick off the date with one of the Olive Tree’s mezze plates for two before tucking into one of their homemade Greek dishes such as tender lamb kleftiko or vegetarian moussaka, packed full of flavour.
With restaurants in Chapel Allerton and Headingley, it’s the perfect place to start the date before exploring the night life of these two popular Leeds neighbourhoods.
The Olive Tree Chapel Allerton, 188-190 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, LS2 4NZ.
Fazenda
Fazenda is a paradise for all meat lovers, so if your date is veggie then it may be best to look elsewhere.
However, if you're both meat eaters, and the prospect of fifteen different prime cuts of meat being carved at your table is your idea of romance, you're in the right place.
Expect a real authentic Brazilian gaucho experience with superb service and dreamy food.
Show no restraint, as the meat and salad bar is unlimited and with a lively, fun atmosphere, Fazenda makes for relaxed, tasty dates time and time again.
Fazenda, Waterman’s Place, 3 Wharf Approach, Leeds, LS1 4GL.
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