The 25 best restaurants in Leeds right now

What is it? A neighbourhood French bistro serving relaxed, but show-stopping cooking. 

Why go? Don’t be fooled by the out-of-town location of this small bistro in the Horsforth suburbs. After just a few months of being open, this Gallic eaterie is already considered a destination spot in Leeds, having been named the UK’s Best Local Restaurant 2024 by the BBC Good Food Guide. It’s also due to be included in next year’s Michelin Guide. It’s easy to see why it’s caused such commotion, with classic French dishes cooked to perfection by head chef Sandy Jarvis, who co-owns the place with French native Clement Cousin.  

Time Out tip: Not sure what to order? Don’t be afraid to pick the brains of Bavette’s Cousin whose friendly service and superb knowledge of French cuisine is the added cherry on top of all the spoils here. 

What is it? Leeds’s only Michelin-star place. A high-concept, ultra-refined dining spot that stays just the right side of pretentious.

Why go? The name refers to the titular sorcerer in The Wizard of Oz, and in turn, chef Michael O’Hare, who cooks in full view of diners. His restaurant is as much an artistic as a culinary experience: the walls are used as blank canvases for more creative patrons to doodle on. 

Time Out tip: It’s the ‘Dahli to Delhi’ dish that really shines: red prawn, tikka-spice tail and roasted head juices with a nod to surrealism.

What is it? Indian street food and craft beer. 

Why go? The original Leeds location has proven so popular that Bondobust has expanded into Manchester and Liverpool. It’s a relaxed setting, 100 percent vegetarian (brilliant for vegans), and the small-dishes approach means you can sample a variety of flavourful bites alongside an excellent range of local and imported beers.

Time Out tip: Go with some friends and order the Bundo Combo i.e every dish on the menu.

What is it? An intimate sushi bar owned by chef Kaoru Nakamura.

Why go? For Sushi Bar Hanamatsuri’s omakase dining experience (meaning you trust the chef to pick what you eat). The tasting menu does have some options for supplementary dishes but you’re in fantastic hands with chef Nakamura, whose seven-seat sushi bar is recommended by the Michelin guide.

Time Out tip: Book well in advance.  

What is it? Fine dining with Yorkshire ingredients by chef Elizabeth Cottam. 

Why go? For the elegant and innovative testing menu that uses the best local and seasonal ingredients. Recommended by the Michelin Guide, this fine-dining establishment also offers some excellent wine pairing with the set menus, should you really want to push the boat out. 

Time Out tip: If you have the budget, time and appetite, then Home’s 12-course ‘signature collection’ tasting menu is worth the spend.

What is it? Vibes-heavy karaoke and noodle bar. 

Why Go? Next door to Ox Club and Headrow House, House of Fu is the latest hipster addition to Leeds Headrow. Fortunately, the food is just as good as the influencer-friendly aesthetics. Expect rich, comforting bowls of simmered stock, noodles and tender meat (or veg), with a revolving menu of culture-melding gyozas on the side. If you’re wanting to make a night of it, head upstairs after for karaoke and a stylish late-night cocktail bar.

Time Out Tip: The frozen yuzu margarita or desert ice cream sandwiches are the perfect sensory contrast to a bowl of warm soup.

What is it? Home-cooked Chinese cuisine with plenty of surprises on the menu. 

Why go? When Hansa’s, a much-loved Indian restaurant, closed in 2019 after three decades, whoever took over the site had huge shoes to fill. Luckily, Wen’s is more than up to the task and continues the tradition of family-led, homemade cooking. You’ll find delicious authentic dishes seldom seen on Anglicised-Chinese menus: the shredded potatoes with homemade chilli oil, marinated jellyfish and dry-fried sweet corn with pine nuts. The silky dumplings and Xiao Long Bao are homemade by Mrs Wen. 

Time Out tip: The crispy lean pork in sweet and sour sauce is surely among Leeds’s most addictive starters, as is the cubed beef soup.

What is it? Nordic-inspired food with a sophisticated feel.

Why go? With its cosy coffee-shop feel, you might be forgiven for thinking that Fint is a simple croissant-and-flat-white joint. In fact, it’s quite the progressive spot, promoting innovative, well-balanced Nordic plates with warming, wintery ingredients such as toasted fennel, salmon gravlax and golden syrup gravy. Book early for a spot; this small space fills up quickly.

Time Out Tip: Fint is also a great indulgent brunch spot – get down from 10am for buckwheat porridge or duck crumpet benedict.

What is it? Hearty, traditional southern Indian dishes in a family-run spot. 

Why go? In a region that’s known for its high-calibre curry houses, the award-winning Prashad stands out. This veggie Gujarati spot is in the suburb of Drighlinton, and boasts a menu jam-packed with traditional regional dishes.

Time Out tip: Like what you taste? Book in for one of Prashad’s signature cooking demonstration classes.

What is it? A small, relaxed dining room dishing out modern British plates by the Leeds’ canalside. 

Why go? Whether you want brunch, a Sunday roast, or a high-end tasting menu, this upscale dining room situated in a picturesque location looking out over the Leeds lockside does it all. The brainchild of chefs Liz Cottam (who also owns Home) and Mark Owens, every plate that lands on the minimal tables at the Owl, a light, breezy spot looks like a work of art and uses the best seasonal ingredients to achieve the effect. 

Time Out tip: Don’t miss its Sunday set menu for one of the best roasts in Yorkshire.