The Most Romantic Restaurants in Leeds

Twinkling lights, pretty florals and rooftop terraces – need we say more?

Whether it’s your first date or your 100th, there’s nothing more romantic than an incredible setting and completely delicious food. You can show the love of your life how much they mean to you with a trip to a charmingly intimate French bistro or go on a foodie adventure together with a creative set menu from one of the city’s most exciting chefs. Discover Leeds’ most romantic restaurants – there’s something for every couple!

Kendells Bistro

If you’re an old-school romantic, Kendells Bistro has everything you need. Walking through the doors is like stepping into a Paris nightspot. Vintage French posters adorn the walls, while low lights and twinkling candles make for a cosy, intimate ambience, perfect for getting to know one another. You can tuck into all the Gallic classics here – everything from rich French onion soup and garlicky escargot to braised lamb shank and cracking crème brûlée. With excellent veggie and vegan options, it’s definitely one of the best settings for a romantic dinner right in the heart of Leeds.

Kendells Bistro, 3 St Peter’s Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 8AH.

Crafthouse

Crafthouse is a luxury experience from start to finish. It sits at the top of Trinity Leeds, and it’s only accessible via a glass lift directly into the restaurant. As you walk through the door, bursts of colour hang from the ceiling in the form of gorgeous florals. Sit down and start your evening with a glass of something bubbly, perhaps with that inimitable aphrodisiac, an oyster with mignonette sauce. Make your way through delectable courses from the tasting menu, or go a la carte with dishes such as stonebass vadouvan, grilled lobster with garlic butter and 32-day-aged Chateaubriand.

Crafthouse, Trinity Leeds, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW.

Tattu

Looking to impress? Tattu’s contemporary Chinese menu and unique setting are sure to wow your date. A pretty cherry blossom tree is the restaurant’s centrepiece, with its delicate flowers filling the room, and intricate body art-inspired details cover the walls. The menu is just as impressive, with beautifully presented dishes taking traditional Chinese flavours and making them modern. We’re talking delicious wagyu beef dim sum or sashimi wontons, Shanghai black cod or caramel soy beef fillet. Try a Lights & Miscellany cocktail to wash it all down with – rum, pineapple and Asian pear.

Tattu, 29 East Parade, Minerva House, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5PS.

Chef Jono at V&V

Fine dining without pomp, Chef Jono at V&V has lovingly crafted an experience neither of you will forget. The dining room is intimate and exclusive, the staff are friendly and approachable, and the food is utterly sublime. This is tasting menu territory, so be prepared for course upon course of exquisite food pairings. Think burnt mackerel matched with oyster and dill, or Yorkshire duck married with hazelnut and chocolate. For dessert, try the confusingly delicious mushroom tiramisu! You can even have a chat with the chef at a true date night restaurant for the foodie couples of Leeds.

Chef Jono at V & V, 68 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NU.

Ibérica

Set within a stunning 19th-century auction house, Ibérica is one of the most romantic restaurants in Leeds. Their high ceilings and over-the-top chandeliers make for a glamorous affair, with comfy chairs to settle into. With both classic and modern tapas dishes, as well as an extensive wine list, you can really transport yourself to Spain for the evening. Delve into classics like patatas bravas and padrón peppers, but don’t miss the ham croquetas, made to the chef’s family recipe. Share a Valencia-style paella – cooked on the stove until the base is crunchy and utterly delicious.

Ibérica, Hepper House, 17a East Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2BH.

Blackhouse Grill on the Square

Blackhouse offers the classic romantic dinner – juicy steaks and quaffable wine with the one you love, or are wooing! Dine in one of two terraces, covered in twinkling lights, or inside in their charming dining room. Whether you go for a classic sirloin or a premium sharing Chateaubriand, every cut is aged for a minimum of 28 days and air-dried in Blackhouse’s own Himalayan rock salt chamber. It’s not all steak – you can tuck into slow roasted pork belly, cod loin or sizzling fajitas. End the night with a dessert, coffee and after-dinner drink all-in-one with their signature espresso martini, twisted with tonka bean.

Blackhouse Grill on the Square, 31-33 East Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5PS.

Tharavadu

Transport your loved one to India’s Kerala region with a date night trip to Tharavadu. They’ve gone all out to create an authentic experience, with hazy seascapes on the walls and a wooden roof for the bar. When it comes to the menu, you won’t be presented with your typical array of curries. Instead, you’ll find a unique blend of French, Arabian and Malabari influences, creating delightful dishes you won’t be able to get enough of. You could be tucking into a prawn and mango curry, full of their special Keralan spice blend, with appam, a crispy rice pancake with a soft, fluffy centre. Sublime!

Tharavadu, 7-8 Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ.

Issho

Issho is a beautiful restaurant for a date night in Leeds. You can enjoy gorgeous Japanese-style food in a contemporary setting, all whilst looking over the city skyline. Surrounded by abundant greenery, you can share the salty pops of edamame or dig into duck leg confit bao buns together. Move on to mains and you’re spoiled for choice. Spicy tuna rolls, King Crab sashimi or grilled sweet potatoes with smoked lime butter and chives – how will you choose? For dessert, a caramelised banana and pecan rice pudding, served with banana yoghurt ice cream, might have your name on it.

Issho, Victoria Gate, George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7AU.

Bulgogi

For a great date night restaurant and a fun bonding experience, Bulgogi’s DIY Korean barbecue ticks all the boxes. You get to hand-grill marinated meats and delicately seasoned seafood yourself on the in-table barbecue in front of you. There’s beef, marinated in a signature bulgogi sauce, prawns brushed with lemon juice, and cubes of swordfish, tuna and seabass, all waiting to be grilled and wrapped in unlimited rice and lettuce. Not sure if something’s cooked? Staff are on hand to help! Finish off your fun and romantic evening with a banana fritter and a scoop of ice cream.

Bulgogi Grill, The Arena Quarter, 9 Merrion Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BT.

Chaophraya

Chaophraya is one of the best Thai restaurants in Leeds, but the elevated decor makes it one of the most romantic too. Think clean lines and original Thai sculptures, plush leather seats and flashes of gold. The menu holds up to their refined but relaxed standard too. It’s packed with authentic Thai flavour, from the spicy fish cakes served with a sweet chilli, peanut and cucumber relish, through to the luxurious weeping tiger sirloin steak and delicious beef panang. Celebrating an anniversary? The set menus take you on a journey through their best-loved dishes, perfect for trying new tastes together.

Chaophraya, 20a Blayds Court, Swinegate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4AG.