Twinkling lights, pretty florals and rooftop terraces – these are the most romantic restaurants Leeds has to offer!
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. While there are tonnes of amazing restaurants in Leeds, we’ve rounded up the most romantic – there’s something for every couple!
Empire Cafe
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With low-lit corners, exposed-brick walls and a basement dining room, Empire Cafe is the definition of romantic. Their menu is individual and original, to say the least, and constantly changes every few weeks with some firm favourites staying put.
The small plates are perfect for sharing with your other half. On previous visits, we’ve enjoyed the peanut butter & jelly flatbread, as well as a lovely barbequed watermelon. If you want a dish all to yourself, though (and we won’t blame you!), then it has to be the steak and chips, juicy, tender and delicious in all the right places.
Empire Cafe, 6 Fish Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DB.
LIVIN’ Italy
If you and your date are on the hunt for some properly authentic Italian food as well as one of the best date night restaurants in Leeds, get yourselves down to LIVIN’ Italy. It’s spread across two floors, but we’d always recommend sitting upstairs – it’s much quieter and you might be able to enjoy views across the River Aire.
So, what will you be tucking into? It could be indulgent pappardelle (Lady and the Tramp style), a pizza laden with pistachio or a serving of juicy lamb chops. The desserts are a must too, especially the tiramisu – that’s if your date isn’t sweet enough.
LIVIN’ Italy, Granary Wharf, Wharf Approach, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4BR.
Kendells Bistro
If you’re an old-school romantic, Kendells Bistro is that special restaurant you’ve been looking for in Leeds. 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 you can only appreciate by dining here, perfect for getting to know one another.
You can tuck into all the Gallic classics – 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.
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, regularly changing with updated specials to fit the season, with beautifully presented dishes taking traditional Chinese flavours and making them modern. We’re talking delicious wagyu beef dim sum or bao buns, Shanghai black cod or mock chicken & black bean. Try an Old World Spritz to wash it all down with – an edifying mix of vodka, plum sake and mango you won’t find elsewhere.
Tattu, 29 East Parade, Minerva House, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5PS.
Chef Jono at V&V
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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 sea bass tartare matched with kimchi and radish, or ramen broth married with a hen’s egg and furikake. For dessert, try the confusingly delicious mushroom tiramisu! You can even have a chat with the chef who will give you a behind-the-scenes insight into culinary genius 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.
Tharavadu
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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, oh no.
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.
Chaophraya
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Chaophraya is one of the best Thai restaurants in Leeds, but the elevated decor and attentive service 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 sweet chilli spring rolls and handmade steamed dumplings, through to the luxurious weeping tiger sirloin steak and delicious beef panang, not to mentioned Thai tacos. 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.
Gaucho
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Gaucho brings a slice of Argentina to Leeds – think elegance, designer furnishings and downright tasty food, perfect for your next romantic dinner. They’ve gone all out to create a luxury experience for their guests, so grab a dimly lit leather booth surrounded by mood lighting to snuggle up in.
Their menu isn’t to be sniffed at either, and you can’t visit without scoffing a steak. Sourced from premium, grass-fed and free-range Aberdeen Angus cattle, the steaks come every which way. From sizzling cuts to marinated dishes and sharing options, whatever you go for, they’re best enjoyed with a glass of vino.
Gaucho, 21-22 Park Row, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5JF.
Shears Yard
The building which houses Shears Yard dates back to the 1800s and still retains many of its original features to this day – think exposed brick, filament lightbulbs and a poured concrete floor, which makes for quite the looker. This is relaxed fine dining at its very best, with a menu that’ll impress even the most seasoned of foodies.
Their à la carte could see you start with king scallop tartae, which will take you nicely onto a Tandoori marinated lamb rump with a wild mushroom biriyani. Sharing a cheese board with your date is the perfect way to round off this affair, served up with crackers, membrillo, chutney and grapes.
Shears Yard, 11-15 Wharf St, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7EH.
Six by Nico
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Six by Nico offers an experience that’s so much more than just food, one you can only appreciate by dining here. Their chefs whip up a creative new menu every six weeks, inspired by a theme, destination or concept.
Previous iterations have included ‘The Chippie’, ‘Once Upon A Time’ and ‘Street Food’ – we’ve tried them all, so whatever the theme there’s no doubt you’ll both be transported to a far away land for the night. You may be starting with chicken karaage with oroshi shoga ginger, before going onto a beignet with caramelised cauliflower veloute. Opt for the matching wine or cocktail pairings to really round off the experience.
Six by Nico, 9 East Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2AJ.
