Fabulous fine dining, Indian street food, top tapas and outstanding Italian food – Leeds’ suburbs have some seriously good restaurants.
Making plans to dine out? Some of the best restaurants and cafes in Leeds can be found beyond the confines of the city centre. Whether you’re heading to Meanwood, Headingley and Horsforth or Rawdon, Harehills or Farsley, you’re sure to find a tasty meal, and without the city centre crowds. It could a lip-puckering Indian, a flavour-packed Italian or a belly-filling Mexican. So go on, add these neighbourhood knockouts and suburban stunners to your must-try list.
TADA
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When TADA arrived in Headingley, the suburb cheered. Inspired by traditional restaurants found in cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, the intimate restaurant puts Japanese food front and centre. The upstairs is reminiscent of a traditional Japanese dining scene, all soft neon lighting and minimalist monochrome, while the sushi bar downstairs emanates a zen aura where you can kick back and relax with a glass of sake. But wait until you see what the menu has in store.
For starters, grab your chopsticks and look no further than the cauliflower karaage – a dip in the accompanying spicy mayonnaise is a must. If you’re a sushi lover, you’ve come to the right place, so buckle in and get ready to sample delights like chicken teriyaki rolls, soft shell crab rolls and the tofu kimchi roll. Elsewhere, bento boxes and ramen are a solid option, but we recommend the TADA tofu poke bowl, teeming with tofu, kimchi, edamame and avocado.
What? A sleek Japanese restaurant and bar serving all your favourite dishes and drinks.
Where? 6 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2AD.
Get it booked: tadajapanese.com
Hern
Credit: Oliver Lawson
Chapel Allerton is fast becoming quite the foodie corner of Leeds, and Hern plays a huge part in that. They curate their refined menus based on which locally-sourced products are in season, while also trying their upmost to minimise waste. The interior is all dark wood tables and contrasting white walls, with shelves of organic wines for you to choose from.
As their menu is ever changing, no two visits are ever the same – this is why we love going back! One day you could be tucking into smoked beetroot topped with rhubarb, cream cheese and radicchio, the next devouring chicken with cauliflower, black garlic and sprouting broccoli. They even have dedicated vegetarian and pescatarian menus, meaning their delicious fare is available to all who want a bite.
What? An understated bistro with an ever-changing, seasonal menu of sensational dishes.
Where? 5 Stainbeck Corner, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PG.
Get it booked: hernrestaurant.com
Bavette
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You’ll find Bavette in Horsforth, where it’s currently in the running for the title of one of the best restaurants in Leeds’ suburbs – or in our opinion, anyway. Headed up by Sandy Jarvis and Clément Cousin, this warm neighbourhood bistro is all about whipping up only the finest French fare. A rich dark green covers the walls, accented by gold mirrors and lighting, with stylish tiled and wooden floors at your feet.
The menu is small but perfectly formed, changing seasonally. Starting with a few snacks is always a good idea, and you can’t go wrong with a crisp, warm baguette topped with house butter. The menu’s ever changing, but the caramelised onion tartlet with Otley pecorino caught our eye for starters, while the braised lamb pithivier with purple broccoli and salsa verde provided a flavour explosion. Top it off with a crème brûlée adorned with Yorkshire rhubarb and you’re winning.
What? Fantastic French fare that serves up unmissable flavours every time you visit.
Where? 4-6 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4RJ.
Get it booked: bavettebistro.com
Cheesy Living Co
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If you’re frantic for fromage, a trip to Cheesy Living Co is in order. A brilliant addition to Oakwood’s restaurant scene, you’ll find its flagship eatery in Leeds Corn Exchange, but this little slice of suburban paradise is somewhere where you can really sit down and make an affair of it. As the name would suggest, their menu is full of cheesy goodness, so take a pew and get ready to dive straight in.
A lunchtime visit calls for one of their focaccia sandwiches, and the Italian sub can do no wrong – think burrata, black olive tapenade and honey, all stuffed between two slices of deliciousness. If you’re in a sharing mood, the house fondue is sure to do the trick. A classic Swiss melting pot of cheese served up with a side of slow roasted potatoes, confit garlic, diced bread, cornichons and more, get ready to ascend to cheesy heaven.
What? A celebration of all things cheesy that will serve you through from lunch to dinner
Where? The Cheesy Living Co, 478 Roundhay Road, Oakwood Lane, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU & 8 Church Lane, Pudsey, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 7BD.
Get it booked: thecheesylivingco.co.uk
Trattoria II Forno
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Family-run, wood-fired and homemade are all words you want to to hear before a trip to an Italian restaurant, and luckily Trattoria II Forno in Horsforth promises all three of those things. Head chef and owner Vitalij Korosteilov has commanded the kitchen of this perfect neighbourhood trattoria for around 20 years now, and boy, has he perfected his craft. Pizza, pasta, and calzone all come as standard here, as well as a whole host of specials.
The king prawns are cooked in a delicious blend of garlic, chilli and lemon, and are the perfect way to start the meal. Mains are available in the form of the biggest pizzas you’ve ever seen, fired in their wood-burning pizza oven, or the likes of a creamy mascarpone linguine with smoked salmon if that’s more your style. Their salads prove that vegetables don’t have to be boring, like the insalata di rucola fichi caprino e pinoli, which delights with goats cheese, salad, figs and balsamic chutney.
What? Incredible Italian dishes, including wood-fired pizzas that are absolutely gigantic.
Where? 85 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 5BP.
Get it booked: trattoriailforno.co.uk
Tapas and Tunes
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Tapas and Tunes was a fictional ‘samba-tapas’ restaurant in the film La La Land, but its real-world equivalent has given Otley’s dining scene a shot in the arm. It’s true to its name, dishing up Iberian-inspired dishes downstairs, with a gig space up top. Head up the stairs and you’ll find local bands, open mics and lunchtime concerts – heck, they even put on salsa classes.
In the downstairs dining room, you can tuck into excellent charcuterie and pintxos – the Pan Con Tomate is a great way to start a meal, while the king prawns are divinely dressed with chilli, garlic and lemon juice. The classics are all present and correct – Patatas Bravas, Calamares Fritos – while the the day’s fresh market tapas might include lamb braised with shallots or swordfish skewers. Muy bueno!
What? A foodie dream that lives up to its name, with tasty dishes and even tastier live music events.
Where? 50 Kirkgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3HJ.
Get it booked: tapasandtunesotley.co.uk
De Baga
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De Baga’s wonderful elevation of Goan cuisine wowed the punters of Headingley, so much so that they opened another outpost in Chapel Allerton – and that’s smashing it out of the park too. This is far from Indian food by numbers, even though they do a mean biryani. Instead, you’ll be treated to some dishes you might never have experienced before, with Chapel Allerton having a slightly larger menu than its counterpart.
From the starters, look no further than the De Bagas Grand Sizzler, boasting a selection of grilled meat, veg and seafood with mint sauce and salad that’s ideal for sharing. There’s a range of stellar chaats or go for the crispy calamari, which is given an Indian inspired twist. You’ll have ordering anxiety with the mains – do you go for the Konkani fish curry, Palak saag or the classic daal Makhani? Okay, anyone else drooling?
What? Elevated Indian dishes with a top-notch service that will have you planning your next visit before you leave.
Where? 8b Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3QY & 9 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3AA.
Get it booked: debaga.co.uk
Noi’s Thai Kitchen
Food and football are not usually a great mix, but this gem hidden away inside a prominent pub overlooking Elland Road is a notable exception. Noi’s Thai Kitchen can be found in The Old Peacock, a community pub that has stood in one form or another since 1826. It’s a pre and post-match favourite with Leeds fans, and has been run by Ossett Brewery for the last decade.
The addition of Noi’s Thai Kitchen has taken it up another notch and made it a place of pilgrimage not just for football fans, but for South Leeds natives who love the taste of Thai. The red, green and yellow curries all hit the spot, while roasted duck tamarind is a gem that’ll have you wanting to lick the plate clean. Vegetarian and vegan options are available too – back of the net!
What? A delicious pilgrimage for Leeds footie fans that dishes up unmissable pre- and post-match Thai dishes.
Where? The Old Peacock, 251 Elland Road, Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 8TU.
Get it booked: theoldpeacock.co.uk
The Box Tree
Credit: Ben Clucas
Ilkley’s famed stalwart is still one of the best fine dining options in the county. Brayden Davies and his team turn out fabulous things from the kitchen, while stepping into the sandstone cottage is like a warm hug where you’ll be cosseted by excellent service. Head sommelier Didier Da Costa is front and centre, talking both experts and novices through the extensive wine list with elan.
A three-course lunch at £65 is somewhat of a steal for cooking this good. Start with BBQ damper bread and take your pick from graceburn feta and Vegemite butter, before going onto chicken liver parfait with parmesan custard. Main course comes in the form of Westholme wagyu served with winter chanterelle, swede and a Bordelaise sauce. The full-on tasting menu comes with canapés, bread, amuse-bouche, pre-dessert and an optional cheese board. It’s a rare treat.
What? Fine dining that pairs sublime culinary craft with warm hospitality.
Where? 35-37 Church Street, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9DR.
Get it booked: theboxtree.co.uk
Grumpy’s
Head to Sunny Bank Mills for peerless pizza at this suburban gem. It’s Farsley’s finest, a kid and family friendly place from the same people behind Saint Jude. Head inside or reserve the outdoor Guinness Snug if the weather is favourable and order up a drink while you peruse the menu – they do good coffee, but also a mean line in cocktails both classic and original.
When it comes to wood-fired pizza, there are no bad choices. The Art is a perfect melding of confit garlic, artichoke, olives, roquito peppers, mozzarella and chimichurri, while the Puck is adorned with nduja, pumpkin cream, sage, pecorino and oregano. Smashed burrata, charred sweetcorn ribs and wood-fired padron peppers are among the winning starters and sides, while vegans can create their own pizza, with a choice of four bases.
What? Perfect pizza that’s sure to keep everybody happy.
Where? 2 Old Combing, Sunnybank Mills, Farsley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 5UJ.
Get it booked: grumpysleeds.co.uk
Viva Cuba
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With vivacious decor, Viva Cuba gets you into the South American spirit straight away. It’s Havana by way of Burley, with a sprinkling of Spanish seasoning. They’ve been serving up tapas and more for over 20 years now, so drink to that with a perfectly served gin and tonic or rum-based cocktail – the Daiquiri, Mojito and Cuba Libre are all made with Havana Club.
If you’re with friends, there’s a set menu for groups of four or more, a tapas banquet that hits all the right notes. If you’d rather work your way through the menu yourself, off you go. Costillas are pork ribs roasted in honey, pepped up with paprika, the black beans and rice is a Cuban classic and the plates of Manchego and jamon Ibèrico are sunshine on a plate.
What? A culinary journey to South America with plenty of big flavour moments along the way.
Where? 342 Kirkstall Road, Burley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2DS.
Get it booked: vivacubaleeds.co.uk
Darvish
Credit: Darvish
Serving the people of Roundhay and Harehills, Dervish is Persian to its core – they’ve even bought the colourful cookware and carpets that make the place so welcoming all the way from Iran. Chef Alireza Rafievahid moved to the UK from Tehran in 2007 and has been at Darvish ever since, sprinkling a little magic and saffron all over an authentic menu full of dishes you rarely get to eat in Leeds.
The falafel are soft and subtly spiced, but you have to try the Kashke Bademjan. It’s a fried aubergine dip, mixed with onions, walnuts, mint, garlic, spices and Persian cheese sauce, and served with one of the best naans in the city. Mains include Chello Mahicheh, lamb shank in Persian sauce with saffron rice and barberries, while the stews and kebabs never fail to hit the spot.
What? Persian creations that span laidback falafel lunches to decadent, fragrant mains.
Where? 283 Roundhay Road, Harehills, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 4HS.
Get it booked: darvishrestaurant.co.uk
Olive & Feta
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A taste of the Mediterranean awaits at Olive and Feta, a stylish restaurant which will transport you to warmer climes without having to leave Farsley. Inside, it’s all rustic charm from exposed brickwork and wooden panelling which contrast with big pops of colour that draw the eye, but it’s the smells wafting out of the kitchen that will get and keep your attention.
Their small plates menu makes for the perfect starters, but don’t expect that you’ll want just one dish – the likes of sucuk tava, lahmacun and goats cheese crotin which sit alongside staples like fresh mussels and meatballs in a tomato sauce are cause for sharing – or a nice slice of indecision. And that’s before you even look at the mains. Lamb shank and sirloin steak rub shoulders with specialities like the Ottoman chicken.
What? A chic eatery that serves up the finest in Mediterranean flavours.
Where? 8 Town Street, Farsley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 5DB.
Get it booked: oliveandfettafarsley.co.uk
Forde
Acclaimed chef Matt Healy has refocused on great produce treated simply at his Horsforth small plates restaurant, and it’s paying dividends, as it’s a heck of a place. It’s open from Wednesday to Saturday for their regular menu and on Sundays for their roast offering, and both menus are delicious, assured and full of the kind of refined touches he brought to The Foundry.
Drop by during the week for a tantalising array of small plates made for sharing. The menu shifts regularly, but you can expect the likes of roasted duck breast with red ca hasselback potatoes with parmesan and truffle and grilled Tenderstem broccoli served with a beetroot hummus. It’s a place with a real buzz and flair for the refined.
What? Sensational small plates that shift with the season, alongside a cracking Sunday roast.
Where? 7 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 5LJ.
Get it booked: theforde.co.uk
Lupe’s Cantina
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Mouth-watering Mexican food is ready to spice up your life at Lupe’s Cantina in Burley. You won’t miss this suburban favourite, thanks to its bright yellow facade and the huge decorative calavera skull out the front. The boldness continues inside with strong cocktails and a menu brimming with punchy, flavour-packed dishes.
We’re talking crispy, beer-battered fish tacos, grilled cactus salad and tasty chicken flautas – a rolled tortilla stuffed with aromatic meat and black bean hash and an immensely popular street food snack in Mexico. Round it off with your choice of Mexican beer. They have a wide selection to tempt you, most of which you can’t find anywhere else in Leeds.
What? Mind-blowing Mexican fare that has gained a huge following of foodie fans – for good reason.
Where? 204 Cardigan Road, Burley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1LF.
Get it booked: lupescantinamexicana.co.uk
Zucco
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Zucco has one of the best offerings of Italian food you’re ever likely to encounter in the UK, never mind Leeds. It’s one of those menus that fills you with both joy and trepidation – what are you going to miss out on? The answer is to come back regularly, as most of the, ahem, regulars do. While the menu is a fine thing, there are also daily specials based on what’s fresh and seasonal.
So, where to start? Pizzette – mini pizzas – come in mouthwatering flavours such as spinach, gorgonzola and walnut or olives, capers and anchovy. Seafood plates include the likes of pan-fried king scallops with a prawn, squid & saffron risotto. The meat is a marvel – venison ragù with tagliatelle, braised beef pappardelle and parmesan breaded chicken cotoletta. Oh my!
What? A stacked Italian menu with mouthwatering flavours that will fast become your favourite spot.
Where? 603 Meanwood Road, Meanwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 4AY.
Get it booked: zucco.co.uk
Sweet Basil Valley
Sweet Basil Valley is a study in contrasts. It looks truly unremarkable from the outside, but enter and you’ll be greeted by cherry blossom trees, lacquered wood and flattering lighting – it’s a slice of suburban glamour hidden close to a Yeadon roundabout. The food matches the vibe, a mix of Chinese and Thai classics with massive portions and a few surprises.
All the soups and appetisers you’d expect to find are all here and on their best form, and they tick the boxes of Cantonese dishes you know and love. The roast duck is a must-eat, whether with soy, plum or an orange Cointreau sauce. If you’d prefer to go off the beaten track, try the Szechuan five-spice diced beef shin or twice-cooked pork slices, with aromatic pepper and a lick of chilli oil.
What? A gorgeous restaurant that specialises in a superb mix of Asian dishes and generous portions.
Where? 1 Green Lane, Yeadon, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS19 7BY.
Get it booked: sweetbasilvalley.com
Culto
They had us at draught Moretti on tap. Crisp Italian lager and pizza is a marriage made in heaven, and Culto are officiating at the ceremony. It’s from the same stable as the street-food hotspot Poco, but you can dine in here, choosing from a menu that runs from perfect pasta to pizza, antipasti and quality Italian wines. There are no bells and whistles, but it’s all utterly delicious.
The arancini are as good as the ones at Poco, whether you want your risotto balls stuffed with beef bolognese, mozzarella and peas. The pasta menu includes a linguini Marechiaro with tiger prawns, cherry tomatoes, courgette and langoustine sauce that’s a real treat. Hand-stretched pizza is all about great ingredients, and here they’re all premium, with gluten-free bases available, and even a black pizza base made with vegetable charcoal for easy digestion!
What? Great beers, fantastic pizza, delectable pasta – pretty much everything you could ask for.
Where? 97 Stainbeck Road, Meanwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 2PR.
Get it booked: culto.co.uk
Napoli nel Cuore
Napoli nel Cuore translates to ‘Naples in the heart’, and that sums up this Horsforth restaurant pretty well. It really does bring the spirit of southern Italy to Leeds. Exceptional home-cooked food, authentic decor, passionate staff and a tempting menu the size of Mount Vesuvius, means it has everything you could want from a little family-run trattoria.
If you like a wide selection of pizzas, then oh boy, you’re going to have your work cut out here. There are more than 30 options on the table, from the Napoli favourite of anchovies, capers and olives, to specials like a heart-shaped pizza adorned with mozzarella, parma ham and rocket. On top of that, there’s also create-your-own pizzas and folded calzone too. We feel stuffed just thinking about it.
What? The sunshine and spirit of Italian dining served in a charming Horsforth restaurant.
Where? 30 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4RJ.
Get it booked: napolinelcuore.co.uk
