All the Coffee Shops You Need to Visit in Leeds

Whether you’re in the market for a pour-over, filter or flat white, here’s where to get the best cup of coffee in Leeds.

A shot of caffeine on the way to work, a quick catch up with friends, a lunch with colleagues – whatever you need, the coffee shops of Leeds can provide. From the city centre to the suburbs, these independent coffee shops are ready with hot drinks, tasty snacks and a bean-to-cup ethos that means there’s never been a better time to grab a cuppa! Want more? Here’s our round-up of the best cafes in Leeds.

Coffee shops in Leeds city centre

Working in the centre? Meeting up with friends? Heading off on a shopping spree? Here are the best places to grab a cup of Joe and fuel up your day.

La Bottega Milanese

When it comes to coffee, few nations have a passion for it like the Italians – and the owners of La Bottega Milanese fly the flag proudly for the country’s coffee culture. Both the Bond Court and Park House branches deliver 100% specialty grade Arabica that’s roasted in Yorkshire.

Love it? You can buy their oh-so-popular beans to take away, alongside all manner of Bottega merch and brewing equipment, from cups to moka pots and pour-over kit. Just as tempting is the patisserie, with pasteis de nata, canelé rich with rum and vanilla and cannoli stuffed just so with sweet cream well worth pairing up with your cuppa.

Come here for: The best Italian-style coffee in the city.
Where: La Bottega Milanese, 2 Bond Court, Leeds, LS1 2JZ and Park House, 24 Park Square West, Leeds, LS1 2PW.

Sociable Folk

With beans provided by local legends North Star and a head barista with over 10 years’ experience pulling shots of the golden stuff, the coffee at Sociable Folk is up there with the best of ‘em in Leeds. Their hot drink menu spans from espresso macchiatos to matcha lattes, with four choices for milk alternatives – soya, oat, coconut and almond.

Love syrup in yours? Choose from vanilla, salted caramel, roasted hazelnut and even sugar-free caramel. Peckish? Their breakfast sandwiches or lunchtime salads are guaranteed to hit the spot, but don’t deny yourself one of their sweet treats.

Come here for: Barista coffees and some great lunch options.
Where: Sociable Folk, 10 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4JP.

The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse Coffee’s award-winning cuppas give Leeds’ business district a daily boost of the good stuff, and you can also grab a brew from their new home inside North Bar Aire Park. Their espresso is sourced from the good folk at Cuppers Choice – the house blend, Players Gold, blends beans from Rwanda and Nicaragua for a fudge, red berry and chocolate finish.

They often have guest brews on too and stock a range of different beans to takeaway from the likes of Dark Woods, alongside all manner of coffee-based equipment and merchandise. Pair your brew with charcuterie, sandwiches and brunch classics like smashed avo on toast for the full Clubhouse experience.

Come here for: A respite from the hustle and bustle of the business district.
Where: The Clubhouse, 8a St Paul’s Street, Leeds, LS1 2LE and North Bar Aire Park, 3 Sheaf Street, Leeds, LS10 1HD.

Out of the Woods

With homes on both Water Lane and at Granary Wharf, these rough-hewn but charming cafes know how to make a mean coffee. Mull things over with a macchiato or ponder life with a latte, either way you’ll be enjoying aromatic beans from Yorkshire’s own Dark Woods Roasters, paired with organic milk from the local Acorn Dairy.

Breakfasts are both virtuous and sinful – the layered granola will set you up for the day, while the CAWA Bakery pastries are an equally solid choice. If you’re planning lunch in Leeds with your coffee, you can dive into a menu of sandwiches, wraps, toasties and salads.

Come here for: People watching and perky coffee.
Where: Out of the Woods, 2 Waterman’s Place, Leeds, LS1 4GL & 113 Water Lane, Leeds, LS11 5WD.

Stage Espresso & Brewbar

Petite but oh-so-neat, Stage Espresso is one for Leeds coffee experts to feel right at home in, offering amazing brews with top pastries and that clinching element – the cafe’s own, very friendly, dog. They only use single estate coffees from the finest roasters, so you can rest assured you’ll be sipping on a great cup of Joe.

Your batch brews are sourced from the likes of Cairngorm Coffee Co and Roundhill Roastery to make every visit a chance to try something new. They also sell coffee to take home, with bags from five different roasters including Echelon, while you should also keep an eye out for a calendar of coffee-related events.

Come here for: Dogs, coffee, cakes, board games – what’s not to like?
Where: Stage Espresso & Brewbar, 41 Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3BB.

Sonder

Sprinkling a little bit of coffee into a lot of interiors, the drinks at Sonder could be an afterthought, but they’re really not. The place is a unique proposition in Leeds, bringing together homewares, lifestyle and damn fine coffee, all in a serene Grand Arcade setting.

You can pop in for a coffee and a contemplate, pick up some well-chosen stuff for your pad – it leans towards Japanese and retro, but not exclusively – and generally soak up the vibes of a place that does something nowhere else in Leeds does.

Come here for: Coffee with a slice of curated lifestyle inspiration.
Where: Sonder, 27–28 Grand Arcade, Merrion Street, Leeds, LS1 6PQ.

200 Degrees

It’s hard to miss this stellar coffee shop with its excellent Leeds location on bustling Bond Street. Even harder, perhaps, to think of drinking coffee anywhere else once you’ve availed yourself of the epic 200 Degrees drinks menu. How seriously they take their coffee can be gauged by the fact that there’s an actual barista school on the premises.

That expertise comes to the fore in perfectly brewed cuppas, made using their house Love Affair espresso blend, but guest batches change regularly, while sandwiches, breakfasts, porridge and pastries make it the ideal place to pop in for a much-needed break all day long.

Come here for: Barista-led brewing and a buzzing location.
Where: 200 Degrees, 31 Bond Street, Leeds, LS1 5BQ.

North Star Cafe and General Store

North Star’s beans can be sampled in cafes all across the city, so it’s only right that they’ve got their own outpost. It will come as no surprise that it serves up some of the best coffee in Leeds. Come for a casual cup of the strong stuff, or indulge in coffee connoisseurship with seasonal filter coffee and micro lots.

Got questions about your drink? Just ask their super-knowledgeable staff. Need coffee equipment? They’ve got the lot. Food is spot-on too, much of it based on Nova Bakehouse’s wares next door.

Come here for: Some of the best coffee available, direct from the source.
Where: North Star Cafe and General Store, The Boulevard, Leeds Dock, LS10 1PZ and Sovereign Street, Leeds, LS1 4BJ.

LeSon

Sitting pretty in pink on Kirkgate, LeSon is a Vietnamese restaurant and coffee shop that’ll have you coming back for more – just wait until you see their menu. They’ve amassed a loyal following since opening in summer 2025, thanks to their ultra-friendly service, delicious food and aesthetically-pleasing drinks offering.

Coffee is served Vietnamese style, so you can expect dark-roasted beans and a strong caffeine fix. Order it iced and you can have it black, with sweetened condensed milk or topped with salted cream. But there’s a fourth, even more exotic option – their egg coffee. Enjoy it iced or hot, and it’ll come topped with a whipped egg yolk. Sounds strange, but it definitely works.

Come here for: Authentic Vietnamese food and refreshing iced coffee.
Where: LeSon, 95 Kirkgate, Leeds, LS2 7DJ.

Vinyl Grounds

Part coffee shop, part wine bar, Vinyl Grounds is a trendy new spot combining the founders’ three favourite things – coffee, vino and vinyl records. Whether you stop by for a daytime coffee date or visit in the evening for something stronger, you can expect thoughtful interiors, a laidback vibe and serious tunes – no Spotify playlists here.

With Assembly Coffee providing the beans, you can guarantee an expertly-poured cup every time. Peckish? They serve tasty fresh pastries from Underground Bakery, so you can grab a brownie or pain au raisin to go with your drink. There’s also matcha, wine and cocktails if you want to mix things up.

Come here for: A quality brew and a cool, vinyl soundtrack.
Where: Vinyl Grounds, 30 Central Road, Leeds, LS1 6DE.

Kapow Coffee

Kapow has been hitting us in the kisser with cracking coffee since 2013, and you can take your pick of their location on The Calls, or head to their Thornton’s Arcade spot. Either way, you’re in for a caffeinated treat, whether you choose to drink in, take away, or shop from the smorgasbord of beans, from roasters both local and national.

Their house Kapow blend promises Brazil Cocarive and Ethiopian Awash River beans for a smooth brew. Lacking in the gear? Their expert staff can guide you through what you need to take home to make the perfect brew. The counter is stacked with sweet stuff and sandwiches, so you can grab a quick bite too.

Come here for: Aficionado’s coffee with a friendly welcome.
Where: Kapow Coffee, 46 The Calls, Leeds, LS2 7EW and 15 Thornton’s Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6LQ.

Laynes

Laynes raised the bar for roasters when it opened back in 2011 and it has gone from strength to strength ever since. Their evolution has taken them from being the go-to place for great coffee in Leeds to being the go-to place for great coffee and killer brunches in Leeds.

They haven’t just expanded their menu, they’ve expanded physically too, meaning there’s now more space to enjoy a brilliantly brewed espresso or flat white, made using Square Mile’s Red Brick beans, alongside a host of guest blends. Hungry? The Turkish eggs are our ever-reliable go-to.

Come here for: A much-loved modern coffee pioneer with must-try food.
Where: Laynes, 16 New Station Street, Leeds, LS1 5DL.

Miles & Co. Coffee

After opening in Kirkgate market in 2021, Miles & Co Coffee has expanded after proving a hit with both coffee-lovers and those with a sweet tooth. Owned and run by the always-friendly husband-and-wife duo, Lee & Ellenor Griffin, Miles & Co dishes up artisan coffee made with delightful beans from the likes of Dark Woods or their own blend made with Chipp Coffee Co.

All the classics are present and correct – Americano, cortado, cappuccino and latte, and they’re also happy to make them decaf and with non-dairy milk. There’s tea, hot chocolate and chai, plus oh-so-indulgent pastries to sink your teeth into. Lovely stuff.

Come here for: Pastries, cocktails. Oh, and coffee, of course.
Where: Miles & Co Coffee, 94 Kirkgate, Leeds, LS2 7DJ.

If…

Their own brewed coffee, bounteous brunch options, their very own resident baker – If… do all the good things just right. The beans may come from afar before they’re roasted in Leeds, with their Espresso Blend a fine mix of 80% Brazilian and 20% Guatemalan, alongside a series of single origin blends.

They keep it local elsewhere too. That means meat from Lishman’s, salmon from Taylor’s and eggs from Whittaker’s. Pastries are lavish, the toasties are tremendous and, if you want to graduate to the harder stuff, they also do cocktails.

Come here for: Brews, bakes and a local feel.
Where: If Coffee Bar, 43 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7BT.

92 Degrees

While most coffee shops are content to employ baristas, at 92 Degrees, they employ Caffeine Dealers – and they’re on hand to supply your caffeine fix. These award-winning coffee roasters hail from Liverpool, and have cemented a firm following since crossing the Pennines.

You’ll find them near the arena, on Boar Lane and on the South Bank, where perfectly extracted coffee awaits. The Hope Street Espresso is their go-to, and will soon be yours, but don’t be afraid to try the California Callin’, a deeper blend that promises blueberry, orange and dark chocolate notes. You can also take coffee home in bean, ground and pod form.

Come here for: Coffee in a sociable space, ideal for idling the day away.
Where: 92 Degrees, 100 Clay Pit Lane, Leeds, LS2 8EU; 20 Wharf Approach, Holbeck, Leeds, LS1 4EY; 11 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7DH and 16 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6EN.

Ethiopian Organic Coffee

Much of the coffee we drink in the UK comes from Ethiopia, so why not go straight to the source? The husband and wife team of Terefe and Denenesh have imported their brewing know-how to this fuss-free place that just happens to serve some of the very best coffee in Leeds.

As the name suggests, the coffee is 100% organic Arabica sourced directly from Limu, roasted and packaged in Leeds, and you can grab some to drink in or takeaway before falling in love and plumping for the beans. There are cakes, snacks, sandwiches and more available too, because coffee always loves company.

Come here for: Ethiopian coffee by those in the know.
Where: Ethiopian Organic Coffee, 1 Cypress Point, Leeds, LS2 7LB.

Raw Coffee

There’s a lot to distract you on Mill Hill, just off Boar Lane in Leeds. There’s the brill Bundobust, the sensational Tharavadu and now there’s Raw Coffee too. Since they opened in early 2024, they’ve already gained a firm following for their copious and classy caffeine.

It’s a minimalist-looking place with a gorgeous house dog – Roo – and a line in magnificent matchas, cold brews and all the standards you know, love and need to kickstart your day.

Come here for: Coffee taken seriously and next-level matcha.
Where: Raw Coffee, 10 Mill Hill, Leeds, LS1 5DQ.

The Brew Society

Tucked away behind the station, The Brew Society is a genuine gem of a place. Wooden floors and furniture contrast with the oh-so-sinkable sofas, and it’s a place that takes its coffee as seriously as its beer, of which there are at least a dozen types.

The coffee is the good stuff, single origin courtesy of local legends North Star, and there are gorgeous sweet treats and toasties to keep them company. Grab a sofa, sip on your coffee and cast your eyes over the beer list for later…

Come here for: Serious coffee, tempting bakes and a cosy vibe.
Where: The Brew Society, Aireside House, 26 Aire Street, Leeds, LS1 4HT.

Livett’s Coffee Shop

Nestled next to The Wardrobe and just a stone’s throw from the bus station, Livett’s is one coffee shop you won’t want to miss. This charming little kiosk may not be the biggest but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with delicious coffee and bites to go.

They serve North Star Coffee to help wake up your senses. And who can resist those perfectly sweet, crumbly pastries to go with your cup of Joe? In need of lunch inspiration? Their brand new sandwich menu – featuring falafel & houmous, caprese and Italian deli sarnies – are sure to hit the spot.

Come here for: Delicious coffee and treats to grab and go.
Where: Livett’s Coffee Shop, 6 Saint Peter’s Square, Leeds, LS9 8AH.

Habitum

Run by the former owner of La Bottega Milanese, Habitum is a chic and minimalist coffee shop that aims to help coffee-lovers upgrade their daily habit. Step inside their minimalist home at Aire Park and you’ll find design-led interiors and a handy self-serve system. If you like your coffee convenient and fuss-free, this is the place.

When it comes to drinks, there’s plenty to choose from. Cool down with an Iced Dubai Latte or try the refreshing Coconut Water Americano. There’s even the option to add functional ingredients, making your morning brew work harder. From bovine collagen to MCT oil, this is the coffee of the future.

Come here for: Premium coffee and tasty pastries on the go.
Where: Habitum, 9 Hunslet Road Aire, Park, Leeds LS10 1JQ.

Coffee shops in Leeds suburbs

Looking for an excellent cup of coffee a little closer to home? These are the best spots for you to grab a brew in the suburbs around Leeds.

Gray’s of Rothwell

This multi-award winning coffee shop in Rothwell is just the spot to sit back, unwind and refuel with something delicious. They pride themselves on serving up the highest quality of tea and coffee – trust us, a lot of time and consideration has gone into finding the perfect three bean blend from speciality grade beans.

And it’s not just first-rate beverages on the menu either. Gray’s also serves up a menu packed with sweet and savoury treats, from breakfasts to Buddha bowls and tray bakes – not forgetting their indulgent afternoon tea. With warm, inviting interiors, an outdoor area that’s ideal for sunny days and a calendar full of different events, there’s always an excuse to swing by.

Come here for: Delicious food and drink from a real gem of the Rothwell community.
Where: Gray’s, 37–41 Commercial Street, Rothwell, Leeds, LS26 0AP.

Loaf

Loaf is a laid-back Headingley coffee shop where you can while away the day over a cup of Joe, whether you’re cracking on with some work or catching up with your pals. Their Dark Woods coffee blends are the perfect choice for all situations, from cortado to cappucino, with Deer Hill as standard or Lamplight for decaf.

Want to mix it up? They employ Blendsmith’s finest for turmeric, chai or matcha lattes. You won’t go hungry on any visit either, with Tarka eggs to start the day, aubergine parmigiana sandwich for lunch or all manner of baked goods and cakes for a little treat. Lamb shoulder Benedict, anyone?

Come here for: Relaxed indie vibes.
Where: Loaf, 90–92 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 4BA.

Kulture Coffee

Run by one-time Sydney dweller Jake Gilmour, Kulture Coffee brings a taste of Australia’s burgeoning cafe culture to the heart of Burley, and once you try their coffee, you’ll get a good idea of why. Grab an expertly-made drink (they’ve got all the usuals), made using the finest, responsibly-sourced beans from the likes of Brazil, Guatemala and Ethiopia.

Like what you’ve tasted? You can grab their beans to go and even get the label on the bag personalised – it’s the perfect gift! You’ll also find all the brewing equipment you need for the ideal at-home cup, but don’t leave without trying one of their famous volcano cookies!

Come here for: Aussie coffee culture and legendary cookies.
Where: Kulture Coffee, 380 Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS4 2HQ.

Opposite Cafe

Opposite’s brace of branches – one in Chapel Allerton, the other in Meanwood – tick every possible box you want in a cafe. There’s top-end coffees from celebrated roasters such as North Star and Grumpy Mule, but they keep their selection fresh with guest brews to make every visit one of coffee-based discovery.

Don’t leave without pairing your cup of Joe with a tasty treat – their array of sticky and sweet stuff will have you coming back for seconds. Homemade Chelsea buns – both sweet and savoury – or maybe strawberry and rosemary vegan mini loaves might be on the menu, depending on the baker’s whim.

Come here for: Coffee, brunch, bakes but also pop-ups.
Where: Opposite Cafe, 4 Steinbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3QY and 9 Stonegate Road, Meanwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 4HZ.

Coffee on the Crescent

Coffee on the Crescent is so much more than just a cafe. Owned by former pro-cricketer Tim Linley, it also has a bit of a story to tell. Part of that is about Tim’s passion for coffee and coffee-houses, something that translates into every carefully considered cup of filter, Americano, pour-over and more.

They source beans from across Yorkshire, with Dark Woods, Echelon and North Star all there to drink in or on the go. But another part of their tale is about community. They sell art and gifts from local makers, contribute heavily to food banks and have even started a project to bring life back to a neglected part of Woodhouse Moor.

Come here for: A sense of calm with your coffee.
Where: Coffee on the Crescent, 2 The Crescent, Hyde Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2NW.

Fika North

A slice of Scandinavia thriving in far Headingley, Fika North does the Swedish feel good thing very well indeed. Their speciality coffee range draws heavily on local roasters, like Casa Espresso, while also welcoming guest pours from the likes of Hard Lines with teas from Sheffield’s Birdhouse if you fancy a more sedate brew.

The batch brew, piccolo, long black – in fact, the whole darn lot – are exemplary and keenly priced for coffee of this quality. The same goes for the toasted bagels, which start with simple sweet fillings but stretch all the way to ‘nduja and avocado or pastrami with Emmental and pink pickles.

Come here for: Single origin coffee and hash browns served with a divine dip of Bloody Mary ketchup.
Where: Fika North, 94 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 4BA.

The Bowery

Allpress Espresso are the people who supply The Bowery with their coffee, and you can taste the decades of experience in every sip. The space itself is a gallery-cum-workshop with happenings, well, happening, but it’s just as good for a quick drink before an art workshop or a meet-up with friends.

They’ll just as happily rustle you up a decaf, or a coffee with soya or oat milk, all made using beans chosen due to owners Sandra and Gerard Togher’s love of Kiwi coffee culture. As well as the exceptional brews, there are homemade cakes and savouries, quiches from Otley’s acclaimed Bondgate Bakery, generously stuffed sandwiches and more.

Come here for: A creative space with coffee Kiwi-style.
Where: The Bowery, 54 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2AL.

Kofi & Co

Arriving in early 2024 in Roundhay, Kofi & Co has successfully transferred the magic that worked for it so well in Wetherby – brilliant brunches and well-priced coffee – seamlessly to a new city. Even if you’re not a local, it’s well worth the jaunt out to Roundhay.

Their coffee is a house blend made for them by York Coffee Emporium and, while it’s perfect to grab and go, it’s also the ideal accompaniment to their pancake stack, shakshuka or – hurrah – fish finger butty. The drinks list is comprehensive, from your classic coffees through to flavoured lattes and iced cofffees.

Come here for: Cracking coffee and bold brunches.
Where: Kofi & Co., 71 Street Lane, Roundhay, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 1AP.

Rabbit Hole Coffee

It’s time to go down the Rabbit Hole for your next coffee, because these Leeds legends know how to brew up a storm. You’ll find them in the city centre at Harvey Nichols (as well as up in Moortown) and you’ll be in for a treat. They brew their house roast with local favourites Maude Coffee and they refresh it regularly to keep things exciting.

But that’s not all – keep your eyes out for limited edition roasts and all manner of guest roasters. Food-wise, their sarnies, made using Baltzersen’s bread, and homemade sweet treats are a true joy.

Come here for: Classy coffee and cakes.
Where: Rabbit Hole Coffee, 1 Stainburn Parade, Moortown, LS17 6NA and 7 Boroughgate, Otley, Leeds, LS21 3AG.

Cover image credit: North Star.