Independent Eateries You Won’t Want to Miss in Leeds

Next time you’re going out for a feed in Leeds, check out the city’s finest independent restaurants.

Independents are the heart and soul of the city’s food and drink scene. They’re what separates our city from others, filled with passion and ingenuity for great produce, incredible flavours and sterling-silver service. Why? Because it matters more, and that’s evident in everything they do. So whether you’re after proper Yorkshire fare, classic Asian cooking or the very finest of fine dining, Leeds has an indie to suit. Book in and chow down…

The Swine Bistro

There’s no doubt The Swine Bistro is one of the best independent restaurants in Leeds. The brainchild of Jo and Stu Myers, this Headingley gem may look like a charming, local cafe, but in fact, it’s a fine-dining paradise that people come from all over to sample – us included!

They like to play it down, but their inventive approach to flavours, ingredients and combinations makes any visit a culinary education. Pear paired with Stilton and pumpkin chutney follows sea bream with harissa and lemon – this is uncomplicated cooking done spectacularly in an unpretentious setting.

Why we love it: A true taste of Leeds and full of charm.
Address: 77A Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3PS.
Website: swinethatdines.co.uk

The Whitehall Bar & Restaurant

When it comes to independent restaurants, The Whitehall is one of the biggest and best names on the Leeds scene. The laidback, contemporary interiors provide the perfect setting to tuck into their modern British fare. Crafted with high-quality ingredients, the menu is imaginative yet accessible.

Their dishes span creative small plates to super fresh salads, pastas and pizzas to expertly seared steaks. Plus, there are few better places to enjoy a cocktail than on their sun-soaked terrace. It’s the place to be when the sun is shining.

Why we love it: Fantastic and unfussy British dishes that are sure to please anyone.
Address: West Point, Wellington Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4JY.
Website: thewhitehallleeds.com

Kendells Bistro

A true touch of Parisian flair in the heart of Leeds, Kendells offers all the rustic finery of French cuisine. You could be mistaken for thinking that you were actually in Paris – the candle-topped wine bottles, vintage posters and mural-covered walls give this bistro an authenticity reflected in their sublime menu.

It’s the classics, as French cooking should be, done well. Don’t get sniffy about the garlic-strewn snails, treat your belly to a French onion soup of dreams and indulge in a fine côte du veau – and as always, we love to finish off with the creme brûlée.

Why we love it: Parisian culinary wizardry without leaving Leeds.
Address: 3 Saint Peter’s Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 8AH.
Website: kendellsbistro.co.uk

Shabab

Another outstanding option if you’re looking for an independent Indian restaurant in Leeds, Shabab is all about quality food, bold flavours and a warm atmosphere that’ll keep you coming back time and time again.

Sharing is very much encouraged at this establishment, how else are you going to tackle the UK’s biggest naan without the help of your loved ones? And with so many cracking curries and tandoori dishes to choose from, it would be a crime not to sample more than one. We recommend the Afghani specialty for adventurous diners, while the Dhunwan Dahi is a smoky treat for your taste buds.

Why we love it: Authentic, exciting Indian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Address: 66-68 Wellington Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2EE.
Website: https://shabab.co.uk/

Ox Club

Since it opened within Headrow House back in 2015, Ox Club has cemented itself as one of the best independent restaurants in Leeds. What these guys don’t know about grilling ain’t worth knowing. The solid-fuel grill takes pride of place in their kitchen, where they create incredible flavour combinations.

Rare breed pork with pineapple, tajin and chipotle ketchup sits alongside grilled cod with miso, lime and refreshing charred cucumber. Want in on a secret? The Scandi-cool dining room is just as good for an epic Sunday lunch too.

Why we love it: Their burnt basque cheesecake is one of the best we’ve ever tasted!
Address: Headrow House, Bramleys Yard, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PU.
Website: oxclub.co.uk

Tharavadu

There’s no shortage of independent Indian restaurants in Leeds, but Tharavadu is a cut above. This Michelin-recommended favourite shows off the lip-smacking flavours of the Kerala, all made by chefs born, raised and trained in the region. It gives you the chance to explore dishes you wouldn’t otherwise come across.

Take the Uzhunna Vada – the perfectly golden, wonderfully crispy, savoury lentil doughnuts, for starters. Then follow it up with their trademark, the Adu Cheera Mappas, a rich lamb curry with fresh spinach and their authentic Keralan sauce.

Why we love it: A Michelin-recommended Indian offering a taste of Kerala.
Address: 7-8 Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ.
Website: tharavadurestaurants.com

Heaney & Mill

Refined grub in a laid-back setting all day long – there’s a reason why Heaney & Mill has become a real local favourite in the heart of Headingley. Breakfast brings pancakes, sarnies and eggs five different ways to the table, while lunch offers a parade of salads, sandwiches and pasta.

But the real star of the show is their evening menu, which allows you to dine on divine dishes like shellfish risotto with crispy kale and pan-seared duck breast smothered in cherry hoisin jus. They even have run weekly special events, including bottomless brunch and tasting menu nights – grab a table if you can!

Why we love it: A charming, laid-back village restaurant in bustling Headingley.
Address: 48 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2AL.
Website: heaneyandmill.com

Shears Yard

It looks good, but tastes even better – that makes Shears Yard one of the finest independent restaurants in Leeds. Sky-high ceilings, exposed brick walls and twinkling filament lights set the scene for the procession of palate-friendly food to come.

Local produce takes centre stage in their innovative combinations which change on the regular, like the butter poached cod with king prawn beignet, roast celeriac velouté and Tandoori marinated lamb rump with wild mushroom biryani. Refined tasting menus, weekend lunches and a killer Sunday lunch make this a must for foodies.

Why we love it: A staple for Leeds’ foodies for well over a decade.
Address: 11-15 Wharf Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7EH.
Website: shearsyard.com

Thai Aroy Dee

If you’re looking for a cheap, cheerful but chuffing tasty feed, look no further than Thai Aroy Dee – we never do! This is a bonafide Leeds legend, a cornerstone of the city’s indie scene, offering quality Siamese fare in a chilled-out, no-frills environment.

Their menu is loaded with Thai classics – we’ve often been known to jump into a Jungle Curry, wolf down a Weeping Tiger and polish off a Pad Thai. But you can also try a few dishes you might not have sampled before, like the Goong Chae Nam Pla, which combines king prawns, garlic, chillies, fish sauce and lime juice.

Why we love it: No frills Thai restaurant we go to at any possible opportunity.
Address: 120-122 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7NL.
Website: thaiaroydeeleeds.co.uk

La Piola

Looking for some rural Italian food on your lunch break, or for a cozy spot for an evening meal? Tucked away on Park Square East, family run cafe bistro La Piola is the ultimate destination for deliciously authentic cuisine and traditional service.

Grab a gourmet panini, fresh salad or the day’s choice of pasta for lunch. For dinner, tuck into a sharing board, Pinsa style pizza, or Italian classics like branzino or salsiccia in padella. With vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available, anyone can experience truly authentic Cuneo cuisine.

Why we love it: A taste of authentic Italian food right in the heart of the city.
Address: 2 Park Square East, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2NU.
Website: lapiolaleeds.co.uk

Dave’s Pies & Ale

Eating out in Leeds doesn’t have to mean a sit-down meal. In fact, it could be nipping out for something as simple as a pie and a pint, that perfect Yorkshire combination. And nowhere does that better than Dave’s, which could be Leeds’ smallest traditional pub.

The stained-glass bar panelling and rich mahogany furniture create the ideal setting to delve into their divine homemade pork pies, from the classic growler to more adventurous fillings like chorizo, chilli or Stilton. Paired with peas, gravy and a pint, it’s a little slice of heaven.

Why we love it: Homemade pork pies and local cask ales – what’s not to love?
Address: 350 Kirkstall Road, Burley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2HQ.
Website: facebook.com/daves.pies.leeds

Sarto

With its cool canteen vibe, light wood tables and exposed brickwork, Sarto might not feel like your traditional pasta spot, but this out-of-the-way gem serves up some of the best in Leeds. Their small but perfectly formed plates are made for sharing, but don’t be surprised if you want to shield it like it’s a GCSE exam.

Liven your palate with snacks like mozzarella arancini or marinated mixed olives, before you stuff your face with glorious, day-fresh pasta in dishes like campanelle with slow-roasted tomatoes and cashew cream or beef shin ragu with pappardelle. Head down on Friday lunch for a pasta dish and snack for just £16.50. Buon appetito!

Why we love it: The pasta is made fresh every day and the menu changes on the regular.
Address: Munro House, Duke Street, Leeds West Yorkshire, LS9 8AG
Website: sartopasta.uk

House of Fu

Ramen, glorious ramen! House of Fu will make all your Japanese dreams come true. This is a super cool canteen-style restaurant – all trendy artwork, tiled walls and neon signs with karaoke upstairs – but the slurp is the most important thing.

Their carefully concocted bowls of steaming Japanese joy make it a must for ramen lovers. The Original Fu is their classic, but if you want to see them finesse, try the kimchi and cheese ramen – a veg-packed joy with a parmesan twist. Off ramen? They do rice bowls, super bowls and glorious gyozas. You’ll be ramen it home!

Why we love it: The ramen is rad, even better when you follow it with a stint in their upstairs karaoke rooms.
Address: 15-19 The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PU.
Website: hellohouseoffu.com

La Taberna

With a highly curated menu filled with genuine, honest food, La Taberna offers traditional Spanish tapas in a warm, intimate setting. Tuck into their famous chorizo al vino, share some spicy patatas bravas, or sample the highly popular aubergine fritters with cinnamon and honey.

Husband and wife Andres and Vivi are passionate about sharing their love for food. Their dedication has clearly paid off – regulars and newcomers alike rave about their cooking and the welcoming atmosphere they’ve cultivated. Make this your next spot for dinner with friends or family, and be sure to get a few different dishes each so you can sample all the fantastic flavours.

Why we love it: The perfect setting for a chilled out dinner.
Address: Britannia House, 16 York Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2EU.
Website: latabernaleeds.com

Cha Lounge

An eco-friendly cafe in the heart of Leeds that many don’t even know exists, Cha Lounge serves up delicious grub with a conscience. They work with local suppliers to minimise food waste and ensure all the ingredients are organic and sustainably sourced.

Take a seat in their rustic cafe and start your day with brunch classics, from a full English to their trademark Cha Hollandaise – we get ours Forestiere-style with crispy kale. As the day moves on, their menu evolves too, with servings of homemade soups and a menu of delicious sarnies.

Why we love it: It’s brill for brunch, but keep an eye out for their Indian tapas nights.
Address: 24-26 Dock Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1JF.
Website: chalounge.com

Lupe’s Cantina

Take a trip to sunny Mexico City without ever leaving the city with a meal at Lupe’s Cantina. This is one of Leeds’ finest indies, a true Mexican cantina in an unassuming prefab in the heart of Burley, packed full of Latin charm.

Authenticity is central to all they do – the menu of classic small plates is made up of recipes handed down by chef and owner Rudy Garcia’s mum, Lupe. Devour the tacos, gorge on the quesadillas, but leave room for the delightfully boat-shaped beef sopes rancheros – they’ll go down a dream with Margaritas!

Why we love it: The oh-so-oozy queso fundido is a cheese lover’s paradise.
Address: 204 Cardigan Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1LF.
Website: lupescantinamexicana.co.uk

Wen’s

Don’t let your preconceptions about Chinese food fool you – Wen’s has taken it to a whole other level. This is a simple, down-to-earth restaurant – an almost cafe-like dining room – where the food does all the talking and they’re getting wonderfully wordy.

You’ll find all the classics, done very well indeed, but Wen’s really comes into its own when you fancy trying something new. Hot poached lamb in chilli oil or fish fillets with enoki mushroom served in a wild chilli and blended pumpkin broth? Live a little. Mrs Wen’s pan-fried dumplings are worth ordering by the bucketload too.

Why we love it: It’s as authentic as Chinese food in Leeds gets, trust us.
Address: 72-74 North Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7PN.
Website: wensrestaurant.co.uk

Olive & Thai

Leeds brunch icons Olive & Rye also have a Thai haven next door in Queens Arcade. The aptly named Olive & Thai takes a fuss-free approach to classic Thai cooking, serving up seriously good Southeast Asian food to eat in or take away.

The menu offers starters like veggie spring rolls, chicken satay and colourful summer rolls, which you can follow with curries, stir-fried rice and noodles done every which way. Add in a vibrant decor in a sunlight-flooded room and you’ve got a pretty darn good indie restaurant gem if you love quality Thai food.

Why we love it: It’s restaurant quality Thai food that you can also get on the go.
Address: 16 Queens Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LF.
Website: oliveandthai.co.uk

Mommy Mookrata

If you want to show off your own chef skills, a visit to Mommy Mookrata is a must. This is one of the most interactive indies in Leeds, offering all kinds of DIY feasting. It’s a Korean barbecue restaurant, stylishly decorated with leather booths that come complete with a grill built into your table.

Sit back as they bring out platters of sweetly-marinated cuts of beef, pork, duck, prawn and squid for you to hand-grill yourself. Once sizzled, wrap them up in a lettuce leaf filled with a medley of rice, lettuce, tempura veggies, sauces and dips.

Why we love it: You get to cook the food on the grill in front of you – how cool is that?!
Address: The Arena Quarter, 9 Merrion Way, Merrion Centre, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 8BT.
Website: bulgogi-grill.co.uk

Buon Apps

Nestled next to the River Wharfe, Buon Apps is a picturesque Italian restaurant in Otley. In the summer, you can dine out on the terrace or head inside the rustic dining room where beamed ceilings and exposed brick capture the imagination. Tear your eyes away from the setting, because theirs is a menu that deserves your full attention.

This is quality Italian cooking, done with love and care. The menu is subject to change but expect classics like creamy carbonara, which vie for attention alongside substantial mains including crispy gnocchi cacio e pepe, meaty stracotto and comforting favourites like fish finger brioche served with a refreshing salad. Buon apps, indeed.

Why we love it: A riverside Italian with dishes to write home about. Do it. Write that letter. Tell everyone.
Address: Hartley House, 50 Mill Way, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 1FE.
Website: buonappsotley.com

Little Bao Boy

If you can’t get enough of the pillow-like parcels of heaven that are bao buns, Little Bao Boy is one of the must visit indie eateries in Leeds. You’ll find them in North Brewing Co’s Sovereign Square, as well as The Old King’s Arms in Horsforth, and they’re the perfect match for a craft beer or two.

Every bao bun is freshly made each day and there’s a filling for every palate. The OG KFB is their cornerstone – a delightful mix of buttermilk coated chicken thigh with a legendary sriracha mayo, but if you want to go meat-free, try the salt & pepper aubergine, finished with a hoisin & sriracha kick.

Why we love it: Just look at that image – have you seen them? Also, the garlic salt fries – one portion is not enough.
Address: 3 Sovereign Square, Sovereign Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 4BA & The Old King’s Arms, The Green, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 5JB.
Website: littlebaoboy.com

Viva Cuba

An old bank is now buzzing with Cuban flair thanks to Viva Cuba, a Leeds institution that continues to stand the test of time after more than two decades. It’s a colourful restaurant, all bells, whistles, Cuban tunes and pictures of Che Guevara.

More than the decor, the food is what gives Viva Cuba its soul, with a menu of Latin American favourites spoiling you for choice. Albondigas Cubanas sits alongside gambas a la plancha, tortilla española and their trademark aromatic Cuban bean stew. Wash it down with rum cocktails and you could be in Havana.

Why we love it: Is there a better combo than a proper Margarita with patatas bravas? Nope, there’s not.
Address: 342 Kirkstall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2DS.
Website: vivacubaleeds.co.uk

Zucco

Tapas, but not as you’ve ever known it – this is why Zucco is one of the best indies in Leeds. It specialises in Italian small plates, in a stylishly decorated restaurant that brings a modern touch to traditional osteria cooking.

It’s laden with soul and each plate takes you on a culinary journey around this famous foodie country. Highlights of their impressive menu include fragrant fritto misto, salt cod ravioli in sage and white wine sauce and the epic braised beef pappardelle. Room for dessert? Treat yourself to a slice of their achingly-good lemon polenta cake.

Why we love it: It’s not just us, the throngs who fill it daily prove it’s a must try for Italian cuisine lovers. Oh and that magnifico homemade tiramisu!
Address: 603 Meanwood Road, Meanwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 4AY.
Website: zucco.co.uk

Wapentake

If you want to taste the best of Yorkshire, Wapentake is the place to dine – and drink. It’s a down-to-earth bar that sources all of its produce locally for a menu that pays homage to God’s Own County, starting with their cracking ale offering.

Their crisp butties are the stuff of legend, their Sunday roast is one of the best in Leeds and their homemade beans on toast elevates a humble classic with the addition of Henderson’s relish. That’s not to mention their revolutionary approach to Yorkshire puddings – they use them as burger buns, filling them with chicken or beef, bacon and cheese, then covering it all with gravy.

Why we love it: Crisp sarnies, Yorkshire pudding burgers, local ales – it’s everything we need. Literally.
Address: 92 Kirkgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DJ.
Website: instagram.com/wapentakeleeds

Eat Your Greens

It trebles as a bar and organic grocery store, but Eat Your Greens more than holds its own as one of the most innovative independent restaurants in Leeds. The venue itself feels more like a hip hangout than a stuffy dining room and it’s the perfect place to explore their menu of fuss-free farm-to-fork goodness.

It’s not meat-free, but there’s a real focus on using good quality, organic produce with an abundance of veg-first dishes. Grab fried breaded aubergine and rolled lamb saddle for lunch, or come with a dining partner at dinner for sharing plates like roast swede & blue cheese agnolotti or crab panisse.

Why we love it: Theirs is an innovative, creative approach to cooking proper tasty food using local produce.
Address: 42 New York Street, Leeds, LS2 7DY.
Website: eatyourgreensleeds.co.uk

De Baga

A taste of Goa in the heart of Headingley and Chapel Allerton, you’re in for a treat with De Baga. They do Indian food, but a little differently to what you’re used to. Classic Goan cuisine is made with modern, seasonal British ingredients to create a delicious culinary marriage.

You can tuck into lamb xacuti, a lively, palate-popping lamb leg curry with coconut, or their velvety smooth dal buhkara. If you visit their Chapel Allerton home, you’ll get to try adventurous creations like the mutton sukka taco and Goan fish curry topped with dry Kashmir chilli.

Why we love it: The lamb xacuti might be one of the most flavour-packed curries we’ve ever eaten
Address: 9 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3AA & 8b Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3QY.
Website: debaga.co.uk

Bavette

Headed up by Sandy Jarvis and Clément Cousin, Bavette is a warm, neighbourhood bistro that puts a modern twist on classic French cooking. It’s oh-so-stylish, from the single-line artworks on the walls to the classic furniture, but it’s the food you come for.

The menu is small, but perfectly formed, changing with the seasons. Snacks take you from baguette with warm butter to the most sumptuous comte cheese croquettes. Starters include a world-class steak tartare, but it’s the main course that really has us drooling – the bavette steak with chunky frites is a worthy namesake.

Why we love it: For the love of all that is holy – order the crème brûlée and thank us later.
Address: 4-6 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4RJ.
Website: bavettebistro.com

Hern

There’s a foodie corner of Chapel Allerton that no one seems to shout about – or at least, not enough. Hern is a culinary treasure that should be acclaimed from the highest rooftop in the city, even if, at first glance, the small, minimally decorated dining room might not look like much.

Their menus are refined, making use of seasonal local produce and trying to minimise waste, though never stay the same – all the more reason for returning. One day it could be pork collar and sausage with Jersey royals and courgette, the next it’s curried lamb pie with spiced potato and spinach. Oh and the natural wine list is stellar.

Why we love it: It still feels, after all this time, that Hern is Leeds’ biggest foodie secret.
Address:5 Stainbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PG.
Website: hernrestaurant.com

Galleria

A gig venue and cafe, Project House is also home to a wood-fired grill restaurant that has won their hearts (and palates) of Leeds’ foodies. It’s open from breakfast – the laid-back vibe is perfect for tucking into stuffed hash browns or huevos rancheros while reading the day’s papers with a brew.

Come lunch, there are flatbreads loaded with meat and veggies, but it really comes into its own in the evening. Char siu bone-in porn rib, southern fried black bream and the truffle mac & cheese are tasty affairs, but their speciality is the wood-fired chicken, served half or whole, with butter pickles, confit garlic and your choice of dip.

Why we love it: The chicken is as good as any and the vibes are always bang on.
Address: Project House, Armley Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 2DR.
Website: galleria-lds.com

The Cheesy Living Co.

Should you ever be frothing for fromage, then make your way to Cheesy Living Co. In Oakwood, Pudsey or the Corn Exchange, where they elevate cheese to the standing it deserves. A lunchtime visit promises focaccia sandwiches, like the Brie-lliant – it really is, with its combo of gooey brie and red onion relish.

Across all venues, you can create your very own DIY cheese boards or indulge in their fondue – the spicy ‘nduja gives it a fair old kick. But Oakwood and Pudsey have a few more treats up their sleeves – we’re talking snacks and small plates, from whipped feta dip and warm bread to hot honey pork belly burnt ends, as well as a monthly dessert special.

Why we love it: The cheese dreams that come after a visit have been the best we’ve ever had.
Address: 478 Roundhay Road, Oakwood Lane, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU, 8 Church Lane, Pudsey, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 7BD & Unit C8A, The Corn Exchange, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BR.
Website: thecheesylivingco.co.uk

Empire Cafe

Hidden away down Fish Street, a glorified alleyway in the heart of the city, The Empire Cafe is one of the best things about Leeds full stop. It brings the past into the modern day, transforming a long-shut greasy spoon and revealing its history all while creating a restaurant the city can be proud of.

Inside, it’s a small but classy affair, dark-lit with green accents. The food is the key. Their ‘Wall of Flame’ chicken rotisserie is a game-changer, turning all day long, ready to pair with chicken schmaltz potatoes, while their steak and chips is so good, you might forget they serve anything else.

Why we love it: The steak, the chicken, but also – it pours one of the best pints of Guinness you’ll come across in Leeds.
Address: 6 Fish Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DB.
Website: empirecafeleeds.co.uk

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