Luxury, elegance and chefs that know how to wow are the hallmarks of these fine dining restaurants in Leeds.
There’s nothing quite like dining out at a posh restaurant, and Leeds is fabulously full of them. They’re a place to indulge, to celebrate, to mark an occasion or, heck, just to see what that big-name chef can do. Here you’ll find fresh takes on old ingredients, Michelin Guide marvels and even humble dishes elevated to genius-like levels. Go on, treat yourself, you deserve it. And if you want more of this kind of fare, check out our round-up of Leeds tasting menus.
Empire Cafe
Does a restaurant with a wall of flame rotisserie delivering juicy chicken by the coop-load count as fine dining? In the hands of chef patron Sam Pullan, the answer is a resounding yes. The easygoing attitude – you can start your day here with a bacon roll – belies a place that does some serious cooking, reinforced with outstanding cocktails and carefully chosen wines.
Beyond that oh-so-moist chicken and the potatoes cooked in their fat, there are some fireworks on the small plates menu. The signature duck eclair gets frequent tweaks and makeovers, while you could be feasting on a peanut butter and jelly flatbread one day, BBQ watermelon dressed with shredded crab claw and sausage & bacon jam the next. Desserts are an adventure.
Style: Comfort food with an inventive streak.
Price range: Small plates £8-12. Large dishes £15-20.
Find it: The Empire Cafe, 6 Fish Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DB.
Book it: empirecafe
The Box Tree
Tucked away inside a gorgeous 18th-century building, The Box Tree has been delighting diners for generations. The decor and menu have been modernised over the last 15 plus years, but the food remains the star attraction. Brayden Davies moved from Grantley Hall to head up the kitchen in February 2024.
You can judge many a restaurant on the quality of their bread, and the sourdough that sets your meal off here is perfection itself. After that you’ll be treated to dishes like Yorkshire venison ravioli with chocolate and redcurrant, then guinea fowl with hen of the woods. Push the boat out with accompanying wine flights for the full Box Tree experience.
Style: Refined dining with modern flourishes.
Price range: Lunch menu £60 per person. Dinner menu £110 per person.
Find it: The Box Tree, 35-37 Church Street, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9DR.
Book it: theboxtree
Bavette
There’s a feeling among some foodies and restaurant critics that the UK is actually doing the traditional French bistro better than Paris is at the moment. The arrival of the already praised and garlanded Bavette in Horsforth merely reinforces that opinion – this is a neighbourhood restaurant that punches well above its weight.
Owners Sandy Jarvis and Clément Cousin lead a place that delivers Gallic grace aplenty, starting with smooth service and perhaps a glass of something from Cousin’s family winery. The pate en croute is exemplary, bavette steak is cooked just the right side of blue and seasonal additions to the menu keep things fresh. If the Paris Brest is on the dessert menu, dive in.
Style: French and oh-so-friendly.
Price range: Starters £9-18. Mains £20-30.
Find it: Bavette, 4-6 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4RJ.
Book it: bavette
Tattu
With its sleek interior and innovative take on Chinese food, Tattu has become a date night classic. Beyond the cherry blossom trees and lavish interior, this is one of the most fun and accessible fine dining spots in Leeds. It’s flexible too, with a trio of tasting menus that take the stress out of choosing.
If you prefer to pursue your own path, choose from modern Asian-fusion treasures such as Japanese black wagyu, Shanghai black cod and a special side of duck egg and Chinese sausage fried rice. Desserts and cocktails are spectacular crowd-pleasers, while seasonal celebrations promise limited edition menus.
Style: Elevated Chinese.
Price range: Dim Sum £11-18. Small plates £11-20. Mains £23-60.
Find it: 29 East Parade, Minerva House, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5PS.
Book it: tattu
Shears Yard
Credit: Will Stanley Film and Photography
Shears Yard is a veteran at this fine dining lark, with a pedigree in Leeds city centre that goes back decades. Their tasting menu will put you through six courses of the good stuff. Homemade bread and butter will trigger your appetite before ponzu-brushed tuna lifted with white soy, sesame and smoked bonito emulsion.
Then it’s seared venison loin, perfectly pink, with a genius chicken liver parfait and sour cherry tart for company. After a cheeky pre-dessert, loosen a notch on your belt and then dive into a divine coffee and dark chocolate cremeux. You can also opt to do things your way with a seasonal a la carte menu.
Style: Modern British.
Price range: Starters £7-10. Mains £18-30. Tasting menu £60.
Find it: Shears Yard, 11-15 Wharf Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7EH.
Book it: shearsyard
The Swine That Dines
The brainchild of Jo and Stu Myers, The Swine That Dines is a true Leeds original and one we love returning to time and again. They’re masters at taking whatever is in season and fashioning a fresh menu from what’s available, using their trusted contacts’ book of local suppliers. After recent crowdfunding success, they’ll soon be on the move to bigger premises, too.
It’s only open for dinner from Thursday to Saturday, with lunch added on Saturdays and brill buns on Friday, so this gives them the time to innovate and work kitchen alchemy on their ingredients. Dishes like cured salmon with beetroot and buttermilk biscuit, and sea bream with spinach, chickpea and saffron will manage to convert many a fish-dodger.
Style: Eclectic and inventive.
Price range: Starters £8-9. Mains £19-25. Saturday lunch two courses £18, three courses £22.50.
Find it: The Swine That Dines, 58 North Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7PN.
Book it: swinethatdines
Kendells Bistro
With its vintage posters, candles and hints of art deco, Kendells couldn’t be more French if it rode up to you on a bicycle, wearing a Breton shirt with a chain of garlic around its neck. Stereotypes aside, this is the place to go for Gallic grub that feels thoroughly authentic. Take a tour de France around the classics – escargots with garlic butter, a mighty French onion soup with Gruyère.
Steaks are perfect, while Confit de Canard (slow-cooked duck leg with roasted potatoes) is one of several winter warming winners that taste as good in Leeds as they do in France. Leave room for the exemplary tarte tatin or crème brûlée.
Style: Très français.
Price range: Starters £9-11. Mains £18.50-38. Early bird set menu two courses £27.95, three courses £31.95.
Find it: Kendells Bistro, 3 St Peter’s Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 8AH.
Book it: kendellsbistro
FINT
The kitchen at FINT is so good that even their brunch seems like one of the best fine dining affairs in Leeds. Their dill and parsley Nordic gnocchi with beetroot cream and pickled beetroot gives you more than a hint of what’s to come in the evening. Available from 4:30pm from Thursday to Saturday only, in addition to their daytime cafe menu, it’s a pared-down but punchy two or three-course menu.
Beetroot tartare is the pick of the starters, butternut squash risotto and sea bream fillet so good you’ll want to lick the plate clean. There are gluten-free and vegan options all the way too. Expert desserts include cinnamon roll with biscoff sauce – yet another reason to be caught with your face in the bowl.
Style: A slice of Scandinavian style.
Price range: Starters £8.75-£10.50. Mains £15-£23.50. 2 courses for £24 before 6pm.
Find it: FINT, 73 Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3BR.
Book it: fint
Ox Club
Ox Club has risen like a phoenix from the flames – a solid-fuel grill restaurant that seems to only be getting better with age. Don’t tell yourself ‘I won’t fill up on the bread’ – the chicken schmaltz served with the grilled sourdough is so delectable you could bathe in it – we almost did.
The menu dances through grilled peach with burrata, lamb loin with slow-cooked lamb pastilla and stunning steaks with a punchy chimichurri. If you’re in the mood for sharing, the côte de boeuf is big, bold and beautiful. Even the sides are special – hallelujah for their grilled hispi cabbage.
Style: Modern British grill restaurant.
Price range: Snacks £4-6. Starters £8.50-£12. Mains £28-42.
Find it: Ox Club, 19a The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PU.
Book it: oxclub
Gaucho
Credit: Joe Howard
Steak, glorious steak. At Gaucho, it’s all about the deep flavour of Argentinian beef, served in plush surroundings that feel like a treat. It’s a place to get dressed up, but with the food still front and centre as it should be. You can dive straight into the cow with a steak tartare starter, but there are also a refreshing and delicate sea bass ceviche or oozing burrata should you wish to mix it up.
Steaks come in eight different cuts – nine if you count the Chateaubriand – ready to be dressed with rich sauces and tempting toppings such as a classic béarnaise or Malbec and bone marrow. Don’t know where to start? Ask their servers, they’re experts in all things meat-related.
Style: Argentinean steak classics.
Price range: Starters £11-21.50. Mains £13.50-63. Set menus are available.
Find it: Gaucho, 21-22 Park Row, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5JF.
Book it: gaucho
Heaney & Mill
A family-run gem, Heaney & Mill punches well above its weight, serving refined food to hungry Headingley humans at a keen price. International influences are woven into the menu, such as in a starter of honey-baked goat’s cheese with balsamic onions. The same is true of a cajun monkfish or a seared duck breast with choy sum and shiitake spring roll.
Don’t miss the sticky toffee pudding with sea salt butterscotch to finish. The dessert menu also offers a dark chocolate cheesecake with hobnobs and honeycomb ice cream, so you’re going to have to make a difficult choice. The fact the place is always busy means you’ll be rewarded by booking ahead – well worth the effort.
Style: Modern international.
Price range: Starters £9-12. Mains £16-28.
Find it: Heaney & Mill, 48-54 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2AL.
Book it: heaneyandmill
Chef Jono at V&V
© Copyright Leeds-List 2024
You can’t just taste the confidence and creativity of chef-patron Jono Hawthorne – you can see it too. This ‘Masterchef: The Professionals’ finalist knows how to make a plate of food look good. Of course, that would mean nothing if it didn’t also tease and tempt the tastebuds.
Happily, dishes like ramen broth with hen’s egg and sweetcorn or a fresh take on fish and chips with curry sauce show a playful side that doesn’t neglect flavour. To finish things off, the mushroom tiramisu might sound like the work of a mad scientist, but it truly works, trust us.
Style: Modern British.
Price range: Signature menu £79. 5-course menu £45.
Find it: Chef Jono at V & V, 68 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NU.
Book it: chefjonoatvandv
Sous Le Nez
© Copyright Leeds-List 2024
Sous Le Nez is very much the godfather of fine dining restaurants in Leeds. It has quietly occupied the same basement spot in the city centre for what feels like centuries without ever letting standards slip. There’s real French flair in dishes like a braised pig cheeks or wood pigeon breast with black pudding rosti.
The meat cooking is exemplary, whether it’s the lamb rump, rump steak, duck or chicken breasts. The dark chocolate fondant takes your tongue on a trip down the Seine for the perfect end to a perfect meal. The food matches the reputation that this true Leeds legend has earned.
Style: French by way of Yorkshire.
Price range: Starters £8.50-£19.25. Mains £22.50-50.
Find it: Sous Le Nez, The Basement, Quebec House, 9 Quebec Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2HA.
Book it: souslenez
Owl
Owl sits on Lockside at Mustard Wharf, boasting scenic views over the river, a far cry from its humble but celebrated origins inside Kirkgate Market. However, no one could accuse Owl of ever taking its eyes off the prize food-wise – it is and always has been a lovely place to stuff your stomach.
Where else can you delight in North Yorkshire red deer with celeriac, chocolate sauce and burnt raspberries? The catch of the day surrenders to your fork, paired with peanut and curry broth, while desserts are both dramatic and deep in flavour. Finish with petit fours and a warm glow of satisfaction, the kind only Owl gives.
Style: Modern British.
Price range: Starters £9-16. Mains £18-35. Set menus available.
Find it: The Owl, Lockside, Mustard Wharf, Mustard Approach, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4EY.
Book it: theowl
The Collective
Headed up by award-winning chef Craig Rogan, The Collective was more a cafe than a fine dining restaurant – until recently. They pride themselves on being aspirational but never pretentious, a theme that translates into their menu. Locally sourced ingredients are pulled together in new and unusual ways, whether it be the salt-baked beetroots for lunch or ‘nduja and grilled king prawns for dinner.
Not sure where to start? The multi-course tasting menu is perfect, whisking you away on a culinary journey, starting with ox cheek twinned with creamed potato, then finishing with a triumphant marriage of raspberry, bergamot and walnut. Keep an eye on their special themed menu evenings too.
Style: Pared back but creative.
Price range: Small plates £11-22. Tasting menu £70.
Find it: The Collective, 33 Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DA.
Book it: collectiveinc
Hern
Credit: Sam Binstead
Hern may not immediately catch your eye in their unassuming spot in Chapel Allerton, but try their food and it’ll swiftly become an eatery you’ll return to time after time. They build their menus by focusing on products that are in season and at their best, all while minimising waste. Because of this, their menu is ever changing, meaning no two visits are ever the same.
One day you might be tucking into fried chicken terrine with blue cheese and chilli, the next you’re begging for the recipe for their guinea fowl schnitzel with anchovy butter. Collaborations and themed nights abound, plus they even have a dedicated vegetarian menu, making fine dining in Leeds more accessible to all.
Style: Restlessly inventive seasonal fare.
Price range: Starters £8-12. Mains £22-25.
Find it: Hern, 5 Steinbeck Corner, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PG.
Book it: hern
Six By Nico
With locations all around the UK, when Six by Nico arrived in Leeds foodies rejoiced. Their £42 six-course tasting menus are always inspired by a theme, destination or a concept – but act quickly, because they change every six weeks and each one offers something different for you to try.
Past themes have included The Chippie, Hollywood and Street Food, with the latter seeking to combine the authenticity and allure of food trucks from renowned cities. Let’s be honest, it can be hit and miss – we know people delighted with their menu, others who’ve returned home disappointed – but at this price point we think it’s worth rolling the dice.
Style: Quirky tasting menu destination.
Price range: 6-course tasting menu £42.
Find it: Six by Nico, 9 East Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2AJ.
Book it: sixbynico
