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.
The Box Tree
Credit: Ben Clucas
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+ 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 chorizo with Irish langoustine and Romano pepper, then guinea fowl with local cauliflower. Push the boat out with accompanying wine flights for the full Box Tree experience.
Style: Refined dining with modern flourishes.
Price range: Lunch menu £65 per person. Dinner menu £115 per person.
Find it: The Box Tree, 35-37 Church Street, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9DR.
Book it: theboxtree.co.uk
Bavette
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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 highly 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 twice-baked goat’s cheese souffle is exemplary, Bavette steak is cooked just the right side of blue and seasonal additions to the menu keep things fresh. If the warm chocolate fondant is on the dessert menu, dive in.
Style: French and oh-so-friendly.
Price range: Starters £10-18. Mains £20-35.
Find it: Bavette, 4-6 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4RJ.
Book it: bavettebistro.com
Ox Club
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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 inventive, seasonal dishes like grilled peach with burrata, smoked duck with pickled plus and stunning steaks with a punchy peppercorn sauce. If you’re in the mood for sharing, the côte de boeuf is big, bold and beautiful. Even the sides are special and don’t skip on the burnt basque cheesecake – it’s a sensation.
Style: Modern British grill restaurant.
Price range: Snacks £5-6. Starters £8.50-£12. Mains £28-48.
Find it: Ox Club, 19a The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PU.
Book it: oxclub.co.uk
Empire Cafe
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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: empirecafeleeds.co.uk
Tattu
Credit: Joe Giacomet
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 shredded duck 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 £13-22. Mains £21-60. Set menus £72-120 per person.
Find it: 29 East Parade, Minerva House, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5PS.
Book it: tattu.co.uk
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 the likes of roast celeriac veloute and scallop tartar with yuzu pickled pear.
Then it’s a succulent Tandoori marinated lamb rump, served with wild mushroom biriyani and poppadum granola. After a cheeky pre-dessert, loosen a notch on your belt and then dive into a divine dark chocolate & coffee torte. You can also opt to do things your way with a seasonal a la carte menu.
Style: Modern British.
Price range: Starters £7-20. Mains £18-30. Tasting menu £60.
Find it: Shears Yard, 11-15 Wharf Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7EH.
Book it: shearsyard.com
The Swine Bistro
Formerly The Swine That Dines, The Swine Bistro in Headingley is the brainchild of Jo and Stu Myers and a true Leeds staple that 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.
It’s open on Wednesday to Saturday, then on Sunday for a delectable lunch. They’re always looking to innovative and work their kitchen alchemy on their ingredients. Dishes like beef dripping hash brown and beef shin with mash and bourguignon garnish are culinary magic, while their cod rillete will convert many a fish-dodger.
Style: Eclectic and inventive.
Price range: Starters £9-12. Mains £20-30. Set lunch two courses £23, three courses £27.
Find it: The Swine Bistro, 77A Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3PS.
Book it: theswinebistro.co.uk
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 dauphinoise 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 £9-13. Mains £21.34. Tea time set menu two courses £29.95, three courses £34.95.
Find it: Kendells Bistro, 3 St Peter’s Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 8AH.
Book it: kendellsbistro.co.uk
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 Wagyu beef empanada 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 four different cuts – five if you count the Chateaubriand – ready to be dressed with rich sauces and tempting toppings such as a classic béarnaise or Malbec & 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 £7-19.50. Mains £16-68. Set menus are available two courses £17.95, three courses £19.95.
Find it: Gaucho, 21-22 Park Row, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5JF.
Book it: gauchorestaurants.com
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 the grilled sambal crevettes with Thai red consomme. The same is true of the seared sashimi tuna with crispy dumpling and the venison haunch.
You can also drop in for breakfast and lunch, with classic egg dishes and a trio of pancakes on the morning menu, followed by the likes of hearty sandwiches, Ceasar salads and sublime small plates at lunchtime. The fact the place is always busy means you’ll be rewarded by booking ahead – well worth the effort.
Style: Modern international.
Price range: Small plates £6-21. Mains £18-30.
Find it: Heaney & Mill, 48-54 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2AL.
Book it: heaneyandmill.com
Chef Jono at V&V
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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 cheeseburger tartare with cave-aged cheddar and smoked egg yolk or fresh, contemporary takes on dishes like chicken kiev and fish pie 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 per person. 5-course menu £45 per person.
Find it: Chef Jono at V & V, 68 New Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6NU.
Book it: chefjonoatvandv.co.uk
Sous Le Nez
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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 pear gel and a thyme & rosemary jus.
The meat cooking is exemplary, whether it’s the lamb rump, rump steak, duck or chicken breasts. The individual apple tarte tatin with cinnamon ice cream 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 £9-11. Mains £25-52.
Find it: Sous Le Nez, The Basement, Quebec House, 9 Quebec Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2HA.
Book it: souslenez.com
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 duck breast with crushed swede and smoked beetroot, the next you’re begging for the recipe for their walnut & honey cake. Collaborations and themed nights abound – plus they cater for vegetarians, vegans and all other dietary requirements, making fine dining in Leeds more accessible to all.
Style: Restlessly inventive seasonal fare.
Price range: Starters £6-12. Mains £20-25.
Find it: Hern, 5 Steinbeck Corner, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PG.
Book it: hernrestaurant.com
Six By Nico
Credit: Haydon Perrier
With locations all around the UK, Six by Nico is a haven for foodies in Leeds. Their 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. With a real streak of creativity in every dish, an unpretentious atmosphere and excellent service – not to mention, the competitive £45 price point – it’s worth pushing the boat out and trying something new.
Style: Quirky tasting menu destination.
Price range: 6-course tasting menu £45.
Find it: Six by Nico, 9 East Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2AJ.
Book it: sixbynico.co.uk
