The Best Indian Restaurants in Leeds

Our passion for Indian cuisine is stronger than ever – and the range of restaurants to dine out in Leeds grows ever larger.

From the divine vegetarian dishes of Gujarat to Goan seafood and the breadth of Keralan cuisine with its clever use of coconut, Indian food has a variety and depth few others can claim. And in Leeds, you can find it all. We’ve eaten our way across the country, from fast and fabulous street food to delicately spiced vegan wonders and mighty meat feasts, to bring you the best Indian restaurants Leeds has to offer.

Cinnamon Kitchen

Leeds’ newest addition to the Indian restaurant scene is wasting no time in winning over fans. Set within the historic Queens Hotel, it boasts stunning interiors and a convenient city centre location. You’ll be greeted by an opulent bar area, before heading through to the warm and inviting dining room.

The menu has been expertly crafted by Executive Chef Vivek Singh, boldly blending authentic Indian flavours with contemporary cooking flare and Yorkshire flavours. Tuck into the likes of the imaginative lamb rogan shepherd’s pie, the succulent Malabar boatman’s fish curry or the lip-smacking rhubarb kadhi. With innovative cocktails, delectable desserts and friendly service to boot, it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Cinnamon Kitchen, The Queens Hotel, City Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 1PJ.

Jodphur

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Jodphur brings the vibrant flavours of India straight to Kirkstall Road, and boy, do they do a good job. Walk by and it may be their beautiful blue exterior that draws you in, but trust us, it’ll be the food that’ll keep you coming back.

The lamb madras is perfectly coconutty, the dal makhani a lentil-lover’s dream and the spicy chicken kolhapuri is perfect for those who want a bit of heat. Throw in those oh-so-important onion bhajis, a chilli cheese dosa (yes please) and masala poppadoms and you have a recipe for one of the best Indian restaurants in Leeds.

Jodphur, 352-354 Kirkstall Road, Burley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2HQ.

Tharavadu

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This Michelin and Good Food Guide-recommended gem of a restaurant has become one of the city’s most beloved eateries. Step inside, take a seat under the wooden roof and you could be in Kerala – a feeling the fabulously fragrant dishes reinforce.

Prepare to have your senses sent into a swoon by Meen Pollichatu – grilled fish fillet in perfectly spiced sauce – or the boneless lamb cubes, spinach and sauce of the show-stopping Adu Cheera Mappas. The rices and breads are exemplary – Tharavadu really doesn’t put a foot wrong.

Tharavadu, 7-8 Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ.

Deeva

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One of the best Indian restaurants in Leeds, Deeva is a Farsley fave with a dash of elegance in the mix. Set in what was once a church, the locals pile in for a comprehensive menu that ticks all the boxes you know and love – jalfrezi and biryani are all present and correct – and throws in a few curveballs.

Tandoori cod flakes off on your fork to deliver taste bombs, while Chicken Lassan is cooked with lemon, lime and pickled garlic for a well-judged hit of citric sourness. Can’t choose a starter? The seafood platter for two is a stunner.

Deeva, 58 Town Street, Farsley, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 5LD.

Akbar’s

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When it comes to a post-pint curry in Leeds, few places do it better than Akbar’s. Reading the menu is like reading a cherished book, as all the classics line up for your feasting delight. The baltis are no-fuss crowd pleasers, the korma is a great entry-level dish for any doubters, but there are a few off-piste treats in there too.

Chicken liver tikka is a revelation, lamb chops are chargrilled to perfection. Fancy testing yourself? There are two Chef’s Challenges, one that’s all about size, the other about heat. Eat either and you’ll get a certificate and free dessert.

Akbar’s, 15 Eastgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7LY.

Shabab

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The past 50 years may have seen Shabab at different venues across Leeds city centre, but one thing that’s remained the same is their delicious Indian food. Drawing upon flavours from across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, expert chefs whip up a tantalising array of dishes to suit every curry lover.

All the classics are here and present, from crispy onion bhajis to hot hot hot madras, but why not go for one of the more exotic recommendations? The Dhunwan Dani sees diced lamb tastefully smoked with Ghee, the Nehari is great for breakfast, but we recommend the Kalaigi – chicken liver marinated with spices and cooked in a spicy sauce.

Shabab, 66 Wellington Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2EE.

Dastaan

There’s no doubt about it, Dastaan is one of the best Indian restaurants in Leeds. Forget your tikka masalas, kormas and vindaloos, because this is an eatery that’s all about putting a contemporary twist on traditional Indian dishes.

Starters will see you tuck into delights like chicken lollipops and beetroot tikki perfectly paired with zingy tadka yoghurt before it’s time for the main event. We’re talking creamy paneer Makhani, Malabar prawn curry and Meen Moilee, which sees fish cooked with coconut and fragrant coastal spices. Top tip – a flaky, buttery paratha is bound to elevate any dish you get.

Dastaan, 473 Otley Road, Adel, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 7NR.

Bundobust

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Whenever the question ‘where shall we go for lunch?’ is asked in Leeds, someone is bound to say Bundobust. The original – and still the best – spot is packed out all day long, slowly converting even the hardiest carnivores to the delights of vegetarian and vegan Indian grub.

The paneer tikka with mushrooms is a thing of wonder, the bhaji butty a staple that never does less than satisfy. Munch your way through their marvellous menu of sharing plates, pairing the food with one of their own-brewed beers, guest ales or Indian-inspired cocktails. Bliss.

Bundobust, 6 Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DQ.

Bengal Brasserie

With three branches in Leeds alone, Bengal Brasserie must be doing something right. And that something is bold and flavourful Bengali cookery, with a menu that runs the gamut from classics to less familiar dishes, vegetarian to meat and fish options.

The tandoori prawns are spiced to perfection and served sizzling and juicy, while those in need of a punch to the palate should go for the Naga Chilli Mach – whole fish prepared with fiery naga chillies. Want a top tip? We think luscious lamb chops are worth the visit alone.

Bengal Brasserie, 5 Merrion Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BT & 633B Roundhay Road, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 4BA & 65 Haddon Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2JE.

Mowgli

We know that many people go to Mowgli because they want to sit on the swing seats they’ve seen in the window. The good news is, the food is fab too. This is one offormer barrister Nisha Katona’s funky street food spots, and it’s a whole lot of gastro fun.

Bunny Chow is a chicken and potato curry, served inside a loaf of bread, while the Mowgli Chip Butty is a lip-smacking sensation of turmeric fries, coriander, green chilli, pickle and more, all inside a roti wrap. Elsewhere, we can’t get enough of the Gunpowder Chicken and Sticky Wings are worth getting messy for.

Mowgli Street Food, 32 Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5DA.

Aagrah

Aagrah knows how to deliver quality Indian food to the people of Leeds with a hint of theatre – those famously huge naan breads set the tone. They’re great as a delivery vehicle for chutneys, pickles and curries, but could also be pressed into action as makeshift duvets.

It’s a familiar menu of Kashmiri goodness, with the likes of korma, madras, dopiaza and vindaloo all on offer. From the house specialities list, the Chicken Hyderabadi, with cardamom, cloves and poppy seeds, and the equally aromatic King Prawn Achar are winners.

Aagrah, St Peter’s Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 8AH.

The Cat’s Pyjamas

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Turning much-loved Indian dishes into small plates might not be rocket science, but it definitely qualifies as genius. It means that rather than filling up on one huge curry, you can try a bit of whatever takes your fancy – and at The Cat’s Pyjamas, an array of vibrant dishes will take your fancy.

Kick off with Pani Puri with a punchy tamarind chutney, then glide through Punjabi Lamb, Railway Potato Curry and pillowy naan breads that even include a must-try Yorkshire cheese naan – fusion food we can really get behind.

Cat’s Pyjamas, 53 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3AB.

Kerala Restaurant

The food focus in Kerala Restaurant is, as the name suggests, Southern Indian cuisine. Not just Kerala, however, but also from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andra Pradesh. That means you can feast on everything from vegetarian dishes to fabulous fish enhanced with coconut, lime and an encyclopaedia of spices.

Make sure you try the Meen Koottan, a thick, rich fish curry, and the comforting Kerala Chicken Curry, brought to life with turmeric, garlic and ginger. With an ice cold Kingfisher on side, life gets no grander.

Kerala Restaurant, 2 Eastgate, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7JL.

De Baga

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De Baga brought top notch Goan cuisine to Headingley, and Headingley loved it. So they opened a second branch in Chapel Allerton – what they’re doing is clearly working. This isn’t a purist place, instead it’s a marriage of Indian cuisine with a nod to modern British ingredients and seasonality.

Barnstormers include the Lamb Xacuti, an intensely flavoured lamb leg curry with coconut, and Mankios Fry, an Indian version of calamari with chaat masala and coconut dip. The Chapel Allerton branch has its own dishes to add to the mix – chicken lollipops, anyone?

De Baga, 9 Otley Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3AA & 8b Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3QY.

Nawaab

Nawaab is a staple go-to for Leeds curry lovers, with a location close to Leeds Station and City Square. It’s a firm favourite with visitors – there’s a good chance you’ll spot a former cricket pro or commentator dining here when England are playing at Headingley.

It doesn’t reinvent the wheel – but if you’re looking for a reliable Indian restaurant in Leeds, it does a curry in a hurry with elan. We’re talking creamy korma, spicy madras and silky makhani, with all the sides, breads and pickles you could possibly want – it’s why we keep going back!

Nawaab, 27 Wellington Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4WG.

Rasoi Stories

Occupying a prime spot inside a former police station, the food at Chapel Allerton’s Rasoi Stories is certainly arresting. Start with poppadoms and pickles, then take a deep dive into a menu that’s big on authenticity.

Amritsar Machchi is a starter that proves this is a serious kitchen, fish battered, fried and dusted with ajwain and amchoor. From the mains, the Lamb Tak a Tak, Kathal Lazeez and Monkfish Malabar are all desert island dishes you’ll be back for. Cocktails, mocktails and a delicate rose and almond lassi will cool your tastebuds.

Rasoi Stories, The Old Police Station, 106a Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4LZ.

Kerala Canteen

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Visit Kerala Canteen and you can savour the unique taste of coastal Indian cuisine within stunning surroundings. Step inside and you’ll find gorgeous interiors, all dark woods, hanging florals and a warm atmosphere throughout – setting the scene perfectly for what’s to come.

With a menu created by award-winning Bobby Geetha, expect mouth-watering small plates like duck kothu porotta and flat iron beef and bone marrow curry, alongside biryanis served sharing style. Don’t sleep on the cocktails either – we love their Bloody Chutney Mary, made with coriander-infused vodka and house tomato chutney.

Kerala Canteen, 5 St Peter’s Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 8AQ.

Manjit’s Kitchen

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The vegetarian Punjabi food at Manjit’s Kitchen consistently punches well above its weight, so when you head to their Kirkgate Market home, you’re in for a treat. The chilli paneer wraps are the stuff of takeaway legend, but the multi-curry Thali is the wise choice.

You get to taste the best of what their kitchen serves up, with the likes of dhal, cumin rice, squash kofta and roti vying for your tastebuds’ attention. Head there on a Wednesday or Thursday and it’s buy one, get the second one for half price on Thalis – bargain!

Manjit’s Kitchen, Leeds Kirkgate Market, 28-34 Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HY.

Westbourne Spice

This Otley cracker occupies a former pub which it has transformed into a quintessential neighbourhood Indian restaurant in Leeds. The food is Kashmiri and Pakistani, with those comfortingly familiar dishes such as tandoori chicken, dopiaza and korma all lined up for the eating.

If you fancy being a touch more adventurous, let us introduce you to the array of Westbourne specials. Peshwari Chicken is sweetened with pineapple and banana, Makaika Sewata is a toothsome combo of lamb, chicken and sweetcorn – trust us, it works.

Westbourne Spice, Bradford Road, Otley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS21 3LS.

Anand Sweets

As the name suggests, Anand Sweets specialises in confectionary – brightly coloured treats such as the Kaju Patha made from cashews – but its curries are one of Leeds’ best-kept secrets. Bite into one of their much-loved samosas, then opt for a Thali.

The evening option comes with three curries, rice, roti, pickles and sides for a bargain £9.99, while the lunch gives you change from a fiver. Everything is vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free, but even the most committed carnivores won’t mind missing out on meat for food this good.

Anand Sweets, 109 Harehills Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 5HS & 53-55 Queen’s Road, Hyde Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1HY.