Restaurant hidden gems in Leeds

[MarvellousDay]

Travelling to Leeds for a couple of days for work and would love some restaurant recommendations. Ideally more hidden independent /local placesthan chains and not exorbitantly expensive. I am happy to eat most things so not tooo fussy but would love something a bit different.

Found a thread on Birmingham when I visited recently and the recommendations were spot on so hoping for similar outcomes.

This would be my recommendation too

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2024/sep/15/tharavadu-leeds-itll-make-you-profoundly-happy-restaurant-review

I love Farmhouse for brunch/lunch
Kendalls Bistro for very rich French food
Senbon Sakura does amazing Japanese food and is reasonably priced.

During the day the food court at kirkgate market, especially Manjit’s kitchen, banh mi and mr mackerel.

A mile or so out of town OWT on burley road, and another vote for Lupe’s cantina a little further out.

Might be referring to the Ilkley one? Would it have an LS postcode? I'm not sure.

I went to OWT recently (from out of town) and it was amazing, incredible food and service.

I was in mowglis a few weeks ago and I agree. It was quite bland. I was unimpressed.

What about Empire Cafe?

Fuji Hiro
Little Tokyo
Indian Tiffin Room

Flying Pizza

If you like Italian Viva in the city centre. Had a fabulous meal there. It's a small traditional family restaurant and the food was gorgeous.

I walked through the market last week and couldn’t believe how busy it was! Love how they seem to have turned it around. Definitely going to try out those recommendations

Theravardu or bundobust. Chef by Jono if you want to splash out a bit.

I came here to say this!

Olive and Thai was amazing a few weeks ago, lovely little Thai restaurant.

Fuji Hiro. Not the most salubrious place, but clean and the food is fantastic. Best chicken katsu curry ever. Very reasonable too.

Phranakon is Thai tapas and really nice!!

Definitely Kendells Bistro and Tharavadu.

If you choose Tharavadu I highly recommend the seafood curry and lemon rice.

Owt is fab, and La Piola for a more casual evening meal

You Tube Gary Eats. rates this as one of the best he has ever tried. Indian (Kerala) and it does look superb. Not mad prices.

There is Prakash on the outskirts. Michelin rated and Gordon Ramsay a fan of her cooking.

Gary Eats reviewed a Mowgli recently. Bland food cooked off site then reheated. He is worth a watch. Some great finds on there.

Agree with House of Fu! Cat's pj's I've been to in the last few months and yes it was a bit crap.

Should be Prashad not Prakash.

A few years ago now but we loved:

Tharavadu
Lupe's Cantina
Abyssinia

All three were brilliant and turned it in to a nice foodie break. Have eaten at a Mowgli's and felt it was very average chain restaurant.

There is a "hidden" tapas bar in the back of iberica that despite eating and drinking in there for many years, only discovered recently. Great for a sangria and a few nibbles!