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.

Theravadu

Bundobust

Friends of Ham.

Stuzzi

Ox Club for steak.

I moved to Leeds a year ago. These are fabulous places.

Also Laines for brunch, if you get the chance.

Kino near the grand theatre. Modern very interesting fresh food. The pre theatre and set menus incredibly good value. Nice wine.

So many options... Can't wait to go through them. Thank you so much

If you like modern British then The Owl is bloody luscious www.theowlleeds.co.uk

You have to try empire cafe. Is absolutely brilliant
https://amp.theguardian.com/food/2023/aug/20/jay-rayner-restaurant-review-the-empire-cafe-leeds-it-made-me-smile

owt and the owl also great. Swine that dines not been recommended yet and that’s fab

if you want Indian don’t go to mowgli or cats pjs. Both have gone rubbish. Try Delhi wala. Is just by the station and has won a few awards.

if you go to the market try sweet saeda just behind the main food hall. Their Tunisian plate is £7 and some of the best food in Leeds.

and if you fancy a kebab go to sqew. Fantastic authentic food.

have a great time!

Another recommendation in Kirkgate market is Fat Annie's. Excellent plant based menu! Love a Fat Annie's lunch!

Amazed to see mention of Salvo's and The Flying Pizza! We used to go there for birthday meals (more or less the only time we ate out) in the 1970s. Happy memories. Italian food seemed very glamourous and exotic back then. I miss Leeds.

Great to see Little Tokyo being mentioned! It was my favourite place to eat in Leeds when o lived there 20+ years ago!

Cuba tapas in Kirkstall ?
@Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g me too, born and bred there. Now my parents aren’t around no reason to go although only live an hour away.

My parents moved back to Scotland when they retired so I only go back very occasionally for school reunions. So much has changed!

Yes it’s very different from how it was in the 70s and 80s.

Yes! Wasn't The Flying Pizza where Jimmy Saville used to hang out back then?

Another vote for Empire Cafe. Also Flat Iron for steak.

I love flat Iron. It is a small chain but they do great value steak so well.

the sides are fantastic. I don’t even like mash but theirs is to die for.

La Taberna for the best tapas in Leeds!

Empire Cafe is also a great shout.

Livin Italy is probably less of a “hidden” gem but always good when we’ve been.

Some great options here. Not wanting to repeat recommendations so will add - if you’re wanting to venture a bit further out of the city Horsforth has a lovely French restaurant Bavette. Food and service incredible.

Mommy Thai is a lovely place for a cheap and cheerful lunch.

Came on this thread to see if the name of a really old iconic pub that I've forgotten is here!

Yeah San Carlo Roundhay. Which Jimmy Saville aside is bloody brilliant.

Best curry place is Voujon at the top of Headingkey/weetwood. I would drive the 50 miles it is to get there right this minute. So good. We have yet to find anywhere as good. The only regret I have about leaving Leeds.

Friends of ham is excellent.

Go to The maven for cocktails.

Ambiente is great for tapas. Obviously Iberico We have been lucky enough to have Nacho Manzano unexpectedly in house cooking on more than one visit. .

I believe his flat overlooked it. [shudder] Never encountered him. My Dad almost certainly did through his work but I don't remember him mentioning JS. Too late to ask him now.

Shire Oak?

Surely not Whitelocks.

Third recommendation for Viva Cuba

Got to be Whitelocks!

When I’m back home, I love a visit to tamatanga on the headrow.