The 5 best restaurants in Leeds that made our taste buds danceAuthentic Spanish taasThe 5 best restaurants in Leeds that made our taste buds dance
I get it—there’s something special about when you step into your favourite restaurant. But hey, Leeds is packed with spots that are just waiting to be discovered. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to try something new, consider this your sign.
Our team spent a few weeks wandering around the city, tasting and soaking in the vibes to find the best restaurants Leeds has to offer. We had fun trying new cuisines, perfect for different moods and occasions.
Here are the places that, for us, nailed the overall experience and are worth a visit.
How much does dining in a restaurant in Leeds usually cost?
taurant in Leeds usually costs around £14–£18 per person for a casual meal and £55–£60 for a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range spot. The price depends on the place and the cuisine.
1. La Piola Italian
Address: 2 Park Square E
Phone: +44 7809 126111
Business hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12 PM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM
- Friday: 12 PM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: Closed
La Piola Italian feels like a little corner of Italy right in Leeds. The cosy basement space immediately gives off a warm vibe, and the staff make it even better.
They managed to fit us in for a late afternoon booking and even moved us to a better table as soon as we arrived. The staff were genuinely engaged, telling us about the specials.
Their menu is a celebration of authentic Italian cooking. It’s focused on handmade pasta and pizzas. Classic staples like arancini, lasagna, and gnocchi are also available.
For starters, we had the nduja and burrata bruschetta. It’s creamy and just the right amount of spice.
We had pistachio pasta for mains, and it was amazing. It has lots of guanciale, which added some rich flavour.
When we spoke with other customers days later, a few clear patterns emerged that match our experience.
The staff is very friendly, and the food is authentic. The quality of ingredients and the boldness of the flavours consistently stand out.
On the flip side, we noticed that the restaurant is small but super popular. This means reservations are essential.
Several walk-ins were turned away while we were there. This isn’t really the place for spontaneous dining.
Super fresh, high-quality ingredients cooked to perfection
“We had a super meal at La Piola for our anniversary. We spend a lot of time in Italy and finding really authentic pasta dishes in Leeds is a challenge, but La Piola have it nailed. Super fresh, high-quality ingredients cooked to perfection, superb friendly service and great value – we will definitely be back!”
Amy LouShack, Google review
Everything was immaculate
“This vibrant little restaurant in the middle Everything was immaculateof Leeds was just perfect after a long work day. Greated by the owner and luckily a table. Everything was immaculate. The pasta dishes was just perfect. Service superb. Thank you Fabio”
Jesper Tana, Google review
2. Tattu Leeds
Address: 29 E Parade
Phone: +44 113 245 1080
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 9:30 PM
Walking into Tattu Leeds, the first thing that hits us is the design. The blossom tree centrepiece, the soft neon glow, and the clever mirrors that make the space feel larger without losing that intimate atmosphere.
Tattu leans into contemporary Chinese with strong fusion influences. There are Japanese touches, truffle accents, and a clear focus on theatrical presentation.
We witnessed dry ice effects and even waves of dishes arriving for sharing. It definitely made the evening feel curated.
For the food, we tried the tuna sashimi wontons with sesame and avocado, which felt light and refined. Seared scallops paired with Chinese sausage balanced sweetness and depth.
But the real star for us was the chicken sui mai dumplings. At £9.50 for four, topped with fresh truffle shavings, expectations are high. Thankfully, they deliver. The flavour is rich and layered, and the texture is soft but structured.
Portion sizes overall lean toward abundance rather than minimal fine-dining plates. Nobody is left hungry in our team.
The pricing is undeniably premium, though. A meal for two with drinks can easily reach £170+ once the service charge is included.
Our favourite restaurant in Leeds
“Our favourite restaurant in Leeds. Our ‘go to’ for special occasion / celebration meals. The food, service and surroundings are all amazing. We have eaten here multiple times, and have never had any complaints. Our server tonight, Ryan, deserves a shout out. Ryan was friendly, attentive, knowledgeable of the menu and most importantly, kept our glasses topped up all evening.”
Aaron Bentley-Rhodes, Google review
They welcomed us extremely well with good service
“Me and my partner went to this restaurant on Sunday 7 December 2025 as our anniversary meal. They welcomed us extremely well with good service. The food was spot on. We went for Tattu signature which was £92pp and it came out perfectly, flavour was good. As part of our anniversary, Deriel did exceptionally good service and gave us fortune cookies with a little note for us and he always did check backs to see if we needed anything else. Spot on with everything. We would definitely recommend it and will be returning…”
Aimee Kong, Google review
3. Brasserie Blanc Leeds
Address: 4, Victoria Mill, The Embankment, Sovereign St
Phone: +44 113 220 6060
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Brasserie Blanc is slightly tucked away on Sovereign Street, and our team actually had to double-check the map before spotting it.
Once inside, though, it makes an impression. The restaurant sits inside a historic brick mill with low vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, and warm lighting. There’s also a riverside terrace, which adds a romantic touch.
The menu stays true to classic French food, with a few small twists. The real standout is the BB Cheese Soufflé.
It’s rich, fluffy, and served with a generous coastal cheddar sauce. Several diners love it. After trying it ourselves, we understand why. It’s indulgent and comforting.
The mains are hearty and well put together. We tried the Chateaubriand, and it’s perfectly cooked. The meat was done properly, and other diners we spoke to agreed.
We didn’t try it ourselves, but the Sunday lunch also gets strong feedback. It costs £25 for three courses, comes with generous portions, and even offers top-ups.
There’s also live music during Sunday lunch, which many say makes the experience even better.
The service is another strong point. The staff are friendly, give good wine recommendations, and are happy to accommodate dietary needs.
Not all experiences have been flawless, though. Some people have mentioned slow service. We didn’t experience that, but it’s something worth noting.
The ambience was perfect
“We had a beautiful 3 course lunch here today. I tried foods I would never normally eat (duck leg and chorizo cassoulet for example) and loved it all. The waitress was so friendly and knowledgeable, the ambience was perfect, my husband and I could not have picked a better place.”
Zoe Spilsbury, Google review
Brasserie Blanc has become our first choice restaurant
“Our second visit to Brasserie Blanc – really delicious food served by welcoming staff in a non pretentious atmosphere. We don’t visit Leeds often but it’s become our first choice restaurant there now. We would love to have a Brasserie Blanc near our home in the North West.”
Jennifer K, Google review
4. La Taberna Leeds
Address: Britannia House, 16 York Pl
Phone: +44 113 245 0871
Business hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5 PM – 8 PM
- Friday: 6 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 2 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: Closed
La Taberna Leeds is a small, basement, family-run restaurant that doesn’t try to look fancy or trendy. Instead, it feels warm and relaxed.
There’s soft lighting, Latin music playing, and a welcoming atmosphere. We noticed the staff are friendly, check in often, and clearly know their regulars.
The menu is short, which makes it easy to choose. It’s neatly organised into sections. The focus is on classic Spanish tapas.
Portion sizes are small. Around three to five dishes per person feels right for a full meal.
Because of this, the bill can add up. That said, many diners feel the quality and flavour make it a good value.
We also appreciate that they have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. There’s also a chalkboard of rotating specials like beef stew or black pudding.
The most talked-about dish (that we also tried) is the chorizo al vino. It’s Spanish sausage cooked in red wine with onions. The sauce is rich and slightly sweet, perfect for dipping bread into.
The sangria is another highlight. Both red and white versions are refreshing and easy to drink, which explains why many tables ordered jugs instead of single glasses.
This place is amazing
“You feel like you have been transported straight to Spain. From the great greeting from andreas to the perfectly cooked tapas, this place is amazing. The staff are upbeat and speak spainish too which just adds to the authenticity. Would rate this 6 stars if I could. Gracias Mi Amigo”
Mikey Lazaro, Google review
Having been in Spain for a few years, the food here is authentic
“Cosy family run Spanish tapas place. Welcoming staff, explained every dish with me, super patient and friendly. Food is amazing. Having been in Spain for a few years, the food here is authentic. Try the Gambas, it’s out of this world.”
Hanxian Liang, Google review
5. Estabulo Rodizio Bar & Grill – Leeds
Address: The Light, 22 The Headrow
Phone: +44 113 831 5858
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Estabulo Rodizio Bar & Grill immediately sets a festive tone, mimicking a Brazilian celebration.
The main attraction is their rodizio-style service. Servers walk around with huge skewers of meat, carving directly onto plates.
The green-and-red card system lets diners signal when to keep the meat coming or take a break. We think this adds to the playful and interactive element.
Lunch and dinner menus here are slightly different. Lunch has eight cuts of meat, like rump cap, fillet steak, and sirloin.
Dinner expands to fifteen, including garlic-coated pincanha, chilli beef, and more. When the service is flowing well, the meat is juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked.
We also loved the huge salad bar. It has fresh veggies, antipasti, roast potatoes, and cheeses.
It’s not just all meat here too. There are also vegetarian, fish, and gluten-free options. While we didn’t try these, it’s good to know there are choices for different diets.
Service can be a hit or miss. During our first visit went everything ran smoothly. But on the second, the rodizio flow paused at times. Some meats took multiple requests to arrive.
With an impressive variety of meats , you won’t leave hungry
“With the second opening of their restaurants in Leeds, obviously it’s worth the visit. A beautiful dining room creates a lovely setting for a business or romantic meal, a quick bite to eat, or to absolutely fill your boots. With an impressive variety of meats , you won’t leave hungry. The hot and cold salad bar offers something for everybody. From garlic mushrooms to roast potatoes, fresh patê to asparagus tips. The staff were friendly which also is a big factor in a dining experience. Come hungry + leave very happy!”
Austin Armacost, Google review
The best rodizio experience in Leeds
“If you’re looking for the best rodizio experience in Leeds, Estabulo in The Light is the place to be! The atmosphere is vibrant, the salad bar is incredibly fresh, and the meat is cooked to absolute perfection. A massive shoutout to Edi, who made our visit truly special. Edi provided world-class service—super attentive, friendly, and made sure we always had our favorite cuts of meat arriving at the table. It’s rare to find someone so genuinely welcoming; they are a total credit to the team! We left feeling very full and very happy. We will definitely be back soon!”
Christopher Deal, Google review