22 Leeds Takeaway Food Spots to Get You Through the Rest of Lockdown

In a year when we’ve all been spending a little too much time indoors, the humble takeaway has definitely experienced a bit of an upgrade.

Adapting to the pressures of lockdown life has meant many of our favourite independent eateries have turned to filling takeaway boxes instead of tables. Which is good news for the rest of us!

So check out this list of 22 of the best restaurants in Leeds offering delivery and take out options to help you make it through the lockdown we have left. Because you’ll miss them when they’re too busy dealing with their packed food spots and bustling bars to cater to those of us looking for a gourmet tea in front of the telly.

Manjit’s Kitchen
Manjit is something of a Leeds legend, with outposts at Leeds Kirkgate Market and Kirkstall Road. Her chilli paneer wrap won a British Street Food award, and you have the option to grab hot food via a delivery service, or a cold selection to reheat at your leisure.

Laynes Espresso
Once a haven for caffeine-curious commuters, Laynes has been a bastion for independent coffee for years. But it’s not all about the brews. Their creative menu goes big on local ingredients, and satisfying brunch options. So take advantage before train station traffic picks up again.

 

(Laynes Espresso – Ben Bentley)

Little Bao Boy
Another beloved Leeds local who began life slinging food on the streets, Little Bao Boy has found a more permanent home at the North Brewing Co taproom on Sovereign Street. You might not be able to order a swift half with your takeaway pillowy bao buns at the moment, but you can order them right to your front door.

Nova Bakehouse
You’ll find Nova Bakehouse next door to popular coffee shop and roastery, North Star, on Leeds Dock. They only open a few times a week, but when they do… the cakes have to be tasted to be believed. Seriously good sweet treats and breads for those lucky enough to nab them.

ZAAP Thai
If there’s one restaurant interior that really must miss its punters, it’s ZAAP Thai – packed with authentic paraphernalia, tuk tuk seating booths and bits and bobs straight from a Bangkok street market. Luckily, you can nab their delicious dishes to go.

 

(ZAAP Thai Leeds)

Falafel Guys
Operating out of Assembly Underground, the basement food hall on Great George Street, the Falafel Guys have a motto: ‘Come hungry, leave happy.’ We definitely advise the hungry part, and the results are guaranteed to improve your mood. But leave the travel out and let them come to you!

Cafe 164
Catering to the culturally-inclined clientele of Quarry Hill, home to Leeds Conservatoire, Phoenix Dance, Leeds Playhouse, Northern Ballet AND the BBC, it’s no surprise that Cafe 164 has an in-house art gallery, and an emphasis on the handmade. Sarnies, cakes and some amazing coffee.

Tharavadu
One of Leeds’ most popular Indian restaurants, Tharavadu brings all the flavours of Kerala, in the south of India, to just south of Leeds train station – with a recommendation in the Michelin Guide to top things off.

(Tharavadu)

Banh and Mee
Leeds Kirkgate Market food hall is a thriving foodie destination these days, and Banh and Mee always draw one of the biggest queues. If you’ve not tried their namesake, it’s a perfectly balanced Vietnamese sandwich. Perfect for a picnic in the park!

Little Tokyo
In a city where new food spots pop up on a weekly basis, Little Tokyo have been doing their thing for years. Exceptional, authentic Japanese food – so grab a bento box, basically a ready-made takeaway.

My Thai
In normal times, you’re never too far from a branch of My Thai. Their pocket-sized restaurants sling some of the best Thai food in the city. But until we can all crowd in and order a round of Tiger beers, you’ll need to order out instead.

(My Thai)

IF
Going out for brunch used to be a bit of an institution. But whose idea of a relaxing Saturday morning is cooking up eggs benedict for themselves, with the washing up after? IF has got your back, with a delivery menu big on brunch classics.

The Reliance
Famed for their Sunday lunches, it’s safe to say we can’t wait to be sipping a glass of natural wine over roast beef and yorkshire puddings this summer. But until then, you can have the Reliance’s chefs send over a dinner for your own table. All you have to do is heat.

Pizza Fella
The Pizza Fella van used to be the hot ticket for proper, Neapolitan-style slices at food festivals and markets. These days, the good stuff can be found on Vicar Lane. Or in a box, left on your doorstep by a friendly delivery driver. Result!

(Pizza Fella)

Döner Shack
They’re big, they’re bold and they’re packing some fantastic flavours into everyone’s favourite post-pub grub. So even though the pub is your lounge for the time being, you shouldn’t go without a proper Berlin doner.

Bundobust
Indian street food heroes, Bundobust, are one of Leeds’ most celebrated exports, with cafe-bars popping up in cities across the north. Their takes on Gujarati staples are made for sharing, and for sharing with a craft beer at that. Until you can prop up the bar, get ordering.

 

(Bundobust – Tom Joy Photography)

Livin’Italy
Before Lockdown, you’d find Livin’Italy’s bar and restaurant on Granary Wharf packed to the rafters with diners and drinkers enjoying authentic Italian food, charcuterie and wine. Those summer nights will soon be back, but until then you can take the experience home with you.

Cha Lounge
Whilst Cha Lounge might look like a simple cafe to those wandering down Dock Street, it’s actually a bit of a cult favourite amongst diners and drinkers south of the river. Their takeaway take on ethically sourced global food shouldn’t be missed.

Just Grand! Vintage Tearoom
All the glory of afternoon tea, wrapped in a tasty hamper. That’s the pivot Just Grand! Vintage Tearoom has made, and we’re here for it. It also makes for a great gift if you need to treat someone special at a distance.

 

(Just Grand! Vintage Tearoom – credit Hannah Webster)

Teapot
Another Kirkgate Market favourite, Teapot is all about the brews. They stock a huge range of loose leaf teas, so you can find a tipple for all tastes – and grab some tasty on the go grub whilst you’re there.

Le Chalet
Sometimes, only an afternoon tea will do. Even without all the cake stands and silver service. Le Chalet is the place to go, so if you’re hankering for finger sandwiches and scones then their delivery service will bring the lot right to you.

The Owl
This outpost of fine dining restaurant Home was just finding its place in Kirkgate Market when lockdown hit. But that didn’t mean they shut up shop. Instead, they’ve crafted a four course fine-dining-at-home menu for you to splash out on!

 

(The Owl)

 

If you’ve already had your takeaway fix and are more up for venturing out of the house for that much needed breath of fresh air and a chat with a mate, why not take a look at our breakdown of the 11 best outdoor spots to share a coffee with a friend?