16 of the best places for coffee in Leeds

For the best places for coffee in Leeds look no further! We’ve rounded up a selection of our favourite coffee spots in the city – perfect for taking some time out and topping up on your favourite caffeinated brew. These places are social hubs, whether you’re spending time with family and friends, or watching the world go by… and for those looking for something more hands on, perhaps as part of a city-break to Leeds, many of these coffee shops offer group activities from making latte art to learning how to brew coffee.

Read on for our top 16 recommendations:

Leeds Institutions

Open since 2011, Layne’s has become one of the most popular coffee and brunch cafés and not just because of their convenient spot near to the train station, but because of their quality coffee and tasty brunch menu. If you would like a breather after visiting the Royal Armouries, North Star at Leeds Dock is all about sustainability – making fairtrade coffee, local baked goods, and all with great service. In fact, wherever you are in the country you are guaranteed to find somewhere they supply North Star coffee too! Busy day exploring Leeds? IF UP NORTH on Call Lane is perfect for an all-day brunch too. The family run Mrs Atha’s is like stepping into a Parisian café with comfy leather chairs and a seasonal menu of light bites to complement their coffee. ‘If it’s not from Italy, it’s from Yorkshire’ is the mantra of La Bottega Milanese tucked away on Bond Court, a dynamic espresso bar that is a fusion of Yorkshire coffee and Italian food. 

New Kids On The Block

Only open since 2021, Miles and Co have fast become one of the most popular coffee shops in Leeds. Run by a husband-and-wife duo, you can find them tucked away in the corner of Kirkgate Market whilst you explore Europe’s largest indoor market. Wander up to Grand Arcade and find Sonder, a new coffee shop which opened at the end of 2023. With a Japanese/Scandinavian inspired interior and an eclectic coffee and pastry menu, they have become hugely popular on Instagram. The Wardrobe, a multipurpose venue, with a bar, kitchen, events space, and regular music acts (with Amy Winehouse and Corinne Bailey Rae performing in the past) has opened Livett’s Coffee Shop, which you can grab a coffee at whilst visiting the cultural quarter of Leeds.  

Coffee With a View

For coffee with a view you can get no better than the Tiled Hall Café which sits between Leeds Art Gallery and the Central Library. Originally built as a reading room, it features a mix of Turkish and classical design elements where you can see mosaics, decorative archways, and reliefs of great writers like Robert Burns and Homer. Relax and enjoy a coffee and some light bites before visiting Leeds flagship venue for visual arts just next door. Whilst you are shopping in the Victorian Quarter take a rest to enjoy coffee in Rabbit Hole, a coffee shop situated directly under Europe’s largest modern stained-glass roof as you take in the architectural splendour of County Arcade. Sit and relax at Granary Wharf where Out of the Woods has a view of the River Aire with coffee made from local roasters Dark Woods. Thornton’s Arcade, a spectacular Victorian example of the Gothic Revival style, is home to Kapow, the perfect pitstop to grab a drink as well as buy some perfectly curated coffee beans to take home with you. 

Hidden Gems

Flamingos, inside the Central Arcade, is Leeds’ premier queer friendly coffee house with a safe space for all as well as a seasonal coffee menu and sandwiches made with locally baked ciabatta. If you find yourself at Wellington Place, then Sociable Folk has a great outside space to enjoy coffee brewed with years of experience and knowledge. It’s also a dog friendly space inside and out! The location of 200 Degrees makes it a great spot whilst you are shopping to have a well-deserved rest to enjoy fresh coffee and pastries. Did you know you can also learn to brew the perfect coffee at home with 200 Degrees’ Barista School? Another Arcade favourite enjoyed by locals is Olive and Rye. The casual atmosphere serving luxury coffee and a flavoursome all– day chef’s menu have made this a popular brunch and lunch spot inside the Queen’s Arcade.   

Looking for inspiration for what you can do on your coffee tour of Leeds? Take a look at our guides to Shopping, Culture and other places to see in Leeds.