Tastes from around the world

Leeds is renowned for being a city full to the brim of unique and exciting restaurants from every corner of the world. From Caribbean to Italian and Spanish to Thai, our extensive and diverse food and drink scene makes it one of the very best in the country.

With international culinary delights on your doorstep, there’s no need to travel far and wide to discover new and delicious tastes from around the world. Take a look at a selection of our favourite international eateries here:

(Charcuterie at El Gato Negro – credit Lucas Smith)

Tastes of Europe

Europe is home to some of the most delicious and well-loved cuisines in the world. From mouth-watering Italian dishes to tantalisingly tasty Turkish delights, it’s a continent packed with yummy foods – and you can experience them all on your doorstep!

Livin’Italy, Granary Wharf –  Housed in the heart of Leeds city centre hotspot Granary Wharf, overlooking the waters of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, Livin’Italy allows you to escape to a warm corner of Leeds to live the Italian way. From breakfast in the morning, to mesmerising cocktails, Italian wines and music in the evening, you won’t be disappointed.

Kendell’s Bistro, St Peter’s Square – Kendell’s Bistro is a casual, informal place to dine with a French bistro atmosphere. Serving high quality food and wine, its relaxed atmosphere means you won’t find waiters topping up wine glasses after every sip, or sneaking up behind you with a six foot pepper mill.

Ibérica, East Parade –  Created under the guidance of Michelin-starred Executive Chef, Nacho Manzano, Ibérica’s much-loved dishes are made using the finest ingredients from Spain. With its punchy, vibrant flavours, its menu features modern takes on traditional classics, as well as innovative dishes which showcase the best of contemporary Spanish cuisine. And to top it all Iberica is located in one of Leeds’ most stunning buildings, the old Auction House so you won’t know where to look at your amazing tapas or the historic surroundings.

El Gato Negro, Park Row – Staying in Spain (and why wouldn’t you when many of us haven’t been able to order our pinxtos or tapas in Barcelona or Valencia) check out El Gato Negro. Executive Chef Simon X originates from Leeds and serves some of his tapas dishes with a Yorkshire twist. The black pudding bomboms are delicious!

La Casita, Granary Wharf – La Casita is another local’s favourite located in the train arches down by the waterfront at Granary Wharf. This little house of tapas is Yorkshire through and through and kept us all going through lockdown with cookery classes you could try at home. The padron peppers are cooked to perfection and the atmosphere is brilliant whatever size your group is.

(Crafthouse)

Tastes of Britain

We’re lucky to have such a diverse and international food scene here in Leeds, but sometimes you just can’t beat a bit of traditional British grub to fill your belly. For our roast beef and steak and kidney pie lovers, we’ve got you covered!

Bill’s Restaurant and Bar, Albion Place – Serving daily dinner specials, seasonal set menus and all your favourite classics, Bill’s is housed in the historic Albion Place, next door to Trinity Leeds shopping centre.

George’s Great British Kitchen, The Headrow – Celebrating the best of British food, George’s Great British Kitchen has a menu full of classic dishes, all using carefully selected fresh ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating, catching up with friends or looking for somewhere to relax after a spot of shopping, George’s Great British Kitchen has you covered.

The Restaurant Bar and Grill, City Square – Located in the landmark Old Post Office building in the heart of City Square, The Restaurant Bar & Grill provides an impressive setting to enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner or a private party, specialising in classic and inspired seasonal cooking, amazing steaks and brilliant cocktails to match.

Crafthouse, Trinity Leeds – On the rooftop of Trinity Leeds, overlooking the city, Crathouse showcases the very best British produce and takes inspiration from the history of Leeds and Yorkshire and is ideal for a special occasion.

Where better to sample great British cuisine than in our many pubs; offering the perfect pie, fish and chips (straight from the Yorkshire coast) and of course the best Yorkshire puddings. Whitelocks is our oldest, The Turks Head is just next door and, if you fancy a trip nearer to the waterfront, there’s always cosy The Cross Keys and The Midnight Bell – both within stumbling distance of each other.

 

(Chaophraya, Leeds)

Tastes of Asia

For fresh and exciting flavours from an array of countries and cultures, our Asian cuisine loving visitors need look no further than Leeds city centre to experience the enchantment of Eastern eateries. With a growing selection of diverse and authentic Asian restaurants across the city, you won’t be short of places to grab a sizzling snack.

Chaophraya, Blayds Court – Offering exquisite Thai cuisine, with a range of classic and Thai-re-imagined dishes; enjoy perfectly prepared dishes in a glamourous setting at Chaophraya.

Zaap Thai, Grand Arcade – When you step inside Zaap you’ll feel like you have been transported into a Bangkok street food market, with all its magical hustle and bustle, neon lighting, funky tuk tuks and of course amazing Thai street food.

Tharavadu, Mill Hill – Tharavadu has become one the most favoured dining spots in the city in a very short span of time. Boasting an extensive menu full of exciting Indian dishes and a selection of wines that have been cannily picked to handle the spicy flavours. Just ask the Indian cricket team when they play in Headingley where they like to relax and find a taste of home.

Mowgli Street Food, Boar Lane – New to Leeds Mowgli’s street food has a great following on Insta and it’s not surprising given this must be the best chip butty there is in Leeds.

Manjit’s Kitchen, Leeds Kirkgate Market – Offering vegetarian Indian cuisine, Manjit’s Kitchen is well known on the festival and street food scene throughout the UK and is already a popular, award winning street food trader, whose Chaat Cart is often seen at events around the area. The Vada pav is a must!

Mans Market, Wellington Street – Experience Chinese dining like never before. Mans Market offers a Chinese menu modernised with a new aged twist. It looks to re-energise Chinese food within an accessible and hip environment. Expect the unexpected!

Tattu, East Parade – Serving contemporary Chinese cuisine in the heart of Leeds, Tattu fuses traditional flavours, modern methods and exquisite presentation for a unique dining experience.

Sukhothai, South Parade – Sukhothai is the perfect place to enjoy authentic Thai food in the heart of Leeds, be it for business or pleasure. With over 200 dishes on its a la carte menu and Khao Gang/Lunch menu, you definitely won’t be short of options.

And there’s even more to tuck into at Bundobust, Aagrah and Nam Song.

(Fazenda – credit Natalia Andra)

Tastes of South America

If you like your food meaty and spicy, we bet you’re a fan of South American cuisine. For tantalisingly tasty dishes from our friends across the pond, look no further than Leeds.

ESTABULO, The Light – Estabulo Rodizio Bar & Grill honours the Brazilian Gaucho’s traditional method of cooking. Large skewers of prime cuts of meats are cooked on open flames to your liking and brought right to your table-side.

Fazenda, Granary Wharf – Bringing you the exquisite flavours and traditions of its South American roots, Fazenda lends itself as the perfect venue for lunching or special occasion dining. You’ll find a scrumptious selection of meats and side dishes, all served the Brazilian way.

Casa Colombiana, Grand Arcade – A truly authentic Latin venue with a large menu of delicious food and drinks. You’ll be kept entertained with music and dance while you soak up the traditional Colombian atmosphere.

Neon Cactus, Call Lane – For vibrant Mexican cooking and the very best tequila cocktails around, head over to Neon Cactus for a fun-filled dining experience you won’t forget. Taco Tuesdays are not to be missed!

 

(Turtle Bay)

Tastes of the Caribbean

Fragrant, colourful and hearty, Caribbean cuisine is packed full of flavour and spice. Whether you’re after some of the best jerk chicken around or just want to indulge in rum-soaked food and drink, we’ve got a selection of restaurants here in Leeds that should satisfy your cravings.

Turtle Bay, The Light – From vegan to the ultimate meat jerk pit feast, there is something for everyone at Turtle Bay. Serving food that speaks to the soul and a whole menu of delicious rum-based cocktails, it’s a must try for our Caribbean lovers!

Jenny’s Jerk Chicken, Leeds Kirkgate Market – Specialising in jerk BBQ chicken wraps, wings and legs; curry goat; and beef stew, Jenny’s Jerk Chicken takes pride in the healthy and delicious dishes on offer. A firm favourite of Leeds Kirkgate Market’s street food vendors.

 

It’s safe to say you won’t be short of places to enjoy a worldwide feast when visiting Leeds, so why not give something different a try next time you eat out? Or extend your evening by visiting one of the many bars.

Why not be a tourist in your own city and ReDiscover Leeds? #ReDiscoverLeeds