5 Most Popular Leeds Restaurants
Any walk through Leeds and you’ll know that the culinary scene is thriving. Many are using the city as a staycation destination, seeing more locals and visitors look for a great meal to pair with their activities.
Whether you feel like indulging in dynamic ethnic dishes or comforting Yorkshire classics, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. However, some of the city’s restaurants have an increasingly distinguished reputation, where diners flock from all over town to enjoy what they have to offer.
This guide will cover some of Leeds’ most popular restaurants, highlighting the best and must-visit this year.
Discovering the best dining experiences in Leeds
Leeds has been on a road to becoming one of Britain’s most popular destinations for nightlife, stemming from its rich history and cultural growth strategy pushed by the local council. With all the fabulous food emerging as a result, locals and visitors must try some of these outstanding dining experiences.
Some restaurants are seeing guests flock to their establishments because of their reputation as a great place to get a meal and enjoy the atmosphere. We’re narrowing down where you need to go to get the best.
5 most popular restaurants in Leeds in 2025
There’s a wide range of superb restaurants spanning countless cuisines throughout Leeds. Choosing one for your lunch or dinner can be overwhelming, with so many choices.
However, in 2025, some are simply a must-try. Here are the five most popular Leeds restaurants.
1. The Highland Laddie
There’s nothing quite like a Yorkshire pub. The Highland Laddie encapsulates everything excellent about them, offering a classic, relaxed setting with the prestige of top-market gastropub cuisine.
The Highland Laddie is one of Leeds’ most popular restaurants for a good reason. The food is phenomenal, the atmosphere is terrific and the service goes above and beyond.
Pair a cask ale with a perfectly cooked steak or enjoy sumptuous oysters with a glass of prosecco, all around a cosy fire. You can’t go wrong with this traditional British fare at its very best.
2. Forde Hosforth
You might have to venture out from Leeds a bit to get to this restaurant, but the experience makes the journey all the worthwhile. Forde in Hosforth has a glowing culinary reputation, and not only because local boy Matt Healy from MasterChef leads the kitchen line.
Forde is a straightforward menu focusing on British classics such as leg of lamb and roast dinners. Still, the flavours in every dish are marvellous. And the best part? The prices are incredibly reasonable.
It’s luxury dining that’s fuss-free, affordable and exceptionally delicious.
3. The Cut and Craft
Walk into The Cut and Craft and your jaw can’t help but drop. The 19th-century interiors resonate with style and elegance, seeping into every element of the experience and uplifting every moment, from an extravagant cocktail to the diverse à la carte menu.
The ambience and character make The Cut and Craft a wonderful place for a special occasion, where many Leeds locals regularly gather to celebrate achievements, birthdays or indulge in the divine dishes.
The prices are on the higher side, but they reflect the quality of food, drink and service at this establishment.
4. Wood Fire Dine
Don’t we all love a good pizza? Wood Fire Dine is one of the best in Leeds, where award-winning pizza chef Mark Barber lovingly crafts these Italian favourites.
These artisanal pizzas are nothing short of fabulous, where guests can enjoy a range of delightful flavours paired with a lovely glass of wine from prime Italian vineyards. The beautiful, grade-II listed building sets a unique, enjoyable atmosphere too, underlining why Wood Fire Dine is one of Leeds’ most popular dining spots.
5. Kerala Canteen
South Indian cuisine is known for bringing some of the most vibrant, bold flavours to your table. Kerala Canteen specialises in dishes that leave guests mesmerised, curated by chefs with extensive Michelin-star experience.
From the cracking curry bowls to piquant biryanis, there’s no denying that Kerala Canteen is one of Leeds’ best for a South Asian meal. Visitors will dine under an intimate, warm floral setting, enjoying a fabulous meal complemented by outstanding service.
Foodies throughout Yorkshire continue to sing its praises, complementing the showstopping cuisine and inviting decor.
Compliment your night out in Leeds with a fabulous meal
Leeds has seen itself expand as one of Britain’s cultural capitals, offering all the vibrant nightlife, exciting activities and delectable cuisine that comes with that recognition. If you’re planning a night out in Leeds, consider having a meal at one of these popular spots to enhance your evening.
These five restaurants represent the best of the city’s culinary offerings, from the classics to the artisanal. If you’re simply feeling peckish or planning a night out, we couldn’t recommend them enough.
