An Insider’s Guide to the Best New Restaurants and Bars in Leeds
Leeds is full to the brim with exceptional bars and restaurants. However, with new eateries opening all the time, it can be hard to keep track of the latest additions and decide which ones are actually worth a try and which are just overhyped.
So, whether you’re visiting the city and want to find the best food in Leeds or you’re local to the area and just want a new bar to try out, here are some of the best new restaurants and bars in Leeds.
Best Restaurants in Leeds
There are an endless number of dining establishments to choose from in the city that suit almost any occasion. Here are just a few of the best new restaurants in Leeds city centre that we think are definitely worth visiting.
Tori Nori
This modern Japanese restaurant in Leeds city centre opened in April and is quickly becoming one of the best places to eat in Leeds if you’re a sushi or steak fan.
The food is both exceptional and reasonably priced, with most visitors spending between £20 and £70 on a meal here, making it the perfect spot for casual outings, special occasions, and anything in between.
It’s not just the food that people come for, either. The open kitchen lets you see the chefs at work, and the friendly service and charming atmosphere guarantee a memorable dining experience.
Tori Nori is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, so it’s ideal whether it’s date night or you’re seeking a delicious midday meal. You can easily reserve a table via their website and you only need to put a deposit down of £5 per person if you’re booking for four or more people.
Jasper
With a modern interior, juicy steaks, bottomless fries, and expertly-made cocktails, Jasper is perfect for family meals, special occasions, or catching up with friends.
Steak is the focus, but there are a few vegetarian options, too. Plus, they boast over 100 whiskies and over 40 gins, so it’s a great first stop on any night out. On top of all that, they also have a number of tempting desserts that you’ll definitely want to save room for!
With the average guest spending just £20-£30 on a meal, it’s one of our top choices if you’re seeking luxury on a budget.
Jasper is open Tuesday to Sunday, opening late on Fridays and Saturdays, and it’s recommended that you book. You can reserve a table via their website, although if you’re just heading there for drinks you can walk right in!
Dishoom
Very recently opened, Dishoom offers up the very finest Bombay comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week.
Enjoy everything from slow-cooked biryanis and egg naan rolls to their signature House Black Daal. There are vegetarian, vegan, and halal-friendly options too, so there really is something for everyone here.
To wash it all down, you can take advantage of their extensive drink selection, which includes everything from cocktails and wines to beers and authentic Indian lassis.
People generally spend between £20 and £60 on a meal at Dishoom and you don’t need to make a reservation as most tables are held for walk-ins, although you can book on their website if you’d prefer.
Best Bars in Leeds
Like restaurants, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to finding great bars in Leeds. Here are just three of the best bars in Leeds that have opened recently.
Elbows on the Table
Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, Elbows on the Table has already taken Leeds by storm. Offering an unbeatable selection of wines and beers, with knowledgeable staff to help you choose, this is the perfect spot for any occasion.
Along with an exceptional wine list, you can also tuck into their already famous salt beef sandwiches and their iconic sausage in a bag.
You can secure a large glass of wine for anywhere between £8.50 and £13.50, and their signature sandwiches range from £10 to £12. It’s not the cheapest place in Leeds, but the quality speaks for itself and as far as premium wines go, it is very reasonably priced.
You can either walk in or reserve a table by emailing [email protected] or completing their online booking form. If you’re thinking of visiting in the evening or at the weekend, it’s best to book.
Har Bar
For local brews and live music with a vibrant atmosphere, Har Bar is the obvious choice. Artists ranging from folk to rock to classical play in this beautifully refurbished space. Added to that, you can also line your stomach with some unbeatable East-Asian-inspired street food from Yuzu’s.
It’s straightforward to book a table online and also on their website you will find every event they’re hosting over the next several months so you can easily plan your perfect evening.
The bar is open Wednesday to Sunday with plenty of gigs and shows to enjoy throughout the week. Promotions are regularly run here too, with offers like bao and a beer for £10 and kids can eat free during school holidays. You can also join their under 30s membership, which comes with benefits like 10% off drinks at the bar and discounted gig tickets – ideal if you’re thinking of visiting regularly.
Lane7
If you’re looking for something more activity-based for your evening, Lane7 is a great choice.
This bowling and games bar has everything from beer pong and shuffleboard to arcades and playgrounds. They also have a wide selection of drinks, including signature cocktails, draught beers, and shot racks. If you’re feeling peckish, they also offer a variety of bar snacks, sharing plates, pizzas, and hot dogs.
Open every day of the week, it’s the perfect place for a wild night out or just a fun evening after work. Games are reasonably priced, and there are packages available to keep costs even lower too, with bowling plus any second game starting from £13 per person or bowling plus any three games from just £21 a person.
Walk-in bookings are accepted but game availability may be limited, especially at peak times. If you’re thinking of visiting, they recommend pre-booking online to avoid disappointment.
Accommodation Options in Leeds
It’s not just about where you eat and drink, but where you sleep, too. Having a memorable place to stay ensures your day in the city ends as well as it started.
There are an abundance of great hotels to choose from in Leeds, but if you’re looking for something a little more interesting, perhaps for a special occasion, a serviced apartment provides a more exciting and luxurious experience.
We offer serviced apartments in the heart of Leeds. Whether you’ve booked a romantic dinner at Tori Nori or you’re unleashing your competitive side at Lane7, you will benefit from a convenient location and the complete freedom, privacy, and practicality that our apartment hotels have to offer.
What Will You Try Next?
Whether you’re looking for steak or curry, a sophisticated evening or a competitive one, there is something for everyone in Leeds. These are just a handful of our latest recommendations for the best food in Leeds, but there are plenty more options to explore too. So, what will you try next?
