A rustic bar and restaurant with a botanical setting

The Botanist at 67 Boar Lane sits at the bottom of Trinity Leeds, a visually stunning bar and restaurant beautifully decorated with wood panelling and wall boxes filled with plants. With a sunken, heated outdoor seating area and live music year-round, it combines rustic charm with modern elegance.

What to order

The rustic, deli-style menu spans rotisserie and grill, and the standout hanging kebabs — the halloumi and salt and pepper pork belly versions are favourites — alongside dishes like Thai king prawns. The Sunday lunch offers whole-roasted joints with all the trimmings.

Who it’s for

The Botanist is a good choice for a relaxed meal with friends, a Sunday lunch or drinks with live music. Its striking décor and lively atmosphere make a visit memorable.

Questions and answers

What kind of cuisine does The Botanist serve? Rustic British — rotisserie, grill and deli-style dishes.

What should I order? A hanging kebab, or the Sunday roast.

What makes it special? Its botanical décor and live music year-round.

Where is it located? At 67 Boar Lane, Trinity Leeds.

Opening hours

A premier steak and seafood gastrobar in Leeds

Blackhouse Gastrobar at 31–33 East Parade has delighted Leeds guests for 18 years with exceptional steaks, sourced from home and abroad, now in a relaxed all-day gastrobar setting. Chefs James and Michal lead a dynamic menu celebrating the finest local and seasonal produce, which changes regularly.

What to order

Prime cuts of 28-day aged steak take pride of place, alongside fresh seafood starters such as oysters, mussels and prawns. Most dishes are designed for sharing, encouraging a relaxed, social way of dining.

Who it’s for

Blackhouse is a good choice for a celebration, a meal with friends or a steak lover’s dinner. Its heated terrace and international beers make it pleasant all day.

Questions and answers

What kind of cuisine does Blackhouse serve? Steak and seafood, in a gastrobar style.

What should I order? A 28-day aged steak, with seafood starters to share.

What makes it special? Eighteen years of exceptional steaks and a regularly changing menu.

Where is it located? At 31–33 East Parade in Leeds.

Opening hours

Modern Greek cuisine on South Parade

Olive Tree Brasserie brings vibrant, modern Greek and Mediterranean cooking to Leeds city centre, set within the Grade II-listed Pearl Chambers building on South Parade. It pairs Greek classics with a contemporary twist, friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere, plus crowd-pleasing extras like midweek meze deals and a popular bottomless brunch.

What to order

The menu is full of Greek favourites given a modern lift: dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), gyros, the much-loved lamb kleftiko, moussaka and baklava, finished with a traditional Greek coffee. There are lesser-known dishes too, like honey pastourma (Greek cured beef sausage). For great value, the weekday meze lunch lets you pick any three small plates — think aubergine fritters with tomato chutney, spinach and feta arancini, and gigante beans (a Greek baked butter bean stew).

Who it’s for

This is a good choice for a relaxed lunch, a meze-style dinner to share or a lively bottomless brunch with friends. The varied, sharing-friendly menu and warm atmosphere make it well suited to groups.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Olive Tree Brasserie serve? Modern Greek and Mediterranean — meze, gyros, kleftiko, moussaka and more.

What should I order? The lamb kleftiko, dolmades and a selection of meze, with baklava to finish.

Is there a meze deal? Yes — a weekday meze lunch lets you choose any three small plates for great value.

Is there a brunch? Yes — a popular bottomless brunch.

Where is it located? In the Grade II-listed Pearl Chambers on South Parade, central Leeds.

Opening hours

Upmarket Italian dining at The Marriott

Gino D’Acampo Leeds, at The Marriott, is a stylish, upmarket Italian restaurant designed by celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo and his team. The 160-seater open-plan space oozes sophistication, with an impressive marble bar and lounge, a cicchetti bar and deli, floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the room with light, warm tones and bold orange chairs that add Italian charm. There’s also an outdoor terrace — the whole place is designed to feel like a mini-vacation in Italy.

What to order

The menu is a generous selection of Italian classics with a focus on quality and provenance. Signature dishes include the Risotto Pescatore, brimming with wild red king prawns, mussels, clams and calamari, and the Spaghetti al Tartufo with creamy black truffle and pecorino. Don’t miss the Arancine al Ragù — crispy risotto balls with melting mozzarella and slow-cooked beef ragù — or the Trofie al Salmone Affumicato with mascarpone and asparagus. Sea bass, steaks and desserts are also frequently praised.

Who it’s for

With its sophisticated yet lively atmosphere, this is a good choice for a special occasion, a date or a celebratory dinner with friends. The bustling, welcoming vibe and stylish setting make it a city-centre favourite.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Gino D’Acampo serve? Classic Italian designed by Gino D’Acampo — pasta, risotto, seafood and grills.

What should I order? The Risotto Pescatore, Spaghetti al Tartufo and Arancine al Ragù.

What makes the interior special? A 160-seat open-plan space with a marble bar, cicchetti bar and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Is it good for a special occasion? Yes — its sophisticated, lively setting suits celebrations and dates.

Where is it located? At The Marriott, in central Leeds.

Opening hours

Raymond Blanc’s French brasserie in a Victorian mill

Brasserie Blanc Leeds offers a refined yet relaxed French brasserie experience, set in a beautifully converted Victorian mill on Sovereign Street. Part of acclaimed chef Raymond Blanc’s collection, it pairs classic French cooking with dishes inspired by his global travels, all built on fresh, seasonal ingredients from top British producers. The rustic-yet-sleek interior — exposed brickwork, low vaulted brick ceilings and an industrial-chic style — creates an intimate vibe, while the riverside terrace is perfect for an aperitif.

What to order

The menu is full of French classics and signature plates. Start with the cheese soufflé in a rich Coastal Cheddar sauce or the crab and sweetcorn bon-bons, then move on to the herb-crusted lamb roulade with Jerusalem artichoke purée, dauphinoise potato and lamb jus, or a classic Chateaubriand or filet de boeuf. Finish with the pistachio soufflé. It’s seasonal French cooking with real warmth.

Who it’s for

With its elegant setting, riverside terrace and Sunday lunches, Brasserie Blanc suits special occasions, leisurely weekend meals and relaxed dinners alike. Attentive, knowledgeable service makes it a dependable choice for couples and groups.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Brasserie Blanc serve? Classic French brasserie cooking inspired by Raymond Blanc, with seasonal British produce.

What should I order? The cheese soufflé, herb-crusted lamb roulade and pistachio soufflé.

What makes the setting special? A converted Victorian mill with vaulted brick ceilings and a riverside terrace.

Is it good for a special occasion? Yes — its elegant room and terrace suit celebrations and leisurely meals.

Where is it located? On Sovereign Street, in central Leeds.

Opening hours

A new tasting-menu story every six weeks

Six by Nico, from chef Nico Simeone, brings one of the UK’s most original dining concepts to a Grade II listed building at 9 East Parade in Leeds. The idea is simple and clever: a six-course tasting menu that completely reinvents itself every six weeks, each one inspired by a different theme, destination or memory — from the playful “Chippie” menu to Korean-inspired “Seoul” and a futuristic “Space”. The room seats around 72, with a cosy yet contemporary feel and an open kitchen that puts the chefs’ artistry on show.

What to order

The whole point is the rotating six-course tasting menu, so the dishes change with each concept — but expect creative, beautifully presented plates with regular flashes of brilliance. The inaugural Chippie menu reimagined chip-shop classics like chips and cheese, scampi, steak pie, fish supper and a deep-fried Mars bar, while signatures across menus have included a truffle risotto and a scotch egg with black pudding. A full vegetarian alternative is offered for every concept, with wine pairings available.

Who it’s for

This is a place for food lovers and anyone after a fun, surprising dinner that feels like an event — a date, a celebration or a catch-up with friends who enjoy trying something new. Because the menu changes so often, it rewards repeat visits.

Questions and answers

What is the concept at Six by Nico? A six-course tasting menu that changes every six weeks, each inspired by a new theme.

What should I expect to eat? Creative, themed tasting courses — past menus have included The Chippie, Seoul and Space.

Is there a vegetarian option? Yes — a full vegetarian alternative is offered for every concept, with wine pairings available.

What’s the setting like? A Grade II listed building with a cosy, contemporary room and an open kitchen.

Where is it located? At 9 East Parade, in central Leeds.

Opening hours

Grill classics and seafood in the Old Post Office

The Restaurant Bar & Grill occupies the historic Old Post Office building in the heart of Leeds — a striking setting with soaring high ceilings, elegant architecture and an open kitchen that puts the cooking on show. Warm lighting and rustic décor make for an inviting atmosphere, while in warmer months the outdoor terrace, with its lush greenery, offers a lovely spot for al fresco dining.

What to order

The menu centres on signature steaks, fresh seafood and seasonal dishes, with globally influenced flavours and premium ingredients. Start with the zesty salmon tiradito or crispy squid, then move on to a well-cooked steak — the ribeye is a favourite — or a seafood plate. On Sundays, the roasts are a highlight, served with rich bone-marrow gravy and freshly baked beef-dripping Yorkshire puddings, alongside a strong brunch menu of eggs benedict, smoked salmon tartine and shakshuka. Vegan and vegetarian options feature throughout.

Who it’s for

With its handsome setting and expertly crafted cocktails, this is a good choice for a special occasion, a date or a celebratory meal, as well as a relaxed weekend brunch or Sunday roast. Attentive service makes it a dependable city-centre pick.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does The Restaurant Bar & Grill serve? Signature steaks, fresh seafood and seasonal British grill dishes, with global influences.

What should I order? A signature steak like the ribeye, the salmon tiradito or crispy squid, and a Sunday roast if you’re there at the weekend.

What makes the setting special? It’s in the historic Old Post Office, with high ceilings, an open kitchen and a terrace.

Is there a brunch? Yes — a Sunday brunch with eggs benedict, smoked salmon tartine and shakshuka.

Where is it located? In the Old Post Office building, central Leeds.

Opening hours

Botanical cocktails and British fare on Greek Street

The Lost & Found on Greek Street is one of Leeds’s most atmospheric bar-and-restaurants, themed around the fictional Victorian botanist Virginia K. Stevenson. The Victorian-style drinking den oozes grandeur, with quirky décor, brass furnishings and striking greenery dotted throughout — and, like the Tardis, it feels bigger on the inside, with a beautiful bar, restaurant and even a secret hideaway for private functions. It’s as much a destination for creative cocktails as for a meal.

What to order

The all-day menu of seasonal British fare runs from flatbreads, sandwiches and salads for a long lunch to small plates perfect alongside drinks. But the real stars are the cocktails: the bar’s mixologists offer a stunning selection of botanical-influenced creations and twists on the classics, like the Blueberry Rush. It’s a place to settle in and explore the drinks list.

Who it’s for

This is a great choice for a relaxed lunch, after-work drinks or a sociable evening with friends where the cocktails take centre stage. The lush, characterful setting also makes it a memorable spot for a date or a celebration.

Questions and answers

What kind of place is The Lost & Found? A botanical-themed bar and restaurant serving seasonal British fare and creative cocktails.

What should I order? A botanical cocktail like the Blueberry Rush, with flatbreads or small plates to share.

What makes the interior special? A grand, Victorian-style drinking den with brass furnishings and abundant greenery.

Is it good for drinks? Yes — the bar is known for its botanical-influenced cocktails and twists on classics.

Where is it located? On Greek Street, in central Leeds.

Opening hours

Modern Chinese with cherry blossom glamour

Tattu Leeds brings the contemporary Chinese restaurant’s signature glamour to the city, a venue as famous for its looks as its food. The interior is a masterpiece of modern elegance, known across the brand for its statement cherry blossom chandelier and cherry blossom trees, intricate detailing and a moody, atmospheric setting that’s made for special occasions.

What to order

The menu reinvents Chinese classics with flair, spanning small plates, dim sum, meat, seafood, rice and noodles. Signature dishes include the sweet miso Chilean sea bass, caramel soy beef fillet and saffron black cod, alongside Peking duck with pancakes and black pepper beef. Pair it all with one of Tattu’s theatrical signature cocktails.

Who it’s for

This is a place for date nights, celebrations and stylish dinners where the setting is part of the occasion. Diners consistently praise the service, attention to detail and vibrant atmosphere.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Tattu serve? Modern, contemporary Chinese — dim sum, Peking duck, sea bass and beef.

What should I order? The sweet miso Chilean sea bass, caramel soy beef fillet and Peking duck.

What makes the interior special? Its signature cherry blossom chandelier and trees, and a glamorous setting.

Is it good for a special occasion? Yes — its glamour and service make it a favourite for celebrations.

What about drinks? Tattu is known for its theatrical signature cocktails.

Opening hours

Southern Italian glamour on Park Row

Riva Blu is an authentic Italian restaurant and bar on Park Row, in the heart of Leeds, that welcomes you into Southern Italy with style. The plush teal interiors, nautical-inspired aquamarine seating and lemon trees nod to the Mediterranean, with servers in bold, geometric shirts adding to the playful, glamorous feel. An open kitchen, cocktail bar and large alfresco terrace complete the picture — all in the name of La Dolce Vita, the sweet life.

What to order

The menu celebrates authentic Italian cooking, from classic favourites to signature plates. Pasta lovers should look to the lasagne and ravioli, while lighter starters like tuna tartare and calamari are equally tempting. The pizzas are a highlight too — try the spicy Piccante, with a San Marzano tomato base, salami, ‘nduja, pepper and mozzarella. Finish with the vanilla panna cotta, paired with amarena cherries and amaretti biscuit.

Who it’s for

With its glamorous setting, cocktail bar and terrace, Riva Blu suits a date, a celebration or a sociable dinner with friends. Generous portions and good value make it a reliable, fun choice in the city centre.

Questions and answers

What kind of food does Riva Blu serve? Authentic Italian — pasta, pizza, antipasti and classic desserts.

What should I order? The lasagne or ravioli, the spicy Piccante pizza and the vanilla panna cotta.

What makes the interior special? Plush teal, nautical aquamarine seating and lemon trees evoking Southern Italy.

Is there outdoor seating? Yes — there’s a large alfresco terrace, plus a cocktail bar and open kitchen.

Where is it located? On Park Row, in central Leeds.

Opening hours