15 reasons foodies should make Leeds their next city-break destination

From cool cafés and award-winning fine-dining restaurants, to sensational street food repping all regions of the globe, there are many mouth-watering reasons Leeds has been hailed the foodie capital of the North. As such, there’s no better place to indulge your inner Epicurean during a city break that’s as big on flavour as it is on unique experiences. To make your trip all the more gratifying, discover where to satisfy your every appetite in our run-down of 15 reasons foodies should make Leeds their next city-break destination.

1. Kirkgate Market’s street food stalls

Kicking off in iconic style, Kirkgate Market — one of Europe’s largest indoor markets — has been at the beating heart of Leeds’ celebrated food scene since 1857, and today boasts 400+ stalls selling everything from fresh flowers to fresh threads.

On the food front, there’s no place better to enjoy authentic global street food. Take your pick from Yorkshire puddings, French patisserie, Turkish shawarmas and Jamaican jerk chicken, to highlight just some of the tasty offerings served under the roof of this historic Grade I-listed building.

Don’t miss: Michael Marks of Marks and Spencer fame first plied his trade in Kirkgate Market, so keep an eye out for a replica of his stall.

2. Empire Café

Housed in an historic spot that’s been feeding Leeds for over 120 years, Empire Café is the place to come for the best breakfast bacon baps you’re ever likely to sink your teeth into, with juicy rotisserie chicken and steak suppers served later in the day.

But don’t just take our word for it. Empire Café is also beloved by the Guardian’s Jay Rayner: “I loved the Empire Café: I loved the enthusiasm of the staff, its attention to the good things”. And we couldn’t agree more. 

3. Kino

Located in a recently renovated Grade II-listed venue on New Briggate, chic indie eatery Kino is part of the esteemed Opera North.

Here head chef Josh Whitehead — a Master Chef: The Professionals semi-finalist — oversees delivery of delicious dishes that showcase local produce, accompanied by local beers, wines and Yorkshire gin.

Editor’s tip: for the ultimate bespoke dining experience, book a Chef’s Table session.

4. Eat Your Greens

Devoted to delivering no fuss fork-to-farm seasonal goodness using largely organic produce, while Eat Your Greens has an understated European vibe, its signature dishes make a mighty impact on the taste buds.
From hearty braised organic pork belly, and zingy lemon sole, to smashed potatoes smothered in chimichurri, it’s hard to pick a favourite.

Don’t miss: stock up on organic produce in Greens Grocers.

5. Bundobust

Now four-venues strong and celebrating its 10^th anniversary, indie outfit Bundobust began its bombastic blending of contemporary Indian food with the best local craft beers in Leeds.

Head to its much-loved Mill Street location to dine on moreish food in welcoming style, with its signature Bhaji Butty encapsulating the spirit and flavours of this firm local favourite.

Editor’s tip: not that you need an extra reason to order it, but £1 from each Bhaji Butty sold is donated to Bundobust’s charitable endeavours. 

6. Whitelock’s

Founded in 1715 as The Turk’s Head before being taken over by the Whitelock family in the 1880s, Whitelock's is the oldest pub in Leeds.

Counting the Duke of Kent and John Betjeman among its past patrons, this atmospheric hostelry has a longstanding relationship with food — it was named Whitelock’s First City Luncheon Bar back in the 1890s.

Today, it’s the perfect place to devour pub classics in their tastiest form (including beer-battered fish and chips, and beef and ale pie), along with satisfying vegan and veggie dishes, and to-die-for desserts.

7. Chilli Shop

If you like it hot — by which we mean seriously hot — head to Chilli Shop to submit your taste-buds to a one-of-a-kind fiesta.

Curated with passion and a sense of play, every shelf of this scorching-hot establishment teems with chili-based foods, from chocolate and chutney, to fiery cheese.

Here, heroic patrons can also taste heat-rated samples, and buy hampers and fun chilli-themed gifts, with the informative, irreverent Museum of Pain presenting some of the world’s hottest flavours.

8. Chef Jono at V&V

Given that the man himself was a Masterchef: The Professionals contender, it’s no surprise that the award-winning Chef Jono at V&V is one of Leeds’ best fine-dining establishments.

Offering two tasting menus, V&V represents modern British dining at its most elegant and exacting.

9. Psycho Sandbar

Exuding cool underground vibes from the moment you descend to its basement location, Psycho Sandbar offers an experience that runs deeper than dining alone.

Expect out-there art, smoke-machine-wielding staff, and bold panache, with the “death of cool” tasting menu and á la carte options balancing invention with the purity of sensational seasonal produce, especially seafood.

10. North Brewing Company

After founding Leeds’s legendary North Bar in 1997, beer innovators John Gyngell and Christian Townsley turned their talents to founding their very own brewery. 

The resulting North Brewing Company now creates dozens of varieties, from pale ales and pilsners, to imaginative concoctions that wouldn’t look out of place on a cocktail menu (say hello to Piñata — a tropical pale ale that’ll instantly transport you to warmer climes).

Talking of which, the North Brewing Company also has a venue in Treviso, Italy, though we recommend taking a tour of the Leeds brewery to see where the good stuff originates from.

Editor’s tip: into traditional tastes? Time your city break to coincide with May’s Kirkstall Brewery Heritage Beer Festival.

11. Headrow House and Ox Club

Boasting an award-winning restaurant and two rooftop terraces that host hip-and-happening parties, comedy nights and music events, Headrow House is the kind of multi-purpose venue you’ll want to return to time and time again.

One of the main reasons to visit is to tuck into first-class fodder at Ox Club — an acclaimed grill restaurant that’s been featured in both the Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide.

12. The Swine That Dines

Offering an enticing short menu of seasonal food at pocket-pleasing prices (for example, the Saturday lunch menu costs £18 for two courses; £22.50 for three), The Swine That Dines is an absolute delight.

Open from Thursday to Saturday — with occasional Wednesday night specials worth making a trip for — the vibe is intimate and friendly, courtesy of the husband-and-wife team who create innovative plates that are ideal for sharing.

The focus is on local produce and lesser-used cuts, with a monthly Roots to Shoots menu highlighting the benefits of going meat-free.

Don’t miss: come noon every Friday, you have a two-hour window to buy divine sandwiches from The Swine That Dine’s brilliant Here Comes the Bun offering. Hurry, though — word has got out and demand is high.

13. Sarto

Pleasingly unpretentious, Sarto is the place to come for first-class handmade pasta.

Sited in a former mill that’s close to stacks of venues, Sarto’s pre-theatre menu is especially recommended for delivering top-quality food at great-value prices. 

Whether you opt for fresh fettuccine with wild mushrooms and marsala cream, or go for something heartier (rigatoni and lamb shoulder ragu, anyone?), you’re sure to come away feeling thoroughly sated.

14. Tharavadu

No stranger to major accolades — including recommendations in the Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide — Tharavadu showcases traditional dishes from Kerala, India, in authentically flavoursome fashion.

Befitting its location in a city that’s proud of its diversity, Tharavadu’s meticulously curated menu reflects the full diversity of Keralan cuisine — from succulent, ginger-spiced seafood curries, to luscious lamb saag — which is really saying something.

15. White Cloth Hall

Housed in an historic Grade-II listed building, White Cloth Hall is a brand-new all singing, all dancing, all-day-dining-and-drinking venue.

Though its doors only opened in late-August 2024, White Cloth Hall is already a huge hit with folks who want the ease — and exhilaration — of a one-stop spot in which to eat local, drink local and make merry in a manner that befits Leeds’ lively local spirit. 

If that’s left you hungry to visit Leeds, browse a jam-packed calendar of food-themed events, discover fab food-and-drink-themed tours, and do a deeper dive into Leeds’ thriving food and drink scene before booking your break to the city that loves to entertain (and dine) in diverse style. 

This article was made in partnership with Visit Leeds.