Strap in Leeds, because a whole lot of newness is coming your way.
It's safe to say that 2025 has already been a monumental year for new restaurant openings in the city.
From an all-you-can-eat tapas restaurant and a sparkly rooftop restaurant to a trendy neighbourhood wine bar, Leeds' foodie landscape has grown massively and our tummies are very happy about it.
But when we say that's only the beginning, we really mean it. Because over the next four months we're set to see a huge influx of new spots open their doors in the city and we're here to break them down for you.
So, without further ado...
Federal
Boar Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Federal, one of the most popular brunch spots in Manchester, is set to open its very first Leeds cafe…and we absolutely cannot wait.
The new 1,500 sq ft Leeds venue will seat 70 guests and will be located on Boar Lane, expect queues out the door and us firmly stood at the very front.
Meat lovers unite, because authentic Brazilian rodizio bar and grill Estabulo is set to open a brand-new restaurant at the Merrion Centre in Leeds this October.
Just moments away from the First Direct Arena adjoining the Ibis Styles Leeds City Centre hotel, the new venue will be in the perfect location for concert-goers or for those stopping off in Leeds.
Madre
Wellington Street
Image: The Manc Group
The north’s favourite Mexican is bringing not one, but two venues to Leeds City Centre this summer. Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, is setting up shop on Wellington Street.
And not only that but Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, will open just around the corner. Now that’s a double whammy we can get behind.
Dough Club, a Manchester-based Detroit-style pizzeria, is planning to open up in Leeds.
Famed for their chewy, thick, cheesy crusts that are loaded with all the toppings imaginable, they’ll be opening up a spot on Burley Road for all your pizza needs.
With locations already in Oakwood and Chapel Allerton, House of Koko is an iconic Leeds brunch spot that will be taking over the former Mrs Atha's site.
Known for their classic brunch dishes with a Middle Eastern twist as well as the best hash browns you'll find in the city. End of.
The Savvy Baker is opening its first ever city centre cafe, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Of course you’ll be able to grab all your favourite brownies, blondies, cookies and other bakes, but there’s some other exciting stuff in the works too.
For the first time ever the shop will feature a dedicated cookie bakery where customers will be able to watch (and smell) all the magic happening through the window. How class is that?
The award-winning Indian restaurant group is set to open in the former Flannels site on Vicar Lane.
Licensing application signs have appeared in the windows of the former department store announcing its imminent arrival into Leeds for the first time ever.
Tori Nori
Leeds City Centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Fern's Modern Sushi comes Tori Nori, a modern Japanese grill bar and grill.
Customers can expect robata-style dining with a selection flame grilled skewers, from beef and chicken to cod and so much more.
Blank Street
Albion Street
Images: The Manc Group
The popular coffee shop Blank Street made famous for their matcha concoctions will be opening in Leeds City Centre and the girlies (including us) are very excited indeed.
There are already three Blank Street cafes over in Manchester, but Leeds has been overlooked until now - thank god.
From Bombay to Leeds, Dishoom has opened in the city to resounding success.
Look, if you've been in town over the past week then you will have seen the snaking queues forming outside the city's hottest new restaurant - Dishoom.
This is one that's been in the pipeline for quite some time now, known amongst the UK for their all-day Bombay-inspired food and it seems the people of Leeds couldn't wait to tuck in.
But before we delve into the food, let's talk about the space.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Taking over the old Flannels site on Vicar Lane, Dishoom Leeds is nothing short of beautiful.
Dusty pink exteriors welcome you into a huge dining room complete with gold picture frames, baby blue walls and huge arched windows.
They've really thought of every little detail, eve down to the relaxing incense burning on the windowsill.
The menu is large and can seem overwhelming, featuring everything from breakfast naan rolls and small plates and to big sharing curries, but the staff are keen to lend you a helping hand.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Kicking off with a few Dishoom staples like the crunchy, salty okra fries and peppery chilli cheese toast was the perfect start to our meal.
But an absolute must order is the lamb chops, marinated overnight in raw papaya, yoghurt and spices before being blackened on the grill and finished with a thrilling Kashmiri chilli sauce. These will be on our order list every single time.
Elsewhere the charred masala prawns were juicy and perfectly aromatic, whilst smokey gunpowder potatoes served with a yoghurt dip were a perfect respite from the building spices.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
A really special dish which you can only get in Leeds is Malvani Lamb Curry, made using tender lamb leg nestled in a silken gravy of roasted coconut, cardamom, chillies, turmeric and pippali pepper. Served with a heap of golden laccha paratha for dipping and a sharp onion salad alongside, this is as perfect as it gets.
Drinks wise we got their special Dishoom Margarita which is shaken with a tamarind spice as well as the New Permit Room Old Fashioned that uses date liqueur. Both a twist on a classic, and just as delicious as the next.
If the queue doesn't make you want to try out Dishoom then let this be your sign. A fantastic addition to the city, and we'll certainly be back for more.
Five of the best new openings in Leeds recently – from Japanese sando cafes to tiramisu pop-ups
Clementine Hall
It's been a brilliant couple of months for new openings in Leeds.
We don't know about you, but we think our city is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment.
There's been a flurry of new spots opening up this summer, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out.
But first, allow us to tell you all about them...
Misu
Trinity Shopping Centre
Image: The Hoot Leeds
It really does feel like the traditional Italian dessert has taken the world by storm as of late.
Everything from tiramisu cups and tiramisu coffees have been popping up all over our feed, and now tiramisu in drawer form is popping up in the city centre.
Misu Tiramisu is an independent business that began at Manchester's Christmas Markets and quickly became one of the most popular operators, all thanks to its miniature tiramisu ‘drawers’. They've now opened inside Trinity shopping centre for the summer, and we couldn't be happier.
Shokupan recently moved from their original site on Wellington Place to an even bigger spot on Central Road and my word, they’re serving up sandwiches and rice bowls like the absolute pros they’ve always been.
Whether it’s their new specials like the ‘Spamago’ sando (arguably the best new breakfast bite on the block), or katsu chori that combines South American-style chorizo with Japanese favourites all in one incredible package, they don’t miss.
One of Leeds city centre’s most historic buildings has been just transformed into one of the coolest new spaces we’ve come across.
Introducing Moods, a brand-new all-day cafe, bar and events space that combines laid-back midday vibes and chilled evenings with food from Michelin-trained chefs.Â
We know you've been waiting for this one, and finally Dishoom has opened its doors in the city centre.
Serving up Bombay recipes made with love in a beautiful interior complete with blush pink walls, huge arched windows and gold picture frames - this one is already a huge hit.
North Star Coffee
59 Great George Street, LS1 3BB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Just like their name, North Star Coffee has become a shining star in the Leeds coffee shop circle, and now they’re bringing the brand over to a bustling road of independents on Great George Street.
Expect your tried and trusted iced coffee, matcha and cold foam selections alongside their bakes, new hot brekkie sandwiches and their signature stardust hash browns.
Clementine Hall -
27th October 2025 
