It's safe to say 2025 has been an absolutely delicious year, so we've rounded up 10 of our favourite eats for your perusal.
But we've got to warn you, reading this will make you hungry.
Alfonso's Deli
Breakfast bagels
It's been one of the city's biggest and best new openings and Alfonso's Deli has most definitely made a name for themselves for serving up some of the best subs and sandwiches in the city.
Specifically, their loaded breakfast bagels. Think New York-style bacon, egg and cheeses which are bound to set you up for the day ahead.
Chunk
Stuffed cookies
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We all love a sweet treat, and Chunk over in Burley have got the best loaded cookies in the city. From Oreo to smores, there's a flavour to tickle everybody's fancy.
Emporio Italia
Homemade pasta
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This family-run spot over in Ilkley is truly special and one of our favourite finds of the year. With a menu changing every single day, allow Luigi to read you through the day's specials which if you're in luck will include their famous lasagna.
But whatever you order, just know it'll be fantastic.
House of Fu
Ramen and katsu curry
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We love House of Fu, and their autumn menu this year was nothing short of sensational. If you're asking us, a frozen margarita paired with a steaming bowl of ramen is the ultimate combo.
Lupes Cantina
Traditional Mexican food
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're a Leeds foodie then you will know about Lupes Cantina. This family-run spot is the place to go to for traditional Mexican food at a really affordable price.
Top tip: order the mussels, you will not regret it.
North Star Coffee
Brunch menu
Image: The Hoot Leeds
I mean...the picture says it all really, doesn't it? North Star have excelled with their brunch menu this year and their rhubarb pancakes have to be one of the best brekkie dishes we've tucked into. Just delicious.
Shokupan
Japanese fruit sandos
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Remember that time when everyone on the internet went crazy over Japanese fruit sandwiches? Yeah, us too.
And over in Leeds we were lucky enough to get our hands on them at Shokupan, a family-run spot selling homemade Japanese sandwiches and drinks. It's safe to say that these ones were miles better than any you could get at a supermarket.
Silver's
Subs
Image: The Hoot Leds
Of course it wouldn't be a 2025 foodie roundup without mentions Silver's subs. These legends have had a blinder of a year, opening up inside Get Baked in Headingley and winning the Uber Eats takeaway of the year award.
All of their success is so well deserved, as their sandwiches are simply unbeatable.
TADA
Japanese food
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're looking for great Japanese food, TADA in Headingley is the place to go. Their homemade ramen is the perfect winter warmer and their sushi is some of the freshest we've tried in the city.
Woodside
Sunday roast
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We had to include a roast in this list, and the best one we've had is at Woodside. Everything from the smoked meats to the marmite parsnips (yep, you read that right) were done to utter perfection.
This is where you'll find us every Sunday in an attempt to fight those Sunday scaries.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Clementine Hall -
10th December 2025 
