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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Read more: Five independent food trailers you need to try at the Leeds Christmas Markets 2025
Featured images – The Hoot Leeds
