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.
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
This iconic Leeds pub is selling 25p pints for the weekend alongside a 70’s-inspired menu
Clementine Hall
Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds are turning back the clocks for four days only.
Ever fancied giving time travel a go? Well now's your chance, as a historic Leeds pub are looking back to time gone by for the weekend.
Whitelock's Ale House are collaborating with Double Diamond beer, an iconic British pale ale made popular in the 70's and now somewhat having a resurgence.
From this Thursday 26 February until Sunday 1 March 2026, pints of Double Diamond will be available for just 25p.
Yep, you can't even get a Freddo for 25p these days let alone a cold, refreshing pint.
Guests will be able to grab their first pint of Double Diamond for 25p along with a nostalgic specials menu from the Whitelock's kitchen.
And if you know anything about their food, it's always class so this specials menu will be absolutely no exception.
The specials menu includes a french onion quiche, a coronation chicken sandwich, gammon, pineapple, egg and chips and to top it all off, a raspberry Swiss roll with custard.
You can get three courses for just £30 and you can either pre-order or order individually when you're there.
This is set to be a real blast from the past, so rally your mates together and prepare for a trip down memory lane and for what could be the cheapest pint of your life.
You can find out more and book your table at Whitelock's Ale House here.
Clementine Hall -
10th December 2025 
