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 health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Leeds has been crowned the best city in the UK for foodies outside of London
Clementine Hall
It's fantastic news for our city as Leeds has been crowned one of the best cities in the UK for foodies.
It's news that we've been pretty certain of for some time, but it's still nice to be recognised isn't it?
It comes from a new study carried out by credit card brand Aqua who analysed 30 major UK cities across a range of dining and social media metrics, including cuisine variety, restaurant availability, meal affordability, Michelin recognition and TikTok hashtag volumes.Â
Coming in at number on was, of course, London.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
With 47 cuisines, 22.5 restaurants per 10,000 residents and 81 Michelin-starred establishments, the capital unsurprisingly continues to dominate the UK’s culinary scene.
But in at number two was our glorious city of Leeds, supported by the highest restaurant density in the study, with 38.5 establishments per 10,000 people, and strong affordability compared with cities in the south.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We will absolutely take that.
Other northern spots to feature on the list include Sheffield and Bradford in sixth and eighth place.
The top ten UK cities for foodies are:
London
Leeds
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Wolverhampton / Leicester
Sheffield
Birmingham / Glasgow
Bradford / Swansea
Preston
Milton Keynes
Here in Leeds we've got so many fabulous food spots, with new openings cropping up every month it's hard to keep track.
From the multi award-winning Bavette Bistro in Horsforth to the highly acclaimed indie Bundobust that started off in Leeds - you certainly won't find yourself hungry or at a loss for somewhere to eat here.
Clementine Hall -
10th December 2025 
