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.
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Clementine Hall -
10th December 2025 
