Leeds is fuelled by caffeine, so we've rounded up ten of our favourite spots to get a great cup of coffee.
There are 110 different coffee shops and counting located in Leeds city centre and plenty more on the outskirts.
It’s easy to pop into the big-brand chains and grab the same order you’ve had for the past five years, but there are limitless independent caffeine stations to try and we bet that you’ll have a more enjoyable experience too.
Investing even a cup of coffee into a small business can help them to continue running - so with that in mind, here are ten of our top picks for coffee in Leeds.
Laynes Espresso
16 New Station Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Having opened way back in 2011, one of Leeds longest standing coffee shops Laynes has built a great reputation over the last ten years.
Located just moments from Leeds Train Station, Laynes Espresso is the perfect spot to grab a coffee on your morning commute. But if you've got time to stick around, then we recommend taking a seat and tucking into their brilliant brunch too.
RAW
10 Mill Hill
Images: The Hoot Leeds
A relatively new addition to Leeds, RAW has made a reputation for itself for serving up some of the best and most unique coffee in the city. These guys really, and we mean really, know their stuff.
They're roasting their own beans in the back and stock a rotating selection of roasts that no visit is the same.
Miles & Co Coffee
94 Kirkgate
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Miles and Co is an independent, barista owned and run coffee shop in the heart of Leeds city centre. Ran by husband and wife duo, this charming spot serve up drinks made from rotating speciality coffee beans, artisan teas and seasonal sweet treats.
North Star
The Docks and Sovereign Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We all know North Star Coffee Roasters make supreme speciality coffee and you can find it in Leeds in abundance, served by the loveliest staff in a beautiful, pastel rainbow-coloured setting.
Swing by their kiosk on Sovereign Street for a takeaway cup or sit back and relax at their beautiful sun-drenched spot at The Docks. Either way, if the coffee doesn’t perk you up, the decor most definitely will.
Coffee on the Crescent
2 The Crescent, Woodhouse
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Over in Headingley you will find this absolute gem of a coffee shop. A neighbourhood staple for students and locals alike, Coffee on the Crescent is a place for people to meet, relax, unwind and fuel up.
They have a rotating selection of coffee on offer, that is all tried and tested by owner Tim and his wonderful team regularly to make sure you’re supping the very best of the best.
The Union Coffee House
51 Great George Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This wonderful oasis at the top of town is a perfect space to enjoy a coffee with friends and fuel up with some banging breakfast. It's a wonderful relaxing space to take a few moments out of your busy day and unwind with a cup of Joe.
Kapow Coffee
Thornton's Arcade and The Calls
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Since 2013, Kapow coffee has been providing the people of Leeds with really excellent coffee. They offer a wide variety of drinks and whether you're shopping in town or strolling along The Calls, they've got the perfect pick me up to keep you going.
Stage Espresso
41 Great George Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're really into your coffee and you're looking to sip one in a cool, chilled-out place then Stage Espresso is the one for you. The staff are super knowledgable and are always on hand to help find the perfect blend for your taste.
Fika North
94 Otley Road, Headingley
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Another gem over in Headingley is Fika North, a wonderful speciality coffee shop which is a firm neighbourhood favourite.
Stop by for a coffee in the sunshine and make sure you order one of their banging bagels or sweet treats, you won't be disappointed.
Bruschetta
The Corn Exchange
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This gorgeous independent really do serve up the best coffee imaginable, the beans are sourced and roasted from a local company in Sheffield and are then left to breathe for 14 days before grinding. The magic formula for the perfect cup of joe is then decided on each morning, depending on the specific conditions and climate on that day. Whether you’re swinging by for a takeaway cup or taking a seat to enjoy the magnificent gothic interior of the corn exchange, you’ll struggle to find a better coffee in Leeds.
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 -
6th November 2025 
