The second De Baga restaurant in Chapel Allerton is now open.
Seats at their debut Headingley restaurant have always been hard to come by, with little to no walk-ins available even mid-week- and for good reason.
Known in Leeds as the go-to spot for impeccable service and consistent five-star reviews, De Baga is the casual fine-dining Indian restaurant that everyone (and we mean everyone) raves about.
Due to such popularity, De Baga has opened a second restaurant not too far from its roots in the nearby suburb of Chapel Allerton.
Image: De Baga
Taking over the former BOX building on Stainbeck Road, the new restaurant appears to offer ample seating and huge cocktail bar, complete with neon signage and signature drinks, all whilst offering the same quality and service that guests have come to expect from the Goan restaurant.
Celebrating the “East Meets West” spirit of Goa at both sites, the menu consists of unique curries and small plates designed in-house by the chefs. The focus is on flavour, rather than size or spice- and it's this recipe that makes De Baga one of the most-loved curry spots in Leeds.
Adding a playful twist to classic dishes, expect Cornetto bites, puff pastries filled with eggplant bhartha (aubergine), chorizo cigars and speciality dishes like the Chingaari Kebab, a red hot flame coloured kebabs special in Lucknowi style Lamb mince, crushed pepper tossed bell peppers, whole spice, served with home made mint sauce.
Open for evening service every Tuesday - Sunday 5pm - 10/10.30pm, booking is highly recommended to get a seat at the table here. For more information, including how to reserve a table at either of the De Baga restaurants, visit their website.
Feature Image- De Baga
Eats
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Sophie Smith -
21st April 2022 
