We're almost into the last quarter of the year, and it's safe to say 2025 is leaving the best til last.
Although Leeds has seen some heartbreaking closures this year, we've also had a massive influx of new openings that we've loved welcome to the city.
And it's not stopping just yet, as we delve into the final few months of the year there's plenty of new spots ready to open their doors.
From high end shops in the Victoria Quarter to brunch spots famed over in Manchester making their way across the Pennines, we've handpicked five new openings coming to Leeds this year.
Federal
Boar Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Federal, one of the most popular brunch spots in Manchester, is set to open its very first Leeds cafe...and we absolutely cannot wait.
Established in the iconic Northern Quarter in 2014, Federal is inspired by Kiwi and Aussie neighbourhood cafés, and has built a global reputation for serving exceptional coffee, standout brunch dishes and offering a warm, welcoming service.
The new 1,500 sq ft Leeds venue will seat 70 guests and will be located on Boar Lane, expect queues out the door and us firmly stood at the very front.
HYGGE, the much-loved Sheffield-based brunch and coffee spot, is setting up shop right here in Leeds.
Located on Woodhouse Lane, the new 2,000 sq. ft venue will be HYGGE’s fourth site and its first outside of Sheffield. Known for its inviting, chilled out atmosphere, HYGGE has become a staple for Sheffield students and locals alike.
Offering a selection of artisan coffees, matches and smoothies as well as a perfectly curated brunch menu made with locally sourced ingredients. Trust us, you're going to love it.
The north’s favourite Mexican is bringing not one, but two venues to Leeds City Centre this summer. Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, is setting up shop on Wellington Street.
And not only that but Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, will open just around the corner. Now that’s a double whammy we can get behind.
For all your yoga bunnies, this one’s for you. The luxury activewear brand is opening one of its first stores outside of London right here in Leeds. Taking over the old Ted Baker site, it’s going to be a big one too.
Dough Club, a Manchester-based Detroit-style pizzeria, is planning to open up in Leeds.
Famed for their chewy, thick, cheesy crusts that are loaded with all the toppings imaginable, they'll be opening up a spot on Burley Road for all your pizza needs.
Authentic Turkish street food is coming to Kirkgate.
Leeds city centre is gearing up to welcome yet another new food spot, and this one is all about homemade lahmacun, shawarma wraps and plenty of signature tahini sauce.
Tahin will open its doors at 10 Kirkgate, next to The Cat Cafe, and with signs already up we don't think it'll be long until they welcome their first customers.
The restaurant is listed as a Turkish restaurant that specialise in their homemade tahini sauce, hence the name.
According to the restaurant's Instagram profile which has been going for a few years, Tahin also specialises in home-made lahmacun wraps alongside shawarma wraps.
For anyone unfamiliar with lahmacun, the Turkish staple is often described as a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a richly seasoned mixture of minced meat, herbs and vegetables.
Wrapped up with fresh salad and sauces, it makes for a satisfying and flavourful lunch to enjoy on-the-go.
Their Instagram suggests that Tahin once existed before back in 2022, so although this may not be a completely new venture, we're nevertheless very glad to see them back.
Its location puts it right in the middle of one of Leeds' busiest areas, making it the perfect mid-shopping pit stop for those wandering around Briggate or stopping for a bite to eat before heading out on the town.
The new opening comes at a time when Leeds' food scene is continuing to expand, with a string of independent restaurants and street-food concepts opening across the city centre throughout 2026.
This Leeds bistro has been named one of the best restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around
Clementine Hall
A much-loved neighbourhood Leeds restaurant has been given another major accolade.
There’s no shortage of brilliant places to eat in Leeds, but one Horsforth bistro has just been given a pretty huge seal of approval - and it might be worth planning your next staycation around.
The brilliant Bavette has been named one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around by Condé Nast Traveller, appearing alongside a handpicked list of restaurants from across the country.
The list celebrates neighbourhood restaurants that are worth travelling for, with the magazine highlighting the growing appeal of venturing outside of busy city centres in search of smaller, more intimate places to eat.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And Leeds has bagged itself a spot thanks to Bavette, and we can't say we're surprised.
The French-inspired neighbourhood bistro is run by chef Sandy Jarvis and his husband Clément Cousin.
Since opening in 2024, Bavette has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about restaurants, attracting diners far beyond its Horsforth home and scooping up accolades such as the 2024 Good Food Guide's Best UK Local Restaurant, a 2025 and 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a place in the 2026 National Restaurant Awards Top 100.
Condé Nast Traveller hails Bavette as "a true neighbourhood gem", saying: "The restaurant takes its cues from the couple’s London bistro roots, serving hearty yet elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients.”
They finish by saying: "Reservations are hard to come by - but so worth it once you get your foot in the door."
We really couldn't agree more.
And while a trip to Horsforth might not technically count as a staycation for us Leeds locals, Bavette is certainly one restaurant worth crossing the city for.
Clementine Hall -
10th September 2025 
