Kino has only been open for a few short months, but the former cinema space has done nothing but fuse casual and fine dining in one a stunning setting.
The Grade II listed building has been home to charcuterie boards and pre-show cocktails for those catching a show at neighbouring Opera North, or acted as a laid back afternoon watering hole for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city centre life in an intimate venue.
Now, local independent kitchen MorMor will be taking over as part of a foodie takeover for the remainder of the year- and you can catch a glimpse of their locally renowned Levantine cuisine from tonight.
The carefully-curated menu is made up of a range of delicious small plates inspired by spices from the crossroads of western Asia, the eastern Mediterranean and North-East Africa, each of which tells a story through flavour.
Chargrilled Onion, Orange and Fennel with Thyme. / Image: Chapter 81
We're talking sophisticated blends of roast aubergine with a date and almond crumb, dressed in a herb oil and honey tahini yoghurt, or the likes of butterfly cut king prawns barbecued over coals inside their shells and smothered in a warm harissa butter with chillies, Aleppo pepper and herbs.
The idea is that diners will be able to choose roughly two plates each, with options ranging from soft shell crab and sauteed green beans to tabbouleh, and can share the sensory experience with their diners.
MorMor has built a reputation across the North for its stunning Levantine dishes. / Image: MorMor, Instagram
There's also a large plate option, ideal for two people wanting to share, whilst includes inventive combinations like French cut lamb racks served pink with a za'atar crumb, spiced chermoula yoghurt, roast butternut squash purée and homemade flatbread.
Taking on a Palestinian staple, MorMor is also offering Guineafowl Musakhan, a Guineafowl roasted in sumac and pomegrate with toasted pine nuts and caramelised onions.
And if that's not enough, there's plenty of nibbly bits on the Mezze menu for starters of a light bite. Think Kurdish naan, hummus, roasted feta and cucumber, as well as patron peppers and mixed bread portions with za'atar and garlic oil.
MorMor launches at Kino from Wednesday 14 September 2022. / Image: Chapter 81
The new menu from MorMor, and the entire Kino dining space, is designed for bringing people together to anticipate, and embrace that joyous occasion of trying new flavours with like-minded company- and you're not going to be disappointed here.
To taste test the MorMor kitchen takeover at Kino Leeds and find out why this menu is anticipated to be a Leeds' favourite, visit Kino Wednesday - Saturday until the end of the year.
Feature Image- MorMor
Eats
National food critic crowns Leeds restaurant as one of his top three in Britain
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Popular Yorkshire burger chain to move into old Five Guys site in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
From one burger chain to the next...
The big Five Guys site on Duncan Street by The Corn Exchange has been empty for quite some time now, after the chain moved into a new premises on the top floor of Trinity Shopping Centre.
But now, a new burger joint is taking its place.
Urban Fresh Burger was born back in 2017 over in Doncaster and has since built a cult following across Yorkshire, opening a total of five sites.
Their selling point is offering a 'healthier' style of burger using fresh and local ingredients, all of which are fully customisable and made to order.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
But don't just take our word for it, here's how Urban Fresh Burger describe themselves: "A healthier choice with flawless flavour, our signature smashed burgers and hand-cut fresh fries keep customers coming back.
"Our secret sauce? Choosing only the freshest, best quality ingredients from local suppliers. It’s a commitment we’ve held true to since day one, and one we’ll never compromise on."
So, what can you expect to see on the menu? Of course - burgers. We're talking beef burgers, chicken burgers and veggie burgers that come with free unlimited toppings so you can stack yours to your heart's desire.
Choose from a huge list such as lettuce, jalapenos, tomato, coleslaw, onion, grilled mushrooms - the list really does go.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find chicken tenders, boneless wings, mozzarella sticks and milkshakes.
Pretty much, they're bringing everything you're craving on your next cheat day to Duncan Street, and we're sure it's going to go down a storm. We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we find out.
Find out more about what to expect from Urban Fresh Burger here.
Sophie Smith -
14th September 2022 
