Whilst travelling to the big apple is now a possibility thanks to the relaxation of travel restrictions, we can't exactly hop over the pond every time we crave some American-style cuisine.
Having recently launched their spring menu, any of Manahatta's venues in Leeds offer a taste of New York inside their bar without the six-hour flight.
The bar chain is already well known around the city for its bustling ambience, holding a reputation for being a favourite amongst those seeking an escape from the 9-5 and a refreshing menu of food and drink, so naturally their updated spring menu is no exception to this.
Channeling their New York influence even further, Manahatta has upgraded their sandwich section to become NYC-style sourdough bagels and light and fluffy bao buns with toppings of your choice.
The Rueben bagel is also a must-try authentic New York classic and is stuffed with pastrami, cheese, sauerkraut, gherkins and sweet mustard.
Discerning Leeds foodies will notice the return of the huge Empire State Chicken stack.
The lunch and dinnertime option comes as a towered stack of crisp coated chicken, waffles, American cheese, purple slaw and maple syrup, with a serving of barbecue sauce or thick gravy to pour over the stack and fries. Thick, juicy and tender- this is the ultimate chicken dinner inspired by the USA.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Carnivores will also be delighted to see indulgent upgrades like Manahatta’s new and improved recipe for the Steak Frites: sliced 8oz rump steak, fried onions, garlic mushrooms, Monterey Jack cheese and peppercorn sauce, loaded onto skin-on fries.
Elsewhere on the menu, guests are finally welcoming the return of dishes designed to be shared. Their updated selection of small plates includes the Mojo Cod Tacos, topped with salsa verde, mojo sauce and crunchy slaw and the Beet ‘n’ Goat Bruschetta, bursting with colour, creamy English goat’s cheese and red, candy and golden beetroot.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
These are light, summer-inspired options that are bursting with zesty flavour, perfect for an afternoon in the beer garden.
The halloumi fajitas are just as colourful and packed with flavour: create your own combinations using sizzling slices of halloumi, toasted wraps and a whole host of toppings like tomato salsa, guac and bright salads.
The new Manahatta brunch menu is available until 4pm each day, whilst the main menu takes guests into the evening with larger portions and incredible flavours that truly do resemble a bite of New York City.
To get your foodie fix, Manahatta have multiple bars in Leeds: two in the city centre on Greek Street and Merrion Street, as well as a large venue in Headingley.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
Eats
Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Leeds has been crowned the best city in the UK for foodies outside of London
Clementine Hall
It's fantastic news for our city as Leeds has been crowned one of the best cities in the UK for foodies.
It's news that we've been pretty certain of for some time, but it's still nice to be recognised isn't it?
It comes from a new study carried out by credit card brand Aqua who analysed 30 major UK cities across a range of dining and social media metrics, including cuisine variety, restaurant availability, meal affordability, Michelin recognition and TikTok hashtag volumes.
Coming in at number on was, of course, London.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
With 47 cuisines, 22.5 restaurants per 10,000 residents and 81 Michelin-starred establishments, the capital unsurprisingly continues to dominate the UK’s culinary scene.
But in at number two was our glorious city of Leeds, supported by the highest restaurant density in the study, with 38.5 establishments per 10,000 people, and strong affordability compared with cities in the south.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We will absolutely take that.
Other northern spots to feature on the list include Sheffield and Bradford in sixth and eighth place.
The top ten UK cities for foodies are:
London
Leeds
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Wolverhampton / Leicester
Sheffield
Birmingham / Glasgow
Bradford / Swansea
Preston
Milton Keynes
Here in Leeds we've got so many fabulous food spots, with new openings cropping up every month it's hard to keep track.
From the multi award-winning Bavette Bistro in Horsforth to the highly acclaimed indie Bundobust that started off in Leeds - you certainly won't find yourself hungry or at a loss for somewhere to eat here.
Sophie Smith -
22nd March 2022 
