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
In pictures – Mexican restaurant Madre opens up in Leeds at last
Madre is one of those few restaurants that has been making us jealous of Manchester for years - but finally, it’s Leeds’ turn.
A couple of months after the launch of Salon Madre, a colourful pool hall and taqueria, it’s time for Leeds to welcome its sister restaurant.
Madre will open its doors on Wellington Place this week, promising to educate us all in the art of ‘sobremesa’, which means to linger at the table long after the meal is over.
And trust us, after popping in for a sneak peek today, you won’t be in a rush to leave this place.
The unit has been totally transformed by the Madre team - it’s all jagged angles on the tables and soft curves on the walls, with a colour palette that goes all the way from deep terracotta to neon green.
From an open kitchen you can see the team constructing tacos and piling oysters with jalapeño mignonette and salsa brava.
The menu is split neatly into four sections - snacks (elote, wings, Caesar salad and guac); raw (oysters, tuna tostadas, and aguachile); tacos (including birria); and parilla (wood-fired dishes like BBQ octopus and slow cooked lamb breast).
Click through the gallery below to see inside Madre Leeds
Madre LeedsA selection of the Madre Leeds menuDishes at Madre in LeedsMargaritas are a mustBeef birria tacosFire-roasted mushrooms with egg yolkMadre opens in Leeds this weekBone marrowMadre on Wellington PlaceOysters with salsa
Pull up a seat at a tile-topped table and you can expect to dig into everything from rich Oaxacan-inspired moles and salsas to Baja-style mariscos and Sonoran grilled meats.
Pop down on a Tuesday and you can take advantage of Madre’s two-for-one taco deal - we can’t really think of a better evening than tucking into dinner at Madre before heading across the road for happy hour margs and a game of pool at Salon Madre.
Madre is brought to the city by the teams behind London’s famous Breddos Tacos and esteemed Liverpudlian eatery Belzan.
Leeds’ first frozen yoghurt bar is opening in Headingley this weekend
Clementine Hall
The frozen yoghurt craze is on its way to Leeds as Kefiyo is set to open in Headingley in just a few days.
It's a phenomenon that has caught the attention of the TikTok and Instagram girlies as of late, with frozen yoghurt bars popping up in Manchester and going viral online.
The ice cold sweet treat is supposedly 'healthy' and with a slogan of 'eat Clean. feel Light. live Better.' - this new spot in Leeds seems to be going down that route too.
Kefiyo will be opening in the old Sixes site on Ash Road in Headingley, and they've just announced that they'll be soft launching this Sunday 19 April 2026.
The space is already sporting a super cute pastel green and pink exterior, and it's exactly matching the aesthetic that you'd expect with froyo.
Kefiyo will offer a range of frozen yoghurt flavours with a whole bunch of toppings for you to customise to your tastebuds, as well as fresh acai bowls.
Situated slap bang in the centre of Headingley, we've got a feeling it'll be very busy with students on their way to their morning lecture or at night for those looking for a sweet treat that doesn't feel too naughty.
We'll keep you updated on more Kefiyo updates as and when we find out.
But in the meantime, you can keep an eye on their socials here. We'll see you soon for a scoop Leeds.
Sophie Smith -
22nd March 2022 
