We are truly spoilt for choice for fantastic restaurants in Leeds. But if you’re looking to treat yourself to something special, the Michelin Guide is a good place to start.
This year, three city venues have been featured in the guide with one being a completely new entry, Craig Rogan at The Collective.
The Ox Club has maintained its spot for a whopping seventh year running and firm favourite The Man Behind The Curtain has been omitted from the list, as Michael O'Hare shut down his restaurant to re-invent the concept and with that gave up his one Michelin Star.
There's also some great spots across West Yorkshire featured on the guide, which are well worth a visit if you fancy a trot out of the city centre.
Here are the full list of Michelin recommended restaurants in Leeds.
Ox Club
Where: Bramleys Yard, The Headrow, Leeds
Price: ££
Image: The Hoot Leeds
What the guide says: “A former mill houses this multi-floor venue comprising a beer hall, cocktail bar, event space and restaurant. The latter boasts a wood-fired grill imported from the USA; rustic, smoky-flavoured dishes showcase Yorkshire ingredients.”
Craig Rogan at The Collective
Where: 33 Boar Lane, Leeds
Price: £££
Image: The Hoot Leeds
What the guide says: "Housed inside the creative hub that is 'The Collective', in the centre of bustling Leeds, this minimally decorated spot operates as a café by day and a restaurant by night.
Thoroughly modern, clever cooking is offered by the eponymous chef, who knows how to put an immense amount of flavour into every dish – the violet potato with ox cheek, bone marrow and lovage is a prime example of the kitchen’s talents. Choose between a 5 or 8 course tasting menu, or from the concise à la carte."
HOME
Where: 3 Brewery Place, Leeds
Image: HOME
What the guide says: “Set alongside the River Aire, this spacious ground floor restaurant is filled with natural light. The enthusiastic team serve pre-paid, set price menus and cooking shows imagination, creativity and a playful edge. For the optimum experience, go for the 10 course menu with wine pairings to match.”
Forde
Where: 7 Town Street, Horsforth
Price: £
Image: Forde
What the guide says: “Experienced chef Matt Healy – a onetime ‘MasterChef: The Professionals’ contestant – has come home to Horsforth to open this rustic bistro and wine bar. His appealing menu features appetising small plates with Mediterranean influences; two or three per person works well, and there are some well-chosen wines, craft beers and cocktails too.”
Prashad
Where: 137 Whitehall Road, Drighlington
Price: ££
Image: Prashad
What the guide says: “Set over two floors of a former pub, this colourfully decorated, family-run restaurant offers interesting, original Indian vegetarian cooking inspired by the owners Gujarati heritage. Dishes are substantial in both size and flavour and spicing is well-judged; the dosas are popular.”
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.