For foodies that feel like they've seen it all in the city; newcomers looking to explore the local cuisine or just if you fancy doing something a little different in town this week - Leeds Food Tour is offering you the chance to see Leeds in a whole new light.
There's currently two different food tours you can choose from to explore the city with, but we opted for the Hidden Gems tour.
We're always on the lookout for more under-the-radar places to check out so we headed out to explore six of Leeds' best hidden gems using the Leeds Food Tour app.
Easy-to-navigate and full of fun features, facts about the businesses and those all-important directions, the app was the perfect companion for the trip.
Sweet Saeeda
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Hidden just around the corner from the main food hall, you’ll find a handful of chairs and a carefully considered menu that truly brings the best of Tunisian cuisine to Leeds. Since 2015 Sweet Saeeda has been a popular lunchtime option for many, the fresh flavours and friendly service being just two reasons. Choose your base, including the likes of paprika chicken, Merguez sausage, falafel and halloumi before watching your sarnie or bowl prepared in front of your eyes from the grains and sauces on the counter - there’s endless combos to keep us returning here after Leeds Food Tour.
Delhi Wala Food
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Delhi Wala can be found under the arches of the train station, and as well as having one of the best-value meal deals in town, the small plates and curries on offer are light, and packed with flavour.
On the tour, you're offered three different plates of butter chicken, onion bhajis and samosa chaat: these were by far the most filling of our tour, but probably because we just couldn't get enough of that yoghurt-based dip and kept going back for more.
SQEW
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Sqew is quickly becoming something of a cult favourite in Leeds, for those that are in the know that is. Mitch and the team serve up authentic lamb, chicken and doner shawarmas as wraps, salad bowls and platters, each piled high with fresh salad and sauces.
The Cheesy Living Co.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Located inside Leeds Corn Exchange, The Cheesy Living Co. serves up cheese and charcuterie aplenty, as well as stocking fancy deli items and everything you'd want from 'a modern kind of off licence'. Leeds Food Tour offers the perfect opportunity to taste-test some of the store's bestsellers and new additions with a cheese board to share.
Eat Your Greens
This organic restaurant is serving up no fuss farm to fork goodness and using the best local produce possible to feed us lot with a weekly changing seasonal menu that wows every single time.
Leeds Food Tours offers the chance to sample some risotto, a fish finger butty or another of the smaller plates on the menu whilst you browse through the ‘Greens Grocers’, stocking up specialist products from tinned fish and chilli oil to fresh bread and organic groceries.
KULT
Of course what's a meal out without grabbing some pudding on the way out? Kult Gelato is just opposite Leeds Kirkgate Market and remains one of the only places in Leeds you'll find ube-flavoured ice cream that adds that satisfying purple stripe to the dish.
To find out how you can head out on your very own Leeds Food Tours, visit the website here.
Feature Image - The Hoot Leeds
Eats
‘This recognition belongs to you’ – Leeds restaurant added to the Michelin Guide just months after opening
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Sophie Smith -
28th March 2024 
