Hidden away in the Queens Arcade, Simpatico has been serving up some of the best Pizza al Taglio around for long enough for us to know that they know what they're doing when it comes to Italian cuisine.
Now, on a mission to showcase their treats to the brunchtime masses, Simpatico have launched Termini, a bottomless brunch experience not to be missed.
Named after Rome’s iconic central station at the heart of the Eternal City, expect fast-paced service, with every top up running to clockwork standards.
Of course, the drinks included pay homage to their namesake, so expect the likes of refreshing Aperol Spritz, G&Ts, and even top-tier beers like Peroni, served in 330ml bottles. There's a glass of fizz on arrival, plus Prosecco can be served throughout the sitting too, so there's something for every palette.
Image: Simpatico
The only thing missing from this authentic Italian experience is the beaming sunshine and 45 degree heat, though given it is only winter- we're willing to sacrifice the warmth for some delicious food and drink.
All these beverages are sure to get your stomach warmed up, and there's plenty of choice on offer. For starters (yes, you get two courses with this bottomless, how great is that?), guests are encouraged to tuck into an antipasto platter made up of cured meats, olives, warm slices of bread and classic cheeses like mozzarella, blues and good ol' cheddar.
Pizzas are served by the slice in true Simpatico style and the pick 'n' mix flavours are cooked fresh with flavours that will only be confirmed on the day. Expect classic margaritas, mushrooms, pepperoni as well as more exciting toppings like olives and salami chunks.
No two pieces are the same, the same as downstairs where Simpatico's endless menu changes on a regular basis- and we love that we never quite know what we'll be in for. Once you've had your first round of pizzas, you can keep your plate topped up throughout the entire experience with as many slices as you can manage to fit into the two hour sitting.
Image: Simpatico
So in brief, you're looking at an authentic Italian feast with unlimited pizza and booze for two hours- and it only comes to £29.95 per person, a bargain if you ask us.
There's space for forty upstairs in the bottomless dining area, but you can book as many or as few seats as you would like- just make sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. All bookings must be made online and cannot be made in store, so head to the Simpatico website to get your space reserved.
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Sophie Smith -
27th January 2022 
