Eats

A new Korean and Japanese fusion restaurant has opened in Leeds

Serving up authentic Korean cuisine with some Japanese elements, this is Asian fusion at its finest

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 17th September 2021

A new restaurant selling Korean and Japanese-fusion dishes has opened in Leeds.

Called Oba Kitchen, you'll find it in Leeds' Merrion Centre on the Wade Lane Side. Serving up authentic Korean cuisine with some Japanese elements, this is Asian fusion at its finest.

Whilst it's not all vegan, there are some brilliant options for those on a plant-based diet with a huge selection of vegan starters, mains and sushi.

Think tofu katsu teriyaki, katsu curry and tofu steak, plus iconic Korean veggie bibimbap, toppokki (vegan rice cake with a sweet-spicy sauce) and Kinoko butter (assorted mushrooms, garlic and vegan butter).

Image: Oba Kitchen

As for the meat-eaters, there's plenty of options for you too - with dishes like ginger pork belly and flambe king scallops cooked in brandy, classic nobu style black cod miso and cumin lamb racks listed alongside the likes of bibimbap, katsu and beef steak wraps.

Enjoy alongside side dishes like Korean glass noodles. steamed rice, cold buckwheat noodles with wasabi or opt for a selection of their extensive sushi menu - which spans a huge selection of special handmade Oba rolls and nigiri.

On the drinks front, you'll find a selection of signature Korean wines like kooksoondang, shirokiku and soju served alongside Japanese plum wine.

Image: Oba Kitchen

Elsewhere, you'll find a good selection of whites, reds and sparkling wines alongside classic cocktails like espresso martinis, coconut slings and honey butter old fashioned, plus beers, spirits and ciders.

Oba Kitchen is not the only new addition to arrive at the Merrion centre, either. The shopping centre has also just welcomed a new hairdressing salon called Hair by Gordon, which specialises in cutting Asian men and women's hair.

Charles Newman, owners of the Merrion Centre said: “It’s fantastic to welcome this latest duo of businesses to the Merrion Centre and we’re confident their specialist offerings will prove popular with new and existing visitors including the increasing international student population within close proximity.

To find out more about Oba Kitchen, follow them on Instagram here.

Feature image - Oba Kitchen

Eats

Leeds has been crowned the best city in the UK for foodies outside of London

Clementine Hall 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:

  1. London
  2. Leeds
  3. Nottingham
  4. Edinburgh
  5. Wolverhampton / Leicester
  6. Sheffield
  7. Birmingham / Glasgow
  8. Bradford / Swansea
  9. Preston
  10. 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.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds


Eats

10 of the best places in Leeds to get a pint of Guinness this St Patrick’s Day

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

As we approach St. Patrick’s day it’s important we talk about the famous Irish stout loved by people all over the world. 

There are so many pubs in and around Leeds that provide a lovely cold pint of Guinness, and I’m sure we could keep updating this list forever but here are some of our favourites. 

But what makes a good pint of Guinness? There are five crucial stages to achieving the perfect pint of Guinness. First of all, you need to use a clean, cool branded glass- this is essential to get you off to a good start, a warm dirty glass is just a disaster waiting to happen.

Next, pour the first part of your two-part pour at a 45-degree angle until it’s 3/4 full. Now you need to be patient, and allow the drink time to settle. Top up by pushing the handle away from you, leaving a 15-21mm dome-like head. Again, let your drink settle and admire your perfect pint of Guinness.

Templar Hotel

Image: The Hoot Leeds

This spot is a bit of Leeds legend, with the original 1927 wood panelling, booths, stained glass and bar still holding out it’s completely steeped in history. On top of all that, it’s a fantastic spot to grab a quiet pint and especially a pint of Guinness. 

Where to find them: Templar Street, LS2 7NU

Whitelock’s Ale House

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Whitelock’s is the oldest pub in Leeds, founded all the way back in 1715, their popularity in Leeds has never faltered. With a lovely cosy atmosphere during the colder months and sun trap outside seating to spend the summer days - Whitelock’s will always be near the top of our list when recommending pubs around our great city.  They’re the only pub in all of Leeds to feature on Guinness' very own Harp Guide - so you know it must be good.

Where to find them: Turks Head Yard, LS1 6HB

Brewery Wharf Tavern

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Relatively new to the Leeds pub scene, the Brewery Wharf Tavern is really going to come into its own during summer. Overlooking the canal on Leeds Dock, we can't think of a more scenic place to sink a few pints of the black stuff.

Where to find them: 3 Brewery Pl, LS10 1NE

The Highland Laddie

Voted the Best Pub in Britain of 2025 by The Good Food Guide, everything The Highland Laddie touches turns to gold and that includes the Guinness. Make sure you grab a couple of bar oysters to go with it, because doesn't that just sound like a match made in heaven?

Where to find them: 38 Cavendish St, LS3 1LY

Oporto

Image: The Hoot Leeds

This Irish pub on Call Lane is an absolute classic. Whether you're stopping here for an after-work pint in the sunshine or stumbling in at 3am, a pint of Guinness here is always a good idea.

Where to find them: 33 Call Ln, LS1 7BT

The Adelphi 

An abundance of late Victorian architecture, The Adelphi is the perfect setting for a casual yet distinctly memorable drinking and eating experience. Whether you’re looking for a lazy lunch or family dinner, The Adelphi offers tempting and flavoursome food, an explorative drinks menu and an authentic, homely atmosphere to suit all occasions.

Where to find them: Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ

O’Neill’s 

This friendly Irish pub in Leeds is just across the road from the train station and they are never short of Guinness - obviously. The atmosphere is great, just what you would expect from an Irish bar. If you're looking for a spot to celebrate St Paddy's day this year, you can't wrong giving O'neill's a go.

Where to find them: Boar Lane, LS1 5DA

Nation of Shopkeepers

Not only a great spot in Leeds to grab a Sunday roast, Nation of Shopkeepers also pulls a lovely pint of Guinness. There's plenty of reasons to spend a full day here with the choice of the open courtyard or the cosy booths inside, as well as delicious burgers and fried chicken to accompany your pint. 

Where to find them: Cookridge Street, LS2 3AG

The Brunswick

Image: The Hoot Leeds

A firm favourite amongst Leeds locals, The Brunswick, has 9 keg lines, 6 cask lines, and over 50 beers in the fridges, it is most definitely a beer lover’s heaven. So of course, they serve a very good pint of Guinness.

Alongside this, their food is all home cooked and made with the freshest ingredients. They also cater for vegans and vegetarians so everyone is made to feel welcome at this cosy, neighbourhood pub.

Where to find them: North Street, LS2 7PN

The Duck and Drake

Image: The Hoot Leeds

This historic pub on Kirkgate is known for its banging live music, buzzing beer garden and of course, cracking pints of Guinness. This is a spot you'll want to visit when the sun comes out.

Where to find them: 43 Kirkgate, LS2 7DR

Read more:

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

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