Get ready to take a trip to the Mediterranean this September.
If you’re a fan of an all-you-can-eat buffet, then this new opening is the one for you.
Get ready to channel your inner ‘Man V. Food’ because an exciting new dining concept called La Fiesta is heading to the heart of Leeds this September, with a new ‘all you can eat’ experience inspired by the rich flavours of the Mediterranean.
Located on Merrion Way in the Merrion Centre, La Fiesta promises to immerse diners in the culinary traditions of Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Greece.
Image: Supplied
Now that’s a lot of cuisines under one roof.
This is the brand’s second venue in Yorkshire following the huge success of La Fiesta in Doncaster, where the original concept was launched in 2015 by hospitality entrepreneur Masud Rana.
Set across approximately 3,000 sq ft and seating up to 100 guests, diners will begin their experience at a central salad bar with a choice of antipasti-style favourites, including classic Pinchos, Italian and Spanish cheeses, charcuterie, artisan breads, and Mediterranean-inspired salads.
Image: Supplied
Tapas is then made fresh to order and served to the table in waves throughout the meal where guests can order an initial three tapas dishes followed by two choices at a time.
A dedicated churros station complete with a flowing chocolate fountain offers a sweet ending to the dining experience.
One thing’s for sure, you won’t be leaving hungry.
La Fiesta will launch with an exclusive preview night on Wednesday 10 September, offering a 50% discount on all food bookings from 5pm.
Spaces are limited and can be booked here. This will be followed by the official public opening on Friday 12 September at 12pm.
Speaking about the launch, La Fiesta director, Masud Rana, said: “La Fiesta is a unique place where people can come together to enjoy a wide range of delicious Mediterranean food in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, whatever the occasion.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to create a fantastic dining space and vibrant ambiance, and we are hugely excited to reveal all to customers in the coming weeks.”
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Clementine Hall -
27th August 2025 
