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.”
Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.
Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.
This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.
Image: O Katsu
Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.
But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.
Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.
We don't know much abut the opening date just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.
There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.
One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.
Leeds pizza shop hailed ‘exceptional’ and ‘best in the UK’ by major reviewer
Clementine Hall
A Leeds pizza takeaway has received a glowing review from popular review duo.
Edges Pizza opened up their first permanent spot in Leeds back in June this year, after making a name for themselves slinging out pizzas at multiple pop-ups across the city.
Owners Grace and Edge from Harrogate opened Edges Pizza two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their pizzas are a love letter to the class New York slice, think thin and crispy rather than chewy and floppy. But above all else, think absolutely delicious.
And now, they've caught the attention of a major review page, with Bite Twice Food Reviews (a page with almost 300k followers) paying Edges a visit.
The food review duo of Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany popped up in Holbeck beneath the arches to get their hands on a pizza, and the outcome is brilliant.
In the video, Bite Twice said that the pizza is 'f**cking exceptional' and up there with 'one of the best pizzas in the UK'.
Before even taking a bite, they said: "On aesthetic, I don't think anywhere in the UK is doing pizza like this".
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Then after the first bite, they go on to say: "There are very few pizzas in the UK that create this, I’m a little bit blown away".
As Londoners themselves, they go on to say that Edges is 'easily hitting with the best that we’ve got down south'.
And if that's not high praise enough, they sign off the video saying: "Leeds has got an absolute gem. I give this a stamp so hard my foot went through the pizza. Edges. Don Level."
Clementine Hall -
27th August 2025 
