SquareMeal has released its annual list of the best places to eat in the country, and one of Leeds' best eateries has made it onto the list.
The restaurant guide's annual list of the best places to eat in the country is based on reviews from its food critics and thousands of user votes.
Presenting its list for 2024, which doesn't include London, SquareMeal said the awards had been months in the making and says it includes the "highest calibre of restaurants yet".
One restaurant in Leeds, and the only one in West Yorkshire, has made it onto the list at number 97.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tharavadu, located on Mill Hill, specialises in Keralan cuisine and is famously favoured by former India cricket captain Virat Kohli.
SquareMeal said about Tharavadu: "Tharavadu is a well-respected Indian restaurant in Leeds city centre, serving a wide-ranging Indian menu that focuses on Keralan cuisine. Kerala's long coastline has long made it one of the more multicultural regions of India, as traders have visited via the ocean for many hundreds of years.
"As well as growing lots of rice, Keralan cuisine also blends influences from all of these trading peoples, and the menu at Tharavadu reflects that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Inside, this is no mere Indian takeaway. The restaurant has been neatly designed, with rich wood tones contrasting against cool grey walls. The natural herringbone wood floors and solid wood tables give the restaurant a flexible feel - it's smart enough for more formal occasions and celebrations, but still relaxed enough to drop in with a friend for a bite to eat."
Five North Yorkshire restaurants were included in the list, Myse in Hovingham, The Angel at Hetton, The Abbey Inn Byland and Skosh and Roots in York.
Bench in Sheffield was also included in the list, and came in at 67th place.
Find out more about SquareMeal's UK's Top 100 Restaurants for 2024 here.
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Clementine Hall -
25th January 2024 
