Ramen at the ready Leeds, because Fuji Hiro is reopening its doors.
It's a good day for foodies as one of the city's most-loved independent restaurants is reopening its doors under new management.
And trust us, you're going to love it.
Fuji Hiro, Leeds' original Japanese restaurant and somewhat of an institution, originally opened on Wade Lane in 1997 and amassed a cult following for nearly three decades thanks to its no-nonsense authentic Japanese cooking.
Sadly, earlier this year the previous owners announced it was closing which was met with widespread disappointment from locals.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
But now, Fuji Hiro is making a triumphant return under new management, with Leeds-born entrepreneur James Douglas at the helm.
The restaurant at the Merrion Centre boasts a fresh look and a refined menu including slurp-worthy ramen and sizzling noodles to crispy gyoza and crunchy katsu.
Fuji Hiro owner, James Douglas, said: “We’re hugely excited to finally open the doors an bring Fuji Hiro back to life. This relaunch is all about honouring Fuji Hiro’s legacy while welcoming a new generation of diners to discover what’s made it so special for so many years.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
“We can’t wait welcome back all the Fuji fans and introduce newcomers to the incredible tastes and aromas of its authentic Japanese cuisine.”
Charles Newman, associate director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, added: “We’re incredibly excited to see Fuji Hiro reopen its doors. It’s a much-missed gem in Leeds’ food scene and its return brings a real buzz to the Merrion Centre. We know loyal fans will be first in line.”
Matcha girls assemble, because a new cafe dedicated to it is opening right here in Leeds.
It seems like matcha has taken the world by storm over the past year or so, more often than not you'll see caffeine enthusiasts walking around with bright green drinks over a cup of coffee.
If you're one of those people then you're in luck, because a cafe dedicated to the stuff is opening right here in Leeds.
Introducing Made Matcha, a matcha and açaí bar that has created waves in the foodie scene over in Sheffield since opening back in September last year.
Images: The Sheff
And it's pretty clear they're doing very well indeed, to be opening a second site in another city less than six months after launching is no mean feat.
Made Matcha will be opening on Lower Briggate in the Nice Things site, the beautiful plant shop hasn't been around for long and sadly closed quietly without much noise.
So, what can we expect from Made?
This pastel green paradise specialise in seasonal matchas that (almost) look too pretty to drink.
Images: The Sheff
You can get everything from a Strawberry Shortcake Matcha to a Sticky Date Latte, and you can pretty much guarantee that every time you go they'll have a few more specials on the menu.
Our mates over at The Sheff recommend the Banana Bread Matcha and to be honest, you don't have to tell us twice.
Not only do they serve gallons of the good green stuff, but you can also get fresh açaí bowls, sandwiches and superfood smoothies.
We've got a feeling this spot will be very busy post-pilates class on a Saturday morning, and to be honest we'll see you there.
There's no opening date yet, but we'll keep you in the loop.
Where to find the very best pizza in Leeds and the surrounding areas
Clementine Hall
Circle or square, thin crust or deep dish, pizza is always a good idea.
From double-fermented sourdough to Fior di Latte mozzarella, the pizza options in Leeds leave you feeling like you’ve stepped onto the cobbled streets of Rome.
But of course finding that perfect slice for you can be hard, so we've rounded our very favourite spots in and around Leeds where you can try to find it - in no particular order.
Rudy's
Image: The Hoot Leeds
With three locations in Leeds, Rudy’s is an absolute classic if you're looking for a banging Neapolitan style pizza.
Their dough is made using Caputo ‘00’ flour (which ferments for at least 24 hours), which is then topped with quality ingredients imported from Naples, including the likes of San Marzano tomatoes grown on fields next to Mount Vesuvius, and Fior di Latte mozzarella.
Wash it all down with a classic Aperol Spritz or Campari soda, and you’ve got the perfect combination.
Dough Boys
Image: The Hoot Leeds
For anyone who spends their weekends chilling out in Belgrave Music Hall, you’ll know the pure joy of ordering a slice of Dough Boys.
Describing themselves as having a ‘love affair with dough’ they are famous in Leeds for their slices and pies with some delicious innovative flavours as well as the loved classic. The pizzas are hand stretched using all fresh ingredients, sourced from local producers.
You can grab slices for half price Sunday to Thursday until 7pm.
Homeboy Pizza Co.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Probably one of Leeds' most famous indies, Homeboy Pizza Co sling out some of the best slices in the city.
Now with two locations, one in Roundhay and one in Burley - it's the only place to order from if you're looking to get tucked up on the sofa and get stuck into a proper pie.
Poco
Fried Sicilian calzone and Pizza Al Taglio have become a Leeds foodie staple all because of POCO.
The flavours here are imaginative, but authentic. Think spicy Calabrian ‘Nduja sausage with roast peppers and mozzarella, pear and gorgonzola or even ham and potatoes (and by potatoes, we mean mini fries) across huge oblong slices of pizza; with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to compliment the seemingly never-ending selection. It makes for the perfect takeaway lunch.
Pizza Pilgrims
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A relatively new addition to Leeds, Pizza Pilgrims on Boar Lane make some absolutely banging pies.
Known for their iconic leopard crust, their pizzas are authentic and made with the best quality ingredients. We'd recommend ordering a few of their sides too, the cucumber salad is out of this world.
Edges Pizza
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Located on Green Room's rooftop, Edges Pizza are bringing a slice of New York City to Leeds. Thin, crispy bases which can be dipped into a range of sauces - it's the perfect slice to dive into with a couple cocktails on the side. Bliss.
Livin' Italy
Fancy a trip to Rome whilst staying within the LS postcode? Take a trip to Livin' Italy where they specialise in authentic Italian food, and they do it very well.
They’ve got a great selection including a spicy pizza with tomato sauce, goat cheese, mozzarella fiordilatte, grated parmesan, Calabrian chilli sausage ‘Nduja, and spicy salami spianata. These kind of flavours, you won't find anywhere else in Leeds. Looking for something more classic? We'd recommend with mozzarella fiordilatte, pecorino romano, goat cheese, grated parmesan, sweet gorgonzola, walnut crumble & fried sage.
Water Lane Boathouse
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Not just famous for hosting arguably Leeds' best quiz night or the huge ourdoor terrace looking over the canal, Waterlane Boat House are excellent at making pizza.
Their pizza dough is made using just three ingredients: Organic Yorkshire flour, water and salt - that makes it a proper Yorkshire pizza doesn't it? The Spinach & Blue Cheese is a real crowd favourite; San Marzano, fior di latte, spinach, blue cheese, mushroom, red onion with crumbled walnuts.
Culto
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Over in Meanwood you'll find Culto, a firm local favourite that serve up brilliant pizzas which you can take out or enjoy inside their beautiful dining space.
They've won awards for their pizzas and it's not hard to see why, we'd recommend kicking things off with an antipasti board first.
Clementine Hall -
9th July 2025 
