Come rain or shine (but mostly rain), there's nothing we love more than slurping on a steaming hot bowl of noodles and broth.
For many people, ramen still conjures up images of Pot Noodles and packet food you simply ping in the microwave or stick the kettle on for, but the truth is that the Japanese comfort dish with roots in China, Korea, Indonesia and all over the world is a deeply rich cuisine has decades of culture behind it.
It isn’t just a case of dumping any old carbs in a bowl of soup and sprinkling a few bits and bobs on top: the very best ramen chefs in the world pride themselves on the expert craft of slaving over broths for days, perfecting homemade noods and fine-tuning the dish into something more gourmet and special.
Lucky for us, there are plenty of ramen spots in Leeds where you can go to when that when the craving hits. So, let's get into it...
House of Fu
15-19 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU
Images: The Hoot Leeds
House of Fu is an absolute cult classic. Born in Leeds and now with another location in Manchester, this brightly coloured, trendy restaurant is the place to go for interesting and most definitely delicious bowls of ramen.
If their trademark ‘Spicy Fu’ or incredible kimchi and cheese ramen doesn’t sort you out, nothing will. Their broths are also thicker and creamier than most and that can only be a good thing.
And if you fancy something different to ramen, their spicy cucumber salad and Fu Fried Chicken will absolutely knock your socks off.
Maki and Ramen
32 Bond St, Leeds LS1 5BQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Next up is a relatively new addition to Leeds: Maki and Ramen. Starting out with one restaurant in Edinburgh before going on several more and then sister sites in Glasgow, and Manchester, we have literally no complaints about their start to life in our city. Even their takeaway containers are ace.
From founder Teddy Lee‘s time studying the art of both ramen and sushi making in the heart of Tokyo to being welcomed through the doors with the banging of a drum as all the staff shout a traditional Japanese greeting, you get that feeling of authenticity right from the off.
The sushi, side plates and other mains are all genuinely delicious too but we all know what you’re here for and while the classic tonkotsu never misses, the steak tataki is lovely and creamy and the salmon miso one is a nice light take on things, we’ve never had anything quite like their black garlic ramen. Wow.
TADA
Otley Road, Headingley LS6 2AD
Images: The Hoot Leeds
In the heart of Headingley you'll find TADA, an elegant and laid back Japanese spot which is the ideal place for date night or mate night. Their ramen comes in beautiful bowls and goes perfectly with a matcha cocktail or three.
Fuji Hiro
45 Wade Ln, Leeds LS2 8NJ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Having just reopened its doors after a little refresh, you can rest assured that Fuji Hiro still serves up some of the best ramen in the city.
Expect classic flavours, perfectly bouncy noodles and rich broth - and make sure to order some katsu and gyoza on the side.
Fern Modern Sushi
Unit 8 Central Arcade, Leeds LS1 6DX
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tucked away down Central Arcade you will find Fern Modern Sushi, a modern Japanese restaurant run with lovely Fern at the helm.
Here you'll find sushi made with the best quality fish, wonderful hospitality and of course - banging ramen. Fern will welcome you in with open arms and look after you as if you were family, she even offers gluten free noodles so no one in your party has to miss out.
Little Tokyo
24 Central Road, LS1 6DA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This humble, family-run restaurant has been in Leeds for over 20 years and you can tell that they're masters of their craft. The interior is as Japanese as it gets, with cherry blossom trees above and low tables inviting you to sit bare foot on the floor as you tuck in.
Everything on the menu is cooked with bundles of love and if you don't fancy ramen then order the bento boxes that make for the perfect lunchtime treat.
Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds are turning back the clocks for four days only.
Ever fancied giving time travel a go? Well now's your chance, as a historic Leeds pub are looking back to time gone by for the weekend.
Whitelock's Ale House are collaborating with Double Diamond beer, an iconic British pale ale made popular in the 70's and now somewhat having a resurgence.
From this Thursday 26 February until Sunday 1 March 2026, pints of Double Diamond will be available for just 25p.
Yep, you can't even get a Freddo for 25p these days let alone a cold, refreshing pint.
Guests will be able to grab their first pint of Double Diamond for 25p along with a nostalgic specials menu from the Whitelock's kitchen.
And if you know anything about their food, it's always class so this specials menu will be absolutely no exception.
The specials menu includes a french onion quiche, a coronation chicken sandwich, gammon, pineapple, egg and chips and to top it all off, a raspberry Swiss roll with custard.
You can get three courses for just £30 and you can either pre-order or order individually when you're there.
This is set to be a real blast from the past, so rally your mates together and prepare for a trip down memory lane and for what could be the cheapest pint of your life.
You can find out more and book your table at Whitelock's Ale House here.
Inside Kerala Canteen – the world’s first Kerala tapas restaurant in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
This modern restaurant in the heart of Leeds is redefining how we enjoy Indian cuisine.
If you haven't already dined at Kerala Canteen, then you are sincerely missing out.
Offering South Indian dining like you've never seen before, Kerala Canteen is the world's first Kerala tapas restaurant where guests can enjoy multiple dishes in one sitting.
And it's not just us who thinks it's class, the restaurant has earned recognition as one of the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the UK, ranked among the Top 3 Indian restaurants in Leeds & Yorkshire, and awarded Best Restaurant by North Magazine — cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most exciting culinary destinations.
Image: Supplied
So, how does it work? Kerala Canteen isn't your traditional curry house, but the concept means you get to try more of the menu in one go.
Guests are encouraged to start with small plates and move onto curry bowls before sharing a biryani per person and ending with a delicious dessert.
The kitchen is led by renowned chef Bobby Geetha, known for appearances on MasterChef: The Professionals and Great British Menu.
Image: Supplied
Working alongside him is Abdulkhader Allingal Siddique, whose Michelin-starred kitchen background and deep-rooted Kerala heritage promise authenticity.
Together, they make the perfect dream team in the kitchen.
There's a huge selection of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu too so no one in your party has to miss out, with dishes like the chilli and tamarind cauliflower and gunpowder hasselback potatoes being standouts on the menu.
Visit on a Saturday and get involved in their iconic Bollywood Bottomless Brunch where for just £36 per person you can enjoy one bowl and one side alongside 90 minutes of free flowing drinks.
Image: Supplied
You can choose from prosecco, draught beer, cocktails, mocktails - trust us, the list is endless. And you can enjoy it all whilst bopping along to the best Bollywood beats. Find out more about the brunch here.
Visiting on a Sunday? You have to try their iconic T-Bone Sunday Roast experience, featuring a slow-braised T-bone steak finished in rich beef & bone marrow curry, paired with Yorkshire pudding and gunpowder potatoes. You'll never look at your mum's Sunday roast the same again.
Image: Supplied
Kerala Canteen also offers a private event space for your next big celebration that seats up to 100 guests with custom tapas menu and corporate dining packages available.
Located right next to Leeds Playhouse, it's the perfect spot for those visiting the city centre.
To book your table, take a look at Kerala Canteen's website - thank us later.
Clementine Hall -
17th October 2025 
