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.
It's been a brilliant couple of months for new openings in Leeds.
We don't know about you, but we think our city is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment.
There's been a flurry of new spots opening up, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out.
But first, allow us to tell you all about them...
Domo
Tower works, 2 Globe Rd, Holbeck, LS11 5QG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Introducing Domo, an independent restaurant born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities that aren't often seen outside the island, all made entirely in-house.
Located right on the water's edge, we've got a feeling this is going to be our go-to spot this summer for long lunches fuelled by spritzes.
Also born in Sheffield, this one's for the matcha lovers and we know there's a lot of you. Think iced banana bread matcha, superfood smoothies and refreshing acai bowls served in a super cool setting.
Kontrast
84-86 Railway Street, Saxton Gardens, LS9 8HB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
After already making a big name for themselves over in Manchester, Kontrast has brought its popular sauna and ice bath cafe concept over to Leeds. Located under the railway arches, Kontrast features two traditional saunas, one infrared sauna, and four ice baths, each varying in temperature between three and 13 degrees. It's the perfect space to enjoy solo or with a group of like-minded wellness-loving people.
Scott and his partner have opened the coolest, 70's inspired record bar that is full of his massive record collection alongside a carefully curated cocktail menu with a twist. With the best view of Sunny Bank Mills, Pardon Me is just the most chilled out place to watch the world go by whilst sipping on a coffee or a glass of wine whilst hearing everything from hip hop and soul to deep house, and disco. We loved our visit and we know you will too.
We all know and bloody love Silver's Deli over in Bramley, but now they’ve branched out to Farsley and opened the wonderful their very own bakery which is already a sell-out.
The all-new neighbourhood bakehouse is slinging out the likes of homemade focaccia, buttermilk brownies, sausage rolls, cookies, tiramisu and, of course, the ever-so-famous sandos but this time in homemade, fluffy focaccia.
The best restaurants in Yorkshire named at prestigious National Restaurant Awards
Clementine Hall
The best restaurants in the UK have been named at the National Restaurant Awards – and Yorkshire has done pretty well for itself.
The prestigious awards took place last night, listing the top 100 places to eat in the entire UK.
Four restaurants in Yorkshire managed to make it into the top 100 of the country’s best restaurants.
Coming in at a very impressive number 13 is Sheffield restaurant JÖRO, who's year has gone from accolade to accolade after being awarded none other than a Michelin star back in February.
Often hailed as the city's best restaurant, JÖRO is run by husband-and-wife team Luke French and Stacey Sherwood.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They recently relocated into a bigger space near the edge of the Peak District in Oughtibridge, which has allowed them to expand their offerings.
Here's what the judges had to say: 'A much larger and better-equipped kitchen has allowed French - whose CV includes Midsummer House in Cambridge - to evolve his already finely-tuned and distinctive cooking style.'
JÖRO announced the news to Instagram, saying: "To be sat in a room filled with incredible people from across the industry is truly inspiring and being listed is something our younger selves only dreamed of achieving."
Over in Leeds, beloved neighbourhood bistro Bavette placed at number 83 where owners Sandy and Clement stated they were "Over the moon" to have made it onto the list.
Elsewhere in Yorkshire, The Angel at Hetton came in at number 47 being declared as a 'Yorkshire institution' whilst The Star Inn at Harome took number 78 as one of the first pubs in England to be awarded a Michelin star.
Clementine Hall -
17th October 2025 
