The seven best restaurants in Leeds according to the Michelin Guide 2022

Leeds is hardly short of great places to eat, that’s for sure. But if you’re looking for something a little bit special, the Michelin Guide is always a good place to look.

This week, Michelin announced its new 2022 Guide and there are some great places to check out on the list.

In total, six Leeds restaurants were featured this year – each with their own individual quirks. From a tiny Japanese omakase eatery that only seats seven people, to sky-high dining rooms overlooking the cityscape, there’s so much to discover.

Read more: L’Enclume becomes the first restaurant in the north to win three Michelin stars

Of course, Leeds’ one Michelin starred restaurant The Man Behind The Curtain features prominently – but alongside it you’ll also find some more low-key settings if you’re after something a bit more casual.

Keep reading to discover the full list of Michelin recommended restaurants in Leeds.

The Man Behind The Curtain

What the guide says: “If you’re looking for the unconventional, you’ve come to the right place. Michael O’Hare is a chef who does things his own way and his idiosyncratic basement restaurant matches his cooking style perfectly. The original, very creative and artfully presented dishes – many of which come with assorted Asian influences or feature the colour black – start arriving with your drink and you’ll never know quite what to expect next. 

“Thanks to the music and interior design, which includes everything from skateboard decks and graffiti to a surfboard and a motorbike, you’ll find you don’t need to feed off other customers to create your own atmosphere. Furthermore, the disorientating mirrors lend an ethereal quality to proceedings and make you feel cocooned in your own bubble.”

HanaMatsuri

What the guide says: “Suburban Leeds is home to this very intimate restaurant, which seats just 7 guests and must be booked at least 24hrs in advance. Japanese memorabilia and shelves of sake fill the room. The chef-owner serves a wide range of sushi and sashimi crafted from good quality imported ingredients.”

Ox Club

What the guide says: “A former mill houses this multi-floor venue comprising a beer hall, cocktail bar, event space and restaurant. The latter boasts a wood-fired grill imported from the USA; rustic, smoky-flavoured dishes showcase Yorkshire ingredients.”

HOME

What the guide says: “Set alongside the River Aire, this spacious ground floor restaurant is filled with natural light. The enthusiastic team serve pre-paid, set price menus and cooking shows imagination, creativity and a playful edge. For the optimum experience, go for the 10 course menu with wine pairings to match.”

Crafthouse

What the guide says: “A bright, chic restaurant in Trinity shopping centre, with great rooftop views and a wraparound terrace. The open kitchen and marble counter take centre stage, and the refined, confidently prepared dishes focus on natural flavours; some are cooked on the Josper grill. Start with cocktails in Angelica.”

Black Market

What the guide says: “A pleasant city suburb is home to this bright, modern bistro run by a cheerful owner. The menu is a mix of small plates – some familiar and others offering something a little different – and cooking is honest and full of flavour. Come at the weekend for brunch; on Sundays they play old vinyl at lunch.”

Dakota Grill

What the guide says: “Make your way to the Dakota hotel’s elegant cocktail bar before heading down to the moody basement restaurant. The room is divided into a series of spaces, which adds to the intimacy. Appealing, carefully thought-out menus keep Yorkshire provenance at their heart and dishes have a playful element.”

Feature image – Black Market Leeds