Tucked away on the corner of Merrion Street, Oba Leeds is serving some of the best Korean and Japanese fusion dishes, with a range of vegan-friendlymeals available.
Foodies looking for a unique dining experience will be delighted to see this new restaurant popping up in the Merrion Centre. Oba has only been open a few short weeks, but the restaurant's bright presence and attentive staff give the restaurant an unrivalled homely feeling.
This hidden gem offers a warm welcome from the the moment you walk through the glass doors. The bright hues of sunflower yellow and bright blue mirror off the panelling and glass windows and match the service, always delivered with a smile, to a tee.
Their menu is vast and delicious. 70% of the items on the menu are vegan and there are even seperate menus for those meat-eater and vegetarian and vegan options.
Nothing is too much trouble for the team at Oba and their quality service shines through to the meticulous food presentation. Upon delivery, it's obvious that any palette is in for a treat.
For starters, carnivores and pescatarians alike should not miss an the opportunity to sample the Ebi Gyoza. The fried prawn dumplings come with a sweet dipping sauce and find that perfect equilibrium between crunchy and soft. Each bite brings out a new flavour and is guaranteed to exceed any expectations.
The Ebi Gyoza is served on a banana leaf, but it is the inside of these prawn dumplings that ooze fresh flavour.
The Agassi Gyoza are just as delicious. The fried vegetable dumplings are fresh and full of flavour. Complemented by a sweet dipping sauce, the vegetarian food here is given the same attention and careful presentation as any other dishes.
Staff waste no time in preparing the mains and present these dishes with the same intrinsic detail. The Japanese and Korean fusion of flavours are more prominent here, with a selection of sushi rolls, infused curries and authentic fish dishes available.
However, it is their special of the day upon The Hoot's visit, a cheese and fish corn dog, that demonstrated to us the artistic flair and creative flavours that Oba Leeds offer their guests.
The two standout main course options for a lunchtime have to be the Assorted Veggie Rolls and the classic Chicken Katsu Curry. Crispy breadcrumbs and thick katsu sauce, sticky rice and light, crisp salad: can you really name a better combination for a wet wintry afternoon meal?
All dishes also come with homemade wasabi, even the smallest amount rapidly amplify the fused flavours in each dish.
Oba Leeds is the hidden gem that the Merrion Centre has been missing and is well worth the short walk up from the shops to visit.
Regardless of your itinerary in Leeds, the food and service alike make Oba a true standout restaurant that should become a firm favourite for lovers of South-East Asian dishes.
Eats
‘This recognition belongs to you’ – Leeds restaurant added to the Michelin Guide just months after opening
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Sophie Smith -
7th October 2021 
