Strap in Leeds, because a whole lot of newness is coming your way.
It's safe to say that 2025 has already been a monumental year for new restaurant openings in the city.
From an all-you-can-eat tapas restaurant and a sparkly rooftop restaurant to a trendy neighbourhood wine bar, Leeds' foodie landscape has grown massively and our tummies are very happy about it.
But when we say that's only the beginning, we really mean it. Because over the next four months we're set to see a huge influx of new spots open their doors in the city and we're here to break them down for you.
So, without further ado...
Federal
Boar Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Federal, one of the most popular brunch spots in Manchester, is set to open its very first Leeds cafe…and we absolutely cannot wait.
Established in the iconic Northern Quarter in 2014, Federal is inspired by Kiwi and Aussie neighbourhood cafés, and has built a global reputation for serving exceptional coffee, standout brunch dishes and offering a warm, welcoming service.
The new 1,500 sq ft Leeds venue will seat 70 guests and will be located on Boar Lane, expect queues out the door and us firmly stood at the very front.
Meat lovers unite, because authentic Brazilian rodizio bar and grill Estabulo is set to open a brand-new restaurant at the Merrion Centre in Leeds this October.
Just moments away from the First Direct Arena adjoining the Ibis Styles Leeds City Centre hotel, the new venue will be in the perfect location for concert-goers or for those stopping off in Leeds.
Madre
Wellington Street
Image: The Manc Group
The north’s favourite Mexican is bringing not one, but two venues to Leeds City Centre this summer. Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, is setting up shop on Wellington Street.
And not only that but Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, will open just around the corner. Now that’s a double whammy we can get behind.
Dough Club, a Manchester-based Detroit-style pizzeria, is planning to open up in Leeds.
Famed for their chewy, thick, cheesy crusts that are loaded with all the toppings imaginable, they’ll be opening up a spot on Burley Road for all your pizza needs.
With locations already in Oakwood and Chapel Allerton, House of Koko is an iconic Leeds brunch spot that will be taking over the former Mrs Atha's site.
Known for their classic brunch dishes with a Middle Eastern twist as well as the best hash browns you'll find in the city. End of.
The Savvy Baker is opening its first ever city centre cafe, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Of course you’ll be able to grab all your favourite brownies, blondies, cookies and other bakes, but there’s some other exciting stuff in the works too.
For the first time ever the shop will feature a dedicated cookie bakery where customers will be able to watch (and smell) all the magic happening through the window. How class is that?
The award-winning Indian restaurant group is set to open in the former Flannels site on Vicar Lane.
Licensing application signs have appeared in the windows of the former department store announcing its imminent arrival into Leeds for the first time ever.
Tori Nori
Leeds City Centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Fern's Modern Sushi comes Tori Nori, a modern Japanese grill bar and grill.
Customers can expect robata-style dining with a selection flame grilled skewers, from beef and chicken to cod and so much more.
Blank Street
Albion Street
Images: The Manc Group
The popular coffee shop Blank Street made famous for their matcha concoctions will be opening in Leeds City Centre and the girlies (including us) are very excited indeed.
There are already three Blank Street cafes over in Manchester, but Leeds has been overlooked until now - thank god.
Whether you're a fan of a classic Mr. Whippy or after something a bit more artisanal, we've got you covered in this list of the best ice cream places in Leeds.
It's hot enough to warrant a treat, we'd say, and if you're going to do it you might as well go the whole hog and truly indulge in the best ice cream the city has to offer.
Keep reading to discover the very best ice cream spots in Leeds.
Melting Point
The Corn Exchange, Leeds
New to Leeds and new to the Corn Exchange is the fabulous Melting Point, an independent ice cream and gelato serving up weird and wonderful flavours.
It's like Willy Wonka if he made ice cream instead of chocolate, and we're absolutely obsessed. The list of flavours change daily, so not visit is the same but you can rest assured each one is delicious.
Tsujiri
17 Ludgate Hill, LS2 7HZ
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Serving up authentic flavours like matcha and hōjicha, Tsujiri is one of our new favourite dessert spots in Leeds.
This Japanese dessert house offers everything from classic soft serves to more adventurous sundaes, with an array of toppings to customise your treat. Options include boba pearls, cracker, genmai, kinako, kuromitsu, red bean, sesame, shiratama. Perfect for those seeking a unique and refreshing dessert experience.
Knoops
Trinity Centre, 26-28 Albion St, LS1 6HX
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you adore chocolate, you'll be thrilled to know that Knoops has ventured into ice cream. Their soft serve is a dreamy treat topped with your choice of chocolate flakes – whether you prefer milk, white, or dark chocolate, you get to pick the chocolate you love the most, all finished with a signature Knoops chocolate disc.
Their ice cream also stars in their thick, creamy milkshakes. Choose from six different chocolate percentages and add extra flavours for a personalised indulgence. Perfect for those who love to mix things up.
Mr Whippy Leeds
Around Leeds
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Mr Whippy Leeds has been around for over 50 years, operating the largest fleet of modern ice cream vans and trailers in Leeds.
Mr Whippy Leeds is, simply put, iconic. The fleet of vintage ice cream trucks, painted pink, white and blue, are gorgeous to look at and serve just as wonderfully pleasing ice creams. In recent years, they've noticed a shift from 99p cones to more extravagant options - now they are creating thee 'super Sundaes' which you can pick up from one of the trucks around the city.
Ice Scoop Gelato
From Ferrero Rocher to Kinder Bueno, if you fancy a naughty chocolate ice cream Ice Scoop Gelato has you covered. Honestly, there's a whole host of amazing flavours here. All are available to enjoy by the scoop or in a cone, or alternatively push the boat out and order yours with a crepe or waffles.
Amorino
Victoria Gate, George St, Leeds LS2 7HY
Image: Amorino
This authentic Italian gelato spot is famous in Leeds and for good reason. Scoops come served in a chocolate cone, with gelato presented in the shape of a flower and the option to add on macarons. Find flavours like Banana del Brasile and Dulce de Leche here alongside more traditional choices.
Famous Leeds restaurant receives £500,000 investment ahead of landmark refurbishment
Clementine Hall
One of Yorkshire's most celebrated restaurants, The Box Tree, has announced a £500,000 investment in the future of the business.
Set within one of Ilkley's oldest buildings, The Box Tree is a renowned restaurant that has been a defining name in British fine dining since 1962.
Originally a 1720 stone farmhouse, The Box Tree became one of the North's most celebrated restaurants, earning two Michelin stars in 1977 and establishing a legacy shaped by chefs including the one and only Marco Pierre White.
And now, The Box Tree is heading in a brand-new direction having received a £500,000 investment.
Images: Supplied
From August, the restaurant will temporarily close before reopening on early September, unveiling a new dining experience that honours more than 60 years of heritage and history.
The refurbishment will be led by award-winning interior designers Studio Two, who's work is known for creating spaces that are both timeless and individual.
Alongside the refreshed interiors, guests can look forward to an enhanced dining experience, where every element has been thoughtfully considered to complement Head Chef, Brayden Davies' modern approach to British cuisine.
But before closing its doors for refurbishment, The Box Tree will present The Box Tree: Eras – a limited four-week dining series celebrating defining moments from the restaurant's culinary journey.
Head Chef, Brayden Davies said: "The Box Tree has an incredible history, and before we begin the next chapter, we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate everything that has come before it.
"The Eras dinners are inspired by the chefs, dishes and moments that have shaped the restaurant over the decades, while reflecting where we are today. At the same time, we're incredibly excited about what's ahead. This investment is a huge vote of confidence in The Box Tree and allows us to create a dining experience that reflects where we are today while respecting everything that makes this restaurant so special."
Clementine Hall -
27th October 2025 
