Whilst travelling to the big apple is now a possibility thanks to the relaxation of travel restrictions, we can't exactly hop over the pond every time we crave some American-style cuisine.
Having recently launched their spring menu, any of Manahatta's venues in Leeds offer a taste of New York inside their bar without the six-hour flight.
The bar chain is already well known around the city for its bustling ambience, holding a reputation for being a favourite amongst those seeking an escape from the 9-5 and a refreshing menu of food and drink, so naturally their updated spring menu is no exception to this.
Channeling their New York influence even further, Manahatta has upgraded their sandwich section to become NYC-style sourdough bagels and light and fluffy bao buns with toppings of your choice.
The Rueben bagel is also a must-try authentic New York classic and is stuffed with pastrami, cheese, sauerkraut, gherkins and sweet mustard.
Discerning Leeds foodies will notice the return of the huge Empire State Chicken stack.
The lunch and dinnertime option comes as a towered stack of crisp coated chicken, waffles, American cheese, purple slaw and maple syrup, with a serving of barbecue sauce or thick gravy to pour over the stack and fries. Thick, juicy and tender- this is the ultimate chicken dinner inspired by the USA.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Carnivores will also be delighted to see indulgent upgrades like Manahatta’s new and improved recipe for the Steak Frites: sliced 8oz rump steak, fried onions, garlic mushrooms, Monterey Jack cheese and peppercorn sauce, loaded onto skin-on fries.
Elsewhere on the menu, guests are finally welcoming the return of dishes designed to be shared. Their updated selection of small plates includes the Mojo Cod Tacos, topped with salsa verde, mojo sauce and crunchy slaw and the Beet ‘n’ Goat Bruschetta, bursting with colour, creamy English goat’s cheese and red, candy and golden beetroot.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
These are light, summer-inspired options that are bursting with zesty flavour, perfect for an afternoon in the beer garden.
The halloumi fajitas are just as colourful and packed with flavour: create your own combinations using sizzling slices of halloumi, toasted wraps and a whole host of toppings like tomato salsa, guac and bright salads.
The new Manahatta brunch menu is available until 4pm each day, whilst the main menu takes guests into the evening with larger portions and incredible flavours that truly do resemble a bite of New York City.
To get your foodie fix, Manahatta have multiple bars in Leeds: two in the city centre on Greek Street and Merrion Street, as well as a large venue in Headingley.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
Eats
Beloved Leeds takeaway Souvlaki Corner to open new restaurant in Morley next month
A new Souvlaki Corner is set to open in south Leeds.
If you're a Leeds local who loves food, then you'll have most likely heard and dined at Souvlaki Corner.
It's an absolute gem of a restaurant and takeaway, situated in Wortley selling fabulous authentic Greek food at a great price.
And now they're opening a new site in the nearby town of Morley which is going to be even bigger and better. Get in.
The new site will feature a bigger space with more seating, offering both dine-in and takeaway options, as well as a brand-new bar.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now you're talking our language.
Souvlaki Corner told The Hoot: "We’re excited to confirm that Souvlaki Corner will be opening a new site in Morley, Leeds. Our targeted opening is in around four weeks, although we don’t have an exact opening date yet and will confirm this closer to the launch.
"One of the highlights of the new restaurant will be a traditional Greek spit where we will cook whole lamb in the proper Greek way. It will be cooked over charcoal to give the authentic Greek flavour that people would experience in Greece.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Our chefs are Greek, bringing authentic knowledge and experience from Greece. The interior design will also reflect the style of the Greek islands, so when people visit they will feel like they are stepping into a little part of Greece."
They continued: "Souvlaki Corner was created to bring authentic Greek street food to Leeds, focusing on freshly grilled souvlaki, gyros, and traditional flavours served quickly and affordably. Since launching our first location, the response from customers has been fantastic, and Morley felt like the natural next step as we continue to grow."
Neighbourhood Leeds bistro hailed as ‘a bit horny’ and ‘brilliant’ by national critic Camilla Long
Clementine Hall
Food critic Camilla Long visited Leeds for her latest review for The Times with her sights set on Horsforth's finest - Bavette Bistro.
Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.
It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.
The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.
So it was only a matter of time until The Times popped in for a review, and this one is truly glowing.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The review labels Bavette as "warm, unmannered and unpretentious" as well as "authentically French".
Long describes the food as "gorgeous, confident, surprising" with a menu that "isn’t too long" and "filled with sturdy, noble dishes, whiffing mightily of the sea and the soil."
It continues: "All of it made with generosity and cheer, served fast by nimble waiters, with a long, if slightly eccentric, wine list. To bang out French dishes with this much fiddly detail and to do it to a full room is not easy. Yet all four courses came in under two hours, for about £75 a head, which in London terms is nothing.
"It’s not that this place was perfect, it’s that it was decidedly not perfect. A bit too much chat about the menus; the oeufs in the meurette not quite runny enough. But the point is: it didn’t matter. All of it came charmingly together. It felt relaxed, just right."
The review is then wrapped up with a pleasing five stars, the cherry on top of the cake.
It's a review only restaurants can dream of, and we can't think of a more deserving team - congratulations Bavette.
Sophie Smith -
22nd March 2022 
