Empire

Tucked away down an alleyway off Kirkgate, this small but perfectly formed café has been feeding the people of Leeds under various names and owners for more than 120 years. It is now run by Sam Pullan and his team, who use seasonal produce from the nearby market in their inventive food. One of The Empire’s most popular offerings is its rotisserie chicken. This is cooked on the ‘wall of flame’ and you can pick your own lather and crumb from options including lemon, tarragon and garlic or zesty lime and jalapeño. It is served with chicken schmaltz potatoes but you can also add additional sides like a carrot salad with masala dressing. The Empire’s cuisine may be predominantly British but its ever-changing small plates bring in flavours from around the world. These have previously included dishes like tempura tenderstem on a bed of green chutney, or a prawn toast beigel filled with king prawns, ginger and garlic and deep fried. The café also serves beautifully presented desserts and has an excellent cocktail list.

Aarti

This contemporary Indian restaurant can be found on Swinegate, where it inhabits a light and airy ground floor space with floor-to-ceiling windows. Aarti is owned by husband-and-wife team Prachi Choudhary and Shyamal Kumar. Shyamal came to Leeds to work at the original Aarti restaurant in Roundhay Road. When this closed, he kept the name and opened his own in Street Lane. Aarti’s current home is creatively decorated with bold colours and eye-catching wall art. On its menu, you’ll find street-food style dishes to start with or share, such as crispy battered chilli paneer or veg manchurian – mixed vegetable balls in a tangy and spicy sauce. You can also tuck into all of your favourite curries here, alongside chef’s specials like Punjabi Lamb and Chicken Hariyali made with a secret spice blend. Alternatively, you can choose a thali: a tempting platter that includes curries, rice and puri with garnishes and a sweet.

Mythos

This popular Greek eaterie started as a takeaway in Hyde Park but now has an atmospheric dine-in restaurant on Stainbeck Lane in Chapel Allerton. Mythos serves Greek dishes that are made using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients along with specialities imported from Greece itself. You can start your meal here by sharing small plates of Mezedes. These include Greek butter beans with wild boar sausage, or courgette fritters with homemade tzatziki. You can then enjoy your choice of meat, halloumi or mixed veg straight from the grill. These can be prepared as a wrap or on a board accompanied by oregano chips or herby rice. Among the desserts are Portokalopita – a syrupy orange cake – or the traditional filo custard bake Galaktoboureko. Mythos also offers an expertly-curated drinks list that features wines, beers, cocktails and soft drinks to perfectly complement your meal.

Noodle House

If you love umami flavours and a bit of spice, Noodle House is the place to head. Located on Merrion Street, this down-to-earth restaurant serves authentic Chinese and Malaysian cuisine that’s both affordable and delicious. You’ll find a filling lunch here in the form of a bowl of hot noodle soup with options including shrimp and prawn wonton or braised beef Gan Lao Mee. Noodle House specialises in roasted meats, which are freshly cooked each day and hung on display for you to choose from. You can tuck into crispy belly pork or soy chicken or duck, which can be accompanied by a rice dish. The menu here also features Malaysian kampung-style dishes, such as Sambal Fried Rice, Chilli Chow Mein or Mee Goreng.

LIVIN’ Italy

Offering traditional Italian food with a contemporary and sometimes playful twist, this family-run restaurant can be found under the railway arches in Granary Wharf with an outdoor seating area that overlooks the canal. LIVIN’ Italy’s chefs take a creative approach, using ingredients from artisan Italian makers to craft unique treats such as Roman Martizzo – dry cured pig cheek and roasted vegetables in a brioche bun that’s topped with parmesan foam and pistachios. You can start the day here with Italian Frittata or the restaurant’s own special cooked breakfast with Tuscan sausage, crispy pancetta, roasted vine tomatoes, fagioli beans, wild creamy mushrooms and a fried egg. Later on, you can sample Italian street food followed by pizza, pasta or meat dishes, including Sicilian ‘spada’ steak or juicy lamb chops accompanied by porcini mushrooms, chimichurri and baked cheese potato terrine. LIVIN’ Italy also serves refreshing cocktails and classic Italian desserts.

Zaap

Now a small national chain, Zaap was born in Leeds and currently has two restaurants here – one in Headingley and another in the city centre. This Thai restaurant recreates the feel of a buzzing Bangkok market with a street-inspired interior that features neon signs, faux stalls and even tuk tuks. Zaap’s menu includes more than 80 street food-style dishes, with starters like homemade fish cakes or marinated pork neck and dim sum to whet your appetite. You can then look forward to fragrant soups, classic Thai curries and noodles or special mains such as Khow Phed Pa Loh – duck breast in a five spice sauce with spring greens, brown egg and jasmine rice. For those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, there are plenty of plant-based alternatives to choose from. These include THIS isn’t chicken and ZEASTAR shrimpz vegetarian prawns. To drink, Zaap offers bubble teas and you can also try traditional Thai desserts like Khow Niew Ma Muang: ripe mango with sweetened sticky rice and coconut milk.

Images- @empirecafeleeds, @teppanyakileeds