Perched on the water’s edge, emba Gastrobar is where bold flavours meet laid-back canalside charm. With cosy canalside seating, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a catch up with friends over cocktails or fancy an evening where you enjoy a leisurely dinner, emba is a must-visit.
The mastermind behind emba is the amazing Chef Elizabeth Cottam, one of Leeds’ most celebrated culinary names. Her vision blends the vibrancy of your favourite bar with the warmth of a neighbourhood pub and the finesse of Leeds’ ever-evolving dining scene. Chef Elizabeth and her team have an eye for detail making it an unforgettable experience, which has also been picked up by the Michelin guide for 2025.
Here you can enjoy a light snack, an evening of drinks, a comforting and hearty meal or a full set menu with expertly paired wines. Expect a menu that’s both creative and comforting, designed to surprise and delight while staying effortlessly approachable and avoiding unnecessary faff.
Their wine menu has been curated to deliver truly special wines. You can enjoy a glass of familiar flavours and wines, or explore a lesser known region by trying something new. What makes drinking wine at emba even better, is their democratic way of serving wine by the glass.
Not only do they offer accessibly priced wines, they also offer the opportunity to try premium bottles by glass so everyone can experience extraordinary wine without committing to buying the whole bottle. Their wine list is also regularly updated meaning there’s always something exciting and fresh to try.
Not only are they all about amazing wines, they also offer beautiful beers that go great with their menu. A combination they rave about that you need to try… beer and oysters!
emba’s menus also stay fresh and exciting with weekly updates to their menu posted on their website. Weekly set menus give you something new to try every week, and their small and large plates offer dishes for any occasion. Think tuna tartare and brown crab kaffir soufflé for a casual bite over drinks, or porterhouse pork chop and tuna belly for a hearty meal.
Whether you’re stopping by for small plates and a drink by the riverside or settling in for a full dining experience, emba Gastrobar captures the best of Leeds: dynamic, welcoming, and full of flavour.
Images – @embagastrobar
