As the nights draw in and frost lingers on the ground, Leeds gastrobar emba offers a chance to embrace the spirit and flavours of winter with warming dishes and romantic canalside views.
Created by Elizabeth Cottam, emba was crowdfunded by those who’d visited the renowned chef’s previous restaurants – the Michelin-recommended HOME, CORA and The Owl – and wanted to see her latest vision brought to life. It proves a breath of fresh air for those who feel intimidated by formal dining experiences, bridging the gap between a cosy bar and a vibrant dining room with food that’s beautifully presented and full of big flavours, yet served without faff or fanfare.
While emba’s 12-plate tasting menu is tempting, its guests are equally welcome to drop in for drinks, or to enjoy the music and ambience while grazing on small plates. Its atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, which has helped it to quickly grow a community. As Liz explains: “we’re entirely focussed on creating beautiful interactions with the people that come here, delighting them with the food and hopefully making great friends too.”
emba’s menu changes weekly, however, its recent offerings have included sticky fried sweetbreads, a mussel and smoked chicken fat chowder and giant Yorkshire puddings filled with rich beef gravy, roasted onions and caramelised celeriac. Seasonal produce is key and this is sourced from where it’s best: fresh Yorkshire strawberries, wild Hebridean halibut and Isle of Lewis scallops. Such ingredients are often in short supply and once they are in the kitchen, Liz says she wants to utilise every single element of them. This philosophy extends to the tasting menu, which is served in connected sequences that each explore a single ingredient such as bread, scallop, venison or milk through multiple preparations.
emba’s wine list features biodynamic and low-intervention wines that are often from lesser-known regions. Many of these are available by the glass, making even the best wines accessible to those who just want to try. You’ll also find cocktails and craft ales here. If you’d like to see in 2026 with an extra special dining experience, emba is open on New Year’s Eve, when it will be serving a 9-course tasting menu that includes dishes such as onion bread, pork and sage butter, duck hash with chestnut, venison, wild mushroom and truffle and spiced treacle tart with mandarin chantilly. It’s the perfect way to start the year.
