Eat Your Greens, New York Street

A greengrocer’s and casual eaterie by day, this organic restaurant takes on a different mood in the evening, when it becomes a lively bar offering music from guest DJs. Eat Your Greens has a cool, indie vibe with a light and airy interior that features lots of natural wood. Among the lunch options here are a Pork Sandwich made with braised pork belly, malt pickled onions, Isle of Wight tomatoes and chicken fat mayo on Pain de Mie. There’s also the nutritious Vegan Staff Bowl, which features a range of fresh veg with pesto pearl barley, cauliflower leaf kimchi, hummus and sunflower crunch. Later on, you can tuck into Day Boat Lemon Sole, followed by sweet treats including a vegan Frangipane Tart. Behind Eat Your Greens’ bar you’ll find organic, natural and low intervention wines, along with ciders, European beers and seasonal cocktails. There are plenty of choices for those who prefer no and low alcohol drinks, too.

The Cut & Craft, King Edward Street

This steak and seafood restaurant opened in Leeds in 2022, in the building that was once Collinson’s Cafe. The Titanic’s Band Master, Wallace Hartley, would regularly play his violin here before his ill-fated voyage, and this inspired the restaurant’s current decor. Jewel colours, feature lighting and the circular bar at its heart all help to create an impressive and ambient space. The Cut & Craft’s all-day menu features an elevated take on many gastropub classics with options to suit all dietary requirements. You can start as you mean to go on with a plate of fresh oysters or Mixed Seafood Tempura with Japanese spice and sriracha mayonnaise. You can then move on to craft burgers or signatures such as Grilled Lamb Cutlets served with fondant potato, charred baby gem, pea veloute and red wine jus. The restaurant’s dishes are all thoughtfully presented and can be paired with equally beautiful cocktails.

Tattu, East Parade

Step beyond Tattu’s understated frontage and you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in the Far East. This contemporary Chinese restaurant’s opulent decor mirrors the delicate line work and intricate designs seen in body art. Each of Tattu’s restaurants has its own unique touches. In Leeds, the blossoming cherry trees are white, rather than their usual pink, in honour of the Yorkshire rose. Once you’re comfortably seated here, you can choose from individual dishes or set sharing menus, which range from the ‘Taste of Tattu’ to the extravagant ‘Emperor’s Choice’. These feature courses like Peking Duck Pancakes with mains such as Lemon Baby Chicken in a sesame, ginger and soybean sauce, or Salt and Pepper Monkfish. If you have any room left afterwards, you can then tuck into Asian Pear Sticky Toffee Pudding or ‘Year Of The Dragon’, which features cashew butter fudge, hazelnut and marshmallow. Tattu also serves eye-catching cocktails inspired by tattoos from different cultures, like the tribal ‘Self Expression Sour’ and the Japanese gang-influenced ‘Yuzu Cobbler’.

Teppanyaki, Belgrave Street

If you’re seeking a thrilling dining experience that’s like no other, Teppanyaki is the place to head. Located in the basement of Belgrave Hall, this Japanese restaurant takes its name from the theatrical style of cooking you’ll find here. ‘Teppan’ means an iron hot plate while ‘Yaki’ means to fry, and Teppanyaki’s chefs fry your food on hot plates right before your eyes. You can expect towering flames and some entertaining tricks. The restaurant offers set menus or you can go à la carte with starters like Veggie Takoyaki – batter balls with edamame, mayo, takoyaki sauce, seaweed and bonito flakes – or king prawn or chicken Katsu. All of the mains are cooked on the hot plate and you can choose from various meats, including spicy lamb, duck teriyaki and salmon, or vegetarian ‘beef’ or tofu. Teppanyaki also serves delicious sushi, which can be enjoyed with drinks like a Sake Bomb or Japanese whisky and tonic.

The Restaurant Bar & Grill, City Square

Residing in the Grade II-listed building that once housed Leeds’ largest post office and telephone exchange, The Restaurant Bar & Grill provides a stunning backdrop for any special meal out. The historic building’s interior boasts imposing columns, hanging glass lights and decorative golden details. It’s also beautiful on the outside, where those who prefer to eat al fresco can sit on the canopied terrace. The team here use the finest ingredients to craft show-stopping food that looks as good as it tastes. One of the most photogenic options is the Signature Sharing Raw Plate, which features premium raw seafood presented on a platter of dry ice. Alternatively, you can try Peruvian and Japanese Nikkei dishes or mains like a Wild Venison Fillet served with truffle mash, baby spinach and morel mushroom sauce. Desserts include Burnt Basque Cheesecake, while The Restaurant’s drinks list features all of the wine, beer and spirits you’d expect along with alcoholic aperitifs like a St-Germain Hugo Spritz.

Ibérica, East Parade

This Spanish restaurant is situated in Hepper House, a stunning 19th century building that once belonged to one of the city’s most famous auctioneers. Since it became Ibérica, its interior has been creatively restyled by Lázaro Rosa Violán to encapsulate the decadence of a bygone era. You can now take a seat beneath the high, light-welled ceiling surrounded by old paintings and leafy palms while sharing plates of equally Instagrammable tapas. Ibérica’s executive chef, Nacho Manzano, was raised in the northern Asturias and his menus celebrate the spirit of his homeland. You can choose from rustic platters of cured meats and cheese, or more contemporary offerings like Chorizo Lollipops with a pear allioli or Grilled Octopus, which is accompanied by potatoes, smoked paprika and ajada sauce. The restaurant’s carefully-curated drinks list includes craft gins and exclusive wines that can be bought by the glass using Coravin.

Sukhothai, South Parade

If you’re looking for an Instagrammable feast, Sukhothai brings a little piece of Thailand to the heart of Leeds with modern decor that creates an inviting atmosphere. Among the tempting starters you’ll find here is Pou Nim: succulent soft-shell crab which is deep fried with peppers, onion and garlic. You can follow this with stir frys such as Thai favourite Pad Ga Prao, which is described as a must-try for spice lovers with hot diced meat, green beans, fresh chilli and basil, plus a fried egg. Sukhothai’s head chef recommends Pla Neung Manow – steamed whole sea bass with Chinese leaf, chilli and fragrant herbs – but if you can’t make up your mind their Signature Menu will take you on a ‘luxurious yet authentic journey through Thai cuisine’. You can also celebrate the weekend here with a bottomless brunch.

Images- @ibericarestaurants, @tatturestaurant