The booming restaurant scene in Leeds – the third-largest city in the United Kingdom – reflects a nationwide trend for sourcing local, seasonal ingredients to create dishes with traditional British flair.
Leeds’ best restaurants include Michelin-starred Box Tree Restaurant, which proudly serves modern French cuisine, with dishes that include Roast Sea Scallops and White Truffle Oil. While the kitchen boasts the latest modern technology, the restaurant itself features a wide collection of art and antiques, showcasing the style and design for which the Box Tree is known.
The Man Behind the Curtain, located on the top floor of Flannels is another highlight. Head Chef and owner Michael O’Hare’s attention to detail is reflected in every aspect of the restaurant, from the minimalist décor to the carefully selected menu and wine list.
From old riverside warehouses to panoramic views of the city, a wide array of locations and cuisines make this a truly varied dining scene. Stay tuned for our exclusive Elite guide to the best restaurants in Leeds.
BOX TREE RESTAURANT
Owned by husband and wife team Simon and Rena Gueller, this Michelin-starred restaurant proudly serves modern French cuisine and offers an extensive wine list.
Box Tree Restaurant opened in the early sixties and has since placed an emphasis on sourcing local fresh ingredients from farmers and suppliers. Popular favorites include the roast sea scallops, celeriac puree, white truffle oil and signature soufflés.
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THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN
Located on the top floor of Flannels in Leeds, The Man Behind the Curtain boasts a small and thoughtfully-designed menu that experiments with interesting flavors through every course. Highlights include the signature 12-serving tasting menu which changes seasonally.
Head Chef Michael O’Hare is described as an ‘artist’ and has a background of working in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe.
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The Man Behind the Curtain places its focus on local ingredients, so local in fact they are grown on site, meaning you won’t find fresher food anywhere else in Leeds.
www.themanbehindthecurtain.co.uk
BRASSERIE FORTY 4
This family-run restaurant is located within a converted warehouse and boasts stunning views of the riverside.
The historic site combines contemporary décor with over 200 years of trading, with an enticing menu and extensive wine list.
The stone walls and light wooden interiors create a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The a la carte menu changes every eight weeks, highlighting the seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. As well as this, Brasserie Forty 4 also offers daily specials, including starters, mains and desserts.
CLOCKTOWER
Located within Rudding Park Hotel, this bright and airy restaurant features a hand-made crystal pink chandelier, which makes a truly striking centerpiece.
The 27-foot limestone bar provides the perfect setting for early morning coffees, bar snacks or pre and post-dinner drinks. Immersed in azaleas and rhododendrons, the restaurant’s outside space also makes a popular choice for dining al fresco in summer.
Chefs pride themselves on creating incredibly flavorsome dishes and are able to cater to all dietary requirements, as well as offering gluten-free and vegetarian choices.
ANGELICA
The stunning cocktail bar and panoramic views of the city have made Angelina a firm favorite for locals and visitors alike. Open from 10am until 2am, Angelica transforms from a grand café into a premium cocktail destination in the evening.
The menu offers British classics in relaxed-yet-stylish surroundings and consists of a tantalizing and tempting array of dishes, from fresh sushi to crisp salads and steaks. Customers can access Angelina via the top floor of the Trinity Leeds center or via the private lift on Boar Lane.
MALMAISON
Malmaison take pride in serving classic British dishes with a twist, including sublime steaks and the ever popular Mal Burger. The homegrown blackboard specials are created using only locally produced beef.
Elegant ceilings, plush leather seats and contemporary open fireplaces create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The super sommelier offers a wide range of vintages, aperitifs and digestifs, ensuring there is something for everyone here.
Hidden away in a secluded corner of the Leeds restaurant, you’ll find a discrete private dining room, perfect for an intimate dinner. The dining room can seat up to 12 guests.
www.malmaison.com/locations/leeds/brasserie
CRAFTHOUSE
Located on the fifth floor of Trinity Leeds, Crafthouse offers an inviting space with views across the city center.
The open kitchen allows you to be at the center of the action; whilst head chef Lee Bennett ensures your meal is professionally cooked and simply served.
Crafthouse takes pride in sourcing local ingredients whenever possible, including their milk and cream from a dairy in Grassington and their smoked fish from the Staal Smokehouse in East Yorkshire. The wine list offers a wide variety of labels, carefully selected to complement the ever-changing seasonal menu.
FOURTH FLOOR CAFE HARVEY NICHOLS
The Fourth Floor Café at Harvey Nichols boasts a wall of windows, revealing a striking city rooftop vista.
The metallic finishes, leather seats, statement mirrors and lighting all contribute to the luxurious feel of the café, creating a Scandic feel.
The award-winning menu showcases the best of fresh and local produce of the highest quality. The chefs prepare tasty, modern, globally influenced dishes on the top floor of this chic store.
www.harveynichols.com/restaurant/leeds-dining
