Our city has not held a Michelin star since the closure of Michael O’Hare’s The Man Behind The Curtain in 2023, and no new awards were presented to Leeds restaurants at last night’s Michelin Ceremony.
Just five Leeds restaurants - plus one in Ilkley - are currently recommended in the Michelin Guide, with one of them set to close at the end of the month.
Attitudes towards Michelin are changing, too. Jono Hawthorne, of Chef Jono at V&V, told us the culinary bible has lost its appeal.
But there are some fantastic restaurants in the city that we think deserve a Michelin star, or at least a place on the Michelin Guide. Here are 10 of our top contenders.
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7. Chef Jono at V&V
Chef Jono has previously told us Michelin is losing its appeal, and we think his fine-dining restaurant has been overlooked by the inspectors yet again. Jono is known for pushing boundaries with flavour, texture and presentation. His New Briggate restaurant is a firm fan-favourite with Leeds diners, who frequently praise the incredible food and impeccable service. | Chef Jono at V&V
8. Dakota Grill
Previously included in the Michelin Guide, the heart and soul of Dakota Hotel is still serving perfectly executed comfort food - utilising seasonal produce - in a stylish atmosphere. Head chef Chris Nuttall has been at the helm of the kitchen since 2023, and the Grill is renowned for its high-quality steaks - grass-fed beef cooked to your preference over hot coals. | James Hardisty
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9. Hern
Another restaurant that we think deserves far more attention is this cosy Chapel Allerton bistro. It builds its menus weekly, and patron chef Rab Adams takes a sustainable approach - making the most of what he gets in from suppliers, from plum stones to a whole carcass of meat. It’s laidback and unpretentious, but the food is the star. | Yorkshire Evening Post
10. Swine Bistro
Formerly The Swine That Dines, this award-winning restaurant opened a new site in Headingley last year - after smashing a crowdfunding campaign to fund the move to a bigger venue. Since then, its status has been elevated; it's now listed in both the Good Food Guide and Square Meal's top 100 UK restaurants. We think a spot on the Michelin Guide - and perhaps a star - is next. | James Hardisty