Leeds is full of fabulous independent cafes serving up speciality coffee, freshly-baked pastries and the warmest of welcomes. From signature matcha lattes to a good old-fashioned pot of tea, we are spoilt for choice.
And when it comes to food, there are a plethora of local cafes serving up hearty and flavourful breakfast and brunch menus, from the classics to flavours from around the world.
We’ve picked out 10 of our favourite independent cafes in Leeds where you can grab a seriously tasty breakfast.
1. Cafe Deli Margaux
This charming neighbourhood cafe in Farsley won Best Brunch in Leeds at our Oliver Awards 2024. It serves an all-day brunch menu seven days a week, with everything from the classics (eggs benedict, Turkish eggs), to bagels, 'ultimate sandos' and house specials, including a courgette fritter stack. Margaux's is also one of the top-rated restaurants for breakfast on Tripadvisor, with an impressive 4.9/5 stars. 📍 Town Street, Farsley. | Tony Johnson
2. House of Koko
Now boasting three cafes, including a new branch in the city centre, House of Koko has been a fixture of Leeds' café culture since 2015. Its Middle Eastern–inspired menus include the 'hot honey habibi' (triple-cooked potatoes with spices, a poached egg or scrambled tofu), the Moroccan meurette (merguez sausage in a pomegranate sauce), as well as four eggs benedict varieties. 📍 Chapel Allerton, Oakwood and Leeds city centre. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
3. The Empire Cafe
This city centre cafe has soared in popularity since being restored in 2023. For breakfast, it serves "proper caff butties" - bacon, sausage, egg on a toasted oven-bottom muffin - as well as a full 'Leeds breakfast' championing local ingredients. Or, the house-made kimchi hash brown is served with avocado and fire-licked mushroom. 📍 Fish Street, city centre. | Steve Riding
4. Gray's
This friendly coffee shop in Rothwell has scooped multiple awards, including best Cafe/Deli in Leeds at our Oliver Awards 2023, and the Blue Ribbon Good Food Award. They serve a tasty breakfast menu full of well-cooked classics, from an English breakfast and pancakes to chorizo eggs benedict, granola and breakfast sandwiches. 📍 Commercial Street, Rothwell. | James Hardisty
5. Residence
This thriving cafe was founded in 2018 and now has three branches across Leeds, all with a laidback atmosphere and friendly service. It serves a simple, hearty breakfast and brunch menu - from the Residence Full English (you can make it mighty for £4 extra) and avo on toast, to classic omelette, shakshuka and the signature Residence hash. 📍 Headingley, Cookridge and Moortown. | James Hardisty
6. Laynes
When our reviewer tried this famous Leeds breakfast spot, they were blown away by the Yorkshire rarebit with smoked haddock, an intriguing and indulgent take on the classic dish. Other highlights include sweetcorn fritters, wild mushrooms in marsala wine sauce and the blueberry pancakes for sweet-toothed diners. 📍 New Station Street, city centre. | Laynes/Google