Amidst the businesses we’ve lost and stories of hardship, we’ve celebrated dozens of fantastic new openings across the city in 2025.
From neighbourhood cafes expanding into the city centre and an independent bakery launching its biggest venture yet, to two Leeds pub giants collaborating to lovingly restore a historic boozer, these new restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars have all got us talking this year.
Here are 25 of the most exciting new openings of 2025 - that have changed our city’s food and drink scene for the better.
13. CrowdedHouse
Perched above the city skyline at the top of Trinity Leeds, this ambitious bar and restaurant promised to bring “effortless decadence” to Leeds when it opened in July - after taking over the former Crafthouse and Angelica venues. The menu, led by double AA rosette chef Simon Jewitt, is just as impressive - featuring everything from Korean fried chicken and vegan beetroot pappardelle to Islay langoustines and hand-dived scallops. | Simon Hulme
14. Brewery Wharf Tavern
After taking over Whitelock’s Ale House in 2012, the Whitelock’s Group - led by founder Ed Mason - is driving an expansion. One of two pubs they've opened this year, the Brewery Wharf Tavern welcomed its first customers in August. A sister pub to the popular Meanwood Tavern, it now serves fresh homemade, stonebaked sourdough pizzas with bold new flavours. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
15. La Fiesta
This Mediterranean tapas restaurant opened its doors in the Merrion Centre in September. It offers a unique service style and an all-you-can-eat concept - tapas is made fresh to order and served to the table in waves throughout the meal. Pictured is owner Masud Rana. | James Hardisty
16. Nesso
Already a firm favourite in Morley, this stylish Italian-inspired cafe opened a new branch in the city centre in October. Nesso, another new venture from Bobby Geetha, is located in Merrion Street, below the Scape student accommodation. The upmarket cafe and bar serves all-day brunch, a wide range of drinks - from matcha lattes and smoothies to wine and spritz - and afternoon tea. | Nesso
17. Chick-fil-A
American chain Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurant in the UK in early 2025, and a Leeds site followed in October as part of its expansion. Known for its hand-breaded chicken sandwiches and signature hand-squeezed lemonade, the Leeds site in Commercial Street is locally owned, with operator Mike Hoy at the helm. | Simon Hulme
18. Blank Street
Leeds has seen a flurry of new openings this winter, including cult coffee brand Blank Street, which opened its first Leeds branch in November. Taking over the former Starbucks site on Albion Street, the Leeds Blank Street is currently the biggest in the world. | Blank Street