Domo review: 'Leeds gets a long-awaited taste of Sardinia - but it doesn’t come cheap'

Domo has arrived in Leeds, bringing Sardinian dining to Tower Works in Holbeck. The restaurant, which began life in Sheffield in 2019, has already built a strong reputation, picking up praise from critics including Jay Rayner and appearing in the Good Food Guide.

It has opened at Tower Works in Holbeck, adding to the growing number of venues pushing Leeds city centre further south of the canal. Even midweek, it is already drawing a strong crowd, with most tables taken on a Tuesday night.

Inside, Domo leans heavily into Mediterranean atmosphere. Hand-painted tiled tables, shelves of brightly lit bottles, and a large central bar give it a warm, transportive feel. The design makes it easy to forget Sardinia is hundreds of miles away.

Starters lean into discovery, especially for diners unfamiliar with Sardinian cooking.

The Su ossu & sa tartara combines beef tartare with roasted ossobuco and pecorino cream, served with crisp carasau bread, while Triu de su mari chi cantat brings a trio of smoked tuna, swordfish and halibut with citrus dressing and pineapple “tartare”.

The beef tartare is rich and well balanced, lifted by bone marrow and a salty crunch from the bread.

The fish trio is bright and fresh, with pineapple adding a sharp acidity that cuts through the smoke and salt, although a little more fruit would lift it further.

Prices are on the higher side, with starters around £16–£18, but the quality goes a long way to justifying the cost.

That continues into the mains, which feel confident, generous and rooted in traditional Sardinian cooking.

The standout main is Ippoglosso San Teodoro, featuring halibut, prawns and Sardinian sausage in a rich lobster sauce.

The fish is cooked perfectly, crisp at the edges and soft in the middle, with the sauce adding depth and balance.

La Milanesa Sarrabbiat is more dramatic, with a large veal cutlet topped with burrata and a spicy “secret sauce” with a puttanesca-style kick. It is indulgent, large in portion and priced at £33.50, making it a treat rather than an everyday order.

Sides are mixed. Roast potatoes are crisp, well seasoned and a highlight, while the garlic and chilli spinach disappoints, lacking both heat and flavour and not justifying its £5 price tag.

Desserts bring the meal back on track. The pistachio lava cake is warm, rich and earthy, while the tiramisu is creamy with a light crunch and strong comfort-food appeal.

Domo is a welcome addition to Leeds, bringing warmth, character and generous portions to Holbeck’s growing food scene.

The main drawback is price, which places it firmly in the treat category rather than an everyday option. It is the kind of restaurant people return to for occasions, even if not for weekly visits.

Overall, it feels like a restaurant that brings something different to Leeds, combining confident home cooking with a lively atmosphere that suits both date nights and group dinners, even if the price point will limit how often most people can visit.

Factfile

• Address: Tower works, 2 Globe Rd, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5QG
• Telephone: 0113 487 2192
• Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, noon-10pm; Fri-Sat, noon-11am; Sun, noon-7pm
• Website: https://www.domoleeds.co.uk/

Scores

• Food: 10/10
• Value: 7/10
• Atmosphere: 8/10
• Service: 8/10