Restaurant review: I tried this stunning fine-dining Thai restaurant in Leeds after a wonderful refurb

It’s undoubtedly a major perk of the job, but with Leeds being so rife with restaurants it can feel like there’s a new opening or refurbishment to check out and be wined and dined for free at every other week. Seriously, it can really take its toll, guys.

So as excited as I was to check out the new Sukhothai refurbishment and menu on South Parade, my exhaustion from the working week and industry launch event fatigue probably dampened my enthusiasm.

But man, did I leave with a different outlook.

The South Parade site has been beautifully redecorated to a tastefully opulent standard and our eating, drinking and service experience was as good as it gets.

Of course, staff are bound to bring their A-game when presenting their new product to those that could have a huge say in whether people come or not, but at no time during our evening did it feel that the welcome and passion was inauthentic.

Sukhothai has been a Leeds institution since its first site opened in Chapel Allerton in 2002 by Ban Kaewkraikhot. The executive chef then opened the South Parade edition of the Thai fine-dining spot in 2012 before launching the more street-food oriented Zaap Thai brand and going national, making her one of the city’s modern entrepreneurial greats.

She and other long-serving staff were on hand to share their reverent eagerness in the packed out upper dining space, which has been fully redesigned with a beautiful new interior that has elevated the offering; combining an elegant décor with traditional, meditative trinkets.

Prosecco was served in sleek glassware upon our arrival before we were treated to a range of the starters available on the new seasonal menu, which included a gorgeous seabass in ginger and lime, a delicately battered spring roll, sumptuous sweet and sour tofu and a bountiful helping of prawn crackers.

Basking in the atmosphere, it took us a while to even think about what to choose for our mains but when they came, they were accompanied perfectly with an audaciously crisp rosé wine from the French Riviera.

I went for the Pad Thai with pork and was reminded with every bite why Thai food is among my favourite. Time slowed down while eating and every element stood out on its own merit while still feeling excellently combined. Whether it was the green onion, carrot, noodles, peanuts, fish sauce or whatever; it all added up to something refreshing and unique.

My equally enthusiastic plus one went for the Pad Ga Prao, a heady sauce of chilli, basil and garlic with chicken and vegetables that was its own version of tender and warming.

It was all finished off with an outrageously refreshing spot of mango sorbet combined with two of their exquisite cocktails; a punchy Mango Margherita for my friend and the unique and innovative Chok Laab from the Premium Signature menu for me. Served with a smoky, dramatic finish, the drink was wholly unique with a herbaceous and intriguing flavour anchored with Mekhong; a trademark Thai spirit akin to rum.

I left full of great quality food and enthusiasm for the new-look Sukhothai, as well as a rejuvenated appreciation and gratitude to be able to enjoy the restaurant offerings of this truly unique city.

Factfile

Address: Sukhothai, 15 South Parade, Leeds LS1 5QS

Telephone: 0113 242 2795

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 5pm-10pm; Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat noon-11pm, Sun noon-8pm.

Website https://sukhothai.co.uk/

Scores

Food: 9/10

Value: 9/10

Atmosphere: 10/10

Service: 10/10