Our Yorkshire Evening Post reviewers have spent the year tasting their way through Leeds, visiting more than 50 restaurants and cafes across the city. From neighbourhood bistros and gastropubs to fine-dining restaurants, we’ve been amazed by the quality of food, hospitable service and vibrant atmosphere that our city’s food and drink scene offers.
But there are some exceptional spots that stood above the rest, earning high praise from our reviewers. We give restaurants a score out of 10 for food, atmosphere, value and service - and 16 scooped an average score of 9/10 or above.
Here’s our definitive guide to the best Leeds restaurants and cafes of 2025.
1. Laynes - 9.5
In joint first place is this famous breakfast spot in New Station Street. Our reviewer loved the indulgent Yorkshire rarebit with smoked haddock - "beautifully cooked, flaking apart effortlessly, its subtle saltiness enhancing the richness of the cheese topping". ⭐ Food: 10. Atmosphere: 9. Service: 9. Value: 10. | Google
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2. Zaap Thai - 9.5
This vibrant Vicar Lane restaurant also scooped an average score of 9.5, and transported our reviewer "straight back to the Khao San Road". They were impressed with the buzzing atmosphere, enormous menu and warm service, and described the food was "an absolute riot of colour and flavour". ⭐ Food: 10. Atmosphere: 10. Service: 9. Value: 9. | Yorkshire Evening Post
3. The Highland Laddie - 9.25
This Leeds pub has made an enormous mark on the city since being revitalised by the team behind Empire Cafe this year - so it's no surprise it earned a top spot on our guide. Our reviewer enjoyed the much-lauded fresh oysters, a subtly-flavoured lobster madeleine and comforting sponge cake - and found the "sheer quality of the pub hard to believe". ⭐ Food: 10. Atmosphere: 9. Service: 10. Value: 8. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
4. Kerala Canteen - 9.25
Opened at the beginning of 2025, the new venture of MasterChef: The Professionals quarter-finalist Bobby Geetha "proved irresistible". Our reviewer praised the array of "modern but affordable" tapas-style dishes, curry bowls and outstanding flavours, as well as the buzzing atmosphere at this south Indian restaurant. ⭐ Food: 10. Atmosphere: 9. Service: 10. Value: 8. | Mark Bass
5. Azotea - 9
The fresh guacamole - handmade at the table - was bursting with flavour and one of many highlights from our reviewer's trip to Azotea. This Latin American rooftop restaurant and bar opened at the top of the Hyatt Hotel in March and boasts sweeping views across Leeds. The service was hailed as "exceptional". ⭐ Food: 9/10. Atmosphere: 9/10. Service: 10/10. Value: 8/10. | Yorkshire Evening Post
6. Escape Restaurant & Bar - 9
This family-run Mediterranean restaurant in Horsforth is a local gem, and our reviewer loved the generous portions, "divine" flavours and warm hospitality - "there is no snobbery, simply good food and drink in a polished yet relaxed setting." The "seriously good" cheesy garlic bread was a stand-out. ⭐ Food: 9. Atmosphere: 9. Service: 9. Value: 9. | Yorkshire Evening Post Photo: National World