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.
7. Flat Iron - 9
Our reviewer praised the signature flat iron steak, sourced locally from Thirsk in North Yorkshire, and the beef-dripping mash. But it was the limited-edition smoked chilli cheeseburger at this city centre steakhouse that wowed them the most - "this might just be the best burger I’ve had". ⭐ Food: 10. Atmosphere: 8. Service: 8. Value: 10. | Yorkshire Evening Post
8. Friends of Ham - 9
Hailed as "a Leeds deli worth returning to time and again", our reviewer was impressed by the "thoughtful and deliberate" food and drink on offer and the customisable charcuterie. Devilled duck eggs proved a particular hit, while the Baron Bigod Brie delivered a pungent kick. ⭐ Food: 10. Atmosphere: 9. Service: 9. Value: 8. | Yorkshire Evening Post
9. GRUB at Rodley - 9
Our reviewer loved this new cafe on Rodley Town Street when they visited for a leisurely Sunday breakfast - and said it was "bursting at the seams with charm". They enjoyed a hearty and well-cooked full English, and the staff went above and beyond to put smiles on customers' faces. ⭐ Food: 9. Atmosphere: 9. Service: 9. Value: 9. | Yorkshire Evening Post
10. Maki & Ramen - 9
This trendy Japanese restaurant in Bond Street was hailed as an affordable treat. Our reviewer tried the "sensational" vegan katsu curry - crispy mock chicken with sauce that was "thick, fragrant and glossy with enough heat to bring a glow to the chilliest winter evening without being overpowering." ⭐ Food: 9. Atmosphere: 9. Service: 9. Value: 9. | Yorkshire Evening Post
11. Maybe Later - 9
This intimate, vintage-inspired restaurant in Wetherby changes its menu monthly to make use of seasonal ingredients. Visiting for lunch, our reviewer loved the bavette steak - "tender and cooked to perfection" - and the black forest brownie - "rich in flavour yet soft in the middle". ⭐ Food: 8. Atmosphere: 10. Service: 10. Value: 8. | Yorkshire Evening Post
12. Rosa's Thai - 9
Our reviewer tried the weekday set lunch offer and was amazed at the deal - "an incredible two-course lunch, slap bang in the city centre, for £15 – and that included a drink." They loved the "rich and satisfying" pad see ew with tofu and the "delightfully golden and crisp" spring rolls. ⭐ Food: 9. Atmosphere: 8. Service: 9. Value: 10. | Yorkshire Evening Post