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.
13. Sqew - 9
This "addictive" Lebanese takeaway in Boar Lane has been redefining kebabs and wraps, earning high acclaim since it opened in 2021. Fast forward to 2025, and the buzz around this fast-casual eatery hasn’t faded one bit. Our reviewer enjoyed the khobez wrap stuffed with a mix of lamb and chicken shawarma - "generously filled with marinated, slow-roasted meat". ⭐ Food: 10. Atmosphere: 8. Service: 9. Value: 9. | Yorkshire Evening Post
14. The Ivy Asia - 9
This extravagant restaurant in Leeds’ Victoria Quarter is as much about the environment as it is about the food - "playful, bold and unapologetically theatrical". Our reviewer was thoroughly impressed by the selection of small plates they tried, but the star of the evening was the golden aromatic half duck, "crispy-fried to perfection". ⭐ Food: 10. Atmosphere: 10. Service: 9. Value: 7. | Simon Hulme
15. Trattoria il Forno - 9
It is certainly not hidden to the people of Horsforth, but Trattoria il Forno is "undoubtedly an absolute gem of an Italian" - according to our reviewer. They were blown away by the Dorado pizza, "so delicious that it would not look out of place in the heart of Italy", and praised the warm service and family-friendly atmosphere. ⭐ Food: 9. Value: 9. Atmosphere: 9. Service: 9. | Yorkshire Evening Post
16. Wen's - 9
This North Street restaurant is stacked with glowing reviews, and a write-up from the Guardian is proudly framed and hung on the wall. Our reviewer found the authentic home cooking to be "utterly delightful" - the chicken kung po was a "perfectly balanced dish with chilli, garlic and ginger all singing in perfect harmony." ⭐ Food: 9. Atmosphere: 9. Service: 9. Value: 9. | James Hardisty