Leeds is chock-full of restaurants: some havens of culinary delight, others hell holes of salmonella. LSi Lifestyle and Culture has scouted out the very best food and drink secrets of Leeds which might have slipped past your radar.
Oranaise – Hyde Park
Probably the most authentic Algerian restaurant in Leeds, Oranaise is a dream for foodie hipsters. Reasonably priced, it won’t leave you out of pocket. Plus, the range of meze platters, tagines and various kebabs certainly won’t disappoint. They also do takeaways and deliveries, so you don’t even need to leave the comfort of the sofa.
The New Conservatory – City Centre
The ideal place to take someone you’re trying to impress or just as a treat for you and your friends. The cheese, fish, tapas and Mexican sharing platters are all spectacular and the Sunday Roast really does work wonders. Their creamy hot chocolates are the perfect antidote for the typical Northern weather.
Bierkeller – City Centre
Just down the stairs from Park Row, Bierkeller is the most fun you’ll have on a night out in Leeds. You’d think that recreating a German beer festival in a basement wouldn’t work, but once you grab a stein of ‘haus bier’ and join everybody else dancing on the benches in true Bavarian style, you will see why this place is so popular. Look out for the comedy nights, where the food is half-price.
Dare Cafe – Headingley
Dare has become a firm favourite for when family come to visit in Leeds. You can get soup and a sandwich at lunchtime for under £5, and there is also a delicious range of Mexican dishes on offer. The staff members are also very friendly, which is always a bonus.
It Bar – City Centre
It Bar’s burgers are quite spectacular. Their delicious creations, such as the Mac ‘n’ Cheese burger and the ‘Filthy Pig’ (a mix of pork and beef) will leave you drooling. Their sweet potato fries are equally dreamy. Check out their website for 2-for-1 deal vouchers.
Park Row – City Centre
Huge portions and the best cocktails in town, Park Row is especially brilliant on a Monday when food is half price with a loyalty card (easily obtainable, just ask at the bar). Very fairly priced on other weekdays, the sharing platter is £8 and will easily meet the needs of two hungry students. The menu of pies, mash, fish & chips, cheesecake and sticky toffee pudding offer the ultimate comfort foods.
Nation of Shopkeepers – City Centre
Not only do they have 2 for 1 burgers every Tuesday but you’ll also find yourself craving their signature mac ‘n’ cheese, fried chicken and chilli fries on a regular basis. Their Fentimans Cherry Cola, Fruli beer and their range of American craft beers are also worth sampling.
Smoothie Co. – Opposite Parkinson Steps
This will be your regular go to for fresh, affordable food. From the bacon and brie ciabatta to the stuffed vine leaf salad, you will be spoilt for choice. And with the option to add supplements of ‘Hangover Cure’ and ‘Multivitamin’ to your shakes, you’ll be able to justify making it one of your daily habits.
Tasty! – Headingley
The ideal fast food place for the more health-conscious among us, Tasty! is a more wholesome alternative to McDonald’s or a pub lunch. The food is made-to-order right in front of you and the prices are very reasonable. Their homemade soup is only £1.60, and their huge array of sandwiches start from just £2.80.
Emily Watts and Ella Healing