Leeds boasts a wide variety of culinary experiences to try, enough to spoil you for choice throughout your entire university tenure. Whether you’re out to celebrate, going for a date, or simply out to cure yourself of the imminent feeling of death that last night’s alcohol-fuelled antics left you with, you will no doubt be able to find somewhere that will satisfy you.
Hangover Cures
Riveresque
Tucked away near Leeds Bridge, this café offers some delicious and rather large full English breakfasts. With a view of the river and a calm ambience, this dive is a great destination for shaking off the hangover or just for getting away from the bustle of the city centre.
15 Bridge End, Leeds, LS1 7HG
The Greasy Pig
A true piece of Leeds culture, the city would not be what it is today without this establishment. If you leave university without having been here at least once, you can’t consider yourself an alumnus of Leeds. With a menu full of heart-clogging breakfasts stuffed into bread loaves, mouth-watering muffins, and refreshing milkshakes, The Greasy Pig is truly a staple of the community.
74 Victoria Road, Leeds, LS6 1DL
LS6
On the road between the city and Headingley, you will find the LS6 café, a small café that has a lot to offer. While its status as a greasy spoon is questionable, this small eatery boasts a diverse menu that will satisfy many. For those jazz aficionados out there, the bar also hosts a weekly jazz night, as well as a host of other events such as poetry readings.
16 Headingley Lane, Leeds, LS6 2AS
Fine(ish) Dining
Akmal’s Tandoori Bistro
Situated in the heart of Hyde Park, Akmal’s is a must for your Leeds experience. If you ask anyone about Akmal’s, the first thing they’ll tell you is that it used to be a public toilet. The validity of this is questionable, but it adds character. Akmal’s offers some of the most delicious Indian food the city has to offer. It is reasonably price, and you can bring your own booze! (for a small fee).
235 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 3AP
The Cat’s Pyjamas
Self-advertised as serving ‘the best food this side of Delhi’, The Cat’s Pyjamas Indian restaurant is not to be slept on. Celebrating Indian street food culture, the restaurant offers dishes ‘infused with the passion of India’s cooks’. With the youngest Indian chef to ever receive a Michelin star cooking your food for you, this menu is not to be missed. Boasting two restuarants, you can this eatery in both the city centre and Headingley.
53 Otley Road, Leeds, LS6 3AB and 9 Eastgate, Leeds, LS2 7LY
May’s Thai
Another hidden gem of Hyde Park, May’s Thai is hidden in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot on the edge of the park. While it is relatively small, the restaurant is reasonably priced, reasonably situated, and reasonably lenient on you bringing your own drink. They also offer a takeaway option for those days when you’re feeling all too fragile to face the world.
225 Hyde Park Road, Leeds, LS6 1AH
Hidden Gems
Wapentake
Kirkgate is host to many great eateries. Wapentake is proof of this. The small café is handsomely furnished with a nice traditional vintage feel to it. The tradition feels stretches to the menu, which offers traditional dishes such as roasts, a variety of sandwiches, and Yorkshire puddings loaded with delicious meals.
92 Kirkgate, Leeds, LS2 7DJ
Fairuz
Once you find this place below ground on Merrion Street, you’ll be greeted by a wonderful restaurant with beautiful Lebanese décor, and an even more pleasing menu. The eclectic menu features traditional dishes such as Tajeen, Shawarma and Kofta; they also serve a wonderful halloumi salad that is not to be missed.
Lower Ground Floor, Fairfax House, Leeds, LS2 8JU
Charlie Green