No matter what year you’re in, whether you’re a fresher settling in to the uni environment, in a different city and meeting new people, or a final year student with a never-ending to-do list, the first term has been pretty hectic for most of us. With the first term slowly coming to an end, you may be experiencing a whole range of emotions, from feeling relieved to finally be going home after such a busy few months, to being sad about leaving your friends and favourite city (we all love Leeds, don’t we?).
Regardless of your feelings towards reaching the end of the term, arranging a Christmas meal with your course friends or flatmates is a great way to get in the festive spirit before you bid farewell for the winter break. Finding a suitable date where you’re all free is tricky enough, let alone deciding on where to go. So, here’s a list of the top 5 restaurants in Leeds for your final cute meal-out to get in the festive spirit before you go your separate ways for the next few weeks.
- Best for veggie and vegan options
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Oranaise, Hyde Park
Oranaise is a Hyde Park favourite for Middle-Eastern food as they specialise in delicious tagines and meze style dishes with extensive options for veggies, vegans, and meat-eaters alike. Their classic hummus is highly recommended, with freshly baked pita for starters, it’s to die for! It’s worth noting that they don’t serve alcohol here, but its located right next to Hyde Park Pub so you can pop over there after if you fancy a post-tagine bev!
- Best cheap option
- Mommy Thai, City Centre
Situated next to the Corn Exchange, Mommy Thai offers amazing cheap Asian food such as fragrant Thai Red curries and Nutty Pad Thai for under £6- a perfect option if you’re looking to relive your ‘gap yah’.
- Best for a Casual Dinner
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The Cat’s Pyjamas, Headingley, City Centre
For hearty Indian street food and craft beers paired with a chilled atmosphere and funky decor, The Cat’s Pyjamas is your best bet. Their menu is packed with warming curries, fragrant tandoori skewers as well as moreish sides, including their infamous Yorkshire naan- a naan bread stuffed with melted cheddar cheese! They’re also offering a 3-course Christmas menu for £19.95.
- Best for a classy meal out
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Cosy Club, City Centre
Cosy Club recently opened in town and offers innovative dishes and delicious cocktails in a suitably cosy environment. This is undeniably the most expensive option (with a three-course meal priced at £27.95) but if you really want to go all out for the festive occasion then Cosy Club is a great option as they have an extensive Christmas menu made up of traditional meals with a twist. Some of these dishes include: Turkey and Smoked Bacon Pie, Halloumi and Winter Vegetable Wellington as well as Beetroot, Carrot and Parsnip Pie for vegans. They also offer pigs in blankets as a starter!
Best for cute vibes
- Little Tokyo, City Centre
Candlelit interior, cushioned seating, bento boxes – what more could you want in a cute meal out? This family-run Japanese restaurant has been established for 17 years and is renowned for its top quality fresh sushi. They pride themselves in being MSG-free and only using organic ingredients as well as locally sourced fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. Don’t eat fish? No problem! They offer unique vegan twists to popular Asian dishes such as tofu ‘steaks’, veggie ramens, BBQ aubergine and even a vegan ‘duck’ roast! They also offer a Gluten-Free menu.
Whatever restaurant you end up choosing, hopefully, you’ll have a great meal out with tasty food, flowing drinks, and most importantly, amazing company.
Andri Neocleous
Images: Oranaise, Deliveroo, thecatspjs, Cosy Club, Little Tokyo