Leeds food guide

Pride in Yorkshire’s fantastic range of regional ingredients forms the backbone of Leeds’ culinary offerings, with locally produced meats, seafood, vegetables, cheeses, baked goods and other crafted foods celebrated throughout the city’s eateries. Local producers offer their own veg box schemes, there are regular farmers’ markets held throughout the city and Leeds’ central market continues to thrive.

The price of a round of drinks is another serious upside. Real ales and craft beers, made in abundance in the region, are enormously popular and available in a huge number of gently boisterous pubs and bars. Great gin selections and fantastic happy hour cocktails are also a feature.

Although Leeds has recently gained an elusive Michelin star, relaxed, informal dining is most popular in the city, with big flavours, reasonable prices, hearty portions and friendly service its defining qualities. Recent years have seen a huge surge in independent cafés, bars and restaurants popping up all over the city and the choice and variety has never been better. While chains are represented in the city, it’s the extensive number of passionate individuals, crafting food they truly love, that makes the city such a great place to eat, drink and live in.

Bundobust, Mill Hill – One of my favourite restaurants in Britain, it seems to me that they have the perfect formula. The Guajarati-Yorkshire street food is absolutely packed with flavour, and their range of mouth-watering fritters, tangy savoury chutneys and daily changing specials are matched with an extensive craft beer selection.

The Greedy Pig, North Street – The décor belies the serious cooking that happens at The Greedy Pig. By day it sustains the workers of Leeds, offering the best of full English breakfasts – both meat and vegetarian. By night their ever-changing small plate menu offers highly imaginative, unfussy, gorgeously flavoured dishes – the best of modern British cuisine.

Ecco Pizzeria, Otley Road – Authentic Neapolitan pizza with creative toppings served in Leeds’ student suburb of Headingly. Leave room for their other speciality – traditional, homemade gelato.

The Reliance, Old Street – House-cured charcuterie, local ingredients, ever changing specials and a cracking Sunday roast, all washed down with rotating craft beers and ciders from the region’s independent brewers.

The Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen, Belgrave Street – Pizza slices, award-winning burgers and changing street food residencies keep you sustained during the venue’s programme of music, art, film and other cultural activities.