A Guide to the Best Spots in Leeds City Centre

Leeds has plenty to offer, from art galleries, to celebrated restaurants, to superb shopping.

And with its reputation for having some of the friendliest people in the country, it’s no wonder this vibrant, cosmopolitan city attracts people from far and wide.

One of Leeds’s biggest attractions is its array of amazing eateries.

There’s literally a cuisine to suit all tastes. 

One of our favourite spots is Tharavadu, which serves incredible Keralan cooking. With a host of awards to its name, it’s the only Indian restaurant in Leeds to be mentioned in the Michelin Restaurant Guide. 

Another of our top picks is Mans Market, the place to go for delicious and authentic Chinese food. Its laid back setting and welcoming staff have made it a firm favourite among both visitors and locals alike. 

If it’s Japanese cuisine you’re after, look no further than Little Tokyo. This hidden gem with its cosy and relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place to meet with friends or treat clients. 

For something a bit special, you could try Home. It offers a selection of tasting menus in a beautiful location overlooking the river. Or there’s Crafthouse, a chic spot with stunning views and a wraparound terrace, which gets insanely good reviews. 

For a different dining experience, check out Trinity Kitchen. This unique concept sees six new street food vans rotate every eight weeks offering visitors the chance to experience various flavours and cuisines under one roof.

If pubs are more your thing, it’s long brewery history means Leeds is packed full of excellent drinking establishments. 

The Brunswick, on the edge of the city centre, serves great food and a range of real ales and craft beers on tap. 

We also love The Reliance, with its relaxed and easy atmosphere, delicious food and extensive drinks menu

For a good summer drinking spot, there’s the Lamb & Flag with its large courtyard and big open windows. Then there’s Whitelock’s, another of our favourites, which claims to be the oldest pub in Leeds.  

If you’re looking to grab a cup of coffee, you have to check out Tiled Cafe at Leeds Art Gallery. Housed in a magnificent Victorian hall, it’s fast become one of the most iconic eateries in the city.

The art gallery itself is a must-see for anyone looking to fill their day with a bit of culture. It’s home to one of the best collections of 20th-century British art outside London. There’s also the Henry Moore Institute, which has one of the largest collections of British sculpture in the UK and Leeds Arts University offering you the chance to see the next generation of artistic talent before anyone else. 

Leeds is also awash with museums ranging from The Royal Armouries, home to the UK’s national collection of arms and armour, to the Leeds City Museum, with its six galleries housing collections such as Life on Earth and Voices of Asia.

Sports fans might also enjoy a visit to The Yorkshire Cricket Museum, which offers an insight into Yorkshire’s long-established cricketing heritage. 

If it’s theatre you’re after, Leeds has plenty to offer including the Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds Playhouse and The Leeds Grand Theatre. 

And if you’re in need of a bit of retail therapy, Leeds is truly a shopper’s paradise with luxury brands, high street names and independent boutiques all within walking distance of each other. We highly recommend the shopping areas Trinity and Victoria. 

Of course, if you’re looking for shared office space in the city, Park House is the place. This recently renovated building has been transformed into a modern hub for remote workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, startups and business owners. Overlooking leafy Park Square, it’s just a five minute walk from Leeds station.

Want a look inside? Take a virtual tour.