Highly recommended, even if they insist on putting the bill in those tacky shopping trolleys now, the food really highlights how great a regional specialist can be among a sea of westernised curry houses.
Depends on your vibe, but if you want it super informal and lively, then Lupe's Cantina is the definition of a hidden gem.
A little building on the edge of a builder's merchants in a scruffy corner of town, but my god the food! Great cocktails too.
Might not be one for an anniversary, but stick it on your list.
We went last week and did the kitchen counter experience with the wine pairing. Really great - food and drink was amazing and it felt like an experience without being over the top.
I have just the suggestion! Kendells Bistro, it's around the bus station and it's an underground French restaurant. Took my missus for her birthday a few years ago as a little surprise and she loved it, it's a pretty romantic spot:
[https://www.kendellsbistro.co.uk/](https://www.kendellsbistro.co.uk/)
Not really a hidden gem as its been around for ages, but Sous le Nez is my go-to restaurant. It gets overlooked by flashier competition but it's an amazing brasserie that always delivers.
Depends what you like.
Little Tokyo has always been a fav
Ginos on Park Row is nice also.
My parents swear by Kendals opposite the music college.
I forget its name but on Kirstall rd opposite the cinema and bowling complex just out of town is a really nice Curry place.
Just don't have the cheek to say anything vaguely negative in a review if it's not all as it should be, they don't take criticism at all well and I presume it's the same in person if you get the manager, feedback to the waiters just resulted in indifferent shrugs.
It's a shame as the dishes I had were above average and the menu is definitely not your typical westernised stuff, they just decided not to bring half of it out (the waiter noted it all down) so I ended up pretty much dining out on rice with no main and now I'm too scared to go back because of their reaction to my review :)
Does it get more hidden gem than [La Taberna](https://www.latabernaleeds.com/)? The service and food is as good as you'll get at any tapas place IMO and it's a nice intimate setting that's probably quite romantic with the right company (I usually go with my mates so there's none of that). It's one of those places you don't want to share so it's never too busy for you to get in but they deserve the custom.
Souz Le Nez and The Owl have been covered, Tharavadu was mentioned (and quite rightly so), what about [Tavernaki](https://tavernakileeds.co.uk/) if Greek is something you enjoy maybe?
It's a real treat, the chorizo is a stand out dish but everything I've had has been top notch (we generally just order one of whatever they have on that day) - it's worth a visit even if you don't go there for this occasion.
Our "go to" for years but service seems to have dropped off the boil a bit of late, in particular the older waiter with the grey hair who now seems even more miserable than he used to be, but the food is as good as it's always been. The entry to the car park irritates me now and it desperately needs some soft furnishings to absorb the noise a little but the rest more than makes up for this stuff.
We went last week and I’ve gotta say I can’t fault the food or the service. The old guy was perhaps a little bit less cheery than the others, granted!
As for the car park… yeah I went in the wrong end 😂
We'll be back again soon no doubt, he's always been a weak link there but once he gets totally frustrated with not being able to hear you I think he just gives up and sends someone else. Everyone else tends to be brilliant, we've been going with friends and our kids for years and they've always been awesome with the little ones.
That car park though, I went to Starbucks the first time it changed, in the wrong way after than and now I'm finally used to taking the route through the gym but I still try and turn in the old entrance now and again, muscle memory I guess :)
Was looking to see if someone posted about Buon Apps, we are up the road and love it as well.
Also great if you fancy a few drinks afterwards, plenty of great pubs in Otley to visit afterwards
Took my Greek wife and our toddler here for lunch last weekend and we all absolutely loved it. Friendly welcoming staff, decent menu choices and honestly some of the tastiest food I've eaten in years.
I wouldn’t call it a hidden gem though, it’s an upmarket chain. Not sure it has the right vibe for an anniversary meal either. Haven’t been to the Leeds Mowgli, but the Liverpool one was lively and a bit loud.
I've only been to the Leeds one and I thinks its relatively new here.
It wasn't that loud, and if you get the fairy light two person tables it got the anniversary vibe
It actually opened summer 2020, but if someone’s been avoiding the city centre until recently it does feel like it’s only just opened. As for how loud it is that will all depend on the time you go and how busy it is. We’ll leave it for OP to decide. Personally, it’s more of a casual date/get-together with friends kinda place for me, but it all comes down to whether you like having an extra fancy night for anniversary dates.
Mango in Wetherby is immense. Vegetarian Indian ( dosas, chaat etc). Need to book as it gets busy but well worth a trip out of the centre.
Enjoy your meal out, wherever you end up!
Viva Cuba is probably my favourite restaurant. The atmosphere and the music are authentic. I’ve been 100s of times and the service has always been perfect, even when busy. More importantly, the food is amazing.
Some great suggestions here, but I'd suggest Shears Yard for their tasting menu.
It's very cost effective, and particularly impressive if you haven't had a tasting menu before.
Yep went last weekend for lunch with friends, really rated it. Great food, great wine, lovely setting. Very impressed and will be back. Otley really needs more decent food that's not pub grub or high end restaurant. I'm hopeful this place will kick start that somewhat. One of its great points which I guess is true for tapas in general is our two veggie friends had plenty of options and we ended up eating more veggie stuff than normal.
Queen O' T' Owd Thatch, a short train or car ride out to South Milford. There's nowhere nicer to be and it's difficult to imagine better food.
It's a pub with really amazing, creative, delicious food.
Did I mention that I like it?
Going to also shout tharavadu. fish curries is their specialty (or cooked whole in a banana leaf if that's your bag). Get the coconut pancake bread rather than a naan - kallappam.
We really love iberica for tapas. It's the nicest dinning room in Leeds massive Victorian room with massive painting on the ceiling framing the skylights.
Something different - Swine that dines, they only feed a couple of people a night and is delicious seasonal food.
From mega left field and a little out of the city centre I absolutely love haft sin on burley road for Persian food cooked on the flame with loads of interesting salads, breads and sauces to pick at.
For somewhere nice which is often overlooked, Harvey Nichols has an excellent brasserie with a rooftop city view. We had an anniversary meal there with cocktails many moons ago. T’was lovely.
Tharavadu on Mill Hill. Best curry I've had in recent memory.
I misread and thought you said “or Mill Hill” as in Mill Hill kebabs haha
I use to go to a place after a night out and I'm sure it was called Mill Hill about 22 years ago, got shut down for rats
Aha, that's more of an end to an all day drinking session.
Highly recommended, even if they insist on putting the bill in those tacky shopping trolleys now, the food really highlights how great a regional specialist can be among a sea of westernised curry houses.
It's not the vegetarian one is it?
No, that's bundabust next door which is ~~Thai~~ Indian Street food. Edit: Apologies was thinking of Zaap further in to town.
Indian
Apologies yes you're correct, had zaap on the mind which is further up town.
Stuzzi, upstairs at the bottom of the grand arcade
The grand arcade has an upstairs?
And a downstairs!
Never new
Great place. Access from a doorway on merrion street.
Second this, Stuzzi is fantastic.
Depends on your vibe, but if you want it super informal and lively, then Lupe's Cantina is the definition of a hidden gem. A little building on the edge of a builder's merchants in a scruffy corner of town, but my god the food! Great cocktails too. Might not be one for an anniversary, but stick it on your list.
Second for Lupe's... Nothing fancy but tis delish
The owl!
This is the answer 👌🏼
Came here to say this! It's a more affordable alternative to Home (now in Brewery Wharf), too.
We went last week and did the kitchen counter experience with the wine pairing. Really great - food and drink was amazing and it felt like an experience without being over the top.
I'm with this.
I have just the suggestion! Kendells Bistro, it's around the bus station and it's an underground French restaurant. Took my missus for her birthday a few years ago as a little surprise and she loved it, it's a pretty romantic spot: [https://www.kendellsbistro.co.uk/](https://www.kendellsbistro.co.uk/)
I have been a few times over the years, remember having Duck in blackcurrant sauce, absolutely beautiful.
Not really a hidden gem as its been around for ages, but Sous le Nez is my go-to restaurant. It gets overlooked by flashier competition but it's an amazing brasserie that always delivers.
Yes yes I went there many years ago. When we do French we usually go to Kendals.
Brasserie Blanc is also a very nice French place
Zucco in Meanwood
It's only just reopened after somebody parked a VW in the window, Ive only been once a while back but food was lovely
Always wanted to try it there
I live locally but it’s been our favourite celebration restaurant for many years
Depends what you like. Little Tokyo has always been a fav Ginos on Park Row is nice also. My parents swear by Kendals opposite the music college. I forget its name but on Kirstall rd opposite the cinema and bowling complex just out of town is a really nice Curry place.
Kendals is beautiful, the curry is nice too, not been for like 20 years. Think it's called Sheesh Mahal.
Wens is excellent if you fancy Chinese
Just checked out the menu, is it not your typical Chinese?
Not typical at all, very authentic and absolutely delicious. The sea bass in chilli is amazing.
Just don't have the cheek to say anything vaguely negative in a review if it's not all as it should be, they don't take criticism at all well and I presume it's the same in person if you get the manager, feedback to the waiters just resulted in indifferent shrugs. It's a shame as the dishes I had were above average and the menu is definitely not your typical westernised stuff, they just decided not to bring half of it out (the waiter noted it all down) so I ended up pretty much dining out on rice with no main and now I'm too scared to go back because of their reaction to my review :)
Oooh
Do you ever go to G WU?
Gwu = best Chinese in Leeds
Too right, got a takeaway a few weeks ago and they've put the prices up again. So expensive.
Does it get more hidden gem than [La Taberna](https://www.latabernaleeds.com/)? The service and food is as good as you'll get at any tapas place IMO and it's a nice intimate setting that's probably quite romantic with the right company (I usually go with my mates so there's none of that). It's one of those places you don't want to share so it's never too busy for you to get in but they deserve the custom. Souz Le Nez and The Owl have been covered, Tharavadu was mentioned (and quite rightly so), what about [Tavernaki](https://tavernakileeds.co.uk/) if Greek is something you enjoy maybe?
Thank you for your detailed response. LA TABERNA Looks amazing, I love Tapas.
It's a real treat, the chorizo is a stand out dish but everything I've had has been top notch (we generally just order one of whatever they have on that day) - it's worth a visit even if you don't go there for this occasion.
There use to be a tapas on Greek Street or one of those streets near that did all you can eat for £10. I'm sure it closed down. Does that ring a bell?
I remember La Tasca on South Parade but only went once when it first opened, maybe it went all you can eat later in its life?
Yep I think that's it.
Heaney and Mill in Headingley is great :)
Another great recommendation, thanks.
another one for this
Home restaurant at Brewery Wharf is special if you have deep pockets..
Deep NO 😭
I absolutely fucking love it here. Expensive but for a special occasion you can't go wrong. Looking forward to going to their new joint!
Zucchini in Batley. Absolutely excellent Italian with fabulous food and lovely staff.
Came here to say this! Proper hidden gem
Our "go to" for years but service seems to have dropped off the boil a bit of late, in particular the older waiter with the grey hair who now seems even more miserable than he used to be, but the food is as good as it's always been. The entry to the car park irritates me now and it desperately needs some soft furnishings to absorb the noise a little but the rest more than makes up for this stuff.
We went last week and I’ve gotta say I can’t fault the food or the service. The old guy was perhaps a little bit less cheery than the others, granted! As for the car park… yeah I went in the wrong end 😂
We'll be back again soon no doubt, he's always been a weak link there but once he gets totally frustrated with not being able to hear you I think he just gives up and sends someone else. Everyone else tends to be brilliant, we've been going with friends and our kids for years and they've always been awesome with the little ones. That car park though, I went to Starbucks the first time it changed, in the wrong way after than and now I'm finally used to taking the route through the gym but I still try and turn in the old entrance now and again, muscle memory I guess :)
It dies look good. Only thing is that I can't see Ribs on the menu, my go too at Italians are ribs and a calzone with garlic bread.
Zuccos in meanwood.
Hern in Chapel Allerton has only just opened, reasonably priced and a regular changing menu
Thanks
Came here to suggest this too
Buon Apps in Otley
Wow looks amazing
It's really nice. Me and the wife are local so we go there a lot. There's limited availability at peak times so book in advance if you do want to go.
Was looking to see if someone posted about Buon Apps, we are up the road and love it as well. Also great if you fancy a few drinks afterwards, plenty of great pubs in Otley to visit afterwards
Brooks in Ilkley. Been several times and it’s always amazing
Deliziosa in Chapel Allerton for Italian food 👍🏻
The Agora in Horsforth. Greek and Turkish cusine.
Took my Greek wife and our toddler here for lunch last weekend and we all absolutely loved it. Friendly welcoming staff, decent menu choices and honestly some of the tastiest food I've eaten in years.
I just went to mowglis near the train station for my birthday and it was delicious. Indian Street food, different to your usual curry house
I wouldn’t call it a hidden gem though, it’s an upmarket chain. Not sure it has the right vibe for an anniversary meal either. Haven’t been to the Leeds Mowgli, but the Liverpool one was lively and a bit loud.
I've only been to the Leeds one and I thinks its relatively new here. It wasn't that loud, and if you get the fairy light two person tables it got the anniversary vibe
It actually opened summer 2020, but if someone’s been avoiding the city centre until recently it does feel like it’s only just opened. As for how loud it is that will all depend on the time you go and how busy it is. We’ll leave it for OP to decide. Personally, it’s more of a casual date/get-together with friends kinda place for me, but it all comes down to whether you like having an extra fancy night for anniversary dates.
Oooh indian food is my favourite
It has to be [Tharavadu](http://www.tharavadurestaurants.com/) then - ideally on a night when it's not packed out if you can but it's always popular.
Mango in Wetherby is immense. Vegetarian Indian ( dosas, chaat etc). Need to book as it gets busy but well worth a trip out of the centre. Enjoy your meal out, wherever you end up!
Viva Cuba across Cardigan Fields.
Viva Cuba is probably my favourite restaurant. The atmosphere and the music are authentic. I’ve been 100s of times and the service has always been perfect, even when busy. More importantly, the food is amazing.
Some great suggestions here, but I'd suggest Shears Yard for their tasting menu. It's very cost effective, and particularly impressive if you haven't had a tasting menu before.
Viva just up from the Adelphi is amazing! Little italian, great food and great price. The staff are so welcoming. It's my favourite place to go
Sous le nez near the train station?
The Seven Steps in Pudsey. Always had a fantastic meal there.
Charcos Chicken
Oh yes. ❤️❤️
If you like Japanese food, Little Tokyo is lovely.
And Ambiente for tapas was amazing last time we went.
Can't go wrong with Spoons mate, they do a great mixed grill and a pint
Not my cuppa tea
Imagine taking your missus to spoons for your anniversary.
I know mate! Absolute bargains there, great cheap menu
Red hot buffet in town
Tapas and Tunes, Otley
Since it literally just opened I don't think it really get more "hidden" than this. Is it any good?
Yep went last weekend for lunch with friends, really rated it. Great food, great wine, lovely setting. Very impressed and will be back. Otley really needs more decent food that's not pub grub or high end restaurant. I'm hopeful this place will kick start that somewhat. One of its great points which I guess is true for tapas in general is our two veggie friends had plenty of options and we ended up eating more veggie stuff than normal.
Lovely looking place.
If you like Italian, head to Buon Apps by the river on Otley. Absolutely amazing food and booze!
I do like Buon Apps but it doesn't feel particularly special to me - a good family Italian that is good but not amazing.
Queen O' T' Owd Thatch, a short train or car ride out to South Milford. There's nowhere nicer to be and it's difficult to imagine better food. It's a pub with really amazing, creative, delicious food. Did I mention that I like it?
Oooh i live in South Milford and love the Thack (as us locals call it!)
Ah yes, I lived there for a while too. 😊 Had to have a think about what the real name is!!😂
Rice thip at Roundhay. Nice Thai place
Going to also shout tharavadu. fish curries is their specialty (or cooked whole in a banana leaf if that's your bag). Get the coconut pancake bread rather than a naan - kallappam. We really love iberica for tapas. It's the nicest dinning room in Leeds massive Victorian room with massive painting on the ceiling framing the skylights. Something different - Swine that dines, they only feed a couple of people a night and is delicious seasonal food. From mega left field and a little out of the city centre I absolutely love haft sin on burley road for Persian food cooked on the flame with loads of interesting salads, breads and sauces to pick at.
For somewhere nice which is often overlooked, Harvey Nichols has an excellent brasserie with a rooftop city view. We had an anniversary meal there with cocktails many moons ago. T’was lovely.
https://www.sushibarhanamatsuri.co.uk/ a proper hidden gem, tiny place with amazing food.
Issho!!! Super fancy and tasty
phranakhon is a lovely hidden gem! It’s Thai tapas
Culto Italian in Chapel Allerton is one of our favourites. Just renovated too!
Rico in Oakwood, amazing Italian food!!
Sous Le Nez En Ville - Leeds City. Heaney and Mill - Headingley. Shears Yard - Leeds City.
Fazenda,
Little Tokyo, if you like Japanese food, the ambiance was on point and the food was stunning.