Restaurant review: Miah's Kitchen, York Place

Miah’s Kitchen is a little hidden from Leeds city centre’s main thoroughfares but just five minutes from the train station and you can be seated inside this modern restaurant in the heart of the city on York Place.

Entering through all-glass double doors there is a bar area immediately to the left where plush, low slung, chocolate brown-coloured seating provides a place to sip a drink from a fully-licensed drinks menu while you wait to be seated.

At a rough estimate the restaurant, though appearing relatively snug can probably seat upwards of 50 diners at once. It is a deceiving space, a partition running through the middle to shoulder height distorting how large the restaurant actually is when you are seated at a table.

A friendly waiter shows me to a table, situated in one of a series of booths along a wall, adjacent to which more tables are laid out. Each table is adorned by a fresh, single white rose in a slim glass vase and a long, thin white candles in a bottle.

The decor’s colours matches those of the entrance seats throughout, though the walls and ceiling in white offer a sharp counterbalance. Slit holes in the walls cascade subtle light outward over the tables and a trio of large bulbous light fixtures glow from atop the central partition.

Fairy lights dangle from the roof of the bar which is lined with a full compliment of spirits and a couple of options of lagers on draught.

Asian pop music plays over the speakers, making for a relaxed atmosphere.

The food menu is pleasingly comprehensive, offering the usual array of Tandoori and other traditional dishes, while there is a selection of ‘Miahs Dishes’ offering something a bit different. It is the Chef Recommendations section from which I order a Chicken Devdas - marinated meat barbecued in tandoor then cooked in a sauce consisting of ginger, spring onions, green peppers, pickled chillies and coriander.

A side of saag paneer is ordered to accompanying the dish which is relatively mild but tasty, though the chicken could have been a little more tender. The saag paneer sauce is particularly creamy and the potion sizes are good value.

A mango juice and a side of pilau rice brings the bill to just under £19.

Cheerful service, a smart appearance, good portion sizes and its relaxed atmosphere secures Miah’s place on West Yorkshire’s ever-buoyant curry trail.

Rating: 3/5