While we lost some treasured businesses along the way, the city welcomed some fabulous new places to eat, cementing its place as the foodie capital of the North (in our humble opinion).
From new pizza joints to fine-dining, there are so many new spots to get stuck into this year.
Here, we round up 23 of the best restaurants that opened in 2023.
7. Jamrock
This much-loved West Indian restaurant opened its new site in Kirkgate in May. Formerly located on Call Lane, Jamrock serves traditional Caribbean cuisine and a range of cocktails and beers - inspired by the food owner Oral Blackford grew up eating in Jamaica. Photo: Steve Riding
8. Tamatanga
Tamatanga officially opened its doors to the public in June, following its success in Nottingham, Leicester and Birmingham. The Indian restaurant chain, founded in 2008, serves a mix of both the familiar and unusual twists on classic dishes, as well as unique cocktails and premium spirits. Photo: Tamatanga
9. TADA
This Japanese restaurant serving sushi, ramen and funky cocktails opened in Headingley in July. Split over two floors, TADA offers a traditional sushi bar downstairs, with the first floor housing a Japanese dining room serving ramen, yakitori skewers and more, as well as cocktails, sake and Japanese whiskey. Pictured are the founders Thomas Chiang and Katlin Akerman. Photo: James Hardisty
10. Bricklebank's Cafe and Bar
Young entrepreneur Adam Bricklebank opened his first restaurant and bar in Chapel Allerton in July - and it's been an immediate hit in the suburb. Serving everything from breakfast and brunch through to small bites and cocktails, it's open from 9am every day. Photo: Tony Johnson
11. Trissur Poroam
Trissur Pooram, named after the annual Hindu temple festival in Kerala, opened in Kirkstall Road in August. A family-run south Indian restaurant, its owners recently relocated to Leeds from London, taking over the former vegan restaurant Meat Is Dead. Photo: James Hardisty
12. Ma-He Coastal Indian
Celebrating South Indian coastal cooking, this Merrion Centre restaurant opened its doors in August. Heading up the kitchen is Arjun Bhat (pictured) who moved from Chennai to take up the head chef role. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe