Having lived all over the city since moving to Leeds eight years ago, within a few weeks I knew this popular suburb was going to be my home for a while. And as a keen foodie and someone partial to a good night out, I quickly got stuck into Chapel Allerton’s offering.
There’s everything you could need, from homely pubs for an after-work pint to family-run restaurants serving delicious food from all over the world. And two new additions are set to arrive in the suburb soon - a new Italian restaurant, Capri, on Gledhow Valley Road and a Greek restaurant taking over the former Dapur Malaysia site.
Here’s my ultimate guide to a night in Chapel Allerton - with 25 bars, restaurants and pubs to choose from.
. The ultimate guide to a night in Chapel Allerton
Here are 25 brilliant restaurants, pubs and bars to choose from Photo: National World
. The Mustard Pot
First up is the Mustard Pot on Stainbeck Lane, a cosy Georgian-style pub serving gastro pub grub and a range of ales, as well as anything else you want behind the bar if you're a gin fiend like me. There's cosy open fires in the winter and a huge outdoor terrace to soak up the sun in the summer months. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
. Black Sheep Tap and Kitchen
Next door is the Black Sheep Tap and Kitchen, serving Black Sheep Brewery beers and proper Yorkshire pub grub. My favourite burger brand Slap and Pickle has found a new permanent home at the venue, now serving its smash beef burgers and veggie alternatives to eat in and takeaway. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
. Rudy's Pizza Napoletana
Everyone in Chapel Allerton was talking about Rudy's when it opened in Stainbeck Lane last year, taking over the former Casa Mia restaurant. The classic Neapolitan pizzas, with a huge range of toppings, are out of this world and the staff are super friendly. It's always packed, so make sure to book on the weekends. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
. De Baga
You won't find chicken tikka on the menu at De Baga, the Indian restaurant on Stainbeck Lane serves authentic Goan cuisine with a modern twist. There's Indian roast dinners available at the weekend and the restaurant has just launched a bottomless brunch - music to my ears. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
. Toby Carvery
You can't go wrong with a Toby Carvery - and Chapel Allerton's branch even had a visit from Love Island star Molly Mae last year. Perfect for an evening with all the family, the chain serves roast meats carvery-style, kids' menus and classic puddings. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
. El Bareto
El Bareto is a hidden gem and locals' favourite tucked away at the top of Gledhow Valley Road. Opened in 2004, it's an intimate and rustically decorated Spanish venue with an extensive tapas menu, paella and live music. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
. Further North
A short stroll back down Harrogate Road brings us to Further North, one of North Brewing Co's taprooms. It's super friendly and cosy, with seating split over two floors - and the upstairs can even be booked our for private parties. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
. The Olive
The Olive is a lovely independent restaurant on Harrogate Road, serving Greek and Mediterranean dishes - and a Sunday roast special with lamb or chicken breast. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
. Deliziosa
Deliziosa isn't just a deli - you'll find a gorgeous Italian restaurant with tantalising dishes, including pizza, pasta and sirloin steak, as well as an extensive wine list and cocktails. It's run by Tony Salaris and his mum, who serves homemade recipes. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
. Wayward Wines
Wayward Wines has a tiny bar and shop on Regent Street, serving natural wines from Italy, France, Spain and beyond - the team take great care in picking out the finest wines from small-scale, independent suppliers, with as few additions as possible. You can snack on cheese or charcuterie while enjoying a leisurely glass at this cosy bar. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
1. The ultimate guide to a night in Chapel Allerton
Here are 25 brilliant restaurants, pubs and bars to choose from Photo: National World
2. The Mustard Pot
First up is the Mustard Pot on Stainbeck Lane, a cosy Georgian-style pub serving gastro pub grub and a range of ales, as well as anything else you want behind the bar if you're a gin fiend like me. There's cosy open fires in the winter and a huge outdoor terrace to soak up the sun in the summer months. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
3. Black Sheep Tap and Kitchen
Next door is the Black Sheep Tap and Kitchen, serving Black Sheep Brewery beers and proper Yorkshire pub grub. My favourite burger brand Slap and Pickle has found a new permanent home at the venue, now serving its smash beef burgers and veggie alternatives to eat in and takeaway. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
4. Rudy's Pizza Napoletana
Everyone in Chapel Allerton was talking about Rudy's when it opened in Stainbeck Lane last year, taking over the former Casa Mia restaurant. The classic Neapolitan pizzas, with a huge range of toppings, are out of this world and the staff are super friendly. It's always packed, so make sure to book on the weekends. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
5. De Baga
You won't find chicken tikka on the menu at De Baga, the Indian restaurant on Stainbeck Lane serves authentic Goan cuisine with a modern twist. There's Indian roast dinners available at the weekend and the restaurant has just launched a bottomless brunch - music to my ears. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
6. Toby Carvery
You can't go wrong with a Toby Carvery - and Chapel Allerton's branch even had a visit from Love Island star Molly Mae last year. Perfect for an evening with all the family, the chain serves roast meats carvery-style, kids' menus and classic puddings. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe