I’ve always enjoyed an evening out in the Leeds suburb, from dining at its popular Greek restaurant Zorbas to drinks in family-run bar The Assembly just around the corner. And if you don’t fancy the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then Cross Gates is a more relaxed but still lively spot to enjoy a tasty meal and a drink or two.
Here’s my ultimate guide to a night out in the Leeds suburb – with 15 restaurants, bars and pubs to choose from
7. Nawaz
Nawaz is an Indian restaurant located in 51-53 Austhorpe Road. Its menu includes charcoal specials, tandoori dishes, biryani specials and a children's corner. Photo: Tony Johnson
8. The Barnbow
We've reached the bottom of Austhorpe Road (we'll be looping back) and come to The Barnbow, a Stonehouse pub. It serves an all you can eat breakfast, carvery roasts and stonebaked pizzas, as well as succulent burgers and flavour-filled veggie and vegan options. Photo: Tony Johnson
9. Spice Zone
A little off the beaten track, but well worth a visit, is award-winning Indian restaurant Spice Zone in Penda's Way. It offers a range of fresh, homemade and unique dishes infused with an abundance of spices and herbs. Spice Zone won the YEP's Curry House of the Year awards in 2018, as voted for by our readers. Photo: Tony Johnson
10. Oceans
We're now on the south side of Austhorpe Road and our first stop is fish and chip shop Oceans. Open until 9pm on Friday nights, it promises the nation's favourite dish cooked to perfection with plenty of choice for sauces and sides. Photo: Tony Johnson
11. Unique Coffee and Bistro
Next up is Unique Coffee and Bistro, which opens until 9pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. The restaurant and bar serves dishes and drinks inspired by the flavours of the eastern Mediterranean coast. Photo: Tony Johnson
12. Zorbas
Zorbas Bar and Grill brings a taste of the Mediterranean to hungry diners in east Leeds. Co-owner and head chef Besmir Sechou grew up on an idyllic Greek island, but he now calls Cross Gates his home and serves meat dishes such as steak, lamb ribs and chicken, traditional Greek moussaka and kleftiko and Mediterranean-inspired pasta, risotto and fish dishes. Photo: Steve Riding