Solo diner Lisa Smales chose Whitehall, as did several other readers. Smales said: "It changes its specials daily on top of an already super extensive menu. Service is ALWAYS on point. I’m a solo diner and I’m always looked after and not made to feel singled out like some restaurants. Impeccable food & service every time."placeholder image
Solo diner Lisa Smales chose Whitehall, as did several other readers. Smales said: "It changes its specials daily on top of an already super extensive menu. Service is ALWAYS on point. I’m a solo diner and I’m always looked after and not made to feel singled out like some restaurants. Impeccable food & service every time." | Iconic Media Group

Leeds diners name the one restaurant they'd eat at for the rest of their lives

Dennis Morton
By Dennis Morton

Reporter

Published 30th Jun 2026, 11:43 GMT

Leeds diners share their top picks for places they'd eat at forever

Leeds food lovers have been revealing the restaurants they would happily keep returning to forever after being asked one simple question on Facebook.

We asked readers: "If you could only eat at one Leeds restaurant for the rest of your life, it would be ____."

The responses quickly flooded in, with people nominating everything from independent neighbourhood favourites to well-established city centre restaurants.

Below are the 13 most popular restaurants, based on over 450 comments.

This nationally acclaimed French bistro is a clear favourite amongst YEP readers including Pete Richmond, Jerry Hill, and Lorraine Yang.

7. Bavette

This nationally acclaimed French bistro is a clear favourite amongst YEP readers including Pete Richmond, Jerry Hill, and Lorraine Yang. | Iconic Media Group Photo: James Hardisty

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Hands down Leeds' busiest restaurant, The Ivy regularly received praise from locals. One reader, Andy Suthers, said: "The Ivy, of course. Otherwise, we'd dine out in Bradford!"

8. The Ivy

Hands down Leeds' busiest restaurant, The Ivy regularly received praise from locals. One reader, Andy Suthers, said: "The Ivy, of course. Otherwise, we'd dine out in Bradford!" | Iconic Media Group Photo: James Hardisty

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Another favourite down the decades, this French restaurant was chosen by Jonny Smith, Barry Teale, Stephen Ledger and many more, with Smith saying: "It's been around for years for a good reason."

9. Sous Le Nez

Another favourite down the decades, this French restaurant was chosen by Jonny Smith, Barry Teale, Stephen Ledger and many more, with Smith saying: "It's been around for years for a good reason." | Iconic Media Group

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Matt Healy's Forde is another clear favourite, with readers Margaret Barnes, Matthew Wright and more saying it's their restaurant of choice.

10. Forde

Matt Healy's Forde is another clear favourite, with readers Margaret Barnes, Matthew Wright and more saying it's their restaurant of choice. | Iconic Media Group Photo: Gerard Binks

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Dean Clarkson, Julie Thompson and more recommended Cut & Craft.

11. Cut and Craft

Dean Clarkson, Julie Thompson and more recommended Cut & Craft. | Iconic Media Group Photo: Tony Johnson

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This Horsforth bistro was selected by Adam Green, with readers including Philip Roberts, Eileen Gledhill and Simon Poe agreeing.

12. The Swine Bistro

This Horsforth bistro was selected by Adam Green, with readers including Philip Roberts, Eileen Gledhill and Simon Poe agreeing. | The Swine Bistro

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