The gastronomy bible recommends seven restaurants in Leeds, with The Man Behind The Curtain retaining its Michelin Star and Prashad in Drighlington holding its Bib Gourmand award for good-quality, good-value cooking. Also included in the guide are Dakota Grill, Ox Club, HOME, Forde and CORA.
But during the Michelin award ceremony last night, no new stars were awarded to any Yorkshire restaurant, and no new Leeds restaurants are recommended in the Michelin Guide this year.
Here are 15 fine-dining restaurants in the city which missed out on a Michelin recommendation – and which we think deserve to be in the Guide.
7. Ibérica
Ibérica is an elegant restaurant in East Parade serving Spanish cuisine with a modern twist, set in a 19th century converted auction room with high ceilings and stunning chandeliers. The menu includes a range of traditional and modern tapas dishes, as well as paella and a long list of award-winning wines. Photo: Simon Hulme
8. Hern
Hern offers a unique dining experience in Chapel Allerton. The tiny restaurant builds its menus weekly and patron chef Rab Adams makes the most of what he gets in from suppliers, from plum stones to a whole carcass of meat. The restaurant serves a weekly four-course set menu for £40 and offers exceptional food with laidback service. Photo: Gary Longbottom
9. Gaucho
Gaucho is a fine-dining steak restaurant in Park Row, serving Argentinian steak alongside a broader food and wine offering in a contemporary setting. The à la carte menu, overseen by culinary director Mike Reid, is strongly influenced by modern Argentina. Starters include Shrimp Ceviche and Empanadas, followed by a selection of 100% carbon-neutral steaks from Black Angus cattle, bred in Argentina, grazing on 17 different types of grass from the La Pampa provinces. Photo: National World
10. Sous Le Nez
Recently recommended by food critic Jay Rayner, Sous Le Nez is a cosy basement bar and bistro in Quebec Street, serving an elegant French menu with a 70-page wine list. First opened in 1991, a highlight on the menu is the pan-roasted Gressingham duck breast with salt baked beetroot, tarragon glazed baby carrots, fondant potato and port sauce. Photo: James Hardisty
11. Swine That Dines
The Swine That Dines, formerly the Greedy Pig cafe, offers uncomplicated yet utterly delicious food in North Street. The menu makes the most of what’s in season, but sample dishes include pork belly with chicory and masala and goats cheese souffle with confit fennel and hazelnut. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
12. The Oxford Place
This city centre restaurant is 100% gluten free and serves fine-dining British dishes using locally-sourced ingredients, with gluten free accreditation from Coeliac UK. Owners Lana and Dainis took over The Oxford Place in April 2017 and have crafted a menu that’s full of show-stoppers, including Pan-Roasted Deer saddle with Jerusalem Artichoke, Crushed Hazelnuts and Girolle Mushroom. The Oxford Place recently scooped the Best Speciality award at the YEP’s Oliver Awards 2023. Photo: Tony Johnson