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.
13. Shears Yard
Located on Wharf Street close to The Calls, Shears Yard is a relaxed independent bar and kitchen with steel beams, exposed bricks and high ceilings. It serves a tasting menu for £50, with dishes including teriyaki glazed sirloin cannon, broccoli, sesame satay and sticky rice. Photo: Tony Johnson
14. El Gato Negro
Led by multi-award winning patron chef Simon Shaw, this restaurant on Park Row blends modern and traditional Spanish flavours and seasonal ingredients into its tapas menu. Inspired by Simon’s love of the Basque country, the menu includes a mix of new and signature dishes including mini-Catalan chorizo with Aspall cider; chargrilled octopus, new potatoes, capers, shallots and aioli; and salt cod croquetas, piquillo pepper purée and aioli. Photo: National World
15. Chaophraya
Founded by Thai chef Kim Kaewkraikhot and her partner Martin in 2004, Chaophraya is a lavish restaurant that serves a contemporary take on traditional food from every corner of Thailand, washed down by a range of cocktails, wines and beers. Over the last 12 months, the Swinegate restaurant has launched and revamped its range of experiences, including cocktail masterclasses and weekly cooking schools. It recently scooped Best World Restaurant at the YEP’s Oliver Awards. Photo: Tony Johnson
16. Kendells Bistro
One of the most romantic restaurants in Leeds, Kendells Bistro serves simple yet well executed French cuisine from a cosy basement in St Peter’s Square, with unstarched cloth napkins, flickering candles and blackboard menus of classic French dishes. There’s an extensive wine list and the dishes, which include Porc Normande and Tarte De Chevre, are beautifully presented. Photo: Simon Hulme