From local pubs to fine-dining restaurants, the city’s hospitality sector is constantly growing and evolving – and these new additions have added more variety for diners and drinkers in Leeds.
Here are 18 new openings that you must try in 2023...
7. Rudy's Chapel Allerton
Pizza joint Rudy's opened a new restaurant in Chapel Allerton in July. The dough is made fresh every day using Caputo ‘00’ flour, which ferments for at least 24 hours, topped with ingredients imported twice a week from Naples, including San Marzano tomatoes grown on fields next to Mount Vesuvius and Fior di Latte mozzarella. Photo: Rudy's
8. Kino
Opera North's restaurant Kino also opened in July and offers cheese and charcuterie boards, as well as a varied drinks menu including wine, craft ale and a selection of cocktails. It also hosts residencies from chefs and local businesses, with Levantine-inspired street food kitchen MorMor the first to take over. Photo: Kino
9. Dastaan
Surrey's Michelin-recommended Indian restaurant Dastaan opened a new branch in Leeds in July. Award-winning chefs Nand Kishor and Sanjay Gour (pictured) have brought a "Mayfair fine-dining experience" to the North - serving dishes from across the Indian subcontinent. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
10. Delirium and Revelry
Leeds city centre bar Delirium and Revelry opened in August, offering inventive cocktails, eclectic music and a secret room. The independent bar has been founded by Lydia Phillips and Andy Hedley, who between them have 15 years experience in the hospitality industry. The bar has been fitted out with a jungle theme, with animal light fittings, suede booths in a shade of turquoise and upcycled furniture. Photo: Delirium and Revelry
11. Meanwood Tavern
Meanwood Tavern, formerly East of Arcadia, opened in October following a £150,000 refurbishment. The pub was taken over by Whitelock’s Ale House and it serves Detroit pizza from new street food joint Well Oiled. Pictured are Dave Herbert, operations manager of Meanwood Tavern, Ed Mason, managing director Whitelock's and Meanwood Tavern, and James Newman, founder of Well Oiled. Photo: James Hardisty
12. Piccalo
Italian restaurant Piccalo opened in The Springs retail park in October - in the former Gino d’Acampo restaurant. Alongside classic regional Italian dishes, such as mushroom risotto, lasagne and spaghetti carbonara, there are modern twists on the menus that take inspiration from across Italy’s regions. Photo: Piccalo