Michael O'Hare's Man Behind the Curtain retains its Michelin star, which it received it 2015 just one year after opening. The Vicar Lane restaurant is the only Leeds restaurant at the moment to have a Michelin star. However, eight other restaurants in the city have been recognised as serving good food. The 'Michelin Plate' award is for restaurants who do not have a star or Bib Gourmand but have been recognised by judges for their quality of their dishes.
1. The Man Behind The Curtain
The Man Behind The Curtain is a one Michelin star restaurant in Leeds. The Michelin Guide judges said: "If you’re looking for the unconventional, you’ve come to the right place. Michael O'Hare is a chef who does things his own way and his idiosyncratic basement restaurant matches his cooking style perfectly. For starters, don’t expect to be handed a menu when you sit down. The original, very creative and artfully presented dishes, many of which come with assorted Asian influences, start arriving with your drink and you’ll never know quite what to expect next."
2. HOME
A Michelin Guide judge described HOME, in Kirkgate, as: "HOME is a buzzy place with a stylish feel. It’s unusually set in an old Victorian fish market, above the shops on a pedestrianised street; ascend the original stairs and emerge in a spacious lounge-bar. Pre-paid tasting menus see interesting combinations of British ingredients full of texture contrasts."
3. Ox Club
A Michelin Guide judge described Ox Club, in Headrow House, as: "A former mill houses this multi-floor venue comprising a beer hall, cocktail bar, event space and restaurant. The latter boasts a wood-fired grill imported from the USA; rustic, smoky-flavoured dishes showcase Yorkshire ingredients."
4. Crafthouse
A Michelin Guide judge described Crafthouse, in Trinity Leeds, as: "A bright, chic restaurant in the Trinity shopping centre, with great rooftop views and a wraparound terrace. Creative, elaborate dishes showcase a huge array of ingredients. The open kitchen and marble counter take centre stage. Start with a cocktail in all-day Angelica."
5. Tharavadu
A Michelin Guide judge described Tharavadu, in Mill Hill, as: "A simple-looking restaurant with seascape murals. The extensive menu offers superbly spiced, colourful Keralan specialities and refined street food – the dosas are a hit. Service is friendly and dishes arrive swiftly."
6. HanaMatsuri
A Michelin Guide judge described HanaMatsuri, in Meanwood Road, as: "Suburban Leeds is home to this very intimate restaurant, which seats just 7 guests and must be booked at least 24hrs in advance. Japanese memorabilia and shelves of sake fill the room. The chef-owner serves a wide range of sushi and sashimi crafted from good quality imported ingredients."