New Places To Eat And Drink In Leeds This Summer

Issho

When whispers began circulating that a new Japanese restaurant would be opening on the rooftops of Victoria Gate, my anticipation levels went into absolute overdrive. Japanese food, luxury setting, and panoramic rooftop views of the city? What more could we possibly ask for from Leeds' newest hotspot?

Issho certainly lives up to every bit of the hype and then some. The restaurant itself strikes the perfect balance between stylish contemporary design and authentic Japanese aesthetics. The interior features clean lines, natural wood elements, and subtle lighting that creates an atmosphere of sophisticated tranquility even in the heart of busy Leeds.

The sushi here is hands down the best I've experienced outside of Japan itself. Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using incredibly fresh fish that's flown in regularly and prepared by skilled sushi chefs who clearly take enormous pride in their craft. The rice temperature, seasoning, and texture are absolutely perfect – it's the kind of sushi that melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more.

But if you're not a fish enthusiast, fear not – the menu is wonderfully diverse with plenty of delicious meat and vegetarian options that showcase the full range of Japanese cuisine. The restaurant encourages sharing multiple small dishes, which means you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to flavor combinations and culinary creativity. From perfectly grilled wagyu beef to innovative vegetarian dishes that transform humble ingredients into something magical.

The restaurant is also home to Kori bar, a modern and luxurious drinking establishment with an outdoor rooftop terrace that will certainly give Angelica's some serious competition for the title of Leeds' best rooftop venue. The cocktails are honestly extraordinary – each one is like a work of art in a glass, incorporating Japanese ingredients like sake, yuzu, and shiso in creative ways that complement the food menu perfectly.

This is absolutely THE perfect place to impress a date this summer, whether it's a first date where you want to show off your sophisticated taste or a special anniversary celebration. The combination of exceptional food, creative cocktails, stunning city views, and impeccable service creates an unforgettable dining experience that justifies every penny of the premium pricing.

East 59th

This New York-inspired bar and restaurant, conveniently located next to Issho, will definitely become your new favorite weekend destination. The venue perfectly captures that effortless Manhattan sophistication with its relaxed yet polished atmosphere, creative cocktail program, and chic outdoor terrace that makes you feel like you're dining in the heart of New York rather than Yorkshire.

East 59th is part of the D&D group's expanding Leeds portfolio – the same umbrella company that successfully introduced Angelica's and Crafthouse to our city's dining scene. Their signature trend-luxury style is evident throughout East 59th, from the carefully curated playlist to the Instagram-worthy interior design that manages to feel both sophisticated and approachable.

I've primarily experienced their cocktail offerings during my visits, and if these drinks are anything to judge by, combined with the fact that the entire menu is overseen by Executive Chef Lee Murdoch (whose reputation precedes him), you can absolutely guarantee that the food will be equally fantastic. The cocktail menu draws inspiration from classic New York speakeasies while incorporating modern mixology techniques and premium spirits.

The outdoor terrace is particularly special during Leeds' brief but glorious summer months. There's something magical about sipping expertly crafted cocktails while watching the sun set over the city, surrounded by the gentle buzz of conversation and the distant sounds of urban life. It's the kind of place where you arrive planning to have just one drink and somehow find yourself still there three hours later, completely enchanted by the atmosphere.

What sets East 59th apart from other trendy Leeds establishments is its commitment to quality without pretension. The staff are knowledgeable about their craft but never condescending, the prices are premium but not outrageous, and the atmosphere is sophisticated but not intimidating. It's the rare venue that manages to appeal to both serious food and drink enthusiasts and casual diners looking for a special night out.

Ham and Friends

First there was the beloved Friends of Ham, and now we have the equally exciting Ham and Friends. Nestled in the beautiful upstairs space of the Grand Arcade, this newest addition to Leeds' ever-evolving foodie scene represents everything I love about the city's culinary evolution – innovation built on a foundation of quality and tradition.

This isn't just a restaurant – it's a complete epicurean experience that brings together multiple food and drink specialists under one elegantly designed roof. The delicatessen and charcuterie section showcases carefully selected cured meats from artisanal producers across Europe, each with its own story and distinctive flavor profile that reflects traditional methods passed down through generations.

The venue partners with renowned cheesemongers George and Joseph, whose expertise transforms the simple act of selecting cheese into an educational journey through different regions, milk types, and aging processes. Their collection includes everything from robust Yorkshire cheddars to delicate French goat cheeses, with knowledgeable staff who can guide you through tastings and perfect pairings.

But perhaps most exciting is the inclusion of the Yorkshire Wine School, which offers regular tastings, educational courses, and access to unique hand-picked wines from boutique producers around the world. They even stock orange wine – those fascinating white grape wines made using traditional methods where grape skins and seeds aren't immediately discarded, resulting in that distinctive amber color and complex, slightly funky flavor that's gaining popularity among adventurous wine drinkers.

The physical space itself embodies understated rustic elegance, with marble tabletops sourced from the same quarries used by some of their food suppliers – a lovely detail that connects the design to the culinary philosophy. Quirky copper light fixtures add warmth and character, while a dramatic spiral staircase leads to the wine collection area where you can browse bottles and learn about different regions and producers.

When the full restaurant component opens, I have no doubt it will become one of Leeds' must-visit dining destinations. The combination of quality ingredients, knowledgeable staff, beautiful setting, and educational approach to food and wine creates exactly the kind of sophisticated yet accessible experience that defines the best of modern Leeds dining.

The Alchemist, Greek Street

The Alchemist continues to be one of the main reasons why Greek Street has transformed into one of Leeds' most vibrant dining and nightlife destinations. This theatrical restaurant and bar has perfected the art of dining as entertainment, creating an experience that engages all your senses from the moment you walk through their doors.

They're internationally famous for their flamboyant cocktails that arrive at your table with dramatic flourishes – dry ice creating mysterious fog effects, flames dancing across the surface of drinks, and elaborate presentations that make every order feel like a special occasion. It's the kind of place I'd absolutely recommend for impressing a first date or celebrating a special milestone with friends.

If you really want to create an unforgettable moment, order their signature Madhatter's Tea Party cocktail service. This isn't just a drink – it's a full theatrical performance delivered to your table, complete with vintage teapots, delicate china, and cocktails that change color and texture as you watch. It's Instagram gold and conversation starter rolled into one spectacular presentation.

The summer menu showcases their commitment to bold, creative fusion cuisine that draws inspiration from pan-Asian, Mexican, and British traditions. Rather than creating confusion, this international approach results in exciting flavor combinations that somehow work perfectly together. Each dish is designed to share, encouraging the kind of social, exploratory dining that makes meals memorable.

My absolute must-try recommendations include their famous pork bon-bons – these aren't your grandmother's pork balls, but rather sophisticated spheres of tender meat with crispy exteriors and surprising flavor centers that explode in your mouth. The tikka skewers offer a fresh take on familiar flavors, with perfectly spiced meat grilled to perfection and served with creative accompaniments that elevate the entire dish.

The crab tacos represent everything I love about The Alchemist's approach to food – taking familiar concepts and transforming them through skilled technique and creative presentation. Fresh, sweet crab meat is paired with unexpected but complementary flavors, served in perfectly warmed tortillas that somehow manage to feel both indulgent and fresh.

What makes The Alchemist special isn't just the theatrical presentation or Instagram-worthy cocktails – it's their genuine commitment to quality ingredients and skilled preparation hidden beneath all the spectacle. The kitchen clearly takes their craft seriously, even when serving dishes that arrive wreathed in mysterious smoke.

Tattu

Another spectacular opening that has transformed Leeds' fine dining landscape, Tattu absolutely will not fail to impress from the moment you enter through its elaborately gilded doors. This isn't just a restaurant – it's an immersive artistic experience that transports diners into a world of contemporary Asian elegance and theatrical beauty.

The cherry blossom decor throughout the restaurant is absolutely mesmerizing, creating an atmosphere that makes dining here feel like stepping into a living artwork. Delicate pink blossoms cascade from the ceiling, subtle lighting creates dramatic shadows and highlights, and every design element has been carefully chosen to create a cohesive aesthetic that's both Instagram-worthy and genuinely beautiful.

But Tattu proves that style doesn't have to come at the expense of substance. The kitchen delivers modern Asian cuisine that's as innovative and carefully crafted as the interior design. Each dish arrives looking like a small sculpture, but more importantly, the flavors are complex, balanced, and genuinely exciting.

My personal favorite recommendation is the beef with caramel soy – this dish represents everything Tattu does brilliantly. Premium quality beef is cooked to absolute perfection, then paired with a sauce that somehow manages to be both familiar and completely surprising. The caramel adds sweetness and depth while the soy provides that essential umami foundation, creating a flavor combination that lingers in your memory long after the meal ends.

The cherry blossom dessert is hands down the most creative and beautiful dessert I've ever encountered, not just in Leeds but anywhere in my travels. It's a edible work of art that somehow captures the essence of spring in Japan while delivering genuine dessert satisfaction. The presentation is so stunning that you'll hesitate to disturb it with your spoon, but trust me – every component is as delicious as it is beautiful.

Tattu succeeds because it understands that modern diners want more than just good food – we want experiences, stories to tell, and moments that feel special. The combination of theatrical design, exceptional cuisine, and impeccable service creates exactly that kind of memorable evening that justifies splurging on a truly special night out.

Tharavadu

I approached Tharavadu with incredibly high expectations, which can be dangerous when reviewing restaurants. This Kerala restaurant near Leeds train station has won countless awards on TripAdvisor and is consistently named among the top 10 Indian restaurants in the entire United Kingdom. Not only does it hold Michelin recommendations, but when I first tried to book a table, they were completely booked solid for two full weeks!

When we finally managed to secure a reservation, I'm thrilled to report that the experience exceeded even my elevated expectations. Tharavadu showcases Kerala cuisine, which is quite unlike the more familiar North Indian curries that dominate most "Indian" restaurants in Britain. This is South Indian coastal cooking at its finest, featuring delicious coconut-based sauces, aromatic Keralan spices, and cooking techniques that reflect the region's unique geography and cultural influences.

Kerala's location on India's southwestern coast means the cuisine incorporates fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and extensive use of coconut in various forms – fresh grated coconut, coconut milk, and coconut oil that adds distinctive flavor and richness to every dish. The spice blends are more complex and nuanced than typical British curry house fare, with subtle heat levels that enhance rather than overwhelm the primary ingredients.

If you visit Tharavadu (and you absolutely should), make sure to order the Kidilan Erachi as your starter. This exceptional dish features tender cubes of lamb that have been marinated in authentic Kerala spices and then sautéed with onions until every piece is perfectly caramelized and infused with incredible flavor. It's the kind of dish that's so deliciously moreish that you'll find yourself savoring every single bite and immediately wanting to order another portion.

What sets Tharavadu apart from other Indian restaurants in Leeds isn't just the authenticity of the cuisine, but the genuine passion and knowledge of the staff. They're genuinely excited to share their culinary heritage with diners, explaining ingredients, cooking methods, and regional variations that help you understand and appreciate the complexity of what you're eating.

The restaurant itself maintains an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere that allows the food to be the star of the experience. Service is attentive without being intrusive, and the wine list has been carefully selected to complement the aromatic spices and complex flavors of Kerala cuisine.