Heralded as the foodie capital of the North, Leeds is known for being a melting pot of different cuisines, from its Michelin star haunts to independent street food vendors. The culinary scene is always changing here too, thanks to constant new restaurants popping up, everywhere from the city centre to Headingley.
If you want to be among the first to check out the city's hottest spots, then keep a close eye on our guide to the best new restaurants in Leeds, from stylish Italian eateries to Instagrammable sandwich shops.
New Leeds Restaurants Opening In 2025
Giggling Squid - Opening April 2025
- 27 Park Row, LS1 5QB
Taking over the former Bank of Scotland, Giggling Squid is opening its first Leeds branch on 7th April 2025. The popular Thai restaurant began in Brighton over 20 years ago, and there are now 52 venues up and down the country.
The 180-capacity location promises the pretty interiors these guys are known for, including lots of flowers. As for the menu, expect authentic, home-style dishes like salt and pepper chilli mushrooms, caramelised pork belly, slow-cooked beef massaman curry and much more.
Home-style Thai cooking is on the menu at Giggling Squid Leeds.
Alfonso's Bodega Deli - Opening Spring 2025
- Leeds City Centre, location TBC
Alfonso's Bodega Deli is a collaboration between Koben Smokehouse and Thiccc sauce - two local businesses specialising in American-inspired street food. They've worked together before to create some seriously saucy sandwiches, and they're giving these bites a permanent home in 2025.
Though the location is yet to be confirmed, you'll find them somewhere in the city centre. They'll be whipping up Cubanos, toasted sandwiches, smoked meats and more, alongside some of the finest Cuban coffee around.
Look out for this hot new restaurant in Leeds city centre.
The Swine Bistro - Date TBC
- 77A Otley Road, LS6 3PS
Run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers, The Swine Bistro is an independent restaurant that's been around since 2014. They're moving to a new and improved venue in 2025 after their existing venue has shut down, following a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2024 that has proved locals' love for this business. The upcoming Headingley location promises double the amount of tables and an added private dining space, as well as a larger kitchen.
The extra room will allow them to be more creative with their dishes, and they're planning to expand their drinks offerings with cocktails and extra wines. But rest assured, their lunch deal still remains - giving you a great value three courses for £22.50, or two for £18. They're also welcoming their first ever head chef, Kirsty Cheetham, who won Observer Food Monthly’s Best Sunday Lunch award in 2018 and 2022. Alongside the existing team, Cheetham will continue to provide the seasonal British dishes that these guys are renowned for.
Expect bargain British plates from this new Headingley location.
Recently Opened Restaurants In Leeds
Azotea - Opened March 2025
- 2 Sovereign Street, Leeds LS1 4DA
A stunning new rooftop bar in the city centre, Azotea opened in March. The vibrant restaurant takes inspiration from 33 different countries across Latin America, in both its food and the atmosphere. Located 12 floors up, the spot guarantees an amazing view of the Leeds skyline, particularly from its two outdoor terraces.
Expect a buzzing vibe every time you visit, with a vast range of cocktails to get stuck into. As for the menu, think prawn nigiri, truffle mushroom tostadas, Baja fish tacos and much more.
Soak up the sun on Azotea's rooftop.
BAKE - Opened January 2025
- Lockside, Wharf Approach, LS1 4EY
Your lunchtimes just got a whole lot better, as BAKE has opened its doors in the Lockside area after months of anticipation. They're bringing a nostalgic approach to their bakery, as they make all their food on site in the morning and close when it's sold out, meaning you're in for something different (but equally delicious) every single day.
Expect freshly prepared sandwiches, homemade patisserie, loaves of bread and top quality coffee. While this is largely a takeaway destination, there are also a number of small tables inside if you want to enjoy your treats onsite.
Lunchtime plans? Sorted.
Hoc Loco - Opened November 2024
- 100 New Road Side, LS18 4QB
Having already made quite a splash on the buzzing New Road Side in Horsforth, Hoc Loco is a wine and small plates bar that opened in late November 2024. This venue was created by Emma Bond, who has a passion for great quality wines and runs the place herself.
Choose from artisan wine, craft beer or natural cider, and you can buy a bottle to take home as well. They also serve cicchetti (Italian for bar snacks or side dishes), which include cheeseboards and toasted bread topped with cured meats.
We're going loco for the cheeseboards here.
Caffe Concerto - Opened November 2024
- Unit S28, Victoria Gate Mall, 28 Harewood Street, LS1 7AD
One of the best new restaurants in Leeds city centre has got to be Caffe Concerto, which opened in November 2024. This impressive venue group has got locations all over the world, from London to Paris and Doha. Their Victoria Gate spot flaunts the signature stunning interiors that we've come to expect, complete with golden chandeliers, brightly coloured furnishings and lots of mirrors.
They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner here, with a focus on European dishes - primarily Italian. Think pesto chicken ciabatta sandwiches, four cheese and truffle gnocchi, braised lamb shank and so much more, including artisan pizzas.
Come for the pretty decor, stay for the amazing food.
For more meals worth checking out, take a look at the quirkiest restaurants in Leeds.
