My favourite places to eat in Leeds

When it comes to food and drink in Leeds, the options are endless. Caribbean, Thai, Italian, American, you name it, Leeds has it. Sometimes it can be hard to pick where’s best for the cuisine you’re fancying but worry not, this blog has you covered.

The Viet Baker

The Viet Baker is definitely a great example of Headingley’s finest food. Serving traditional Vietnamese food, Viet Baker is a great spot near Beckett’s Headingley campus to grab lunch from. With a range of options from small snack sides like spring rolls and chilli wings to bao and pho for something slightly more filling, there’s something for everyone here.

I love to come here after lectures with my friends and sit on their outdoor seating in the sunshine. My go to order is summer rolls (Gỏi cuốn) which are fresh spring rolls with pork, prawn, vegetables, and noodles all wrapped up in rice paper. Even better for students, the Viet Baker has deal with Leeds Beckett University where if you go in and say “Tennis”, you’ll receive 15% off your total! I can’t wait to go again and be surrounded by the delicious smell that is Vietnamese food. Their Instagram is @VietBaker if you want to check them out.

Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza

Italian is one of my favourite cuisines and for perfect pizza, look no further than Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza. This traditional pizzeria follows the same practices as professionals in Naples and have so many options for pizza enthusiasts. Sometimes I branch out and have the vegetarian pizza, but nothing can beat the classic that is margherita. Made with buffalo mozzarella on a tomato passata base, this pizza honestly melts in your mouth and is great for a taste of Italy.  Head over to their Instagram @wearerudyspizza.

Zaap Thai

As a multicultural city, Leeds is host to some fantastic Asian restaurants and Zaap Thai is a great example of this. Not only does it serve fantastic food with brilliant service, but the atmosphere is also enchanting. Featuring Thai themed décor such as traditional market stalls and benches built into tuk tuks, Zaap Thai is a great experience for your taste buds and for your eyes. Personally, I love the Khow Phed Pa Loh (Duck in five spice sauce with brown egg and rice). Cooked to perfection with affordable prices, you really can’t beat the food here. Have a look at the food on their Instagram, @Zaap_thai_streetfood. The service at Zaap Thai is unmatched as well and I’ve been warmly welcomed every time I’ve been there. There’s never been a long wait with walk-ins either which is perfect if you fancy a last-minute meal out with friends. With locations in Headingley and city centre, this is the perfect spot for students no matter which campus you’re at.

Döner Summer

Vegans fret not, I haven’t forgotten about you! Döner Summer is the perfect place for all your junk food desires. With burgers, kebabs and fried chick’n, this restaurant has something for every vegan. It’s been open for takeaway during the lockdown, but nothing can beat the feeling of sitting indoors, surrounded by the greenery and smelling the amazing aroma of the food. Despite not being vegan myself, I love the fried chick’n here and can’t taste the difference between that and real chicken! Their Instagram @donersummer hosts a collection of photos of their food and it’s all so colourful and delicious. Döner Summer is right in the centre of town and perfect for that quick pick-me-up lunch after a long day of shopping. I highly recommend checking it out.

With such a range of cuisines in Leeds, there really is something for everyone. These are my four favourite places to eat and I’m so excited to revisit them soon. Give them a try!