Here are ten of Gemma Bridge’s favourite Leeds restaurants taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
This August, the Government has launched a scheme to encourage us all to eat out to support the hospitality sector. This scheme means that we can save 50% off our bill (up to £10) when eating in restaurants and cafes who have signed up. Many of Leeds’ most well-loved restaurants and cafes are participating. Here, I share my opinion of 10 of them, in no particular order. I am hoping to make my way to all of them before August is over.
- Sarto
Sarto offers Italian classics made with Yorkshire ingredients and passion. The restaurant is big and airy, with additional outside seating. Sarto’s menu is small but packed with incredible dishes. My go-to options include the pan-fried gnocchi with crispy aubergine and the arancini with aioli. If you haven’t been to Sarto yet, then make the most of the August offer and book yourself a table now.
- Tattu
I have only been to Tattu once, but I was blown away by the incredible food, out of the world presentation and the interior beautiful décor. I particularly loved their dim sum and dessert dishes, both of which were unlike anything I had tried before. Normally, Tattu is a place I would go to only on special occasions owing to the menu prices, but this month we can get up to 50% off, so I am certainly adding it to my list for August.
- Jino’s Thai Café
Located in the heart of Headingley, Jino’s Thai Café offers homely food that is big on flavour. It is one of my go-to places for a quick bite to eat after work and is a great place to catch up with friends, thanks to the friendly service, BYO drinks offer and the range of classic Thai dishes. Their massaman curry with coconut rice is hard to beat.
- The Owl
I was fortunate enough to try out the food at The Owl before the restaurant even opened its doors and loved the incredible familiar yet refined dishes on offer. The cheese toastie was out of this world, and the fish pie served in a crab shell was epic. The Owl offers nibbles like sausage rolls and toasties, and a full on 4-course tasting menu, so get yourself booked in and make the most of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme before its too late.
- Fettle
The creative, Scandi menu offered by Fettle offers something different from the usual eggs on toast option that you can have at most other Leeds cafes. Most recently I enjoyed a special meal at Fine at Fettle, which included vegetable hash, incredible charred carrots and a pearl barley risotto. Fettle is not to be missed.
- If
If was one of the first cafés that I went to when I first moved up to Leeds. This hidden Gem is on Call Lane but it’s not a well-kept secret. I have had breakfast, lunch and snacks here in the past as it’s open all day long. Enjoy up to 50% off this month on treats like a stack of banana pancakes, chicken and cheese toasties and sweet potato fries.
- Friends of Ham
Friends of Ham is a place that I only recently discovered when walking to Leeds from the station. The characterful eatery offers a great selection of meat and cheese boards which are perfect for sharing at lunch or dinner. They also do a selection of delicious toasties, including a chorizo croque monsieur, which was divine. Get yourself over to Friends of Ham this August to enjoy 50% off.
- Le Chalet
This French tea room is often overlooked by people rushing through the City Centre or heading out for a night of drinking. However, I have been to Le Chalet several times and on each occasion have loved their French menu that includes galettes, macarons and a selection of classic French pastries. Why not check out Le Chalet this month whilst the price is also tempting.
- Crafthouse
In my opinion, for the entire dining experience, Crafthouse is hard to beat in Leeds. I have been several times and, on each occasion, I come away feeling like royalty. Not only is their food to die for, but their service is second to none. This month you can enjoy their 3-course set menu for £20, which is incredible. I would recommend you try their dessert platter as you can try up to 5 of their classic desserts in one go. Simply divine.
- Mans Market
This underground eatery, hidden in West Point, is one of kind. It offers a brilliant selection of Chinese classics as well as some less well known options. I loved their unique ordering system that meant we had control and could order as often as we liked. Their huge prawn crackers are spectacular, and well worth a try. This month, be sure to get over to Mans Market to experience something new and exciting.
With so many restaurants and cafes across Leeds taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, there has never been a better time to get out and about to try something new. The 50% offer is only available Monday to Wednesday in August, so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment.
Here I have given 10 of my favourite restaurant and cafes in Leeds that have signed up, but there are almost 200 more scattered across Leeds and surrounding areas, so be sure to have a look online to see if your favourites are taking part. Bon appétit!
