The Best Indian Restaurants In Leeds

Commonly referred to as ‘The best Indian in Leeds’, we couldn’t miss this one off the list. With a modern and sleek vibe, the restaurant invites you in from the moment you pull up outside. The restaurant’s impressive collection of awards — and even its very own cookbook — underline just how well-loved it has become among locals and visitors alike.

When it comes to food, Dastaan has some of the most variety from this list. Their Thali weekend brunch offers flavours of classic Indian home cooking whereas the evening tasting menu takes away the decision making aspect for the foodies of Leeds. A couple of our favorite dishes to mention are the Samosas and the famous Tandoori Paneer Tikka. Another gravitating offering from these guys is their fully vegan menu, they really have thought of everyone and everything here.

Have to try: The 5 course tasting menu.
Perfect for: A relaxed date night evening with some good food.
Approx price for 2 people: £70

Another name that should absolutely be on your radar is the longstanding Tharavadu. After over 10 years on the scene, you can expect nothing less than an outstanding experience. The warm, wood panelled backdrop and sprawling map on the ceiling almost transport you to Kerala itself. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a celebratory event, the staff offer a welcoming, knowledgeable service that puts any doubts at ease. Being Michelin-recommended isn’t where the awards for this place stop! With Tripadvisor, The Times and more recognising them as one of the overall best restaurants in Leeds. 

The food is a celebration of Kerala culture, with plenty of sea and river food dishes. With a specific traditional way of cooking, they claim to be different from your normal curry house. The most popular main dish is the Meen Koottan, the fish curry – made with freshly ground spices, this is a must-try for anyone seeking to experience the true taste of Kerala’s coastline. For the meat lovers, the Lamb Chops and Chicken Curry are also pretty legendary.

Have to try: Any of the meat or fish dishes.
Perfect for: A rich, authentic meal with plenty of flavour.
Approx price for 2 people: £60

Snug, rustic and inviting, Bundobust is a hip, communal spot serving small plates and Indian street food in the City Centre. With benches inside and out, the people of Leeds flock here in all climates for their Bhaji fix. With the restaurant being created by two Bradford boys, it’s a delight to see their passion translated into the space. This is perfect for relaxed catch-ups over small plates and great conversation.

The menu has a heavy focus on vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, with meat options still readily available. The main event has got to be the combo deals, making ordering your food a breeze. Choose one of the ready made combo deals for picky bits to share across a group, the Bundo Combo almost includes every single menu item! Other mains include the famous Bhaji Burger, stuffed with salad and chutney. 

Have to try: The Bhaji Burger
Perfect for: Beer and a curry
Approx price for 2 people: £45

Newly opened in City Square, celebrity chef Vivek Singh brings a unique dining experience inspired by a journey through 12 Indian states. The restaurant and bar is grand with high ceilings and art deco finishes, with nods to the golden age of Indian railway travel. The service is impeccable and feels highly suitable for a romantic date night in the city – We adored the main room with its huge hanging lights. 

The food here is nothing short of divine. The menu combines classic Indian recipes and local, high quality British produce. If you love a Butter Chicken, this could possibly be the best one you’ll find in Leeds! The Yorkshire-inspired Curd & Cardamom Tart adds a playful, local twist to the offering, and trust us, it’s delicious! The spice-infused cocktails and Asian beers pair perfectly with the hearty dishes and make for a great night with friends or family. 

Have to try: The Delhi Butter Chicken
Perfect for: Nights with friends & family
Approx price for 2 people: £70

One for the students of Leeds, The Indian Feast is located in the lively Hyde Park area. From the outside, this place doesn’t look like anything out of the ordinary, but inside you’ll find a pretty small, cosy restaurant with food to die for. With bold wall decor and rustic furniture, this place feels authentic and casual for a quick meal out or takeaway meal in. 

Plenty of reviews state that this is some of the best Indian food in Yorkshire. The menu here is a true, traditional menu with all the classics. Expect comforting favourites like the Butter Chicken and Lamb Rogan Josh, as well as hearty vegetarian options such as Dal Tadka or Aloo Matar. The food is priced well but doesn’t lack in the quality department. We love to head here for a midweek treat.

Have to try: The desserts and sweet treats!
Perfect for: A midweek takeaway
Approx price for 2 people:  £30

One of the more unique offerings, Karobar can be found in The Three Swords pub in Horsforth. Serving up the well-loved Kirkstall Brewery draughts and ales, this is a relaxed dining experience with a homely touch. Greeted with high ceilings and cosy booths, enjoy the lively atmosphere away from the City Centre. 

The concept involves a menu with a range of high quality Indian street food small plates. From bite sized bar bites to the huge Tandoori platter, this is something for the whole family to enjoy. One of the stand outs for us from the menu was the Desi Tacos with pulled masala pork with dripping masala sauce, amazing! There is also a kids menu including their classic Butter Paneer and Chicken Tikka.

Have to try: Desi Tacos (Our favourite is pork!)
Perfect for: Families
Approx price for 2 people: £30

In a spot slightly out of the City Centre, you can find Jodhpur on Kirkstall Road. The restaurant is small and cosy, making it feel more personal and homely. With both meat and vegetarian menus, their main focus is high quality service and delicious food for all palates. The decor is inspired by India’s royal heritage, including bold and bright colours and patterns. 

Popular menu items include the Tandoori Lamb Chops and the Samosa Chaat. With a lot of their food being traditionally slow cooked, expect melt in the mouth meats and intense flavours. The perfect drink? They’ve got it! Compliment your meal with a signature cocktail or classic Mango Lassi. This is one place to watch in Leeds for sure.

Have to try: The Samosa Chaat
Perfect for: A homely, traditional meal
Approx price for 2 people:  £60

A bit more on the luxury side, Ma-He was made to wow. With stunning, contemporary interiors and warm lighting, we were blown away with the look of this place. For those who love a show, the open kitchen offers views of your meals being cooked from start to finish. Although in the centre of Leeds, don’t worry about parking the car as there are free parking spaces available for customers! 

The menu at Ma-Hé Coastal Indian is a celebration of authentic coastal cuisine. Signature dishes include the Prawn Ghee Roast, Chicken Kurma, and Alleppey Fish Curry, each crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Moving on to desserts, this is where you can find one of our favourite dishes: the Banana Dosa! With smashed bananas and jaggery fritters and ice cream, this is a taste sensation for the mouth unlike anything we’d ever tried before.

Have to try: The Banana Dosa dessert
Perfect for: A meal in a contemporary setting
Approx price for 2 people: £55

Nestled in the heart of Leeds at 8-12 Swinegate, Aarti offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that immediately makes guests feel at home. The husband-and-wife duo behind Aarti, Shyamal Kumar and Prachi Choudhary, bring their passion for authentic Indian cuisine to every dish. With a more relaxed vibe, expect benches in a small, intimate space. 

The cuisine is where Aarti shines, with inspiration from South Indian and Punjabi street food. One of the most recognisable menu items are the Thali, platters with a mix of flavours and textures served as a spread – these have been raved about all over social media! The larger sized mains include spiced curries with fluffy rice and perfectly plated Missal Pavs. 

Have to try: The Vegetarian Thali
Perfect for: Trying a bit of everything
Approx price for 2 people: £40

Quite a big name in the UK, Leeds does have its very own Tiffin Room. With the stunning authentic decor and fairy lights, this place is easy to fall in love with. Located on the vibrant Greek Street, this is a great place to start a big night out or end a long day of shopping. The staff are a credit to the company, greeting each customer with a smile and plenty of knowledge surrounding each dish. 

From the menu, you won’t be short of choice in both the food and cocktail departments. Start with some Honey Glazed Pineapple & Paneer Tikka before digging into some Indo-Chinese Chicken Haka Noodles. The perfect pairing to accompany their long list of curries is the huge dosas that are handmade in the kitchen. Each dish is generously sized, making for a pretty delicious feast! 

Have to try: The Chilli Cheese Dosa
Perfect for: A cosy meal with friends
Approx price for 2 people: £50