I asked some of the best Leeds agencies and freelancers for their favourite lunchtime spots, and guess what? There were some clear winners, plus loads of bonus recommendations – result! Want to eat like a local? Here’s where to go:
The top spot goes straight to Leeds’ OG Indian street food & craft beer bar. If you know, you know – Bundobust combines modern Indian sharing spreads with award-winning craft beers from Bundobust Brewery and a signature casual, lively vibe.
Recommended by Simon Fogal, MD of PR, social and streaming agency, Chapter 81, Editor in Chief of Welcome to Leeds and Head of Media and Content at Leeds International Festival of Ideas, he says:
“For a quick grab-and-go lunch to bring back to the office, you can’t beat Bundobust.”
Mary Martin, Marketing Executive at madeby.studio, creators of low-carbon websites and founders of Green Tech Gathering, likes it for a sit-in team lunch, too:
“It's the perfect spot for a veggie Desi lunch. We usually order a load of dishes. It's tapas style, so everyone ends up sharing, but they also do a lunchtime deal (2 dishes for £10.50). Our favourite dishes are the Bundo Chaat & Paneer Tikka. Their Coriander Pilsner is a rite of passage (if you aren't averse to a lunchtime pint!)"
On Mill Hill, serving Monday-Thursday 12am-10:30pm, Friday-Saturday 12am-11pm and Sunday 12am-9pm
Ramen, cocktail, and karaoke bar House of Fu is next up and a firm favourite with music and sustainability marketing specialists One Nine Nine Agency. Why so?
“Great Ramen, nice fried chicken, good gloss, and house kombucha”, says agency MD Barnaby Patchett."
Simon Fogal agrees and adds: “If you’re after a sit-down meal, House of Fu is great for bigger groups.”
Similar to Bundobust, it’s the cool vibe – and simplicity done well – that’s the draw with House of Fu. Its minimal pink, blue and orange interior has smart layers of complexity. It’s magnetic.
I can’t vouch for the food personally – my go-to ramen place has been Fuji Hero up until now – but I can recommend the karaoke. I mean, who wouldn’t be up for watching their husband and best mate belt out two hours of classic tunes?
On The Headrow, serving Monday-Saturday 11:30am-9pm and Sunday 11:30am-8pm
Empire Café, is ‘perfect if you want something fancier,’ says Simon Fogal, and (I’d go as far to add) where you’d take clients.
Paul Taylor and Emily Mellor from branding agency Design by Duo agree. “The food is seriously good – and the history, did you know they uncovered the original signage from under bright green sixties signage?” says Paul.
In fact, the site, down a narrow passage on the corner of Fish Street, has been feeding hungry workers (in various guises) for over 120 years. It may be third on this list, but it 100% takes the crown for the longest-serving contender…
Today, it’s a café, bar, wall of flame rotisserie, and open-fire cooking venue. And yes, I am that hungry tiger who’s coming to town and eager to try it.
On Fish Street, serving eight til late Wednesday to Saturday
Khao Gaeng Thai
Paul Taylor describes Thai kitchen Khao Gaeng Thai (Leeds Kirkgate Market) as “100% reliable, always spot on.” So was it when I went? Yes. The massaman curry was D’licious. The ‘outdoor’ seating is cute, too. It was 100% worth burning the roof of my mouth off on my short lunch break.
Jenny’s Jerk Chicken
Web developer Mike of Built by Mike (who shares a studio with Emily and Paul) likes Jenny’s Jerk Chicken in the market’s main food hall. I can vouch for that one, too. I always go for the jerk chicken salad box with extra hot sauce – try it if you dare.
Amazing Gyoza
Mike and graphic designer Brett Kellet of Studio Brett both recommend new market trader Amazing Gyoza. Brett says he “loves lurking around Kirkgate market and seeing what he fancies – and Amazing Gyoza’s amazing gyozas are pretty chuffing amazing!”
Banh & Mee
Brett went on to say that Vietnamese street food vendor Banh & Mee is also a go-to. Checking out their Instagram, the BàNh MÎ (grilled BBQ pork, house pickles, cucumber fresh herbs and mayo between an artisan French bread) looks like a game-changing lunchtime treat.
White Cloth Hall
When Brett’s not at the market, he says the decadent focaccia sarnies at Morty’s in White Cloth Hall are ‘the absolute best’. “One of them and a pint, and I’m definitely heading for an afternoon nap at my desk!" I like White Cloth Hall, too. My go-to vendor is modern Mexican kitchen, Salma.
Silvers and Shokupan (Uber Eats)
Brett adds – ideal for if you don’t have time to leave the office – “Slamming a big team order on Uber Eats for Silvers or Shokupan and all jumping in the common room at Neighbourhood is always my fave.” Neighbourhood is a coworking space (on the former Duke Studios site) and is definitely worth checking out if you’re a creative looking for a desk in the city.
Skew
A final couple of mentions from Simon Fogal are the authentic shawarma restaurant Skew – which Simon says is (similar to Bundo) “ideal for a quick grab-and-go lunch to bring back to the office”. I defy you not to visit after checking out Skew’s Insta page and watching Mitch in the Kitchen serving up quality ingredients with absolute precision.
Woodside
Simon adds, “Woodside has some great burger deals, plus pool and plenty of space.” The neighbourhood bar and eatery is a brand new venue from the team behind The Brunswick, serving up delicious lunches and roasts, plus a £9.95 smashed burger, waffle fries and beer deal between 12am and 9pm Monday to Wednesday.
