8 great places to eat near Leeds train station

24th March 2023

Often dubbed the "unofficial capital of the north”, Leeds is an incredible city to visit for a city break. In fact it’s so good that Rough Guides named it as one of the best destinations to visit in 2023, alongside Oaxaca in Mexico and Zagori in Greece.

One of Leeds’ major draws is its food scene – hence also being known as the “foodie capital of the north”. Conveniently, many of the best places to eat are near Leeds train station, which you travel to and from more affordably with a Railcard. We’ve gathered 8 of the best below. Enjoy!

1. The Brewery Tap

Sometimes all you want is a burger and chips and The Brewery Tap offers just that with its super simple menu. Your brioche bun burger options are beef (aged for 28 days), chicken (marinated in buttermilk for 24 hours) or vegan (plant based, single or double patty). You can pick from classic fries or loaded fries. And as for drinks, whether you’re in the mood for a beer, a wine or a cocktail, there’s plenty of choice. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

Distance from station: about a 1-minute walk

Opening times: Monday to Saturday 12pm to 9pm, Sunday 12pm to 7pm

2. Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza

Tasty authentic neapolitan pizza is Rudy’s in a nutshell. It’s that fuss-free, back to basics approach – it takes just 60 seconds to bake – that makes the pizzeria such a popular destination for feel-good food. All tastes and preferences are catered for and there’s plenty of starters, salads and desserts to choose from, too. Top tip: the pizza is super thin and soft meaning you’ll need to bring your A-game handling skills to the table .

Distance from station: about a 2-minute walk

Opening times: Monday to Thursday 12pm to 9:30pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 9.45pm, Sunday 12pm to 9pm

3. Bundobust

Offering a modern twist on the classic pairing of a beer and a curry, Bundobost melds together traditional Indian street food with the finest beers from local and international breweries. Think snacks like rainbow-coloured far far, shareable tapas-esque vada pavs and bhel puris – 2 to 3 snacks makes a main – and beers like the New Delhi Dazzler and the Chaitro Nitro Chai Porter. It’s an all-veggie menu, too.

Distance from station: about a 2-minute walk

Opening times: Monday to Thursday 12pm to 9.30pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 10pm, Sunday 12pm to 8pm

4. Friends of Ham

The name says it all. Friends of Ham is an atmospheric bar and charcuterie that provides its guests with a veritable feast of meat-based dishes, from various versions of salami and chorizo to small plates like bellota pork fillet and lardo di colonnata. You might be surprised to hear it, but veggies are welcome, as there’s tapas like king oyster mushrooms and olive tapenade toast, plus a generous selection of cheeses.

Distance from station: about a 2-minute walk

Opening times: Monday to Thursday 11am to 11pm, Friday to Saturday 11am to 12am, Sunday 11am to 10pm

5. Tharavadu

The award-winning Tharavadu describes itself as the “first authentic Kerala restaurant” in Leeds – a claim that is, in part, backed up by the fact its chefs all hail from the southwest Indian state. The extensive menu of dishes confirms it – here you’ll find Keralan uzhunnu vada, konju manga curry and the very popular meen koottan fish curry. If you’re after an explosion of awesome flavours, look no further than Tharavadu.

Distance from station: about a 2-minute walk

Opening times: Monday to Saturday 12pm to 1.30pm and 5pm to 9.30pm

6. Laynes

A top establishment for breakfast, brunch and lunch, Laynes has your early mornings and afternoons covered with a people-pleasing menu and carefully selected coffee. If you like your eggs, there’s eggy bread or organic egg on sourdough toast. Vegetarian? Consider the wild mushroom or butternut squash on sourdough. There’s also plenty of choice for vegans, whether it’s a Laynes Breakfast or a breakfast brioche roll with meat-free bacon or sausage.

Distance from station: about a 2-minute walk

Opening times: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 3pm, Saturday 8am to 6pm, Sunday 9am to 4pm

7. Tattu

For a special occasion or welcome treat, check out the inimitable Tattu. The stylishly decorated restaurant, which features a cherry blossom ceiling, serves up familiar Chinese dishes with a contemporary spin. Shanghai black cod, green pepper lobster, chicken truffle shumai dim sum, and salmon sashimi wontons are just a few of the dishes you can expect. The wide-ranging and very creative cocktail menu is a highlight.

Distance from station: about a 3-minute walk

Opening times: Monday to Sunday 12pm to late

8. Little Bao Boy

Set within North Brew Tap, Little Bao Boy has quietly built up a solid reputation as one of Leeds best spots for wallet-friendly bao buns that are packed with fillings that celebrate the best of Asian food and western influences. Expect pulled pork, crispy tofu and panko-coated aubergines. Want fries with that? No problem. In the mood for noodles? There’s meat and non-meat options.

Distance from station: about a 4-minute walk

Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 12pm to 12.30am

Save up to 1/3 off your trips in and out of Leeds when you travel by train with a Railcard. Discover yours today.