Being both large and cosmopolitan, Leeds has a great many places to eat out. You could probably go to a different place every day and you would probably finish your degree before you got round to eating at half of what is available. This means that there is no hope of this booklet covering even a fraction of the student-orientated places. We have tried to get a selection of those that are popular in the society with a couple of hidden gems thrown in there for good measure.
Akmals
Great Indian for relatively cheap prices and a 10% discount with a student card. Food is of a great standard and service is normally really good though on occasion you may have to catch a waiter’s eye. Serves some more unusual curries along with the usual, such as their lamb chocolate curry, that is surprisingly good! BYOB and a small corkage fee, or you can buy alcohol from their more pricey range. Oh, and the owner is an absolute legend, one of the sharpest wits out there so if you get him waiting on you, be prepared for a great exchange of banter!
Where is it?
Woodhouse Moor (Hyde Park)
Price: 4
Quality: 4
Overall: 4
Seven Spices
This is an Indian restaurant with a clean, modern décor, with a good atmosphere if you catch it when it is reasonably busy. The food is above par for the average prices charged but can be a bit on the mild side for what you expect. There is a well-stocked bar and they seem to give their 10% student discount cards to everyone who looks about the correct age.
Where is it?
From The Hyde Park pub, follow the road that leads into Woodhouse for about 2 minutes. It will be on your right.
Price: 4
Quality: 3
Overall: 3
Balti King
Not as good quality as its counterpart across the road, but still a nice Indian. The restaurant is a BYOB and the prices are reasonable. This is however, the Indian for those who prefer a bit more spice! Even the onion bhajis are hard to eat without having a small sweat! Service is reasonable and the restaurant is never too packed. There is a large menu and many ice cream deserts to choose from.
Where is it?
On Takeaway Row
Price: 4
Quality: 3
Overall: 3
The Packhorse
Pub food at prices that are on the high end of the typical range for pub food. Their mega-burgers are probably the main recommendation for the regular menu. The centrepiece of the Packhorse menu is their Sunday carvery which is available during the afternoon and is worth checking out if you either miss Sunday lunch or want a hangover cure.
Where is it?
On Otley Road opposite the Civil Engineering building and next to Takeaway Row.
Price: 3
Quality: 3
Overall: 3
The Library / Dry Dock
The Yellow Card pubs are aimed specifically at satisfying us students. Their food is not the best in the world, but it's cheap, fast and filling. A lot of their meals also come with a free drink and so on, so if you're strapped for cash but want to meet friends for a social lunch, these are the places to go.
Where is it?
The Library: Opposite Takeaway Row.
The Dry Dock: Head in to town from the Parkinson building and it is the boat on the left.
Price: 4
Quality: 3
Overall: 3
The Old Bar
A comfortable, busy student pub, the Old Bar is perfect for those looking for a nibble and a place to chill out between lectures. Food is reasonably priced and served quickly with one or two beer-and-a-burger type deals up for grabs. The meals aren’t the best quality but are usually enjoyable and will fill your stomach and the cheap pints and large screens showing films and sport will keep you entertained.
Where is it?
Downstairs in the union building.
Price: 3
Quality: 3
Overall: 4
Spice Quarter
The Spice Quarter is an all-you-can-eat restaurant that serves a variety of foods including Chinese, Italian, Thai and Indian food. With over 100 foods (including salads and deserts) there’s food to suit everyone’s taste buds. The drinks can be quite pricy but the food is excellent value for money.
Where is it?
By Millennium Square.
Price: 4
Quality: 4
Overall: 4
Little Tokyo
A Japanese restaurant with probably the best sushi in Leeds. If you have tried sushi and don't like it or are too much of a coward to try it, apparently the bento boxes and other items on the menu are fantastic too, from what people who fall into that category say. It is expensive though, this is one to go to, but only on a special occasion.
Where is it?
From the Headrow, head down the road with McDonalds on, take the third left and then the first right.
Price: 2
Quality: 5
Overall: 4
La Tasca
La Tasca is a Spanish theme tapas restaurant, ideal for a nice meal out with a group of mates or as a couple. Regular 50% off tapas to share, vouchers are posted online and desserts are of a standard price. Fantastic jugs of sangria are occasionally on offer. There is a great vibe, good Spanish music and regular Thursday fiesta nights. They can also cater for parties.
Where is it?
On the third right heading from The Headrow to the Train Station.
Price: 3
Quality: 5
Overall: 4
Barakas
Cheap all-you-can-eat Moroccan food in a Moroccan setting Bedouin tent decoration. Ideal for all size parties and is BYOB. Upstairs is a sofa area and again Bedouin style decorated area where shisha can be smoked in a relaxed environment. Moroccan style music is played throughout.
Where is it?
From the union head left past the park and down the hill. It is on the crossroads at the bottom of the hill.
Price: 4
Quality: 3
Overall: 3
Oranaise
A very pretty Moroccan cafe/restaurant offering very tasty food at a reasonable price, menu includes burgers, tapas, tagines and sandwiches. Also on offer are speciality teas, coffees and smoothies, however no alcohol is sold and the drinks are slightly on the pricey side but very tasty nonetheless. As well as the downstairs cafe area, upstairs there is a relaxing comfortable area with cushions and low seating. Definitely worth a trip, somewhere you could spend all day if funds permitted.
Where is it?
Near to Hyde Park Pub.
Price: 3
Quality: 4
Overall: 4
Charco's
Chicken. It’s pretty much the most ubiquitous meat. Is there much more to say here? This place does it well, and fresh, and hot, and very hot, if your tastes are that way inclined. For those heathens that shun carcass eating, the lettuce and carrots are apparently quite nice too. Also, it's quite cheap, especially if you take advantage of the various vouchers that can be procured for this fine chicken establishment. And it's close. Go eat there. Now.
Where is it?
Stand on the Parkinson building steps. Now, look around. If you can’t see it, you’ve gone blind. We’re sorry. And slightly confused that you’re still managing to read this sentence, honestly.
Price: 4
Quality: 4
Overall: 4
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