With Summer now in full swing, more and more of us are going to fancy a spot of lunch outside in the warm air. Eating outside is a rarity in the UK but when the sun shines people love a barbecue or an al fresco meal.
However, it's not always that easy to find a place with seating outside, during Covid this became the norm, everywhere had chairs and tables outside but in a city like Leeds, with lots of traffic and people you might be hard pressed to find the best spot.
To help you find a good al fresco restaurant, we have put together a list of the top five places to go where you can have some food and a drink outside, and the best bit is they are all independents, so you can support local business at the same time.
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Using reviews from Tripadvisor, we found out what the residents of Leeds think is best. These all include outdoor seating and are not part of chain restaurants, bars or pubs.
Canal Club
What's better than a canal-side drink or bite to eat? Especially if it's a scorching day. The Canal Club, located on Little Neville Street offers all-day drinking and dining with a globally inspiring sharing menu and contemporary cocktails.
They have a range of craft beers, cider and spirits and local DJs and bands playing in the night. This venue has five stars on Tripadvisor with people raving about the food, service and value.
One review said: "We visited the restaurant with high expectations and it didn't disappoint! Great food and lovely atmosphere. Fab drinks and good menu. We will definitely be back soon."
Another said: "Absolutely loved it here. Nicole was so helpful, friendly and helped me to make a decision about drinks and food. Very knowledgeable. We only came in for one drink but ended up staying all evening. Can’t wait to go back"
The Stables Bar and Restaurant
The Stables can be found in Wetherby, it is ran by Linda and Stephen Disney alongside chef Tom Crossfield. It has been open four years and boasts a love of real ales and local brewed drinks.
All the ingredients for the menu, which includes all the pub classics and the Sunday Roast, are locally sourced by Tom - locals say the roast dinner is renowned as are the puddings.
On Tripadvisor one review said it was the "best Sunday lunch for miles".
Another person said: "Our first time in the area, but we will be coming back. Linda and Steve are great hosts, run a brilliant bar and restaurant. The beer, selection of wines and food (we were there on steak night) was great. I kept looking at the other plates going out, and it all looked wonderful. Very clean and today, well run, we’ll be back. Thank you."
Myrtle Tavern Meanwood
Myrtle Tavern in Meanwood is another traditional pub, offering traditional food and drink. They ave a vast outdoor dining area where you can cample a range of dishes, many of the dishes are locally sourced but they vary - there's a fusion of different cuisines running throughout.
One review said: "We had a family meal booked and everything was first class. both food and service were brilliant. Will definitely go again."
Another said: "Great food and service. We had six sharing plates between two, everything was delicious and reasonably priced. The only thing to let it down was parking, the car park was full but we found space on the roadside a little further down."
North Street Deli
The North St Deli near Wetherby is a quiet place, with a small seating area but offering what customers say is a "lovely" lunch. Like a lot of independent venues, all of their ingredients are soured locally.
The menu shows off many different sandwiches, wraps, paninis and burgers. They also offer Mexican cuisine and the traditional cafe classics such as a jacket potato or a full English.
One couple were surprised by the quality of North Street, leaving a review saying: "We were travelling through Wetherby and were looking for somewhere for a coffee and a snack and we came across this cafe by chance. Lovely atmosphere, lovely staff and lovely coffee and very reasonably priced…..what more can you ask for."
Another said: "Fantastic service, great food. Very clean and tidy. Came off the A1 on a trip looking for a decent place for breakfast that wasn't a service station etc and was well worth the small detour. Very good value for money. Will definitely be stopping here again."
Culto
Culto is an Italian kitchen that offers takeout services. It is located on Stainbeck Road, Leeds offering a range of antipasti, pasta and pizza. The reviews highly recommend Culto.
One Tripadvisor review says: "Best Italian in Leeds. Great hospitality as well! Never disappoints. Would always recommend to anyone."
Another said: "Me and friends came at Culto, and it was one of the best experience we had in a restaurant! Staff was excellent, friendly and professional and food top standard quality! We are definitely coming back!! Thank you for the excellent service."
Pomfret's of Wetherby
Fancy a spot of afternoon tea? Well, Pomfret's has that to offer, it is located on The Shambles in Wetherby and serves a range of homemade cakes, sandwiches and sweets.
Customers say the lunch is presented well and the staff are a joy. One person said: "Great staff, excellent food, excellent drinks. Lovely atmosphere. Great menu, very varied, food presented in a really nice way and always presented with a smile. Would recommend Pomfret's to anybody, take your time and enjoy LOL"
Another said: "Stopped off in Wetherby looking for somewhere to have lunch and came across this gem. It was fantastic food,service was efficient but not rushed and we were well looked after as a family. Sam was so lovely, she was so personable. Highly recommended!"
Simpatico Pizza
Located in the Queen's Arcade, Simpatico is an innovative and authentic pizza bar. They offer bottomless brunch, individual slices of a special type of pizza that is only baked in rectangular trays.
Simpatico has five stars on Tripadvisor, with one review saying: "Quite simply, the pizza here is unique and the best I’ve ever tasted and that includes over in Italy too! Always a dilemma if you eat 3 pieces or 2! Outstanding food, just outstanding"
Another review said: "Best pizza in Leeds & great location! Very friendly staff and quick services. Great lunch choice and good drink choices."
The Fleece
The Fleece was awarded the Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice award in 2021. It's a traditional yet modern pub that has just gone through a large refurbishment. Ran by a husband and wife team, they offer all the traditional pub classics at an affordable price.
One review online says: "We have just been in for the first time and had a lovely meal, both the starters and the mains we couldn’t fault at all,they were delicious. The staff were very friendly and welcoming to us and our 2 dogs.
"Thank you for a lovely meal we will be definitely coming back in the near future."
Fikos Mediterranean Kitchen
Fiko's Mediterranean Kitchen is a family-run restaurant serving Turkish and Greek cuisine. They offer a well-crafted menu made up of various mixed starters, pizza and meze.
One couple said the food was just as good as their hometown in Greece, they wrote: "Beautiful moussaka. My grandma loved Greek food and my favourite dish of hers was her moussaka. I haven't tasted anything as good or similar in the UK until now. Thankyou for bringing back awesome childhood memories."
The Queen o' t' owd Thatch
Located in South Milford, the Queen o' t' owd Thatch is a dining pub with sustainably sourced and seasonal produce on the menu. They offer a range of mains and starters which people rate very highly, including rack of lamb and panna cotta.
One review on Tripadvisor says: "Visited with Lydia G … previous comment. Annie and the team made it feel very special and were very attentive… we were served a lovely tasting menu that was gorgeous and I would definitely recommend the food. I will definitely be back."
Deer Park
Deer Park in Leeds is a stylish pub for relaxed drinking and dining. They offer a chance to socialise, drink and indulge in their tempting menu. On the menu is a range of pub favourites including burgers, salads and grilled meats.
One review said: "Fantastic food! Great atmosphere, our waitress Alyssa was really helpful and friendly. Will definitely come again!!"
Another person rated the service saying: "Absolutely fabulous meal, food was fabulous, looked amazing and piping hot. Service by JJ was excellent"
Dolce Vita Craft & Kitchen
Dolce Vita is located in Beeston, they offer a range of pasta, brunch items and pastries. Dolce Vita is rated online as one of the best places to get breakfast in Leeds.
One Tripadvisor review says: "Delicious food! Enjoyed the decor as well with all the inspirational quotes! A lovely setting for breakfast, brunch, or dinner!"
Brownlee Arms
Another winner of the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award, the Brownlee Arms in Horsforth has an amazing covered seating area. They offer a range of pub grub dishes and are within the top 10 restaurants in Horsforth.
They have four stars on Tripadvisor, with one review saying: "The food is always nice, booked for Sunday lunch and everything was tip top, friendly staff, very helpful, nice atmosphere, dogs welcome, a great all-rounder."
Le Chalet French Tea Room
Le Chalet, you guessed it, is a French cafe and tea room. They offer sandwiches, canapes, eggs benedict and all the expected traditional French breakfast and lunch foods. They are located on Park Row in the city centre of Leeds and have four stars on Tripadvisor.
One review raved about their afternoon tea, saying: "We went for afternoon tea and it was fabulous! The food was delicious and there was such great choice. The service was absolutely lovely, really friendly and helpful. Loved it!"
The Brunswick
The Brunswick can be found on North Street in Leeds near Lovell Park. The Brunswick serves home cooked food, a wide range of beers and ales and several cask drinks.
They serve burgers, fried chicken and Sunday roasts - which they advise you book ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
One person claimed it was the second best Sunday roast in Leeds, they said: "Second best Sunday roast in Leeds after my mums, really chilled little spot with great beers on tap."
Another person said: "Lovely looking pub, great decor and atmosphere. Had a Sunday lunch, shared the side dishes, all very tasty, would highly recommend for a Sunday roast!"
& Company East Parade
Located on East Parade in Leeds, kind of obviously, & company is a coffee and kitchen venue. They have been open since 2017 and offer what they say is unrivalled service and impeccable quality.
They serve a range of food, including Reuben sandwiches and a signature chicken Caesar. One review on Tripadvisor says: "Nice relaxing drink after trying to get served on Greek Street. If you don’t like hustle and bustle of the obvious choices, give this place a try, just over the road. Georgia looked after us well and is a credit to & CEP."
La Casita
La Casita in Boston Spa is a Tapas Bar, so if you want a few small bites then this is the place to be. La Casita offers mini dishes including chorizo prawns, Patatas Bravas and pan con tomate.
On Tripadvisor, La Casita is rated as one of the fourth best restaurants in Boston Spa, with one review saying: "What an amazing find! We were attending a concert at Harewood House and this was a perfect place to eat at first. Amazing hideaway in a lovely little town, the staff were so friendly and the food amazing! Highly recommended - thank you!"
Whitaker's
Whitakers in Otley is renowned for its Sunday dinner. They have a four and a half star rating on Tripadvisor and are another recipient of the travellers' choice award.
One review said: "Fab Sunday dinner and friendly service!
"Jack and Issac were excellent at looking after us and we had a massive Sunday roast. Something for everyone- vegetarian, kids and a full meat feast. Great quality and the chef made us some excellent veggie alternatives. Huge portions, great value for money and a great place for a Sunday afternoon"
The Railway
The Railway can be found in Rodley, Leeds. It is a cozy pub with an inviting atmosphere that prides itself on the food and drink on offer. They offer burgers, traditional pub meals and some more exotic dishes.
One review said: "Visited the Railway on Friday 15th July. As South Africans visiting we were surprised to see Bobotie, a traditional SA dish on the specials board. Felt we had to order it. Other dishes chosen were Fish and Chips and Scampi and Chips - both were excellent. But back to the Bobotie. We both agreed that it was as good as my wife's. Only thing missing was some Mrs Bakls Chutney, not a complaint but a suggestion.
"Would recommend unhesitatingly."
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