We’re lucky enough to get to review them here at the Yorkshire Evening Post, and we’ve tried everywhere from Michelin Guide establishments to street food joints and a hidden hotpot restaurant.
There were some city centre restaurants that really stood out to our reviews team in 2023.
Restaurants are given a score out of ten for food, value, atmosphere and service when our reviewers visit. Those scores have been averaged out to give a total - and these were the highest rated city centre restaurants this year.
1. Best city centre restaurants
These restaurants were the best-rated in Leeds city centre in 2023 Photo: National World/Cut and Craft
2. Blue Sakura - 9.75
The Merrion Way restaurant scored 10 for food, 10 for atmosphere, 10 for service and 9 for value Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
3. Dakota Grill - 9.75
The Dakota Hotel restaurant, under new head chef Chris Nuttall (pictured), scored 10 for food, 10 for atmosphere, 10 for service and 9 for value Photo: James Hardisty
4. Olive Tree Brasserie - 9.75
The new South Parade restaurant scored 10 for food, 10 for atmosphere, 10 for service and 9 for value Photo: James Hardisty
5. Aarti - 9.5
The Swinegate restaurant, owned by Shyamal Kumar (pictured) and his wife Prachi Choudhary, scored 10 for food, 9 for atmosphere, 10 for service and 9 for value Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
6. FINT - 9.5
Chef patron Simon Hawkins at Great George Street restaurant FINT, which scored 10 for food, 9 for atmosphere, 9 for service and 10 for value Photo: Tony Johnson