Leeds is magical in the festive season, when the lights turn on and the frosty afternoons are warmed up by bright and inviting shops. But where should you stop to re-charge your batteries after a busy day shopping for other people (or yourself…)?

With a huge choice of pubs, wine bars and restaurants, deciding where to head for a festive treat can be difficult. So we’ve put together a list of our must-visit bars and restaurants in Leeds to enjoy some seriously delicious food and drink in the run-up to Christmas!

   

1. The Decanter Wine Bar

Where local food meets incredible wine.

Located in the heart of Leeds’ financial district, The Decanter Wine Bar is the perfect place to indulge in pre-dinner nibbles with some mind-blowing wines. If you’re in the mood for (mostly Yorkshire) cheese and charcuterie, or for a cheeky sharing board with friends, make sure you plan a visit into your December diary.

Our must-have:

The Combo Platter paired with Journey’s End Shiraz Single Vineyard

The Combo Platter offers a mixture of charcuterie and artisanal cheeses alongside three different flavours of pork pie. The Journey’s End Has a lovely festive peppery spice and a hint of chocolate on the nose, with a big, fresh texture on the palate. Notes of red berries and a delicious lingering vanilla finish make this the perfect festive pairing to enjoy after a long, cold day!

2. Stockdales of Yorkshire

For winter warmers with a side of elegance.

Just a few minutes’ walk away, Stockdales of Yorkshire offers sophisticated British cuisine with a menu packed full of local products. If you’re looking for elegance, exceptional food and wonderful wine, this is the place for you! Warm yourself up with a special treat from their Christmas menu, and you won’t complain about the cold anymore. Promise.

Our must-have:

Braised wagyu silverside paired with Cotes Du Rhone St Cosme 

Served with mashed potato, blackberries, shallots and mushrooms, this dish is a true winter warmer. The wagyu has been rolled and slow-cooked for eight hours, developing an incredibly soft and rich texture which melts in your mouth. We recommend it with this St Cosme Cotes du Rhone, whose weight, texture and fruit perfectly complement the dish. And it’s available in magnum… just saying!

3. Bibis Italianissimo

A corner of Italy in the heart of Leeds.

A few steps from Leeds main train station, there’s a special place with lovely food and plenty to keep you entertained! If you’re looking for some festive spirit with an Italian twist, then Bibis is just the place. With a calendar full of live shows and events, and a mouth-watering festive menu available throughout December, you’ll surely find the food (and the show) you’re craving.

Our must-have:

Sea bass fillets, sautéed kale, Prosecco and tarragon cream paired with the Alois Lageder Forra Manzoni Bianco.

The crunchy sea bass, served with crispy kale, potatoes and a creamy Prosecco sauce, feels like a little piece of Italy in the heart of Leeds. The Forra Manzoni’s complexity and freshness perfectly match the rich flavours and texture of the sauce, while interesting spicy notes add some elegant complexity to the pairing. This is the perfect combo for a frosty, Yorkshire day!

4. Fazenda

Who doesn’t love a winter BBQ?

Located in Granary Wharf with beautiful views onto the River Aire, Fazenda brings an authentic South American experience to Leeds. Whether you’re part of a big or small group of fellow diners, be ready to be spoiled by their Christmas menu, with plenty of meat choices deliciously cooked from the flaming asado.

Our must-have:

Picanha paired with Catena Zapata Malbec

The Picanha is a particularly juicy and tender cut of beef, which is a barbecue must-have in Brazil. The lean and flavoursome meat is covered by a thick layer of fat, that adds extra richness and character to the dish. The exceptional complexity of the Malbec pairs perfectly with the strong flavours of the picanha, whose delicate aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plums and blackberry lead to a full, generous palate.