It's pretty new, it's pretty pleasant, it's pretty pretty…read more Bilbao's reputation definitely preceded them, so after having heard a few wax the ol' lyrics about this place, I decided to give them a whirl. I'm all about the tapas eats in general, being the type who likes to choose as much variety of a meal out as possible, so Bilbao was always going to make me happy. I feel as though I'll have to come back to experience the heady heights others had told me about, since my visit was fine (certainly not disappointing -- so I've gone for four instead of three stars) but it didn't wow as much as I expected. Perhaps it's the classic pitfall of having high expectations after hearing such good press?! We went in on Saturday sans booking and managed to grab a seat straight away. (It was the last one, so we were pretty lucky.) One of the waitresses did her best to serve us promptly, although she was pretty rushed off her feet. The only downside to the service was that we spotted another waitress who could have seen to us sooner (and even smiled at us) but chose to natter at the bar -- it was quite some time before we got to order a drink. Every other person who served us was absolutely fantastic, though, which ought to be noted. We picked one dish each for ourselves and then three to share and --with a dessert-- this was plenty of food. We shared the olives (super garlicky, which I liked), the garlic prawns (shelled for us and marinated in ultra delish garlicky butter), and a pork dish. The pork pieces were cooked beautifully and came with these incredible oyster mushrooms. I had the steak, which was tasty and cooked well (how I'd asked) but didn't blow me away -- I think this was simply because I'd had the most amazing steak elsewhere very recently! We also shared a bottle of rioja, which was totally lovely. The desserts were great too: warm gooey brownie and a traditional Spanish dessert with sponge, cream, and torched sugar on top. (Forgive me for forgetting the name!) The overall ambiance is fine, although I'd say next time I'd like to sit at a lower table as the high chairs weren't optimal to sit and eat in. The music was also curious -- it sort of seemed to be so purposefully background it stood out to us, if that makes any sense. Gentle, romantic lighting and a pleasant space make up for that, though -- especially if in a group. I imagine the experience is even better with more friends to share with! Overall, this one merits a second visit. Five dishes and one bottle of wine: £60 odd. On a Monday it's half price, so you'll get a lot more bang for your bunse. Check them out!

Came here on a recommendation and wow did it deliver!! Food was amazing! Service was great and had…read morea lovely chat with the owner and you can tell the passion they put into the food and overall experience! I will be coming back and shouting from the roof tops to anybody who will listen how good this place is !

Well now. I've been back to Sandinistas plenty since my last penning, and I have to admit, in all…read morethat time I'd only back for drinkies. Excellent, raucous, rambunctious, drinkies. The kind where you probably tried to dance on a table, the kind where you definitely felt as though your neck was broken the next day from head banging, the kind where you almost certainly meet a squadron on new best friends because you're having that good a time. (And it's as much to do with the awesome clientele, as the drunkenness, I can tell you.) So, yes. Go to Sandinista for drinks. I know, it's always busy on a weekend. But once you get in there you'll have an amazing time, I'm certain of it. The music policy includes all the classics, something to suit most tastes, without venturing down the processed pop route in any shape or form. They also have regular live music, I believe, which is also commendable. However, you mightn't have noticed, they also serve food. What's that? Yes. Where have you been?! (That question is mostly directed at my own foolish self.) They serve the most excellent tapas. Of course, you can go down the route of fajitas, and such like, but on this occasion I wanted a range of foods to stuff. Oh my word. So, firstly, a special mention must be made of the mushrooms in peppercorn sauce. They were absolutely flipping divine - perfectly cooked, soaked in flavour, and the sauce was out of this world. The meatballs were also fabulous, with a delicious tomato sauce, and the garlic bread was beautiful. The crispy pork belly was wonderful, and came with an amazing apricot (?) compote (?!). The patatas were also addictively tasty, especially with melted cheese and spring onion. Of course, the service was fantastic, as ever, but the discovery that there's yet another place to eat fantastically made, freshly cooked, delicious bites is the thing I'll be shouting about for the moment. Dishes come in around £4, which makes it incredibly affordable to try a few different things, and perhaps even splash out on one of their yummy cocktails. Of course, there's the danger that you'd go for tea and not quite make it out until 4am, but hey -it wouldn't be such a bad thing would it? In fact, top idea Batman, Sherlock and Brian Cox, you geniuses. Even the door signage says, "You can check out any time you like but you can never leave." Of course, I'm thinking The Eagles must have been to Leeds. And, given half the chance, I'd say this to be true. I checked-in, but my mind clearly hasn't left them yet. Nom.

I don't think you could say anything bad about sandis. It's one of, if not the best bar in Leeds…read more They serve a wide variety of drinks including cocktails and spirits from around the world. They also have an awesome menu so you could pop in for your dinner! In fact you should do that, yes you! Sandis weekend nights have music for everyone but none of it is cheesy ,this always seems to make for a lovely crowd of people. Weekdays are nice and chilled. They normally have a few bands on a Wednesday night and they're always good. Sandis seem to have a good vetting system! Sandinista is awesome i recommend going there everyday

Great tapas and well mixed cocktails in a very trendy building. 2 bars, plenty of seating and even…read morethe toilets haven't been ignored! (You will appreciate this comment when you go!)

Was lucky enough to get a soft launch table - have to declare that the food / drink was free of…read morecharge as part of the deal. I've visited a number of the London restaurants so knew what to expect food wise. The Leeds restaurant didn't disappoint - food was lovely and flavoursome. Tried about 6 of the tapas dishes and a mixture of Jamon. All just the right size for lunch. The set up and interior is really nice. Massive open space with high ceiling and loads of natural light - this mean it was nice and airy and bright. Will definitely be back; its great that one of my favourite London restaurants has now opened up in Leeds.

Went here for my birthday last year and had a fab time. They tapas is superb and it has a nice…read morehustle and bustle type atmosphere. I'd def recommend giving it a whirl if you're a tapas virgin and make sure you order some patatas bravas (I love saying that) and anything with king prawns in as they are the size of whales!

Worker pissed on my food And they also left a turd all over…read morethe drink machine also the ambiance sucks because there is shit all over the floor

Eclectic vibe. Great food.wait staff was quite attentive. We tried a number of appetizers, all…read moreof which were wonderful. Love the unabashed name!

Rolling up to Distrikt...well it's a bit ominous to say the least. Located on a side street, dimly…read morelit, it could have the potential to be some dodgy underground typa place. You get this gothic vibe from the building, the blue lit sign, and if it's a foggy day, that too. Entering Distrikt is a totally different matter, and when you descend the basement stairs into the main club/bar area it's a treat of colour and intimacy. Low level lighting, that could make for a romantic evening, with some delish mediterranean food, seafood mezze to start with followed by one of the cook pot dishes, which can be a side, but I just fancied something hot and savoury. I decided on the lentil stew and chorizo, whilst my counterpart ordered the lentil and butterbean clay pot stew. Piping hot and lovely. AND! after that we caught a glimpse of the deserts, which were interesting, balsamic strawberries, licorice infused figs, their special lemon syrup doughnuts, and a couple of other inexpensive sweet treats, which are great to order one of each if there's more than two of you. In addition to this the bill didn't break the bank either, £30 for the two of us including the starter, two mains, two desserts, and three soft drinks.

I truly couldn't be more impressed with this fantastic establishment. It's been said many a time…read morebefore, wander along Duncan street, and you'll spot a bit of hide away signage, some tables and a door that leads you down into the depths within. By rights it should still be classed as a hidden gem, since it's off the standard track, but there's a reputation for excellence that now precedes it -and one that holds firm. For all the right reasons. Let's get to the taste of it, firstly. Tapas. Not just any tapas, but freshly made to order, with a chef whose passion for seeking out foraged foods, unique flavours and intriguing combinations continues to delight my mouth. I've seen a few items on the menu change, but there are still the stalwart choices that remain and so they should- the incredible chicken wings, beautifully breaded, and delectable with the dipping sauce. The humungous mushrooms, the perfectly cooked squid, the amazing chips. My friend took me here recently for their incredibly reasonable half-priced-tapas deal, and we ordered a mountain of food. Call me king of climbs, since we polished off the lot, and basically had everything on the menu. How about atmosphere? During the lighter hours, which make little difference in this spacious, illuminated cavern, you can find a varied range of coffee drinkers, wifi users, diners and other such folk. The staff have never failed to proffer warm welcome, and there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the space -a glance at the walls reflect some of Leeds' finest local art and design. If you fancy tipples, there's a fairly fancy cocktail list to get excited over, and deals on appropriate days should you wish to save yet more pennies. The outside courtyard provides a fairy-lit yard, hidden away from the streets, tucked in behind the backs of several buildingswith miniature New York feel. (Try and catch the staff pulling down the fire escape stairs to the building, and you'll see what I mean.) Finally, what about entertainment? If you've ever fancied trying your hand at Salsa, you can join in the salsa dance classes from 7pm each Tuesday -beginners are more than welcome, and the class is very accommodating and friendly. It's easier than you'd think, and actually quite the laugh. No need for friends to accompany you either, since you all end up taking turns to dance with each other as well! But it's their DJ nights that have brought them the most renown. Effortlessly garnering some of the world's finest, their eclectic range of DJ events showcase some far ranging and serious talent- and I hope to dance until the wee hours at one of their parties soon. Music, food, and love, with just the right amount of booze thrown in. It's not just a bar, it's an emporium of awesome, that makes Leeds a much better place.

Wednesday night, mid february, three young women arrange to meet at this new found eaterie…read more It's snowing, there's slush everywhere, the paths are lethal but we all make it, some later then planned. The staff are there to welcome you as you go in. Ambiente was formerly riverplate which unfortunately i did not get to try. It is situated at the bottom of the calls overlooking the canal, so quite nice looking out the window with a snowy back ground. Wine list was extensive, we avoided the sherry, it was 6pm after all and the school night was yet young. The food menu is varied with sharers and nibbles listed alongside lists for meat, fish & veggies. There are also set menus for those that cannot choose. We were advised 3-4 tapas per person and our eyes were bigger than our stomachs so we obviously went for four! We did have a veggie with us so tried a good variety of the dishes. They were all very tasty and made their way out to us and when they were ready which enabled us to chat away as women do and pick at the food as the dishes appeared. I really enjoyed the caremilised chorizo and potato as did my friend, no fighting though as we were all grown up we just ordered another. Price wise it was quite reasonable, for the smaller dishes £3-4 and larger £5-6, the house white wine was also very good value for money. Recommended for a visit to all.

When one place falls, another inevitably will rise in it's stead, and it's always with a pang of…read moreguilt and apprehension that I visit a new place where an old favourite once stood tall. What I'm talking about is Riverplate. Hunks of meat delights were once available in this excellent spot, and so when I found out it had closed and been replaced, I was more than a little sad for them - they are a fantastic Leeds indie, and a stalwart on the scene. (Don't panic, I hear they're still doing pop up events, until they're rehomed - so fingers crossed we can all meat it up again soon.) Even so, on a night when hunger is ravishing your mind, and your first option is unavailable, one has to overcome such hesitations and wade right in. This was such an evening, yesterday, and being a tapas fiend I was wooed by the tempting reviews (thanks Katie & Jen!) and balcony dining. We went in, without having booked, and being a Sunday were able to be seated right away. That's not to say the place was empty, but it wasn't full. Firstly, our waitress was incredible. She attended everything impeccably, from seating us on the balcony in the cool air, to guiding us through the menus (without coming off patronising) in an informative way. She was patient as we deliberated over the many tempting dishes, and was incredibly helpful when it came to choosing. At one point I required advice between the calamari and salt cod. Upon being asked, she immediately replied, "Ooooh, the salt cod!", in such a firm sigh that it suggested she was reliving a foodie moment of bliss, rather than merely offering an opinion. That she was so enthusiastic about the food was a great start, and rather encouraging, given how genuine it seemed. Being tapas, we were informed the food would come out as it was cooked, rather than in one go. We managed to nip out for a quick cigarette, before the onslaught of ecstasy began. Did I say ecstasy? Yes, yes I did. And I meant it. I had hoped the tapas would be great, and those desires were met, matched, and surpassed in spades. First to come through were the mushrooms and the mozzarella bites. (Not the official names.) They were both instantly flavoursome and more-ish, the pesto accompanying the mozzarella being of particular note. Next came the lamb patties and chorizo and potato. The former was a truly interesting blend of spiced and herbed lamb mini burgers, complete with pine nuts, and chimichurri. Whilst these were my least favourite, that by no means indicates they were poor. They were great. The chorizo and potato was beyond divine and came drenched in a plummy sort of sauce, so alive with flavour it was almost too rich for one person. I devoured it all, regardless. And lastly. My final dish. The salt cod. So, it was discussed on the night that it seems ridiculous that anyone would eat seafood and fish in Leeds, because we couldn't be further from the coast. That's as may-be, but I've not ever been close enough to the coast to test the theory. However, I'll warrant that these little lightly battered parcels of extreme and total joy could barely be matched elsewhere for flavour and succulence. I am not au fait with fish, as I rarely order it, so bear that in mind if you order them - but - these were the most delicious thing that I tasted that evening, and possibly now come in my top five mouthfuls in Leeds. The tzatziki that accompanied them was, for lack of a better word, perfect. The batter was crispy, not oily, and melted in your mouth. The cod itself came in meaty delicious chunks, it was delectably salted, and I'm sure there was a tiny bit of chilli for a kick. Next time I might just eat four dishes of those. I know now why she had to take a moment when advising I order those. I'm taking a moment right now writing about it. To finish, we both partook of the dessert menu, mainly as it was exciting to order a sherry that matched. Needless to say, as per the quality of the above, my mango and coconut cheese cake was seriously impressive. The dried fruit was a nice touch, and the sherry went down very well. It's worth pointing out also, the manager (I assume) served us at different points, and was also really friendly too - I spotted him explaining some dishes to a couple near us with great pride. So, I've written quite a word-splurge about my experience here, but there you have it. I have a new favourite in Leeds, and honestly have to return to try more of their menu. It's not tapas in the traditional sense, but their well thought out menu brings a sense of haute cuisine to their dishes, as each and every one had an excellent balance of presentation, taste, and colour. Price wise, we got 9 dishes, 2 desserts, 2 sherrys and 3 beers for £33 a piece. I realise that might price some folk out, but considering the amount we ate, the ambiance we enjoyed, the service we received, and the flavours consumed, colour me one happy happy bunny. I've spent that much money and gotten much less before... Highly reco

Viva Cuba is a brilliant Tapas bar, far and away the best in Leeds in my book…read more It's easily missed really, inside an ordinary looking building that looks more like it should house a bank than a funky restaurant. Because of this, I had gone past it on Kirkstall Road for years, without really ever noticing it, but a group of my friends have been eating there every week for the last few months, and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, so I joined them a few weeks back. It's the sort of place with that has an effortlessly cool decor and atmosphere - the dark wooden interior and loud (but not too loud) music are the main reason that the place has such an informal, relaxed atmosphere. Onto the food - I've eaten tapas in Spain a fair few times, and I have to say, this place recreates the real thing better than anywhere else I've eaten at, including a few places IN Spain. The usual dishes are present, but they all seem elevated to a higher level than other tapas bars - particularly the chorizo and the olive bread. Oh my. In short, it's authentic, it's cheap, it has an amazing atmosphere and attracts amazing people, and it should be tried by anyone remotely interested in tapas.

Been here a few times now and the food is always well cooked and service is spot on…read more The only small negative is, that despite asking our waitress if it would be possible to bring our 13 separate dishes to our table not all at the same time, as has happened before, she totally ignored our request. As I said earlier the food is delicious but with 4 people on a table with 13 dishes, you feel really cramped and a lot of food is cold when you finally get round to eating it. Surely it would make more sense to bring out 3 or 4 dishes at a time.

What a great experience. Brand new Leeds city center Tapas…read morerestaurant El Gato Negro was fantastic from the moment we walked in the door until the moment the bill was paid. Our server, Jerome, was outstanding, The food was even better. Perfect baby squid, Padron peppers, tasty and just the right amount. Even paying the bill was a positive experience. Also, on a busy Saturday afternoon I noticed no one in the restaurant was looking at their phone. What a revelation. I will definitely be back.

Great tapas... almost as good as Spain. If you find yourself in Leeds, are hungry and are in the…read moremood for tapas... well, go to El Gato Negro!