Best outdoor restaurants Leeds: 14 must-try al fresco eateries

Our friends over the channel and further afield may have had al fresco dining nailed for a while now but over here in the UK it’s only something that’s started to have mass appeal more recently. Sure, everyone’s always been a fan of the odd drink in a beer garden or summery al fresco dining in Leeds City Centre when the weather allows it, but people are now happier than ever to brave the elements all year round. It’s especially true here, outdoor restaurants in Leeds seem to occupy every street, square, and rooftop. Now, we know that the north of England isn’t exactly famed for its warm weather but don’t worry, many Leeds restaurants with outdoor seating have invested in heaters and covers to keep diners cosy even in the most dire conditions.

Leeds’ food scene is one of the most exciting in the UK, new restaurants and pubs seem to open every day. And yet, you’ll find some of the best places to eat outdoors in Leeds have been around for decades if not centuries. From city centre beer gardens offering good old-school pub grub to fancier Leeds restaurants with rooftop terraces, there are al fresco dining options for all tastes and budgets.

Given the number of outdoor restaurants in Leeds, it can be tricky to decide which one you want to visit. That’s why we’ve put together a guide below to the best al fresco restaurants Leeds has to offer. We’ve included restaurants of all different styles along with information about their outdoor dining areas, atmosphere, and menus. So next time you feel like dining in an outdoor restaurant in Leeds, be sure to head to one of these fantastic spots, take in the fresh air, sip on cocktails, and devour a tasty meal out in the open.

Tattu, City Centre

What: One of the nation's favourite contemporary Chinese restaurants, Tattu’s outdoor dining is just as impressive and imposing as the interiors of the restaurant itself. It’s called The White Rose Terrace and features signature floral displays, roses and lanterns. Of course, Tattu Leeds is known for its picture-perfect interiors, but the food is just as good as the setting. From colourful dim sum and Saturday brunches to an Imperial Sunday Roast, the menu offers outdoor dining in Leeds for every occasion.
Where: 29 East Parade, Minerva House, LS1 5PS
Book now: Tattu Leeds

Water Lane Boathouse, Temple

What: If you don't mind drifting out of the city centre a bit and over the river, Water Lane Boathouse is well worth the walk. Sitting right on the waterfront in Holbeck, it's home to one of Leeds' biggest beer gardens and serves a number of cocktails alongside different craft beers from various local breweries. If the idyllic location and drinks menu weren't enough already, there's also a mouthwatering menu offering burgers, pizzas, and sarnies.
Where: Canal Wharf, Holbeck, LS11 5PS
Book now: Water Lane Boathouse

Sky Lounge at DoubleTree by Hilton, Temple

What: One of the best restaurants with a view in Leeds, the peaceful outdoor terrace at Sky Lounge is one of the best spots in the city centre to enjoy a boozy bottomless brunch or a dainty and delicate afternoon tea. You can even enjoy a bottomless afternoon tea, with 90 minutes of free-flowing prosecco. By evening, while the city is illuminated, enjoy a fine selection of bar food and get stuck into pulled beef croquettes while sipping on signature cocktails.
Where: Granary Wharf, 2 Wharf Approach, LS1 4B
Book now: Sky Lounge at DoubleTree by Hilton

Nation of Shopkeepers, City Centre

What: This popular spot right in the city centre has become somewhat of a hub for music, food and drinks, and its lovely courtyard is right at the centre of all that. The decked area, or to use its proper name 'The Garden of Earthly Delights' at A Nation of Shopkeepers has covered booths, long sharing tables, cosy corners and most importantly a delicious food menu. Choose from burgers, pizzas, chicken wings and more, complimented by a rotating roster of craft beers and ales.
Where: 26-27 Cookridge Street, LS2 3AG
Book now: Nation of Shopkeepers

The Penny Bun, Askwith

What:This one is a little out of the city, but that’s no bad thing. Set just outside Ilkley, amidst the gorgeous Yorkshire countryside, the terrace at The Penny Bun offers a variety of relaxed seating from garden furniture to light wood tables. On the menu, you’ll find plenty of seasonal specials alongside classic pub favourites from pies, steaks, roasts, and burgers that make the best use of produce from the farms and walled garden at Denton Reserve. Think white park steak burgers with sticky braised beef shin, peppercorn mayo, pickles and smoked cheddar.
Where: West Lane, Askwith, LS21 2JQ
Book now: The Penny Bun

The Restaurant Bar & Grill, City Square

What: Based inside what used to be an old post office, the Leeds outpost of The Restaurant Bar & Grill has a real sense of grandeur. The same goes for the huge outdoor area surrounded by stone columns. Tables are spread out and covered by umbrellas and the many heat lamps ensure it’ll never be a chilly affair here. Head here for a light lunch with a glass of wine or an al fresco brunch in the city centre, or a dinner made with the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Where: The Old Post Office, 3 City Square,  LS1 2AN
Book now: The Restaurant Bar & Grill Leeds

Whitelock’s, City Centre

What: One of Leeds’ oldest pubs, Whitelock’s has been around hundreds of years and so has its long outdoor area, which can be booked for food and drinks. It's one of the best beer gardens in Leeds, featuring benches galore and heaters to keep you warm on cold Northern days, it’s the perfect place to tuck yourself away and get stuck into a crowd-pleasing food menu of classic British pub grub. It's a pretty special place, Prince George (later Duke of Kent) held a party here back in 1912.
Where: Turk's Head Yard, LS1 6HB
Book now: Whitelock's

The Alchemist Trinity, Trinity Leeds

What: The Alchemist may be predominantly known for its creative cocktails, but there's plenty to choose from food-wise at this Trinity Centre outpost. With everything from sharing plates like popcorn chicken and calamari to burgers and steaks to choose from, lunches and dinners on this wrap-around, fairy-lit terrace are set to be spectacular. It's the go-to spot to look out over the spires and towers of Leeds. 
Where: Level 1 Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Lane, LS1 6HW
Book now: The Alchemist Trinity

Lamb & Flag, The Calls

What: There aren't many places to eat outdoors in Leeds that offer multiple dining areas but Lamb & Flag has just that. You can either sit up on the small private terrace area or find a table in the sprawling courtyard. What they both have in common, however, is wonderful views of Leeds Minster which sits directly opposite the pub. The reasonably priced food menu includes pies, bangers and mash, fish and chips and more.
Where: 1 Church Row, LS2 7HD
Book now: Lamb & Flag

Banyan, City Square

What: Another restaurant located in the old post office building, Banyan is a wonderful spot for all occasions, whether you're looking for an alfresco bottomless brunch at the weekend, a quick lunch, or an evening dinner outdoors in Leeds city centre filled with cocktails. Its outdoor area overlooks the square and comes complete with umbrellas and heaters, and is totally covered in winter. Highlights on the menu include the Alpine chicken schnitzel and bang bang chicken salad.
Where: The Old Post Office, 2 City Square, LS1 2ES
Book now: Banyan Leeds

The Lost & Found, Headrow

What: This avant-garde restaurant and cocktail bar on buzzy Greek Street may not have a huge amount of outdoor seating but if you do manage to grab one of the tables out front, you won't be disappointed. There's a real buzz at The Lost & Found, particularly during the evening, which makes the perfect setting to enjoy seasonal salads, burgers, steaks, and small plates. You'll also find a great wine list, and plenty of pretty cocktails too. 
Where: 12 Greek Street, LS1 5PT
Book now: The Lost & Found Leeds

The Midnight Bell, Holbeck

What: The courtyard at The Midnight Bell, found in Holbeck's Urban Village, is so picturesque that you'd be forgiven for thinking you were out the back of a country pub. Soaked in sun during the daytime, by evening it's an atmospheric spot for drinks with family and friends. Throughout the day you can order seasonal dishes prepared with the finest Yorkshire ingredients available, from beer-battered haddock to steak and ale pies, burgers, and Sunday Roasts.
Where: 101 Water Lane, Holbeck, LS1 5QN
Book now: The Midnight Bell

Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, City Centre

What: Although widely known as the best beer garden in Leeds, Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen also doubles as a top spot to enjoy great food with equally brilliant views over the city. This is one of the best outdoor restaurants in Leeds for casual dining, offering hand-stretched pizzas from the in-house Dough Boys kitchen. Think spicy Salami of Darkness pizzas, Queen Brie variations, and Moroccan spiced lamb in addition to smash burgers and fries. During certain times, on both weekends and weekdays, you can also get your hands on half-price pizzas.
Where: 1-1a Cross Belgrave Street, LS2 9JP
Book now: Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen

Chaophraya, The Calls

What: When the sun is shining, you can’t really go wrong with Thai food chilled white wine and ice-cold beer. Settle into Chaophraya for all three, a Thai oasis with a first-floor terrace serving lunch, bottomless brunch, and brilliant cocktails with a Thai twist, think Dragon Eye Martinis with lychee, kiwi, and Thai basil liqueur. Whether for a Thai tapas lunch or an impressive set menu, enjoy traditional dishes like braised pork belly, gaeng massaman and tempura prawns alongside desserts like a coconut creme brulee.
Where: 20A Blayds Court, Swinegate, LS1 4AG
Book now: Chaophraya Leeds

Yes, great food is always better when enjoyed in the sunshine. But when it comes to the best of the best, roof or no roof, the setting doesn’t matter so much. Check our list of the best restaurants in Leeds.