La Grillade, Leeds

Remember this date: Saturday 06-10- 2007. What a day. LUFC beat Yeovil 1-0. England RFC beat Australia in the world cup 12-10. Leeds Rhinos beat Wigan 36-6 and France beat the All Blacks 20-18.

Was trying to have dinner with my family in La Grillade in Leeds whilst the France game was on, at the same time Ken Bates was sat on the adjacent table. This had my son’s head spinning, as we had been to the Leeds game that day. I was trying to eat but kept running round to see the TV. What a fantastic day, finished off in a fantastic French restaurant with, as you can imagine, an unrivalled atmosphere.

La Grillade is probably Leeds city centre’s best known restaurant. I know from people I chat to that its following is unrivalled. It’s always the same quote: “If you want the best steak in Leeds go to La Grillade”. After my visit I would echo their sentiments.

You enter La Grillade through a little door just off Wellington Street and go down in to what was probably once a large cellar. This rustic venue with its French staff encapsulates everything France has to offer. It oozes kitch France.

From the amazing French Onion Soup (it’s worth going here just for a bowl of this), to the Salad Aux Lardoons, or even the Watercress Soup; all were outstanding. The mains were even better, however the jewel in the crown for La Grillade is its ‘Cote de Boeuf Grillee’ (two persons) £32.50. Only on the island of Madeira have I tasted beef this good, and yes I do believe it is the best steak in Leeds.

The puds were typically French. Chocolate Mousse, Lemon Tarte etc. But the cheese board, for this all I can say is if you like cheese then you will have ‘died and gone to heaven’.

The food here is really very good, hence its loyal following. The atmosphere is cracking; it’s lively but not Bibis lively, which I prefer. The value, well hit and miss really, one or two things were just a little top heavy for me, but on the whole good value based on quality.

The service was a little poor; it was as if a couple of waiters had not turned in for work. Little things like we had to pour our own wine and water and we had to beckon the waiters over for everything we needed, and they forgot the salad. With the 12% service charge they make, I would expect a little more. All that said, we had a really good experience. La Grillade is a restaurant I never go to as I’m not really a red meat lover, however I will return soon. I know as well as in the evening it is packed at lunch times. So if you want to dine somewhere busy, La Grillade is more than likely the place to go, especially if you like a good steak.

Category: £30 - £50

Review Summary

Atmosphere ♦♦♦♦
Food ♦♦♦♦
Service ♦♦
Value ♦♦♦♦

Contact Details

La Grillade
27 Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 4HJ

Tel: 0113 245 9707