h2b identifies the finest restaurants of 2007

Best Restaurant

Mio Modo

This Mediterranean gem has seen 3 different owners over the last 4 years, however amazingly has not lost its following of regulars, or indeed its lively atmosphere and great food.

Mio Modo is the only restaurant in Leeds to have an open wood burning oven. Does it make a difference? I believe it does. The garlic bread is without any doubt the best in the region. The bases are crisp for both pizzas and the divine garlic bread and taste divine.

The fish is sublime as indeed are most things on the menu. My personal favourite is the fish platter. 5 or 6 different types of fish, from sardines to shark and open garlic king prawns, all griddled to perfection. The accompanying rice is as light as air.

This venue offers style and sophistication as well as a light and bubbly atmosphere. There is a grand piano in the bar area where on certain nights you will find singers playing and singing ballads from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Katie Mellua and Take That.

Mia Modo based on price, atmosphere, service and food takes the best accolade we can offer. This restaurant is ideal for both lunch and dinner. Almost every time you visit it will be busy however the good thing is you can generally get a table within a few minutes.

Best Interior

Café Guru

Jasper Conran meets the Starship Enterprise. This is without any shadow of the doubt the most modern restaurant interior I have ever seen. Before I forget the food is first class, with many dishes unique to them.

This retro venue has an eclectic clientele. I was surprised to see such a mixture of people, based on the fact that this Indian Restaurant is in the heart of the trendiest part of Leeds city centre and is so futuristic inside. The diners ranged from teenagers with parents to students with grandparents as well as my self with 2 young children. Who just loved it.

Imagine a stark white large room, which has space age booths, padded with white leather seating. Funky tables and a massive glass fronted facia overlooking 2 or 3 other fashionable restaurants and bars.

Café Guru is amazing. I recommend both Indian food lovers and diners who want something different to eat here. You will not be disappointed.

The bar area is a haven for the apartment set in Leeds. Offering a subtle yet vibrant arena for people to either relax or have fun with both work colleges and friends alike. The bar area is a tad traditional than the dining area and creates a vibrant atmosphere that lends itself to the restaurant without been intrusive.

Best Indian Restaurant

Saffron Dessi

Indian restaurants are now probably one of the most discussed restaurants amongst people who dine out or have take aways. Let’s face it that’s most of us.

Saffron Dessi on Leeds road in Bradford has taken on the massive task of challenging all the other Indian venues in both Leeds and Bradford. In our opinion it has crushed the opposition. I have been a fan of Saffron for some time. Most of my friends are now converted and have moved from some of the other more well know Indians. In fact I know that clients of h2b travel from Ilkley, Wetherby even Harrogate to dine here. We have received over 100 letters and e-mails apploading Saffron Dessi.

The Lamb on the bone curry is to die for. Not that many restaurants offer this as it is a more traditional dish and they don’t really cater for that market, as we all know they tend to cater for the Western pallet. Dessi means Traditional/ authentic (I think). That is what Saffron offers. The starters are mouth wateringly good. Be a little careful here as it’s all too easy to fill up as they are so big and you may struggle with your mains. The service and food here is beyond reproach. It`s almost always packed with a high volume of Asian diners which is always a good sign.

Best Oriental Restaurant

Thai Sabi

Situated opposite Trio in Headingley, where Ferrite Hall Bistro used to be located. you will discover a little undiscovered Thai treasure. From the outside you would be forgiven for thinking `no thanks` however you could not be more wrong. Yes I would agree it does not evoke luxury or decadence nor does it look too inviting but once inside you quickly forget the exterior aesthetics. The staff are traditional Thai with that effervescent smile and welcoming domineer that we associate with part of the world.

Stop the press. The food is better than amazing actually there is no superlative to describe how good it actually is. Then there is the price. Embarrassingly reasonable.

Try the soups. Wow. Then if you’re a meat lover the weeping tiger steak is to die for. Tender (it must be hung for 3 to 4 weeks) and tastes, that honestly make your mouth water. Then for the fish lovers there is the Sea Bass. This comes with 3 or 4 different coatings and at around £12:00 and it will easily feed 2. Truly outstanding.

My colleague lived in Thailand for almost a year and said this was the best Thai food she had ever eaten; furthermore my kids don’t really like Thai food however since trying Thai Sabi they have asked to go back.

I often nip in for a bowl of soup at lunchtimes as it feels like im eating healthy yet extremely tasty fare. I understand from the owner that Thai Sabi is slowly but surely getting a little following. My advice is get in quick because I can assure you the secret will not be kept for long.

Best Early Bird

Stanfield Arms

2 or 3 years ago this venue was struggling however the new owners Chris and Nick have put passion and elbow grease into what has become one of the areas if not the regions busiest eateries. For example The Stansfield serves over 600 covers on a Sunday.

This venue has both a very busy restaurant and hosts a very vibrant bar, with quite a discerning customer. The diners and drinkers tend to be 30 plus. Generally business or reasonably well healed people. The atmosphere is bustling especially on Friday teatime to Sunday night.

The early bird is amazing value. Offering any 2 courses for only £10 between 5pm and 7pm. This includes any starter and main course (including Beef Wellington. Menu price £14:95).

The food here is really very good, offering both good sized portions as well friendly waiting staff. neither are not compromised when ordering from the early bird menu.

I am aware that diners travel from quite a distance to take up the early bird option. Recently I invited my mother in-law and I understand she has visited on several occasions to take advantage of the early bird. She lives at the other end of Wakefield and is in her mid 70s so it’s a bit of a journey for her. However she says she loves it and its well worth the journey.(i think it’s the value for money really)

One final note if you’re a chip fan, order them they are spot on. Better than your mum used to make.

Best Hotel

Hotel Du Vin (Harrogate)

Decadence, luxury, opulence, relaxing and welcoming are just a few adjectives to describe this first class hotel. Sited near the stray in the heart of Harrogate, Hotel Du Vin offers guests an easy going light hearted ambiance. For guests who like to be spoilt this is the right establishment. From the moment you walk through the door you start to relax and are made to feel special. Hotel Du Vin is a small privately owned chain. the same group as Mal Maison.

The rooms here are great. From the Egyptian cotton sheets to the duck down pillows. Luxury is the order of the day. Each room is named after a different wine. The best 2 been the Don Perrignon suit and Moet Chandon suite. Is this case the Moet Suite is the best. If your budget can stretch to it I thoroughly recommend you try this room. It is the best room I have ever seen in my life. Check out their website for more info, is my advice.

The restaurant is a first class eatery that can stand alone in its own right. Offering both local grown as well the more modern and traditional dishes we associate with a restaurant of this standard.

Hotel Du Vin is a perfect place for a romantic break, it really does offer the full works for the wind down we all need from time to time. It’s also ideal for Christmas and work events and if you’re struggling for something to do on New Years Eve look no further

Best Value For Money

Old Glen House
jointly with BAR 166

Both of these venues are amazing value for money. The Old Glen House offers gourmet food in a traditional setting located on Baildon Moor. Whilst Bar 166 offers a more modern setting with funky artwork. Sited at the top of Horsforth Town Street.

The Old Glen House brings together a warm country atmosphere alongside modern cuisine. At the same time hosts a traditional separate bar where locals enjoy a good pint with I have to say a good selection of wines.

Bar 166 on the other hand offers modern dining in a trendy yet comfortable environment. Again has a separate dining area. That attracts professionals from the local area. A lot of suits drink and dine here early doors.

Both venues whilst been completely different offer dam good food and a particularly good wine list at very and I reiterate very good value for money. This is based on 5 things. 1: Quality of food. Including portion size and presentation. 2: Service. 3: Atmosphere. 4: Venue. Such as environment and standards. 5: Price. Both food and drink is taken into consideration.

Both 166 and The Old Glen House score highly on all levels. In some areas 166 wins in others The Old Glen House wins, overall we could not decide, hence we split it.

Both are equally as good on value whilst offering a totally different dining experience.

Best Fish and Chips

Battered

Battered is the brain child of 2 of Leeds best know bar and events co coordinators. Debra and Stephen who own the super trendy Oracle bar in Leeds centre. Located in the hub of down town apartment dwelling city professionals. Battered is next door to Oracle Bar, overlooking a fabulous square with modern art and a myriad of other restaurants such as Café Guru and the Waterfront Italian restaurant.

Battered offers diners gourmet fish and chips to either take away or eat in. where you can enjoy sumptuous dining with a fish menu to fulfil most fish lover’s appetites.

The batter, the fish, the chips are all first class. Yes you do pay a premium but I have to say there is a marked difference.

Now were well into winter, what’s better than been wrapped up walking down the street eating great fish and chips.

Battered offers the whole fish and chip dining experience, it’s difficult to put in to words. Try the plaice you will know what I mean. I can assure you of one thing. You will eat every last scrap.

What is funny about Battered is that when you have eaten you don’t get that bloated feeling you often get when you have filled up on greasy food. I can’t describe it however that was a major factor when deciding who won this accolade of best fish and chips in the region.

Coolest Restaurant

Chino Latino

This Fantastic restaurant was a close second to Mia Moda for the best restaurant in Leeds. Chino Latino is a constant paradox to me. How can a restaurant that’s been around for so long and be so amazing, be so invisible? I guess 1 in 50 or so people have heard of it, but everyone who has dined their rates so very highly.

Chino’s offers a fusion of several continents of dining. Mainly South American and Thai. The food here is amazing. The service is first class. And cool is an understatement. Its dim lighting, chain mail curtains, black tables with a single red line gliding through. The food presentation would challenge any restaurant in the country, then throw in the best cocktails around add in a cliental that is the epitome of cool. Mix it all together and you have Chino Latino. The coolest bar and restaurant in Leeds.

Chino’s is part of the Park Plaza hotel, adjacent to city square in Leeds city centre however this restaurant is self sustaining. You do not know you are in a hotel. The bar area is busy at weekends which really ads to the atmosphere. If your cool or want to go somewhere cool or your like me and want take a date somewhere different (my first date with Helen, who is now my wife) that’s sophisticated Chino’s is or should be your first choice.

Best Sunday Lunch

Korks

This was one of the hardest decisions to make as the Sunday lunch market is so fiercely competitive. Prices can range from £4:95 for a main to £30:00 for a 3 course lunch. 99% of restaurants offer traditional lunches; yes the odd one does it with a twist. Jus instead of gravy, little things like that.

This award was closely contented between The Fox and Hounds at Bramhope and the winner Korks in Otley. Why did Korks win? Well they offer a great all day Sunday package. as well as an amazing Sunday lunch. Yorkshire Beef & Yorkshire Ale you can walk it off in the Yorkshire Dales. Read on.

Korks is a local institution. Its doors opened over 20 years ago. Chris the owner has kept this traditional bistro just the way people like it. Its rustic charms are ideal for a cosy Sunday afternoon. Korks offers a wholesome cracking Sunday lunch starting at £9:95. The full works is on offer here. If you want a belly busting meal that tingles your Sunday afternoon taste buds try Korks.

Sunday evenings offers (6pm-10pm) 2 steaks and a bottle of wine for £20.00. The character and charm of Korks harmonised with good quality local fare and beef that melts in your mouth, really makes for a great Sunday outing. Then stroll on to the Moors and walk it off, or just stay their and drink copious amounts of Yorkshire Ale and really enjoy your Sunday afternoon to the full. Then dig in to to a juicy steak in the evening.

Best Outdoor Dining

Restaurant Bar and Grill

Formally the big Post Office in City Square in Leeds, Restaurant Bar and Grill (RBG) has taken Leeds by storm. Attracting the city centre business sector, as well as Leeds beautiful crowd. RBG has transformed this full of character building in to an ultra modern venue for both diners and the Champagne and Rose wine brigade, taking over the mantle of Bibis.

During the summer and it seems now autumn the al-fresco dining is superb. Offering diners the chance to soak up the sun whilst eating good food and drinking Rose wine, however the best bit is the people watching as the out door seating is in the heart of City Square. Imagine eating, drinking and people watching with fountains flowing, great architecture at the same time getting a sun tan. Imagine no more RBG offers it all. This place is the best site in Leeds with out question.

Of an evening RBG turns in to a Mecca of well groomed socialites offering glamour to what has been the fastest developing City in Europe for the last 7 years.

The outdoor dining is enclosed with a 1 meter high cloth boundary and has classy linen umbrellas on most tables for those who get too hot or dont want their Botox to melt.

RBG is ideal for a great lunch or meeting place for a glass or 3 of wine. They are not keen on people just having a drink out side as at peak times they want and understandably so want to capitalise on the revenue from diners.

Best Steak

La Grillade

Another institution La Grillade is a fantastic restaurant. Offering everything France has to offer. Mix in amazing food, (especially the steaks, ideally the Cote De Boeuf) the best cheese board this side of the Channel, with great service and lashings of French attitude and you have La Grillade.

I don’t know how this restaurant has been around but I guess it over 20 years. Its following amongst the seasoned diners in Yorkshire is immense. When you order a steak here you will know why. I am not really a red meat lover, however here I order nothing else. I know they are passionately proud of their restaurant, but especially proud of the Cote De Boeuf. All it needs is a little pepper and dash of French mustard and your sailing away on a French cloud of delight. When you look around the room everyone is eating red meat. everyone is smiling and chatting and really soaking up the Gaelic ambiance. The owner is almost always on hand to make sure the ship runs smoothly. He does it in typical French style. Shouting and pointing in a harsh yet appealing French twang.

This white underground cavern opposite Mia Moda on Wellington Street is as near to France without actually been their. It would almost be sacrilege to dine in this Parisian eatery with out ordering a dam good slab of rare beef.