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4.8

Based on 213 opinions finded in 1 websites

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Nº 293 in 3097 in Leeds

CUSTOMERS TALK ABOUT DISHES WITH..steakpotatoesbaconcookedroastchicken
Score
OpinionsNoteGoogle2134.8

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Went for dinner. Brilliant food, amazing flatbread and duck eclair. The chicken and potatoes were top notch. They also have great cocktails and good selection of wines by the glass. Downstairs is lovely, small but not cramped. They do have 2 sittings but the meal did not feel hurried. Loved it.

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Stuart Fairbairn . 2025-04-10

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I went to the empire cafe on Saturday evening with my wife after being recommended by friends. We had a fantastic experience from start to finish. The staff were friendly and the food was superb. We had the Garlic and Honey Rotisserie Chicken for mains which was 10/10. Thank you, we will be returning soon!

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Alex James . 2025-03-26

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I really was looking forward to eating here, but lack of knowledge of the menu from waiting team and average to poor dishes when they finally arrived, I don't think we will be visiting again. Shame, as I was hoping the negative reviews were just people being fussy

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Adam Waller . 2025-03-23

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Moist, tender, succulent, delicious Rotisserie chicken.. what's left to say!?! It was excellent. I chose the garlic and honey with dried chilies and was so glad I did.

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Iain Armstrong . 2025-03-22

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I work around the corner so I only popped in for some takeaway bacon butties but I couldn’t have asked for a better treat from nicer people. They were immediately welcoming and I ended up eating the tastiest bacon I’ve had in a long time. Both egg and bacon were cooked perfectly too. The chef obviously cares and not just about the ingredients. Can’t wait to visit again and try the rest of the menu! Thank you to the lovely servers too. They’re all a real credit to the company. 10/10

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Amie . 2025-03-15

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Had lovely cocktails the other night- the bartender was super friendly and chatty. Great menu selection and lovely wine.

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Bethany Perrin . 2025-03-13

MORE AT Google

We visited on Saturday night, what a quirky cafe. The food was fantastic, we was sat near the kitchen and watching the chefs prepare so many interesting dishes. We ordered small plates and then had to try the rotisserie chicken (ordered half), would not usually order chicken but it was very good. Can’t wait to return. The waiter was great too and spoke us through menu and recommendations. Brilliant independent restaurant for Leeds and will return.

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Courtney Brown . 2025-03-12

MORE AT Google

Food was good but portion sizes weren't. £16 for 2 small chunks of venison.

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Greg Naylor . 2025-03-12

MORE AT Google

Empire Cafe had been on my list to try for a very long time and it did not disappoint! So hard to choose as everything sounded so interesting but we asked the waiter for some recommendations and everything was delicious. Very much want to return to try the rotisserie chicken, maybe with a bigger group so we can try even more from the menu!

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Libby Bates . 2025-02-22

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We went here for tea as a late Valentines meal on the 16th feb and sat downstairs. The food was lush! Our waiter was really lovely too. (Didn’t catch his name but he was wearing a grey jumper and had ginger hair) Said it was his first week but seemed to be a pro! Very attentive, chatty and friendly and made us feel so at home. Nothing was too much to ask for and he even brought us some bread over when we’d finished our meal so no sauce was wasted! Thank you so much you certainly made our night special.

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Lana Hindle . 2025-02-17

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The best if not one of the best meals I've had in Leeds. I'd never normally order a rotisserie chicken but had to order their main event and it was unreal. The small plates were crafted perfectly and we even got some bread free-of-charge to mop up the left over sauce which was a nice touch. Sitting next to the kitchen made me feel like I was in an episode of The Bear, 10/10 spot, would highly recommend and I want to go back already.

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Sam Raynor . 2025-02-17

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A wonderful little place tucked away on the backstreet near the corn exchange. Busy. And there's good reason for that. Excellent service, and the food is superb. We had Sunday lunch, beef rump in a delicious sauce for me. My wife had 3 fantastic small plates. Deserts enticed on the menu and did not disappoint. Highly recommended.

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Dick Davies . 2025-02-16

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Incredible - no exaggeration to say it was some of the most impressive food I've ever had. It's a Michelin-starred menu in an unassuming backstreet cafe location. If you go, try the vindaloo venison, try the pork, and definitely have the duck éclair. I didn't want to swallow my last mouthful and admit it was over.

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Richard Redman . 2025-02-13

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Stumbled across this hidden gem. Delicious cocktails however sadly no space for dinner. The menu looked incredible.

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S . 2025-02-10

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Went for breakfast and it wasn't great. I suspect this place might be an entirely different experience in the evening but it's definitely not a breakfast place. Sitting with my teenage son at a candle lit table in a dark room was not exactly what I had in kind for a Saturday morning full English. The food itself was hit and miss. The poached eggs were perfect. The fried bread was a nice, often missed, touch. Although I think less is more in this case and two slices was slightly overbearing. The sausage and bacon were overcooked which made it hard to discern if they were quality or not. The jury's out on the curried chickpeas. It's a no from me. My son liked them. Personally I see no reason to stray from baked beans on a breakfast. I'm not against an upmarket take on a full English, I've had some great breakfasts at high end places, but this one definitely strayed too far into the pretentious zone and missed the core essence of an English breakfast. And the tea needs to come in a pot. 1 small cup 15 mins before the food arrives is never going to work.

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Tony . 2025-02-08

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I've been here a few times for breakfast and dinner -- breakfast is probably the best scrambled eggs and fried potatoes I've had in a restaurant -- and usually sit on the first floor by the kitchen so I can watch the rotisserie chickens begin to roast for lunch and dinner. The place transforms from almost a classy greasy spoon to a sleek, cosy restaurant as the day goes on. Without question, the chicken is what most people come here for, but the small plates are something else. Inventive, frequently chaging, and packed with strong flavours in a way that's innovative but never overwhelming. Run by friendly, charming, and efficient staff who appear to love what they do. Leeds sorely needs more places like this.

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Alice H . 2025-02-07

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Menu is divided into two halves. Interesting small plates and bigger, simpler plates. We went for the first half but they weren't to our taste so we went for the second in the form of chicken rotisserie and ribs. Both very good. No wonder it was so busy during a Thursday lunchtime. The menu appears to change weekly so we'll be back!

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Nicholas Beaver . 2025-01-31

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Found this little independent gem by mistake on a long frosty Saturday morning walk with my boy. Our Journey came to a swift pause when we saw this cafe glowing on the corner of fish street, and were met with a warm welcome upon entry with our labrador. The food was great considerately put together with care, top quality ingredients and some inventive ideas. Will definitely be back.

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Nathan Snowden . 2025-01-25

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Excellent meal and small plates, great service and lovely atmosphere, duck eclair was the highlight

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Laura Stothard . 2025-01-12

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After being seated we were ignored by the staff for 30 mins whilst watching tables that came in after us being served drinks and food. Left without eating but premium prices require premium service.

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nadir zairi . 2025-01-04

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We’ve been here so many times since they’ve opened. Always great food, changing small plates menu, nice experiments and I love that you can always get their signatures; the steak, rotisserie chicken & ribs. Excellent drink selection as well. The only downside is how small the place is & the not so comfortable seats (outdoor is better). But they just announced expanding to a new gastropub which would be nice! Love these guys and what they do! I’m yet to try their lunch or breakfast options but they look incredible too!

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A A . 2024-12-24

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Overrated, unfortunately. We were celebrating a birthday but the service was much below par. When asked for our much awaited glasses of red the sever just told us she had finished work and it wasn’t her problem (as she was putting on her coat to leave). Nice starters, average mains, poor service. Don’t bother.

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Zoe Ellis . 2024-12-21

MORE AT Google

The food is excellent especially the Rotisserie chicken

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Matthew Steen . 2024-12-14

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Warm welcome and friendly service. Rotisserie chicken and chicken caesar delicious. A tad more chicken on the caesar salad, maybe?

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Michelle Newsome . 2024-12-12

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I recommend their desi chana on the brunch menu. Totally delicious. Ideal when you went something fresh and different to eggs, bacon etc. My photo doesn't do it justice. Coffee was great too.

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Claire MacMenemey . 2024-12-12

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Inventive dishes, attentive and friendly service, as well as incredible value.

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Ed W . 2024-12-08

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Great little place near the market. Delicious food with nice touches. Thought it was pretty good value too. Particularly enjoyed the smorgasbord with smoked herring.

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Emma Meredith . 2024-12-02

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Relaxed bar/restaurant with friendly staff. Nice to have a drink and enjoy your stay in Leeds. My first experience with orange wine, which was very nice.

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Gabriéla Versteeg . 2024-11-24

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What a great little place. Nothing but praise for the welcome, service and fabulous food!

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Kathryn Parkinson . 2024-11-23

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I was really pleased to finally get an opportunity to visit and did so as a group of six. We received a very warm welcome on arrival and then hovered awkwardly upstairs getting in the way of the busy staff as we waited for our downstairs table to be ready. After an exciting decent down the spiral staircase we entered the small dimly-lit dining room adorned with artworks that might make some people blush :) Each table had a candle and a small lamp that allowed you choose two types of white light depending on your preference, both were very useful for reading the menu. Service was incredibly attentive and efficient and we were informed that the rotating selection of small plate options were indeed quite small as other reviwers have noted. We used them as starters and they were a few mouthfuls of incredibly tasty ingredients cooked and presented beautifully. My French Onion Flatbread with Parkin Croutons and Gorgonzola was a really great combination of tastes and textures. The mains chosen were predominantly chicken with one of the group getting the bavette steak that looked like a really well-cooked option that made me a little jealous, definitely one to consider if you visit. I opted for rotisserie chicken with a smoked garlic and hot honey "lather" combined with a chilli pepper flake "crumb", I found the chicken a bit drier than expected and the chilli and garlic levels a bit disappointing (not even a tingle) but the taste was still good and the plate provided enough extra honey to dip in and moisten things up. The little pot of potatoes was nice but some optional coarse salt would have elevated things. My partner went for the rotisserie chicken caesar salad and really enjoyed it, the crispy anchovies were a nice twist and the lettuce very crisp and fresh, I would have bought a bottle of the Empires dressing, it was fantastic. Wines and other drinks were all of a great quality. All in all a really great experience I'd gladly repeat, I'd order slightly differently but the fact there's so many items on the menu I'd love to try says a lot. The breakfast offerings sound great too. Give it a try if you get chance, it's a real asset to the Leeds dining scene.

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Michael . 2024-11-17

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Get there, have food, coffee, wine or cocktails and lose yourself in the comfort of the venue. Before you know it, you've been there 2 hours and feel happy. The staff is very attentive, the food is simple but delicious. Make sure to use the room downstairs

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Cyriaque Lajoinie . 2024-11-13

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Had the best roast chicken ever

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Eman Adel . 2024-10-20

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We’ve been twice now, first time we had rotisserie chicken and steak & chips with portions so huge we were over-faced, this time we got the small plates to share and were so surprised how tiny the portions were! I like refined food but this doesn’t need to mean microscopic portions. It was disappointing because everything was so delicious!! The waitress said we would have enough or we would’ve ordered more, all these plates together was probably the size of one standard main course anywhere else. Still giving a good review because the quality and taste was exceptional, but please consider increasing the portions!

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Alara Higgins . 2024-10-20

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Absolutely beautiful. Very much lived up to the high expectations. We couldn't decide between their signature dishes (the steak and the chicken), and so we ended up getting both and sharing. Properly delicious. The service was great - attentive, friendly, and relaxed. The atmosphere was lovely, and the drinks were very nice as well. My only slight negative would be that the starters were absolutely tiny. I get that high-end food is often in small portions. But at £9/10 per starter, they felt pretty tiny to me. Not to the point where I'd leave 4*, though - this is a fantastic dining experience and ideal for a special occasion or treat.

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Matt Abbott . 2024-09-28

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Hospitality done to perfection! This has to be my favourite restaurant in Leeds, the food is expectional, never had a bad meal. Definitely try monkfish! the teamare friendly and very helpful. An absolute pleasure.

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Oliver Thomlinson . 2024-09-25

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What an amazing little secret Leeds has been hiding!! We were lucky as we hadn’t booked but got a table downstairs, such a chilled vibe! Honestly the best roast beef dinner I’ve ever had, the gravy was mind blowing! Staff are so welcoming. A live vinyl Dj was a bonus gave a great atmosphere. Will be back to try other bits on the menu

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Mandy Binns . 2024-09-23

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Lovely place great food highly recommended 👌

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Dean . 2024-09-20

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Delicious!!!! Such a great find in Leeds.

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Rebecca Nichells . 2024-09-19

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Shared a load of small plates and had some cocktails. Absolutely fantastic food, incredible service. Second time I’ve been and want to go back again already.

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Andrew Sandercock . 2024-09-09

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Well, well, well! Talk about surprises, I thought I had seen this establishment on Adam Richman Eats Britain on Food Network channel. It's not what I expected but actually BETTER than what I saw on the programme. I have yet to truly try the chicken from the from the rotisserie, which is locally sourced and is non-halal, but what we did have today was something to share and just a drink. 1. The welcome = Friendly, warm and welcoming 2. The service = Excellent service and interaction 3. The drinks = Probably one of the nicest coffees I've EVER had from a restaurant. 4. The food = Ordered the Dhesi Chana with a Roti and I was in shock! The Chana dish (Chole) was sweet and sour with a kick but you could taste the lemon coming through which cut through and leaving a warm feeling and tingle in your mouth from the masala and tamarind. Being Panjabi and trying this Panjabi dish in a non-Panjabi place was tasty, very impressed! I'll be returning as there's lots to try out but the rotisserie is the stand out to try and that will be next. In the famous words of Arnold Schwarzenegger "I'll be back!”

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Bups Singh . 2024-09-08

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Thank you so much for a really chilled, interesting and great tasting night! Love the venue and everything it has to offer! Can’t wait to return!

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Richard Johnson . 2024-09-04

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Talk about hidden Jems. This place was so good from food to service to establishment and staff.

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Malcolm Bailey . 2024-08-31

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Top class establishment with great food and amazing, professional service.

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Adam Wylie . 2024-08-30

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Absolute belter of a place, been here twice now and it hasn't disappointed. Service is brilliant and there is excellent gluten free provision including Virtuous on tap, my Coeliac partner was delighted. Must have the chicken and potatoes, but small plates are also great. Portion sizes can be on the small side, but the food is amazing. Can stop for a drink or food and it's a nice atmosphere. Will definitely be back!

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Siobhan Wood . 2024-08-29

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All of our meals were absolutely delicious! You guys have a real talent for bringing out the flavors in each dish. Rotisserie chicken is a main event but I also highly recommend trying small plates. Very friendly and lovely staff. Thank you for the amazing experience and see you again❤️ Also they do a very delicious Sunday roast 🔥 Must try!

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romanidzeee . 2024-08-26

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Third visit to empire cafe and every time the food is just perfect. I had the steak again which is topped with the most addictive salsa verde and served on top of some of the best chips. The starters are always fantastic too offering some slightly more complex flavour combinations. 10/10 would always recommend.

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Sal Bentley . 2024-08-20

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Cute cafe on a side alley downtown Leeds.

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Emmanuel Ong . 2024-08-18

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I appreciate what is going on at Empire Café, however, the food is overpriced for the portion sizes as well as what you're getting on the plate. The tapas dishes were quite hit and miss with our table, as were the ribs. The chicken however, the specialty I think, was outstanding. The deserts, although limited, were also great. We were seated downstairs and unfortunately there was quite a nasty smell down there. I can't lie, it was off putting when eating smelly pate! The staff were all friendly and attentive. We spent just over £200 for 4 people, this is with maybe 2 drinks each. We left with our hunger relatively satisfied and had an enjoyable evening. I'd recommend The Empire Café, just be prepared for high prices and not much grub.. but as an experience it's something that might be up your street.

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Lowrie Music . 2024-08-13

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Was on the list of top 100 restaurants in the country so had to try it as the gf hasn't been to it either. We were a bit early but they still managed to fit us in so that was very welcome. Tapas starters were lovely, didn't try them all in case we were going to be too full for the main. Got to try the rotisserie chicken so juicy, highly recommended.

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William Pang . 2024-08-07

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I didn't know chicken could taste this good! So I ordered the steak, which at £24 was as good steak cooked perfectly rare. In any other setting I would have been very pleased but, my partner ordered the rotisserie chicken which upon tasting gave me food envy. Yes, I wanted her buttery melt in the mouth chicken over my perfectly good delicious steak. Just means I will have to come back! The service was top notch by the pair waiting on us. I sound like and old man but good service is rare to find these days. Earnt their tip within the first 10 minutes through their welcome and attentiveness. The location, out of the way in a back alley, gives European al fresco vibes. Makes it a hidden gem that we only discovered by word and mouth. Unfortunately we aren't in a tropical European city and the Leeds' back alley characters can break the charm occasionally and its definitely prettier looking into the bar than out. Otherwise faultless.

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Ben Tapley . 2024-08-03

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Had a couple of cocktails and a goat skewer. The cocktail were punchy, the service was friendly, fast and joking around and the kebab was well cooked. Went back a year later and had more food, which was excellent...ox cheek spring roll, tempura broccoli and truffle pork. It was amazing and the waitresses were great

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Neal Jackson . 2024-07-25

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Best steak and chips I’ve had in a longtime. Classy and friendly. Service was immaculate. Gem of Leeds.

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Rosaline Bailey . 2024-07-07

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Excellent Sunday dinner. Juicy chicken, perfect Yorkies, delicious gravy. Can't fault any of it. And reasonably priced!

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Kirsty Goodier . 2024-07-07

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Fantastic gem of a cafe/restaurant...delicious food...this morning we had..one triple sandwich..😋..one leeds Brekkie..😋..and one Steak and Eggs..😋...all superb 👌 😋

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scotrayd larsson . 2024-07-05

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Finally visited Empire Cafe and not disappointed. Service is exemplary - friendly, efficient and engaging! Food is everything you hope for when you read the menu. We felt obliged to try the chicken along with some veg sides all washed down with a pint of the truly wonderful Kirkstall Judicious (is there a better beer currently?). A perfect pre-theatre dinner and will be back!

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Paul Whitman . 2024-06-28

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Had a great meal here. I had the rotisserie chicken as a main course and one of the small plates as a starter. Everything was really tasty and the staff were all helpful and friendly.

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Sean Nifton . 2024-05-29

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What can I say from start to finish everything was absolutely incredible. I have been fortunate enough to travel the world and eat some of the world's best food, this is by far the best food I have had. I will start with the service as you just couldn't fault it, Eden was so lovely and attentive. She knew here way around the menu and helped describe the dishes, throughout the evening constantly checking in on us and sharing conversation! Really did make the experience. The food was superb! We had a few bits from the small plate menu which were bursting with various flavours that you just don't normally have. These were polished off in no time! For the main we had the beef rump and this is by far the best beef I have had in my life, ever so tender and cooked beautifully paired with a lovely sauce/gravy. Other main dishes were the chicken with gravy which again cooked perfectly, soft and juicy! All sides were exceptional peas, cauliflower cheese (done right) and potatoes. Desserts were sublime cereal milk tart and a negroni tiramisu. Absolutely flawless and we will definitely be returning to try other parts of the menu.

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Hani Pengelly . 2024-05-26

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Treated myself to lunch out. Superb from the moment I walked through the door. Greeted and seated by the friendly staff. I really enjoy the intimate interior here with its nooks and crannies. This time I had the house speciality Chicken rotisserie. I ordered the half chicken. I wish i’d ordered a full one!!! It was divine. This place is immense.

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timlinley . 2024-05-23

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Absolutely superb- great tasty food- we had 8 of the small plates and they really were tasty. Very much worth a visit xx

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Helen Metcalfe . 2024-05-23

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Fast becoming regulars here now. One of the beat dining spots in Leeds. Food is on point every time. Service from walking through the door to leaving is warm & attentive without being overbearing. Sam & team are just excellent. Highly recommended any night of the week.

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Jason Clayton . 2024-05-22

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Exceptional food. Very professional yet friendly service. Brilliant place.

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Stu Seaton . 2024-05-19

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A wonderful first visit to this delectable cafe in beautiful sunshine! Hopes were high. Two laydeez of taste and discernment we were. Sated with the gowns of handily placed John Lewis. We opted for an outside table and the wall of flame rotisserie chicken. Totally tender tasty and delish. Gorgeous cocktail in a dessert Negroni tiramisu and to top it all - excellent flat whites. Very busy but no hurry - delightful and kind staff - can’t wait to visit you again!! Kathryn and Barbara xx

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Kathryn Wood . 2024-05-18

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What a great place. Cosy inside and french cafe vibes outside. Sunday lunch was beautiful (we had the lamb). My daughter had set her heart on something that wasn't on the Sunday menu, and was going to choose something that was. One of the kitchen staff overheard and said they would make it for her anyway. This made us feel very welcome and valued. Desserts were magnificent and we drank guiness (excellent pint) and expresso martini (very well made). Can't wait to return.

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matthew lawson . 2024-05-15

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Absolutely knock out scran. Really good service as well. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Leeds.

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Steven Mullins . 2024-05-05

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What an amazing place! The staff were so friendly from the moment we walked through the door. The small plates were excellent. Inventive dishes that tasted incredible. The rotisserie chicken was so tender; great choice of lathers! Tasty and well presented cocktails. Desserts: wow! (we shared all three between the two of us; very glad we did!) I cannot recommend this place highly enough. Will definitely be back. I think would be deserving of a recommendation in the Michelin Guide.

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Gavin Boyd . 2024-04-27

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Wonderful food and extremely attentive staff would recommend.

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lorraine gale . 2024-04-24

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A lovely hidden gem. Delicious food and first class attentive service. Excellent all round.

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Mike Sheard . 2024-04-18

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What a fab little place. Great spot hidden off the main road for a dinner with friends. It’s a tiny place with tables downstairs — super relaxed and intimate vibe. We shared all the starters (they were incredible) and then had a few steaks and chickens between us. And those potatoes… still recovering.

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Will Bosanko . 2024-03-30

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Food was amazing at Empire Cafe! This small and cosy restaurant is easily one of my favourite restaurants in Leeds. We had a variation of starters, all so unique and tasty. For mains we had the half chicken and steak and chips. The chicken was cooked to perfection, not dry - almost melt in the mouth and the butter sauce was soooo yummy! Steak and chips were also really good, chips were crispy with a generous amount of steak. Will be coming back again and will be recommending to friends in Leeds :)

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Katherine C . 2024-03-29

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Great service. Food tastes great there’s just not enough of it for the price. Generally feels over priced as we came out hungry. We ordered the whole chicken between two. It comes chopped up into small pieces which is odd as your never sure your getting the full bird but the sides are so small and you only get one portion of potatoes with the whole chicken which isn’t enough for two. Can’t fault the taste or service.

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jessmussoncastick . 2024-03-17

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Excellent service and truly memorable food. A hidden (literally) gem. Booking essential. Will be going back for breakfast!

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gareth gibbon . 2024-03-13

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An absolute hidden gem in the heart of Leeds! I was impressed with the cosy ambience and friendly service but the food is the star of the show here. I started with a Spam Pakora topped with egg yolk jam and chilli flakes. It had a warm kick from the chilli, perfectly complimenting the saltiness of the spam and the creamy, slightly sweet egg yolk. My main was Bavette steak, chips and a salsa Verde and I can honestly say this was one of the best steak and chips I've ever had. A great portion and superb quality for £22. The menu was split into seasonal small plates, which also work well as starters, a small large plates menu and a couple of desserts (I was too full for a third course unfortunately!). I am already planning to return to try the rotisserie chicken and more small plates. Highly recommended!

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Saul Bosworth . 2024-02-10

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Great food and exceptional service. We can’t wait to visit again soon!

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Sophie Mackey . 2024-02-02

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Great food , value for money, tasty delicious food and people that care about making an individual alternative dining experience 🙌

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Samantha Moorhouse . 2024-01-28

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Excellent food. Wonderful service. A little gem of a place. Would recommend to everyone!

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Simon Devine . 2024-01-27

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Wow! Just wow. Food exceptionally divine. Service was great - so great we left a £50 tip. Such a quirky little restaurant. Down a spiral staircase you go to have a gorgeous meal with an edgy vibe to it. They have an amazing mixologist also, so any cocktail you want, they can make it! 5 stars, I have to admit.

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Jasmine Hartley . 2023-12-24

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Absolutely incredible food and service. Would happily eat here everyday until I got gout.

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Chris Anderson . 2023-12-23

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Down a tiny spiral staircase we found our cosy corner and had one of the best meals ever. Table staff were great, knowledgable and fun, and the food and drinks were all excellent. We had the mussels and spam pakora (yes, spam) to start, then the steak and a rotisserie chicken, then feeling decadent after the scrummy cocktails we ordered all three desserts which were delicious too. Try the mulled vermouth from the Christmas cocktail menu - heavenly! Will be going back!

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Samantha Roff . 2023-12-22

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The best place in Leeds to eat. Hands down. No snobbery or fannying about. Great food, great service.

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Ruth Saville . 2023-12-21

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Food is absolutely amazing, really tasty and flavourful. We sat upstairs next to some very loud women which kinda impacted our evening a little. Next time we will sit downstairs! Highly recommended, super staff, can’t do enough for you. Sam and team should be very proud 🤩

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Jason Clayton . 2023-12-16

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Absolutely brilliant place to eat and have a few drinks. The menu is amazing and with the small plates, we were able to try things we wouldn't normally. Staff are all very friendly and knowledgeable. Being able to see into the kitchen and watch how the chefs cook on the wall of flames is an awesome experience! We cant wait to return!!

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360 South West . 2023-12-11

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This little place used to be the theatre cafe of the old Empire Theatre (now Harvey Nichols). Great host Alex gave a very warm welcome and knew lots about the place’s history.

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liz . 2023-12-08

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Lovely place to grab breakfast on a Saturday morning

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Andrew Manning . 2023-12-02

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Great food and atmosphere - really good spot for lunch.

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Michael Jubb . 2023-12-02

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we were visiting Leeds have heard so much about this place ...maybe our expectations were too high .. we had a half rottiserie chicken .. ( with tarragon lemon and garlic .. good flavours . but tepid with slimy soft skin ? . we chose a bean salad I have never seen such a mean serving ... about 8 French beans a few slices of fennel .. we ordered an extra smaltz potatoes . they were tasty and at least hot .. .. what a shame .. pud was delicious bit again tiny .. mango and coconut pannacotta had a lovely texture like a meringue ... but not really pannacotta .. the service was excellent . I wanted it to be brilliant but alas not

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rose ratcliffe . 2023-11-30

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One of the best restaurants in Leeds. Ambitious and interesting. Great vibes, friendly, helpful and knowledgable service, incredibly tasty food. Feels like a lot of love, passion and attention to detail has gone in to this venue.

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Edward Mason . 2023-11-26

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Food was great when it arrived but we were sat waiting outside for 45 minutes. Wanted to love this place as had read about it and we were looking forward to going. Not even an apology when the food finally arrived. Great looking independent venue though and hopefully just a one off bad experience.

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Jonathan Smyth . 2023-11-11

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A super lovely, tiny spot (Leeds always seems so adept at nurturing these kinds of places) just off the main shopping drag It’s great looking, service is ace and the food is well as executed as it is interesting; cool looking rotisserie chicken, small plates and breakfast stuff - the bits I tried were all tip top (Caesar and Spam pakora were standout) Would highly recommend and will definitely come back

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Mat Lake . 2023-10-26

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We have been wanting to go to The Empire Cafe since it opened and it was well worth the wait! Despite some reviews to the contrary the rotisserie chicken was amazing, flavoursome and tender and the roast potatoes were also delicious! It would have been good to have had more veggie main courses, although the starters had a good veggie selection and were substantial enough to have had a couple of those as a main. The staff were lovely and I really enjoyed the music which was quite funky for restaurant background music. Thanks guys we will be back!

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Clare Green . 2023-10-20

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It’s 11:50 - too late for breakfast but the guys in the kitchen can rustle up a rotisserie chicken & schmaltz potatoes and I’ve still time to catch the 12:32 🚂- chapeau 👏🏾. Bravo also for the servitor for providing prompt service - much appreciated.

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Mark Nicholson . 2023-10-19

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can't fault this place at all, super nice service from all the staff and the food was incredible. The smaller plates change every couple of weeks so that gives us a reason to go back, apart from all the other reasons!

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Oliver Hughes . 2023-10-07

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Absolutely love this spot! Brilliant concept, service is absolutely wonderful, the food and drink is top tier. The ever-changing selection of small plates are innovative and so well done, the rotisserie wall is fantastic, and everything we’ve tried has been excellent. If you haven’t been yet, go. If you have been, go back!

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Lucinda Kate . 2023-09-30

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Went in for lunch and had one of the best meals I've had for a long time. Really nice place, service was great and the rotisserie chicken we had was outstanding.

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Dylan Purches . 2023-09-30

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Believe the hype. This is a wonderful restaurant that combines truly outstanding food with a great sense of character and great service. The best meal I've had in a very long time.

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James Davies . 2023-09-18

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Came here with a big group which was probably a mistake given the size of the place. Food was interesting and inventive but didn't quite hit the spot, I had the roasted chicken which had marinade on top but didn't really penetrate the meat. Smaller plates seemed the way to go and would have preferred to sit outside instead of by the kitchen. Probably the wrong setting for what we were after and getting the amount of dishes out for our group seemed to be tough, not surprising again given its not a huge place. Will probably come back with just my wife and try again as it seemed promising.

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Sam Lusher . 2023-09-12

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Great food and drinks from an experienced team that clearly know what they're doing. Definitely worth a visit

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Rich Kendrick . 2023-09-11

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This is one of my favourite places to eat in Leeds at the moment. The small plates are amazing, and the regularly change so there's always something new and exciting to try. The rotisserie chicken is delicious, but I'd recommend the chips over the chicken schmaltz potatoes. And I've heard great things about the bacon sandwiches so I'll be visiting for breakfast soon!

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Laura Eastwood . 2023-09-05

MORE AT Google

Really recommend, the rotisserie chicken is excellent, and the small plates are great fun. They rotate often, so it'd be worth going back regularly and trying the new dishes as things come in and out of season. There are a few places to sit, downstairs is more intimate, upstairs is a bit more open. I'd go downstairs for a romantic meal, but upstairs for a bit more casual.

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Matthew Wilkes . 2023-09-03

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Spot on, loved every dish. Will head back soon to try the chicken rotisserie. Problem with gas day of visit. Can’t wait to head back !

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Andrew Elcock . 2023-08-26

MORE AT Google

Food was excellent, service was also fantastic. Only gripe is really uncomfortable seats on the higher chairs and bar tables which are the ones located on the ground floor, and the benches are so high your feet have nowhere to rest (im 6ft) which is uncomfortable. I think they have normal tables/chairs downstairs however.

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Adam Beswick . 2023-08-22

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