Get high on great eats at the best rooftop restaurants in Leeds!
The Leeds food scene is one massive reason I’m mad about the great outdoors. Sounds bonkers, I know, but when you’re chowing down on a lush terrace while the afternoon sun spills gold everywhere, you’ll get where I’m coming from.
It’s even sweeter when you’re in the crème de la crème of rooftop restaurants. You know, those 5-star haunts where both the food and views are taken to new heights.
If you want a taste, I rounded up and broke down my all-time faves below.
Sky Lounge
– From skylounge__leeds
Address: DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds City Centre, Granary Wharf
Contact Details: 0113 241 1043
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 5 pm to 12:30 pm
- Wed – 2 pm to 12:30 am
- Thu – 2 pm to 1 am
- Fri – 2 pm to 2 am
- Sat – 11 am to 2 am
- Sun – 11 am to 12:30 am
Sky Lounge is where I toast life’s greatest highs. It has been gold for 15 years and is the tallest rooftop bar in the city; I’d be daft to not give it a shot.
Oftentimes, you’ll find me on the heated terrace, smashing a posh afternoon tea. Mini fudge cakes and citrusy tartlets go down easier with the city rolling out behind.
Weekends are sweeter with their bottomless brunch. Nothing like heavy pork sausages, black pudding, and bacon to set me right, especially with unlimited coffee or martinis.
Tip: Bring cards. Sky Lounge is cash-free.
Chaophraya
– From chaophrayathai
Address: 20A, Blayds Court, Swinegate
Contact Details: 0113 430 0122
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 12 pm to 11 pm
- Fri to Sun – 9 am to 11 pm
For me, nothing says summer like Chaophraya’s terrace flipping that ‘Open’ sign. The authentic fare then seals the deal.
I’m partial to the royal lamb massaman, which says a lot since they have a strong list of Thai staples, some gluten-free and vegan. The braised lamb’s pop of spice, nuttiness, and umami in one tender piece is right up my alley.
Drink-wise, I’d say cocktails are what they pour best. You can’t go wrong with a martini first crack, but downing the zesty Mai Thai isn’t a bad move either.
Tip: You’ll get 2-4-1 cocktails by visiting between Monday and Friday, from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Alchemist
– From lindz_wood
Address: Level 1, Trinity
Contact Details: 0113 246 0540
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 10 am to 11 pm
- Wed to Thu – 10 am to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 10 am to 1 am
- Sun – 11 am to 11 pm
If you have a flair for theatrics and haven’t been to Alchemist yet, this is a sign to book a table there. Their Pina Colava Lamp and fairy-lit terrace are fantastic for breathers.
The grub is also worth the gas money. We often go with the ‘Sharers’ option, which comes with small but delish bites like buttermilk chicken and tempura prawns.
Sarnies are done well, too, mainly their Cuban sandwich. Its generous serving of smoky pulled pork covered in lots and lots of cheese and pickles intensified my love for sangas.
Tip: Live music is played every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until 1 am.
Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen
– From belgravemusichall
Address: Cross Belgrave St
Contact Details: 0113 242 2066
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 12 pm to 12 am
- Tue – 12 pm to 12:30 am
- Wed – 12 pm to 1 am
- Thu – 12 pm to 1:30 am
- Fri – 12 pm to 2:30 am
- Sat – 11 am to 3 am
- Sun – 11 am to 12 am
Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen does suntraps right. Toe-tapping bops enliven the green and sunbathed space, and the grub doesn’t cost an entire week’s savings.
For instance, you get hand-stretched pizza from local legend Dough Boys for a mere £4.20 a slice. Pizza options include toppings like Italian sausages and Moroccan lamb!
Twice-cooked fries are also dirt-cheap (but not dirt-tasting) at £6.95 before 5 pm. That should give you enough change for a pint of Kirkstall pale ale.
Tip: Guests can’t book the terrace in advance, so be an early bird to secure your space. Remember, this venue is a crowd favourite.
Green Room
– From greenroom_
Address: 36 Wellington St
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 11 am to 12 am
- Thu – 11 am to 1 am
- Fri – 10 am to 2 am
- Sat – 10 am to 3 am
- Sun – 11 am to 12 am
They didn’t call it ‘Green Room’ for clout. Summer months see this one crawling with greens, and come the cold season, the award-winning terrace gets filled with winter flora.
Pop-ups and regular stalls also keep the scran list varied but no-frills. During the early to late-afternoon hours, hot wings and tacos are ordered the most.
By night, smooth pints and heartier feeds take over. Northern Monk and Kirkstall ales handle the sips front, while herby chicken and braised ox sort the food side of things.
Tip: They offer posh and cosy accommodation, fantastic if you’re too buzzed out to travel or drive.
IF Rooftop
From ifrooftop
Address: Avenue HQ Leeds, ENTRANCE AT 10, 12 Park Cross St, E Parade
Contact Details: 07535 952805
Operating Hours:
- Wed to Fri – 4 pm to 11 pm
- Sat – 2 pm to 11 pm
- Sun – 2 pm to 9 pm
Right bang in the city’s centre, IF Rooftop’s terrace gives you hard-to-beat views of Leeds’ daily bustle and iconic sights, mainly Leeds Town Hall.
Things only get better when you’re scoffing nachos or knocking back passionfruit martinis—or both, because who are we kidding? Better yet, beef the ‘kick’ with tequila or Jägerbombs.
Pop-ups keep things spicy, too. Some days, joints with breakfast burritos and organic cheeseburgers line up, next it’s all about stalls whipping unlimited pizza.
Tips: Into yoga? They hold yoga classes every month. Also, don’t forget the door code; it’s posted on their Insta.
Rosa’s Thai Leeds
– From philsconnor
Address: Trinity Leeds, 27 Albion St
Contact Details: 0113 834 3173
Operating Hours: Daily – 12 pm to 9 pm
At Rosa’s Thai, they dish out the same food you’d probably taste in Bangkok. They also do things sunny, with a terrace that, for me, is better for relaxed dining than their refurbished space.
On my last visit, the first authentic dish I crossed off my list was Pad Thai. It had that salty-sour and nutty character I’ve always been fond of, intensified by sweet and succulent prawns.
Gai satay topped it, though. This chicken thigh dish surprised me with its zest and umami, which tasted better when devoured Thai-style—dunked in peanut sauce and gobbled with crunchy bread.
Tip: Students with valid IDs get 20% off Thai noodles.
Fourth Floor Brasserie and Bar
– From gillbrierley
Address: Fourth Floor, Café and Bar, 107-111 Briggate Harvey Nichols
Contact Details: 0113 204 8000
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 10 am to 6 pm
- Thu to Sat – 10 am to 10 pm
- Sun – 11 am to 5 pm
Fourth Floor Brasserie and Bar is my ‘payday spot.’ You see, it’s posh here; Leeds can be seen through wall-to-wall windows, and the interior brims with golden lighting spread across statement furnishing.
The food is just as bougie. My usual is pan-fried salmon, which has a pronounced buttery essence and herby notes from samphire.
If you ask the regulars, though, they’ll likely point you to the seasonal set menus. I gave it a shot last spring, and the silky confit belly made me a believer.
Tip: Bookings are a must.
Headrow House
– From headrowhouse
Address: 19a The Headrow
Contact Details: 0113 245 9370
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 4 pm to 11 pm
- Fri – 2 pm to 2 am
- Sat – 12 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 9 pm
Two rooftop spots are better than one—just ask Headrow House punters. This artsy suntrap has a beer hall and a cocktail bar lined up in an upbeat venue for up to 150 folks.
It also houses Ox Club, a name you’ve probably heard if kebabs are your thing. Their Yorkshire döner, a mintier and spicier version, has been fuelling our team night-outs for a while now.
The shawarma chicken and chips are right behind the kebabs. These are better for sharing, or if you’re really mad about intensely hot and garlicky snacks.
Tip: Why not hire the space for a private event?
Azotea
– From azotealeeds
Address: 2 Sovereign St
Contact Details: 0113 529 7800
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 12 pm to 1 am
- Thu – 12 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 11 am to 1 am
Azotea is what you’d get if you combine a hacienda-style restaurant and a music-themed rooftop bar. In short, Latin America is alive here.
We rolled in as a 4-man group once, and those tacos didn’t flop. In terms of flavour depth, the smoky pork number was unreal, but the slow-roasted brisket wasn’t too far behind either.
Unironically, the desserts were also fuego. We’re glad the staff hyped up the churros basket and caramel sorbet, as they were banging refreshers without being too sweet.
Tip: The last Friday of every month is the best time to visit if you want to dance to the tune of Latin beats.