There’s a certain energy about Leeds right now. The city’s dining scene is on absolute fire, and lately, I’ve been more than happy to do my bit in ’researching’ it.

First up, Manchester favourite Mexican eatery Madre finally opened its doors at Wellington Place and honestly, it was worth every bit of the hype. From the moment you walk in, the interiors hit you full on, it’s warm, vibrant and just effortlessly cool. 

The menu absolutely delivers with bold, punchy flavours, smoky grilled meats and fresh, zingy tacos. The standout for me were the birria-style tacos, rich, slow-cooked and deliciously messy. Add in a prickly pear Paloma or mango Margarita and suddenly a midweek dinner feels like a mini holiday!

And speaking of escapes, ahead of Domo Restaurant bringing its Sardinian magic to the city this spring, we took a little road trip over to Sheffield to see what all the fuss was about. Tucked away but bursting with personality, Domo is everything you want from a destination restaurant, its colourful, warm and the food is next level tasty. The fregola with slow-cooked sausage ragu was a hug in a bowl, while the culurgiones (hand-folded Sardinian pasta parcels) were almost too pretty to eat (almost). And then there’s the seadas for dessert with its crisp pastry, melted cheese and honey. Sweet, salty and indulgent, basically everything I want at the end of a meal. If this is what’s heading to Leeds, we’re in for something seriously special.

Back on home turf, one of my forever favourites, The Whitehall Restaurant & Bar, has just dropped a new menu and it’s absolutely banging. There’s something about this place that always feels like a bit of a hidden gem, even though it really shouldn’t be. And now the scaffolding has finally come down, it’s back to being one of the best spots in the city to sit outside and actually catch the sun.

The new dishes are spot on and the early bird menu is a must-try with options like French onion soup, grilled monkfish, steaks, salads and pasta for only £38 for three courses and half a bottle of wine. Incredible value, and the perfect excuse to clock off early!

Another spot firmly on my ‘book immediately’ list right now is House of Koko. Regular readers will know this place is one of my go-to brunch favourites and now its stepping into evening dining every Saturday at its new city centre venue. Rosita and the team have absolutely nailed the transition from daytime to night and I was lucky enough to get a preview – trust me I can already tell it’s going to be huge. 

The menu will change regularly and will offer perfectly cooked meats, beautifully flaky fish, and lots of those tasty Lebanese and Middle Eastern influences we’ve come to love from Koko. Everything is paired with great wines and fizz, and the whole experience feels intimate and relaxed. Don’t sit on it, these nights are definitely going to book up fast.

Of course, it hasn’t all been about eating. In between bookings, I’ve been fully leaning into my wellness era (it’s all about balance, right?) I’ve been starting mornings at David Lloyd Leeds, making the most of the outdoor swimming and mixing in Pilates sessions at Bloc Studio Leeds, which has quickly become a go-to for resetting both body and mind.

I’ve also discovered somewhere that feels a little bit like a hidden secret, Meta Health Longevity Clinic in Roundhay. A little-known fact about me is that I live with muscular myopathy, a degenerative condition, so I’m always open to trying new ways to support my health. This place genuinely does just that. I’ve tried their treatments, including the red-light therapy chamber, which is one of the first of its kind in North Yorkshire, and I walked out feeling noticeably better. I’ve also been on the power plates (which are way harder than they look!) and I’ve got the oxygen chamber next on my list. If you’re dealing with an injury or just looking for a proper wellness boost, it’s definitely one to have on your radar.

And finally, let’s talk about The Highland Laddie. It’s been on my ‘to do list’ for what feels like forever, and recently I got to tick it off. This multi-award-winning pub is everything I love. It’s tiny, and full of character with proper old-school vibes, but with a menu that completely flips expectations. It’s creative, bold and seriously delicious. The keema shepherd’s pie was a genius twist on a classic, and the cinnamon lamb roll was something else. I actually woke up the next day still thinking about the roast ham (which tells you everything you need to know). Next on the list? Going back for the Sunday roast, obviously.

Safe to say, Leeds is delivering on every level right now, and I’m happily along for the ride.