Graduate dining: Top Ten
Results are in, and we finally know what degrees we have, and how much we need to celebrate – a lot in the case of the around 60% of us receiving 2.1s or above. So where on earth are we going to do that? Particularly in a city that we supposedly no longer live in, given that housing contracts ended just three days ago. Leeds Student’s Victoria Gray has helpfully put together a handy guide to the city’s top ten restaurants suitable for all graduation parties, from small to large, smart to casual and fun to formal.
Blackhouse: The Grill on the Square, 31-33 East Parade, LS1 5PS, 0113 246 0669
This centrally located grill is the ultimate in luxurious dining – when you’re not enjoying the fabulous cocktails from the well-stocked bar, you’ll be delighting your tastebuds on the even more compelling menu. Certainly the place for a sumptuous treat following a glorious graduation, and with their offer of a complimentary bottle of champagne per graduate group of four or more, what else could you ask for?
Need to hear more? Read our review here or visit their website
Kendells Bistro, 3 St Peter’s Square, LS9 3AH, 0113 243 6553
If you’re a fan of French dining, you’ll certainly be a fan of Kendells Bistro. With its handwritten menu boards and cosy atmosphere it’s perfect for an intimate, yet indulgent meal to celebrate a successful graduation from the University of Leeds with a close family or group of friends. Really somewhere to treat yourself, the set menus, some of which include a bottle of wine will really set the scene for an evening not to forget.
Need to hear more? Read our review here or visit their website
Salvo’s, 115 Otley Road, LS6 3PX, 0113 275 5017
We would be mad to miss this off any sort of list of Leeds restaurants to celebrate. With a long and varied history of fame both within and outside Leeds due to its fantastic Italian cooking and friendly atmosphere, Salvo’s is sure to be the number one destination for many graduation parties this July. Book quickly before it fills up!
For more information click here
Veritas, 43 Great George Street, LS1 3BB, 0113 242 8094
If you’re not prepared for a swanky affair come graduation, Veritas Ale and Wine Bar is exactly the place to enjoy sumptuous food along with an unpretentious atmosphere. Located a convenient distance from campus, the atmosphere is charming and inviting with a extremely varied menu with an even more extensive beer and wine list. Really one for the foodies amongst you, both students and parents.
Need to hear more? Read our review here or visit their website
Chaophraya, 20A Blayds Court, Swinegate, LS1 4AG, 0113 244 9339
Thai dining takes a sleek edge here at Chaophraya, named after the central river in Thailand it merges all styles of Thai cooking in the same way the river links the North and South of the country. The food itself is a delight, and picking and choosing between several delicious dishes one of their fabulous set menus is just the way to indulge following an intense graduation ceremony. What’s more they are offering a free glass of Prosecco to everybody within a graduation party.
Need to hear more? Read our review here or visit their website
Fazenda, 3 Wharf Approach, Granery Wharf, LS1 4BR, 0113 247 1182
And if you want to try something different, Fazenda Rodizio Bar and Grill is exactly the place to do that. Somewhere to provoke a talking point to disrupt that warring family or to offset a less than expected graduation result, the on-off style of delicious barbequed meat being brought around to your very table is more than enough to set a talking point, not to mention being incredibly delicious. Tomas Maunier, the restaurant’s general manager, tells us ”Fazenda is the perfect venue to celebrate your graduation. With our unique dining experience and our fantastic location we will make your graduation day a day you’ll never forget!” Our one tip would be to not fill up the first time around!
Need to hear more? Read our review here or visit their website
River Plate, 36-38 The Calls, LS2 7EW, 0113 391 2792
A fantastic location with a view to die for, River Plate marks a smart, sophisticated aspect of Leeds that may be new to this year’s graduands, but should soon become one to adjust to. The Argentinian steak similarly offers a treat to the tastebuds that cannot be ignored. Moreover £12 two course offer to all graduates must be one of the best values for money around and would be a shame to be missed.
Need to hear more? Read our review here or visit their website
Town Hall Tavern, 17 Westgate, LS1 2RA, 0113 244 0765
Giving you a taste of the graduate life, Town Hall Tavern is usually frequented by the working types, but its gastro pub menu makes for a fine graduation affair. Food to die for combined with a smart but relaxed atmosphere, the food is a delicious variation on pub classics, with results that are far from clichéd. They also are offering a free bottle of champagne for any graduation parties, and it is a location that is perfect for those who want to celebrate their graduations but not overindulge.
Need to hear more? Read our review here or visit their website
The Living Room, 7 Greek Street, LS1 5RW, 0113 380 0930
Luxurious yet unpretentious, this jewel of Greek Street is perfect for a meal with friends or with a more relaxed parental unit – the extensive cocktail list more than accompanies the menu consisting of a host of world dishes and a range of options fits right into a comfortable setting which will end up hosting you into the depths of your graduation night.
For more information click here
Thai Edge, 7 Caverley Street, LS1 3DY, 0113 243 6333
If graduation appears to be too much of a stress for just one day, you would do well to wind down with a meal at Thai Edge. A relaxingly short walk away from the university campus, the similarly relaxing atmosphere inside the restaurant along with the appetising and varied food is more than enough to let you forget your troubles, and a free bottle of Prosecco for graduation parties of four or more seals the deal.
Need to hear more? Read our review here or visit their website
So there we have it. If there isn’t somewhere to suit all tastes, or you’ve picked somewhere else to celebrate your graduation comment below, or tweet us @leedsstudent – we’d love to hear from you!
