Headingley in Leeds is best known as a lively student hotspot, but it’s also a sought-after neighbourhood for professionals. This is thanks to its characterful homes, green spaces, and outstanding food scene. From relaxed café bars to award-winning restaurants, there’s no shortage of great places to eat right on your doorstep.
Whether you want casual dining or a special night out, the variety of restaurants in Headingley impresses residents and visitors alike.
In this guide, we explore five of the best Headingley restaurants. This will help you pick the perfect place for your next meal out with friends, family, or housemates.
1. Salvo’s
Since 1976, Salvo’s has served authentic Italian food in Headingley and is renowned for its warm welcome, excellent service, and high standards. These qualities have helped secure its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Headingley and one of the most respected Italian restaurants in Yorkshire.
Founded by Salvatore Dammone, this beloved restaurant is now led by the second generation of the Dammone family. However, it remains true to Salvatore’s ethos: serving carefully prepared Italian dishes in a relaxed setting. That commitment has received widespread recognition, with Salvo’s featured in The Good Food Guide every year since 1984. It has also held an AA Rosette for culinary excellence since 2010.
Salvo’s meets most dietary needs, and has dedicated gluten-free, vegan, and children’s menus alongside its main selection. Diners can choose from classic antipasti, handmade pasta, risottos, pizzas, and delicious meat dishes.
A Headingley institution, this restaurant is one of the most dependable places to eat in the area, making it perfect for entertaining guests and welcoming visiting parents to Leeds.
2. Heaney & Mill
Heaney & Mill started life as Heaney & Mill Studios, a space for personal and commercial photography. Now, it’s a lively independent restaurant and cocktail bar. Family-owned since 2017 (by the same family that owned the photography studio), the venue expanded in 2021. It doubled its capacity and made space for special menu nights, events, and private hire.
This popular Headingley restaurant uses only high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to create seasonal menus that change frequently. Its focus on fresh produce means there’s always something new to try, while clear allergen labelling helps them meet many dietary requirements.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Heaney & Mill is a versatile choice among Headingley places to eat. Dine indoors or make the most of the outdoor seating with heaters, ideal for relaxed people-watching along Otley Road. At weekends, you can catch the Otley Run in full swing, while quieter evenings make it a great option for a romantic meal for two.
3. De Baga
De Baga brings a distinctive blend of modern Indian cuisine and creative cocktails to Otley Road, right in the heart of Headingley. The stylish setting and lively atmosphere make it a top pick among Headingley restaurants, especially for those wanting something a bit different.
In an “East meets West” approach, the menu reimagines Goan and regional Indian specialities with a contemporary twist. Chefs with Michelin experience use carefully sourced ingredients to produce flavour-led dishes for a delicious menu that clearly labels allergens. Customer favourites include the Chingaari Kebab and the De Baga Chicken House Curry. There’s a wide choice of vegetarian, seafood, and meat options, and an impressive range of sides complements these.
The drinks list features expertly crafted cocktails, with alcohol-free mocktails available for those who prefer them.
De Baga easily earns its place among the best places to eat in Headingley. It’s one of the top Indian restaurants in Leeds and won the Taste of the Year Award for the North in 2022.
4. Residence
Whether you’re heading out for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, Residence is a relaxed all-day café bar you need to try. It’s well-known for its friendly service and is one of the most welcoming places to eat in Headingley. It happily accommodates large groups, families, solo diners, and even dogs.
During the day, the menu features popular favourites such as a full English breakfast, avocado on toast, and fluffy buttermilk pancakes. Alternatively, hot sandwiches, burgers, and fresh salads are available. In the evening, diners can choose from gourmet burgers, steaks, pizzas, sharing plates, loaded fries, and large salads. Residence is also a popular Headingley restaurant for bottomless brunch, offering guests full-sized menu dishes and unlimited drinks for a set price.
Every dish includes clear allergen information, and a full allergen matrix is available via QR code for complete peace of mind.
Ideal for everything from casual coffees to cocktails and comforting meals, Residence suits any occasion.
5. Santorini Bar & Grill
Santorini Bar & Grill brings the flavours of Greece and Turkey to Otley Road. Guests enjoy a relaxed dining experience in a beautifully styled, Mediterranean-inspired setting. Family-run and rich in character, it’s seen as one of the best restaurants in Headingley for authentic, feel-good food at lunch and dinner.
The menu offers a wide range of gyros, small plates, and sharing platters. You can also order Greek and Turkish favourites like chicken souvlaki and lamb moussaka. Santorini highlights allergens throughout its main menu and provides a separate gluten-free menu to make dining straightforward and stress-free.
To complete your holiday-inspired experience, the restaurant boasts an extensive cocktail menu, featuring many gin cocktails.
Customers love Santorini Bar & Grill’s fresh ingredients, friendly service, and upbeat atmosphere, solidifying its status as one of the best places to eat in Headingley. With its romantic vibe and warm Mediterranean charm, it’s perfect for date nights, group celebrations, or a laidback evening any night of the week.
Final thoughts on Headingley restaurants
Headingley’s food scene is growing in quality and variety, making it a top spot for students and professionals to dine in Leeds. From long-standing local favourites to modern independents, there’s something for every taste, occasion, and budget.
We’ve highlighted five of the best Headingley restaurants in this guide, but many more are also worth exploring. Whether you’re new to the area or looking for your next go-to spot, Headingley’s diverse dining options ensure you’re never short of great food close to home.
