Food Tour Leeds: Best international vegan-friendly eats in Leeds!

Pinterest image of Mel wearing a black jumper and smiling reaching for plates of food with the text: "Leeds Food Tours: Your guide to the best international vegan-friendly eateries in Leeds!"

Big thanks to Jet2holidays for sponsoring this post.

Food Tour Leeds: Best international vegan-friendly eats in Leeds!

Leeds is a vibrant, multicultural city brimming with diverse culinary delights! And there’s no better way to explore the city’s best international vegan-friendly eateries than with a Leeds Food Tour. Recently, I had the fantastic opportunity to join a food tour in Leeds, courtesy of Jet2holidays, to highlight their amazing travel destinations through Leeds’ international foodie scene.

From the rich flavours of Spain and hearty dishes of Italy to the fresh tastes of Greece and exotic spices of Turkey, the Leeds Food Tour gives you a taste of it all! But the best part is how easily reachable these destinations are from Leeds Bradford Airport with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.

So let me take you on a tantalising journey through the best international vegan-friendly eateries in Leeds to give you a little holiday inspiration! 😉

About Leeds Food Tours

Leeds Food Tours are a fantastic tour provider in Leeds that offer an exceptional culinary experience, showcasing the best of Leeds’ international food scene.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tours delve into the history and culture behind each dish. In addition to providing fascinating insights into the city of Leeds along the way!

From hidden gems to popular eateries, Leeds Food Tours cater to all tastes, including those seeking vegan and vegetarian options.

As part of the tour, you’ll get to sample an array of incredible dishes, meet passionate local chefs, and discover the stories that make Leeds such a unique food destination.

So whether you’re a food enthusiast or a curious traveller, Leeds Food Tours promise an unforgettable adventure for your taste buds!

Planning on staying for the weekend? Check out accommodation in Leeds here.

I am Döner: Award-winning Berlin kebabs

First-up on the Leeds Food Tour is the beloved, I am Döner restaurant that has quickly become a local favourite!

Founded with the mission to elevate the classic kebab into a gourmet experience, I am Döner takes pride in using high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes.

I personally love the restaurant’s innovative approach to traditional kebabs, which are a delicious but healthier alternatives to the usual fast-food fare.

The vegan version of their döner kebab will not disappoint plant-based diners either! The combination of flavourful and spiced seitan “meat” with fresh vegetables and tangy sauces, all wrapped in soft, warm bread is a-mazing!

I wasn’t even a fan of kebabs before going vegan. But the I am Döner vegan kebabs completely converted me and are a testament to how delicious and satisfying vegan options can be!

A cool fact that I learned on the Leeds Food Tour is how döner kebabs are incredibly popular in Germany, which is why I am Döner are a Berlin-inspired kebab restaurant!

Having visited Berlin myself, I can see how döner kebabs took off, as they’re a yummy and convenient “on-the-go” food that fit perfectly with the busy urban lifestyle in Germany. But also reflects their marvellous multicultural society.

Check out Jet2holidays city breaks to Germany.

Hand holding up a kebab wrapped in tin foil with the "I am Doner" restaurant entrance in the background

El Gato Negro Tapas: Award-winning authentic Spanish tapas

El Gato Negro Tapas is a wonderfully authentic Spanish tapas restaurant that has become renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and wide-range of delicious tapas.

Originally founded by acclaimed chef Simon Shaw, the restaurant quickly gained a stellar reputation for its innovative and high-quality dishes. All inspired by Shaw’s extensive culinary experiences in Spain.

Vegan bruschetta tapas on a wooden board at El Gato Negro Tapas

Among its standout vegan offerings is the Catalan-style vegetable stew. This dish is a unique and flavourful blend of seasonal vegetables, expertly prepared to capture the essence of traditional Spanish cuisine.

There is also everyone’s favourite, padrón peppers with halen môn sea salt, catalan bread with garlic and fresh tomato and patatas bravas with spiced tomato fritada sauce and alioli.

What stands out about El Gato Negro Tapas is the meticulous attention to detail. As well as the incredible balance of flavours which make their vegan tapas really tasty!

Combined with the warm and inviting atmosphere, along with consistently exceptional food that caters to diverse palates, it’s no wonder El Gato Negro Tapas is such a winner with diners looking for a truly authentic Spanish culinary experience!

Check out Jet2holidays to Spain.

Inside the El Gato Negro Tapas restaurant in Leeds, an opulent turn of the century venue with high bright windows and round lights and plants hanging from the ceiling

Tavernaki Bistro: Best traditional Greek and Cypriot dishes

The Tavernaki Bistro is a beloved eatery that has been bringing the unique and vibrant flavours of Greece to Leeds for over a decade.

Established by a family passionate about sharing their culinary heritage, Tavernaki Bistro quickly became popular for its authentic dishes, warm atmosphere, and famous Greek hospitality!

The restaurant stands out not only for its traditional Greek fare but its commitment to catering to diverse dietary preferences.

Their vegan moussaka in particular is an amazing twist on the classic dish. Made with layers of perfectly roasted vegetables, lentils, and a creamy béchamel sauce crafted from almond milk, this dish offers a rich, flavourful experience that rivals its meat-based counterpart.

Other fantastic vegan options include the classic Greek salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, bell peppers and olives. Dressed with salt, Greek oregano, lemon juice and olive oil. As well as the traditional Greek chickpea stew or “Revithia”. The stew incorporates chickpeas simmered in chopped tomatoes with onion, carrots, celery, rosemary, lemon juice, garlic and a dash of olive oil. Delicious! 😋

I don’t like to pick favourites as each restaurant and eatery on the Leeds Food Tour has its own unique story and food flair. BUT! Tavernaki Bistro is a personal fave of mine.

You can just taste the dedication to using quality ingredients and the feel of the restaurant is one of popping into your favourite family-owned restaurant on holiday in Greece. It’s the kind of place where the owners mix with customers and enjoy sharing the secrets to their dishes and their cultural significance.

Greece is my favourite place in the world and Tavernaki Bistro really gives you a taste for the old country!

Check out Jet2holidays to Greece.

Inside the Tavernaki Bistro, a small and cosy space with large bright, blue windows, a lovely Greek theme and tables full of people

Stuzzi: authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Leeds

Stuzzi is a renowned Italian restaurant that brings a slice of Italian authenticity to Leeds’ foodie scene.

Established with a passion for Italian street food, Stuzzi has quickly gained popularity for its amazing dishes that transport you right to Italy!

The restaurant is celebrated for its inventive approach to traditional Italian dishes that caters to all tastes. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegan dishes that reflect its commitment to inclusive and creative Italian cuisine.

While their menu can vary seasonally to incorporate fresh, local ingredients, there are some typical vegan options you’ll always find. These include, crispy stuffed rice balls, caprese salad, pasta primavera, pizza vegetariana, vegan bruschetta and vegan antipasti platter.

Vegan dishes are expertly prepared to highlight the natural flavours of Italian cuisine, which both vegans and non-vegans will love!

Check out Jet2holidays to Italy.

A busy restaurant table where Mel is talking to the waiter over her shoulder wearing a black jumpers

Leeds Kirkgate Market: Hidden food gems!

Last on the Leeds Food Tour is the Kirkgate Market, which is the largest covered market in Europe. There are currently 800 stalls which attract a whopping 100,000 visitors a week and house some real hidden food gems!

One of these local food gems is the Tunisian food stall, “Sweet Saeeda”. Founded by Saeed Al-Farsi, a passionate chef with deep roots in traditional cooking, the stall quickly became a local favourite thanks to its commitment to fresh ingredients and rich, aromatic spices.

But what sets Sweet Saeed apart is not only its excellent food but its inclusive vegan options! The vegan falafel wrap in particular is a standout dish for me. Made from a family recipe, the falafel is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with a tasty medley of fresh vegetables and a drizzle of tahini sauce.

I highly recommend the market as a great place for delicious food-on-the-go too!

Check out Jet2holidays to Turkey.