With Mothering Sunday fast approaching, many of us will be looking to spoil the mums in our lives, whether it’s our own mothers or our partners or wives. With so many options across Yorkshire, the question is: ‘Where to take them?’. Well, for its part, the Restaurant Bar & Grill in Leeds has developed a specially-created menu just for Mother’s Day and invited us to put it through its paces to see if it would be a viable choice.
Standing proudly just a stone’s throw from Leeds rail station, the Restaurant Bar & Grill immediately captures the eye before you even step inside. Housed in a magnificent building overlooking City Square, its architecture evokes an air of grandeur and occasion, making it feel like the perfect place to celebrate something special.
Once inside, this sense of elegance is ramped up further. The décor is luxuriously thought out, with rich textures, warm lighting and a mix of classic and contemporary touches creating an atmosphere of comfort blended with sophistication.
With the interior striking that rare balance where you feel both relaxed and treated, this was enhanced even further by the friendly and attentive staff that were genuinely welcoming. Our drinks and food arrived promptly, questions were answered with care, and there was never a moment where we felt overlooked. This professionalism and warmth added a personal touch that contributed to the overall charm of the day.
Service, no matter how good, will only get you so far, however, so on to the food selection. While the standard menu looked extremely tempting, we will have to wait for another opportunity to sample it, as we were determined to stay ‘on mission’ by sticking to the specially created Mother’s Day Set Menu (2 courses for £45, 3 courses for £50), which thankfully turned out to be a real treat.
Designed to please a wide variety of tastes, the starters offered plenty of appealing choices while retaining a sense of occasion. We opted for the Truffle & Leek Croquettes, which were crisp on the outside and beautifully soft within, carrying a gentle, comforting flavour that was perfectly seasoned. The dish, however, was propelled to even loftier heights by the delicious accompanying truffle aioli.
Our other starter selection, the Crispy Fried Chilli Squid, was equally tasty. Tender, well‑cooked and paired with a coating that added just the right amount of crunch without overpowering the delicate taste of the squid itself, they also delivered real authenticity in terms of Thai flavours.
Our mains continued the theme of generous portion sizes. The Sunday Roast Beef was everything you’d hope for on a celebratory Sunday feast: succulent slices of beef, flavoursome bone marrow gravy, garlic & rosemary roast potatoes, maple glazed carrots, green beans and braised red cabbage and an impressive Yorkshire pudding (of course!) that was light and airy. It certainly delivered.
The Nut Roast, meanwhile, offered a satisfying vegetarian alternative — hearty, well-balanced, and complemented by all the trimmings that ensured it felt every bit as special as the meat option. The vegetarian gravy was so good we couldn’t resist asking for a bit more.
As for the drinks menu, it deserves its own spotlight. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a beer lover or a cocktail explorer, the selection is impressively broad. The restaurant offers a fantastic range of wines from different regions, well-kept beers and an imaginative line-up of cocktails. Even the mocktail and soft drink options show a thoughtful approach, ensuring everyone — regardless of preference — is catered for. We plumped for a couple of mocktails: the No-Jito (£8) and the Innocent Kim Sha (£8), which were as deliciously fruity as they were refreshing and not a million miles behind the real McCoys.
Due to the generous portions, neither of us had room for a sweet, so had to reluctantly decline the seriously-tempting selection of desserts, instead making do with a couple of high quality coffees and a number of delightful chocolate truffles that we took home with us.
Our verdict
Throughout the meal, the atmosphere remained vibrant and lively, yet still comfortable enough to be able to hold a conversation. There was a gentle buzz in the air that made the dining room feel festive and welcoming — the kind of energy that transforms an ordinary meal into something memorable.
Overall, with its stunning setting, exceptional staff, indulgent drinks and delicious food, Leeds’ Restaurant Bar & Grill proved to be the perfect place to spoil any mum. It’s the sort of place you leave already thinking about your next visit.
We’ll definitely be back and can’t wait to see if the rest of the menu is of the same high quality.