The Empire Cafe
About This Spot
Stepping into The Empire Cafe feels like uncovering a quietly confident gem tucked in the heart of Leeds. The space carries a warm, convivial energy that strikes a balance between a bustling neighborhood spot and an intimate haven. Inside, the gentle hum of conversation mingles with the subtle clinks of glasses and the occasional sizzle from the open kitchen, creating a rhythm that invites lingering moments without rushing.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is thoughtfully layered—one corner offers snug seating that lets you watch the rotisserie chicken slowly turning to golden perfection, while other areas open up to neighborly chatter and the buzz of friends catching up over expertly mixed cocktails. When the weather allows, a few outdoor tables catch stray sunbeams, offering a lighter, airier experience framed by the city's vibrant pulse.
At the heart of The Empire Cafe is its food, celebrated quietly for flavors that linger rather than shout. The rotisserie chicken, in particular, draws visitors back time and again, a dish that seems to envelop the warmth of home cooking but with a confident twist—the smoky garlic and subtle heat of the hot honey lather gently engaging the palate. On arrival, curious starters like the Spam Pakora surprise with unexpected, deftly balanced flavors, hinting at the kitchen’s willingness to play with tradition and creativity.
Beyond the main plates, there are thoughtful touches scattered throughout the menu—small salads with intriguing dressings, uniquely spiced sides, and desserts that close the meal with a softly satisfying note. The drinks list adds to this sense of care, featuring wines and cocktails that complement the food without overwhelming it, encouraging relaxed conversations and memorable shared moments.
The Empire Cafe captures a kind of understated joy, where attentive but unpretentious service and a lively yet cozy setting make every visit feel like coming home to a favorite gathering place. It’s not a showstopper in the usual sense, but rather a space where good food, company, and atmosphere quietly fold together into a warm experience, inviting you to slow down and savor the moment.
What’s Available Here
-
Outdoor seating - Kerbside pickup
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Wine
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Groups
- Tourists
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Paid parking lot
- Parking
- Dogs allowed
Location & Hours
| Monday | Closed | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed | |
| Wednesday | Closed | |
| Thursday | Closed | |
| Friday | Closed | |
| Saturday | Closed | |
| Sunday | Closed |
Guest Reviews
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Sirilak Wanothayan 04 Jan 2026
We managed to get a late-night booking at The Hidden Gems of Leeds, which was the only time slot available. Although we were seated at a high table which made dining a bit uncomfortable. The overall atmosphere of the restaurant was excellent. The ambiance was lively, and there was a great selection of drinks and wines to choose from. Food-wise, I’d rate the experience a 7 out of 10. The standout dish was definitely the roast chicken—tender, juicy, and full of flavor. On the other hand, the steak was fresh but unfortunately lacked taste. The staff were absolutely lovely and attentive throughout the night, adding a personal touch to the service. I’d happily return just for that roast chicken!
Richard Whitmill 10 Dec 2025
Simply stunning. My pals and I will be talking about this for a long time. We had the rotisserie chicken, streak and ribs from the main menu which were all cooked impeccably. The starters were really great. On the menu when we went there was duck eclair which was rich and a lot of fun. Plus venison vindaloo. My mate said it was the best dish he has ever had. High praise! Beautifully cooked venison, delicately spiced with a tangy sauce. Service was also top notch, friendly and relaxed. Definitely go! But make sure you book as it is popular.
colin wainwright 08 Dec 2025
What a great experience, sorted with a last minute table, which i was grateful for, as i'd failed to pre book. It was well worth it, had to go for the much voiced Rotisserie Chicken, what a succulent choice, coming with the Roasties. Both just Melted in your mouth.
Neil Hirst 15 Nov 2025
This is a terrific place to go visit just for their gorgeous rotisserie chicken. It has a small, very cosy, inside seating area where you can sit next to the open kitchen, drooling at the chicken you're about to order. Another seating area downstairs (no where near as cosy) and a few tables outside, great for when the weather's good. Best chicken I've had in the city. Highly recommend.
Alexander Joy 06 Nov 2025
The meal kicked off with the Spam Pakora, an inspired fusion dish that immediately set a high bar. The batter was remarkably light—airy and crisp, acting as the perfect counterpoint to the savory, salty filling. What truly elevated this starter was the accompaniment: a beautiful egg yolk jam. This unique condiment, which was a first for us, The cocktails went down a treat, acting as the vibrant background music to the food. Their quality clearly matched the kitchen’s own precision. Alongside the starter, the Caesar Salad was a triumph of freshness. The lettuce was impeccably crisp, but the most memorable addition was the crispy anchovies. Rather than being mixed into the dressing, these provided a powerful, salty crunch that transformed the familiar side into a thrilling, textural experience. The Half Chicken was nothing short of excellent. It was cooked with precision, resulting in meat that was beautifully moist and perfectly tasty. The fabulous desserts provided the perfect conclusion. The choice of a gorgeous Crème Brûlée sealed the deal. The sugar crust had that wonderful, audible snap, giving way to a rich, silky custard that was creamy without being heavy. It was a textbook execution of a beloved dessert, leaving us completely satisfied. Verdict: From the daring egg yolk jam on the Spam Pakora to the surprisingly delicious crispy anchovies on the Caesar, this meal demonstrated a strong commitment to quality ingredients and innovative detail. We highly recommend
Bonsai Ninja 31 Oct 2025
Went to the empire cafe for brunch one Saturday. The service is unassuming and subtle. The Bloody Mary (I had virgin) had a good kick and heat and depth and super nice garnish. I went for the steak and egg and replaced the chips with the kimchi hash which was really nice. The full breakfast was also good. It’s a very small space but cozy. The only issue I found was it was very cold inside with breeze coming through the door which made the food go cold quickly.
Yumi 28 Oct 2025
The food was spectacular. It had quite a delicate and subtle taste yet full of umami and wasn’t bland; right amount of food, right amount of ingredients, balanced flavors. I usually get a bit sick after having food that’s covered with oil, but I think maybe because the oil and ingredients were all fresh, I didn’t feel too full or sick at all. Will visit again!
Sue Shepherd 20 Oct 2025
On a very quiet Wednesday in Leeds, this place was busy and for good reason. The staff are fantastic and very knowledgeable, the food amazing. We both had the rotisserie chicken with different flavours. Both were melt in your mouth delicious. The roast potatoes, perfection! I can see why this place is so popular.