Searching for the best steak in Leeds

Inside Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill at Granary Wharf

Leeds has a vast range of chains and independent bars and restaurants that offer the full scope of popular dishes, amongst them the tried and trusted steak. You can visit any such establishment in the suburbs or in the centre of Leeds and find a decent steak that will not disappoint.

What Leeds also has, however, is an impressive array of dedicated steak houses; an accomplished selection specialising in the juiciest cuts to sink your teeth into and exercise that jaw bone.

The steakhouses listed below are all experts in delivering quality steaks; they know how to hang them, where to source them, how to prepare them, they know about texture, chewiness and most importantly; how to cook them.

Blackhouse Grill

Situated on East Parade in the old ‘Est, Est, Est’ building, Blackhouse is a chic location in which to enjoy the quality meats that are sourced locally. The menu offers the full range of steak cuts; rib-eye, rump, sirloin, fillet and t-bone. They also offer a speciality ‘Kobe’ steak from cows that are hand-massaged from birth to create the most tender meat possible.

The steaks are not cheap, but they are superior cuts that represent good value. Blackhouse has a central bar which creates a great atmosphere and the stylish décor and affable service offers diners an eminent experience.

Gaucho

Gaucho, an Argentinean Steak House on Park Square, offers a varied and affordable menu with authentic speciality cuts in a range of sizes. They also offer pasta, fish and burgers for those that are not completely steak-orientated.

The cow hide décor may be a little too forthright and not to everyone’s taste but it creates a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere, and in general there is a unique style to the restaurant that works well.

River Plate

The original Argentinean Steak House on The Calls is a multi-level restaurant with a more rustic and authentic décor. Perfectly located on the canal side, River Plate offers a fairly limited menu but makes up for that by promising and delivering excellent quality.

They know steaks and that is what they concentrate on; they offer the staple classic cuts plus half a dozen other speciality meat and fish dishes.

Cattle Grid

The newest kid on the block, Cattle Grid opened in 2011 and offers a slightly different slant on the steak experience. With a policy of targeting the ‘middle-market’ Cattle Grid are aiming to satisfy those that want steak regularly, rather than as a high-end extravagance, and accordingly the menu is affordable but not lacking in quality.

Located next to the Corn Exchange on Assembly Street Cattle Grid has a menu that quite brutally divides itself between ‘Cow’ and ‘Pig’; there are no holds barred and the accent is quite simply on meat and lots of it. Prices suggest the cuts are not necessarily the best, but the quality is not lacking.

Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill

Fazenda’s is a unique experience in terms of the method of service and the Brazilian theme. Based in Granary Wharf this is probably the most stylish Steak house in Leeds, and it backs that up with the service and quality of food on offer. For a set price, diners can choose from a salad buffet bar with traditional side dishes and then are offered ‘as much as you can eat’ from up to 15 different cuts of meat.

Diners control the service using a green/red disk that indicates to the ‘Gaucho Chefs’ when you require serving with selections of meat, as you desire, brought to your table on skewers. The concept may be a little too gimmicky for some, but it is certainly an experience.

First Floor Grill

Situated above Brooklyn Bar on Call Lane, the First Floor Grill is a hidden gem that combines the simple ethos of quality food, great service and a very good value menu.

You will be hard pushed to find anyone who wouldn’t recommend a return visit. The menu is simple and the décor is homely but sophisticated; an affordable option that still adds glamour to the occasion.

Searching for the best steak in Leeds

Steaks are a personal thing; an experience of indulgence and solitary gratification specifically tailored to your idiosyncrasies. Not only do you have the personal choice of how you like it cooked, but you have your choice of cut, your choice of size and your choice of sauce. A steak is not for sharing, it is your divine right to order it, savour it and eat it exactly how you want to.

Leeds Map

Browse the map and click on the pins to find the location of the places featured in this guide.