Independent Restaurants in Leicester

Discover the top independent restaurants in Leicester, from family-owned curry houses to authentic flavours from around the world, not to mention the best places for snacks and street food, come with us as we explore Leicester’s awesome dining scene.

Welcome to part two of our focus on independent businesses in Leicester. As we said first time round, there’s way too much to list in just one blog, so we’ve done a little bit of theming. And as Leicester Restaurant Week is nearly here, this year extended to two weeks, running from 20 October to 2 November, what better time to put the focus on our amazing restaurants?

We’ve long highlighted the great places to eat through our Taste The Place campaign, but with so many great new spots popping up all the time, it’s definitely time to give you all an update on the best eateries, restaurants and street food spots in the city.

In Leicester you are well served for Italian food with everything from pizzerias to classic Italian meals. Starting out with Peter Pizzeria where the toppings are as fun as the movie artwork on the walls. Quick, inexpensive, but really tasty! At Dough What! on Kings Street you can try thin crust AND classic Chicago deep dish pizzas, with one of the best cheese pulls in the city!

If you’re looking for something a bit more special then there are plenty of great sit down places to try. La Fontanarecently opened next to town hall square and offer classic dishes, and the Knight & Garter recently launched a new Italian inspired menu from behind the bookcase at their home on Hotel Street.

If you’re looking for something quick and easy, then Makaron on King Street do fantastic fresh made pasta dishes and banging tiramasu and from their two locations on Granby Street and Loseby Lane, the Merchant of Venice offer tasty Italian dishes in beautiful surroundings inspired by Shakespeare’s classic Italian play.

And finally, we can talk about Italians in Leicester without mentioning the ‘due migliori’ ristoranti Italiani! Casa Romana can be found behind an unmarked green door on Albion Street and if you want a spot at this authentic Italian run by the same family since the 80s, you’re going to have to book! Recently moved to a new location on Hotel Street, Maurizio’s was one of the best kept secrets in Leicester, and now with an expanded dining room even more people can enjoy their unfussy but tasty pizza and pasta dishes.

If you want something a little closer to home, then don’t worry we’ve got you. 1573 Bar and Grill is set in one of the city’s oldest buildings and offers steak, fish, seafood and lots more. Also serving up a little history with your meal is Wygston’s House on Jubilee Square who offer steak, sandwiches, burgers, fish n chips and of course the traditional Sunday lunch!

Over on Loseby Lane Mrs Bridges is a Leicester institution, with a kinds of light bites, cakes, puddings and lunches available, including the best value afternoon tea probably anywhere in the county! Another Leicester institution is The Good Earth on Free Lane. This is the longest running vegetarian and vegan restaurant in the city, having been offering great plant-based food for more than 60 years!

The Gresham has firmly established itself as one of the top aparthotels in the city and they have an in-house restaurant to match with a selection of locally inspired meals, steaks, burgers and side dishes. And finally, if you want to get yourself a classic brunch then you can’t do better than Kai. Located in St Martin’s Square whether you’re after eggs benedict, smashed avocado or French toast, plus a fantastic range of American style pancakes, they’ve got it all.

Thanks to its diverse population, Leicester is the perfect place to travel the world from your plate and there are loads of fantastic places to try. Starting with a Latin theme, Sonrisa is an Argentinian restaurant offering fantastic steaks and small plates inspired by South America. Newly opened in St Martin’s Square, Casa Casa is a Tapas restaurant and bar with a great mix of tasty small plates with a real Spanish flavour.   

Recently opened on Silver Street, Hive & Honey is a stylish and sophisticated restaurant from the team behind Blaby’s much missed Dom restaurant. With a menu inspired by Japanese, Thai and Italian fusion, this is a perfect place for that special night out. In the heart of St Martin’s Square Lynn is a café by day and Bistro by night, with small and large plates inspired by cuisine from around the world.

For a taste of the Mediterranean you have lots of options in Leicester. The Frame can be found ‘upstairs’ in St Martin’s Square and has a menu based on sharing, with mezze, small plates and mains from their signature wood and charcoal fired grill.

You can’t go wrong with a taste of the Greek islands and The Olive on Belvoir Street offers Greek street food and sit down meals from souvlaki and gyros to great lunchtime deals. Not far away on Market Street Arts Greek Cuisine offers fantastic sized portions and you can watch them freshly cook mixed grills, gyros and kleftikos on their open grill in the restaurant.

If you’re looking for a quick light bite or something to grab on the go, then once again, you are spoilt for choice. We start in St Martin’s Square where Mac Lovin’ have cornered the market in great value mac and cheese bowls. On Belvoir Street Viva El Burrito are a family-owned Mexican takeaway with freshly made to order burritos and tortillas!

There’s also a place for the more traditional sandwich shops and takeaways. Jack’s Baked Potato Bar is famous for its great value jacket spuds and endorsed by everyone from office workers to Leicester legend Emile Heskey! Piero’s snack bar on Loseby Lane is a hidden gem with wraps, sandwiches, paninis and great coffee. Also on Loseby Lane is Kitcheri, with a selection of fresh filled baguettes, jackets, omelettes and pasta and salad bowls. Holly’s coffee shop and sandwich bar can be found near St Martin’s Square in Leicester’s old town, and offers breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, jackets and more!

Leicester is of course absolutely full of independently run family restaurants with years of expertise and love. If you wander up the Golden Mile you can find a massive range of superb vegetarian, authentic Indian restaurants, Desi pubs and sweet shops. But we’ll focus on a few highlights of the city centre. Multiple award winner Chutney Ivy is right in the heart of the Cultural Quarter, with Restaurant of the Year and Fine Dining restaurant gongs aplenty from the Leicestershire Curry Awards. On Horsefair Street, Desi Street Food brings the authentic flavours of the Panjab to Leicester with fantastic vegetarian dishes. Also a fantastic choice for street food and curry bowls is My Delhi on Belvoir Street. Inspired by the tastes of the Indian capital, their curries are full of flavour and spice, with great lunch and pre-theatre deals.

If you’re looking for something a bit special then our final few suggestions will have your mouth watering. At the top of Granby Street, not far from Leicester Railway Station, Kayal brings the flavours of Kerala in South India, to the city. You’ll be surprised at the choices here, with fish and chaat dishes a speciality. Kayal has been praised by TV chefs including the Hairy Bikers, Paul Hollywood and Ainsley Harriot, and remains one of the most welcoming and authentic experiences in the city. Kayal’s sister restaurant Herb is a little further down Granby Street and offers a fully vegetarian and vegan menu. They are committed to healthy cooking with a delicious blend of herbs and spices and are also multiple award winners in the Curry Awards both locally and nationally. And finally, a newcomer on the scene, but a fantastic addition to the city’s culinary map, Peara is family run halal restaurant that blends Indian cuisine with other world foods. Butter Chicken with Italian burrata? Saag Paneer Lasagne? Makhani Dim Sum? It’s all here. Give your tastebuds a treat and check them out!