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RestaurantsWest YorkshireLeedsLS1
7- 8 Mill Hill, Leeds, LS1 5DQ

survey result

Summary

£51
   ££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
2
Average
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“You’d walk past and miss the food if you didn’t know about it” – this highly popular Keralan is “one of the best restaurants in Leeds” and “a must-try” if you like south Indian cuisine. (“We heard that this is where Virat Kohli and his wife choose to eat when there’s a Test Match in Leeds. If it’s good enough for Kohli, it‘s certainly good enough for us! We had an excellent meal here in April 2024, buzzy atmosphere, the best Masala Dosa we’ve eaten since visiting India. Waiting staff all delightful – an all-round wonderful experience”). Now after 10 years of operation, they are on the expansion trail having taken over a top-floor space elsewhere in the city that can seat 350.

Summary

£48
   ££
4
Very Good
3
Good
2
Average
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Don’t be put off by the outside!” – this “very popular” Keralan (a favourite, it is claimed, of India cricket ace Virat Kohli) wins a hymn of praise for its “authentic” cuisine and is “a must for fish and seafood fans”: “the meen koottan (fish curry) was a standout dish, bursting with flavour and expertly prepared. The mango lassi is also delicious. Highly recommended!”

Summary

£46
   ££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“You would walk past it if you didn’t know how good the food was inside” at this “buzzing” curry house (one of the city’s most commented-on destinations) not far from the railway station (a favourite, it is claimed, of former India cricket captain Virat Kohli). The “slightly chaotic vibe is part of the charm” and it delivers “authentic south Indian tastes” with “absolutely delicious Keralan flavours” (“had probably the best dosa ever and an amazing range of fish curries dominate the menu”).

Summary

£44
    £
5
Exceptional
4
Very Good
2
Average
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Such a lot of what's on the menu is not standard curry house fare and delivers wonderful tastes” at this very popular destination, not far from Leeds station (a favourite, it is claimed, of Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli). “Meals are prepared with care to represent the Keralan region and friendly staff welcome you back like a friend”.

For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at Tharavadu?

Owner's description

Tharavadu – Home of Kerala Cuisine, proudly stands as Leeds' first authentic South Indian Kerala restaurant, bringing an exquisite slice of South India's culinary heritage to Yorkshire. Celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional cooking, Tharavadu has quickly become a beloved dining destination.

Consistently recognised for excellence, Tharavadu has been named among the UK's Top 100 Restaurants by SquareMeal consecutively in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Its continued dedication to culinary artistry has earned it multiple prestigious accolades, including:

  • "Best Indian Restaurant Leeds" by the Oliver Awards (2015, 2016, 2017).

  • "Top 10 Indian Restaurants in the UK" by Tripadvisor.

  • "Top 8 Indian Restaurants in the UK" by Homemade Magazine.

  • Exceptional rating for cooking by Harden's Restaurant Guide annually from 2015 to 2022.

  • Exclusive representation from Leeds in the "Best Indian Restaurant of North UK" by Food Awards England.

Join us at Tharavadu and experience a cuisine where tradition meets excellence, promising authentic Kerala flavours that consistently delight and inspire.

What the Newspaper Critics are saying

The Observer

Jay Rayner throughly enjoyed his visit to a Keralan restaurant whose success has led to a planned move into new premises in the city that will accommodate 350 diners.

Initially inclined to scoff at the mini essays explaining each item on the menu, Jay was won over by the upbeat enthusiasm of the staff and the seafood-forward cuisine reflecting Kerala’s long coastline.

“I’m certain you could have almost anything here and it would make you profoundly happy. The cooking is that cheery marriage of layered flavours, bold aromatics and fire softened by all that coconut.”

Jay Rayner - 2024-09-15

Prices

Starter Main Veggies Pudding
£3.60 £15.80 £8.95 £3.45
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £20.00
Filter Coffee £2.00
Extras  
Bread £2.75
Service 10.00%

Restaurant details

Yes
Highchair,Menu
100
No dress code
160
Yes

The chef

Meet the Culinary Masters Behind Tharavadu Leeds

At the heart of Tharavadu Leeds lies a kitchen led by two exceptional culinary talents – Chef Ajith Kumar and Chef Rajesh, both hailing from the rich culinary landscapes of Kerala, South India. With decades of hands-on experience in traditional Kerala cooking, these chefs bring unmatched authenticity and depth to every dish served at Tharavadu.

Chef Ajith Kumar, a name now synonymous with culinary excellence in Leeds, was honoured with the Best Chef Award at the prestigious Oliver Awards 2024. His passion for preserving Kerala's heritage through food has not only won him accolades but also helped elevate Tharavadu as one of the UK’s premier Indian dining experiences. Alongside him, Chef Rajesh adds his deep-rooted expertise and intuitive flair, making the culinary team at Tharavadu a force to be reckoned with.

What Makes Kerala Cuisine So Unique?

Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is known not only for its natural beauty but also for its deeply layered, aromatic, and soul-satisfying cuisine. Unlike many other Indian regional cuisines that are rich and heavily spiced, Kerala cuisine is a harmonious blend of bold flavours and subtle textures, with an emphasis on fresh coconut, curry leaves, mustard seeds, tamarind, and native spices like black pepper, cardamom, and cloves.

What truly sets Kerala cuisine apart is its diverse culinary influences – a result of centuries of spice trade and cultural exchange with the Portuguese, Dutch, Arabs, and Chinese. Whether it’s the hearty vegetarian Sadya served on banana leaves, the tangy fish curries simmered in earthen pots, or the delicate use of spices in meat and seafood dishes, every recipe is a celebration of balance, health, and authenticity.

At Tharavadu, our chefs go beyond just cooking—they tell stories of coastal villages, backwaters, and family kitchens of Kerala with every plate. This commitment to preserving tradition while delivering modern finesse has earned Tharavadu numerous awards and a loyal following from diners across Yorkshire and beyond.

Tharavadu Restaurant Diner Reviews

Reviews of Tharavadu Restaurant in LS1, Leeds by users of Hardens.com. Also see the editors review of Tharavadu restaurant.
Siby J
Tharavadu never disappoints! The Meen Koott...
Reviewed 17 days ago

"Tharavadu never disappoints! The Meen Koottan paired with their flaky, buttery paratha was simply outstanding—bursting with authentic Kerala flavors. The ambiance, attentive staff, and vibrant atmosphere make it my favourite spot in Leeds. Can't wait to return."

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7- 8 Mill Hill, Leeds, LS1 5DQ
Opening hours
Monday12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm
Tuesday12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm
Wednesday12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm
Thursday12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm
Friday12 pm‑2 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm
Saturday12 pm‑10 pm
SundayCLOSED

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