The Old Post Office,
3 City Square,
LEEDS,
LS1 2AN
(0113) 2449625
The ViewLeeds Review
The Restaurant Bar and Grill provides simple British food served in atmospheric surroundings. Enjoy cool cocktails in one of the biggest hotspots in Leeds city centre.
The Venue
The Restaurant Bar and Grill sits proudly in place of the old post office, arguably one of the most enviable locations in Leeds due to its centrality.
It's spread over two levels featuring floor to ceiling glass windows that lend a light and spacious feel to the modern interior. Depending on the size of your party you can choose to dine at the raised mezzo sharing tables, relax in one of the cosy booths or take a ringside seat at the open kitchen.
Be wary of the centre tables as there is a constant stream of waiters walking back and forth with plates, and diners making a bee line for the bar, and this can quickly ruin a relaxing evening. The summer months bring with them the opportunity to bask in the square while enjoying a chilled bottle of beer or glass of wine with friends.
The People
Staff are extremely helpful and are willing to show off their knowledge when it comes to the menu. Smart in appearance they will happily spend a few minutes talking you through the specials and making sure you are satisfied with your food after you have tucked in.
This restaurant is a popular choice for business meetings and a steady stream of professionals can be seen at any time of day or night. The Restaurant Bar and Grill has a buzzing atmosphere and is always busy, so booking is advisable especially on weekends.
The Food
The traditional British menu is intermingled with European and Asian tastes - without them the menu would plummet from simple to just plain boring. The menu is small but perfectly formed with a little something to suit everyone. Prices start at around £4.85 and starters include a tomato and basil soup and Thai prawn cakes (£6.15) served with sweet chilli sauce.
Mains include pricey versions of long standing British favourites such as fish and chips (£13.95), cheese burger and chips (£11.30) and bangers and mash (£11.15). Salmon teriyaki (£15.40) is delicious, served with a Japanese cucumber salad and is definitely worth paying for. It's cooked to perfection and goes nicely with a side order of seasonal greens.
Desserts live up to the restaurant’s name being equally uninspiring with options such as chocolate fudge pudding (£5.70), sticky toffee pudding (£5.70) and cheesecake (5.95) all served with the standard vanilla ice cream or custard. The huge slab of New York cheesecake is served with blueberry compote and has a nice creamy texture yet is bland and without the compote is completely tasteless.
The Drink
The wine list is pleasing yet expensive with the cheapest bottle of wine on the menu coming in at £14.60. The impressive stainless-steel bar offers an enjoyable selection of cocktails and after dinner drinks.
Selections of draught and bottled beers are available from £3.50 for a pint. A small range of cocktails can be enjoyed at the bar with the option to create your own personal concoction. Cocktails range from £6.80 to £8.80 depending on your choice.
The Last Word
If you're after something different The Restaurant Bar and Grill’s simple dishes may not blow you away and the slightly over priced menu won’t be for everyone.
Restaurant Bar and Grill has been reviewed by 2 users