Restaurant dining

Discover the Heart of Modern South Indian Dining in Leeds

Welcome to Kerala Canteen, Leeds’ most vibrant and flavour-forward Indian restaurant, where tradition meets contemporary dining in a setting designed for shared joy, conversation, and unforgettable culinary experiences. Whether you’re catching up with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a weeknight meal, Kerala Canteen is a space that adapts to your moment with charm, elegance, and an unmistakable South Indian soul.

An Atmosphere Built for Every Occasion

Our restaurant layout is meticulously designed to accommodate and elevate all types of gatherings. Inspired by the warmth of Kerala hospitality and the cool, understated aesthetic of modern Leeds, we offer seating options that balance comfort, privacy, and social energy.

Booth Seating for 4 to 6 Guests

Perfect for intimate gatherings, our eight stylish booths create a semi-private dining experience that wraps you in comfort while keeping you connected to the Canteen’s buzz. Ideal for families, friends catching up, or small celebrations, these booths combine soft lighting and warm wood finishes to make your time truly feel like your own.

Private Dining Room (12 to 16 Guests)

Tucked away from the main dining area, our private dining room is your perfect setting for birthday dinners, business meetings, anniversary celebrations, or exclusive chef-curated tasting menus. Designed with refined decor and ambient lighting, this room allows for bespoke dining experiences with personalised service and a curated menu tailored to your occasion.

Flexible Seating for Groups of 2 to 4

Whether you’re on a romantic dinner date, a working lunch, or a spontaneous drop-in meal, our individual and long table setups offer flexibility with style. Sit by the window for a view of the city’s buzz, or take a corner seat for quiet intimacy—the choice is yours. We seamlessly accommodate walk-ins and last-minute bookings without compromising on comfort.
 

An Evolving Dining Experience

Like the bustling street canteens of Kerala, our dishes arrive when ready, designed to be shared and savoured. This is not a meal to be rushed—it’s a culinary journey to be explored. Our menu pays homage to Kerala’s culinary roots while embracing modern techniques and British seasonal produce.

Start with Tapas-Style Small Plates

From our signature Duck Kothu Porotta to Crispy Curry Leaf Calamari and Gunpowder Potatoes, these plates are made for sharing—crisp, bold, and rich with spice.

Move into Heartier Curries and Biryanis

Whether it’s our indulgent Beef & Bone Marrow Curry or the comforting Canteen Chicken Biryani made with fragrant short grain jeerakasala rice, our mains offer depth and authenticity in every bite.

Don’t Miss Dessert

Dubai Cheesecake, Cardamom Brownie, and Gulab Jamun with Biscoff crumble round off your dining experience with flair and a little nostalgia.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options are available throughout our menu, reflecting both inclusive hospitality and modern dietary needs.

Signature Service & Hospitality

We embrace the Indian tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava — “The Guest is God.” This mantra infuses our service ethos. Upon arrival, each guest is welcomed with a lightly sweetened herbal tea, a simple gesture that opens the door to something more meaningful: connection, respect, and delight in the dining journey.

Our staff are knowledgeable, warm, and always ready to make recommendations based on your palate or occasion. Looking for a vegan-friendly table of shareables? Planning a wine pairing for your curry course? Need a quieter spot for a long-awaited reunion? We’ve got you covered.

Weekday Rituals & Special Occasions

Tappy Hour (Weekdays Till 6 PM)
Enjoy one small plate and a drink for just £12.50. Whether you’re dropping by after work or kicking off your evening plans, our Tappy Hour is the perfect introduction to our bold flavours and laid-back style.

Pre-Theatre Menu (£11.75 per person)
Leeds is a city alive with culture. Whether you’re headed to a play, musical, or film, our pre-theatre menu ensures you’re nourished and on time. Choose one curry bowl and a side for a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on taste

Set Menu (£22.95)

Ideal for groups or anyone looking to sample the full Kerala Canteen journey. Includes a tapas plate, a curry bowl with a side, and a dessert.

Private Dining & Celebrations

From birthday brunches to corporate dinners, our private dining packages include custom menus, optional wine pairings, and the attentive service of a dedicated team. Get in touch to book your next special gathering.

Why Kerala Canteen?

Kerala Canteen is not just another Indian restaurant in Leeds. We are storytellers through spice. Here are a few things that make us unique:

  • Michelin-Influenced, Heart-Driven: Chef Bobby Geetha brings expertise from kitchens like Noma and Veeraswamy to create a menu that’s polished yet personal.
  • Vibrant Interiors with Purpose: Each corner is designed for comfort and discovery, with local art, warm lighting, and communal energy.
  • Flavour Without Borders: While our roots are in Kerala, we celebrate Leeds, using locally sourced meats, seafood and seasonal produce.
  • Inclusive Dining: From kids’ portions to gluten-free beer, we make dining a joy for everyone.

What Our Guests Say

“Authentic, soulful, and insanely flavourful. The biryani was a revelation.”

“Best fried chicken I’ve had in Leeds, hands down. Also loved the calm vibe and booth seating—ideal for our girls’ night.”

“The private room was exactly what we needed. Seamless service, and everyone loved the curated menu.”

Plan Your Visit

Location: 5 St Peter’s Place, Leeds LS9 8AQ

Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday: 12:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday & Monday: Closed

Reservations: Recommended for weekends & private dining

Walk-ins: Always welcome!
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Experience Kerala. Reimagined.

Step into Kerala Canteen and step into a dining culture that welcomes, excites, and satisfies. From our versatile spaces to our vibrant menu, we invite you to share food the way it was always meant to be shared: with laughter, flavour, and heart.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

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