Bavette in Horsforth, Leeds, has been crowned the overall winner of 2024. The restaurant, opened by couple Sandy Jarvis and Clement Cousin, only opened in February of this year but has already been crowned Britain’s Best Local Restaurant, surpassing competition from across the country.
It is no surprise given the strength of the reviews it has received. Our food reviewer, Chris Bond, said: “There is no magic recipe to creating a great restaurant, but Bavette comes as close to a blueprint as I’ve seen in a long time.”
It seems judges agreed and the anonymous inspectors were impressed with the natural ease and warmth of hospitality at the busy French bistro, along with Jarvis’ menu of authentic French dishes. It was decided that it has raised the game in this corner of Leeds and beyond, presenting the ‘model of the perfect local restaurant’.
It wasn’t the only Yorkshire restaurants bagging a spot in this year’s Good Food Guide list.
5. Hern
Hern, in the bustling suburb of Chapel Allerton in Leeds, was praised by The Good Food Guide judges for its the seasonal menus and drinks list. Chef Rab Adams focuses on simple and sustainable cooking. On her visit, The Yorkshire Post's food reviewer, Jill Turton, said: "They know it’s a no-choice menu of four courses (with an optional £10 fish and cheese course), at the set price of £35. No dithering over dishes, no sharing with anyone. It’s my dream scenario." Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
6. Homestead Kitchen
The Homestead Kitchen, in Goathland, was crowned the best local restaurant in the North East in The Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants of 2023. It retains a place on the 2024 list with judges praising the use of local produce and chef Peter Neville's "clear understanding of ingredients and composition". Pictured is Peter and Cecily Fearnley, owners of Homestead Kitchen, photographed by James Hardisty. Photo: James Hardisty
7. The Empire Cafe
The Empire Cafe in Leeds has been receiving rave reviews and it is no wonder it was named one of the Best Local Restaurants by The Good Food Guide 2024. Photographed is the Truffle Pork, Poacher Dumpling and Chicken molasses sauce. Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme. Photo: Simon Hulme
8. The Hispanist
Another great Yorkshire restaurant named in this year's Good Food Guide 2024 is The Hispanist in Hull. Dave Lee, one of our Yorkshire Post restaurant reviewers, paid a visit in 2023 and said: "It’s hard to imagine that awards and listings in prestigious guides aren’t on the horizon. Food this excellent can’t fly under-the-radar for too long." Looks like he was right. Photo: Dave Lee