India Bistro Arrives in Chapel Allerton

There’s some big news for food lovers in Leeds, especially for anyone who gets excited about a really good curry. A brand new spot for Indian dining, India Bistro, opened its doors in January 2026, and it’s shaking things up in Chapel Allerton. This isn't just another takeaway; it’s a full-on contemporary restaurant experience that promises a fresh, modern take on classic dishes from all over India. The whole idea is to blend bold flavours with a relaxed, stylish setting, making it a go-to for a casual weeknight dinner or a proper special occasion.

A new kind of Indian restaurant for Leeds

Forget everything you think you know about the look of a typical Indian restaurant. India Bistro has gone for something completely different. The vibe is modern and warm, with earthy colours and cool artisanal touches that are inspired by India’s traditional block-printing crafts. You can see these patterns everywhere, from the art on the walls to the specially designed plates. It’s a place that feels both stylish and comfortable, which is a tricky balance to get right. The restaurant has space for up to 120 guests, and a big part of the experience is the open fire kitchen. This means you get to see and smell all the amazing cooking happening right there in front of you. Plus, there's a fully heated terrace, so you can even sit outside when it's a bit nippy. It’s clear this brand has put a lot of thought into the hospitality side of things, creating a welcoming atmosphere for its contemporary Indian dining concept.

So, what’s on the menu?

Right, let's get to the important bit: the food. The menu at India Bistro is like a culinary tour of India. It’s packed with a massive selection of dishes, from small plates perfect for sharing to hearty mains that you’ll want all to yourself. They have sections for chaats, which are incredible savoury street food snacks from India packed with flavour and texture, as well as a whole load of grills straight from the tandoor. The list of signature dishes is enough to make your mouth water. There’s a Tandoori Seabream marinated in a mustard-yoghurt sauce, the classic Butter Chicken done with a rich tomato and fenugreek sauce, and a slow-cooked Champaran mutton with whole spices. Vegetarians are well looked after, too, with things like a flavour-packed Paneer Tikka Biryani and a sweet and spiced sweet potato dish called Sakarkand ki Chaat. And you can’t have a proper Indian meal without amazing breads. The kitchen has its own tandoor oven for baking fresh breads like Truffle & Cheese Kulcha, flaky Laccha Paratha, and classic Tandoori Roti. The range of biryanis, mains, and small plates offers a complete culinary journey.

It’s not just about the food

A modern restaurant knows that the drinks menu is just as important as the food, and India Bistro has clearly got the memo. The bar is mixing up a fantastic selection of cocktails and mocktails, all inspired by the different regions and flavours of India. It’s a creative list that takes you on a bit of a journey.

• A City of Joy (Kolkata): This one sounds super refreshing. It’s made with a special Gondraj-infused gin (Gondraj is a fragrant lime from Bengal), mixed with apple, elderflower, cucumber, and basil.

• The Golden Pind (Punjab): A summery, vibrant drink that’s a twist on a mango lassi. It has white rum, citrus, yoghurt, and is topped with a mango lassi foam.

• Paudi (Uttarakhand): For those who like something sweet but fresh, this cocktail combines vodka with hibiscus, lychee, raspberries, and a bit of fizz from sparkling wine.

This focus on a unique drinks programme really sets the restaurant apart and adds to the contemporary dining experience.

Who are the people behind India Bistro?

India Bistro isn't a one-off; it’s a well-established brand that already has successful restaurants in India. The company bringing it to the UK is Foodlink Global, a major international player in the food world. These guys are experts in hospitality, known for their work in luxury catering and banqueting at huge events like the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. They know how to put on a show and deliver a quality experience. Foodlink Global also runs other successful restaurant brands, including China Bistro and the premium Art of Dum concept, which has a big following in Dubai. With state-of-the-art kitchen facilities in both India and Dubai, Foodlink has a massive amount of culinary experience. The UK expansion is being led by Navin Chauhan, the President of Restaurants at Foodlink.

“India Bistro is built on a respect for Indian culinary heritage and a love of hospitality that feels both personal and familiar,” commented Navin Chauhan. “We’re thrilled to bring this concept to Leeds and offer a dining experience that is bold, flavourful, and welcoming.”

With its mix of authentic and modern food, a seriously cool interior, and creative drinks menu, India Bistro looks set to be a brilliant new addition to the Chapel Allerton and Leeds food scene. It’s offering a complete, contemporary Indian dining experience that’s a big step up from the everyday, backed by a global brand that knows its stuff when it comes to exceptional food and hospitality.