Where elegant interiors, spirited service, and unforgettable curries come together to create one of Leeds’ most exciting dining experiences.
There are restaurants, and then there are restaurants that linger in your memory with the warmth of a perfectly paired spice. Cinnamon Kitchen Leeds falls confidently into the latter category.
Located inside the iconic Queens Hotel, this is the northern debut of a beloved modern Indian brand with its roots in London, and it’s safe to say that Leeds has embraced it with open arms, and curious palates.
On a Saturday night in December 2025, we stepped into a space that buzzed with refined energy. Couples whispered over candlelight, groups laughed with glasses of wine raised, and the promise of something special hung in the air like an intoxicating perfume.
A Grand Stage for a Modern Indian Feast
From the moment you arrive, Cinnamon Kitchen feels like an invitation to indulge. The setting, effortlessly glamorous but warmly welcoming, speaks to an audience that appreciates the finer things without pretension.
Sheltered beneath the elegant architecture of the Queens Hotel, the restaurant’s interior blends rich tones, tactile textures, and soft lighting, creating a mood that’s at once grand and intimate. It’s the kind of place where you can feel celebratory even on an ordinary evening.
There’s a palpable sense of occasion when you step through the door, a gentle hum of good company, confident conversation, and the seductive promise of spice.
A Welcome as Warm as the Wine
Let’s talk service, because it truly elevates the experience. The staff at Cinnamon Kitchen Leeds don’t simply take your order; they guide you on an exploration of flavours. Their recommendations are thoughtful and effortless, particularly when paired with the inventive drinks and wine list. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a curious novice, you’ll find something to delight your glass.
From the first sip of our selected wine to the final cheers at the end of the meal, the service felt intuitive, genuine, and perfectly in tune with the evening’s rhythm.
Vivek Singh; The Visionary Behind Modern Indian Elegance
No conversation about Cinnamon Kitchen is complete without honouring the man whose name and reputation have helped shape its culinary voice: Chef Vivek Singh.
Vivek Singh is a chef whose career is defined by confidence and curiosity. With decades of experience curating menus that celebrate Indian cuisine’s diversity and depth, he has made it his mission to elevate traditional dishes with global sensibilities. His restaurants are known not just for their flavours, but for their ability to resonate emotionally, conjuring memories of home while inviting diners on a journey of discovery.
Singh’s approach is one of respect and reinvention. He understands that food, especially one as beloved and storied as Indian cuisine, carries history and heart. At Cinnamon Kitchen, that philosophy comes through in dishes that feel both familiar and adventurous, grounded in tradition but unafraid to push boundaries.
Leeds’ first Cinnamon Kitchen feels like a tribute to that ethos. Here, Singh’s influence is visible not just in the menu, but in the way the food makes you feel: at ease, intrigued, and genuinely excited for what’s to come next.
Curries That Embrace You
Now, let’s talk about the real headline: the curries.
If you’ve ever wondered where to find the best curry in Leeds, Cinnamon Kitchen very earnestly makes its case. My wife chose one of the curry options, rich, layered, and deeply flavorful, and her reaction was immediate: “That’s one of the best curries I’ve ever tasted.” High praise, especially from someone with discerning taste.
There’s confidence in every spoonful, warmth without heaviness, spice without chaos. The curry doesn’t shout; it invites you in.
But the real star of the carb department? The Peshawari naan. Pillowy soft, lightly charred, and adorned with sweet, delicate flavours, it was nothing short of divine. My wife didn’t just enjoy it, she announced it as the best naan she’s ever had. That’s not casual praise. That’s a culinary moment.
Dishes Full of Character
My starter, a beautifully seasoned double‑cooked pork belly, was crisped to perfection outside and tender within. It arrived with a spiced yoghurt that danced on the tongue: cool, lively, and layered with subtle heat.
For my main, the Seared Sykes House Farm Lamb Saddle was confident on the palate. Served on a bed of golden corn yoghurt and paired with keema saag, it brought richness, texture, and soul to the table.
Here’s where honesty meets elegance: while the flavours were spectacular, some mains lacked the visual refinement you might expect in such an opulent setting. The dishes tasted magnificent, but their presentation felt slightly unaligned with the restaurant’s otherwise polished aura. It’s a small note in an otherwise stunning symphony of flavours, and one we hope the kitchen refines even further.
Dessert; A Finale Worth Waiting For
Just when we thought the evening couldn’t get better, dessert arrived.
The Garam Masala Crème Brûlée was a revelation: creamy custard whispering with spice, a perfectly torched sugar top that yielded with the sweetest crack, and a warmth that lingered like a fond memory. It was rich without being overly indulgent, balanced yet bold, the kind of dish that makes you pause mid‑bite and smile.
Why Cinnamon Kitchen Leeds Deserves a Spot on Your List
So, is Cinnamon Kitchen Leeds the best curry in Leeds? From where we sat, with wine in hand and laughter in the air, it was hard not to think so.
This is not just a restaurant, it is an experience. A space where:
- Curries are crafted with heart and precision
- Naan becomes a reason to return
- Service feels like friendship
- Every course builds into an evening worth remembering
It’s the kind of place you book for a date night, a special celebration, or simply because you want to feel a little fancy on a Saturday. It hits all the marks: flavour, atmosphere, elegance, and emotional resonance.
Book, Sip, Savour
Cinnamon Kitchen Leeds gracefully marries spice and sophistication. Its curries might well earn the title of best in Leeds, but it’s the thoughtful service, evocative atmosphere, and personal warmth that turn a meal into a moment.
Treat yourself. Book a table. Try the curry. Don’t skip the Peshawari naan. And when dessert arrives, slow down, sip that wine, and savour every last bite.
Because some meals are just too good to rush.
