Where to eat near First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, before a show

First Direct Bank Arena sits in the Arena Quarter, a few minutes' walk from the heart of Leeds. You do not need to go far for a meal: restaurants of every kind, from street food to sit-down dinners, are within walking distance. The arena itself publishes a list of places nearby, which we have used as our starting point.

Right next to the arena

• Northern Market, on Arena Way, is a social hub with craft beer, street food and live music. It is the arena's partner venue and the easiest choice if you want to eat a stone's throw from the doors. The arena has offered ticket holders deals there on show days: check its website for current offers.
• Bengal Brasserie, opposite the arena, serves Indian and Bengali cuisine.
• PizzaExpress, on Merrion Way, for pizza and pasta.

More places recommended by the arena

The arena's list of nearby restaurants and bars also includes:

• Zizzi, at The Light, for Italian food;
• The Electric Press, which brings together several bars and restaurants, a theatre and even axe throwing;
• The Merchant, a pub serving food and drink;
• a long list of Asian restaurants: Fuji Hiro (ramen, katsu curry, gyoza), Little Lotus (sushi), Blue Sakura (all-you-can-eat sushi and grill), Blue Pavilion (East Asian dining, with karaoke upstairs), Pho 37 (Vietnamese), MyThai (Thai), Mr Yang (Chinese soups and noodles, no booking) and OBA Kitchen & Bar (Korean-Japanese fusion, mostly vegan);
• Korean barbecue at Mommy Mookrata or Hama, Brazilian rodízio at Estabulo, Mediterranean shared plates at La Fiesta and Mexican street food at Boojum;
• Hygge, a Scandinavian-style café, for coffee and a sandwich.

A special night in the city centre

For a more upmarket dinner, the arena also suggests two addresses in the city centre, a little further away:

• San Carlo, on South Parade, for a more upmarket Italian dinner;
• The Alchemist, on Greek Street, a theatrical restaurant and bar with an outdoor terrace. It is another of the arena's partner venues.

Eating inside the arena

The arena is cashless. You cannot bring your own food or drink in, although empty disposable plastic water bottles are allowed. Some upgrade packages include a welcome drink, and some include a two- or three-course meal: details are on the arena's premium pages. There is no re-admission: once inside, you cannot pop out for dinner and come back.

Tips for a show night

• Book a table if you are a group, especially for weekend shows: restaurants around the arena fill up between the end of the working day and the opening of the doors.
• Travel light: backpacks, holdalls and suitcases are not allowed in the arena and there is no cloakroom. The arena points to a bag storage service, with the nearest location across the road at the Premier Inn.
• Time your meal around door opening, shown on your ticket. If you have a standing ticket and want to be near the front, eat early.

To plan the rest of your evening, see our guides to getting to First Direct Bank Arena, parking nearby and the best seats. After the show, write a review.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I eat near First Direct Bank Arena?

Northern Market, on Arena Way, is right next to the arena, and Bengal Brasserie is opposite. The arena's website lists dozens of other restaurants nearby, from Zizzi at The Light to Korean barbecue and ramen.

Can you eat inside First Direct Bank Arena?

You cannot bring your own food in. Some upgrade packages include drinks or a two- or three-course meal; check the arena's website for the options available for your show.

Can I leave First Direct Bank Arena and come back in?

No. For health and safety reasons, re-entry is not allowed, so eat before you go in.

Is there a cloakroom at First Direct Bank Arena?

No. Large bags are not allowed and there is no cloakroom, so leave them at your hotel or use a bag storage service nearby.