Location: 4-6 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4RJ, United Kingdom
Opening Hours: Wed–Thu: 17:30–22:30 | Fri–Sat: 12:00–15:00, 17:30–22:30 | Sun: 12:00–18:00 (last seating 16:00)
Reservation: Advance booking recommended
Website: bavettebistro.com

If you’re searching for the best French restaurant in Leeds, Bavette in Horsforth should be at the very top of your list. Recently named Britain’s Best Local Restaurant by the Good Food Guide and now a proud holder of a Michelin Bib Gourmand, this small but mighty bistro has built a cult following thanks to its blend of rustic French cooking, Yorkshire charm, and warm, welcoming service. Nestled in the heart of Town Street, Bavette delivers a dining experience that feels both intimate and special — the kind of place you’d happily return to again and again.

A Proper Parisian Vibe in the Heart of Horsforth
From the moment you walk through the door, Bavette sets the tone. The interior is cosy but elegant, with soft lighting, natural wood tones, open shelves stacked with wine, and gentle French jazz playing in the background. The open kitchen adds a lovely energy to the room — you can see Chef Sandy Jarvis and the team at work, plating each dish with care. It’s a space that feels relaxed but refined, perfect for a date night or a long overdue catch-up with friends.

French Bistro Classics, Executed to Perfection
Bavette’s menu is focused and seasonal, offering a rotating selection of starters, mains, and desserts that celebrate traditional French dishes done with modern Yorkshire produce. We kicked off with Cantabrian anchovies on buttered toast, topped with thinly sliced shallots — simple on paper but full of texture, umami, and delicate balance. Next, a bowl of duck liver parfait, smooth as silk, paired with toasted brioche that held its crunch and brought out the richness of the dish.

For mains, the bavette steak was the obvious choice and didn’t disappoint. Perfectly pink inside, seared for maximum flavour on the outside, and served with a creamy béarnaise sauce that had just the right tang. The accompanying fennel frites were crisp, herby, and totally addictive. Other standout dishes we saw include roast guinea fowl with wild mushrooms and puy lentils, and a pan-roasted hake with braised leeks and beurre blanc. Every plate coming out of the kitchen looked stunning — and most importantly, it all tasted incredible.

Let’s Talk About That Crème Brûlée
Desserts are no afterthought here. The crème brûlée, served with port-poached figs, was exactly how it should be — a crisp caramel top that cracked to reveal silky custard underneath. Not too sweet, just rich and comforting. There’s also a warm chocolate fondant that’s every bit as indulgent as it sounds, and a seasonal tart that rotates based on what’s fresh — expect things like apple with Calvados or rhubarb with crème fraîche.

Wine List Worth Exploring
Clément Cousin, Bavette’s co-founder and sommelier, has curated a tight but exciting wine list with a strong French backbone. Expect bottles from natural and biodynamic producers alongside classic Rhône, Bordeaux, and Burgundy staples. If you’re unsure, ask — Clément and the team are more than happy to recommend pairings based on your meal. For non-drinkers, there are also thoughtful options like house-made lemonade or a lovely apple-and-orgeat syrup mocktail that tastes like summer in a glass.

Service That Feels Personal
What really elevates Bavette beyond just great food and wine is the team’s attention to detail. Every staff member we interacted with was warm, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the place. You’re not rushed, you’re not oversold — they’re just there to help you have a good time, which makes all the difference. Clément floats the room with ease, sharing stories about the wine and checking in with diners like it’s his own home. And in many ways, it feels like it is.

Great Value for the Quality
While Bavette isn’t ‘cheap’, it offers incredible value for the level of cooking and care you receive. Starters range from around £8–£12, mains are £18–£28, and desserts hover around the £8 mark. You could easily enjoy a full three-course meal for under £50 a head, and leave feeling like you’ve eaten somewhere truly special. Compared to similar quality dining in central Leeds or London, it’s a steal.

Final Verdict
Bavette isn’t just one of the best restaurants in Horsforth — it might just be the best French bistro in the North of England. The food is honest and thoughtful, the wine is exciting and well-matched, and the atmosphere makes you want to settle in and stay for hours. Whether you’re planning a romantic night out, a long lunch with friends, or just looking for somewhere to remind you how brilliant local dining can be, Bavette absolutely delivers.

Rating: A well-earned 10/10 — a true neighbourhood gem worth travelling for. If you’re searching for “best French restaurant Leeds” or “where to eat in Horsforth”, this is the one.