Location: 68 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU

Cuisine: Modern British / Tasting Menu

Time visited: Dinner

Prices: Tasting menus from £45+

Reservations: Required

Private dining: Available

Website: https://www.chefjonoatvandv.co.uk

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

If you’re looking for one of the best tasting menus in Leeds, Chef Jono at V&V should be at the top of your list. The space is intimate, understated, and contemporary — a refined canvas for what is truly one of the most inventive dining experiences in the city.

Behind the pass is Chef Jono Hawthorne, a proud Yorkshireman who’s worked in world-renowned kitchens like Noma (Copenhagen) and Quay (Sydney), and made it to the finals of BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals 2020. The vibe? Experimental fine dining, but without the ego.

THE FOOD

Jono’s food is full of surprises — visually playful, texturally layered, and flavour-forward. The Signature Tasting Menu changes seasonally, but here’s what stood out:

• Burnt Mackerel with oyster, apple, and horseradish — smoky, sharp, and cleansing

• Roast Cod Loin with moules marinières, cucumber, and caviar — rich yet delicate

• Mushroom Tiramisu — yes, you read that right. Earthy, sweet, bizarre… and brilliant

Each plate was a balance of precision and personality — elevated without ever being pretentious. Optional drink pairings bring an extra dimension, with interesting wines and local spirits enhancing each course.

The 5-course midweek menu is a more accessible entry point, and there’s even a Sunday tasting roast, which reimagines the traditional Sunday lunch with the same creative flair.

SERVICE & ATMOSPHERE

The dining room is small, which means service is personal and attentive without being overbearing. You can often spot Jono himself plating in the open kitchen, which adds an authentic, behind-the-scenes energy to the experience.

Staff were informed, warm, and clearly proud of what they do. The space itself is minimalist but elegant, with exposed walls and soft lighting giving it a stylish but relaxed edge.

THE VERDICT

Chef Jono at V&V is not just a restaurant — it’s a showcase of creativity and culinary ambition. Whether you’re a foodie looking for your next fix or a couple seeking something different for date night, this place delivers an experience that feels intimate, exciting, and full of surprises.

Best for:

• Tasting menus in Leeds

• MasterChef fans

• Special occasions

• Fine dining with edge

Top dishes to try:

• Burnt Mackerel

• Cod Loin with Moules

• Mushroom Tiramisu

• Sunday Roast Tasting Menu

Opening hours:

• Wednesday – Thursday: 5-Course Tasting Menu

• Friday – Saturday: Signature Tasting Menu (Evening)

• Sunday: Lunch Tasting Menu (12pm–3pm)

• Monday – Tuesday: Closed