El Gato Negro Leeds is now open! The first thing you’ll notice as you walk along Park Row is our cat mascot, looking perfectly at home above the front door of this elegant former bank building. Previously occupied by Jamie’s Italian, we have tastefully renovated and refitted the 200 cover restaurant to add more light, space and of course some of the stylistic details which have been our signature in Manchester and Liverpool.

Stepping off Park Row, in the heart of the city’s business district, you be greeted by one of our friendly hosts and shown to a table or bar area. The ground floor area opens out to reveal the historic building’s high ceilings, ornate tiled floor, and exposed brick walls. There’s a mix of booth and table seating catering for parties of all sizes. It’s a relaxed space, with solid dark wood tables and soft seating in deep green leather contrasting seamlessly with the restaurant’s rustic green and rough brick walls – the perfect canvas for El Gato Negro’s signature artwork and decor.

At the heart of the floor is the large open plan kitchen where guests can enjoy watching Head Chef Oliver Brearley and team creating El Gato Negro’s multi-award-winning signature dishes, alongside a number of new additions created especially for the new Leeds restaurant.

Lighting plays a key role in the restaurant’s atmosphere, with natural daylight flooding in through large arched windows and a striking stained glass feature wall at the rear. Industrial pendant lights, surrounded by trailing plants, provide further warmth and draw eyes up to the impressive heritage ceiling.

A short flight of tiled stairs leads guests to the second floor where the action continues with further booth and table dining, a marble and tiled chef’s table providing seating for six, and the Black Cat. This – the restaurant’s private dining and function area –  offers space for up to 40 seated or 50 standing, and with its own mini bar, audio and presentation facilities, it’s the perfect space for private business or social parties.

Speaking yesterday Chef Patron and Creative Director, Simon Shaw, said:

“I’m really looking forward to opening in Leeds tomorrow. I’ve spent a lot of time in the city recently as you might expect, and it feels right, like we’re at home.
“The team have done an incredible job in getting the restaurant to where it is, and we really can’t wait to open the doors now and to welcome people to El Gato Negro. We knew from the moment we saw the site, that it was for us, but now we’re in there’s no mistaking that. It’s an incredible space.”

Guests can expect to enjoy El Gato Negro’s multi-award-winning signature dishes, including our much-celebrated morcilla scotch eggs with mushroom duxelle, apple purée and aioli; tiger prawns with chilli, garlic and lemon butter, and chargrilled beef fillet skewers with mojo rojo, alongside a number of new dishes. Catering for all tastes and dietary requirements, a wide range of meat, seafood, vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Heading up the kitchen and playing a key role in the development of the menu alongside Shaw is 30 year-old chef Oliver Brearley from Rodley.  Brearley joins from The Ivy Victoria Square, where he was Senior Sous Chef and listed in The House of Coco’s 30 under 30.

Reservations are open online and by phone, with both general and Christmas party bookings available. Please visit the Leeds restaurant page for more details. We look forward to welcoming you to El Gato Negro Tapas in Leeds!