Cinnamon Kitchen Leeds Review: A Stylish Spot for Modern Indian Dining

Christmas has arrived in Leeds — albeit slightly early. I still maintain it shouldn’t officially begin until December, but why waste my brainpower arguing about that when I could be waxing lyrical about a very worthy arrival in the city? And of course, I’m talking about food — have you met me?

After fighting our way through the Christmas Market in City Square, we stumbled into The Queens Hotel — an iconic Leeds landmark that’s recently enjoyed a rather impressive refurbishment, and let me tell you, it’s a proper bobby dazzler. The building still carries that grand old Leeds glamour, but now it’s softened with plush seating, thoughtful lighting and just enough modern polish to remind you that she’s ageing far better than any of us.

Alas, we were there for a late lunch — but never let that get in the way of a glass of champagne. Some traditions are sacred.

Cinnamon Kitchen sits tucked inside the hotel, and the shift in atmosphere is immediate. It’s warm, buzzy and sociable without being chaotic — the kind of place where conversations hum, glasses clink, and you can comfortably eavesdrop if your own table chat starts to dwindle – not that I would ever partake i such a pastime. Tables are spaced sensibly, the décor leans stylish rather than themed-to-death, and there’s a convivial energy that suggests lingering is encouraged rather than tolerated.

The menu reads like a confident blend of Indian flavours and British produce — recognisable dishes, but with just enough flair to make you feel like you’re eating out rather than replicating last night’s takeaway. No encyclopaedic curry lists, no unnecessary novelty — just a curated lineup that makes choosing moderately stressful in a good way.

We began with lamb chops and paneer, because balance is for people who go to the gym. The lamb arrived charred, fragrant and exquisite. Tender, well-spiced and perked up with a vivid chutney, it didn’t hang around long. The paneer, on the other hand, brought heat, sweetness and a glossy attitude, tossed with peppers and sesame like it knew it had main-character potential. It was one of those dishes you order “to share” but immediately regret promising to split.

For mains, we stayed loyal to the classics — biryani and butter chicken — both of which delivered exactly what we wanted them to. The biryani arrived in its own little pot, crowned with fried onions and herbs, and smelling like it had cooked slowly, confidently, and without rushing for anyone. Light, aromatic, properly seasoned — not the clumpy rice pudding masquerading as biryani that too many places serve.

The butter chicken was rich, silky and unapologetically orange — the kind that demands naan, rice and zero guilt. Generous chunks of chicken, balanced spice, and a sauce that could probably solve several minor life problems. Familiar? Yes. Boring? Absolutely not.

Speaking of naan, the garlic version was puffy, golden and utterly unnecessary — which of course made it essential. We tore, dipped and inhaled without even pretending we wouldn’t finish it.

Service was relaxed, friendly and unhurried — attentive without performing a TED Talk about every ingredient. Price-wise, it’s not bargain territory, but nor is it trying to be. You’re paying for good ingredients, thoughtful cooking and an experience that feels like a treat, rather than a rushed pit stop between errands.

So, should you go? If you like polished Indian food served in a setting that feels celebratory without needing a special occasion — yes. If you want a £9 curry in a foil tray, this isn’t that — and that’s exactly the point.

Cinnamon Kitchen has settled into Leeds with confidence, style and plenty to say — and if the rest of the menu is as reliable as what we ate, I’ll happily fight my way through City Square again for round two.

Words – Joanne Brook-Smith

Location

The Queens Hotel City Square Leeds LS1 1PJ

Contact

Email: hello@cinnamonkitchenleeds.co.uk

Phone: 0113 3917411