Little did I imagine when I was a toddler and my mum used to lift me up to put letters to her friends in the large brass mail box at the city’s main post office  that one day decades later I would be dining inside that very building now one the smartest restaurants in town.

It’s easy to understand why The Restaurant Bar and Grill in City Square is a firm favourite with lovers of good food, wine and relaxed but sophisticated dining.

Situated in the Old G.P.O., as my gran used to call it, the restaurant is always busy as is their newly refurbished outdoor seating area where every thought has been given to your comfort whilst you enjoy the wonderful ambience of City Square with good food, cocktails and vino.

The restaurant itself is spacious and the wonderful ceiling and pillars – now gold embellished of the old G.P.O (forgive me gran for using your words again) have been retained and lovingly restored to their original glory (See our main picture). The décor is light an airy with lots of glass and light wood furnishings. The staff are friendly, informative about the menu, efficient and will go that extra mile to make the client’s dining experience special.

Whilst we perused the very comprehensive menu we ordered some Giant Gordal Olives – and these are large and the portion was more than generous.

From the selection of hot and cold starters I ordered the Sereno Ham and Cheese Croquettes again this was a large portion. These were very tasty with copious amounts of ham and cheese in the mix. They were sprinkled with parmesan and chives that gave them even more flavour.

My partner’s generous portion of Salt and Pepper Ribs came well above his expectations. The ribs were dipped in batter – unusual and very delicious for a rib dish. The Gochujang ketchup they came with – a Korean sweet and spicy dipping sauce made with Gochujang fermented chilli paste was the more than perfect accompaniment.

Ribeye Steak was the choice of my partner from the free range Las Pampas Argentina range of steaks. The steak was tender and juicy and the bearnaise sauce was mouthwatering whilst the accompanying onion rings were crispy and flavoursome.

I chose the Ultimate Angus Beef Burger and this was no ordinary burger. The patty was made from Angus beef and was smooth and tasty but it was the finely shredded braised ox-cheek that sat on top of the burger that made it so special plus a large hash brown inside with raclette cheese and crispy onions that made it like no other.

My partner chose a sorbet for his dessert whilst I was more adventurous with my selection.

I opted for the Coconut Parfait which really appealed. The different flavours all blended together with the parfait and the rum soaked pineapple, toasted coconut and mint gave it a flavour-fsome appeal.

The Restaurant, Bar and Grill is a place that lends itself to any occasion from a family or business lunch to a romantic dinner for two or a celebration with friends. It’s ambience is bustling, yet relaxed and its light and airy surroundings and large alfresco dining area make it the icing on the Leeds restaurant scene cake.

The Restaurant Bar and Grill, The Old Post Office, 3 City Square, Leeds. LS1 Opening Times: Mon/Tues/Wed 12 noon to 10.00pm;Thurs/Fri/Sat 12 noon to 11.00pm Sunday 11.am – 9pm.

To Book Call: 0113 244 9625  – the restaurantbarandgrill.com