Review on El Gato Negro Tapas - Leeds
November 2019 saw the third instalment of Chef Patron and Creative Director, Simon Shaw's popular Spanish El Gato Negro Tapas restaurant open in the heart of Leeds business district. Occupying an impressive Yorkshire stone-clad former bank, it's set on the corner of Park Row and Bond Street.
The interiors have been refurbished with the main L-shaped dining room on the first floor, and the private function area together with a marble and tiled chef's table on the second floor. Bathed in lots of natural light from the lovely arched windows, walls have been stripped back to the original brickwork and are adorned with contemporary modern artwork. Solid dark wood tables are set with luxurious dark green leather seating on an ornate tiled floor, and industrial pendant lights and greenery hang from the impressive distressed ceiling.
The kitchen delivers a full range of Spanish tapas designed for sharing with an emphasis on fresh seasonal produce. Among the many delights on offer you might see Bikini, a toasted sandwich with jamón serrano, Manchego and truffle or from the sea spicy crab and prawn fritters with mango and orange sweet and sour sauce. Other options worth pursuing would be spicy harissa chicken with romesco sauce or the charcuterie board consisting of jamón serrano, salchichón de Vic, aged Manchego with bittersweet green figs, Monte Enebro goats cheese and crystal bread and thyme honey. There's also plenty of tempting stuff when it comes to desserts, witness mini doughnuts with hot chocolate sauce or a caramelised vanilla and banana rice pudding.
Master of Wine, Miles Corish has devised a first-class wine list carefully sourced from independent producers, and there's a snazzy range of cocktails, beers, ciders, spirits and sodas.
Cuisine
Spanish/Tapas
Chef
Simon Shaw and Oliver Brearley
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00pm through until
Dinner: 2.00am