Ambiente Sherry Bar

This place really is a hidden gem. It is not on the way to anywhere but well worth the sojourn. The ‘flight of sherry’ where you are offered 4 sherry tasters that take you on a tour through a region of Spain is super interesting. The food was great — cooked as it is in Spain and not anglicised as so many tapas places are these days. The staff were some of the best I have come across in Leeds; my favourite interaction of the evening being when a waiter said to us ‘I just wanted to see if you needed anything and wanted you to know you are being attended to.’!
My only gripe is that they had a big party in (about 20 or so) who were quite drunk/​loud. Not much they can do about that I suppose but it did rather spoil the otherwise quite exceptional experience.

I needed a recommendation for a girly shopping-​day lunch and one of my colleagues suggested Ambiente. I love a bit of tapas, so decided to give it a go. We booked a table, but when we arrived at around 12:15 it was pretty quiet, so I don’t think we really needed to. If you’re heading there later in the day though, I expect a booking would be prudent as the food and service were so good I’m sure it must get busy.
The tapas menu was handily separated into meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, but everything sounded great, so making our selection was no easy task. While we perused, the waitress took our drinks order and suggested we try some bread and olives. The platter was ample for the three of us and, barring the olive oil and balsamic vinegar being in the same bowl (a pet hate of mine — what if I just want the vinegar?!), very tasty. I particularly liked that the olives came in a mix of peppers, mini onions and garlic.
The waitress suggested 3 – 4 tapas dishes each, but we thought that sounded a lot for lunch, so we started with 8 dishes between the three of us, figuring we could always order more later if necessary (it wasn’t!). From ‘meatballs in a chilli and lemongrass sauce’, to ‘barbequed lamb with honey, mustard and garlic’ and ‘green beans pan fried in garlic with sun dried tomatoes and pinenuts’, everything was fresh (the dishes were brought out as and when they were ready) and full of flavour. The serving staff were very friendly and attentive, even taking the time to explain about their range of sherries and sherry cocktails. We weren’t up for experimenting with sherry at lunch, so chose a lovely bottle of Rioja blanco instead.
Ambiente has a lovely rustic feel and relaxed atmosphere. Definitely one for a casual meal with friends or family.

After many months of me saying I really wanted to go, I finally ventured out on Saturday tea time after a few alcoholic beverages and a very hollow stomach! Oh lordy I can safely and finally say my pursuit is over! All the ranting about my search for great tapas in Leeds has come to a climax!
We arrived at about 5 and hadn’t booked but this wasn’t a problem. Although we didn’t get great seating I was happy enough. The tables weren’t so close together that you had to whisper across the table for a bit of private discussion and not bumping of backs when vacating your seat. The waiter was super friendly and guided us through there really easy to navigate menu. Three columns which included meat, fish and veggie options. This was great and made the selection process very easy — one of each category per person so 6 in total to share and a salad for good measure. Non of this mixing up of various meats, fishes and veggie options over 84 pages. Quickly diminishing that question of «did we order anything veggie, how many meat options did we order?» I like simple and I liked this.
We looked around the place eying up people’s food as it flowed out from the kitchen. I was a little unimpressed by the portion sizes initially as I was starving by this point and wondered if I should have re-​considered my order. How hasty that would have been! Each delectable plate was full of flavour and infused with the love of a really inspired chef, thus sitting quite comfortably on the stomach. I absolutely loved that it didn’t all come out at once, you move away from the overwhelming plates of food all balancing on the edges of a disorganised table. A complete absence was had of that gush of embarrassment I usually feel for oversizing moving towards a nicer sense of food tasting. I actually didn’t want them to stop coming! With plenty of table room and constant attention from the waiters I loved every minute.
We had meatballs in lemongrass which were strangely wonderful, Lamb to die for, mackerel with horseradish which was a great spin on a traditional classic, risotto and mozzarella croquets — OMG I nearly died at this point, aubergine stacked with feta and tomato which was packed with loveliness for such a simple dish. The only thing I didn’t wet myself over was the scallops with chorizo and glass noodles. The samphire really overpowered the scallops, I think a little too much effort went into this dish when very little is required for the merry scallop, I personally think they generally shine without an audience of friends.
Id say this fusion tapas was definitely a wonderful experience and although moves slightly away from the traditional it’s replaced with flavours to tantalise the taste buds and awaken the senses. I was really impressed with the bill too — 6 tapas, a bottle of wine and an espresso for £55 I’m definitely going to be returning for more.

As a lover of tapas, it’s great to find little gems that do incredible food for cheap prices. This is one of those gems. I can’t sing my praises high enough for this place it’s just amazing. The food is delicious and the staff are so friendly.
We went for a celebratory meal with members of my family, friends and my partner. I was more than impressed I have to say. Dishes are around £5 each and you can place an order then if you want more, just ask and they bring more out for you :)
The chili and garlic prawns were a bit of a let down but that was completely outweighed by everything else. Dishes I would definitely reccomend are;
— meatballs in lemongrass sauce
— caramelized potatoes and chorizo
— wood pigeon with chestnut purée
— salt cod
When I was there they also did a banana curry on the specials and as gross as it sounds it was actually very nice! However it was very very sweet (but I have a massive sweet tooth hehe) my only criticism would be the sauce could be a little thicker.
I don’t have a bad word to say about ambiente tapas bar. I will be returning as soon as I can and would highly reccomend it to anyone. Last comment would be try everything. I tried pigeon for the first time that night and loved it! I even tried the calamari… safe to say I didn’t feel the same way!

When one place falls, another inevitably will rise in it’s stead, and it’s always with a pang of guilt and apprehension that I visit a new place where an old favourite once stood tall. What I’m talking about is Riverplate. Hunks of meat delights were once available in this excellent spot, and so when I found out it had closed and been replaced, I was more than a little sad for them — they are a fantastic Leeds indie, and a stalwart on the scene. (Don’t panic, I hear they’re still doing pop up events, until they’re rehomed — so fingers crossed we can all meat it up again soon.)
Even so, on a night when hunger is ravishing your mind, and your first option is unavailable, one has to overcome such hesitations and wade right in. This was such an evening, yesterday, and being a tapas fiend I was wooed by the tempting reviews (thanks Katie & Jen!) and balcony dining. We went in, without having booked, and being a Sunday were able to be seated right away. That’s not to say the place was empty, but it wasn’t full.
Firstly, our waitress was incredible. She attended everything impeccably, from seating us on the balcony in the cool air, to guiding us through the menus (without coming off patronising) in an informative way. She was patient as we deliberated over the many tempting dishes, and was incredibly helpful when it came to choosing. At one point I required advice between the calamari and salt cod. Upon being asked, she immediately replied, «Ooooh, the salt cod!», in such a firm sigh that it suggested she was reliving a foodie moment of bliss, rather than merely offering an opinion. That she was so enthusiastic about the food was a great start, and rather encouraging, given how genuine it seemed.
Being tapas, we were informed the food would come out as it was cooked, rather than in one go. We managed to nip out for a quick cigarette, before the onslaught of ecstasy began. Did I say ecstasy? Yes, yes I did. And I meant it. I had hoped the tapas would be great, and those desires were met, matched, and surpassed in spades. First to come through were the mushrooms and the mozzarella bites. (Not the official names.) They were both instantly flavoursome and more-​ish, the pesto accompanying the mozzarella being of particular note.
Next came the lamb patties and chorizo and potato. The former was a truly interesting blend of spiced and herbed lamb mini burgers, complete with pine nuts, and chimichurri. Whilst these were my least favourite, that by no means indicates they were poor. They were great. The chorizo and potato was beyond divine and came drenched in a plummy sort of sauce, so alive with flavour it was almost too rich for one person. I devoured it all, regardless.
And lastly. My final dish. The salt cod.
So, it was discussed on the night that it seems ridiculous that anyone would eat seafood and fish in Leeds, because we couldn’t be further from the coast. That’s as may-​be, but I’ve not ever been close enough to the coast to test the theory. However, I’ll warrant that these little lightly battered parcels of extreme and total joy could barely be matched elsewhere for flavour and succulence. I am not au fait with fish, as I rarely order it, so bear that in mind if you order them — but — these were the most delicious thing that I tasted that evening, and possibly now come in my top five mouthfuls in Leeds. The tzatziki that accompanied them was, for lack of a better word, perfect. The batter was crispy, not oily, and melted in your mouth. The cod itself came in meaty delicious chunks, it was delectably salted, and I’m sure there was a tiny bit of chilli for a kick. Next time I might just eat four dishes of those.
I know now why she had to take a moment when advising I order those. I’m taking a moment right now writing about it.
To finish, we both partook of the dessert menu, mainly as it was exciting to order a sherry that matched. Needless to say, as per the quality of the above, my mango and coconut cheese cake was seriously impressive. The dried fruit was a nice touch, and the sherry went down very well. It’s worth pointing out also, the manager (I assume) served us at different points, and was also really friendly too — I spotted him explaining some dishes to a couple near us with great pride.
So, I’ve written quite a word-​splurge about my experience here, but there you have it. I have a new favourite in Leeds, and honestly have to return to try more of their menu. It’s not tapas in the traditional sense, but their well thought out menu brings a sense of haute cuisine to their dishes, as each and every one had an excellent balance of presentation, taste, and colour. Price wise, we got 9 dishes, 2 desserts, 2 sherrys and 3 beers for £33 a piece. I realise that might price some folk out, but considering the amount we ate, the ambiance we enjoyed, the service we received, and the flavours consumed, colour me one happy happy bunny. I’ve spent that much money and gotten much less before… Highly reco

We went to Ambiente last Sunday as a party of 8 people and had the most wonderful afternoon. Groups of 8 people or more are required to have a set menu (there are 3 to choose from at different price points) and there is enough dishes on there to suit everyone’s taste. We also had a veggie in the group, who was very well catered for.
We started off sampling the sherry (it would be rude not to) and nibbled at our sharing platter, which was packed with yummy delights. Then the tapas came and kept coming! There was a plethora of wonderful dishes both Spanish with a few Asian treatsd thrown into the mix — the lemon grass and chilli meatballs were a particular highlight, alongside classics such as chorizo and calamari.
We are all big eaters, but did not manage to clear the table. 2 paella’s were included in the menu, but we asked for just one as we were all filling up!
The staff were friendly and the restaurant has a nice chilled out vibe. We spent 3 hours at the table (yes there really was that much food!) and felt no pressure to eat up and leave. The canalside view and the open plan kitchen guarantee an interesting view in all directions.
I would highly recommend this place for food, drink and atmosphere. It is also great value for money — I am looking for an excuse to go back there very soon.

Wednesday night, mid february, three young women arrange to meet at this new found eaterie.
It’s snowing, there’s slush everywhere, the paths are lethal but we all make it, some later then planned.
The staff are there to welcome you as you go in. Ambiente was formerly riverplate which unfortunately i did not get to try. It is situated at the bottom of the calls overlooking the canal, so quite nice looking out the window with a snowy back ground.
Wine list was extensive, we avoided the sherry, it was 6pm after all and the school night was yet young.
The food menu is varied with sharers and nibbles listed alongside lists for meat, fish & veggies. There are also set menus for those that cannot choose.
We were advised 3 – 4 tapas per person and our eyes were bigger than our stomachs so we obviously went for four!
We did have a veggie with us so tried a good variety of the dishes. They were all very tasty and made their way out to us and when they were ready which enabled us to chat away as women do and pick at the food as the dishes appeared.
I really enjoyed the caremilised chorizo and potato as did my friend, no fighting though as we were all grown up we just ordered another.
Price wise it was quite reasonable, for the smaller dishes £3−4 and larger £5−6, the house white wine was also very good value for money.
Recommended for a visit to all.