The reason i walked into this place the first time was a bit weird. I wanted to get something to eat and I was thinking to have a nice sandwich so I walked towards the sandwich shops that are in Headingley. There I had a small problem I know both the owners to the shops that were opposite to each other and I was feeling bad if I walk to one instead of the other so I was standing outside trying to decide what to do. Then I looked at the window of mind café and there I saw the magic word«COXINHA» It’s a Brazilian yummy food. My mom used to make it on special occasions and I love that food. So without second thought I walked in. I’m happy I didn’t get disappointed. The size of them are I think a touch smaller than a tennis ball if not the same size and they are really yummy. Second time I went with Rowena I still went with the C. but to make up for it since I wanted to try something new I tried the crêpe with nutela, I did ask to have also a banana but they forgot to put it. Mistakes like that happens since it wasn’t even on the menu, I just kinda missed mach from what was on the list. They did apologize for the mistake but it was still really delicious that I didn’t mind about it. They some times have events, had a friend perform couple of times but unfortunalely wasn’t able to go to be able to give you more details on that. But keep an eye for them. They usually post it on their window and their Facebook page.
Rowena H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Leeds, United Kingdom
If you’re not often wandering up and down North Lane on your travels, chances are you’ll have missed the arrival of this quaint café. I’d spotted it a while back, but only bobbed in for a nosy at the vintage, so when I had a chance to check it out proper I was pretty pleased. Not least because my initial judgement of this place was a little off — I’d scooped out the vintage and wasn’t too impressed, so made the poor assumption that the food might not be too great either. Books, covers — you know the phrase. So, firstly, the lovely Natalia and I dived downstairs to the basement to reacquaint ourselves with the clothing. There’s a few nice pieces there, some great woollen skirts, but much of the rest still isn’t for me. There’s a rail full of addidas style jackets for one, and those just aren’t to my liking. However, the small collection of lamps is pretty cute, so do have a peek. Next, the café. It’s pretty cosy in the front room, but there’s a whole back room too if you’re feeling hemmed in. We took the window seat, and besides knocking over a sugar bowl, it was a lovely cosy spot to sit in, with waiter service. Perfect! After having coxihnas(spelling may be wrong here) explained to me by N, I decided to choose one of those and the grilled halloumi salad. The range of Lebanese delights on the menu offers up a great selection, most of it being healthy too. Another thing — the prices are great, making it really easy to have a filling lunch under a tenner. I had the cinnamon tea, which was lovely, but perhaps a little less flavoursome than I’d have liked. I do like a strong taste though, and so it’d be perfect for those of a milder palate. However, the vanilla latte I had later was fabulous and strong as you like. The service here is beautifully relaxed and friendly too. You wait a while, but that only means things are cooked fresh, which is something of a rarity in certain places. I have to say, the coxhinas were delicious. Proper comfort food, slow to eat, and tasty through and through. It’s basically a breaded ball of potato-y-ness, with shredded and spiced chicken inside, from what I could gather. Looks like a scotch egg, but far superior! The halloumi came in a huge portion, and was utterly delicious. I couldn’t finish! Blink, and you could find that three hours have ticked by in this lovely relaxed place. The food is wonderful, and the family that run it absolutely lovely. Dotted around are little notices and flyers for local goings on, and the vibe of the space is easy to soak in. Whilst I might not return for a vintage find, I’ll certainly be back to sample some more authentic home cooked goodies, and catch up with friends. Absolutely worth popping in and grabbing something fresh.
LunchL
Rating des Ortes: 5 Leeds, United Kingdom
This Lebanese Café is an absolute gem. The owner is really friendly and serves fabulous mediterranan food, which is erring on the greek/turkish in style. Wonderful schwarama, humous, baba ganoush, as well as crepes(!) and spanish tortilla are prepared fresh and cooked to perfection. He serves the BEST coffee for miles around. It’s down the road from Café Lento and comparing the two I’d say Mint has the edge. It’s small, cosy and you can easily get chatting to other people in the cafeor be left alone. Check it out!