You might have seen or even visited Le Pain Quotidien in one of its many London restaurants and bakeries. The Belgian restaurant and boulangerie opened its first outlet outside London last year at Bicester, now they have come even further north and opened in Leeds in the new Victoria Gate Arcade.

It is a fitting place for the branch to be located as it will appeal to the same target audience as those who might shop in the new centre. The bakery shop and retail area is downstairs, whilst upstairs is the restaurant which is very light and airy. A long communal table is a feature of all their restaurants and there it sits in the centre of the Leeds restaurant. Of course there are other traditional tables if you prefer.

Classical music plays which adds to the upmarket atmosphere. They seem to have invested well in knowledgable staff as Laura, our server for the night, is well informed of the menu items. I have said this many times too but what a pleasure to be greeted as Sir and Madam instead of "What can I get you guys?" Of course you wouldn't be addressed like this in Belgium or France.

All coffees, teas and milks are certified organic. They do taste better I must admit. But what about the food? My main of British Steak & West Country Ale Stew served with creamy mashed potato was tasty and filling: slow cooked the steak was cooked to perfection. My partner's Grilled Sea Bass served with crushed potatoes was thought to be "excellent"; the cabbage it was served with together with the crispy prosciutto and basil dressing was highly rated too.

My dessert of seasonal crumble made with apples and pears served with Creme fraiche was superb, however my partner's choice of Belgian Eclair was very disappointing as it did not seem fresh, was soggy and not up to the high standard of the rest of the meal.

Coffee was served in a hot glass bowl which made for picking it up to drink very difficult. Perhaps they could put an insulator round the glass so you could pick it up more easily.

The water is not from Yorkshire but from Llanllyr in Wales; however, to fit in with the the theme of the restaurant, it is organic.

A good meal served in a relaxed atmosphere with excellent service.

The shop downstairs serves jams, a huge selection of chocolate spreads including Belgian Hazelnut, Speculoos and White chocolate amongst others.

For a special treat the restaurant ticks all the boxes.

Unit 16, Victoria Gate Arcade, Leeds
Telephone: 0113 493 1951
www.lepainquotidien.co.uk