IT’S strange to think that the centre of socialising in a suburb as bustling as this revolves around the local police station.
In fact the Old Police Station restaurant was one of the first to kick-start the whole food and drink scene in Chapel Allerton.
It understandably played to the strengths of this landmark building, even retaining the old cells to be used as mini dining rooms, complete with graffiti daubed on the walls by various inmates.
Sadly, its fortunes varied and as this part of north Leeds blossomed, competition increased. Now the junction of nearby Harrogate Road and Stainbeck Lane is encircled by restaurants as well as bars and cafes selling food.
But out of the ashes of the old restaurant, which leaned toward British and European food, came the Indian restaurant, Image.
It was launched a few years ago by the same team that now head up Arti, except they quickly learned that Image was far too crass a name to attract the local, cosmopolitan clientele.
They also seemed to give it far too gauche a makeover upon opening. Now, with a new name and more low-key look, Arti is a far more welcome new arrival in the neighbourhood.
Buzzing
On the night we dropped in, the place was three-quarters full and nicely buzzing. It usually is too, even during the week it’s something of a local hero.
The reason is simple: it may not be one of the coolest of kids on this block, but it is a pretty good Indian restaurant on the doorstep of people who love to eat and drink.
You also get an instantly warm welcome. The bar (presumably the old reception desk of the station) is the first thing you come to, so your drinks order is taken instantly and you’re quickly taken to your table.
Once in place, our drinks came quickly. Since we were having curry a couple of pints were in order and they have an extensive selection of beers.
We made something of a blunder with our first food choice. Our eyes were drawn to an assortment of meaty nibbles - chicken tikka, lamb chops, kebab and tandoori chicken.
Although it is priced £9.50 and claimed to serve two, we were sceptical so we also ordered the vegetarian alternative.
For £8.50 we were given an impressive selection: samosas, onion bhajis, spring rolls and kebabs.
Trouble was that this was far more than we needed, which served us right for being cynical, but all the food was delicious and a remarkably generous array.
I went for the prawn coconut curry with pilau rice, which was reasonably flavoursome but, curiously, didn’t have a terribly strong taste of coconut. Subtle? Too subtle, and a little disappointing.
My dining partner went for a good old-fashioned chicken korma with rice, which he said was pretty average.
But the meal ended on a high with a couple of delicious chocolate and ice cream desserts, and a couple more beers.
Overall the meal was more than filling, tasty and well presented and all the food came to our table quickly.
But it wasn’t exceptional. Oliver can confirm that this may have been down to our choice more than anything else (how exciting can a chicken korma be?) He has sampled Arti before and been rather more impressed.
But, judging the food on this visit, despite a relatively mediocre main, the starters and desserts meant it was well above average - certainly well above your average Indian restaurant.
In terms of cost, three courses with beers and coffee worked out at roughly £35 a head. This is still pretty reasonable and we got a lot of food and drink for our money.
In fact, you can easily spend less here and still leave full. Your average curry with rice will still leave you with change from a tenner, some are more, however. My own coconut prawn curry with rice was closer to £15, for example.
Option
You can pretty much be as extravagant or as conservative as you like with what you pay, and it’s impressive that Arti give you the option.
But you get more for your money than just the food. The service was speedy, friendly and efficient and the atmosphere is nicely pitched - neither muted nor too loud, even on a Saturday night.
One other element which this restaurant boasts over competitors is the aforementioned location. Many an Indian restaurant frequently requires diners to head into the middle of nowhere for a good curry, but not here.
Once you've finished your meal there are numerous bars just a few yards away which mean you don’t have to jump into another cab and head into the middle of Leeds.
Admittedly, Arti isn’t the only restaurant to be found in a busy suburb of the city but it’s certainly one of the few to be found in Chapel Allerton – and, arguably, it’s one of the most characterful to be found here too.
FACTFILE
Arti, The Old Police Station, 106A Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, LS7 4LZ
Opening hours: daily from 5pm to 11pm
Tel. 0113 2688114
www.artirestaurant.com
STAR RATING
FOOD..................................***
VALUE.............................****
ATMOSPHERE............. ****
SERVICE ....................... ****
***** EXCELLENT *** VERY GOOD *** GOOD ** AVERAGE * POOR
Clith
I can't recommend this restaurant enough. The home cooked Indian food is delicious. Every meal is cooked to taste so you need to ask for it spicy (even if it already says spicy on the menu). The dishes are almost like stews rather than just a meat and sauce dish! Please don't overlook this curry house in favour for some of the more well know chain curry houses in the area!
Jcbutler77
Had a wonderful time at Arti's yesterday evening. lovely food with huge variety from different style cooking and specialities from around India including chats and dosa's. Spoke to the owner for a lengthy time who gave a wonderful insight into the establishment and the the food it presents. Nice to also know was the the restaurant was ran by a gujarati, whereby all the chefs were truly Indian. Yesterday was my first visit and Arti is truly a treasure, beautiful decor, the only downside would be that its wasn't that busy which is a shame. My Mrs and I will no doubt be revisiting
Heather
Myself & a friend recently went to Arti in Chapel Allerton. It was fab, I'm a vegetarian and there were dishes I'd never had before, and they had a great taste. A lot of vegetarian dishes are very mild and or creamy. So it's great when you find something different. I would strongly recommend this restaurant. The staff were all really good too.
Rosedog
I'm afraid I've just come back from Arti having been recommended to go there. I had the Chef's mixed veg curry and all it was was a portion of frozen cubed veg (carrots, peas, bean) in a curry sauce which was totally tasteless.. Very disappointing. I asked the waitress if it was frozen veg and she very sheepishly said yes. I'm afraid I wont go there again. Cant quite believe they would serve that.
Bryan_p
For some time I have visited Arti, pleasantly satisfied each and every time. I visit with either friends or the family and whatever our requirements may be, they surpass it. I can go on writing endlessly of their pros and find difficulties to find cons, unless your very scrutinising. I have read many reviews claiming they aim to be posh and overpriced yet the staff are far from snobby, a delight in fact and price can only be put on basis of utility, which in my experience is more than sufficient. Food very consistent. Conversing with one of the waiters, she mentioned that the Roundhay road one, the first Arti was planned to close by mid next year, surprised I did not take the opportunity to question why. Its a shame as that was the first Arti that I had visited. But no plans are to change with the chapel-a branch thank god. My recommendation is try it yourself, you'll be surprised especially with the variety, not you typical curry house. ;D
Jjaspercon
From food selection to ambience, Arti ranks highly. Combination of food and service is very good especially when their were full house Saturday evening. Having been a few times the restaurant seems to become more and more popular week in week out. My wife is vegetarian in which Arti cater for perfectly; wide range of dishes and definitely recommend the dosas. A definite recommendation.
Evie
Been several times now and found the food and service to be excellent. Can be a little bit spicy but really different to your run of the mill Indians, would recommend for couples or small groups
El Shalimo
Lovely food, good wine and beer, nice attentive friendly staff. Been several times now, tried several different dishes and it's all been really good.
Equally as good as the Arti restaurant on Roundhay Road.