The Cat's Pyjamas: A Vibrant Indian Culinary Gem in Headingley
Experience vibrant pan-Indian street food in a cosy, lively setting at The Cat's Pyjamas in Headingley, Leeds.
The Cat's Pyjamas is a popular Indian restaurant located at 53 Otley Road in Headingley, Leeds. Known for its pan-Indian street food style, it offers a blend of traditional and modern dishes crafted by a Michelin-starred chef. The venue combines a cosy, lively atmosphere with attentive service, making it a favourite for locals and students alike. It serves generous portions with a focus on quality ingredients and a diverse menu that includes unique regional specialties.
A brief summary to The Cat's Pyjamas
- 53 Otley Rd, Leeds, Headingley, LS6 3AB, GB
- +441132742618
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 5 pm-10:30 pm
- Wednesday 5 pm-10:30 pm
- Thursday 5 pm-10:30 pm
- Friday 5 pm-10:30 pm
- Saturday 5 pm-10:30 pm
- Sunday 5 pm-10:30 pm
Local tips
- Try sharing a variety of small plates to sample the diverse flavours of the menu.
- Reserve a table in advance, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is popular with locals and students.
- Ask the staff for recommendations or to adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
- Visit during weekday evenings for a quieter dining experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Cat's Pyjamas location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Cat's Pyjamas
A Culinary Fusion Inspired by Indian Street Food
The Cat's Pyjamas brings a fresh take on Indian cuisine to the vibrant neighbourhood of Headingley in Leeds. The restaurant specializes in pan-Indian street food, offering a variety of small plates and mains that showcase flavours from across the Indian subcontinent. Its menu is the creation of Alfred Prasad, a chef with Michelin-star experience, ensuring a high standard of culinary craftsmanship. Dishes range from smoky tandoori chicken to crispy fried okra, with some unique offerings like Kerala beef fry that reflect regional Indian cooking traditions rarely seen in typical Indian restaurants in the UK.Atmosphere and Service in a Cosy Setting
Set in a welcoming and intimate space, The Cat's Pyjamas is designed to appeal to Headingley’s youthful and diverse crowd, including students and local residents. The interior exudes a casual yet stylish vibe, making it a perfect spot for relaxed dining or social gatherings. Service is generally attentive and friendly, with staff often going the extra mile to accommodate dietary preferences and special requests, creating a personalised dining experience.Menu Highlights and Signature Dishes
The restaurant encourages sharing plates, which is in keeping with the street food ethos. Signature dishes include the chicken masala, praised for its balance of spices and tender meat, and the okra fries, which are crispy and well-seasoned. The menu also features refreshing drinks such as mango lassi to complement the spices. While some diners note the absence of desserts, the generous portions and rich flavours often leave guests satisfied without needing a sweet finish.Community and Location Appeal
Located on Otley Road, The Cat's Pyjamas is embedded in the lively Headingley district, known for its student population and vibrant nightlife. The restaurant adds a distinctive flavour to the local dining scene, standing out with its focus on quality Indian street food and craft beer options. It has quickly become a go-to spot for those seeking a blend of traditional and contemporary Indian dishes in a convivial environment.Challenges and Customer Experience
While the restaurant enjoys a strong reputation, some guests have reported inconsistencies such as timing of food service and occasional dryness in certain dishes. However, the management’s responsiveness and willingness to remake meals to suit customer preferences often mitigate these issues. Overall, The Cat's Pyjamas balances quality food with a friendly atmosphere, making it a notable destination for Indian cuisine in Leeds.Expanding Presence and Future Outlook
Following its success in Headingley, The Cat's Pyjamas expanded with a second location in Leeds city centre, reflecting its growing popularity. This growth underscores its role in redefining Indian dining in the region, blending street food culture with elevated culinary techniques. The restaurant continues to attract a diverse clientele, from families to groups of friends, maintaining its reputation as a vibrant and innovative dining venue.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
King Alfred's Castle
2.7 km
An evocative 18th-century folly in Leeds, celebrating King Alfred’s legacy with historic charm and architectural romance.
Civic Hall
2.8 km
A majestic Grade II* listed municipal building in Leeds, famed for its golden owls and grand civic ceremonies.
Chapel Allerton Arts Festival
2.9 km
A vibrant, community-driven arts festival celebrating music, crafts, and creativity in the heart of Chapel Allerton, Leeds.
Tilly + Enzo
2.9 km
Discover tranquility at Tilly + Enzo, a serene shrine in Leeds offering a peaceful retreat amidst the city's vibrant energy.
Leeds War Memorial
3.1 km
A solemn and historic tribute in Leeds city center honoring the bravery and sacrifice of World War I soldiers.
Statue of John Harrison
3.3 km
Honoring Leeds’ historic benefactor John Harrison, whose philanthropy and leadership shaped the city’s early growth and community spirit.
Holy Trinity Church
3.5 km
Discover Leeds’ elegant 18th-century Holy Trinity Church, a Georgian architectural masterpiece and vibrant cultural hub in the city centre.
The Talbot Hounds Fountain
3.6 km
A majestic 19th-century fountain featuring four stone Talbot hounds, rescued from a lost Gothic mansion and now a cherished Leeds landmark.
Time Ball Buildings
3.6 km
Discover the historic Time Ball Buildings in Leeds, an architectural gem showcasing the city's rich heritage and vibrant urban culture.
Leeds Corn Exchange
3.7 km
Discover unique shopping and local flavors at Leeds Corn Exchange, a historic gem in the heart of Leeds offering artisan delights and boutique finds.
Temple Works
3.8 km
Discover Temple Works, Leeds’ iconic Egyptian Revival flax mill blending industrial heritage with architectural grandeur and future cultural renewal.
Leeds Minster
3.9 km
Discover Leeds Minster, a magnificent neo-Gothic church with over 1,400 years of history, musical heritage, and community spirit in the heart of Leeds.
Royal Armouries Museum
4.4 km
Discover the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, a treasure trove of arms and armor showcasing history's most fascinating warfare artifacts.
Rodley Nature Reserve
4.5 km
Explore the serene beauty and diverse wildlife of Rodley Nature Reserve, a hidden gem in Leeds perfect for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts.
Leeds Dock
4.6 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of Leeds Dock, where scenic waterfront views meet a variety of bars, restaurants, and green spaces for a perfect day out.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Original Oak
0.2 km
A roomy, social Headingley pub with a large beer garden, casual pub food and a lively, sport‑friendly atmosphere.
Headingley Rectory
0.3 km
Discover Headingley Rectory, a charming historic church nestled in the vibrant Leeds suburb of Headingley, blending heritage with community spirit.
Headingley Carnegie Pavilion
0.4 km
Modern cricket pavilion blending heritage and hospitality in the heart of Leeds’ iconic Headingley Stadium complex.
Sparrow Park
0.4 km
A small, tranquil green triangle in Headingley offering peaceful respite, birdwatching, and community gardening near Leeds’ bustling Cardigan Road.
Hinsley Hall
0.5 km
Historic conference centre and cozy B&B in Leeds’ leafy Headingley, blending heritage charm with modern comfort and tranquil gardens.
Woodhouse Ridge View point
0.6 km
A serene urban woodland viewpoint offering sweeping vistas over Leeds and the Meanwood Valley’s natural beauty.
AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium
0.6 km
Historic rugby league stadium in Leeds, home to Leeds Rhinos, blending tradition with modern stands and a vibrant local atmosphere.
Headingley Bear Pit
0.7 km
Explore the turreted, castle-like Headingley Bear Pit, a rare Victorian relic from Leeds’ historic zoological gardens.
Beckett Park
0.9 km
A historic and vibrant green space in Leeds offering sports, woodland trails, and scenic views for all ages and interests.
Woodhouse Moor
1.5 km
A historic and accessible urban park in Leeds, offering green space, community allotments, and vibrant local culture just a mile from the city centre.
Elephant Rock
1.6 km
Explore Elephant Rock in Leeds: A captivating natural formation offering stunning views and rich local history amidst serene landscapes.
Queen Victoria's Statue
1.7 km
A dignified tribute to Queen Victoria, standing proudly in Leeds’ Woodhouse Moor since 1905, celebrating royal heritage and local history.
The Hollies
1.7 km
Discover a peaceful 30-acre garden and woodland sanctuary in Leeds, rich with history, rare plants, and tranquil walking paths.
Abbey House Museum Gardens
1.9 km
Tranquil historic gardens beside Leeds’ Abbey House Museum, blending Victorian heritage with peaceful green spaces near Kirkstall Abbey ruins.
Kirkstall Abbey
1.9 km
Explore the majestic ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, a serene medieval Cistercian monastery nestled in scenic parkland by the River Aire in Leeds.
Essential places to dine
The Cat's Pyjamas
0.0 km
Experience vibrant pan-Indian street food in a cosy, lively setting at The Cat's Pyjamas in Headingley, Leeds.
Santorini Bar & Grill
0.0 km
Experience authentic Greek and Turkish flavors in a lively, welcoming setting at Santorini Bar & Grill in Leeds’ vibrant Headingley district.
TADA
0.0 km
Authentic Japanese flavors meet stylish comfort in Headingley’s beloved TADA, a top choice for sushi, ramen, and bento delights.
Poco Sicilian Street Food Headingley
0.0 km
Authentic Sicilian street food in the heart of Headingley, Leeds, serving vibrant flavors in a casual, welcoming setting.
Kuala Lumpur Café Headingley
0.0 km
Experience authentic Malaysian cuisine in a cozy, friendly café setting with vibrant flavors and warm hospitality in Headingley, Leeds.
Signature Bar and Restaurant
0.1 km
A stylish dining and social hotspot in Leeds’ lively Headingley, known for excellent cocktails, diverse cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere.
De Baga Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience authentic Goan and southern Indian cuisine in a vibrant, welcoming setting at De Baga, Headingley’s celebrated Indian restaurant.
Heaney & Mill
0.3 km
Cozy modern British dining in Headingley with standout Sunday roasts and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Salvo's
0.4 km
Authentic family-run Italian dining in the heart of Headingley, Leeds, serving classic pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and warm hospitality since 1976.
Casa Alba
0.7 km
Authentic Italian flavors and cosy ambiance await you at Casa Alba, Headingley’s beloved dining destination.
Zucco
1.0 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm family hospitality in the heart of Leeds’ Meanwood at Zucco, a cozy spot for sharing plates and fine wines.
MYTHOS Chapel Allerton
2.6 km
Authentic Greek dining with vibrant flavours, a Mediterranean atmosphere, and welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces in Leeds’ Chapel Allerton.
The Woods, Leeds
2.7 km
A welcoming Chapel Allerton pub serving excellent pizzas with friendly service in a vibrant Leeds neighborhood.
FINT
2.7 km
Scandinavian-inspired dining with vegan-friendly options and a cozy, stylish atmosphere in central Leeds.
Hern
2.7 km
Seasonal, ingredient-driven dining in an intimate Chapel Allerton bistro with organic wines and a warm, minimalist atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Flavour Like Fancy
0.1 km
Vibrant Headingley gift shop brimming with bold, handmade treasures from local UK makers—perfect for unique finds that spark joy and support indie creativity.
Legs&Limpy
0.3 km
Whimsical threads for Leeds' lively souls: quirky clothing that moves with Headingley's beat in a cozy crescent hideaway.
Style LTT
0.3 km
Chic womenswear finds in Headingley's lively heart: soft, stylish pieces for every day, blending comfort and contemporary flair amid buzzing cafes and parks.
LW Home & Decor
0.4 km
Explore LW Home & Decor in Headingley, Leeds for unique furniture and accents that elevate your home aesthetics with local charm and style.
Pablos Friends Shop
0.6 km
Discover unique local goods and gifts at Pablo's Friends Shop in Headingley, Leeds, a charming destination for authentic Yorkshire finds.
Holton Apparel
0.6 km
Explore Holton Apparel in Headingley, Leeds, for unique and stylish clothing that captures the essence of local fashion.
varelas.clothing
0.7 km
Unique fashion finds in Headingley's vibrant heart, where personal style meets eclectic Leeds suburb charm on Raven Road.
Melts
0.9 km
Uncover Headingley's artisanal treasures at Melts, where local crafts and unique handmade finds bring the neighborhood's creative soul to life on bustling Headingley Lane.
North South Vintage
1.2 km
Discover authenticated luxury vintage in Headingley's beating heart: handpicked designer gems, vinyl vibes, and sustainable style await at this incense-scented flagship.
Vintage Boutique
1.2 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures and personalized service in the heart of Headingley, Leeds’ vibrant boutique scene.
Eco Queen
1.4 km
Sustainable gifts and eco-elegance in Chapel Allerton's heart: chinaware, candles, and custom baskets for mindful living.
Angels Too
2.8 km
Uncover handmade magic and local artistry at this Chapel Allerton gem, where quirky gifts and artisanal treasures await on every shelf.
Chirpy
2.8 km
Design-led gift shop in Chapel Allerton, brimming with stylish homewares, unique cards, and creative workshops that inspire joy and craftsmanship.
Glasshouse Gallery
2.8 km
Uncover handcrafted wonders and local artistry in Chapel Allerton's creative gem, where every shelf sparks inspiration and supports regional makers.
Uniquely Yours / Yorkshire Melts
2.9 km
Discover handcrafted wax melts and unique Yorkshire gifts in the heart of Armley, Leeds, blending artisan charm with local warmth.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Gin Room
0.0 km
Savor Headingley's premier gin sanctuary: vast collections, flawless pairings, and cozy vibes in the heart of Otley Road's nightlife pulse.
BOX Headingley
0.1 km
A multi-level sports bar in Headingley with rooftop beer-gardens, big screens, shareable pub food and social games for groups and match nights.
The Head of Steam Headingley
0.1 km
Leeds' go-to pub for world-class craft beers, live tunes, epic quizzes, and upstairs games in buzzing Headingley—perfect for pints and play.
The Headingley Taps
0.1 km
Lively sports pub near Headingley Stadium, buzzing with match-day cheers, pub grub, karaoke, and student energy in Leeds' vibrant north side.
Manahatta Headingley
0.2 km
A lively Headingley cocktail bar serving shareable plates, bold drinks and an easygoing, student-friendly atmosphere.
Arcadia Ale House
0.2 km
Cozy Headingley ale house pouring premium cask beers in a calm, crawl-free haven amid Leeds' student buzz—perfect for discerning drinkers.
New Headingley Club
0.2 km
Headingley's cozy members' club: real ales, snooker, garden pints, and community vibes away from the student buzz – perfect for sports fans and relaxed gatherings.
The Golden Beam - JD Wetherspoon
0.6 km
Historic Headingley pub pouring affordable pints and pub classics in a spacious, student-favorite setting with striking architecture.
The Three Horseshoes
0.8 km
Lively Headingley pub fueling the Otley Run with pizzas, roasts, live music, sports screens, and student spirit—your go-to for pints and pool.
Woodies Craft Ale House
0.9 km
Savor Yorkshire craft ales amid industrial chic at Headingley's go-to pub, where hearty grub, live tunes, and Otley Run vibes create unforgettable evenings.
Hyde Park Book Club
1.1 km
Leeds' cozy creative crossroads: vegan eats, live gigs, and bookish vibes in a reborn petrol station haven.
Brudenell Social Club
1.3 km
A compact, community-run live-music club in Burley — intimate gigs, pies at the bar and a warmly ramshackle atmosphere loved by local music fans.
Beck and Call
2.2 km
Chapel Allerton's cozy community pub: cask ales, hearty British dishes, sports screens, family play area, and fireside charm in a stylish suburban haven.
Bricklebank's Cafe & Bar
2.7 km
Chapel Allerton’s cosy café-by-day, lively bar-by-night serving coffee, brunch and cocktails in a warm, intimate setting on Stainbeck Lane.
Canteen
2.8 km
A cosy, no-frills Chapel Allerton bar serving generous pizzas, sandwiches and local drinks in a warm, neighbourhood atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
New Inn
0.7 km
Traditional Headingley pub with roaring fires, cask ales, and community spirit on lively Otley Road—a cozy cornerstone of Leeds life.
Popworld - Leeds
2.9 km
Relive noughties glory in Leeds' ultimate cheesy pop nightclub, where cocktails pop and dances don't stop till dawn.
The Warehouse
2.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic music scene at The Warehouse, Leeds’ energetic club destination.
PRYZM
3.1 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
The Key Club
3.1 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
Home Nightclub Leeds
3.2 km
Leeds' £2.5M superclub: VOID sound, pyrotechnic spectacles, multi-room vibes from house anthems to urban grooves—pure festival energy underground.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
3.4 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
Disco Stu's
3.5 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
ULTRA
3.6 km
Experience Leeds’ vibrant nightlife at ULTRA, where electrifying beats and dynamic dance floors create unforgettable late-night memories.
The Space
3.6 km
Dive into Leeds' basement beats at The Space, where funky house and urban rhythms fuel non-stop dancing till dawn in a sleek underground haven.
The HiFi Club
3.7 km
Leeds' underground gem for live music, comedy stardom, and late-night grooves—independent vibes since 2000.
Wire
3.7 km
A compact, music-first basement club on Call Lane where tight crowds and a punchy sound system make late-night electronic parties feel immediate and intense.
Arabian Night Lounge
3.7 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Baracoa Luxe Bar
3.7 km
Glamorous Call Lane haven blending luxe cocktails, beer garden chills, and pulsating club nights in Leeds' vibrant heart since 2010.
The Backroom
3.7 km
A chic speakeasy-style nightclub in Leeds with handcrafted cocktails, eclectic music, and vibrant weekend nightlife beneath a historic railway bridge.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Casual
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly