The highly anticipated comeback of one of Leeds’ best-loved independent restaurants is here.
Fuji Hiro, the city’s original Japanese restaurant, will welcome customers once again from Wednesday, July 9 inviting diners to dive back into the delicious dishes that made it a local legend.
Located in its original home at the Merrion Centre, Fuji Hiro is returning under new management, with Leeds-born entrepreneur James Douglas at the helm.
It boasts a fresh look, a renewed focus on what made it special in the first place and a refined menu including slurp-worthy ramen and sizzling noodles to crispy gyoza and irresistible katsu.
James said: “We’re hugely excited to finally open the doors and bring Fuji Hiro back to life. This relaunch is all about honouring Fuji Hiro’s legacy while welcoming a new generation of diners to discover what’s made it so special for so many years.
“We can’t wait welcome back all the Fuji fans and introduce newcomers to the incredible tastes and aromas of its authentic Japanese cuisine.”
Regarded as a Leeds institution, Fuji Hiro originally opened on Wade Lane in 1997 and amassed a cult following for nearly three decades thanks to its no-nonsense approach to authentic Japanese cooking. In early 2025 the previous owners announced it was closing, news that was met with widespread disappointment from its many loyal customers.
The return of the restaurant marks an exciting new chapter in the Fuji Hiro story with a new beginning that honours the heritage that made Fuji Hiro a local favourite while looking ahead to a new generation of fans who are ready to discover its magic.
Charles Newman, associate director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, added: “We’re incredibly excited to see Fuji Hiro reopen its doors. It’s a much-missed gem in Leeds’ food scene and its return brings a real buzz to the Merrion Centre. We know loyal fans will be first in line.”
Fuji Hiro is open Tuesday - Saturday from 12pm to 10pm and Sunday 12pm-8pm.
