Having enjoyed Gabriella's so much the first time around, my partner's mother booked a table for his 30th birthday meal. Having booked by phone and then followed up by actually visiting in person to select the table (because we'd be dining with a new born), imagine her utter disappointment when we all arrived on the night with no table with no choice but to wait in the cold, carrying a newborn baby. Whilst this was stressful, the situation was exacerbated further by the sheer neglect of the man who we can only presume to have been a senior member of staff. The response was simply that, 'you just can't guarantee a table when you book.' Forgive me, sir, but I thought that was the very point of a booking option. The apathy was palpable and did nothing to calm what was supposed to be a celebration of a 30th birthday, the birth of a child and the UK family visiting Santa Cruz for the first time. We cancelled and went to Laili, who were kind, hospitable, acknowledged that we had a 3 week old baby with us and actually gave a damn about returning business and their customers. So sad that what was initially a lovely dining experience has been so carelessly overturned by such a rude and dismissive 'welcome'. The chap with the grey hair did nothing but discredit the hard work, friendliness and kindness of the waiting staff on their first visit. It's ridiculous is that such a long review didn't even stem from being able to eat there. What a pointless shame.

With a rather snazzy flier and a brilliant selection of food, Red Chilli is an Indian Takeaway just south of Armley on Lower Wortley Road. Sampling many an Indian takeaway in the area after moving away from the student area, trying this place was one of my better experiences.

With one of the greatest set menu displays I've ever seen, instead of having your meal planned out for you, you can choose your own main dishes, all they do is throw in a couple of drinks, 2 naans and rice and a tandoori mixed started, all at the brilliant price of £14.50. Everything is catered for and if you d the maths, it's a brilliant deal, and as I said, you need not surcome to the meals they choose just for a good price!

When its sturdy manu came through our front door, I thought I'd give it a go. Their solid menu with an impressive choice of both Thai and Chinese dishes enticed me enough. Not only do they serve my favourite Crispy Chilli Beef, but the cook it to perfection, crispy and flavoursome enough for me to sit back and smile, feeling that the £4.70 was well spent. Their set menus start at £7 for one and go up to £35 for 5.

Ben & Jerrys is on the menu for an extortionate £4.50, which is around the same price as their main dishes, but if you fancy a bit of desert, perhaps opting for a slice of cake instead for somewhere around the £2 mark would be better and within the budget!

You know when you order a Chinese or an Indian and you receive free popadoms or prawn crackers, and you know when sometimes you don't? Ho Hing frames the barriers and boundaries you have to cross to qualify for such a treat! Orders over £6 get prawn crackers, £18 gets you the same plus a bottle of coke and if you have a gathering and stretch to £25, expect to find some complimentary chicken wings chucked in with your order. Ho Hing is rather out of the way if you don't live in the area. On a road that connects Kirkstall (around the Morissons complex end) with Armley/Bramley, it sits, barely drawing attention to itself amidst the mii takeaway strip, you wonder who visits.

Their menu is extensive and good value, offering a selection of 4 dishes foir just £11. and set meals for a fraction more at £14.50 for 2, offering a hefty 7 portions, mixing starters and mains. The have a selection of Thai dishes on the menu, though I haven't tried them, but the crispy chilli beef I often use as a good indication of the quality of the Chinese was good. If you happen to be trudging the steep back roads of Kirkstall and Armley, nip in and have a bite to eat.