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Best restaurants in King's Cross

Once a no-go zone for Londoners, King's Cross is now a thriving hub of restaurants and bars. There's an overwhelming amount to choose from, so we've hand-picked some of our favourites to help you whittle them down

Updated on 31 July 2024

King’s Cross is a part of London that boasts quite the colourful history. The area was once an industrial hub which processed more than eight million tonnes of coal every year, before gaining a sleazier reputation in the early 90s for illegal warehouse raves and prostitution. Visiting it today though, you would be forgiven for thinking that King’s Cross has always been one of London’s most thriving foodie hubs.

The district has seen one of the most exciting and extensive regenerations ever witnessed in the capital and is now home to some of London’s best restaurants. Some of the best restaurants in King’s Cross can be found on Granary Square, while a whole host of other great Kings Cross restaurants have taken up residence in the Coal Drops Yard development – all within walking distance of King's Cross station which boasts rather handy transport links.

If you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants in King’s Cross, look no further, as we’ve selected a few of our favourites. Next time you’re in need of breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner in King’s Cross, these excellent restaurants should have what you’re looking for.  

Read on to discover the best restaurants in King’s Cross.

German Gymnasium

German Gymnasium

1 King’s Boulevard, King's Cross, London, N1C 4BU

If you’re averse to working out, you’ll be glad to hear that there’s no heavy lifting required at this expansive restaurant from the D&D group. Right by King’s Cross station, German Gymnasium’s great location is matched only by its attractive Euro-centric menu – slow-roasted duck say or perhaps pea and mint ravioli. The wine list is also worth your time, spanning a range of Champagnes and wines from Europe, as well as a few international flourishes.

£50 - £79
German
Isla at The Standard

Isla at The Standard

10 Argyle Street, King's Cross, London, WC1H 8EG

What happens when you pair the hottest hotel in London with an equally as exciting chef? Well, you get Isla, an all-day restaurant from chef Adam Rawson which serves sharing plates that are far more complex than they first appear. Here, dishes are given subtle twists which elevate their flavour, such as pickled courgette that adds a sharp edge to the usually creamy dish of burrata. Fun staff and a cool vibe are futher draws.  

£30 - £49
Modern European
Decimo at The Standard

Decimo at The Standard

The Standard, King's Cross, London, WC1H 8EG

Peter Sanchez-Iglesias high-rise Spain-meets-Mexico flagship restaurant at The Standard has really come into its own these days - we love the retro 70s style, burnt orange tiles and abundance of cactus plants, and the food is excellent. Decimo isn't cheap but it really excels in the summer months when you can see far and wide from the panoramic windows. 

£50 - £79
Mexican
Spanish
Kimchee Pancras Square

Kimchee Pancras Square

Kimchee 2 Pancras Square, London, London, N1C 4AG

Casual Kimchee boasts a plum location on Pancras Square, alongside a stylish yet functional dining room featuring communal wooden tables, hanging lamps and intricately-carved wall dividers. The menu focuses on authentic Korean flavours, which means you can expect to find the likes of bibimbap, hot pots and meats that are cooked at the table on mini charcoal grills. Desserts include a creamy matcha mousse, while there’s a fun selection of Korean-style cocktails to sip on.  

£30 - £49
Dishoom King

Dishoom King's Cross

5 Stable Street, King's Cross, London, N1C 4AB

This King’s Cross site is one of the larger locations in Dishoom’s expansive portfolio (there are sites across London), so it’s good for group meals. It is also the branch with the most natural light and a generally airy feel. The menu consists of affordable Indian street food – tuck into the likes of spicy lamb chops and chilli cheese toast, while the legendary bacon naans at breakfast time are practically a rite of passage for Londoners.

£30 - £49
Indian
Granger & Co King

Granger & Co King's Cross

7 Pancras Square, King's Cross, London, N1C 4AG

Boasting a cool Australian vibe, Granger & Co already has a clutch of restaurants across the capital. Like all of its sites, the King’s Cross location is open from breakfast, where you’ll find heavenly hot ricotta cakes alongside savoury options including sweetcorn fritters. Later in the day, you can tuck into small sharing plates, barbecued meat dishes or rice bowls, while there’s also a helpful dedicated menu for allergy sufferers looking to avoid anything triggering.

£30 - £49
International
RAILS Restaurant and Little Bar

RAILS Restaurant and Little Bar

Pancras Road, King's Cross, London, N1C 4TB

Found on the first floor of the stylish Great Northern Hotel, RAILS is a restaurant, grill and bar specialising in French-inspired cuisine and culture. Open for all-day dining, this Parisian-chic spot offers refined dining from breakfast through to dinner. Its signature grills take centre stage on the a la carte menu, and don't forget to ask your waiter for the catch of the day!

£30 - £49
Modern European
British
Afternoon tea
Barrafina Coal Drops Yard

Barrafina Coal Drops Yard

Stable Street, Kings Cross, London, N1C 4AB

This is one of four openings from the Hart Brothers group at the expansive Coal Drops Yard development, and it is also the capital’s fourth branch of Barrafina. You can expect the usual mix of buzzy atmosphere (this place is almost always packed) and perfectly formed tapas, with plates to try including filled tortillas, cold meats and chargrilled dishes such as lamb chops. Finish up with cheesecake or refreshing scoops of orange or lemon sorbet.   

£30 - £49
Tapas
Spanish
Granary Square Brasserie

Granary Square Brasserie

Granary Square, 1-3 Stable Street, London, N1C 4AB

A branch of The Ivy in all but name, Granary Square Brasserie is a vibrant space, featuring jewel box interiors and staff spruced up in suits and chic dresses. The wide-ranging menu spans global cuisines, featuring everything from traditional fish & chips to a crispy duck and watermelon salad. There’s also afternoon tea, breakfast and weekend brunch to take advantage of, while the drinks offering covers all of the usual fizz, wine, cocktails and beers.

£30 - £49
International
The Coal Office

The Coal Office

2 Bagley Walk, King's Cross, London, N1C 4PQ

Renowned designer Tom Dixon made an undeniably good move when he decided to set up his new headquarters at The Coal Drops Yard development. He was even shrewder in his decision to open a restaurant on the site, with Assaf Granit at the helm (from legendary Machneyuda in Jerusalem). Those visiting can expect a seductive atmosphere and cutting-edge dishes, while all of the Dixon brand products used in the restaurant are available to purchase, natch.

£50 - £79
Middle Eastern
Lebanese
Casa Pastor

Casa Pastor

Coal Drops Yard, London, N1C 4AB

From the Hart Brothers (who founded Barrafina), this casual Mexican is a spin-off of the hallowed El Pastor in London Bridge, taking up a much larger space than its predecessor in Coal Drops Yard. There’s a collection of tightly-packed tables inside, while the partially-covered outdoor terrace comes with a central grill. On the menu, you’ll find the likes of tuna tostadas, sparklingly fresh ceviche and tacos filled with 24 hour marinated pork shoulder or Corona-battered seabass.  

£30 - £49
Mexican
Caravan King

Caravan King's Cross

Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, King's Cross, King's Cross, London, N1C 4AA

One of several Caravan restaurants across the capital, this King’s Cross joint is always awash with diners sipping on coffee or tucking into the all-day menu of light bites. Vegetarians are well looked after thanks to dishes such as spiced cauliflower with harissa and pomegranate yoghurt, while meat eaters can satisfy any carnivorous cravings with crispy pork belly. Caravan is a popular brunch-time spot too, when you will find baked eggs and a veggie fry up.    

£30 - £49
Fusion
Fatto a Mano Pizza & Beer

Fatto a Mano Pizza & Beer

Unit 1, 3 Pancras Square, King's Cross, London, N1C 4AG

Not satisfied with conquering nearby Brighton, Fatto a Mano is fast becoming London's go-to for proper Napolitan-style pizza. This spacious site on the edge of Coal Drops Yard is a perfect place to grab a pizza with mates, or console yourself with an excellent aperitivo whilst you wait for your delayed train to turn up. 

Under £30
Pizza
Rotunda

Rotunda

Kings Place, 90 York Way, King's Cross, London, N1 9AG

Found at the back of King’s Place, Rotunda is an upmarket grill boasting a charming outdoor terrace. The restaurant prides itself on butchering all of its meats in-house, resulting in high-quality steaks, burgers and the like. Once you’ve satisfied any carnivorous cravings, you can finish up with a selection of British cheeses or a tiramisu-baked cheesecake, while Rotunda’s chef’s counter is a great spot for those who want to see the kitchen team at work.

£30 - £49
Steak
British
The Midland Grand Dining Room

The Midland Grand Dining Room

St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, King's Cross, London, NW1 2AR

If it’s a grand dining room you’re after, you’re in the right place here with everything from marble columns to accents of gold and an impressive selection of art deco chandeliers. Beyond the interiors, you’ll find a Parisian inspired menu that is equally awe-inspiring.

£50 - £79
Modern European
French
SquareMeal London Top 100

If you want to know more about the most exciting addition to King’s Cross in years, check out our guide to every restaurant at Coal Drops Yard.

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