Once a post-industrial area in the city of London where the only notable landmark was a train station, King’s Cross is now one of the country’s best examples of urban regenerative success. The area first became a transport hub in the Victorian era, boasting two of England’s most vital train stations, but by the mid-20th century, King’s Cross fell into decline. A transformation began in the late 90s, and today, it stands as a premier destination for luxury hospitality and food enthusiasts. Read on to discover the best restaurants in King’s Cross.
Sushi on Jones
Originally established in New York, Sushi on Jones in Coal Drop Yard has quickly become one of the standout dining destinations in King’s Cross. The restaurant prides itself on using only the finest ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers and this emphasis shines through in every dish on the menu. One popular menu offering is the 12-course Omakase, which includes a variety of nigiri including buttery otoro, a tender prawn ebi, and an egg-based tamago. Sushi on Jones is particularly famous for its “30-minute Omakase,” making it ideal for diners seeking a refined dining experience without committing to a lengthy stay.
The sleek, minimalist interior design even features an omakase bar where guests can interact directly with the chef and observe the meticulous preparation of their food.
Isla, The Standard
Housed inside the five-star The Standard Hotel, Isla is a sophisticated restaurant that has emerged as one of the best eateries in the area. Taking inspiration from British and Mediterranean flavours, Isla has a seasonal menu that perfectly balances simplicity with innovation. Highlights include the lemon sole with seaweed butter, mussels with nduja, and the classic chicken supreme. Isla also has an extensive dessert list, with offerings like the poached pineapple and bread ice cream, paired well with an inventive cocktail menu.
The restaurant features plenty of indoor seating alongside a beautiful terrace covered in bright flowers and lush greenery. During the summer months, the outdoor terrace is a serene escape for diners in the heart of the city.
The Midland Grand
Tucked away in the iconic St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, The Midland Grand dining room retains its 19th-century grandeur with a masterful reimagining by Parisian architect Hugo Turo. The Midland Grand boasts soaring ceilings, intricate tilework and impressive glass chandeliers, blending the building’s Victorian charm with tasteful modern elegance. Under the direction of Head Chef Charlie Crote, formerly of The Ritz, the menu is an homage to classic French gastronomy. Crafted using seasonal ingredients and showcasing French cooking techniques, dishes here are diverse and refined. Starters include crab toast and lemongrass-infused shellfish as well as snail bourguignon with pommes paillasson. Some popular selections from the main menu are the roast cod and butter bean cassoulet, and the flavourful barbecued baby chicken enhanced with green chilli, lime and coriander.
The adjacent Gothic Bar offers a selection of eaux de vie, a colourless fruit brandy, which further bridges the gap between the traditions of London and those from France.
Arabica
A new outpost of chef James Walter’s Arabica Kitchen, Arabica in King’s Cross draws inspiration from the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East. The menu is filled with bold dishes that celebrate the vibrant flavours of the Levant, mezze plates from smoky baba ganoush to king prawns and citrus butter, each served with spiced flatbreads – perfect for sharing. There is also a section of the menu dedicated to charcoal-grilled dishes including belted Galloway beef shish and a succulent lamb kofta. Arabica’s menu is designed for sharing, encouraging communal dining and fostering a lively and sociable atmosphere that elevates the overall dining experience.
With a relaxed yet stylish interior dominated by earthy tones, as well as an open kitchen, Arabica’s design reflects the warmth and hospitality of Middle Eastern dining culture.
Happy Face
A popular pizza restaurant located in the bustling Coal Drops Yard area, Happy Face is housed in the same building as the Everyman cinema and has a bar downstairs, making it the ultimate 3-in-1 night out. With a 72-hour dough fermentation process, the pizzas boast an incredible depth of flavour while remaining perfectly crisp and airy. Happy Face offers pizza staples like margherita and pepperoni on its diverse menu, alongside the Diavola, which is topped with spicy salami and a number of non-pizza options like lasagne and aubergine parmigiana. The dessert menu is full of Italian classics like the warm tortino al cioccolato and the popular tiramisu.
Happy Face is complemented by Supermax, the contemporary basement bar situated just below the restaurant. It is the ideal spot to enjoy a fruity cocktail or dance to disco music played by a live DJ late into the night, adding to a lively evening out.
