This New King’s Cross Restaurant Feels Like A Postcard From Italy
Summer is well and truly here, and we’re all dreaming of sun-soaked holidays in the Mediterranean with cocktails by the beach, long swims in turquoise waters and of course, the promise of delicious summer dishes, best enjoyed while basking in the sun. But if you haven’t got that holiday booked in yet, you can still enjoy a taste of summer in Europe right in the heart of London, at one of the city’s most popular Italian restaurants.
Freshly launched, Harry’s King’s Cross is the newest outpost of the group, and we visited for a little escape to the coast of Italy. Here’s what we thought:
What sets it apart
The first thing that will steal your attention when Harry’s Kings Cross comes into view is the terrace. Designed to resemble an Italian garden, it’s the perfect spot for al fresco lunches and drinks that call for easy conversation amidst a beautiful, breezy setting.
The restaurant offers a glamorous Venetian-inspired setting with all-day dining at its heart.
Harry’s outdoor space feels integral to the experience – a proper Italian piazza in the midst of urban London, that brings the charm of Amalfi and Portofino straight to the city. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a glamorous Venetian-inspired space. Whether it’s a breakfast meeting or a special date night, the unique thing about Harry’s is that it has something for everyone. We ended up lingering over dinner longer than planned just because the restaurant feels so warm and friendly that you find yourself wanting to slow down and enjoy your surroundings.
Our experience
The restaurant genuinely feels like you’ve stepped into someone’s holiday. The walls are decorated with images of classic summer holiday experiences – families at the beach, couples on elegant yachts, beautifully dressed people sitting pretty on al fresco terraces and quaint cafes. The menu is carefully curated to give you just enough options so that you have something to think about, but the menu is not overwhelming when it comes to the choice of dishes. The staff will happily take you through their favourites, and I’d recommend going with the popular ones. We arrived eager to dive into authentic Italian cuisine and left very satisfied with the experience.
What we ordered
We ordered bellinis to start, which were the perfect summer drinks on a warm evening. There’s also a fun selection of Aperol Spritzes as well as a Negroni and Sbagliato menu that looks ideal to take you through a long lunch. Harry’s has also launched a special cocktail collection, created in
partnership with Casamigos and Fever-Tree, so you can enjoy standouts like the Sunset Siciliana (Casamigos Blanco with Sipello aperitif, lime, nettle and Fever-Tree Italian blood orange soda that’s basically a Sicilian sunset in a glass). Or go for the Paloma Rosa, a sparkling mix of Casamigos Blanco, lime, agave, Fever-Tree pink grapefruit soda and prosecco.
We ordered bellinis to start, which were the perfect summer drinks on a warm evening.
I ordered the truffle arancini, which was as good as it sounds, along with the gamberi e nduja (oven-baked prawns in a creamy sauce with Amalfi lemon), which was a lovely spicy antipasti that set the tone for the rest of the meal.
For meat eaters, I’d recommend ordering the pappardelle al ragu bolognese.
For mains, I couldn’t resist ordering a classic Margherita pizza – Harry’s pizza always hits the spot. For meat eaters, I’d recommend ordering the pappardelle al ragu bolognese (wide ribbon pasta with slow-cooked beef, San Marzano tomatoes and rosemary sauce with a generous helping of Parmesan – delish).
Harry’s goes the extra mile when it comes to desserts. The Amalfi sundae is a playful dessert made with lemon sorbet, lemon curd, milk gelato, Chantilly cream, sugared rosemary, candied lemon, and miniature meringues, cones and wafers. Or try the favourite – Harry’s Gondola, which is a fun selection of sharing desserts, served on an opulent Venetian Gondola display that’s got a mix of tiramisu, gianduja-filled doughnuts and a zesty Amalfi lemon sundae.
The verdict
Harry’s Kings Cross is the ideal spot for anything from a corporate breakfast, midweek lunch or late dinner date. The terrace alone makes it worth the visit, but the food and service ensure you’ll want to return. It’s not trying to revolutionise Italian cuisine – instead, it’s perfecting the classics with a little twist. I’d highly recommend it even if you’re just looking for a spot to spend a lazy summer evening over spritzes and pizza. For summer dining in particular, this is one of the city’s most appealing new options and makes the ideal spot for a little taste of a holiday in Italy.
