Eat The Tube: The Best Restaurants Near King’s Cross St Pancras
Finding somewhere to eat in London is easy. But finding somewhere truly exceptional? You kind of have to know your stuff. Especially if you want to avoid the tourist traps. Luckily, the regeneration of King’s Cross over the past 20 years came with tons of new restaurants that don’t disappoint, so you shouldn’t have to look too far to find some top notch grub in the area.
Whether you’re in the market for Sri Lankan street food, great gastro pubs or some of the best pasta in the city, here are 10 restaurants near King’s Cross St Pancras that are sure to hit the spot.
Lina Stores
Opening exactly 75 years since they first opened their Soho deli, the King’s Cross site is the first time Lina Stores have put both restaurant and delicatessen together.
Specialising in beautiful Italian fare, the menu is full of delicious plates including Duck, Porcini & Marsala Ravioli with Chestnuts & Thyme, and Arancini with Gorgonzola & Pear Mostarda, Taleggio & Truffle Parmigiano Reggiano. Finish it all off with Sicilian Cannolo with Candied Orange & Cinnamon and you’re in for one heavenly Italian meal.
Where: 20 Stable St, London N1C 4DR
Website: www.linastores.co.uk
Hicce
Hicce (pronounced ee-chay) is the cool Coal Drops Yard restaurant that attracts shoppers and foodies alike. The welcoming vibe and wood-fired dishes are perfect for anyone looking for a unique spot to settle down and eat amazing food near King’s Cross. We love the cod with cauliflower, cavolo nero, golden raisins and almonds; and for dessert, the sticky toffee pudding is one of our favourites.
Where: Unit 102, hicce x Wolf & Badger, Stable St, London N1C 4DQ
Website: www.hicce.co.uk
Parrillan
From the team behind Barrafina, known for their amplified tapas dishes, Parrillan is an alfresco terrace bar and restaurant in Coal Drops Yard. Sat on the upper level, looking over Regent’s Canal, the atmosphere doesn’t stop with the views because the parilla (grill filled with charcoal) on each table allows guests to have a truly hands-on dining experience.
Choose from dishes like Lamb Pintxo Moruno and Lagarto Iberico with Alioli which your waiter will bring to your table for you to cook to your liking. And when you’re not cooking up a storm, there are some great tapas dishes to tuck into; from crispy ham croquettes to Padrón peppers.
Where: Coal Drops Yard, Stable St, London N1C 4AB
Website: www.parrillan.co.uk
Coal Office
From designer Tom Dixon and famed Israeli restaurateur Assaf Granit, Coal Office is a restaurant like no other. Sitting a stone’s throw from the canal, this is one to head to if you’re after a truly memorable dining experience.
Expect fresh, experimental small plates, big plates and “in-betweens” with inspiration taken from the flavours and spices of the Mediterranean.
This is one to head to if you’re after a truly memorable dining experience.
Where: 2 Bagley Walk, London N1C 4PQ
Website: www.coaloffice.com
St. Pancras Brasserie & Champagne Bar By Searcys
Suffice it to say, but St. Pancras Brasserie & Champagne Bar is a pretty popular choice if you’re looking to indulge in some great food and champers.
If you’ve not been, make sure to head here for some tasty small plates like Artisan British cheeses with home-made apple and grape chutney, or tuck into larger dishes like the Freedom lager-battered haddock, minted peas, tartar sauce and triple cooked chips. And to wash it all down? Opt for a trio of quality champagnes for £38.
Indulge in some great food and champers.
Where: St.Pancras International, London N1C 4QL
Website: www.stpancrasbysearcys.co.uk
Granger & Co
We eat a lot of brunch here at The Handbook, so it’s safe to say we know our stuff when it comes to finding the best ones, and Granger & Co Kings Cross ticks all the right boxes. From melt-in-the-mouth scrambled eggs, to tangy, freshly squeezed orange juice and perfectly crispy sourdough, you know you’ll be in safe hands when it comes to starting the day right.
Where: Unit 1, The Stanley building, 7 Pancras Sq, London N1C 4AG
Website: www.grangerandco.com
The Lighterman
The Lighterman is a staple canalside boozer in King’s Cross and one that’s a real must-visit. From trendy burgers and superfood salads to wood-fired grills and chips in baskets, it’s got all the ingredients of a crowd-pleasing gastro pub.
Oh, and don’t forget to nab a table on the canalside terrace when the sun is shining. The food, drinks and waterside location really hit the summertime spot.
The food, drinks and waterside location really hit the summertime spot.
Where: 3 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH
Website: www.thelighterman.co.uk
Dishoom
No matter what Dishoom restaurant you go to, you’re in for an immersive atmosphere and exceptional food. Championing shareable home-made Indian street food and paying homage to the old Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom has developed a cult following (one I’m proudly part of) for both the quality of its food and the buzz of its restaurants that put a London take on Irani cafés.
The glorious menu takes you from breakfast through to evening, and the cocktail menu features signature cocktails to enjoy in the basement bar of King’s Cross site while you wait for a table upstairs in their slick restaurant.
Where: 5 Stable St, London N1C 4AB
Website: www.dishoom.com
Hoppers
For the best Sri-Lankan and South Indian-inspired food in the city, it’s got to be Hoppers. The St Pancras Square site offers family-style feasting with bar bites and seafood grills. We can’t get enough of the Jackfruit + Mushroom Kothu Roti, and the BBQ Black Pepper + Curry Leaf Prawns.
Where: Unit 3, 4 Pancras Sq, London N1C 4AG
Website: www.hopperslondon.com
Decimo
Decimo sits on floor 10 of The Standard, one of the area’s coolest hotels, which means it certainly ticks the dinner-with-a-view box too. The restaurant serves up the diverse cuisines of Spain and Mexico and the menu takes much-loved dishes and makes them exceptional. Think Chistorra and Black Bean Tacos, Iberico Pork Skewers and Huevos a la Flamenca (a distinctly Spanish shakshuka-like brunch dish).
Where: 10th Floor, 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG
Website: www.decimo.london