Best restaurants in King's Cross

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.   

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.  

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.    

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.

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.  

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.  

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.

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.