A major national railway hub, Kings Cross was once no more than an arrival point for visitors to the UK capital, but regeneration has seen a proliferation of entertainment spots in the area, including several great-value places to eat.
(Photo: Roti King)
The former industrial area now buzzes with activity, with garden squares and public art installations attracting families and tourists in their droves, while the presence of several global corporations including Google draws a crowd of creative office types. It’s also a vibrant nightlife destination and the number of trendy pubs, bars and restaurants in the area nowadays rivals anywhere else in the city. We’ve picked out 5 of the most affordable restaurants that Kings Cross has to offer.
Roti King
Tucked away on a slip road behind old Euston, about a 10-minute walk from King’s Cross station, Roti King’s inconspicuous setting does not necessarily suggest a memorable dining experience awaits. But this small Malaysian eatery punches well above its weight and has gained something of a cult following since opening its doors back in 2014. Founded by Malaysian-born chef and author Sugen Gopal, with the aim of bringing Malaysian cuisine to the international stage, the restaurant serves up freshly made Roti Canai with curries, Nasi Lemak, Mee Goreng Mamak and other authentic South East Asian dishes. There are no reservations, but time it right and you can normally get a table within 30 minutes.
40 Doric Way, Euston Road
Flatiron
(Photo: Flatiron)
There was a time when finding great steak in London was nigh on impossible without blowing the budget – but then Flatiron came along and changed the game in a major way. Today the chain has several restaurants dotted across the city, including one a short walk from King’s Cross station. Specialising in cheaper cuts of beef that are packed full of flavour, they serve up steaks for half the price you’d find in more upscale steak restaurants that so often place style over substance. Complimentary beef-flavoured popcorn as an appetiser and salted caramel ice cream in a cone served from the entrance bar add to the value.
47-51 Caledonian Rd
Pizza Union
This fast-casual pizza chain joined a packed crowd of competitors when it opened its first London outlet in 2013, but Pizza Union has certainly held its own in the years since and is now the go-to venue for fans of Roman-style pizzas who flock here from across the capital. Super-speedy serving times courtesy of ultra-hot stone ovens in the open kitchen make it a popular choice for a quick dinner with friends, while the price point contributes to the appeal, with pizzas available for less than £10. The venue itself is casual and welcoming, with long sharing tables for sociable types or more intimate tables for two or smaller groups.
246-250 Pentonville Road
Chilli Cool
(Photo: Chilli Cool)
Long gone are the days when Chinese food in London was limited to Cantonese-style cuisine and its time honoured classics like chicken chow mein. Today the city is dotted with eateries showcasing the diverse food culture of China – and one of the best-represented regions is the southwestern province of Sichuan. At the vanguard of London’s Sichuan revolution has been Chilli Cool, a casual and reasonably-priced canteen-style restaurant nestled between Bloomsbury and King’s Cross that attracts lovers of blisteringly hot dishes spiced with handmade chilli oil. As well as its penchant for heat, the eatery also has a strong commitment to ‘nose to tail’ eating, with everything from tendons to tripe to pig’s ears featuring on the prudently laminated menu.
15 Leigh Street
Dishoom
Located directly opposite Coal Drops Yard, just around the corner from the fountains of Granary Square, the King’s Cross branch of this hugely popular Indian restaurant chain attracts busy crowds every day of the week. Inspired by the Irani cafes of 1960s Bombay, the restaurant combines an inviting atmosphere and quirky decor with some of the very best Indian cuisine you’ll find anywhere in London – and with many of the sharing dishes on the menu coming in at under £10, some of the best value, as well. Menu favourites include the house black daal, a rich, thick lentil dish cooked for an impressive 24 hours.
5 Stable Street
By Paul Joseph