Harden's says
Arabica's new branch can be found in the ground floor corner of the Aga Khan Centre building, a stone's throw from Coal Drops Yard.
Harden's survey result
Summary
A street stall serving “interesting Middle Eastern food” that has developed over the years into a fully-fledged restaurant – this “buzzy” Borough Market fixture makes a “fun” option for a simple meal, while its spinoff across town makes a “decent enough addition to King’s Cross”. Ratings are dragged down, though, by the sceptical view that – while nice enough – the food never manages to hit the gastronomic heights.
Summary
One of the success stories of Borough Market – this Levantine operation with an “interesting mix of Middle Eastern food” started out as a simple stall before trading up to a permanent restaurant that gets “very busy at lunchtime”. It has a similarly well-rated offshoot in King’s Cross.
Summary
“The food is always a delight” at this “consistently high-quality” Levantine specialist “with an emphasis on inventive veg”. Originally a market stall, it graduated to a restaurant inside a Borough railway arch, with a second branch in King’s Cross. Top Menu Tips – “the stand-out cod dish with chunky flakes cooked just perfectly” and “the toasted flatbread that comes hot in rustling bags”.
Summary
“Excellent” Middle Eastern food – “lots of very tasty dishes, with the veggie plates taking the crown” – wins solid ratings for this former festival stall that has moved steadily upmarket over two decades, and now has a glass-fronted flagship at Borough Market, a restaurant in King’s Cross and an outlet in Selfridges’ food hall. For regulars, its revised menu inspires mixed feelings (“an improvement” to some, “a step back” for others).
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Restaurant details
Arabica KX Restaurant Diner Reviews
"We went in for a light snack, were unable to resist the glories of the small plates menu and came out not needing to eat for the rest of the day. This spot is slightly away from the main drag of Coal Drops Yard and was undeservedly empty on our Sunday afternoon visit. Very handy for The Lightroom at Kings Cross."
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