Harden's survey result
Summary
“Every morsel is delicious” at this well-pitched three-year-old, on the edge of the new King’s Cross dining quarter – the work of Israeli celeb chef Assaf Granit (founder of London’s Palomar and Barbary, plus equally hot venues in Israel and Paris). Fitted out by Tom Dixon (whose offices are adjacent), its “wonderful Middle Eastern flavours and lively Tel Aviv vibe” draw an appreciative crowd: “boy was it worth it – such interesting flavours and perfectly executed”.
Summary
“Shame it’s impossible to get a table”, at Assaf Granit’s “happening” (“loud and busy”) Israeli yearling – “possibly now the best restaurant in the new King’s Cross quarter”, and one of the smash hits of the year. With its “amazing location” – a “very cool”, Victorian ex-industrial building, with “funky Tom Dixon decor” (“his designer stuff strewn everywhere”) and an “enticing terrace” – it has “an easy casual vibe”, boosted by “such happy service”. For newbies, “the menu takes a little explanation” and delivers “zingy, appetising, rich” small plates which amaze many diners, although they can also seem “to be trying too hard” and “portions aren’t massive”. Top Tip – “the bread is outstanding”.
Summary
“Shame it’s impossible to get a table”, at Assaf Granit’s “happening” (“loud and busy”) Israeli newcomer – “possibly now the best restaurant in the new King’s Cross quarter”, and one of the smash hits of the year. With its “amazing location” – a “very cool”, Victorian ex-industrial building, with “funky Tom Dixon decor” (“his designer stuff strewn everywhere”) and an “enticing terrace” – it has “an easy casual vibe”, boosted by “such happy service”. For newbies, “the menu takes a little explanation” and delivers “zingy, appetising, rich” small plates which amaze many diners, although they can also seem “to be trying too hard” and “portions aren’t massive”. Top Tip – “the bread is outstanding”.
Summary
Assaf Granit, chef and co-owner of The Palomar and The Barbary, is behind this early autumn 2018 Mediterranean/Middle Eastern-inspired opening in a big, Victorian, ex-industrial brick pile by the canal in King’s Cross: a 160-cover space split over three floors, with a rooftop terrace and al fresco dining area, complete with panoramic views over Granary Square. Designer Tom Dixon, whose practice is nearby, is also involved creating, for example, tableware which is for sale.
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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Restaurant details
Coal Office Restaurant Diner Reviews
"An excellent meal which only made us regret not coming back sooner! You come away with respect for the originality of the cooking, which you do pay for. Ambiance is marked down as it is noisy, music too. Tables very close and it can be draughty in winter. We had one of the 3 bread options - frankly although it was good, it was a mini dish rather than a side and perhaps too much. It was all great: Their signature polenta starter remains strong - a must. Octopus was amazing, tender and tasty. Desserts are also a high point as it the powerful coffee! "
"Fab, fab, fab. Lovely staff (both kitchen - we sat at the pass - and on the floor), great food. Stand-out Yemeni brioche, black tahini ice, grilled aubergine with tomato and raspberry, but everything was great. "
"A real buzz in this interesting restaurant- the staff were really knowledgeable and helpful and the whole experience was a pleasure. "
"A real buzz in this interesting restaurant- the staff were really knowledgeable and helpful and the whole experience was a pleasure. "
"A real buzz in this interesting restaurant- the staff were really knowledgeable and helpful and the whole experience was a pleasure. "
"This place is just amazing, and amazing fun - great to take guests here and watch their faces as they realise this isn't just another noisy cocktail barn but a seriously good restaurant. I've never had a bad dish here. Just tell them how much you want to eat, let them pick the food and join the crowd. Only problem? Getting a booking."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £35.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £6.50 |
| Service | 12.50% |
2 Bagley Walk, London, N1C 4PQ
Opening hours
| Monday | 5:30 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:30 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:30 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 5:30 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 5:30 pm‑11 pm |
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