King's Cross, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

A “lovely canalside location” at the foot of the Kings Place concert hall (and with a large outside terrace in summer) is the strong suit of this contemporary fixture, which is very well-appointed for an arts centre venue. “Excellent meat” is the top culinary attraction, supplied by the owners’ farm in Matfen, Northumberland.

A “lovely setting at a very convenient location in King’s Cross” – overlooking the fountains of Granary Square from its large and leafy outside terrace – is sometimes let down by “average and rather overpriced food” at this stylish brasserie – although for the most part it still “seems better than its Ivy Collection cousins” (minus the stained glass, it’s really an Ivy in disguise). On the plus side, there’s a “reasonable fixed-price lunch menu”.

A particularly solid choice for brunch – this “buzzy” Kiwi-run chain (with seven branches) fits the bill well, with “interesting small plates” of pan-global fusion food and an emphasis on notably good coffee (which they roast in-house). On the downside, the food is often “passable and no more” and their “lively” interiors (Granary Square in particular) can become “hopelessly crowded”, giving rise to incidents of “slapdash service”. Still, they’re “fun” and “reasonably priced”. (See also Vardo).

“Tucked away” near the canal at the foot of an old, repurposed gas-holder near King’s Cross, this “lovely wine bar and restaurant” showcases Champagnes and wines from movie icon and co-owner Idris Elba’s ‘Porte Noire’ brand. The food menu is “rather limited”, but it’s “nicely realised”; and “the wine list is exceptional”. Service is professional, and it’s a “sleek” looking and “buzzy” venue too (incorporating a handful of nice outside tables in summer).