Dining

The 4 Best Restaurants in King’s Cross

From canalside dining to Coal Drops Yard: where to eat well in London's most transformed quarter.

In short: our top picks are Caravan King's Cross, The Lighterman and Barrafina Coal Drops Yard. 4 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.

King’s Cross has gone from somewhere you passed through to somewhere you book a table, with canalside terraces and the restaurants of Coal Drops Yard leading the way. These are the rooms worth knowing in one of London’s most transformed corners.

Place Area Price
Caravan King's Cross King's Cross ££
The Lighterman King's Cross ££
Barrafina Coal Drops Yard King's Cross £££
Casa Pastor King's Cross £££
  1. Editor’s choice

    Caravan King's Cross

    • King's Cross
    • ££

    Why we pick itAn all-day warehouse room in Granary Square; brunch, wood-fired plates and good coffee.

  2. The Lighterman

    • King's Cross
    • ££

    Why we pick itA canalside pub-restaurant with terraces over the water; the sunset spot of the area.

  3. Barrafina Coal Drops Yard

    • King's Cross
    • £££

    Why we pick itThe no-bookings Spanish counter; sit, watch the chefs and order the daily specials.

  4. Casa Pastor

    • King's Cross
    • £££

    Why we pick itTacos, mezcal and a buzz in Coal Drops Yard; lively and very good fun.

Before you book

Time it for a canalside seat in good weather, and wander Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square either side of dinner. Book the destinations; the area draws a crowd. And it is brilliantly connected, so it makes an easy pre-train or pre-show dinner.

Common questions

What are the top picks in this guide?

Caravan King's Cross is our editor's choice: An all-day warehouse room in Granary Square; brunch, wood-fired plates and good coffee. Caravan King's Cross, The Lighterman and Barrafina Coal Drops Yard lead the guide, with 4 places in total, all chosen on merit.

How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?

Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.