The best lunch in King's Cross

Rails is a reimagined restaurant and bar that combines French-inspired British cuisine with a warm, cosmopolitan atmosphere, distinguished by soft lighting and art-lined walls. Designed to welcome both travellers and locals, it offers a curated menu featuring seasonal starters, daily grilled meats, and a well-stocked bar serving cocktails and French wines. In addition to à la carte options like the signature beef Wellington, Rails offers an express lunch menu with your choice of two or three courses at an affordable price.

Morty & Bob's in Coal Drops Yard is a laid-back café and restaurant known for its top-of-the-line grilled cheese toasties, from the classic with onions to indulgent options like truffle mushroom or 'nduja with roasted pepper. Set in a cosy space with exposed brick and wooden accents, it offers a comforting escape for lunch in King's Cross, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Alongside the toasties, you'll find a well-rounded menu of seasonal dishes, cocktails, and a compact wine list.

Perched between Coal Drops Yard and Regent's Canal, The Lighterman is a bright and welcoming gastropub that combines modern British dining with laid-back charm. Spread across multiple levels with waterside terraces, indoor lounges, and panoramic views, it's a versatile spot perfect for anything from casual cocktails to full private events. The menu focuses on elevated pub classics and creative flatbreads made with seasonal, sustainable ingredients, all paired with a solid drinks list featuring craft beers, wines, and weekend-worthy cocktails.

Zoya Grill & Lounge near King's Cross offers refined Indian cuisine that balances traditional flavours with modern flair, served in a stylish setting across three spacious floors. The menu features everything from sizzling starters and tandoori grills to chef's specials like citrus-spiced Zoya chicken and slow-cooked lamb shank, with options for halal diets and even picky kids.

Dedicated King's Cross lunch restaurant The Yellow Bittern is a somewhat quirky spot – tiny, cash-only, bookings by phone or postcard, a portrait of Lenin on the wall, and the venue itself doubling as the headquarters of “Luncheon” magazine and a bookshop. The cooking is up to snuff, however, with acclaimed chef Hugh Corcoran behind the kitchen decks. The food revolves around classic British cuisine and the general atmosphere is of long, boozy lunches and meaningful conversation.

Dishoom is arguably the most popular restaurant in King's Cross, and its walk-ins-only dinner policy means a lengthy queue out its doors is standard come the evening. Savvy Londoners know, however, that they actually do take bookings during the day, making them a great lunch choice whether you're trying to impress a client, woo a lunchtime date, or simply get in to see what the big deal is without having to wait. There are loads of Bombay comfort food options to choose from on the menu, but whatever you order, make sure to include the legendary house black daal.

At the much-loved Supawan Thai, diners can tuck into authentic Thai fare like fragrant tom yum, rich massaman curry, and sizzling seafood pad chaa, alongside signature dishes such as the spicy prawn red curry and tender, slow-braised pork belly. To quench your thirst, try one of their punchy cocktails or opt for refreshing homemade soft drinks like iced milk tea. With a lush setting thanks to the modern decor and abundance of leafy plants, Supawan Thai makes for a very refreshing lunch break in King's Cross.

Dim Sum Duck is widely recognised as one of London's best dim sum joints, but we'd advise against coming here if you're on a short lunch break – its small size and overwhelming popularity mean queues are a regular fixture, even though the table turnaround is quick. That said, if you can spare the extra time, you'll be treated to an authentic Chinese lunch with roast duck, steamed dumplings, and other authentic delicacies at very competitive prices.

Booking Office 1869 draws inspiration from the dependable spirit of the historic St Pancras station it calls home. Housed in the former ticket hall, the grand space blends vintage European elegance with global flair – think towering palms, rich wood panelling, glowing pendant lights, and a sweeping bar that anchors the room. Lunch is served here daily, with both à la carte specials like free-range chicken breast or a house cheeseburger and a two or three-course set lunch menu available. On Sundays, you can also order a proper roast.

This Caledonian Road restaurant isn't pulling any punches in London's fiercely competitive roti game. The snug spot has generated serious hype for its buttery roti flatbreads that practically dissolve on the tongue. Pair your roti with a rich curry of your choice, or switch things up with a generously filled dosa. Seating is tight, so grabbing your lunch to take away might be the smarter move.

Co-owned by multi-hyphenate talent Idris Elba, Porte Noire is tucked away in the striking Gasholder redevelopment. The King's Cross wine bar and restaurant offers an ample selection of the world's finest vintages – there are around 800 bottles or so to choose from, including Elba's own. It's not all just about the wine, however – Porte Noire serves a weekday set lunch menu featuring two courses of homemade, seasonal European cooking.

Bao's signature steamed buns are an ideal choice for lunch in King's Cross – affordable, filling, convenient for eating in or on the go, and catering to different tastes with their various fillings. The Pancras Square branch of the citywide restaurant group is styled as a modern Taiwanese café with a pleasing wood-based aesthetic and outdoor seating. In addition to savoury lunch fare, Bao King's Cross also offers sweet steamed buns as dessert or a standalone treat, as well as coffee and other drinks.

A creative partnership between Michelin-starred Israeli chef Assaf Granit and renowned designer Tom Dixon, Coal Office is a sleek and vibrant dining destination that blends bold flavours with striking decor. The lunch menu offers a modern journey through Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, reimagining traditional favourites like manakish, shashlik, Yemeni malawach, and indulgent date ice cream.

Originally launched in Spitalfields, Bubala made a name for itself with its vegetarian Middle Eastern feasts, impressing veggie and meat-loving crowds alike. The restaurant group now includes a King's Cross branch, where vegetarian lunch-goers can tuck into a set menu or choose from à la carte options like oyster mushroom skewers, smacked cucumbers, and confit potato latkes.

Parrillan in King's Cross offers a unique Spanish dining experience where guests grill their own meat, fish, and vegetables on individual tabletop grills. Set on a cosy covered terrace, the restaurant also serves Spanish wines, cava, and a dedicated gin and tonic menu. With its interactive concept and relaxed alfresco setting, Parrillan is ideal for a leisurely and social lunch outdoors.