Restaurant Review: Spagnoletti, Kings Cross, London, UK

In recent years, the area around King’s Cross has undergone a remarkable transformation — and Spagnoletti is a welcome addition to London’s thriving food scene. What was once an underutilized industrial site has blossomed into a dynamic district of streets, parks, shops, and eateries.

The Transformation of Euston Road

Across Euston Road, a former seedy corner has become home to a new shopping destination. A standout landmark here is the Megaro Hotel, once a Barclays bank, now featuring a bold multi-coloured façade and housing two exceptional venues: Spagnoletti Restaurant and Hokus Pokus Alchemy Bar.

Inventive Design and Creative Cocktails at Hokus Pokus

Both spaces are the brainchild of creative visionary Henry Chebaane. While Spagnoletti is named after 19th-century engineer Charles Spagnoletti, the subterranean Hokus Pokus bar merges steampunk futurism with Victorian-era apothecary vibes.

We begin underground where mixologist Greg ‘Doc’ Chudzio introduces his unique cocktail menu. Each drink is distilled, infused, pickled, or smoked in-house—absolutely no off-the-shelf spirits here.

My companion asks for a bespoke non-alcoholic cocktail and is pleasantly surprised. I try the Molecular Martini, which contains ball-bearing-sized alcohol spheres that explode with flavor on the tongue.

Dinner at Spagnoletti: Industrial Chic Meets Culinary Art

We head upstairs to Spagnoletti, buzzing with Friday night energy. The interior features an open kitchen, long dining space, and industrial decor inspired by railway telegraphy — yellow pipes crisscross the ceiling in homage to Charles Spagnoletti’s work.

Starters: Bread, Croquettes, and Arancini

The restaurant’s philosophy revolves around flour: all pasta and bread are made in-house. We begin with warm charcoal sourdough and fluffy focaccia with tomato and olives.

We sample suckling pig and black pudding croquettes, light yet rich, alongside chopped caper egg mayo. But the showstopper is the wild mushroom and truffle arancini, crispy outside and moist within, served with a creamy goat cheese dip.

Crab, Pasta, and Fish: Creative Mains

Next comes the Crab Cannolo — two crisp pasta tubes generously stuffed with white crab meat, sweetened with clementine jus.

For our pasta dish, we try Tortiglioni with prawns and chili, served al dente with sun-dried tomatoes and a mild chili kick.

The fish main—cod on a purée of brussels sprouts and hazelnuts—is an unexpected delight. The cod is blowtorched for a crisp top, and the hazelnuts add a sweet contrast to the bitterness of the sprouts.

Desserts: Bold and Balanced

Though tempted by their signature tiramisu, we opt for the Gorgonzola cheesecake. The cheese gives it a savory twist, balanced by pear glaze and rum jelly.

My companion selects the Salted-Caramel Ganache with banana ice cream and crunchy praline — and gives it full marks.

Final Thoughts: Why Spagnoletti Stands Out

Spagnoletti’s attention to detail, particularly in its fresh pasta and bold flavor combinations, puts it far above the typical Italian chains. Its location may be convenient to the train station, but this is a restaurant worth a deliberate detour.

And don’t miss the incredible cocktails at Hokus Pokus — an experience all its own.

Visit Spagnoletti

Spagnoletti – 23 Euston Road, London, NW1 2SD
Tel: 020 7843 2221
Email: hello@spagnoletti.co.uk