The new King's Cross Bubala is their biggest yet.
What can you tell us about Bubala?
This is actually the third Bubala, the first restaurant having originally opened in a compact space near Spitalfields back in 2019. The food is inspired by cuisine across the Middle East, just happens to be all-vegetarian.
Where's this latest opening?
The latest Bubala has been unveiled in the northern section of the King's Cross regeneration that's been happening over the past decade, in pretty much the final space to open.
About a 10-minute walk from the station itself, this is the group's biggest restaurant yet. Opening in a new building has gifted them an incredible-looking double-height space, with lots of light flooding in from the large arched windows. It's easily the best-looking Bubala to date.
Head about a 10-minute walk north of King's Cross station and you'll find this.
Where should we meet for a drink first?
There is a small counter area here, but it's really mainly used for eating. Nearby, there are a few options between Bubala and the station, though, like Spiritland for cocktails and Babel Beerhouse for beer.
What can we expect from the food?
As mentioned, it's an all-vegetarian affair, but that's actually an aspect that they don't really shout about. There's a cliché to try and avoid when writing about vegetarian restaurants, saying "you don't really miss the meat", but it still feels somewhat appropriate to use that here. And as it's vegetarian and not vegan, there's plenty of cheese on the menu.
The menu roams the Middle East for inspiration and, as is the trend these days, takes a little influence from the Mediterranean too.
Everything starts off with bread and mezze, so you're going to want to start with plenty of their laffa bread and amazing dips:
A few of the dips on offer, including (clockwise from bottom left) baba ganoush, curry leaf oil, pine nuts (£9.50), the new addition to the menu of fava bean, vadouvan (£8.50) and a classic of hummus with burnt butter (£8.50). All fantastic.
After that, we concentrated on a few of their newer offerings:
Spanakopita borek (£12.50) - Bubala's take on the dish of the moment, bringing spinach and geta into pastry form.
Leek, amba, jalapeno shatta, Spenwood (£11) - a non-vegan dish, clearly.
Larger dishes include this skewer of Romano courgette with tahini and harissa (£17)
But there's one particular dish that they've become best known for, and whether you're visiting Bubala for the first time or if you're just checking out their newest place, this is a must-have:
Confit potato latkes with toum (£8.50) - don't leave without trying this.
And dessert?
We went with one of their old favourites and a new arrival:
A chocolate crémeux, cacoa nibs, dates, olive oil (£9) - one of their most popular desserts
And new to the menu is the baked basbousa, aka semolina cake (£9)
What about drink?
A short European wine list starts at a reasonable £35, with most options below £50. There's also a small selection of cocktails, around £11-£13, from which we had this:
The seasonal cocktail during our visit, a roasted sesame martini (£12). Frankly speaking, this was the only thing we wouldn't order again - the balance was a little off.
On the no-alcohol front, the 0% Rhubarb Daquiri was a hit (Seedlip Garden, rhubarb, blood orange, lime, £8.50) They have a range of sparkling Gazoz, including one with plum, basil and cinnamon and both lager and pale ale from Days on the no-alcohol beer front.
Overall thoughts
We've visited every Bubala and Hot Dinners readers even voted the earlier openings their most favourite new openings of 2019 and 2022. Can they make it a hat-trick later in 2025?
We think all those many Bubala fans will be just as happy with this great-looking new addition. It also brings something fresh to the area that should be welcomed by the growing King's Cross community that live in the area. Another hit, then.
More about Bubala
Where is it? Unit 1, Cadence Court, 4 Tapper Walk, London N1C 4ED
How to book: Book online
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @bubala_london.
Subscribe to be the first to get the news from Hot Dinners
