Megaro Restaurant

Stepping off the Eurostar amid the bustle of the Gare du Nord, weary travellers need only stumble a few steps before falling upon boulevards stuffed full of snug eateries crammed with fine food, even finer wine lists and heaps of je ne sais quoi. Those seeking to apply the same routine to London’s international terminal would, traditionally, have advised visitors to bypass the gastronomic wasteland of nearby St Pancras / King’s Cross and head straight into the centre of town. Times, however, are a changin' and this small, but chic, restaurant directly opposite St Pancras station is more than an equal match for its continental counterparts. Attached to a swanky hotel of the same name, Megaro is a little hard to find – the entrance is squeezed unpromisingly between a bank and a fast food joint - but tucked away below street level it belies its surroundings, opening up into a discrete, modern dining room complete with low pools of lighting and high-spec fittings. They’ve got an excellent chef so the food really is top notch – seasonally themed, with quality produce and well-considered combinations (the scallops with cauliflower puree and delicate thyme sauce come highly recommended, as does the beef fillet with its rich red wine jus). Prices are surprisingly affordable (about £30 for 3 courses), while service is both friendly and formal. The wine list is good and there’s just a nice chilled-out feel to the place.

A welcome addition to the area, Megaro has the potential not just to lure in weary, hungry travellers but to attract resident Londoners keen on uncovering fine food served in relaxed stylish surroundings at affordable prices.