If I ask you to think of buffet restaurants, all you can eat and self-service, I bet I can describe what comes to mind. Well, scrap all of that and take a look at Kitchin N1, making its mark on the buffet world with fresh, ingredients, freshly made food, trained chefs on each cuisine all centred around a bustling theatre island kitchen where you can watch it all being prepared. Bet THAT didn’t come to mind.
I and Mr C went along to Kitchin N1 which is located within a couple of minutes of King Cross and St Pancras station. Lots of transport links and a buzzing atmosphere it’s a great location. When we got to Kitchin N1 we were greeted immediately and shown to a table that had lots of space and everyone is situated so you have easy access to the food island. This is a buffet after all.
I have to say, the food completely surpassed my expectations. Beyond imaginable. The special of the day was a whole baked salmon cooked to perfection. You could just go up and serve yourself up however much you wanted and it was amazing. Soft but firm and just perfect. They have specials on Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Definitely the star of the show for me.
Kitchin N1 has something for everyone. From homemade pizza which you can see the chefs preparing to a whole row of freshly poached seafood. Prawns and mussels galore all freshly cooked where you can see them. The chefs were constantly working in their own sections but were happy to greet with a smile and ask how I am or if there was anything I wanted. It was like being in a fine dining restaurant but one where you could try all the dishes. Phenomenal.
I had the chance to meet the head chef Saleh Ahmed who obviously had a passion for food. He showed me pictures of him cooking banquets for celebrities and he was really proud of his team. Saleh explained that each chef is an expert in the area they cook in meaning that each dish is specially prepared from scratch in their kitchen. No micro meals here and in my opinion, you can tell from the taste of the food.
I stopped at the grill which was great, I got to choose my piece of steak and they cooked it to my liking there and then. Personal service which a bit of character is always brilliant. The steak was amazing. Mouth watering soft and succulent it was definitely a quality standard of meat.
I also had a little pass through the Chinese wok station where you choose your fresh ingredients and the chef creates a tasty stir fry for you. It was great seeing he flames come to life and the chef literally created my stir fry with his eye closed in an acrobat like manner. I wanted to see him do it again and again! The stir fry was lovely, fresh garlic and crunchy vegetables. There was hardly any oil and nothing tasted greasy. Spot on.
Kitchin N1 also have a desert area where there are a range of delights to carrot cake, rice pudding, ice cream, and even an almighty chocolate fountain. I told you there was something for everyone. The plates get tidied away quickly, drinks are served smoothly and overall its a restaurant serving brilliant food with something a little bit different. The only thing that was missing for me were chicken wings (you know I’m a fan!) and strawberry’s for the chocolate fountain. Hey, a girl has needs! But seriously, those are just my little wishes. Generally, they couldn’t have done anything more.
The key thing about Kitchin N1 is that it’s fresh food that you can help yourself too. Whether you go as a couple, like me and Mr C or as party there is lots of space, a great atmosphere and something for everyone in a location perfect for anyone to get home.
KITCHIN N1
8 Caledonia Street
Kings Cross
London
N1 9AA
T: 020 7713 8777
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