Paolina, Kings Cross

Paolina's is a small Thai restaurant on Kings Cross road near the railway station.

Outside it looks dirty and not very inviting. As you go in, the heart sinks even further - tacky plastic on the tables and the 'kitchen' is just a couple of gas-rings behind the till.

However, dont be put off! As an ex-backpacker with frequent trips to Northern Thailand I can say with my hand on my heart that a Thai restaurant doesn't get more authentic than this. The staff (who are the owners) are incredibly friendly, chatting in broken English. The food is just fabulous; even the Tom Yam soup was spot on (I'd never tasted Tom Yam soup outside Thailand before that I thought authentic - one word of warning, it hasn't been 'westernised' so it's VERY spicy hot!).

There are seperate lunchtime and evening menu's, with the evening menu a little more comprehensive than the lunchtime's. They have no liqueur license, so bring your own bottle (no corkage charge) if you want to drink. Also, they DO NOT take plastic, only cash (hole in the wall 2 mins away at the station so not a big problem).

Bottom line; if you like real Thai street-food then you will love this place. If you would like a more salubrious establishment with posh (in my opinion, not quite 100% Thai) food then give it a wide berth! I go whenever I find myself in London.

The restaurant is at 181 Kings Cross Rd. Happy eating!