A new restaurant with a wonderfully meaty menu has made Camden Market its home – and it’s the kind of food you think about for weeks afterwards.
Epicurus has taken a traditional and elevated American Diner experience and turned it into more of a sharing concept, introducing a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
The restaurant takes its name from the Greek philosopher known for his ethical philosophy centred around simple pleasures and friendship – which is what the venue is all about.
The restaurant is located in Camden Market’s North Yard within a listed building adorned with exposed brickwork.
At the centre of the venue is a beautiful stand-out tree which is a great centrepiece - the rest of the room has quite a raw and moody vibe.
The food is a meat-feasters dream – packed with powerful menu options that you can sink your teeth into.
Among the highlights are the meat grill sharing platter featuring beef rib cap, confit pork belly, jalapeno and cheddar sausage, lamb leg steak, and the Sloppy Burek (my personal favourite part of the platter) — a Middle Eastern twist on a classic Sloppy Joe.
A simple burger can sometimes come across as quite a boring menu option, but Epicurus managed to take theirs to the next level providing an unreal balance of flavours.
The combination of different tastes and styles was something I had not experienced before, and I came away from the evening enjoying everything I ate.
The pulled chicken shawarma pancakes which came with a harissa bacon jam sounded like something that I would not have usually picked – but it ended up being my favourite item on the menu and I came away surprised and delighted by the brave combo.
The plates were built to share, and I visualised a huge group of close friends trying each other’s dishes and getting extra plates for the table in a highly sociable and celebratory way.
The owners encouraged us to eat with our hands and really get stuck in – it somehow balanced between being fun and casual but still a high-quality dining experience.
The desserts were completely indulgent and the kind that you somehow always had more room in your stomach for.
Their signature dish, Yael, is a kind of Middle Eastern S'mores creation combining pistachio crunch, rose ice cream, and burnt meringue – a really inventive end to the meal.
Alcoholic shakes that packed a punch accompanied our desserts - they came in a huge variety of boozy flavours including baklava, honey and whisky and pistachio and gin.
Founders of Epicurus, Shiri Kraus and Amir Batito, were very well informed about their decisions and inspiration, taking a seat next to us at the table to tell us all about their experiences and passions.
Everything in the restaurant from the wine to the table snacks has been carefully selected by the pair and there was a story behind every decision.
They also founded the highly successful “Black Cow” which is also located in Camden – Shiri and Amir expressed their love for the vibrant area and the locals, who they hope will welcome this new venue with open arms.
Founder Amir Batito said: “We are thrilled to be opening a new restaurant in Camden after the roaring success of The Black Cow.
“We absolutely love the area and feel that we can really offer something new and unique to locals with Epicurus.
“Lots of time and care has gone into creating the menu, which seriously delivers on taste.”
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