Nestled inside the bustling Camden Market’s North Yard is Epicurus, an unconventional American diner with a distinctly Middle Eastern flavour. Named after the eponymous Greek philosopher, who espoused friendship and life’s simple pleasures, this bold restaurant takes this ancient ethos to heart.
Epicurus is driven by the desire to deliver maximum satisfaction through good food and fun vibes, and its Levantine twist on indulgent American classics is the proof in the pudding. The founders, Shiri Kraus and Amir Batito, encourage conviviality by bringing a sharing concept to the dining experience, as they experiment with unexpected flavours and traditions.
Expect to find decadent dishes such as tender beef short rib rack drizzled in a pomegranate molasses and date honey glaze, and a meat grill sharing platter with confit pork belly, jalapeno and cheddar sausage, beef rib cap, and lamb leg steak. The standout sloppy burek plays around with the classic sloppy joe, adding a Middle Eastern kick with crispy burek pastry and harissa. Its commitment to high-quality ingredients in all of its authentic dishes ensures a fresh and flavourful feel.
Its innovative desserts are no less indulgent, with the signature dish, yael, offering Middle Eastern s’mores topped with a pistachio crunch, rose ice cream, and finished off with burnt meringue. But it is the alcoholic shakes that make this diner unique. Made with traditional Dondurma Turkish ice cream, shakes include flavours such as: baklava, honey and whiskey; tangerine, pistachio and gin; and salep and vodka. This abundance continues in the rest of the drinks menu, with a variety of carefully chosen wines, available by both the glass and the bottle.
Following in the footsteps of its initial venture, The Black Cow, Shiri and Amir work to expand their inventive method for dining at Epicurus. Tucked away inside a historic listed building, with trendy exposed brick and inviting seating, Epicurus aims for a chilled-out atmosphere, creating a fun place for people to celebrate and friends to catch-up in the midst of hectic Camden.