Hawley Wharf, Camden’s stunning new development, finally opened its doors at the end of the summer and is now home to workspaces, retail shops and plenty of new restaurants worthy of a visit. One of those restaurants being The Black Cow, a Middle Eastern take on an American steakhouse, envisioned by chefs Chef Amir Batito (Machneyuda group) and Chef Shiri Kraus (Palomar, The Barbary). The team, who successfully ran a private catering company during lockdown, decided to open up their own brick and mortar restaurant to the delight of many.

Named The Black Cow as a nod to the chefs’ black sheep attitude towards the hospitality world, the Israeli chefs have drawn inspiration from the Hebrew phrase ’לפתוח שולחן’ meaning ‘opening a table,’ inviting their guests to join them for a meal. Using American steakhouses as an outline for their food, they infuse classics such as thick grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, and bread and butter with Middle Eastern spices and cooking techniques, creating new and incredible flavours.   

The restaurant is located in what looks like a posh food market, with stalls located throughout the space overlooking the canal and Camden Market. When you arrive, I highly recommend snagging a seat at the bar if there are any spots available, which overlooks the open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work. While we perused the menu, the lovely bartender started us off with drinks. I love a good tequila cocktail and the ‘Shaffa,’ made with Rooster Rojo Tequila, lime, and agave, was just what I needed. My partner, a bourbon fanatic, tried the Kashish, a mix of Rebel Yell bourbon, maple, orange, and bitters. Both drinks were balanced with the perfect mix of sour and sweet, while still allowing the taste of the spirits to pull through.

Chef Batito asked us if we wanted to pick our dishes or allow him to choose for us – we of course opted for him to choose our dishes, and after a quick chat through the menu, he made his wonderful suggestions. First came the cheesy cauliflower – roasted cauliflower oozing with a spicy bechamel sauce, dusted with spices and pops of coriander seeds. Definitely an elevated version of the cauliflower cheese you have at your Sunday dinner. We next had The Casbah, which Chef Batito told us was their version of a Philly Cheesesteak. Instead of bread, they use brik pastry, which originated in Tunisia but gained popularity in Israel due to the large Tunisian population living there. Wrapped inside is slow-cooked pulled steak, monterey jack cheese, and a soft egg, all deep fried until the brik is crunchy and light and the cheese melted within.

Last of the appetisers was the Shrimpim Prawn Cocktail, which as you can guess wasn’t your average prawn cocktail served in a martini glass. Instead, we were served beautiful and plump large prawns, fried with their shell on and placed on top of a cooling tzatziki dip. I happily ate the prawns whole, shell and all, sucking the flavourful juices from the heads. My partner did not follow suit, which meant more prawn heads for me.

The star of the show was of course the farm-to-table, 100% free-range British beef steak. We shared the Benoni, a 10oz Denver steak cooked right in front of us over an open fire. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, sliced into large pieces and drizzled with burnt herb oil. Each steak is served with a bundle of dried herbs which is then lit on fire before you, the herbal smoke adding to flavour of the meat. For dessert, we opted for the chocolate cigar, a thinly rolled pastry filled with decadent chocolate and topped with a silky vanilla custard. I promise you, you will not regret getting this dessert.

The staff at The Black Cow was incredibly friendly, engaging and enthusiastic about the food and drinks, we had an amazing time. I highly recommend visiting The Black Cow for an evening out with friends or your loved ones. 

Website: https://www.theblackcow.co.uk

Address: 2nd floor, Hawley Wharf, 6 Water Ln, Camden, NW1 8JZ

Written by Joanna Finlay 

Photography courtesy of The Black Cow