Camus

Camus is the newest venture by acclaimed Algerian-born chef Pierre Khodja. The restaurant, which opened in January this year, offers an ideal space for people to gather, socialise and share food for the soul.

The restaurant takes its name from Albert Camus, the French philosopher and writer who explored the challenges of national identity in his work. Camus was an Algerian who lived in the country under French colonial rule and faced feelings of displacement and of being an outsider in his home country.

Khodja grew up in Marseille and had similar experiences of being Algerian in a place that identified as French. The choice of name signifies Khodja’s return to his Algerian roots, and the restaurant sees Khodja celebrate this through the food of his homeland which draws inspiration from his mother, who turned simple, minimal ingredients into delicious meals to feed him and his seven siblings.

We loved tasting our way through the menu which showcases Khodja's identity. The well-priced menu boasts honest food, crafted using quality produce.

To start, the calamari was absolutely stunning - beautifully tender calamari was stuffed with an earthy concoction of prawns and mushroom borak. The dish of scallops was similarly delicious. Perfectly seared and bursting with natural flavour, the sweetness of the scallops were further enhanced by the subtle sweetness of the Jerusalem artichoke, textural fried chilies and refreshing chopped grapes.

From the heavier "To Share" section, of the menu, we loved the duck bastilla - Think buttery yet airy, crumbly filo pastry encasing tender and flavoursome shredded duck served alongside almonds and fruit chutney. 

For something more substantial to share, do not go past the hearty and wonderfully generous dish of slow cooked goat shoulder with sweet onions and apricots.  

Rounding out the menu are an array of sweet delights. We recommend you try the picture perfect Turkish delight soufflé served with pistachio baklava and halva ice cream. You can thank us later.

Camus combines the vibrant flavours and spices of North Africa with classical French training and modern Melbourne sensibility, to bring a new flavour combination to the city’s dining landscape.

Location: 61 High Street, Northcote
Phone: 03 9486 3063
Link: camusrestaurant.com.au