Camus - Northcote

OK, So I'm the last to know? Really? I must be, it seems every time I ring to book they are fully booked....now I know why! Everyone must know about this place already, down from Ruckers Hill at the start of Northcote, a sensational find. French Algerian influenced cuisine?... that's a bit different for Melbourne, and this find adds to the general foodie charm of Northcote, but lifts it way more than just a notch. This is a new level. This is fine dining, Exquisite tastes, clever presentation, adventurous pairings of classic dishes with new spices and rubs. ...I guess the experience of a Michelin starred chef or Michelin starred restaurant experience in the UK...it's all on show here...The most delicious, expertly boned, roasted quail, luscious fresh scallops, a kid goat dish that was as tender as, in fact more tender than any goat dish I've ever experienced...and tastier!...Of course if you want to find a new 'go to' signature dish....the Turkish Delight Souffle with its rosewater colouring is the finest most delicate and novel take on a souffle yet. A modest range of approachable wines, well priced, a decor that reminds me of what was new and hip in Brooklyn a decade ago, sandblasted red brick interior walls, lots of exposed timber and unpretentious table settings, but an open kitchen that looks the business.The service, friendly relaxed, pretension free, but expert, and the chef....well as it transpires a lovely bloke, passionate about his produce of course, but a lovely chap...how do I know, he comes out of the kitchen and inquires, and, genuinely so. This place will get 'hatted' for sure come the good food awards I suspect...it deserves it too!...Damn!...it'll be harder to get in there then...

What beautiful food we had on a lovely Friday night! Every dish was understatedly good, wholesome and done well. We had the scallops, burrata and quail entrees. The scallops and quail were stunning! Then for main we ordered the whole snapper, goat and duck. Every dish was perfect. The flavors were amazing and so different! Portions were decent and enough to share amongst 4 people. The only let-down was that there were a lot of scales on the fish which was very annoying, and really not forgivable for a place like this. We had read that the turkish delight soufflé was good. It was overall, but we felt it was way too sweet. Overall, a must-go place. It may be a bit far but definitely worth the trek, and for the food too.

We had lunch at Camus last Friday; a small restaurant hidden away in High St. Northcote. The experience was marvellous. The ambience was good, and the staff were very friendly and helpful, including the chef, who was able to talk to us across a small counter dividing the restaurant proper from the kitchen. Best of all, the food was outstanding. We had a small entree each then shared three main courses between three of us: this was probably one too many, as the portions were quite large. Then, we finished the meal with a Turkish Delight Souffle each. This was right up amongst the best desserts I've ever had. The texture and consistency were perfect and the taste was sublime. Congratulations to the chef. This is a restaurant well worth visiting.

Great fit out, spotlessly clean. The meal started with an excellent house made roll, and didn't miss a beat until we departed.

I booked Camus after reading exceptional reviews for my finances birthday dinner. We sat upstairs at a two seater table, I struggled hearing him and had to constantly yell for him to hear me. It was far from enjoyable or romantic. I suggest sitting downstairs if you don't want to yell across the table. The food was absolutely delicious and very beautiful but very small portions. It's also expensive, which would be fine if you got a tad more to eat... Especially as you are meant to 'share' the meals.The cocktails were tasty, but for $22-$25 each I have experienced better and larger.The waiters/waitress were awesome. Helpful and lovely. I really appreciated the alternative appearance of the staff in an upmarket establishment. They added their own uniqueness to the place which felt nice. In summary- Taste and staff, awesomeNoise and portion size, poor