Kebab from octopus? Only at London's famous Pescobar in Camden Market
April 11, 2025
In the heart of bustling Camden Market, one of London's most iconic tourist attractions, lies a culinary gem that breaks all conventions. Pescobar is where traditional kebab meets exquisite seafood, creating a fusion of flavors that attracts both local foodies and tourists from around the world. The restaurant's specialty is octopus kebab, an innovative dish that has already gained cult status among London street food lovers. This unusual combination of fresh seafood, aromatic spices and the traditional form of kebab is a perfect reflection of the multicultural character of Camden Market - a place where history meets modernity and tradition meets innovation.
Ad
Pescobar London - a seafood revolution in the world of kebabs
Pescobar London, located in the historic Camden Stables Market, is a place that has revolutionized the approach to street food, combining the traditional form of kebab with exquisite seafood. The restaurant stands out from other food outlets in Camden Market not only for its unique menu, but also for its distinctive décor, which draws on the seaside atmosphere while blending harmoniously with the industrial aesthetics of the market.
Pescobar's flagship dish is the octopus kebab - a dish that at first glance may seem like an eccentric culinary experiment, but in fact is a perfectly balanced composition of flavors. Tender, juicy tentacles of octopus, marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, are grilled to perfection and then wrapped in fluffy, homemade flatbread. The whole dish is complemented by fresh vegetables, homemade sauces and side dishes that enhance the seafood flavor without dominating it.
Pescobar's menu is not limited to octopus kebabs, however. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, always with a maritime touch. Specialties include kebabs with shrimp, squid or salmon, as well as a variety of appetizers such as fries with sepia or seafood salad. Prices at Pescobar can be described as average - you'll have to pay more for an octopus kebab than for a traditional meat version, but given the quality and freshness of the ingredients, the price is commensurate with the quality on offer.
Pescobar London also stands out for its approach to sustainability. The restaurant's owners place a strong emphasis on sourcing seafood responsibly, working with suppliers that use sustainable fishing methods. All seafood served at Pescobar is fresh and of the highest quality, which can be felt in every bite of their dishes.
The atmosphere at Pescobar perfectly reflects the spirit of Camden Market - it is relaxed, friendly and full of energy. The restaurant attracts a diverse clientele, from locals to tourists to celebrity chefs looking for inspiration. Despite its growing popularity, Pescobar has retained the authentic character and quality that attracted its first customers.
It is worth noting that Pescobar London also has a second location on Chalk Farm Road, which offers a similar menu, but in a slightly different setting. Both restaurants have excellent reviews, but it is the original location in Camden Stables Market, with its unique atmosphere and historic surroundings, that draws the biggest crowds.
Pescobar's history is closely tied to that of Camden Market itself, which has become one of London's most important cultural and culinary centers since its establishment in 1974. Like the market as a whole, which has evolved from a small weekly craft market into a complex of six different markets, Pescobar has evolved from a small seafood stall to one of the most recognizable restaurants in the area.
Camden Market - the the historic heart of alternative London
Camden Market, where Pescobar London is located, is much more than a mere marketplace - it is a true cultural institution and one of London's most distinctive attractions. To fully appreciate the uniqueness of Pescobar, it is worth learning about the fascinating history of the place where it is located.
Camden Market's history dates back to March 30, 1974, when a small weekly craft market near Camden Lock began to grow, eventually transforming into a sprawling market complex. Today, Camden Market consists of six separate markets: Buck Street Market, Camden Stables Market, Camden Lock Market, Hawley Wharf, Electric Ballroom and Inverness Street Market. Each has its own unique character and offerings, but together they all form a vibrant cultural mosaic that attracts some 250,000 visitors a week, making Camden Market the fourth most popular tourist attraction in London.
Pescobar London is located in Camden Stables Market, which has a particularly rich history. Prior to its transformation into a market, the area was an important transportation hub, with the Regent's Canal connecting it to the rest of the national canal network. The site of today's Camden Stables Market was home to the Pickfords' stables, where more than 800 horses were kept to transport goods. These horses played a key role in London's industrial activities, pulling railroad cars into position. A network of horse tunnels and a former horse hospital, which now serves as a concert hall and art gallery, have been preserved at the market.
Camden Market's industrial past is evident in its architecture - traditional 19th-century industrial buildings have been adapted for the modern market, creating a unique blend of history and modernity. This atmosphere is a perfect match for Pescobar's concept, which also combines tradition (the kebab form) with innovation (seafood as the main ingredient).
In the 1970s, when canal trade ceased, there were plans to build a northern city highway through the Camden Market area. Fortunately, those plans were abandoned in 1976, allowing the market to flourish. In 1991, a three-story market hall designed by John Dickinson opened, further boosting Camden Market's popularity.
Camden Market's history has not been short of dramatic moments. On July 10, 2017, a major fire broke out at Camden Lock Market, with at least 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines responding. Fortunately, the market quickly recovered and continued its operations.
Since 2014, most of Camden Market has been taken over by Israeli billionaire Teddy Sagi, who has expanded it significantly, turning temporary stalls into permanent structures. In 2022, Sagi's company, LabTech, put the market stalls up for sale, hoping for a price tag of around £1.5 billion, a testament to Camden Market's immense value and importance.
Camden Market has become a center for alternative subcultures, attracting a mix of goths, rockers, hipsters and indie fans. This cultural diversity is reflected in the market's culinary offerings, where you can find dishes from all over the world, from traditional British delicacies to Asian cuisine to innovative concepts like Pescobar.
Pescobar fits perfectly with the eclectic nature of Camden Market, offering something that can't be found anywhere else - a fusion of traditional street food and exquisite seafood. This unique culinary offering attracts both tourists seeking new taste sensations and locals appreciating quality and innovation.
Culinary journey through Camden Market - from tradition to innovation
Camden Market is not just a shopping destination, but a true paradise for lovers of good food. Pescobar London, with its innovative approach to seafood kebabs, is a prime example of the culinary creativity that thrives in this historic location. However, to fully appreciate Pescobar's uniqueness, it is worth placing it in the broader context of Camden Market's gastronomic scene.
Camden Market has always been a place where different cultures and culinary traditions met. Initially, simple food stalls offering traditional British snacks dominated the scene, but as the market grew and traders from all corners of the world arrived, the food offerings became more diverse. Today Camden Market is home to more than 100 different food outlets, representing cuisines from around the world.
Pescobar London stands out from this with its unique offering - seafood kebabs. While traditional kebabs, originating from Middle Eastern cuisine, are usually prepared with meat (usually lamb, beef or chicken), Pescobar has boldly replaced this ingredient with seafood, creating an entirely new category of street food. This innovation perfectly reflects the spirit of Camden Market - a place where tradition meets experimentation and different cultures inspire each other.
Comparing Pescobar with other food outlets in Camden Market, there are a few important differences. While many stalls offer dishes inspired by a particular national cuisine, Pescobar creates its own unique fusion of flavors. Prices at Pescobar are slightly higher than at the average fast food outlet in Camden Market, but lower than at a typical seafood restaurant in London, making it an attractive option for those looking for quality food at an affordable price.
Pescobar has two locations in Camden - the original in Camden Stables Market and the other on Chalk Farm Road. Both offer similar menus, but differ somewhat in atmosphere. The restaurant in Camden Stables Market is more integrated into the historic setting of the market, which adds an extra dimension to the experience of eating there. The restaurant on Chalk Farm Road, on the other hand, offers slightly more seating and a more traditional restaurant layout.
It's worth noting that Pescobar is not the only place in Camden Market that is experimenting with traditional forms of street food. The entire market is known for its innovative culinary concepts, from vegan versions of classic meat dishes to fusion sushi to experimental desserts. This culinary creativity is one of the reasons why Camden Market attracts so many visitors.
But what sets Pescobar apart from other innovative culinary concepts in Camden Market is its consistency in executing its vision. While some food outlets are experimenting with different styles and concepts, Pescobar has focused on one clearly defined idea from the beginning - seafood kebabs - and has perfected it.
Pescobar's history is also closely tied to the evolution of Camden Market as a culinary center. As Camden Market began to attract more and more tourists and became one of London's main attractions, the demand for high-quality dining options that offered something more than typical fast food grew. Pescobar has filled this niche perfectly, offering dishes that combine the speed and convenience of street food with the quality and sophistication of a restaurant.
When visiting Pescobar in Camden Market, be sure to set aside some time to explore the entire market. Camden Stables Market, where the original Pescobar is located, is a fascinating place full of history. Walking through its nooks and crannies, you can discover traces of the place's industrial past - from the preserved architectural elements of the old stables, to the horse tunnels, to the horse hospital. This unique atmosphere makes eating octopus kebab in Pescobar not only a culinary experience, but also a journey through time.
Pescobar London in Camden Market is more than just a place to eat innovative seafood kebabs. It's a symbol of the creativity and cultural diversity that define Camden Market. It's a place where tradition meets innovation, creating something completely new and exciting. Whether you're a seafood lover, a fan of street food, or simply a seeker of new culinary experiences, Pescobar is sure to offer an experience you'll long remember.
Similar articles
Ad