Curtain Up: Shoreditch’s New Steakhouse Brings the Drama - The Black Cow at The Stage

There’s a new opening in East London that’s got both culinary insiders and culture lovers talking — not just for the food, but for the theatre of it all. On Saturday 2nd August, The Black Cow at The Stage throws open its doors in Shoreditch, bringing with it a heady mix of Broadway flair, Middle Eastern spice, and seriously good beef. This isn’t just another East End opening; it’s a performance with steak as the star.

At the helm are Shiri Kraus and Amir Batito — the duo behind Camden favourites The Black Cow and Epicurus — now expanding their empire with a restaurant layered in drama, from its menu to its design. Set within The Stage, the landmark development that houses the remains of Shakespeare’s Curtain Playhouse, this new venture leans heavily into its theatrical setting. And rightly so.

Step inside, and you’re cast into a world that feels part Jerusalem backstreet, part New York noir. A wall of dry-aged steaks sits behind glass, setting the tone early. The interiors lean into Broadway with moody black and emerald accents, sun-warmed terracotta underfoot, and lighting that’s pure spotlight suspense. The restaurant unfolds in three acts: The Performance Courtyard, a Mediterranean-styled open-air space dotted with olive trees; The Gallery, an upper-level vantage point with front-row views of the open kitchen below; and The Backstage, a private dining room filled with vintage props, cleavers, scales, and signage that wouldn’t look out of place in an off-Broadway dressing room.

But let’s talk steak — because that’s the headline act. Dry-aged in-house, the cuts are carved and flamed table-side, cooked over a Josper grill, and served with flair. Expect T-bone, picanha, and the underrated hero, onglet — all sourced from the best: HG Walter for the meat and Nature’s Choice for the veg. As ever with Kraus and Batito, the menu is a love letter to their heritage — a playful take on American steakhouses with Middle Eastern rhythm. Think lamb merguez corn dogs with labneh and harissa, sweetcorn with ras el hanout and feta, and warm cornbread served with lamb butter. No one’s leaving hungry.

Desserts flirt with the exotic too: spiced quince with almond crumble and orange blossom ice cream, or a Gorgonzola cheesecake with fig coulis and a seeded cracker that hits all the right savoury-sweet notes.

As for the drinks? The bar is just as considered. Signature cocktails include the Ottoman Martini — a velvety blend of vodka, Turkish coffee, cardamom and cream — and Kashish, a brooding mix of bourbon, spiced orange and bitters. The wine list focuses on Old World gems and off-piste producers, steering clear of the obvious and pouring character in every glass.

“This site is steeped in history,” says Shiri. “We’ve always loved that mix of the tongue-in-cheek and the theatrical. It’s a steakhouse, yes, but there’s a Middle Eastern undercurrent — playful, rich, and emotional.” Amir adds, “For me, it’s all about the steak — the sourcing, the dry-ageing, the moment it hits the grill. We want it to be a show every time.”

With its roots in Shakespeare’s East End and its heart firmly in the fire of Levantine kitchens, The Black Cow at The Stage promises to be one of the summer’s most intriguing new restaurants — a place where history, hospitality, and heat collide in the most delicious way.

The Black Cow at The Stage

30 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NL

Opens Saturday 2nd August

www.theblackcow.co.uk