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Camélia
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Camélia
8.8
In the former Nabisco factory in the Arts District, Camélia serves French bistro cooking filtered through a Japanese pantry, from duck frites and croque madame riffs to abalone pot pie and koji-brined roast chicken. National attention and strong local word-of-mouth make it one of Downtown’s most talked-about new dining rooms, with sake, wine, and a polished room that still feels relaxed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck frites for two with duck fat béarnaise, Ham katsu croque madame on shoku-pan, Abalone pot pie with flaky pastry crust
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A Franco-Japanese bistro where French technique meets Japanese ingredients in a dramatic Arts District space.
Who should go: Diners chasing buzzed-about French cooking with Japanese polish.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings when the room and bar feel electric.
What to order: Duck frites, ham katsu croque madame, abalone pot pie.
Insider tip: Bar seats are often easier to snag and offer the full menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the Arts District complex; limited street parking exists but fills quickly after 6pm. Plan extra time for nearby paid garages on Traction Ave or Mateo St.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge—jeans are fine if paired with something dressy. Many guests lean elevated due to the high-energy dining room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations are doable at tables, but the room buzzes on weekends, especially near the bar.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes for walk-ins; bar seats offer the best chance without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—Camélia is dinner-focused; for early-evening weekday walk-ins the wait is typically 10–20 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate selection—several vegetable-forward small plates and entrées can be adapted, though the menu skews protein-heavy.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be modified, but vegan diners should expect a narrower experience.
Gluten-free options: Good options—many dishes can be prepared gluten-free thanks to the Japanese pantry influence; staff is knowledgeable about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The room is polished but relaxed, the lighting is flattering, and the French–Japanese menu offers conversation-friendly surprises without feeling formal or stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly. The bar is the best bet for walk-ins, especially before 7pm. Prime weekend hours almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The ambiance, pricing, and menu skew adult, and there are no kids’ accommodations. Older teens comfortable with adventurous dining will fare better.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous diners seeking a blend of French technique and Japanese flavor profiles in a buzzy, design-forward room—ideal for celebrations and date nights.
Skip if: You're looking for classic, traditional French bistro fare without fusion elements, or you prefer a quieter, more subdued dining environment.
Camélia
8.4
Camélia leans into French-Japanese bistro cooking, with precise plates, a serious wine and sake list, and softly lit interiors that feel tailor-made for dates. It’s intimate but not stiff, with just enough buzz to feel special without shouting over the room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soft Shell Crab Gem Salad, Croque Madame, Fluffy Corn Cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: French-Japanese bistro cooking in a low-lit, design-forward room.
Who should go: Couples prioritizing ambiance and cocktails with dinner.
When to visit: Later seatings for peak bistro glow and energy.
What to order: Soft shell crab gem salad, croque madame, corn cheesecake.
Insider tip: Flag it as a date when reserving to improve table placement.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Mateo and nearby blocks; fills quickly after 6pm. Valet often available through adjacent venues for $12–$15 on peak nights.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge. Dark denim is fine, but most guests lean dressy—think elevated date-night outfits.
Noise level: Moderate. A steady bistro buzz but still easy to hold a date-worthy conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for bar seats without a reservation; tables are rarely available as walk-ins after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; walk-ins are usually accommodated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—several composed vegetable dishes and adaptable plates.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be modified, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Friendly—many dishes rely on rice- or seafood-forward prep; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting is flattering, the music is low enough for real conversation, and the menu is adventurous without feeling risky. It strikes a balance between polished and relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed. Arrive early (before 6:30pm) for the best shot at a bar perch. After prime hours, walk-ins are unlikely to get full tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids. The room is intimate, the menu skews adult, and there are no child-specific accommodations. Teens comfortable with upscale dining will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Intimate ambiance, refined plating, and a blend of French technique with Japanese precision that feels lighter and more date-friendly than many classic bistros.
Skip if: You want hearty portions, a loud high-energy night, or a menu with strong vegan or dairy-free coverage—other Arts District spots will suit those needs better.
Camélia
8.3
Camélia brings French-Japanese bistro cooking to the base of the Biscuit Company Lofts, pairing precise plates and a serious wine and sake list with a softly lit room and spillover outdoor tables. The patio and sidewalk seating pick up glow from the historic building, making alfresco dinners feel quietly cinematic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Sesame Parker House Rolls with Salted Butter, Uni Otoro Toast, Corn Cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: French-Japanese plates and polished wines under a historic loft facade.
Who should go: Couples and friends who linger over cocktails and courses.
When to visit: Later evening for full patio glow and buzz.
What to order: Uni otoro toast, black sesame rolls, corn cheesecake.
Insider tip: Ask about Golden Hour snacks and drinks before a later reservation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Mateo and surrounding blocks; it fills after 6pm. Limited paid lots nearby, no dedicated valet.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slightly polished edge; dresses, button-downs, and clean denim all fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate indoors with a lively dining-room hum; quieter on the patio with easy conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins depending on patio demand; bar seats turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; patio tables are easiest to snag.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several composed vegetable plates and a few adaptable dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 dishes can be modified, but the menu leans dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Good options; many plates are naturally gluten-free or can be adjusted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio’s soft lighting and steady buzz create an inviting, low-pressure setting with elevated food and cocktails.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights; weekends require flexibility. Patio and bar seats are most likely for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the atmosphere skews adult, but older kids and teens who enjoy quieter, refined dining will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Polished yet relaxed outdoor dining with French-Japanese plates and a quality wine-and-sake list in a historic setting.
Skip if: You want a fast, casual meal, fully vegan choices, or a party-like atmosphere.
Camélia
8.5
Camélia is a newer French-Japanese bistro where precise sauces, seafood, and playful desserts land in a softly lit loft space off Industrial Street. It feels intimate yet buzzy, with a wine and sake program that rewards lingering over multiple courses.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black sesame Parker House rolls, Abalone pot pie, Corn cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: French technique meets Japanese ingredients in a compact, thoughtfully designed room.
Who should go: Couples and small groups chasing precise, wine-friendly cooking.
When to visit: Later evening for peak bistro buzz without early rush.
What to order: Parker House rolls, a seafood main, corn cheesecake.
Insider tip: Snag bar seats for walk-in chances and close kitchen views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Industrial St. is limited after 6pm; nearby paid lots along Mateo St. and around Biscuit Lofts run $6–$12 in the evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—button-downs, elevated tops, and clean sneakers or boots fit the room’s refined-but-relaxed vibe.
Noise level: Moderate: there’s steady bistro buzz, but you can hold a normal conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins, though bar seats are your best chance without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is limited; on days it’s offered, waits are minimal or nonexistent.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—several starters and at least one entrée can be made fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable-driven plates can be adapted, but expect only 1–2 true vegan options.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation—many seafood and protein dishes are naturally GF or easily adjusted; staff is attentive to modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—soft lighting, intimate table spacing, and polished service make it ideal for a first date that feels elevated without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—walk-in bar seats are your best bet, especially after the early rush. For patio or prime tables, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—this is a small, date-leaning bistro with no children’s menu. Older teens who enjoy refined dining may be fine, but younger kids may feel out of place.
Best For
Better for: More intimate and design-forward than the bigger neighborhood powerhouses; excellent for precise cooking, thoughtful wine/sake pairings, and quieter upscale evenings.
Skip if: You want large-group seating, fast-casual energy, or a wide menu with comfort-heavy dishes—other Arts District spots handle those better.