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Had an amazing experience had Camelia. Every dish we ordered was delicious. We sat outside in the lovely patio. Service was phenomenal. Would definitely be back!
We had reservations so we sat right away. The place was basically full inside and outside already right at opening so service was kind of slow. It's dimly lit and loud since there were so many people there already. We were ready to order everything by the time someone came to take our drink order. It's happy hour 5-6pm so half price oysters and discounted highballs. 1/2 dozen oysters were great ! So fresh and creamy Uni and bluefin tuna toast was extremely disappointing. $28 for 2 tiny pieces and it wasn't very flavorful and the toast was soggy The seabass was average again not really worth the price. The mashed potatoes were sweet kind of weird Abalone and scallop pot pie was phenomenal !!!! I could eat 10 of these !! If I ever come back I'd skip most of these items and just get way more oysters and another pot pie
Camelia, a restaurant tucked away on corner street on the outer edges of the Arts District. I came here to take advantage of my $150 restaurant credit through my Chase CC and luckily Camelia had open spots a day before they expire. Overall I thought my EXPERIENCE was solid and the FOOD was decent. Let me break it down. I'll list from best to worst. The pot pie was the standout--it came out piping hot. Medium chunks of scallops and bits of snail. Has a creamy and tart/sour taste from the lemon they serve. The bread on top was flaky. Would order again. 6 dozen oysters (during happy hour 5-6pm)--I haven't had oysters in a while, but the were the best I had in a while. They come with a yuzu type sauce and a tomato based sauce. Both were good. These next three I'll group them together as good/decent but nothing special. The mousse pate was packed with flavor, wish the bread was crispier. Spaghetti I can make this better. Burger was okay with lots of melted cheese and (I think) carmelized onions between a brioche--wish this had more in it. The worse thing was the broccolini. I'm not sure why this is even on the menu. If not for the pot pie, the food alone would be a solid 3. I bumped it up to 4 because of the pot pie, the delicious (and stiff) drinks, and the overall experience.
Came here on a Sunday night and it was packed. This is a hip, unpretentious restaurant that gave me a Seattle vibe. Service was friendly, attentive but not intrusive. We started with chicken liver mousse toast with blackberry mostarda and yuzu daikon. These two small crostinis are just enough to whet our appetites. We initially ordered the abalone scallop pot pie and Japanese sea bream. The pot pie crust was melt in your mouth flaky. The filling, consisting of tiny diced cubes of abalone, baby scallops (whole) and king mushroom had a mild, buttery taste. Frankly, I felt that the filling was quite scant, albeit tastes good. The sea bream had a crusty skin on top and the flesh was flaky. The sauce was really good. We ended up ordering the black sesame rolls so we could sop all the sauce from the plate. Anyway, we were still hungry so I ordered the pork chop and boy, was it good! It had a breaded crust of honey mustard goodness. It was cooked perfectly tender and somehow has absorbed the flavor of the seasonings. Anyway, we enjoyed this meal and will definitely be back.
French Japanese! Looking over the menu, this place might seem a bit pretentious with the heavy use of fancy ingredient names and French terminologies, but the food is generally pretty recognizable and tasty. Chicken Liver Mousse - It's like, interesting. Very small appetizer of sorts. Chicken Liver on a tiny piece of toast. Bite-sized. Realistically, might not feel worth the $14 price tag, but heck, we're also here to have a culinary experience of sorts, right? If you don't care for liver and you want actual substantial food, then you can probably skip it. Pork Chop w/ Hot Mustard crust - It was very good! Pork chop was very juicy and delicious. The exterior crust was crispy at some points, and it lead to a very delightful texture. The entree is also tastefully complimented with slices of peaches and fennel. I was very pleased with it. Sweet Potato Gratin - To be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of sweet potato. Despite that, I thought it was still pretty good. It also pairs really well with the Pork Chop. Mines came out a little late after I had already finished the Pork, but I still had some pieces of the Pork Chop's crust layer which paired *really* well with the Gratin. If you love sweet potato, you will definitely enjoy this. If you're so-so about sweet potato, it's still pretty good. Abalone and Scallops Pot Pie - This was my favorite. Honestly, if I could order a bigger bowl that was twice the size filled with twice the Abalone and Scallops, I would be over the moon. I love both ingredients, and the "snail butter" complements really well with them. (Snail butter is the same thing they would use with escargot, only without the escargot. I think it's butter with parsley, garlic and shallots) There's a slice of lemon too you can add as well. I alternated bites of the puff pastry lid and the seafood filling, and when I ran out of the latter, I'd dip the puff pastry into the snail butter. It's really good! The service was very friendly and on-par with what I'd expect from a fancier restaurant. My sweet potato gratin was supposed to pair with the pork chops but came out a bit late (even though these are technically two separate dishes) and they were super apologetic about it. I didn't really mind it (although it would have been nice) but I could tell that they are trying to hold themselves to a higher standard because of the interaction. Honestly, I was pretty impressed and while it didn't blow my mind, I wouldn't mind coming back if fate dictates.
Liked the ambiance, high ceilings, and their overall setting. Went ahead to sit at the bar...the bartender was super friendly and welcoming. I was surprised that hot towel 'oshibori' was brought to me - very nice touch! I love oshibori! I asked how their burger was...his response was it was the first item he decided to take back home since it was really good, well, I'm sold! Ordered happy hour beverage as well - they looked to be good deals. Both the burger and fries were tasty and perfect with aioli! While the bar seating was filled up while I was eating, the bartender paid close attention and knew the timing to ask for refill. ;) Anyhow, I enjoyed my weekday happy hour experience downtown LA!
Came here for dinner and I was quite impressed with the food. Service was also top tier as well. Each dish came out in a timely manner and was well coursed out. We got oysters, HH bubbles and highball, pot pie, broccolini, prawns, croque madame, duck, and pork chop. Honestly the broccolini and croque madame were just okay to me. But we really enjoyed everything else we ordered. The duck was definitely the highlight of the meal though. We were too excited and forgot to take a picture of the oysters, duck, and pork chop. The server also recommended me to try their espresso martini, it was infused with pandan and it had the flavor profile without being overwhelming or too much. The restaurant is cute and intimate, definitely a good date night spot in the area.
Service and ambiance was good. Food was also really tasty as well. I docked one point because although the food was good, it was a little too salty. This was a common theme across all the dishes we ordered. I generally enjoy foods on the saltier side, but if I thought it was salty, it would probably be too salty for others. Definitely get the pot pie, it was the star of the night. We were able to find street parking, but there are also parking lots nearby that cost around $5 an hour.
Besides the toasts, all the dishes were way too salty. Also, the spaghetti noodles were undercooked and crunchy. The duck breast was tender, but then again, way too salty. The dishes are interesting ideas combining French and Japanese cuisine, but the execution was a miss. Food aside, there was a seating hiccup. We had to be seated outside, even though I indicated I'd like to be seated in the standard "indoor" room on my opentable reservation. Per the restaurant, standard includes indoor and outdoor seating together. It should be made clear on Opentable if that's the case. Their manager, I think named Patric, had wonderful service and was a pleasure to have around. I guess he was the only highlight of this restaurant lol (ironically not the food)
My wife and I enjoyed the food and service here. I recommend the branzino, spaghetti bolognese with a Japanese twist, and sweet potato gratin. The croque madame was nothing special and can be made at home for a fraction of the cost. It was interesting, and likely a coincidence, that the restaurant sat all the Asian people at one side of the restaurant. Very peculiar... The fella bussing tables had WAY too much cologne on and it was overwhelming every time he came by to grab our finished plates. Our tables are too close to the neighboring tables as well so when the staff come to take orders and stuff, their butts are right in our faces. It was a bit too close for comfort at the booths and I can hear every word of the neighbor's conversations even though I didn't want to.
02/20/26 Friday Dropped in a little after 5 PM and was seated immediately. We were told the tables were mostly reserved so we had about 2 hours. Bar seating would not have this restriction. We took the table outside which has cover and heat lamps so it was completely fine with us. My plate and napkin had black particles that I had to wipe off with my wet napkin... I didn't bother asking for a plate replacement. This is in order of when it came out. 8/10 Chicken Liver Mouse Toast - the berry mostarda overpowered the chicken liver. Otherwise, it tasted good. Very umami. Pretty small, like 50 cent coin sized toasts. 8/10 Pot Pie - As it was being served, the server recommended lifting the puff pastry off the little pot, squeezing + stirring in the lemon juice, and then dipping the puff pastry into the filling. The dish came out piping hot. Be careful to avoid touching the little pot. Too salty overall,because the puff pastry also had salt sprinkled and baked into the top. Abalone is on the chewier side. Scallops are perfection. Heavy on the butter, esp since the top is buttery too. 10/10 Dry-Aged Burger was super tender and not greasy. So good. The cheese paired very well with the meat. The jalepeos weren't super spicy, which I am thankful for. The fries are nothing special. 7/10 Grilled loup de mer - They did well with making the fillet very tender and not fishy tasting. Not to mention CRISPY skin! Decent size fillet too. However, the sauce was too tart and the bok choy was too salty. The total came out to be around $150 for two people before tip. The total includes a 4% fee which the state in the menu. We were pretty full, especially with all that butter and oil. Two Co-ed bathrooms. Parking is a limited, but there is street parking available.
Service was impeccable! We made a reservation for 5pm and had tickets to see a show at 7pm that'd be about 30-40 minute drive to get to - so we were nervous about making it on time but really wanted to eat here. We called ahead the night before to let them know our situation - they reassured us and let us know they put a note on our reservation. We showed up the next day and were seated promptly - the host and our waiter both were so nice about having seen the notes on our reservation regarding having to leave by a certain time time make a show. Service was efficient there on and after - it was so nice to enjoy our meal without having to worry about making it on time for our show. We're so grateful for how accommodating they were! On top of outstanding service, the food was excellent! We started with the oysters (golden hour pricing 5-6pm- nearly half off regular price!) . The oysters were fresh - the ponzu mignonette and yuzu cocktail sauce were incredible - probably the tastiest cocktail sauce I've had - interestingly, tasted kinda BBQ/smoky in a way on the oyster - so good! We also got the uni/tuna toast, abalone and scallop pot pie, prawns, grilled oyster mushrooms, grilled loup de mere, and fries. All dishes were fantastic but the grilled oyster mushrooms was a standout - the mushrooms had nice grill flavor and the persillade green sauce was exceptional- bright, savory- we dipped some of our fries in it- such a scrumptious bite! We finished with crème fresh cake - delicious! To drink, we had the signet ring NA cocktail and NA panache - both were refreshing and delightful - not too sweet (which is always appreciated when it comes to NA drinks). We parked in the $5 lot across the street. There was also $12 valet.
Food here is hit or miss but a decent experience. Came to use the Chase sapphire reserve credit. Sesame roll was good, chicken liver mousse, and the puff pastry abalone scallop pie was good, everything else was normal. Broccolini tasted like medicine so I wouldn't recommend that. We sat outdoors and the it's definitely a louder environment experience.
8 months ago
My fifth visit and I can say this is one of my favorite spots in the Arts District since its opening. People are quick to point out the bill but I think the prices match the dining experience, quality of ingredients and uniqueness of the dishes. The music is always well curated and at an appropriate volume for dining. Staff is knowledgeable and professional, and the cocktail program parallels the food nicely. What we ordered: - Celebrity tomatoes, burrata, ponzu jelly, fried shiso leaves (packed with flavor and the ponzu jelly was stimulating. one of my favorites and a great appetizer idea) - White bean ratatouille, croutons, parmesan (very smooth and filling) - Hanger steak au poivre, black peppercorn, arugula, french fries with curry ketchup (a very nicely cooked piece of meat. sauce did not go to waste. portion size was on the smaller side) - Spaghetti bolognese a la japonaise (the fan favorite. it's a solid fusion pasta. very good) - Croque madam of ham katsu, gruyère, mornay sauce, shokupan, cornichons (easily the most punchy flavor layers here for obvious reasons. this is the one thing I'd recommend ordering. my personal favorite) Past favorites: the abalone and scallop pot pie and dry aged burger are very good. The menu is always updating, which signals they're actively trying to improve. I'll be back! read more
It was not bad to be honest. Food was a bit salty but French food seems to be like that. The steak was well done and delicious. The fries were on point. However, the spaghetti came out cold and a bit too al-dented for my taste. Service was fine, but they seemed to seat everyone in unique fashion. We were seated next to the door so everything felt very cold. read more
Camelia is a beautiful, inviting spot in the heart of the Arts District. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance--elegant but relaxed, with soft lighting, and stylish decor. Service was incredibly friendly and thoughtful from start to finish. We based our order on a mix of personal cravings and a few of our server's recommendations. * Shiva Ji Sashimi - Fresh and flavorful. The sides really stood out: loved the pickled daikon and something that tasted like caramelized seaweed that I loved. * Chicken Liver Mousse Toast with Lemon Guava - Very unique. I don't usually go for liver mousse, but the small bite I had was surprisingly good. My friend who's more into it loved it. * Market Salad - So yummy. The mix of mango and candied walnuts was satisfying, and the vinaigrette was perfection. We cleaned the plate. * Abalone & Bay Scallop Pot Pie - Unique and delicious. The pastry was baked perfectly--golden and crispy--and the filling was rich, well seasoned, and packed with flavor. * Spaghetti Bolognese à la Japonaise - This one wasn't my favorite. It was decent, but lacked flavor and could've used more seasoning. * Black Sesame Parker House Roll - Comes as a single roll. It was decent with a light sesame flavor. I personally didn't feel it was worth its price. *All of the desserts were mind blowing. My favorite was the strawberry sorbet mochi :P The drinks were also a highlight. They were well crafted and balanced. My favorite was the Daisy--it had a delicious guava flavor that was perfectly fruity for my taste. Shoutout to Bartender Kevin :) Camelia has that rare mix of charm, flavor, and calm energy that makes you want to return. I'm already looking forward to my next visit. read more
damn this place was good. i wish i could give it 6 or 7 stars if i could but too bad i'm capped at 5 stars. the service was fantastic, excellent waitstaff that's knowledgable about every dish, and amazing bar drinks. their menu isn't too extensive, but everything that we ordered hit. the two drinks were extremely well made and quite strong mind you. the black sesame rolls came with some delicious butter that we couldn't get enough of. the scallop and abalone pot pie was delectable. the pastry topper and the filling together was just a complete mouth explosion. the hangar steak came with frites and a salad. steak well seared and fries a bit salty, perfect combination. the spaghetti bolognese was probably the one thing that i didn't care too much for due to me being not a huge fan of truffle. all in all, this was a perfect date night spot. my soon-to-be-upgraded fiancé loved it as well and we'll definitely be back. kudos to the chef! read more
Set in a beautiful location in the heart of DTLA's Arts District, this restaurant's original brick flooring, large glass windows, and bistro style charm instantly transport you to Paris. The ambiance is effortlessly warm and European: an experience that sets high expectations from the moment you walk in. Service is friendly and welcoming and the menu is creative and intriguing. Each dish is thoughtfuland artistically presented. However some elements fell short of the otherwise impressive setting. The wine and water glasses had a faint egg like odor, which distracted from the experience and a few dishes didn't quite meet the expectations set by the menu. The black sesame roll was beautifuly textured, soft and luscious with subtle sesame notes; but overly salty especially when paired with salted butter. The Fuyu persimmen, peppers, cucumbers and kinugoshi tofu with yuzu shichimi was our least favorite. While the tofu custard itself was heavenly, the yuzu flavor was barely present and the components didn't quite harmonize. The spaghetti bolognese was a highlight: flavorful, balanced and cooked to a perfect al dente. In contrast, the Hokkaido uni pasta with uni butter and tarragon lacked the luxurious richness and depth we anticipated. The matcha yuzu tart was visually stunning and masterfully balanced in sweetness and tartness, with bold clean flavors. I only wish the rest of the meal had matched the dessert experience. Overall, this restaurant is a feast for the eyes with flashes of brilliance. With a bit more attention to execution and consistency, it could easly become one of DTLA's standout dining destinations. read more
We enjoyed every single dish. The appetizers come in twos in bite size. Both Saba Toast and Sashimi of Medai were delicious, especially the latter pairing nicely with orange/kumquat. Trumpet mushroom was great, especially the sauce. The Salad with mangos and candied walnuts worked really well and was big enough to share. The Spaghetti Bolognese was al dente and flavorful, lighter than its counterparts. The Pot Pie had a fluffy crust with a generous amount of abalone, scallop & trumpet mushroom. It was tasty, but I found it slightly too salty, though Hubby disagreed. It was seriously difficult to pick a favorite dish. I tried the Chocolate Souffle Tart, which is a misnomer, basically just a simple chocolate tart with coconut ice cream. Hubby had the Buckwheat Soba tea, which tasted like a lighter version of the barley tea served in Korean restaurants. The restaurant is very open and comfortable.. The music selection is great, a lot of 80s music. There's also a good-sized patio, and I was told that only service dogs are allowed. As for service, our server could've been a bit more present. She was mostly gone except towards the end of the meal. However, the rest of the staff was attentive refilling our water and taking away empty plates. Street parking is feasible if you are willing to walk a block or more. In addition to valet, a private lot across the street charges $5 an hour. I highly recommend the restaurant. read more
1 year ago
I came here for a friend's birthday dinner. We got chicken liver toast, uni otoro toast, beef cheek, kombucha rice, and spaghetti bolognese. The orders came one by one and wasn't a long wait. Side note, parking is either valet, paid parking lot, or free street parking. The area is super packed with a lot of cars. The chicken liver toast and uni otoro toast were the first to arrive. They were nice small bites to start off the meal. They didn't give me much of a wow factor in taste as much as they looked nice. The spaghetti bolognese came second but I skipped on it because I am lactose intolerant. There was a lot of cheese on top of the spaghetti. The kombucha rice and beef cheek came last. The rice had a nice texture with the ikura and scallions, giving a nice pop and crunch. The ikura also added a nice salinity to the rice along with seaweed. My favorite by far was the beef cheek. That meat was so tender that it fell apart just by touching it with a fork. Overall, the food was pretty tasty. My only gripe was the portion size in comparison to the cost. I was expecting bigger portions, though luckily my party was still full from lunch. I definitely recommend trying this place out. If you are a light eater and want a good date night spot, Camelia is a solid option. read more
9 months ago
Food was small in portion, and confusing in flavor. Croque Madame was interesting and the duck was good as well primarily due to the sauce. Ambiance was dim and industrial. Also industrial was the amount of work we had to do to get the attention of any server. Place seems understaffed and staff was low energy. Like many other reviews, service was the weakest part of the dinner. Took around 15 min after being seated for water to be brought to us, then another 5 before any staff member introduced themselves. Pacing of orders was strange, with a very long wait between the main dishes and appetizers. The dishes were so small they were consumed quickly. This place feels like it's trying to be Bestia or Girl and the Goat and executing poorly. read more
11 months ago
2 months ago
This place was so delicious! Book during their golden hour so you can enjoy happy hour oysters. Kushi Oysters and they were so buttery and delicious! Must order Shepards pie, duck was great... skip the uni/tuna toast--it was a disappointment. Will definitely come back for another date night! read more
1 year ago
Came in with not many expectations, but left surprised and very satisfied! It was a birthday celebration so we started with the uni toast and what a banger. Our first drinks were excellent so get them if they're still there (army navy and the Negroni). Sea bream was pleasant and nice palate cleanser / apertif almost though not a need get. We loved oyster mushrooms and they were grilled so well plus the spring onion was chefs kiss. This came out with spaghetti bolognese a la Japonaise - just a fun thing to get, not usually our first choice. The spaghetti was about as al dente I would eat but it soaked up the mushroom sauce so well.. mix them!! Beef cheek was so very tender and absolutely yum - more classic French but not too salty! The chicken was super moist and I'm always so happily surprised when chicken is done well. Sign of a great restaurant. Husband got his suntory beer which was excellent and reminiscent of Japan for us but don't get a hot toddy if you don't like hot toddies. We couldn't stay for dessert sadly but the ambience was super nice, not too loud and our server was excellent, providing insight to how much leftover we'd probably have and justifying our drink choices. Would 100% come back. read more
4 months ago
Chic restaurant in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Parking was a bit challenging, and valet is $12. The service was warm and attentive, with staff taking the time to thoroughly explain the menu. The food was decent overall, though many dishes leaned on the salty side. I especially enjoyed the chicken liver mousse toast, although my friend felt the bread tasted slightly stale. Overall, I'm glad I had the chance to try it, but it's probably not at the top of my list for a return visit. read more
2 months ago
A newish (as of mid 2024) spot that blends Japanese and French flavors. Is it a bistro? Is it an Izakaya spot? Maybe a combination of both or it's the same thing in different languages or cultures. I'm the wrong person to ask, ha ha. What I do now is that this place has a fun menu with lots of different things that look so great but you almost wanna try them all. That's why it's probably ideal to come here with small group so you could order a bunch of small plates to try a little bit of everything. The service was great and the vibe was relaxed at least when we went. Note that we got here on the later side right before closing time so we were able to get seated right away. We were coming from a wine event so we also didn't drink. I would definitely love to come back and try some of their cocktails. The summary of our wonderful meal is that I feel like we ordered really well. We got a good mix of proteins and vegetables and all the items we ordered were beautifully presented with wonderful contrasting and complimentary flavors. Really sad that I didn't order one or more of the cocktails, but coming from an all out tasting wine event, it was wise for me to cut myself off. What we got: (better description in the pics) - Chicken in seaweed sauce - Beef cheeks - a squash and citrus dish - sprouting cauliflower - Kombu rice - grilled oyster mushrooms There were a bunch of things I would like to try in the future, but here is a quick list of items I really want to try. What I would love to order on the next trip: - croque madame - sweet potato gratin - abalone pot pie - house rolls - the burger I just think that there's so much to order that this place could be frequented with having a new experience each time. Parking could be tough, but again, we came to the area around closing time so we were able to find parking close by. read more
2 years ago
I've bookmarked this spot for some time as it blends two of my favorite cuisines - Japanese and French so I was pretty excited. Parking is a little difficult in the area but valet is available right at the entrance. On a weeknight, the dinner time was lively and the dim lit ambience created a cozy setting where you almost don't notice how close the tables are to each other. The staff was very friendly with good recommendations, and they have purse hangers which is a major plus. The plateware is also so beautiful. Another thing that made them in that upper scale establishment is they pack your leftovers but also leaves them by the hostess and you get a ticket to get them back on your way out so it doesn't have to sit at your table. I started with a Camelia Highball which was a solid cocktail, fizzy and light in flavor. There were some hits and misses in the dishes which for the price point, was a little bit of a disappointment. Would order again: + Sweet potato gratin - a decadent, sweet & savory dish that might have been my most favorite blend of both cuisines that we tried. It was sweet but the cheese gave those savory notes and left a nice crust on top. I really enjoyed this. + Tuna tartare - quality tuna, refreshing flavor, the chips are thin and crisp + Spaghetti bolognese - a very traditional dish that they did well and I liked the smash cherry tomatoes and the thinly shredded bundle of parmesan cheese on top. I'm not sure what makes it with a Japanese - maybe the meat sauce is a little sweeter? Would personally skip next time: + Parker house rolls - The black sesame did not shine through at all besides the rolls being black. The rolls were standard and I don't think the addition of ikura (total $27) was worth it for this. The butter was not salted enough IMO. + Chocolate souffle tart - the name implies to me that it would be lava-like chocolate but was not the case. It's a thin slice, but the coconut ice cream was excellent - smooth and creamy. + Branzino - was a tender piece of fish but I wasn't a huge fan of the sauce because it was a little too runny. I did like the greens accompanied with them but it was a little too soggy for me so there wasn't any difference of textures here. Leaving 50/50 makes me wanting to give them another try with other dishes in hoping they're all hits next time. read more
9 months ago
Apparently this restaurant only opens at night. I did make reservation a week or so in advance so there wasn't much wait when I got there. My friend and I got the uni tuna toast, abalone pot pie, loup de mar, grilled mushroom and yuzu matcha tart. My favorite course of the meal is probably the uni tuna toast. It's fresh, wasabi is freshly grinded. Although I would say it would've been a lighter bit had it not have the toast at the bottom. I also enjoyed the matcha yuzu tart. It's light and refreshing. Otherwise, the pot pie was a bit too rich for my taste. The grilled mushroom was alright, a tad saltier than expected though. The brazino was alright, also a tad saltier than expected. The service was good. With the price point to the portion size, I would say it probably meet 80% of my expectation. read more
This is a hot spot and for good reason. Creative and inventive menu that works, fun cocktails with a sidecar, very cool and chic ambiance, good enough service. This is the newest restaurant from the team at Tsubaki, it's a French Japanese fusion restaurant that totally works! Had booked a 5:30pm weeks in advance for a party of 2, yet they only had patio seating when we arrived, disappointing. Service was phenomenal at the beginning of the meal, though tapered off as the meal went on and the restaurant got busier. Below is what we tried: Black Sesame Parker House Rolls w French Butter - 4 stars. This was quite good, but forgettable against the other dishes. Tuna Tartare - 5 stars. Delicious take on a tartare with crispy little onions and rich seasoning. (Pretty sure this was my friend's favorite dish of the night) Spaghetti Bolognese (A la Japonaise) - 5+ stars. One of my favorite dishes of the night, the fusion of flavors just works! The bolognese was rich, yet light at the same time and each bite becomes more addictive and satisfying. Sweet Potato Gratin - 5+ stars. This was rich and buttery, cooked to perfection! Quite hearty, come hungry for this one. French Fries - 4 1/2 Stars. The fries itself were cooked well, but I personally didn't love the curry flavored ketchup or the aioli. (My buddy liked the curry ketchup, definitely a preference thing) Drinks were solid, and all my Martinis had a chilled sidecar which was lovely. The presentation was excellent, and the vibe was energetic and fun. I'd definitely come back but opt for a weekday since I don't love dining on a chilly patio. read more
3 months ago
We did the tasting menu and it was excellent. The dishes were delicious and innovative. Would have liked to see a bigger wine selection but they had plenty of other alcohol selections. You can also order a la carts if you prefer to customize your meal. Another plus was the price- 110/person for this level of dining is quite rare in LA. read more
3 months ago
2 years ago
Tucked away restaurant in the arts district! Super cute vibe, good for groups, shared/small plates, friends service. They do a $35 corkage fee, 2 bottle max per table! High recommended tasting the cocktails, they had multiple options for cocktails as well. We order a bunch of plates, doubling up on a few. Definitely take the server's recommendation on amount to order, it's spot on! The pot pie (seafood) was very unique, the seafood and puff pastry was incredible. My all time favorite was the uni toast, it's a hit or miss to be too fishy but this was PERFECT! Valet available at the front for $15 read more
9 months ago
It was my second time at Camelia, this place has such phenomenal food and a really lovely atmosphere. All that said, the service was truly horrible when I went last Tuesday night. I couldn't tell if our server was just covering too many tables or still getting the ropes (she said she was about one month in) but it was a series of moves that just ended up in a very subpar experience. Our bread order was forgotten, we had to flag the server down for drinks but when we asked for a sommelier for a wine recommendation the server disappeared for 10 minutes (food has already arrived) then finally came back to asked if we ordered and when we said we just got cocktails and she said there is no sommelier. On top of that it was hard to get the servers attention or even things like water. It's a shame because the food is truly phenomenal but at these prices the service needs to be adding to the meal. As far as food goes, oysters were great, duck was excellent, same with Croque Madame, and the uni pasta. We had about 10 dishes - all great!! read more
Quite the happening spot! Made a reservation on a weeknight evening and the place was packed. We were a party of two and were sat at a two top squished in between two other two top tables. It felt a little cramped to me. Service was absolutely fantastic! Loved our waitress and all of the waiters and bussers were professional and friendly. Loved the cocktail and wine list! They are happy to make suggestions as to what beverage to pair with your food. We tried several dishes including the black sesame with ikura, roll bluefin tuna tartare, sweet potato gratin, spaghetti bolognese, sage stuffed loup de mer and the souffle tart. I would say the tartare, spaghetti bolognese and loup de mer are absolute must tries. The black sesame rolls were OK, didn't have a ton of that black sesame flavor. The sweet potato gratin was SUPER rich and very cheesy. It was good, but felt like a lot. I liked the coconut ice cream more than the actual souffle for dessert. Overall, a unique dining experience with the fusion of flavors, but not every dish was a hit for me. Valet parking available! read more
1 year ago
Camelia - French soul, Japanese finesse (Los Angeles) Couldn't snag a last-minute table on a packed Saturday, so we posted up at the marble bar--zero regrets. The bartenders in crisp Tiffany-blue aprons were polished pros: warm welcome, thoughtful pacing, and the kind of menu fluency that makes you lean in. I opened with their house Negroni--balanced, quietly aromatic, the genmaicha note whispering through the Campari--exactly the kind of drink that sets the tone for a long, talky meal. Snacks landed fast: the uni & tuna toast was a one-bite tide pool--silky, briny, a dab of fresh wasabi to wake everything up. The market-greens salad arrived under a snowfall of shaved cheese, bright and peach-sweet, and my companion's cone of fries was textbook: crisp, herbed, with curry ketchup and an obliging side of dijonaise for dipping. For plates, the "Spaghetti Bolognese à la Japonaise" was comfort with a wink--the nori layering umami into a familiar hug. The soft-shell crab tempura sandwich was plush and playful, and the abalone & bay-scallop pot pie came crowned with an outrageous puffed lid; we tore off shards and dunked them into the herb-laden broth until the bowl was clean. Service never missed: bar team attentive without hovering; runners actually described components instead of just dropping plates. Between the vintage room, the tuned cocktails, and that French-meets-Tokyo pantry, Camelia nails the "special but unstuffed" lane. I'd happily return--bar seats first. read more
4.5 Stars - 5 for food and service, 4 for ambiance and price. Camelia has become a notable name in the LA dining scene, attracting attention for its French-Japanese fusion cuisine. The ambiance channels the charm of a French brasserie, with a combination of bar seating, tables, booths, and an outdoor patio. While the setting is chic, the music volume was a bit loud, making it challenging to hear our waitress clearly. The restaurant caters best to small groups of up to four, both in terms of table arrangements and food portions. For larger parties, reservations on OpenTable often push dining times closer to 9 PM. That said, Camelia is perfect for an intimate date or double date. I was particularly impressed with the table setup--it's both chic and unique. Each place setting includes chopsticks and a charming ceramic snail-design holder with a slot for resting your knife. The high-end water glasses, wine glasses, and plates added a refined touch, and the servers' attentiveness, especially Kristine's superb care and attention to detail, elevated the experience. On the photogenic appeal for social media? Not quite. The dim lighting doesn't lend itself to great photos. While a rechargeable table light, like the Fatboy, might help, I suspect the low lighting is intentional, encouraging guests to savor their meals rather than focus on their phones. Now, the food--this is where Camelia truly shines, earning a solid 5 stars. I love that the restaurant acknowledges its kitchen staff, listing over 20 names on the menu. The thoughtfully crafted dishes pair beautifully with the extensive wine and sake selection, and even the dessert menu reflects this careful curation. I feel the pricing is on the higher side, and comparing to other restaurant such as Citrin (before going set-menu) for it's similarity in style, Camelia should consider putting some emphasis on high-end ingredients to justify the price. My top three dishes at Camelia are: Donabe-Steamed Clams - A standout dish also available at their sister restaurant, Tsubaki. Abalone and Florida Pink Shrimp Pot Pie - A perfect balance of flavors. Oyster Mushroom Kushiyaki - A delightful yakitori option, with similar offerings available at sister restaurants Ototo and Tsubaki. All of these dishes were exceptional--kudos to the talented team! read more
2 years ago
I was surprised to see Camelia on LA Times 101. It is fairly new, and how did they even make it there so fast? It is still questionable. Many reviews complaining about slow service, and yes, I do have to agree with it. It was definitely not as slow as others described, but they could have done better. It was also extremely hard to get anyone's attention to ask for anything. Most staff here do not seem fully trained; they can't even recommend a dish off the menu or wine to go with it, which I think is a big fail. Food was mediocre at best, and we tried a lot on the menu for just a party of two. Bolognese pasta was not as expected. It had a weird flavor profile that I cannot explain. Sweet Potato Gratin was just too plain but worth the picture, I guess. The chicken? Just no. It is super dry, not juicy nor moist. They did give us the rice to eat with it (on the house), and that was probably the best dish out of everything we ordered. The chicken was not even hot or warm, and it did take forever to serve. It was super lukewarm and just did not cut it. The salad with persimmon was probably the best off the menu if I had to choose. Iwashi toast was a total letdown. Super fishy, and the bread/toast texture was way off. If you had the real iwashi toast, I am sure you'd relate. Abalone with puff pastry was decent, but then again, it was not anything to wow for that I'd come back to Camelia. I said it; it is ok to come and try yourself, but I don't know how many of those will return. Overall, execution is very lacking and I am confused as to what flavors they are trying to portray on their dishes. read more
Camélia is the latest sensation in the Arts District of DTLA. Its sensibilities bounce between fine French and Japanese cuisines. Some French dishes have a Japanese spark, while some Japanese plates have French inspirations. The modern decor is classy wood paneling meets white vents and pipes. Before your meal starts, you are treated to a warm towel and your utensils are treated to a stone resting slab. Everyone on the staff is really gracious and friendly. The Beef Cheek is so tender, softer than the most comforting pot roast. It may be one of my favorite cuts of beef now. You could cut it into succulent chunks or shred it all with very little effort. The red wine sauce signals allow and steady simmering of the beef and wine, reminiscent of a beef bourginon. The wasabi and green chives atop the beef is a brilliant nose-clearing flavor boost. I need to start eating all my beef with wasabi. The creamy, white, pearl onions are meltingly soft, sweet, and juicy. Frizzy strands of burdock root are crispy like shaved potato chips, which get tender over time in the gravy. A few stalks of bok choy accompany the cheek. A glass of pastis always reminds me of the south of France, even if it doesn't necessarily pair well with the beef. Dining Area: There are plenty of tables in the renovated spacious interior. There are also seats in the green patio with heaters. Parking: There's the typical Arts District valet, but there's probably plenty of street parking on Mateo Street nearby. read more
6 months ago
10 10 10s across the board, everything from their chicken liver appetizers to that grilled cheese and fries was great. back i was told by my +1 some of their portions have gotten smaller. i would have loved the four chicken livers snack like i see in other photo instead of the two we received, cuz that was my favorite thing from the night. just for how much everything is i hate to hear such a thing. great food with even better service. a kind and welcoming smiles though the dinner, can't ask for much else. if you're out with friends that love to eat, i would recommend to make a reservation for here read more
1 year ago
Camelia is a fairly recent addition to the Arts District. With a French-Japanese flair to the cuisine, I was very interested to see what they had to offer. The food doesn't have fairly huge portions, so we ordered several dishes for two people. A rundown of what was ordered: 1. Uni Otoro Toast: This is literally as described, with healthy portions of uni and otoro on top of a biscuit. The only shame of this dish is that there wasn't more of it! Given the ingredients, it's not cheap, but it is well worth the price. 2. Chicken Liver Mousse Toast: Was a big fan of the chicken liver mousse. The lemon guava jam gave it a nice contrast in flavors. 3. Abalone and Bay Scallop Pot Pie: This sounded better in theory than in actual execution. It wasn't a pot pie in the traditional sense, but a pot pie covering a bowl that contained the abalone and bay scallop which was soaking in "sail butter." I appreciate the ingenuity, but this wasn't what I was hoping for. 4. Spaghetti Bolognese à la Japonaise: One of the few dishes where you could tell that there was a heavy French-Japanese influence (name notwithstanding). Very light despite being a pasta dish, and it had great flavor as well. 5. Beef Cheek: I enjoyed this a lot, as the beef cheek had a lot of flavor with the red wine sauce. However, given the price, it could have had more beef cheek, 6. Orange-Scented Putin: This was basically a caramel flan with some oranges. Very good dessert. Service here is fine, no complaints from me. Made sure we were well taken care of at all times. Ambience is nice. They designed it to fit the Arts District aesthetic, but still made the interior look very classy. Overall, a very good experience at Camelia. The small portion sizes were the only thing that I would consider a downside, but overall I enjoyed. read more
As I was planning my recent LA trip, I consulted the New York Times 2024 list of the best restaurants in America. The review for Camelia immediately got my attention, so I made a reservation for Thursday evening. The restaurant offers valet parking, but it was so backed up when we arrived, we went to a nearby pay lot. Although I would have preferred to dine inside, the heaters made the outside patio comfortable. It wasn't until we were ready to leave that we noticed blankets were provided to most tables, to block the wind. If you dine outside on a cool night, make sure you get one. Many recent Yelp reviews were negative, which surprised me for a restaurant celebrated locally and nationally. Some diners didn't like the French/Japanese fusion, portion sizes, pacing, friendliness of the staff and the pricing. Our experience was amazing and we'd highly recommend a meal at Camelia. Crystal, our server, has worked at the restaurant for a few months and was very helpful in finalizing our order. I felt the pacing of our order was perfect. We started with a half dozen oysters which were delish. I especially liked the yuzu cocktail sauce. The Bluefin tuna tartare was a unique presentation with ponzu gelee and sunchokes. As someone who loves traditional pot pies, I had read the version at Camelia is very different. First off, it doesn't contain chicken or a mix of vegetables. It contained Abalone and Florida wild pink shrimp, plus large mushrooms. The garlicky snail butter made it all come together. The thick crust of puff pastry was perfect for dipping into the pie's sauce. The Japanese version of Spaghetti Bolognese featured a sweeter and lighter sauce than the traditional Italian version. But we enjoyed every last bite. But the star of the show was the incredibly tender Beef Cheek, served with red wine sauce, creamed pearl onions and some kickass kizami wasabi. As a fan of wasabi, I never had it on beef before and it was a hit. The Sweet Potato Gratin was probably our least favorite selection. Not that it wasn't good, but after all that food and many flavors, it had a hard time standing out. My two cocktails, the Camelia Army Navy (made with Fords Gin) and Camelia Milk Punch (made with Mizu Saga Barley Shochu) were superb and worthy of my recommendation. Great meal and many other signatures to try on our next visit. read more
1 year ago
Camelia is slowly becoming one of my go-to's in Los Angeles. The vibe, decor, food, and wine/cocktail program are all on point. I currently think their summer pre-fixe is the way to go, as it's all bangers. The chicken liver toast, celebrity tomatoes with burrata, uni pasta, and grilled loup de mer with spinach and ponzu were all a ten out of ten. I got the "Cobber" cocktail, which had really unique flavors and Tiki vibes without being cloying. (REALLY wanted the gummy candy under the tiny drink umbrella to be a gummy bear lounging in the shade, but I think the chef will get there eventually and make that change and possibly even issue an apology for the missed kawaii opportunity.) Great ambiance for a friends dinner or a date. It's inviting and chic and casually elegant. Some great and unique wines by the glass as well. And the service is great, though on quieter nights it was sometimes a little difficult to flag down a server. All in all, an excellent spot that's currently not hard to get into. Cinq étoiles. read more
always loving the vibes, it's French and Japanese inspired! their cocktails are on point and their food is so unique and honestly so homey! I love going with group of friends to try more dishes! Their desserts always hit too!! I've already visited 4 times with boyfriend n friends and everytime it doesn't disappoint. read more
2 years ago
An enchanting spot and welcome addition to the Arts District. Camelia has made a splash in the LA dining scene and for good reason. Elevated Japanese fusion dishes, amazing service, and a solid wine/cocktail program in a charming bistro-like space. We had dinner here on a weeknight and were seated on the outdoor patio with plenty of heat lamps. We ordered quite a few things from the menu, so here's the full breakdown: Black sesame Parker house rolls - 9/10. Loved the use of black sesame here not only for the striking color but added the slightest nuttiness. Dungeness Crab blini - 8/10. An amuse bouche-sized starter. Very buttery and paired nicely with the generous mound of flaky crab. This bite was over too soon. Spaghetti bolognese - 9/10. I might be biased because I love Japanese fusion pasta dishes but this was a hit. The sauce was deeply savory and meaty. We were left wondering what the secret ingredient was, possibly soy sauce? Koji-roasted Green Circle Chicken - 10/10. This was the star of the night for sure and the one dish that I would come back for again and again. The chicken was so succulent and flavorful and paired well with the seaweed cream and cabbage. Sweet potato gratin - 9/10. We nearly didn't order this but were convinced by the wait staff and glad we were! The restaurant is located in the prior Caboco space in the Biscuit Company building and love what they have done with the place. There is street parking, valet, and a few paid lots nearby. The restaurant was packed that night and highly recommend making a reservation. read more
4 months ago
Camelia provided an interesting take on Asian fusion, with experimental dishes I haven't seen before. The restaurant is quite pretty with the exterior reminiscent of a bistro you would find along a street in New York. Our servers explained each dish as it was brought out and provided good recommendations. The night started off strong with the Uni Otoro Toast. It was only a single bite, but that one bite held so much impact. The uni and otoro together was rich, fatty, and buttery, absolutely melting in your mouth. The seafood tasted fresh as well - uni can be a little hit or miss, but in this case it was a hit. I was also impressed by the Croque Madame. It was definitely creative - I had never seen Asian fusion with a Croque Madame before. The bread was shokupan and the ham was breaded and fried in a katsu style. The sandwich was pressed, similar to a panini. This made the bread crispy, which texturally worked very well with the fried ham katsu. For being a ham sandwich, I thought the sandwich was quite meaty and substantial. And the melted Gruyère cheese on top was absolutely delicious. The meal kinda dips a little when the bigger entrees came out. I did not think they were as good as their precedents. The spaghetti bolognese, for example, was fine. It was good, lighter than your typical bolognese with an interesting aftertaste, but nothing special in my opinion. Definitely not a showstopper like the first two dishes. And the beef cheek was a miss for me. It was tender - everything on that plate was tender from the meat to the pearl onions to the bok choy. But the wasabi chutney thing on top was overpowering. On my first bite, I was ambushed by the wasabi and recoiled. On my second, third, and fourth bites, although I was prepared for it, I just could not enjoy the beef with the wasabi on top. The meal was saved by the good graces of the Daifuku Mochi dessert. It was absolutely delicious. Every flavor and texture blended together so harmoniously. It did take a while to come out, but I forgave it immediately on the first bite. A chewy mochi skin, dusted in matcha, blanketed a nest of spiced pears. The pears held a surprisingly mature flavor and contrasted beautifully with the brightness of the tart yuzu marscapone. On top of that, it was not too sweet and quite light. I could not get enough. Overall, I think that Camelia had some interesting dishes. The evening was quite pleasant. The space is gorgeous. The food is innovative and fresh. It is definitely worth a visit. read more
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Camelia - french - Updated September 2026
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