Ok, I'm not understanding the near perfect rating for this place. I'm honestly baffled. This place is mediocre at best. I'm not really sure why people think this restaurant is the shiznit, but ummm, it's not. I've eaten here or four different occasions. Once by choice and the other three because I was outnumbered. I was underwhelmed every time. The service is always pretty good which is the only reason I gave it two stars instead of one. The problem with this restaurant is the food. It's subpar. I had a mufalatta once that was seriously on the skimpy side when it came to the meat and cheese but had oodles and oodles of olive salad mix. Ugh. I thought the sandwich was supposed to be made the other way around. I ordered onion rings once and while nice and thinly sliced like I prefer them, they were drenched in grease. So much that I couldn't eat them. I know what you're thinking...they're onions fried in oil so sure they'll be greasy. But it seemed as though they were taken straight out of the frying pan and piled on a plate. Aren't you supposed to put those puppies in a drip basket to drain a bit before you serve them? I recently had a conversation with a friend about this place and we were discussing how the food here tastes like cafeteria food. He put it perfectly when he said, "nothing tastes fresh. I bet they don't even crack their own eggs. The probably order them and have them shipped already cracked in a plastic bag." Seems like that could be true to me. Save your money guys and go somewhere else. read more

Really and truly disgusting. This place needs to have a visit from Gordon Ramsey. We had take out from here last night which cost about $50. We had jalapeño poppers, chicken wings, spring rolls and gumbo. The chicken wings were falling apart and not in a good way. Greasy and tasteless. The jalapeño poppers were undercooked and the oil they use must need replacing as everything fried tasted like dirty oil. The spring rolls were so terrible that I started gagging when I put it in my mouth. The gumbo seemed to be ok until you got to the bottom and then it was flemy. Even writing about this good makes me feel ill. I don't want to know what the kitchen looks like. It was a waste of my $50 and if i had been dining in I would not have paid. The only positive from thus experience is that I know to never ever eat here again! read more

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Love love love there fried green tomatoes! I'll be within an hour of here and I will take the extra time to visit!! I'd drive from Colorado once a month If I could just to eat here! read more

It's very rare to offer 5 stars but Camellia is close. I've never had a bad meal and they are always priced reasonable. Not just good for po-boys but I love their roast beef and hot sausage poboys. read more

I've always wanted to try this place, but somehow, never caught it while it was open. I live in Mississippi, not far from Slidell. Flew into New Orleans yesterday after being up north for a few days, and oddly enough, the first thing that I was craving was some sort of fried fish, with a creamy sauce on top. I saw that someone, somewhere, had posted a review with a photo that looked like what I was after, so we dropped by. It's no longer a menu item (which is a shame) but I was able to show the waitress the photo, and she told me that the dish was called, Catfish Camellia. We ordered fried mushrooms as an appetizer, they were hot and fresh, and had more on the plate than we had expected; they were delicious! The Catfish Camellia arrived, and it was everything that I had hoped for, haha! The creamy sauce could have been a smidge less salty, but as a whole, I loved it! My boyfriend ordered the red beans and rice with a grilled pork chop, he liked it, but didn't seem to love it. We've found places before that we fell in love with, but then we would soon realize that our one awesome meal was just a fluke. We're really hoping that won't be the case with Camellia Cafe, because we have every intention of returning. Sadly, I cannot recall the name of our waitress, but she was great. The only thing that sucks? The bathroom location. This is a small restaurant, with a cute/laid-back vibe, and the bathrooms are located front and center. Everyone in the restaurant can see you enter into the restroom, and exit out. I've actually never seen a restaurant with bathroom doors that almost bump into some of the dining tables. They even have a sign in the bathroom requesting that you be mindful when opening the door to exit, so that someone doesn't walk into the door when you go to swing it open. Crazy. Based on other reviews, I have to wonder, did we get lucky the night that we ate here? Maybe so, but regardless, our experience was pretty great, and I look forward to returning. read more

Camellia Cafe - Catfish Camellia - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Slidell, Louisiana

Ate here for 1st x today, won't be our last. Had lunch - it was quiet and only 3 other tables active. Place is quirky and quaint as was our server. Wish they had a better selection of beer and that it was much more cold... but that being said, the food was delicious. My husband asked them to make him a ham and cheddar dressed po'boy., it was huge and very tasty . I got a Swiss cheese burger w fries. OMG. Ive never seen a burger this big or that tasted so delicious! It was dressed and on a humongous seeded bun. The fries were delicious as well- half moon fried potato pillows . Neither of us could finish our plates. The server told us that Fri nites it's Oyster Nite, 4-7pm , $1 p oyster, raw or broiled. He later told us that although it was earlier than 4, he could serve us $1 oysters, so we ordered a dozen raw. Idk what happened but he apparently forgot and we were so stuffed , we didn't remind him. The bill was reasonable. Overall, a pleasant and tasty experience. Yes, our server was a bit slow and scattered but charming nonetheless. We weren't in a hurry ... . They also offer a buffet breakfast on Sat and Sun mornings, I think 7-11am for about $13/ and you can get made to order eggs if you want. We will be def be back!! read more

Decided to eat here because my boyfriend really likes this place. I had the fried catfish poboy, fried green tomatoes, and the crab and corn bisque. The poboy had no flavor to me it was very boring to eat. The fried green tomatoes were pretty good. The crab and corn bisque tasted way too much like corn so I missed out on tasting the crab. I dont know what they use for the batter when they fry things but man is it BLAND!... I was really disappointed and sort of regretted paying as much as I did for that entire meal. I even got a tad irritated that they didn't ask how the meal was in the end because I would've told them. My boyfriend seemed to enjoy the salad he got somewhat (which was the trio salad). I don't really want to return unless its somebody else inviting me to go. read more

Camellia Cafe - Crab and corn bisque. Tasted way too much of the corn, didn't taste the crab. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Slidell, Louisiana

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We decided to stop for breakfast because we saw a sign for a pancake special! My husband had 2 pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns (all for $8.99). The hashbrowns were very good and seemed freshly grated/homemade. I had a Build your own omelet w/unlimited toppings for $8.99. I decided to be healthy and get all veggies inside. Very good! It came with choice of sides and I had wheat toast and grits. You do have to add salt and pepper to taste, but that is nice for those who do not like overly seasoned food. We had already started eating when I took photos, so my husbands bacon and eggs are missing from the photos. Very good breakfast and reasonable prices :) read more

Camellia Cafe - Build your own omelet w/grits and wheat toast as side choices - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Slidell, Louisiana

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Absolutely delicious. When we come in from Houston this is a must have for local eats. Fried catfish, fried shrimp, seafood nachos, red beans, everything. read more

Camellia Cafe - Seafood nachos. So yummy. Well seasoned and delicious appetizer you won't be disappointed - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Slidell, Louisiana

Great breakfast. Can't go wrong with the croissant sandwich. The wait staff are very friendly and attentive. Will come back on my travels to NOLA read more

Great food! Cute hand painted tables with glitter! Please try either/or both of their Louisiana sausage poboy and the oyster poboy! Our waitress was kind, her name is Larhonda. read more

The food was really good. Honestly some of the best crawfish etouffee I've ever had in my life. The pineapple turnover cake was delicious. I had a main course and desert for only $16.... However, male staff is super creepy. The female staff are totally normal humans. The one guy, who I assume is the owner who sat at the bar the entire time, kept looking at me in a way that made me super uncomfortable. Eventually another male came up front from the back and also starred. I don't know what that's about. But was very uncomfortable. Half of me would eat here again because the food was good, the other half is too uncomfortable to come back. read more

Even though they were out of a few items for the seafood platter we ordered them anyways because they were supposed to substitute for the missing hush puppies and crab cakes. This was the soggiest plate ever! Fish soggy n oysters soggy! Shrimp soggy! French fries could've been mashed potatoes! Everything was fried really dark! I haven't eaten here in over 10 years and I definitely won't be back! A waste of 50$ for sure! read more

great food and friendly service and prices to fit any budget

My last review of this place was in 2016. I said I would never go back. Decided to give it another chance since it use to be our go to place to eat for years. Went a couple months ago and today. Will definitely be my last. Couple months ago I got catfish platter. Waitress advised that they were out of the side I wanted so I chose another. When my lunch came out there was no side. I asked and she said "Oh we are out if that.". I asked if I had another choice and said said she didn't know. I insisted. She brought me something. Seemed clueless. I figured she was new. Left a good tip. Today, same waitress. Went for breakfast with a friend. waitress had no idea what came in the omelet I wanted. Didn't know if it came with any meat. Took forever to get our food. We were her only table. Food came out room temp. Other waitress had two tables and happily filled our coffee twice. Our waitress never ask us anything. All three tables food came out about the same time. One table was there when we got there and one came in after us. chef came out and asked about our food. We were honest. Good but barely room temp. He actually said the waitress do not come pick up food till he physically comes out and tells them too. He was very kind and offered to redo our order. We said no as we were almost done and didnt want to waste food. Ask other waitress to let ours know we needed go box. She did immediately. They stood there talking for 7 minutes before our waitress came and ask if we needed a go box. Really?! Left appropriate tip and left. Never again! What a shame. read more

My husband and I decided to stop here for dinner. He ordered the seafood platter and I got the seafood pasta. Both came with a side salad, but I wouldn't even call it a salad. The waitress raved about how the dressings were homemade and so good. When the salad came, the bowl was so shallow that it was really just a few pieces of lettuce with some tomatoes & onions....with a HUGE container of really good dressing. His seafood platter was pretty good for fried seafood. He also got a side dish with his, which was the shrimp and squash casserole. This was amazing!! Really good and tasted like it was homemade. My seafood pasta, however, was not. It literally tasted like it was a box mix like hamburger helper that was used to create the pasta dish. Very disappointing. I didn't even want to take the leftovers home with me. The HIGHLIGHT of the evening was the bread pudding. I will have to say that I don't even like bread pudding, but this dessert was up there with the top 5 desserts I've ever had in my life. This is the ONLY reason I'm even giving this review 4 stars, well this and the shrimp/squash casserole. I would go back here ONLY for the bread pudding....it was to die for! The service was great and I really enjoyed the decor and atmosphere. They just need to give you more salad to go with the great dressing! read more

I've been to Camellia Cafe several times now and keep coming back whenever I find myself in Slidell. I've only been there for dinner, and the atmosphere is generally cheery and laid back, with a couple of televisions usually playing sports channels and American Idol. There's a bar and table seating for several dozen. I usually find myself getting one of the fried seafood platters. The gut-busting combo platters are great when I haven't had anything serious for lunch, but I usually content myself with the stuffed crab or stuffed shrimp platter, or the red beans and rice. Most platters come with a choice of side, and I've found the shrimp and squash casserole to be my hands down favorite. read more

I drive by this eatery every time I go to the mall and it's usually busy. Today I decided to order lunch to go. I ordered the fried green tomatoes topped with crawfish etouffee, a kid's red beans and rice and 2 orders of spaghetti and meatballs; one with salad and the other with gumbo. The fried green tomatoes were too thick. Some pieces were too ripe and soggy. The crawfish etouffee topping was just yuck! The red beans and rice was bland. The spaghetti noodles were overcooked and the meatballs were dry. The gumbo was just plain disgusting. It is safe to say I will never come here again. read more

Horrible. I had the catfish atchafalaya or something like that. It had crawfish ettofee over some catfish strips. The ettofee tasted like they put a bag of sugar in it while it was cooking. When I told the waitress about it,she totally disregarded what I said and gave me the check right after.she even had the ordasity to ask me if I needed a to go box. read more

Very good local food with great service at great prices. Daily specials. Take out orders are easy way home dinner choices.

Eh. This place was a little disappointing. The outside of the restaurant is very charming, however, the wait staff leaves so much to be desired. I got my drink within minutes, my fiancé waited 10 minutes for his, then just went and got his own from the bar. The waitress was so blah and seemed so lack luster. The food itself, the gumbo was very bland. The shrimp etouffee was the worst I've ever had. The only saving grace of this place was the seafood pasta. The pasta was veeeery good, however I did find I guess a bit or shrimp shell or crab shell in mine, which was once again, disappointing. Would not go again. read more

My wife and come here fairly often, and we have always had great service and great food. Seat yourself for quick seating and fast service. The meatloaf is the best I have ever ate, and my wife is a great cook. read more

Camellia Cafe would definately be a nice spot to come if you're looking for something "local-ish". It's a small diner with a bar, and has a decent selection of foods. I come every now and again for quaint lunches when family or friends are in town. All have been satisfied by the food and prices. Haven't been here for dinner yet, but it's definately a nice place to stop in if you're looking for something with charm. read more

Ordered breakfast here with coffee. The food was good. The service staff was friendly but there was a wait before we got our food. No problems with anybody's breakfast this is a good place to come and have breakfast and the prices were fair. I would come back for another visit to try something else on their menu. read more

Camellia Cafe - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Slidell, Louisiana

Love the people and the place. Great breakfast and lunch. Poboys are good. Love the french toast for breakfast. Don't know what brand coffee they use, but it is super. Chef regularly comes out of the kitchen to talk to guest. Also it's close to work. read more

Camellia Cafe - Good coffee!! Within on my french toast. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Slidell, Louisiana

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Stopped in to grab a shrimp poboy to go, met a guy outside who said I was at the right spot! Turns out he was the owner! We sat down to wait, after he took our order ...he came back from the kitchen with complimentary corn and crab bisque and seafood gumbo which was TO DIE FOR!!!! Soooo good! Our poboys came out and were OVERSTUFFED, HOT, AND FRESH!!! Not to mention it came with fries:-) after we had our poboy, Mr. David came back to us from the kitchen with complimentary bread pudding...OH MY GOODNESS is all I'll say!!! Did I mention that my to go order turned into a GREAT IMPROMPTU dine in experience!!! Thank you Mr. David, your service was EXTRAORDINARY!!!!! read more

As a long time regular (2-3 times a weeks), it saddens me to read the reviews of this restaurant that we've frequented so often (plus recommended and tipped generously). A few Fridays ago we had the seafood buffet for lunch. The dessert area which was usually filled with scrumptious munchies had been reduced to bread pudding and cookies right out of the package! The fish and shrimp were good, as was the corn and shrimp bisque. Someone needs to teach them how to properly cook baked macaroni as it was nothing more then mac and cheese. The broiled tuna was dry. At first we thought it was pork. It would be nice if the food trays would be marked with what they are... perhaps paper labels or inexpensive ceramic markers using a dry erase pen. Anyhow, in recent times I've written this restaurant wth concerns and sugggestions to no avail. I am so disappointed to see the quality and caliber of the food and people decline. We used to enjoy the Wednesday Italian buffet, but as of late the selection and quality is the pits... not even a speck of spaghetti... a cheap mainstay of any Italian buffet! And this is not all. I really wish the owners would listen to the patrons and work to bring this once wonderful eatery back from the brink of disaster! CAMMELLIA CAFE: PLEASE READ YOUR REVIEWS AND MAKE POSITIVE CHANGES TO YOUR ONCE WONDERFUL RESTAURANT! read more

Awesome place that we just happened upon! Good, cheerful service with great food! I got the southwest omelette with country potatoes. My plate was filled; plenty for two people. read more

If I could leave less then 1 star I would. Service was lacking to say the least, the coffee was cold, and once our flat pancakes came out they tasted like dish soap. Will not be returning. read more

Ryan offers 2/ 10 breakfast Monday thru Wednesday and the last few times we went in we were over charged but did not say anything and 2 weeks ago was really over charged so called and told them . I was told to come by when Ryan works because he supposedly is Manager and owns the place. I was over charged the last time by $15.00. Ryan refused to call me so when I called today I was informed that they took that special off the menu and that he did not care that the special was on the menu when I was in 2 weeks ago that he was not giving me any money back. This is terrible for a Manager and or Business owner to worry about refunding $15 for his mistake and would rather lose customers over it. This has also been reported to the Better Business Bureau so make sure you also check your receipt before leaving. read more

Food is always great. Slow getting food from kitchen to table, even when I see the waitress/waiter put my order in as soon as I place it. Their sweet tea is always good, never spoiled like some other local places. Macaroni and cheese is the bomb! Not sure what it is, but yalls fried catfish is the only catfish my son will eat. If it wasn't for a the slow food service I'd give four stars. Not giving it five stars because , the building is normally hot and the restrooms are right by the table. Good local place to eat though. read more

Seems like this places has really good food, but to be truthful I find it EXTREMELY weird that our server has to take our IDs to the back office where the manager can "look over" our IDs...it's just extremely weird to me and I am now not a fan of this place. read more

Inept service; staggering wait for food; food quality of a high school Home and Economics student; inflated pricing. This place is a black hole sucking in your money, time, and will to live. Save yourself the trauma. read more

Worst gumbo ever Ordered two bowls of seafood gumbo for a lunch pickup. The two bowls turned out to be watered down gumbo- like broth with okra. We managed to find one piece of shrimp between the two bowls. Never going back. 0960893 read more

Super good local place for breakfast. We were traveling through and decided to try them out. Glad we did! The food was excellent, especially the breakfast croissant sandwich, and the wait staff is the good old Southern hospitality level of friendly was. read more

Very rude staff! We sat down, after a few minutes we gave our drink order which never came. Our server was bussing tables and helping people who came in after us. We were never acknowledged when we walked in either. It seems if you're not a familiar face to them, you'll be ignored. If 0 stars were an option, I would have chosen that! read more

Being that I am born and raised in New Orleans and I have experienced good food I would have to give this place 1 star... the atmosphere is nice but the food is bland, no season no flavor... the catfish is not authentic gulf coast fish. Very disappointed after spending $20 on a plate read more

Manager very rude! Breakfast and all buffets cold Ask for fresh one thing No they said. Very unprofessional

me and my friends came here to have lunch and none of us liked the food. i got the crawfish ettouffee and that was okay but the mac and cheese was gross and i don't think it was baked like they say, the crab bisque was so watery and had no flavor, the hush puppies were stale and the seafood pasta was over cooked and there was a hair in my fried pickles. the service was... odd. one of the servers apologized before we even got our food for how bad it was going to be and we ordered fried green tomatoes as an appetizer and she asked us how they were and we said they were good to which she said "oh really? it looked terrible". the fried green tomatoes were actually the only thing on the menu that was good. this is DEFINITELY the worst restaurant i've ever been to. read more

WHAT HAPPENED?! this place used to be amazing! now it's increadibly gross. Not sure who they have cooking back there but they have absolutly no culinary training. not that that's important but does this person even take pride in what they do? taste what they've made? everything is dripping in oil/grease (maybe butter) and nfor me to say it's over kill it's definitly an issue. not to mention the food is INCREDIBLY salty! A new cook is a must before i step foot back into this place. The atmosphere is nice. the resturant appears to be clean. staff is friendly. i would agree that the prices are reasonable ( $8-$16)but then again i'd would have never paid for the crud they served up in the last three visits. third time was a charm....no longer a fan. read more