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Inside the Experience
The Camellia Grill
Welcome to The Camellia Grill, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of New Orleans. This iconic diner captures the spirit of the Crescent City with its nostalgic ambiance and hearty, comforting fare. Renowned for its old-school charm, The Camellia Grill invites guests into a cozy space where the vibrant energy of classic diner culture thrives.
As you step inside, expect a warm greeting from friendly servers who prioritize making your experience memorable. The diner operates on a unique first-come, first-serve basis, creating an authentic sense of community as patrons gather outside, anticipating their turn to indulge in a meal that feels like home. Catherine Mitch encapsulates this vibe perfectly, expressing her delight at the “good food, lots of it, smiling servers” that make every visit special.
The menu is a delightful journey through Southern comfort food. You simply cannot miss the fried green tomatoes or the renowned Coconut Cream Pie. Both embody the soul of New Orleans cuisine, delivering flavors that linger long after the meal is over. Emily Glass shares her experience, highlighting that dining here is “more than a meal; it’s an experience.” The full-day menu caters to all cravings, allowing for the indulgence of burgers at breakfast or a savory roast beef po'boy that Melissa S savored during her visit.
What truly sets The Camellia Grill apart is its heartfelt service. The atmosphere is infused with a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of gathering around the kitchen of a friend who cooks exceptionally well. This is echoed in Kimberley Kreicker’s fond memories of visiting years ago, a tradition that many locals and travelers continue to cherish. Each dish is presented as if it has just come from your own kitchen, ensuring both comfort and satisfaction.
Whether you're relishing a sausage omelette with creamy cheese grits or indulging in a slice of buttery pecan pie grilled to perfection, The Camellia Grill delivers flavors that resonate with every bite. Each visit promises a blend of quality, tradition, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home in New Orleans. In a world of fleeting trends, this diner remains a beloved institution, enticing newcomers and long-time fans alike to savor the simple joys of good food and great company.
So, the next time you find yourself wandering the streets of New Orleans, be sure to stop by The Camellia Grill. The experience and flavors await you, promising to etch beautiful memories into your culinary journey.
Shared Experiences
Guestbook
“ A real old-time lunch counter. Good food, lots of it, smiling servers (if a little slow) and a great vibe. If you can, save room for the Coconut Cream Pie. It was fantastic! I also really enjoyed the fried green tomatoes. ”
“ Looked up best breakfast places in NOLA and this one showed up to be #1 across many websites. So of course we had to give it a try. The waiting process is a bit odd as they form the line outside. You wait outside for them to let you in. No need to check in. They take you as you come and it’s first come first serve. Once you get inside it’s a full on old time diner where you sit at a counter along with several other strangers. Terrible for introverts but wonderful for extroverts! Servers take care of everyone at once. They write down your order on a slip of paper and yell it to the cook. It doesn’t take long at all. I got the catfish breakfast which was delicious. Very friendly and talkative service here. Super old fashioned which we found cool. Parking is limited. We parked at the grocery shops nearby and walked over. Decent prices for a great home style breakfast. ”
“ Some things actually don’t change very much. Maybe that’s why so many of us love New Orleans. Like so many people, I used to come here at all hours when I was in college a million years ago. Also like so many people, I always try to stop by when I am in town. If you’ve never been, stop by if you have time. It’s a tiny old-school diner - just a narrow counter with stools - but it’s the kind of place where people still remember their waiters from years gone by. They have traditional Louisiana diner fare. Today, I went for breakfast. I had red beans and rice (because Monday), with catfish (because catfish!). Chicory coffee, of course. If you want to be comfortable, this is possibly not your place. If you want to experience a New Orleans tradition, get on in there. ”
“ It was more than a meal - it was an experience. The staff was so kind and friendly, and the atmosphere was perfect. It’s small, but I’d happily wait in line to get to eat here again. Lots of customs and traditions, such as how the waiter gives you a straw. Quality service and food. They also offer a full menu all day, and my kids loved getting burgers for breakfast. ”
“ It's the Camellia Grill! Pretty famous spot, been there forever and it's easy to see why. Boyfriend got a Roast Beef poboy and I had an Omlette. Excellent. What I really love is the service though and that it feels so much like eating at a friend's house who are great cooks. They just serve you when it's ready....here's your Omlette, here's your hash browns 5 minutes later...cool! It tastes like food I can make, but just so much better and really is so authentic New Orleans in every way and I love it. Forever a favorite spot since I was a kid. The Pecan pie, tastes like someone's grandma makes it, it's perfect. ”