Cafe Camelia’s Southern Charm
Named one of the 50 best restaurants in the U.S., The New York Times rightfully crowns this Brooklyn gem.
How much is it?
Cafe Camelia brings fine dining quality to a more accessible price point, with brunch entrees under $24, including standout options like shrimp and steak.
Cocktails are priced around $16, but they're well worth it for the bold flavors they deliver.
What is the food like?
Café Camellia serves up Southern-inspired Gulf Coast flavors with locally sourced ingredients, offering dishes like fried green tomatoes and hush puppies for a true taste of Southern hospitality.
This is hands down my favorite NYC restaurant this month, thanks to the incredible flavors in every dish we tried. Each menu description reflects the thought and care put into creating these unique, fresh dishes, and the taste delivers perfectly once they arrive at the table.
Everything we tried:
Hush Puppies - 10/10
We kicked things off with the Hush Puppies appetizer, featuring jalapeño, cheddar, popcorn, and a side of remoulade. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the remoulade was the “icing on the cake” that took these hush puppies to life-changing levels.
Shrimp & Grits - 8.7/10
I’m not usually a fan of grits, but this was hands down the best shrimp & grits dish I’ve had. I probably wouldn’t order it again personally, but if you’re a fan of shrimp & grits, this is a must-try.
Steak & Eggs - 9/10
The steak was perfectly cooked, and the runny egg was beautifully done, but it was the black-eyed pea chimichurri that really elevated this dish. It’s a fantastic example of their approach—adding a touch of Southern flair to classic dishes for a delicious result.
Fried Green Tomato Benedict - 9.8/10
As someone who could eat eggs Benedict daily, I was thrilled to try this unique twist on the classic. The fried green tomatoes added the perfect crunch, making this an unexpectedly perfect combination of flavors I couldn’t have anticipated.
What are the drink options?
We sampled the mimosa, espresso martini, and a unique twist on a margarita, and I can confidently say that the same thought and precision that define the entrées extend to the cocktails. Somehow, they managed to perfect the mimosa—my favorite of 2024, and I’ve had quite a few! The margarita truly lived up to its “different and special” description, with a green juice twist that made me feel like I was unwinding on a yoga retreat. After two drinks, including that standout mimosa, I felt a perfect buzz, confirming that they’re as effective as they are delicious.
What is the ambiance like?
The ambiance is fresh and inviting, with plenty of white decor, sunlight, and lush greenery—an ideal brunch setting. They also have a charming backyard filled with greenery, perfect for a summer brunch outdoors.
Location: 318 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Instagram: @cafecameliabk
