Camellia Grill is one of those legendary New Orleans restaurants that we have wanted to go to for years. Somehow it has eluded us until Sunday, December 7.
Welcome to Camellia Grill New Orleans
Pearl Harbor Day happens to be our friend Eddie’s birthday. So Steve and I decided that the perfect way to celebrate would be to go to the World War II Museum’s Commemoration of that infamous day with our dear friends Judi and Eddie. From there, breakfast at Camellia Grill.
Hungry and happy diners at Camellia Grill
The Camellia Grill Family
By the time we got to the restaurant we were all starving. As we walked up to Camellia Grill we couldn’t help but notice how it looked like a beautiful southern plantation, complete with stately columns. But don’t let the fancy exterior full you, this place is anything but fancy. And it’s much smaller than it looks.
Kitchen Line at Camellia Grill New Orleans
Working the Flattop
Once inside the doors we were welcomed warmly and told to sit on the comfy sofa to wait for our seats at the undulating counter. Yup. It’s counter seating only! That feature encourages camaraderie amongst the diners. It creates one big happy family, all enjoying the fabulously delicious Camellia Grill food.
Steve’s Mushroom, Bacon and Cheese Omelette
Judi had the Western Omelette loaded with Ham, Peppers and Onions
The Camellia Grill opened for business on December 19, 1946 by a New Orleans family. It has lasted for 3 generations. From the day the restaurant opened it has served delicious, classic diner fare with a style and grace unlike any other. It reigned supreme until Hurricane Katrina. Despite the fact that it suffered only a little damage, and much to the displeasure of local residents, Camellia Grill shuttered following this devastating storm.
My amazing Greek Omelette with Crispy Spinach on top
Eddie, me and Judi leaving Camellia Grill very full, but very happy!
During that long period of being closed, local residents and tourists alike plastered the restaurant’s front door with letters pleading for it to reopen. At last, after being closed for months, the iconic eatery was purchased and reopened by local restaurateur Hicham Khodr. As soon as the restaurant reopened its’ doors to the hungry crowds, it was again serving up its famous food as if it had never skipped a beat.
On our return visit I was the only one to change it up. I ordered Judy’s Omelette, similar to the Greek but with Shrimp. AMAZING!!!
And, after our first meal at Camellia Grill New Orleans, our little group of four could totally understand what all of the fuss was about! Everything we at was so delicious that we couldn’t wait to return, which we did a couple weeks later. Every component of our overflowing plates was perfection!!!
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