Camille *

20th March 2026

We returned to the Baldwin Park neighborhood to experience Camille, a French-Vietnamese restaurant that proved well worth the trip. Camille is simply elegant, welcoming yet refined, with a sense of luxury that feels more like being invited into an exceptionally beautifully curated home than dining out. There is a level of polish here, but never at the expense of warmth. It is thoughtful, elevated, and quietly confident.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with genuine hospitality that set the tone for the evening. Before the first course even landed, we knew we were in for something special.

The menu is exceptional, and selecting standouts is no easy task when each dish is executed with such care. That said, the Pho Hà Nội, Súp Măng Cua, and Cháo Cá were truly memorable. The Súp Măng Cua, in particular, deserves a moment. Served with a white chocolate hollandaise, it managed to completely reframe Emma’s long-standing skepticism of hollandaise (apparently she disliked Kira’s that bad). Skepticism that, fairly or not, she attributes to Kira’s earlier attempts. Once again, Emma has set the benchmark at a level that is, quite frankly, unrealistic comparing home cooking to chefs operating at an entirely different level.

The chefs shared that many of the dishes are inspired by childhood favorites, which adds an additional layer of meaning to the experience. There is a clear sense that these plates are not only technically impressive but also deeply personal refined expressions of memory and tradition.

There is nothing better than an interactive chef’s counter, and that is exactly what we experienced. The pacing, the engagement, the ability to watch each dish come together it all adds to the intimacy of the meal.

We opted for the sake pairings, which introduced us to an entirely new selections. The world of sake continues to expand the more we explore it, layered, nuanced, and always offering something new to learn. The Camellia tea, presented with beautiful herbaceous aromatics and steeped tableside in a glass pot was stunning.

Kira was also offered a preview of a champagne that has yet to be released and will be exclusive to Camille. There is something uniquely special about experiencing something before it is introduced to the world an added layer of thoughtfulness that does not go unnoticed.

As a family with dietary restrictions, we also have to acknowledge the level of attention to detail. Adjustments were handled seamlessly, without ever feeling like an accommodation just part of the experience. That level of care is something we never take for granted.

If you find yourself in the Orlando area and are looking to experience French-Vietnamese cuisine executed with precision, creativity, and heart, Camille is not to be missed.