Camille

 Down-to-earth French bistro

Puffed Pig’s Skin, Smoked Eel & Tarragon

Camille sits just off the noise of London Bridge, close enough to feel the pulse of the area but tucked away enough to offer a sense of escape once you’re inside. The food at Camille is rooted firmly in French technique, but it isn’t trapped by it. The menu reads like it was written by someone who loves classic French cooking but lives firmly in modern London. Dishes feel familiar without being predictable, and there’s a quiet restraint at work that lets ingredients speak rather than drowning them in unnecessary flourish, such as tripe stew and shallot tart. 

Cured Tamworth Belly & Walnut

Game and date terrine

Calves Brains, Salsify & Sea Purslane

Camile loves offal, I counted at least 5 offal dishes, which is a lot in London. A calf's brain was served like a sweetbread, creamy and thick, pan-seared to give it a crisp edge. The sauce was rich and able to cover the gamy taste of the offal. I was impressed. You might find yourself surprised by how much depth is coaxed out of something that looks understated at first glance. Desserts avoid theatrics and land instead on comfort and balance. This is my third visit, but I just have to reorder the house signature dish, the burnt milk tart. It was creamy with a soft smoky tone. It is the kind of dish that feels complete rather than overworked, sweet enough to satisfy without leaving you sluggish.

Roasted goose leg and lentils

Burnt milk tart

White chocolate and chestnut choux

I enjoyed the boldness of Camille, and the willingness to use offals with good results, so rare in London these days. The location near London Bridge could easily have pushed Camille toward trend-chasing or gimmicks, but it resists that pull. Instead, it offers something steadier and more satisfying: a sense of permanence. It feels like a restaurant that intends to be here for a while, building a relationship with its guests rather than chasing novelty. You leave feeling looked after, well fed, and quietly impressed, which is not as common as it should be.  

Food 3.5/5

What I paid: 
£120 with wine

Average cost without drinks and services:
£60

2-3 Stoney St, London SE1 9AA

https://www.camillerestaurant.co.uk/