Camphor

When my parents visited over the summer we went to brunch at Manuela in Downtown, Los Angeles. On our way to Manuela we walked past Camphor and my Dad requested we try it on their next visit. Their wish is my command, so Camphor was our next destination. I was excited to try another Michelin star restaurant but also tempered my expectations.

Camphor is not the first Michelin starred restaurant I’ve had the privilege of dining at. Many years ago during a family trip to Spain I ate at my first Michelin star restaurant, and then again at Joel Robuchon in Las Vegas. However both of those experiences, while incredible, were also somewhat underwhelming. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that both of those restaurants ultimately lost their stars. As quickly as a restaurant earns a star it can lose it, so I’ve learned that the most important question to ask before dining at a Michelin restaurant is, “What year was the star?” If the star is not current, there is no guarantee you will have a Michelin star experience.

Upon entry we were greeted and seated in the middle of the dining room. I wouldn’t award them any special points for ambiance but the tall loft-style ceilings and modern white aesthetic made the relatively small dining room feel spacious. Our server just so happened to be the manager (lucky us!) and was very kind and attentive, especially with regard to our dietary restrictions. We ordered the radicchio salad, dover sole, steak, potatoes, and asparagus. Mom also had the onion tartine (which neither Dad nor I dared to try since we’re onion intolerant) but she said it was fantastic. In classic Michelin-style, our first course was a lovely and tasty little amuse-bouche. The second course of passionfruit caesar was surprisingly delicious. I wasn’t expecting much because a caesar salad is a caesar salad, but the addition of the passionfruit and radicchio gave it a pleasantly unique flavor. Each of our main dishes were excellent. The sole was beautifully filleted and presented table side, the steak was flavorful, the potatoes were superb, the asparagus was perfectly fresh and crisp, and in true French style, the accompanying sauces were magnificent. For dessert, we ordered the kiwi and bread pudding. The kiwi was beautifully presented, light, and refreshing. The bread pudding was also uniquely presented, more as a French toast than in the traditional style. Although it tasted less like bread pudding and more like soufflé, it was delightful.

Every restaurant should be evaluated on service nearly as much as its cuisine, and Camphor’s service was top-notch. Waters were always kept full (my key indicator of good service) and consisted of a fun presentation element where servers filled water glasses from teapots, which is actually brilliant because it minimizes spillage. Dishes were bussed efficiently, and table settings re-set after each course.

Overall, we were incredibly satisfied with our experience. Not a single dish was disappointing, which is rare, even at the best restaurants. Although the menu is not the most innovative, every other aspect is solid and they are undoubtedly deserving of their star. If you’re looking for classic French fare that won’t disappoint, I highly recommend a visit.