The Camélia: a charming restaurant in the Yvelines, blending local flavors with culinary innovation

In the Yvelines town of Bougival, the restaurant Le Camélia is experiencing a fresh new chapter under the guidance of chef Adrien Bernard-Brunet. Focused on seasonal ingredients, local sourcing, and a meaningful tradition of mentorship, we set out to explore this charming bistronomic spot that boasts plenty of qualities.

The Yvelines region is filled with beautiful dining spots, and Le Camélia is one we’re eager to share. Nestled at 7 Quai Georges Clemenceau in Bougival, right along the Seine, this semi-gastronomic restaurant offers refined French cuisine rooted in local flavors and driven by chef-owner Adrien Bernard-Brunet. It’s a place that embodies a rich culinary tradition, set in a riverside ambiance reminiscent of the Impressionist paintings that so loved this corner of the Yvelines.

What is the story behind Le Camélia restaurant in Bougival?

Le Camélia is not just any restaurant in the Yvelines region. It was in 1958 that Chef Jean Delaveyne laid its foundations, earning two Michelin stars and establishing himself as a pioneer of contemporary French cuisine. In 2001, Thierry and Élisabeth Conte took the helm, infusing the establishment with a neo-traditional touch, which earned them a star. Then, in 2023, during the Vigne Festival in Bougival, a pivotal encounter took place: Élisabeth Conte, seeking a worthy successor to this iconic house, saw in Adrien Bernard-Brunet the same high standards and passion. A new chapter begins, driven by emotion and the spirit of legacy.

Who is Chef Adrien Bernard-Brunet at Le Camélia?

Trained at the Toulouse hotel school, Adrien Bernard-Brunet has developed his culinary style through a diverse and rich career path: from La Côte Saint-Jacques in Joigny (a two-Michelin-starred restaurant) to Paris Vallées in Colombes, and the Village in Marly-le-Roy, Yvelines. Spanning from Burgundy to the Basque Country, Corsica to the Alps, each stage has helped him refine a culinary philosophy rooted in respect for living ingredients, a deep understanding of edible wild plants, and a profound connection to nature.

Today, awarded the Ecotable 2 macarons badge and the title of Master Restaurateur, this establishment sources ingredients from a carefully curated network of local producers in Yvelines and Île-de-France: Clément Benil (organic vegetable grower, 78), La Ferme des Limousines (beef farmer, 78), Erwann Gouyette (poultry farmer, 78), La Ferme de Grignon (dairy farm, 78), L'Herbier d'Elsa (herbalist, 78), and the Huilerie de la Plaine de Versailles (78). A strict short supply chain—from farm to plate—that the chef takes pride in and that enriches every dish.

What’s on the menu at Le Camélia in Bougival?

The menu offers two options depending on the time of day. During lunch on weekdays, you'll find a lunch menu for €26—choose between an appetizer and main or main and dessert—or go for the full experience at €32, which includes a glass of wine or homemade iced tea and coffee. For weekend lunches and dinners, the permanent menu features a three-course option at €45 or four courses for €59, with wine pairings starting at just €15. If you're looking to enjoy the restaurant without breaking the bank, the weekday lunch menu is definitely a great deal.

The Menu - The List of Dishes:

We had the chance to sample several dishes, and the impressions are quite positive. After a delightful starter, the appetizer selection included the cornbread with lost edges, sweet corn soup, sugarloaf lettuce salad, and lemon, which surprised us with its crunchy texture and generous portion. The beet and Parmesan cheesecake, featuring variations with both cooked and raw beets, was unexpectedly refreshing and very flavorful.

For the main course, the star dish is the Charolais beef fillet, served with truffle gnocchi, a rich thyme-infused jus, and crispy Jerusalem artichoke chips: the meat is perfectly tender, and the flavors harmonize beautifully. The mushroom and parsley tartlet, featuring mushroom and smoked potato foam, is the house's true signature, playing with textures from crunchy bites to the boldness of the mushrooms. This is a vegan option that certainly leaves an impression.

A special highlight is the natural sourdough bread baked fresh each morning at the restaurant, served with a plant-based butter that varies according to the chef's mood.

For dessert, the Paris-Brest with sarrasin praline and reduced cider and the "like a cappuccino" (featuring coffee, chocolate, vanilla, and amaretto) provide a wonderfully indulgent and expertly crafted finish to the meal.

Le Camélia: Which diners does this Yvelines restaurant cater to?

This spot is perfect for those seeking a great balance between quality and price, offering dishes made entirely from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, especially from the Yvelines region, carefully chosen. It's an ideal place for couples enjoying a sophisticated dinner, friends sharing generous plates, or families looking for a relaxed lunch away from the hustle and bustle of Paris—though it’s worth noting that the menus may be less suitable for very young children. Keep in mind, the restaurant can also be rented out for private events.

Le Camélia welcomes guests from Wednesday to Sunday, for both lunch and dinner, at 7 Quai Georges Clemenceau in Bougival (78380). Reservations are highly recommended and can be easily made directly through their website. To catch a glimpse of their latest dishes and updates, check out their Instagram account, which offers a tempting preview of what’s in store. Just about twenty kilometers from Paris, this charming spot offers a riverside setting as refined as the cuisine they serve. If you’re looking to explore more culinary gems nearby, don’t miss the legendary Coq de Bougival or the vibrant Parenthèse Verte in the neighboring town.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.