Camille

Another restaurant to join the new-wave French bistro revolution in London, Camille, we believe, presides loftily above them all. Not in an arrogant way, by any means. This Parisian-inspired spot has swooped into Borough Market with a competent chef team (Clare Lattin and Tom Hill of Ducksoup) and a clearcut vision to create a perfect specimen of an old-timey bistro without batting an eyelid.  

It’s impossible not to be charmed by the walnut-clad interiors of the cosy dining room. Vintage wooden stalls overlook the market in the front window, while tight-fitting tables squeezed between pillar box red columns offer cosy respite to sit with a glass of wine and a plate of its addictive puffed pigs' skin crackers.   

On that, this is not the place to come as a vegetarian, or anyone remotely squeamish for that matter. Camille’s menu favours lesser-known cuts that, at first, sound scary, but are anything but when placed in the talented hands of head chef Elliot Hashtroudi (ex-St John). Case in point: we chomped our way through a deeply comforting plate of chicken hearts with smooth, cheesy aligot and gravy. We’d wager the lamb’s brain was also delicious, but didn’t get round to testing that theory. Elsewhere, a ginormous schnitzel (one is enough for two) arrived swimming in a verdant dandelion and garlic butter, topped with perfectly dressed leaves. This we paired with oblong blocks of layered, deep-fried potato and Dijon mayonnaise, which though delicious, was potentially overkill. We were too high on butter-induced dopamine to care. 

There hadn’t been any let-up on richness at this point, so we chose a small but perfectly formed dessert: a treacle-coloured canelé topped with a generous dollop of lemon curd. These two perfect bites are worth the fiver it’ll cost you. We weren’t drinking on the night, but wine is a big deal here, with an ever-changing glass list and a broader selection of natural bottles from French winemakers to choose from.  

Camille has cracked the art of bistro-style dining. Allow it to woo you like it did us.  

Camille is a French bistro in Borough, based on Stoney Street, from the team behind foodie favourites Ducksoup in Soho, Little Duck in Dalston and most recently, Emilia in Devon. Co-founders Clare Lattin and Tom Hill lead the charge on this relaxed French eatery, which offers a take on provincial French cuisine, led by ex-St John chef Elliot Hashtroudi.

The vibe is intimate, relaxed and perfect for Francophiles, with a curated wine list of low-intervention bottles showcasing lesser-known French producers, alongside ingredient-led dishes highlighting the best of British produce. Nearby Borough Market is a handy source of ingredients and the team buys from locals as much as possible. There are clear bistro design cues inside, whether it's the sturdy wooden dining chairs or a daily changing blackboard menu. As well as tables Camille also has counter dining seats by the window, where guests can watch Borough Market visitors walking up and down Stoney Street. Camille has room for around 40 covers inside, but the restaurant also boasts a small al fresco terrace where diners can sit during the summer.

The menu starts with little snacks and small bites, ranging from something simple like a baguette with fresh butter, to mangalitza pork rillettes and smoked eel devilled eggs. From there the a la carte follows a classic three course format, with dishes including crab toast with three cornered garlic and bisque, lemon sole with snail butter, langoustine cassoulet, and ox tongue with black trompette mushrooms and Riesling. Desserts include burnt milk tart and Yorkshire rhubarb with custard, though the whole menu is likely to change often.