Black Truffle Season 2025
Featuring Black Truffles from NZ Black Truffle Growers Association
Featuring Black Truffles from NZ Black Truffle Growers Association
Limited Time - Bookings Essential
French Inspired Cuisine
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque countryside, the Camellia Restaurant is an elevated dining experience that combines French techniques with local seasonality.
Jean-Baptiste Pilou and Valentina Avecilla have come on board to head up our hospitality operations. Their resumés read like a guide to top French cuisine, having worked in some of the world's most prestigious Michelin star restaurants. Together they bring with them a very special take on bringing the best of natural flavours.
Crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients, our ever-evolving menus offer a unique dining experience.
Explore a sample below.
Fresh, local, and seasonally inspired
Every element of our menu has been created in-house using sustainably sourced, fresh, and local ingredients.
Executive Chef:
Jean-Baptiste Pilou
French born, Executive Chef Jean-Baptiste Pilou joins us for the next chapter of his already extra-ordinary career that includes working in the kitchens of some of Paris’ finest restaurants.
From Restaurant Relais Louis XIII to the Paris Ritz and then sous chef at the prestigious Restaurant Guy Savoy. His time at Guy Savoy earned him residence at that most-rare and coveted accolade on any chef’s CV: a 3 star Michelin restaurant.
Executive Pastry Chef:
Valentina Avecilla
Valentina Avecilla is Zealong's Executive Pastry Chef.
Born in Argentina, she trained in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Paris, then worked with legendary French chef Hélène Darroze (2 Michelin stars), and later master pâtissier Pierre Hermé.
A master of desserts, breads & pastries.
Diverse Expertise
Our harmonious blend of culinary talents from around the world make up our kitchen team. Comprising of French, Argentinian, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Cambodian, and Indian talents, this diverse skillset ensures that every dish created is a masterpiece.
Camellia Restaurant Opening Hours
Winter opening days
Lunch: Friday to Sunday 11:30am - 2:30pm
Dinner: Friday and Saturday 6:00pm - 10:00 pm
Crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients, our ever-evolving menus offer a unique dining experience. Explore a sample below.
Guest Reviews
This is very definitely the best dining experience in the region. Exquisitely prepared and presented plates in a wide ranging but compact menu. From the amuse-bouche to the petit four and tea, outstanding service and a peaceful, unpretentious atmosphere. Camellia sets a new standard. Welcome!
Simon
Google Review
What a hidden treasure… the food was delicious, the service was excellent and the surroundings lovely. We will definitely be going back for lunch and we’re looking forward to visiting for dinner once they open for evening meals.
Donna
Google Review
I've had the pleasure of dining at Camelia twice now, and each visit has been nothing short of extraordinary. The service is impeccable—attentive, friendly, fast and truly dedicated to making every guest feel special. The ambiance is perfect, striking a balance between elegant and cozy, making it an ideal spot for any occasion.
Jesse
Google Review