You know that feeling when you walk into a place and immediately realize you’re not in a corporate chain? That’s Camille's Pizzeria & Ristorante. It’s tucked away in Oakland Park at 4165 N Dixie Hwy, and honestly, if you aren’t looking for it, you might just drive right past it. But that would be a huge mistake.
Most "Italian" joints in South Florida feel like they were designed by a committee. They’ve got the same red-checkered tablecloths and the same canned tomato sauce that’s been sitting in a vat for three days. Camille’s Pizzeria & Ristorante is different. It’s the brainchild of Chef John Kreidich and his wife, Maya. John isn't some guy who just decided to open a pizza shop; he’s got serious pedigree, having served as the executive chef at Dune by LT and worked under culinary heavyweight Andrew Carmellini.
But here’s the kicker: despite that high-end background, Camille's feels like your neighbor's dining room.
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The "Parma John" and Why Size Actually Matters
If you’re going to eat here, we need to talk about the Chicken "Parma John." It’s basically a massive, golden-fried statement of intent. Most places give you a rubbery cutlet with a slice of plastic cheese. This thing is elevated. It’s crispy, tender, and seasoned with a level of intentionality you usually only find in places where the waiters wear white gloves.
The menu is tight. That’s a good sign. When a restaurant tries to do 500 things, they usually do them all poorly. John keeps it focused. You’ve got a handful of handmade pastas—we're talking actual al dente texture, not the mushy stuff—and pizzas that bridge the gap between New York street style and artisan craft.
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What to Order (Besides the Chicken)
- Fritto Misto: This isn't your standard pile of oily calamari. It’s got shrimp, zucchini, and—get this—fried lemons. The lemons add a pop of acid that cuts right through the richness.
- Wild Mushroom Pappardelle: The sauce is earthy and almost addictive. They use a variety of mushrooms that actually taste like mushrooms, not just those white buttons from a tin.
- The Pizza Deal: This is kinda wild for 2026. If you order an entree, you can often snag a 14-inch cheese pie for basically pennies (usually around $3). It’s the ultimate "take home for the kids" move.
Real Talk: The Vibe and the Service
Maya runs the front of the house, and you can tell she grew up in the industry. Her family ran Lebanese restaurants in NYC, so hospitality is basically in her DNA. It’s a small space. It gets loud. There’s a lot of green from the plants, and it feels... alive.
One thing people get wrong about Camille’s is thinking it’s just a "pizza place." It’s not. It’s a ristorante that happens to make killer pizza. You can go in wearing a t-shirt and jeans and get a world-class branzino or a perfectly charred grilled octopus. Speaking of the octopus, they serve it on a bed of pureed white beans. It’s smoky, soft, and buttery.
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Why It Works in a Crowded Market
South Florida is expensive. Like, "why am I paying $40 for spaghetti" expensive. Camille's manages to keep prices reasonable without cutting corners on the ingredients. They make their own dough. They make their own pasta. They don't over-salt things to hide poor quality.
It’s open six days a week (closed Tuesdays), and they do a Sunday brunch that’s becoming a bit of a local secret. If you’re tired of the "see and be seen" vibe of Fort Lauderdale beach and just want a meal that tastes like someone actually cares about you, this is the spot.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Specials: John usually has one or two dishes off-menu, like short rib or specific seafood catches. These are often the best things coming out of the kitchen that night.
- Park in the Back: Dixie Highway can be a nightmare. There’s usually a bit more breathing room if you look for the side street parking or the designated spots behind the building.
- The Kids are Welcome: Unlike some "chef-driven" spots that look at children like they’re health code violations, the staff here is incredibly accommodating. The pizza deal makes it one of the most affordable high-end family dinners in Broward.
- Try a Mocktail: Surprisingly, their non-alcoholic drinks are actually balanced and interesting, not just sugar bombs.
If you’re heading over, maybe don't tell too many people. It’s already hard enough to get a table on a Friday night without the rest of the world finding out about the fried lemons.
Plan your visit for a Wednesday or Thursday evening to avoid the heaviest crowds and get a chance to chat with the owners; they’re almost always there, and that personal touch is exactly what makes the place stand out from the sea of generic Italian eateries.