Review Ella Elli - Chicago

This restaurant is beautiful. Food is fresh and colorful. Flavors for all the dishes are rich and there is definitely some creative touch to each one. My personal favorite was beef tartare and grilled artichoke. Mussels could have been so much better if some of them were not cold and if the size, texture of the mussels were more consistent. Staff was friendly and I hope to return to try other ones on the menu. We didn't have a reservation but was lucky to see that the bar seats were available. Italian wine we were recommended was excellent.

All I can say is wow! Ella Elli has been on my list for a long time and I’m so happy I finally made it in. Came last night and tried the restaurant week menu — I highly recommend. First of all the restaurant is beautiful and classy, very subtly romantic. The food and service, however, is where this place really shines. Every dish we had was really expertly prepared and every bite felt curated. The portions are small but it really felt like the chef focused on quality over quantity. For restaurant week we got to try so much of the menu and literally did not try one thing we didn’t like! Our server Natalia was great and paced out our meal perfectly. Overall had an incredible experience — this is exactly what I seek out on an ideal date night or nice dinner with family !! Don’t miss: ricotta gnocchi (best gnocchi I’ve ever had — so unique), lamb rigatoni (honestly tied with gnocchi), Mediterranean sea bass (perfectly crispy and light), creamy mushroom toast, goat cheesecake and the profiterole of course

Dinner with friends. We all agreed it was the best food, and nicest atmosphere we'd encountered at a restaurant in some time. Helpful and friendly staff. Broad selection of food choices, and interesting preparations. Everything from the cocktails to the desserts was delicious.

Excellent food and amazing service! My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and it was the perfect place to celebrate. The waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and helped us select a wine that paired well with our meals. The ambience is perfect for date night. The bar would be a nice place to sit for a cocktail and appetizers as well! Highly recommend!!!!

Amazing. Simply amazing. Every dish from every course was exceptional. Great, savory foods, with some unexpected but very welcome flavors in every dish. Service was great. You could probably spend $25 a person if you ate pretty light. The brussel sprout pizza was literally heaven. Get it. It's a lot of food and it is so good.

If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in the Windy City, Ella Elli is the place to be. Nestled in the heart of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, this restaurant is a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. From the moment you step through the door, you'll be swept away by the warm, inviting atmosphere and the attentive service. The decor is chic and modern, yet still manages to feel cozy and welcoming, with soft lighting and plush seating that invites you to settle in and savor the moment. But of course, the real star of the show at Ella Elli is the food. Every dish is a work of art, crafted with care and attention to detail that is evident in every bite. From the charcuterie board to the pasta dishes to the expertly grilled meats, everything on the menu is fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared. In addition to the incredible food and atmosphere, Ella Elli also boasts a team of exceptional servers who go above and beyond to make sure every guest feels welcome and well-cared-for. During my visit, I had the pleasure of being served by Luke, who was an absolute delight. He was knowledgeable about the menu and made excellent recommendations, taking the time to answer any questions we had and ensuring that our experience was truly exceptional. And let's not forget about the fantastic fire side decaf coffee! It was the perfect way to cap off our meal, and the rich, smoky flavor was a real treat for the senses. Sipping on the warm, comforting beverage while chatting with friends by the fireplace was the perfect end to a perfect evening. It's details like this that make Ella Elli stand out as a truly special dining destination, and I can't wait to return again and again. Whether you're looking for a romantic night out, a celebratory dinner with friends, or just a memorable meal that you'll be talking about for weeks to come, Ella Elli is the perfect destination.

Had our anniversary dinner here and was impressed by the ambiance and the food. The furniture and decor are beautiful and match the food. I highly recommend this place. The staff were friendly and professional. I recommend the wagyu and the octopus. Both dishes were cooked to perfection. We tried the beef tartare, it was good but I couldn’t get pass the thought of eating raw meat. I would come back here to try other things on the menu.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Originally we were going to be sat in a tight corner along with others at small tables. We asked to sit at the bar which they kindly agreed. We loved the love seat style benches; it was better than normal bar stools. The server Leo at the bar was funny, and gave us the perfect amount of attention, not too little and not too much. The spicy tuna appetizer was definitely spicy. I had kale with my steak and it was actually very good! Kale is gross but not how they do it! The lamb dish was amazing! Had a little char to it and was still tender and juicy. The Gnocchi was also very good. This is the only time we had gnocchi that was shaped longer than the traditional size. I won't describe the rest of the menu so you can be pleasantly surprised when you visit. I highly suggest this place. The atmosphere was quite elegant and had a vintage and possibly expensive feel but was shocked at the menu to be reasonably priced for the variety of flavors of ingredients.

A hidden gem. The portions are nicely sized for what you are paying. Everything tasted and looked good. The burger was a personal highlight, and the octopus and brussel sprouts the favorites in our table. The restaurant setting is delightful, and it almost feels as if you were eating at someone else's home. Will be coming back for sure!

This place is such a gem. Where is their Michelin nod. The array of artful delicious thoughtful flavors always leaves me delighted. My only 'wish it was better' is that when you go early and its calm and quiet, the food comes out too fast. They could fire more slowly so multiple dishes aren't piling up on our tiny two top. Then you feel like you have to eat real fast to make room on the table. Minor inconvenience.

Of the eight dishes our table of four shared, there wasn't a single one I disliked. The beef carpaccio, crispy brussel sprouts, and grilled octopus dishes were my favorites. The cocktails were beautiful and well made. The courses were well staggered without too much of a lull between them. Our waiter was personable and friendly but not too familiar and offered helpful suggestions. The interior is very nice and well decorated which enhances the dining experience.

It's a cozy yet elegant vibe! Everyone was friendly and personable and very helpful with needed adjustments for dietary needs. We sat by a fire and loved the ambiance. We ordered a few dishes, including the brussels sprouts, cherry toast, and ricotta gnocchi. All were delicious! It's a great place for a little treat with friends or to celebrate something with loved ones.

An absolutely standout. Fantastic service, interesting menu and well done drinks. The focaccia was outstanding and the way goat cheese was used in different courses was perfect. Luke, our server, was so great. Give him a raise!

Always have a great experience at Ella Elli. I particularly love the spirit-free cocktails and the veggie and seafood options (their scallops with kabocha squash are my favorite). And the atmosphere and people are just lovely.

BEAUTIFUL and delicious breakfast place. My sisters and I came here for brunch for restaurant week and it was amazing. Very tastefully decorated with comfortable seating. The food was impeccable and perfectly prepared. Our server Brian was very attentive and accommodating. Very enjoyable experience - we will be back!

This place is such a delight. Love the food, beautiful space, great service. We went for Restaurant Week. I ordered the scallop crudo, squid ink spaghetti, lamb, and profiterole. The crudo is so buttery it melts in your mouth. The lamb is cooked so perfectly! We also decided to order their espresso martini and oh is it a treat! Request decaf so you don't scare your heart after all the wine.

Excellent small plate restaurant. Everything excellent -- beets need some punching-up, but still delicious beets. We will definitely return.

Oooogirllll such a good shareables place, currently on a strict no-carbs diet and I could find so many things I could eat on the menu! The veggies were the highlight, I recommend the carrots, Brussel sprouts, & beef tartar