ELLA'S — Restaurant in Cranbrook

Edited- Owners reply, Was to promptly redirect the blame back onto the customer/s rather than take ownership for their poor business practices, and manipulate the truth, (a business that wants to blame its customers for wanting seperate bills, despite informing the waitress prior to ordering, apparently needing to reprint bills 3 times is the customers fault) BIGGEST PROBLEM COMPOUNDED INTREST ON TIPS, trying to "chop it up" to auto generating, like they have no choice in it. Nothing was said to 90% of people at the tables, and honestly the service was barely worth 18%, especially not 18% times 2 times 8 (I spent $25 per meal and apparently tipped $30) Truthfully Food was (not)excellent, (the bumbo burger was excellent, the fries were soggy and Jamaican patties had dry crunchy corners, like when I make them in a microwave.)

When I went with a group including my senior father. They were quick to take our order and take our menu's, which apparently has an unseen statement about them adding an automatic Gratuity of 18% onto the bill. We originally were surprised to be billed $6.50 (more than pop, or ginger beer) for a cup of instant coffee (which was left as undrinkable) but then later we noticed, not only had they added a 18% gratuity ($12.06) to the bill, but then written on the bottom of the bill there was a suggested tip guide that had listed 18% as $14.83, (which at the time we paid as I didnt look at the receipt till later that night.) However after looking at the breakdown of their "suggested tip" being 18%, I realized it was a "Compound" percent, they actually suggested tipping a 18% tip on their automatic 18% tip. Not impressed, very sleezey business tactic to try swindle afew extra dollars from their customers, not only with double tips but with compound math also. Will...

First off, since you are probably wondering the 3 stars I will start with the negatives and why I gave it. I went here because of someone saying the Oxtail Birria Tacos were the best thing they ever had, well this is 90% of why I took 2 stars off. It literally, no joke, not even a little tasted so gross. I will try to give as close of an example as I can. Take virtually no meat and a bunch of onions it what was taking the salty level to an 11/10. Closest thing I can think of for flavor is if you have a bouillon paste and just put a huge spoon of that in your mouth, you know like the paste you would add a bunch of cream or milk to dilute it, except this wasn't it was exactly like that paste inside a shell. I am not sure if it was rendered down soooo much and scraped from the bottom of the pan and no meat left to go with it or what, but it was horrible and shouldn't be called food. The last negative was allowing only 1 refill on soda that was I think $5.50 and tons of ice. They post signs saying no other food or drink allowed. Really? If you are that hard up to lose like $0.20 for a refill for me something is wrong. I certainly needed WAY more drink for those tacos. I did tell the waitress I didn't like the tacos but didn't push it (wasn't in the mood) and she didn't do anything about it. Beyond this the rest of the food was good, the coconut shrimp was great, the jamrock burger was also good. Fries were good standard fries. The outdoor patio was nice as well. I hope this...

The host greeted us with a friendly "wagwan" and it gave a good feeling right away. The staff were so friendly, easy to chat with, and attentive. The restaurant's visuals exude unique Caribbean beauty and warmth.

To drink we had Sorrel, which I'd never had, and was amazing. To me it was reminiscent of a mulled wine; but chilled, and non alcoholic. Then we had the roti goodaz to start, which was a puri roti cut into sections with a flavorfully stewed chickpea bowl, tumeric-laden and delicious. It was a well portioned for sharing.

Our mains were the jerk chicken dinner and the braised oxtail birria-style tacos (that was a special, not on the usual menu). Bright and tangy jerk, exquisitely cooked rice and peas with a touch of coconut flavor, and a rich pineapple sauce to pour over it all... Delicious. I could have gone hotter with the jerk, but it was so good that I downed it before asking if they had a hot sauce I could add to it.

The braised oxtail birria was absolutely killer. Savory, umami, dripping in richness - I'm craving it now! If this isn't available when you go, consider the yaad man braised oxtail because it's probably a similar rich flavor. Good for the cold months, for sure!

Can't wait to be back. Thank you Ella for bringing this to...