Elia Mediterranean Restaurant — Restaurant in East Rutherford

Two of my friends and I decided to try Elia for a galentines night out since we moved to the middle of town in Rutherford not so long ago. I have family in Piermont where the sister restaurant is located, so thought we'd give this one a shot and hopefully make it a local staple.

I’m not one to write a review, as I’m rarely affected by situations to the point of feeling obligated to share my experience publicly. Last night happened to be one of the few times I was left somewhat speechless.

I had called the restaurant ahead to confirm our reservation and the 90 minute table limit. The hostess was very nice and when I asked if we could order a la carte or if there was a set menu for Valentine’s Day she confirmed a la carte, but made no mention of any other requirements for dinner.

We arrived on time for our 9:30pm reservation and were seated at a lovely table. We were hoping to have 2-3 drinks each, 3-4 apps, and 2-3 desserts during our 90 minute seating, which would probably run us close to $250-$300 by estimate.

When we shared we would not be having entrees, the waiter was very kind and apologetic but told us we would have to be moved to the bar. When we asked how many entrees we would have to buy to keep our table he said at least two and the manager was pulled in to confirm same.

I am not ignorant of the fact that restaurants need money to survive, they are businesses. But pinching $80-$120 dollars when we would be spending three times as much without entrees felt like business was all they cared about. I was seemingly scolded by the manager for not knowing rules I wasn’t even informed of despite having done my fair share of due diligence ahead of time. The role of restaurant manager is not easy, and on a holiday I’d imagine it’s tough. But it doesn’t give license to be rude to your patrons.

This is the first and only time a restaurant has ever reseated me based on these restrictions. I have lived and worked in Manhattan, Bergen and Rockland county and have had my fair share of wonderful dining experiences - during which I have never been reprimanded, even at the most upscale restaurants, for any dining habits. If such a particular rule existed, I would have like to have been informed.

We gave absolutely no fuss, thanked the waiter for his help and agreed amicably to be reseated at the bar where we were served drinks and appetizers. If you are a restaurant charging $18-20 dollars a drink on this side of the river, you’d hope it’d be quality, same with the food. Both the drinks and the food were close to what I’d eat and drink at a diner in quality. I know Elia, like many Mediterranean restaurants that advertise a more club vibe, have djs, and I’ve had my fair share of nights out. Barely 10pm and I can’t hear myself think in the restaurant let alone hear the person next to me.

Before our first round was finished and after our food was left uneaten, we paid out and left. No word from the manager, no thank you and one to check in given we’d barely touched our food. All in all, I would like to restate I understand businesses need money, but this restaurant prioritizes only that - all superficial with no substance. It’s overpriced for the quality of the food and has amenities that tell you they value status over anything meaningful. I would not recommend this restaurant - if you care about a club vibe and you’re already paying these prices go to Manhattan and pay for an uber back home. Only reason this has two stars instead of one is because our server was very kind and...

UPDATE: I called the owner as mentioned in the below response from the restaurant. She said she doesn’t read Google reviews and that the response below came from a company she uses to respond to reviews. Not a great answer.

She took zero accountability for our experience. Mind you, I was not calling her to vent, I was calling because I really like the food and want her restaurant to succeed.

She asked who our waiter was. I told her the issue is with training and management, not the waiter. But I did explain who he was. She again complained about not being able to get good help.

She assured me that the white wine we received which was listed as a red on the menu was never on the red list. However, my husband is a stickler for details and he checked the list again after the white wine arrived to confirm the mistake was the restaurant’s and not ours.

About there being no salt or pepper or olive oil on the table she first said it should have been there but then said that where we were sitting they don’t place salt & pepper on the table. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I explained that the waiter mispronouncing “chutney” was a training issue not the waiter’s fault and she dismissed me.

Regarding my appetizer coming and my husband having to wait she just said she’d look into it.

I told her again that the problem was with supervision and not the staff. I said I saw a man and woman walking around looking important. We watched them walk around looking like they owned the place and presumed they were the supervisors. I told her they didn’t look down at our tables but just walked around with their heads held high. Her response was to assure me that there were no supervisors or managers there when we went (BASICALLY PROVING MY POINT if she’s telling the truth).

I don’t see this place lasting very long if the owner can’t accept that she needs to make improvements and instead wants to explain everything away. (Original review follows).

——————————————————————— 1- there’s a white wine in the “red wine” list so we ordered what we thought was a red but the waiter arrived with a white wine.

2- they brought us delicious pita bread but no olive oil for dipping, no salt or pepper on the table.

3- the waiter poured my husband before he poured me. He did not know how to pour without spilling. He poured my wine second in a very aggressive way, dumping the wine and clanking against the glass twice.

4- The same waiter needs to know how to pronounce “chutney”. It’s not “chut-noy”.

5- the waiter brought my appetizer and it took a while before my husband’s came out.

6- music is loud

7- A good part of our experience: A bus boy did come by to clean the tabletop after another took away our dishes and ignored what fell on the table.

The food was delicious. But don’t refer to yourself as fine dining if your service is lacking.

PLEASE - WE WANT TO KEEP COMING HERE. BUT IF YOU DONT FIX THE SERVICE ISSUES, YOU’LL KEEP SLIDING AND NO ONE WILL VISIT AFTER A WHILE. IS THAT WHAT...

Elia restaurant is an absolute gem in the heart of East Rutherford, and it brings the warmth and flavors of Greece right to your table. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a Mediterranean oasis, where the ambiance is as inviting as the cuisine is exceptional.

The dining experience at Elia is nothing short of glorious. The decor is a delightful blend of contemporary elegance and traditional Greek charm, creating a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. The soft, warm lighting sets the perfect mood for an unforgettable meal.

But what truly sets Elia apart is its remarkable cuisine. The menu is a culinary journey through the heart of Greece, offering a diverse selection of dishes that cater to all palates. Whether you're a fan of classic Greek staples like moussaka and souvlaki or crave more adventurous flavors, Elia has something to delight your taste buds.

The freshness of the ingredients is palpable in every bite, and the skillful preparation and presentation of each dish showcase the culinary mastery of the chefs. From the tender, succulent lamb to the perfectly grilled seafood, every dish is a testament to the dedication to authenticity and quality.

The wine list at Elia is also worth noting, offering a carefully curated selection of Greek wines that complement the cuisine beautifully. The knowledgeable staff is more than happy to recommend the perfect pairing for your meal, enhancing your dining experience even further.

What truly makes Elia restaurant shine is its commitment to providing not just a meal but an experience. The friendly and attentive staff, the live music that often graces the evenings, and the warm hospitality all contribute to a dining experience that lingers in your memory long after the meal has ended.

Moreover, the staff at Elia restaurant are on point in every sense of the word. From the moment you sit down until the moment you leave, their attentiveness and professionalism enhance the overall dining experience.

As soon as you're done with a course, they are quick to discreetly clear your plate, ensuring that your table remains uncluttered and inviting throughout your meal. This level of attentiveness speaks volumes about their dedication to providing top-notch service.

Moreover, the staff's knowledge of the menu is impressive. They are more than willing to offer recommendations and answer any questions you may have about the dishes or Greek cuisine in general. Their genuine enthusiasm for the food they serve is evident and adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your dining experience.

Whether you need a refill on your drink, an extra napkin, or have any special requests, the staff at Elia are always ready to accommodate with a smile. Their friendly and efficient service truly elevates the entire dining experience, making you feel like a valued guest from...