Ella Elli — Restaurant in Lake View Township

Ella Elli was SO good. WHEW. I’m not even going to waste time. Let’s get right into it.

This was my second time at Ella Elli. This time I went for 2024 Restaurant Week Dinner. It was 5 courses.

The first course was a little welcome snack. Chile… I wanted them to bring me back a whole BOWL of that wafer with the dip. I don’t even remember what it was, but 10 out of 10. A perfect way to start. My friend is vegan so they brought out a skewer with some beets and citrus. So good. The vegan curated RW dinner was such a nice touch, and the dishes were still complex, not just salad.

Then they brought out the second course. I had the focaccia and my friend had the heirloom carrots. When I say I LICKED the plate clean of that goat cheese dip with that tapenade. I know they put that plate right back on the shelf WITH THE REST OF THE CLEAN PLATES! SO good. 12 out of 10. The drinks we had were so good. Over the course of night we drank the Oaxacan Garden, The Say Less, and the Trade Route. So delicious all 3. 10 out of 10 baby.

The third course was a little heavier, and perhaps my favorite of the meal. I had the clam bucatini with bacon lardons which I swear to g*d was some of the best pasta i've ever had in my life. Like chile I was starting to get full. 😂😂😂😂 uh oh! the pasta was so rich and flavorful and the flavor had DEPTH. That’s so hard to achieve in these restaurants, but it was complex and truly MOUTH WATERING. I think it was the bacon fat, truly. It tasted so expensive. 20 out of 10 and was definitely the star of the show for me. My friend had the Brussels sprouts which were also delicious. I would have liked them a little sweeter, maybe with some sweet miso or peanut sauce, but still very tasty and would easily order again. Really enjoyed this course.

Whewwww I was already full then the main course came 😭 I had the short rib with this IMMACULATE creamy Parmesan risotto. The perfect size portion. If it had been any bigger I would have exploded no cap. Lord it was so good and rich with flavor. Wow i'm really thinking back as i type this out like.. it was so good woah 💀 15 out of 10. My friend had the cauliflower steak which the restaurant graciously added as a vegan option to the menu. I did not get to try it but it looked good.

Dessert was truly when I got greedy 💀 that apple bourbon goat’s milk cheesecake… listen. I would do things for that cheesecake! I gobbled it down so quick, and ordered another 2 portions to go. I ate the to-go portion right there in the restaurant, as you can see. I just could not help myself it was so good. I simply could not wait to get home. It was so DAMN good.

Anyways, 30 out of 10 for Ella Elli. The food is delicious, the space is beautiful, and the cadence was spot on. Bonus points for having a well-thought out vegan selection of RW items. The space also has a very apparent queer energy, which was super nice since both me and my date are part of the rainbow mafia chile!

Our waitress was Kelly. 10 out of 10 vibes. PAY KELLY MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Overall an incredible experience to eat 5 delectable courses for $59. I will be back and QUICK.

Update— retuned for what has to be my 4th or 5th visit. The ceviche and pizza were 10/10!!!! And of course had to snag another goats milk...

Ella Elli Elevated Our Evening: An LRV Restaurant Week Experience to Savor Ella Elli isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience for the senses. And during LRV Restaurant Week, that experience reaches opulent heights! We recently indulged in the $80 prix fixe menu, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of culinary magic.

From the moment we stepped in, the atmosphere was captivating - a warm, inviting space buzzing with energy. The service was impeccable, attentive and knowledgeable without being intrusive, guiding us through the meal with delightful recommendations.

Now, to the food! Each dish was a masterpiece, a testament to Ella Elli's commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative, skillful execution. It's hard to pick favorites, but a few standouts truly shine:

Kanpachi Crudo: The delicate fish melted in our mouths, kissed by the vibrant orange agrumato and pistachio pesto. This dish was a celebration of clean flavors and textures. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Don't underestimate the power of Brussels sprouts! These were transformed into addictive little gems, caramelized and bursting with the smoky depth of n'duja and the richness of pecorino fonduta. The runny sunny egg on top just took it over the edge. Chicken: Harissa honey may sound unusual, but trust me, it works. The sweet glaze balanced perfectly with the harissa's subtle heat, coating the juicy chicken like a luxurious lacquer. The heirloom carrots added pops of color and earthiness, rounding out the dish beautifully. Ricotta Gnocchi: Pillowy-soft gnocchi bathed in a decadent truffle beurre blanc - who needs words? This dish was pure comfort and luxury in every bite. The roasted mushrooms added a lovely textural contrast and earthy depth. Goat's Milk Cheesecake: Creamy, tangy, and topped with caramelized apples and a boozy bourbon caramel, this cheesecake was the perfect ending to a perfect meal. It was light enough to not feel heavy, yet decadent enough to leave us utterly satisfied. The $80 LRV Restaurant Week menu at Ella Elli is an incredible value. Not only do you get to experience world-class cuisine, but the entire evening feels like a special occasion. From the ambiance and service to the sheer artistry of the food, it's an experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Here's why you should try it:

Exquisite and inventive dishes: Each course is a testament to Ella Elli's culinary prowess, showcasing fresh ingredients and bold flavor combinations. Impeccable service: The attentive and knowledgeable staff ensures a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. Ambiance that sets the mood: The warm, inviting space adds to the overall feeling of indulgence. Exceptional value: The $80 prix fixe menu offers a chance to try some of Ella Elli's best dishes at a fraction of the usual cost. So, if you're looking for a truly special culinary experience during LRV Restaurant Week, look no further than Ella Elli. Prepare to be dazzled, delighted, and left...

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...