When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Ella Elli
Why Ella Elli is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Ella Elli is a warm and inviting restaurant located in the heart of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, designed as an ideal venue for gathering with friends or enjoying a date night. This charming space emphasizes a convivial atmosphere where guests can unwind over globally inspired cuisine paired with an atypical, carefully curated wine list. The menu features an eclectic mix of French, Italian, and Spanish flavors, showcasing dishes such as wood-oven octopus with crispy potatoes and salsa verde, pizza topped with roasted oysters and goat cheese, and lamb Scottadito with spiced yogurt and harissa. Seasonal cocktails, coffee, and aperitifs complement the dining experience, making it perfect for relaxed socializing. The space is also skilled at accommodating dietary preferences, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. With a seating capacity of 75, Ella Elli balances intimacy with liveliness, fostering great conversation and laughter. Its location near notable attractions like Wrigley Field adds to its appeal, making it a top choice for locals and visitors seeking a distinctive culinary destination in Chicago.
Here's what people think of Ella Elli
As of recent, Ella Elli holds a 4.7-star rating based on 671 reviews.
Reviews of Ella Elli overwhelmingly praise the restaurant for its excellent food and welcoming ambiance. Many guests highlight the diverse and creative menu offerings, such as the brussels sprouts, mushroom toast, and lamb chops, which reportedly deliver rich flavors and satisfying portions. The wine selection receives frequent commendation for being both diverse and reasonably priced, enhancing the overall dining experience. Reviewers also appreciate the attentive, friendly service, contributing to an atmosphere that feels both comfortable and refined. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention issues common to popular dining spots, such as occasional wait times or noise levels that can affect conversation. However, these critiques do not dominate the feedback and are generally balanced by the positive experiences. Overall, Ella Elli's combination of quality food, thoughtfully chosen wines, and a charming setting results in a highly rated venue that many customers consider a great place to meet up with friends or enjoy a relaxed meal.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Lori Kilander
Fantastic dining experience! One of the best meals I've had in a really long time. The French Onion Soup toast, the artichokes and the Brussels were so good but eclipsed by the even better pork chop (fried lemon peel...who would have thought!). The rigatoni was rich and so flavorful and the special bone marrow risotto was some of the best risotto I've ever had. We finished it off with the gooey butter cake with olive oil and Madagascar vanilla ice cream. What a treat! Cannot wait to come back!
andrea b
Stumbled onto this place for happy hour... We are long time patrons of Crosby's but decided to try their sister restaurant next door for happy hour and wound up staying for dinner! The menu is small but curated and everything we tried was outstanding. Even our happy hour cocktails were beautifully prepared and presented. We had the focaccia, ceviche, cheese plate, cacio e pepe and my husband had a burger that he said was the best he has had in years. Our server was knowledgeable and very accommodating and the manager came out a few times to explain what we were having and how it was made. We were very impressed and will definitely be back.
Khay Ajayi
Disappointing Birthday Dinner at Ella Elli I was really looking forward to dining at Ella Elli for my birthday with my boyfriend, but sadly, the experience was a huge letdown and totally ruined the vibe of what should’ve been a special evening. The food was somewhat beautiful but tasted far from it. Every dish we tried lacked flavor and balance. The first course came in a jar and had a strange, overly oily texture. The main course was bland and uninspired, and the dessert, which I had high hopes for, was way too sweet, almost inedible. The presentation did not match the quality or taste at all. To make things worse, the service didn’t help. The staff felt cold and disengaged, which just made the entire experience feel awkward and uncomfortable. On a night that meant a lot to me, it was really disappointing to feel unwelcome and unsatisfied. I honestly don’t understand how Ella Elli has so many positive reviews. Maybe we just went on an off night, but for a birthday dinner, it was a regretful choice. Definitely not going back.
Chloe Frankowski
My boyfriend and I come here fairly often but we dined with Jasmine as our server and she was phenomenal. Greeted us with the brightest smile and gave us all the time we wanted to sit and enjoy each food item. My only complaint is I wish this place was bigger because they deserve a line out the door. Don’t forget to end your night with an espresso martini, definitely the best in the city!!
bk
Excellent service, our servers were very attentive in changing over serving ware after each dish and clearing the table. Walked in on a Thursday evening and was seated straight away. We got the sweet potatoes, cacio e pepe, and lamb chops. Very reasonable prices for high end small plates and drinks. Can’t recommend enough if you’re in the area!
How to reach Ella Elli
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Website: None
Why Ella Elli may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Ella Elli with your friends?
If you are seeking a place to gather your friends or family for a memorable meetup, Ella Elli in Chicago offers an exceptional blend of atmosphere, cuisine, and experience that makes it an ideal destination. Its contemporary yet comfortable setting provides a cozy refuge from the usual hustle, perfect for unwinding and enjoying quality time together. The restaurant's 4.7-star rating with over 671 reviews is a testament to its consistent excellence and popularity, underscoring it as a favorite hangout spot. The vibrant Southport Corridor location adds to the charm, allowing you to escape the typical bar scene and immerse yourself in a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance. Whether you aim for an intimate dinner or a lively gathering, Ella Elli’s combination of vintage 1920s-inspired decor, attentive service, and thoughtfully curated Mediterranean-influenced menu creates an inviting space that encourages connection and celebration. This makes it not just a meal venue but a destination to rally your group and create lasting memories over great food and drinks.
What kind of activities can groups enjoy at Ella Elli?
Ella Elli caters superbly to groups looking for a shared dining experience filled with flavor and conviviality. One of the best group activities here is ordering a variety of the restaurant’s Mediterranean small plates to share. Sampling dishes such as grilled octopus with salsa verde, roasted fennel in citrus broth, and the sweet corn agnolotti invites conversation and discovery as everyone tries something new. The menu is well balanced to include both vegetarian options — like roasted carrots with crème fraîche and pickled celery — and satisfying meat and seafood dishes such as lamb chops and Mediterranean sea bass, appealing to diverse tastes in a group. Alongside food, Ella Elli boasts an impressive vintage cocktail program featuring classics like the Singapore Sling, a perfect slow-sip option that keeps the evening relaxed yet spirited. Groups can also enjoy the warm, intimate atmosphere with its alcove booths or loveseat bar stools, which are excellent for socializing in a comfortable, stylish environment. The staff’s reputation for friendly and anticipatory service further enhances the experience by ensuring every need is met without intrusion. These features collectively make dining together at Ella Elli an engaging, interactive, and delightfully shareable event.
Why is Ella Elli perfect for a group meetup?
Ella Elli’s layout and style are perfectly designed for groups seeking a balance of intimacy and vibrancy. With around 75 seats, including cozy booths and a well-appointed bar, the space lends itself well to both small and moderately sized gatherings. The restaurant’s aesthetic, inspired by 1920s sophistication, offers a timeless and romantic vibe that elevates ordinary meetups into special occasions without feeling pretentious. The location in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood is accessible yet tucked away enough to provide a respite from more crowded entertainment districts. Ella Elli’s well-curated menu allows groups to enjoy a broad range of tastes within global and Mediterranean cuisines, ensuring everyone in your party finds something appealing. Additionally, the full bar service provides a variety of wine, cocktails, and spirits selections with reasonable prices, enabling your group to toast and celebrate with quality drinks. Attentive but unobtrusive service means your gathering can flow naturally, whether you want to relax deeply or keep the energy high. These collective qualities make Ella Elli an excellent choice for group events focused on camaraderie, great food, and an inviting ambiance.
What dishes and drinks are must-tries when visiting Ella Elli with a group?
When dining with friends or family at Ella Elli, it's worth prioritizing some standout menu items and drinks to maximize your shared experience. Start with charcuterie and artisanal cheeses to open the palate, complemented by pickles and cured meats that offer intriguing flavors. Among vegetables, the roasted fennel with citrus broth is a notable highlight, being both vibrant and fresh. For main courses, the lamb chops and Mediterranean sea bass are frequently recommended for their rich tastes and skillful preparation. The sweet corn agnolotti is a surprising favorite, combining comforting pasta with a delicate, buttery filling. For dessert, the goat’s cheesecake or moist Meyer lemon pound cake with tarragon and Chantilly cream provide a sophisticated yet satisfying finish. On the beverage side, the vintage cocktails – especially the Singapore Sling with Tanqueray Gin, Cherry Heering, Benedictine, lime, and soda – offer nuanced layers that encourage slow sipping and jovial conversation. Wines by the glass or bottle are also chosen carefully to complement the varied flavors of the food, rounding out the tasting experience beautifully. Sharing these thoughtfully crafted dishes and drinks enhances the extraordinary quality of a group gathering here.
How does the service at Ella Elli enhance the group dining experience?
One element that often distinguishes a good restaurant from an exceptional one in group settings is the quality of service, and Ella Elli excels in this regard. The staff is consistently described as attentive and friendly, anticipating guests' needs without hovering or interrupting the natural flow of conversation and enjoyment. This balance ensures that ordering, refills, and any special requests are handled smoothly and discreetly. For groups, this level of service means there is no stress in coordinating shared plates or drink rounds, as the staff offers helpful menu suggestions and timing cues. Additionally, their knowledge of wine and cocktails enhances the experience by pairing drinks adeptly with your choices, elevating the flavors and atmosphere. The welcoming approach from the team invites guests to relax fully, making the entire dining event feel curated and cared for. This personalized attention is crucial when hosting a group, as it allows hosts to focus on their company rather than logistics, promoting an effortless and enjoyable meetup at Ella Elli.
What makes Ella Elli’s atmosphere ideal for reconnecting and celebration?
Ella Elli’s atmosphere is an inviting mix of vintage charm and contemporary comfort that suits a wide spectrum of group occasions, from casual get-togethers to thoughtful celebrations. The design embraces elements of 1920s style with features like loveseat bar stools and intimate alcove booths that foster close conversation and easy laughter among companions. The large waiting area resembles a stylish living room, creating a welcoming first impression as you arrive, and the inclusion of a fireplace adds to the cozy, homey ambiance. Lighting and decor combine to provide a mood that is romantic but not overly formal, striking a balance that encourages guests to feel both special and at ease. This ambiance is conducive to reconnecting deeply, whether over a relaxed brunch or an extended dinner, making each visit feel like an event worth savoring. The general vibe promotes slow dining and sipping, which helps groups stay engaged and present with each other. This unique blend of atmosphere allows Ella Elli to consistently host gatherings that go beyond the ordinary meal to become meaningful social experiences.