ZipPicks Awards
Best Romantic Restaurants in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Best Trendy Restaurants in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Master Critic Review
Ella Elli
8.3
Ella Elli is a dimly lit Southport Corridor wine bar where sharable Mediterranean-leaning plates, polished cocktails, and a fireplace-backed room make it one of Lakeview’s most reliable date-night setups. Couples lean on it for split-able pastas, focaccia-style pizzas, and a deep cocktail list that rewards lingering rather than rushing through dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe, Ricotta Gnocchi, Profiteroles with espresso chocolate sauce
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A cocktail-forward wine bar built around shareable plates and a fireplace-lit, living-room-calibrated dining room.
Who should go: Couples wanting polished cocktails and romantic, low-light energy.
When to visit: Prime evening reservations, especially weekends, for peak date-night atmosphere.
What to order: Cacio e Pepe, ricotta gnocchi, profiteroles for dessert.
Insider tip: Ask for a two-top near the fireplace or window banquettes for the most intimate feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Southport and nearby residential blocks; metered spots near the corridor fill quickly after 6pm — expect to circle or plan on rideshare. No dedicated lot; valet availability varies by evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — dark jeans or slacks with a polished top are common; many guests opt for date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate — low-light, conversational with a gentle bar hum; you can generally hear your date at a two-top.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; bar seating may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: N/A — typically dinner-focused with no regular lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pastas, small plates, and salads can be made or are already vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of dishes can be adjusted, but options are modest and may require asking the server.
Gluten-free options: Many items can be adapted (pastas and plates with substitutions), but there is no dedicated gluten-free kitchen or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, fireplace seating, and shareable plates create an easy, conversational pace that works well for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are occasionally seated at the bar or early evening, but weekends book up; a reservation is strongly recommended for prime times.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — it skews adult, quiet, and cocktail-driven; older teens are fine, but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Romantic, low-light evenings with polished cocktails and shareable plates where ambiance matters as much as the meal.
Consider Alternatives If: You want loud, high-energy group dining, large entrée portions, or a highly budget-focused dinner — consider alternatives better suited to those priorities.