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Ella Elli
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
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.
Skip if: You want loud, high-energy group dining, large entrée portions, or a highly budget-focused dinner — consider alternatives better suited to those priorities.
Ella Elli
8.5
Ella Elli is a Southport Corridor wine bar and small-plates restaurant from 4 Star Restaurant Group, opened in 2017 and designed with fireplaces, couches, and low lighting that read immediately as date-night or birthday-dinner material. The menu leans Mediterranean with polished pastas, seafood, and vegetable dishes meant for sharing over a bottle or two.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom toast, Ricotta gnocchi, Mediterranean sea bass
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A fireplace-lit wine bar with Mediterranean small plates and one of Lakeview’s more polished rooms for dates and celebrations.
Who should go: Couples or small groups prioritizing ambiance and wine.
When to visit: Later weekend evenings for a lively, candlelit dining room.
What to order: Mushroom toast, ricotta gnocchi, Mediterranean sea bass.
Insider tip: Start with cocktails or wine by the fireplace lounge, then move to a table for shared plates to stretch the night into a full occasion.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — mostly metered along Southport with limited side-street availability; fills quickly after 6pm, so plan extra time. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine if paired with polished shoes or a jacket; many guests dress up for dates and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate-lively — you can hold a conversation at most tables, but the bar and lounge areas get noticeably louder on busy weekends.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar and lounge seats are sometimes available first-come.
Weekday lunch: Weekday lunch service is limited or seasonal; when open, waits are uncommon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several vegetable plates, salads, and pastas can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes may be adaptable, but fully vegan options are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be prepared gluten-free on request (especially seafood and vegetable plates); confirm pasta and sauce modifications with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the fireplace lounge, dim lighting, and shareable plates create an intimate, conversation-friendly setting that works well for a first or second date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins may find seats at the bar or lounge earlier in the evening, but peak weekend hours usually require a reservation to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Only somewhat — the space and pacing cater more to adults, dates, and small groups; older teens may be fine, but it’s not designed for young children or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere-driven celebrations, wine-focused evenings, and polished Mediterranean small plates in a stylish, fireplace-lit room.
Skip if: You want very quiet dining, large entrée portions, casual family meals, or a budget-focused night out.
Ella Elli
8.2
Ella Elli is a stylish Southport Corridor wine bar and restaurant built around cocktails, Mediterranean-leaning small plates, and a moody, candlelit room. Locals lean on it for date nights, friend catch-ups, and pre- or post-show drinks that still feel more polished than a typical neighborhood bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped ricotta toast, Polenta fries, Greek-marinated chicken thighs
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A design-forward wine and cocktail den where Mediterranean-leaning small plates match the room’s polished feel.
Who should go: Couples and small groups prioritizing ambiance and drinks with food.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for a buzzy bar; early weeknights for quieter dates.
What to order: Whipped ricotta toast, polenta fries, Greek-marinated chicken thighs.
Insider tip: Ask for a banquette or lounge-style seating if you’re planning to linger over multiple rounds of wine or cocktails.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Southport and residential side streets; can be limited during peak dinner hours and show nights — allow extra time, no dedicated valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — dark denim or casual cocktail attire fits the room’s polished vibe.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is possible at smaller tables, but bar-adjacent seating can feel buzzy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for prime hours and lounge seating.
Weekday lunch: Not typically applicable — generally operates as a dinner-focused venue; no regular weekday lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several small plates and pastas can be ordered vegetarian or are naturally meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes may be modifiable, but most plates involve dairy or cheese.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some proteins and salads can be prepared gluten-free; breads and pastas are not reliably substitutable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit room, intimate seating, and cocktail-first pacing make it well-suited for conversation-focused first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and lounge seats are occasionally available for walk-ins early evening or late night, but reservations are strongly recommended for peak weekend times.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the space leans adult, cocktail-focused, and best suited for teens and up rather than young children; no dedicated kids menu or high-chair setup.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere-driven nights with cocktails and small plates where mood, design, and pacing matter more than large entrées.
Skip if: You want hearty entrée portions, a quiet dining room, or broad vegan/gluten-free coverage — a more food-centric restaurant may be a better fit.