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Ellie's
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Ellie's
8.3
Chef Jason Witzl's Southern Italian restaurant in Alamitos Beach specializes in handmade pasta made fresh daily with California-sourced ingredients. The intimate neighborhood bistro features a charming front patio and small dining room where the chef's energy bounces between kitchen and table, creating a warm familial atmosphere despite the upscale sensibility.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle with Shrimp and 'Nduja, Potato Croquettes, Grilled Bread with Pork Butter
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Chef-driven pasta showcase with California seasonal ingredients
Who should go: Pasta enthusiasts, weekend brunch crowds, date nights
When to visit: Saturday or Sunday brunch on the patio
What to order: Order double potato croquettes, don't skip pork butter board
Insider tip: Parking difficult in residential area, Uber recommended by restaurant
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only in residential area - notoriously difficult. Restaurant recommends Uber/Lyft. Nearest lot is 3 blocks away at $8-10
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans welcome but the intimate setting rewards effort. Think nice date outfit rather than beachwear
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - small dining room keeps energy cozy without overwhelming. Perfect for hearing your date
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday. Book ahead strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait Tuesday-Thursday. Weekend brunch gets packed - arrive at open or expect 20-30 min
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options. Pasta-focused menu naturally accommodates with seasonal vegetable preparations and cheese-forward dishes
Vegan options: Limited but Chef Jason will adapt dishes. Call ahead for best experience - he's accommodating but menu isn't designed vegan-first
Gluten-free options: Challenging - this is a handmade pasta showcase. Some protein dishes work but you're missing the main event. Better options elsewhere for celiac needs
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate but not intimidating, impressive without being stuffy. The chef's visible passion creates natural conversation. Patio tables ideal for warmer evenings. Just book ahead to avoid awkward wait
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch or early dinner (before 6pm) - likely yes. Weekend dinner or brunch - risky. Small space fills fast. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins. Call day-of to check
Is it kid-friendly? Family-friendly category but intimate space. Best for well-behaved kids 8+ who appreciate good food. No kids menu but pasta dishes work. Weekend brunch most family-appropriate timing. Space tight for strollers
How long does dinner take? Plan 90 minutes for relaxed pace. Chef's hands-on approach means courses flow steadily but not rushed. Not a quick bite spot - this is linger-worthy neighborhood dining
Is the patio year-round? Yes with heaters, but best April-October. Alamitos Beach location gets lovely evening temps. Front patio has neighborhood charm - request it when booking if weather cooperates
Best For
Better for: Choose Ellie's for chef-driven intimacy and handmade pasta craftsmanship over corporate Italian chains. The seasonal California ingredients and visible kitchen passion outshine any Belmont Shore tourist trap. Better value than DTLB fine dining with comparable quality
Skip if: Need quick service, feeding picky kids under 8, require extensive gluten-free options, want full bar scene, or can't handle parking challenges. Also skip if you prefer red-sauce classics over seasonal Italian - this is chef's vision over nonna's recipes
Ellie's
8.1
Chef Jason Witzl's modern Southern Italian restaurant showcases handmade pastas made fresh daily with California-inspired seasonal ingredients. The stylish neighborhood spot features a roomy front patio and intimate dining room, where playfulness and authenticity translate to creative plates that merge Italian tradition with local flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle with Shrimp and 'Nduja, Grilled Bread with Pork Butter, Short Rib
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Chef-driven Southern Italian cuisine with unique California twist since 2017
Who should go: Adventurous couples who appreciate innovative handmade pasta
When to visit: Dinner Tuesday-Sunday on the front patio weather permitting
What to order: Shrimp tagliatelle, grilled bread board with caviar butter, seasonal pasta
Insider tip: Parking is challenging; take rideshare or arrive early for street parking
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - notoriously difficult in Alamitos Beach. Metered spots fill by 5pm on weekends. Rideshare recommended, or park at nearby paid lot on 2nd Street
Dress code: Elevated casual - think stylish jeans with a nice top or button-down. The crowd leans trendy but not formal
Noise level: Intimate - patio is quieter, dining room gets lively but conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 45-75 minutes without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm. Reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - dinner only Tuesday-Sunday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple pasta options, seasonal vegetable plates, and chef accommodates requests
Vegan options: Limited but doable - 2-3 pasta dishes can be modified, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available for most dishes with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for a second or third date when you want to impress with taste. The intimate setting and shareable pastas encourage conversation, but the trendy vibe means it gets buzzy. Request patio seating for more romance
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible Tuesday-Thursday if you arrive right at 5pm opening or after 8:30pm. Weekend walk-ins are risky - expect 45+ minute waits or plan to sit at the bar
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids - no kids menu, sophisticated vibe, and tight seating. Mature teenagers who appreciate good food would enjoy it
How much should I budget per person? $50-75 per person including shared apps, pasta entree, and a cocktail or wine. Can go higher with the full bread board and premium wine
Is the patio heated? Yes - covered patio with heat lamps makes it comfortable year-round, though it's prime real estate so request when booking
Best For
Better for: Creative handmade pastas that go beyond traditional Italian. Better than Long Beach's old-guard Italian spots if you want innovation over red-sauce classics. More intimate and chef-driven than Roe Seafood or Michael's on Naples for date nights
Skip if: You want classic Italian-American comfort food or large portions - this is refined and modern. Also skip if you need easy parking or last-minute seating on weekends. For bigger groups (6+), somewhere with more space works better
Ellie's
8.5
Chef Jason Witzl's Southern Italian restaurant named after his grandmother Eleanor, serving weekend brunch with bottomless rosé and handmade pasta since 2017. The menu features breakfast pastas like rigatoni carbonara with bacon and egg, plus $1.50 happy hour oysters and wood-fired seasonal ingredients from local farmers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Rigatoni Carbonara, Tagliatelle with Shrimp and 'Nduja, Grilled Bread with Pork Butter
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Handmade pasta daily with California-Southern Italian fusion and $20 bottomless mimosas
Who should go: Pasta lovers seeking Italian brunch with neighborhood gem intimacy
When to visit: Weekend brunch 10:30am-4pm for bottomless rosé or mimosas
What to order: Breakfast rigatoni carbonara, any handmade pasta, grilled bread with pork butter
Insider tip: Former Herringbone Executive Chef brought fine dining technique to casual neighborhood setting
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on 2nd Street and surrounding blocks, metered until 8pm weekdays. Free street parking weekends. Small paid lot nearby at Broadway and Elm ($8 flat rate)
Dress code: Casual beach chic - sundresses, nice jeans, button-downs work well. Flip-flops acceptable for brunch, but lean slightly dressier for dinner
Noise level: Lively but conversational - energetic brunch buzz without overwhelming conversation. Indoor dining louder than patio
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options can be made vegetarian, seasonal vegetable preparations, and burrata appetizers. Staff accommodating with modifications
Vegan options: Limited - 1-2 options available, mostly vegetable-forward appetizers. Pasta dishes contain eggs, but kitchen can sometimes accommodate with advance notice
Gluten-free options: No - handmade pasta is the signature, and kitchen focuses on traditional Italian preparation. Not recommended for celiac guests
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic without being stuffy, impressive food quality without pretension, and moderate noise level allows conversation. Patio seating ideal for warmer evenings. Budget $80-100 for two with wine
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday brunch and early weekday dinners (before 6pm) usually accommodate walk-ins. Weekend brunch and Friday/Saturday dinners book up - reserve 1-2 weeks ahead or try bar seating which stays first-come, first-served
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for brunch - relaxed atmosphere and pasta options kids enjoy. Dinner skews more date-night, but well-behaved children welcome. No specific kids menu, but kitchen will prepare simple butter pasta. High chairs available
Best For
Better for: Authentic handmade pasta with neighborhood intimacy and approachable pricing compared to stuffier Italian fine dining. Better brunch value than trendy downtown spots with more interesting pasta-forward menu than standard egg dishes
Skip if: You want gluten-free options, need guaranteed walk-in seating weekend mornings, or prefer traditional American brunch over Italian-influenced dishes. Also skip if you're seeking quiet, intimate conversation during peak weekend brunch service
Ellie's
8.7
Chef Jason Witzl's seasonal Southern Italian restaurant specializes in handmade pastas crafted fresh daily, using ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. The intimate Alamitos Beach location features both indoor dining and a sunny patio, creating a warm, familial atmosphere where playfulness and authenticity define the experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle with Shrimp & 'Nduja, Grilled Bread with Pork Butter, Chitarra Pomodoro with Burrata
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Daily handmade pasta with California-influenced Southern Italian creativity
Who should go: Date night seekers and pasta enthusiasts wanting intimate dining
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weeknight dinner for optimal experience
What to order: Tagliatelle with shrimp, pork butter bread board, seasonal agnolotti
Insider tip: Parking is difficult—use rideshare or arrive early for street spots
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only and very challenging—meters fill by 6pm. Use rideshare or park at paid lot on 2nd Street ($8-15) and walk 3 blocks
Dress code: Casual-elevated—nice jeans and button-down work, but locals often dress up for the intimate vibe
Noise level: Intimate and conversational—perfect for hearing your date, though it gets lively during weekend brunch
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday/Saturday—book ahead or arrive at 5pm opening
Weekday lunch: No wait Tuesday-Thursday, walk-ins usually seated within 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 pasta options plus seasonal vegetable antipasti, though menu leans seafood-heavy
Vegan options: Limited - typically 1-2 pastas available with modifications, call ahead for best options
Gluten-free options: No - handmade pasta is the specialty, no GF pasta substitutions available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice—intimate lighting, quiet enough for conversation, and the handmade pasta gives you something to talk about. Skip if you need a backup plan since there's no bar scene for a quick exit.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible Tuesday-Thursday evenings or if you arrive right at 5pm opening on weekends. For Friday/Saturday dinner or weekend brunch, reservation is essential—they book 2-3 weeks out.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids 8+—simple pastas available and staff is accommodating. The intimate space and white tablecloths make it less ideal for toddlers. No kids menu but portions are generous for sharing.
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 90 minutes minimum—the pace is leisurely European-style with pasta made to order. Perfect for lingering, less ideal if you have theater tickets.
Is the patio worth requesting? Absolutely for lunch or early dinner—sunny, breezy, and feels like coastal Italy. Evening temps drop, and it's not heated, so indoor is cozier for late dinners October-April.
Best For
Better for: Choose Ellie's over Italian chains when you want actually handmade pasta (not just 'fresh'), intimate date-night ambiance over scene-y energy, and California-seasonal ingredients over traditional red-sauce standards. Better than nearby spots for brunch pasta dishes.
Skip if: You need quick service (plan 90+ min), want pizza or red-sauce classics, require gluten-free options, or prefer louder/more energetic dining rooms. For big groups (6+) or celebratory scenes, Ellie's feels too quiet and intimate.