Ella Elli Matt Eversman Ella Elli

Ella Elli Awards

Global fare and vintage cocktails lend sophistication to Chicago’s Southport Corridor.
Openings: Dinner nightly, Brunch Sat.-Sun.

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Ella Elli, Chicago, IL


Ella Elli Restaurant Review:


A respite from Wrigleyville’s beer-and-shot scene, this 75-seat Southport Corridor restaurant is a love letter to 1920s sophistication complete with loveseat bar stools and alcove booths. From 4 Star Restaurant Group, chef Matt Eversman elevates neighborhood dining with Mediterranean-inspired dishes including charcuterie and toasts, vegetables and salads, pizzas and pastas, meats and fish, and desserts. Start with crispy grain salad with goat cheese and shaved vegetables, or cured meats and pickles, artisanal cheeses and steak tartare. Vegetarians are spoiled with choices, such as roasted carrots with crème fraîche, harissa and pickled celery. Grilled octopus with potato and salsa verde and hamachi crudo with preserved lemon and pea shoots summon tropical tastes. Moist Meyer lemon pound cake with tarragon and Chantilly makes for a light finale. Vintage cocktails call for slow sipping. Try the Singapore Sling, a Tanqueray Gin, Cherry Heering liqueur, Benedictine, lime and soda concoction.