Ela Restaurant - Philadelphia, PA

Ela

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Address:
627 S 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Neighborhood:
Queen Village

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Cuisine:
Contemporary American

Price: $30 and under

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Ela Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.elaphilly.com
Phone: (267) 687-8512
Hours of Operation: Restaurant Hours: Sunday 5:30-9pm Monday-Friday 5:30pm-10pm; Saturday 530pm-11pm

Bar Hours: Sunday 10:30-2:30 and 5:00-12pm; Monday-Thursday 5pm - 12am; Friday and Saturday 5pm - 2am

Bar Menu Hours Sunday 9pm-12am; Monday-Thursday 10pm-12am; Friday and Saturday 11pm-1am

Happy Hour: Sunday- Friday 5pm - 7pm and Thurs. & Fri. 10-12pm

Sunday Brunch 10:30am - 2:30pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Contemporary American, International, Global, International
Executive Chef: Jason Cichonski
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Smoking Area, Weekend Brunch, Wine, Wine Bar
Special Events & Promotions: Private parties and dinners
For more info email: info.ela@romanrestaurantgroup.com

Getting there

Cross Street: Bainbridge Street
Parking: Street Parking
Parking Details: Private lot on the lower corner of 3rd and Bainbridge;
Private Lot located between 4th and 5th street on Bainbridge street. Parking Garage on 3rd street just north of south street.
On-street parking where available.

A word from Ela

In November of 2011, chefs Jason Cichonski and Chip Roman partnered to open Ela, an inventive new American bar and restaurant in Philadelphia’s Queen Village neighborhood. Ela showcases 27-year-old Cichonski, who Philadelphia Inquirer’s Craig LaBan called “one of our most exciting young chefs,” is… combining an approachable menu of innovative dishes with an extensive wine and craft beer program and inspired cocktail list in a rustic-modern setting.
“Creatively, it’s wonderfully freeing to prepare food that doesn’t fit into any one genre or style; this is seasonal food, using exceptional ingredients, prepared perfectly,” says Chef Cichonski. Ela is a serious-yet-comfortable restaurant with a menu that that changes frequently throughout the year, to reflect the latest offerings.Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerFit for Foodies

Ela - Best Restaurants in Queen Village

Diner Reviews

"It was the second time we dined here. The food was fine while we were eating it, but our whole party felt ill afterward and for 2 days following our meal. Not sure if it was us, or the food. We really enjoyed the gazpacho and the strawberry rhubarb soup. It was also really empty for a weekend night. We love BlackFish and Mica. Not sure what happened."
Dined on 7/20/2014
"BEST brunch I've had in a long time. Exactly what i'm looking for when I go. You can tell the chef truly appreciates what goes into his food."
Dined on 7/20/2014
"Unique food and very knowledgeable wait staff. Superb meal --"
Dined on 7/19/2014
"The food was good, small portions, which I like. The servers were nice, and I would go back. My cocktail was refreshing. It was kind of empty in the restaurant but maybe because it was only 6 pm on a Friday. I hope more people try it!"
Dined on 7/18/2014
"Food was different and excellent. Flexibility to mix and match courses on tasting menu was appreciated. Only complaint was small and expensive drinks and wine. Insult to injury was $3 surcharge on an already $14 drink to have it "up in a martini glass". $17 for a small "martini", I felt like I was in NY!"
Dined on 7/16/2014
"Our second trip to Ela (party of 5) was a major success, just like the first. All in our group had 4 courses and the food drew accolades from everyone. Notable dishes occured in each course -- too many to describe here. Conclusion -- order anything on the menu and you will be impressed. Ela has become one of Philly's best restaurants. Good show!"
Dined on 7/12/2014
"Absolutely love this place. Everything about it manages somehow to be u pretentiously outstanding."
Dined on 7/6/2014
"Food and ambience was great. Our server took extra care, once he knew my boyfriend had a food allergy. He reviewed the menu with the chef and then returned to go over the ENTIRE menu with us. We both appreciated his thoroughness, which allowed us to enjoy a meal without any disappointments."
Dined on 6/30/2014
"The service at Ela was perfect - attentive and informative. The food was all unique and flavorable. Loved the ambience and location. Perfect date spot!"
Dined on 6/27/2014
"We had a wonderful experience at Ela on 6-25-14. The food was perfect and the descriptions as it was served greatly added to the experience. We also appreciated that Ela helped us have an exciting meal for the three of us who wanted it and simpler fare for our less adventurous eater."
Dined on 6/25/2014
"Enjoyable experience from the time we entered to the time we left. Food was amazing and each plate had a life of its own. The shrimp and rice dumplings and crudo were exquisite. Cookie Dough was a great ending to our dining experience. Highly recommended. Will definitely be returning. Will be looking forward to trying out the weekend bar scene and bar menu!"
Dined on 6/23/2014
"We ate here after our wedding with two of our family members from out of town. We all loved our food and the service was extraordinary. Our neighbors had sent us a bottle of champagne which arrived at our table as soon as we sat down. We continue to be amazed at the combinations, techniques and overall quality of the experience at Ela."
Dined on 6/20/2014
"I've heard nothing but raves about Ela and after a long wait, finally made it to the restaurant. While there is clearly inventiveness on the menu, I think the food sounds better as described on the menu than actually executed. Dish after dish, the flavors never fully came together in a satisfying way and where I hoped I was going to be dazzled, I was just mildly satisfied. In short, the restaurant is fine, but there are more exciting alternatives out there in Philly right now."
Dined on 6/15/2014
"I took my boyfriend for dinner... the service was great, but the food was fair."
Dined on 6/14/2014
"I've gone to Ela about 6 times since early September 2013. I highly recommend the food. The service is also wonderful."
Dined on 6/13/2014
"We had the best meal. Everything about it was outstanding, from the fabulous cocktail to the kale salad that I wish I could have every day, to the other unpretentiously creative courses to the cookie dough dessert of my dreams...Terrific service, comfortable and esthetic atmosphere. Again, unpretentiously so. Thinking about throwing my big birthday party there this summer. Such a happy discovery!!! A true gem!"
Dined on 6/8/2014
"Our table was in the darkest corner of the restaurant. We could barely read the menu. The food was not that special. Third bites were the best. "
Dined on 6/7/2014
"The chef at this restaurant is truly talented. The food was perfectly prepared, and artfully presented. The portions seem small, but I think that's because we're used to getting huge portions these days. Our party of 4 all got the 4 course meal, and it was just the right amount of food. The mixed drinks are also excellent. Our waiter was excellent, as well. They accommodated our collection of food allergies with no problem. All around, we were very happy with this restaurant. "
Dined on 5/31/2014
"very small portions. 1st and 2nd courses were nice, yet very small. Entres were not good. Duck steak was cut up into little pieces and skin fat wasn't rendered out. Desert was bad. Coockie dough was salty, and I have a heavy palate for salt. It also melted the icecream that came with in seconds. The panacotta in a mason jar was waaay to stiff, closer to thick pudding than gelatin. At $45 a person, with the total coming to $122 with coctails, I felt robbed. Wouldnt recommend. "
Dined on 5/30/2014
"What an amazing experience - I can't remember the last time we so thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The bartender is incredible - perfect summer drinks! I don't have the words to describe the food - don't miss the scallop "noodles" and the salmon cheeks. We can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 5/25/2014
"Our meal was good. The service was however excellent. I had mentioned on our reservation that it was our anniversary. The first thing our waiter did was wish us a happy anniversary. He accommodated our pescatarian needs, made a great wine recommendation, and was on top of everything. I wish I could remember our waiters name. I'm pretty sure he had a bun. "
Dined on 5/24/2014
"I have been wanting to try Ela for some time now. And my birthday happened to be the occasion we chose to finally go. My husband and I were both so glad we did. Everything was excellent!!! From the food - to Zack, our server, we had an outstanding experience. We chose the 6 course Chef tasting menu and were blown away. I highly recommend the scallop noodles and the wild boar whenever they are offered on the menu. There was a fois gras soup which was decadent - smooth as velvet and with a surprising crunch from a cornbread crumble. Every component of each of our dishes worked beautifully together and was delicious. We will absolutely be returning to Ela - hopefully very soon!"
Dined on 5/24/2014
"My daughter and I enjoyed the five course menu at Ela. The food was "different" but not ridiculous or pretentious. The stand-outs for us were the salmon collar "kitchen cut", the octopus, the duck thigh, and interestingly, the tuna which is not something we always enjoy. The cocktails were wonderful and the wine list is not long, but had some very nice choices. In particular, my daughter had a sauvignon blanc from New Zealand that was wonderful. We will definitely return to Ela, and will probably try the chef's tasting menu next time."
Dined on 5/18/2014
"Great use of ingredients with varied tastes. Kale salad & beet salad good. Fluke good. Foie gras great, fennel puree light, jam a nice counter. Gnocchi light, full of flavor, winner. Scallop noodles and mushroom noodles good. Shrimp rice won ton so-so, flavors did not work with other dishes. Salmon collar the same, bit harsh on flavor given the subtle tastes in other dishes, beware bones. Lancaster chicken great - moist and flavorful. Duck good if you like smoke. Chocolate chip cookie dessert good, strawberry rhubarb soup better as crisp. "The chef would prefer" - didn't care for this line. Menu offered 4/5/6 course menus & ala carte. If a restaurant requires patrons to purchase a menu, then don't offer ala carte. Hard to find parking. "
Dined on 5/16/2014
"My mom LOVED The Mother's Day Brunch! For a lady who never steps out of the box and is so picky when it comes to food, I was surprised she would like anything on limited menu but she nearly licked the plates clean!"
Dined on 5/11/2014
"This was our second visit. It was not as good as our first visit. We were running late and called to say we were. We were clearly being rushed to accommodate the next reservation. If this was the case, I wish we would have been told that our reservation coukd not be held. Service was good, just rushed. Food was good, not great."
Dined on 5/10/2014
"nothing but good things to say about ela. great food, appropriately priced and pleasant staff. if you haven't been, i recommend you try!"
Dined on 5/10/2014
"We were asked to move from our table at 9:15 as we were finishing dessert because a large party was coming in. The restaurant was half full and no such party was in evidence. In 40 years of dining I have never had such a rude experience. I felt rushed thru the whole meal and it was not even a weekend"
Dined on 5/8/2014
"In an upscale warehouse-like setting. The house cocktails were enhanced with herbs such as mint and fennel and others with names that I was not familiar with. Two of us ordered two different offerings and were pleased with our decisions. Four of the 6 of us ordered the 4-course ("bite") options for our meals and were able to choose two small bites, one medium bite, and a dessert. While portions were small, that was a good thing because we all felt satisfied but not stuffed when we left. Food, drinks, and wine are a little pricey but the creative flair and quality coupled with the top notch service made it a fair value in our opinion."
Dined on 5/4/2014
"My husband and I have dined here once before, it was fabulous the first time around. This time it was an incredibly different experience. It seemed like a different restaurant, legitimately. The food was just not great. Underseasoned, cold, just not good. Its still pleasant to be there but we go for the food and we won't be going back. The only redeeming quality is the cookie dough dessert."
Dined on 4/28/2014
"Ela offers inventive tasting menus in a lively, unpretentious setting. The handsome vaulted ceilings offer warmth to the casual, "neighborhood go-to" decor of this corner restaurant. But this is several cuts above the typical local joint. Cocktails are curated monthly and offered up in a "Elixers" menu of several pages. The dinner menu offers a variety of 4 to 6 course tasting options, with inventive small and medium plates like "roasted beet tartare", the creamiest gnocchi ever to pass these lips and short ribs with chestnut farro, all of it unique and delicious. A la carte selections can be made from the entire menu. The only caution here is dessert. The root beer panna cotta was gelatinous and the cookie dough w/ice cream was salty."
Dined on 4/25/2014
"The service was excellent and this was a well prepared and presented unique and delicious meal. Nice to have small plates for those who do not eat "large""
Dined on 4/23/2014
"This was our second wonderful brunch at Ela (first was 12 people family outing). It was a special prix fixe three-course menu for Easter. After enjoying Kale salad and deviled eggs, all three of us chose the breakfast gnocchi. None of us had eaten gnocchi as a breakfast/brunch food, but this is an idea that should stick around. The crisp bacon and coddled egg really tied the potato pasta together and made for a smooth and delicious entree. We finished off with panna cotta with a root beer gel sauce and cocoa nibs. Fresh takes on familiar dishes, while pushing it to another level. These guys know how to be innovative without losing you. You can taste thought and energy in each bite. An added bonus was meeting Chef Jason . We will be back !"
Dined on 4/20/2014
"The best thing about Ela was the ambiance! It is a super cool and hip place. I had very high expectations so I think that took away from the food; though it was definitely good. I did not love the service as our server appeared to be "too cool for school" and was not very engaged with our table. Overall, I would go back and hope to get a different server and try new food."
Dined on 4/20/2014
"The service was excellent. The food was very good, and interesting. It is a foodie sort of place. It was definitely 4 out of 5. The kale salad tastes like parsely, and was delightfully balanced. The use of powders in the scallop noodles and soup were a plus. The duck was good, but not amazing, as was the lobster pasta. Dessert was ok. "
Dined on 4/19/2014
"Amazing food. Chef never disappoints. Second time dining here and looking forward to the third!! Foie and Banana bread course was bananasssssssssssss!"
Dined on 4/14/2014
"Loved the place. good food and drink, fun staff and hot hostess. Would totally give it to her."
Dined on 4/13/2014
"How great is this place?! I've been to Ela several times and each time the food, ambiance, and service is consistently outstanding!!!"
Dined on 4/12/2014
"Ela is a nice venue and the food is creative and good, that being said the prices are somewhat higher than expected/normal for the portions but if you go in knowing that, you should be fine."
Dined on 4/11/2014
"Havent been here since it was Judys, Got there early and requested nice corner table. Hostess did not know what to make of my request since it was a table for 4 but we were only 2. She had to go ask another hostess finally sat us where I wanted. Order sparkling water and drinks. No Bombay Sapphire no Tanqueray 10. You have to have one of them as a bar. Had to order double of Bluecoat cuz first glass was a thimble. Waitress thinks there are 4 of us so menus are a little delayed. 1st bite very good- roasted beet tartare excellent,, 2bd bite- diver scallop “noodles” stir fry yum yum. 3rd bite - rohan duck thigh “steak also good. 4th bite - vanilla-bay ice cream warm cookie dough gooey and sweet.. Desert wine and espresso. waitress was gr8t."
Dined on 4/11/2014

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