Ella
266 E Main St, New Albany, OH, 43054
Ella Menu
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Drinks
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Dinner Starters
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Dinner Soups
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Dinner Salad
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Dinner Mains
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Dinner Snacks
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Dinner Sides
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Lunch Starters
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Lunch Soups
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Lunch Salads
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Lunch Sandwiches
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Lunch Plates
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Lunch Snacks
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Desserts
Diabetics at Taco Bell
The biggest concern for diabetics is to find healthy food with less sugar at restaurants. The hunt for the right food becomes even more challenging for diabetics when dining at a fast food restaurant. Well, Taco Bell changes that with Fresco style. Simply ask or order an item from the Taco Bell menu in Fresco Style.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Taco Bell:
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Fresco Steak Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 4g Fat (1.5g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 17g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 10g Protein
Fresco Soft Taco – Shredded Chicken
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 6g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 9g Protein
Fresco Soft Taco Beef
Nutrition Fact: 160 calories, 6g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 480mg sodium, 18g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Veggie Power Menu Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 480 calories, 19g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 970mg sodium, 65g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 13g Fiber, 14g Protein
Bean Burrito
Nutrition Fact: 380 calories, 11g Fat (4g Sat. Fat), 1060mg sodium, 55g Carbs, 3g Sugar, 9g Fiber, 14g Protein
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for Diabetics:
You must avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes at Taco Bell if you have diabetes. Almost every beverage offered at Taco Bell contains high sugar content.
High Cholesterol at Taco Bell
Fast food restaurants are known for serving high calorie, greasy food with lots of sugars. Taco Bell changes this trend by offering Fresco Style option where your favorite food item is prepared using pico de gallo as it will cut down 20 – 30 calories easily from the original meal.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Taco Bell:
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Breakfast Soft Taco – Egg & Cheese
Nutrition Fact: 170 calories, 9g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 330mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, less than 1g Fiber, 7g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Fresco Crunchy Taco – Beef
Nutrition Fact: 140 calories, 7g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 300mg sodium, 14g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 6g Protein
Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla
Nutrition Fact: 200 calories, 10g Fat (3.5g Sat. Fat), 490mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 1g Fiber, 10g Protein
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Spicy Potato Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 230 calories, 12g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 27g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Cholesterol:
It is best to avoid Bacon or Steak dishes at Taco Bell as such dishes contain a lot of fat. Also, try to avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes which are full of sugars resulting in empty calories.
Healthy Meal suggestions for Ella
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Drinks
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Dinner Starters
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Dinner Soups
-
Dinner Salad
-
Dinner Mains
-
Dinner Snacks
-
Dinner Sides
-
Lunch Starters
-
Lunch Soups
-
Lunch Salads
-
Lunch Sandwiches
-
Lunch Plates
-
Lunch Snacks
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Desserts
High Blood Pressure at Taco Bell
People with high blood pressure must avoid food with high sodium levels. You can either ask the people at Taco Bell to add less salt in your food or choose the food items with less sodium content or customize your order using Taco Bell's own nutrition calculator.
Food Suggestions to Control Blood Pressure at Taco Bell:
Fresco Chicken Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 6g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 9g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Grilled Breakfast Burrito - Sausage
Nutrition Fact: 340 calories, 17g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 730mg sodium, 36g Carbs, 3g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 11g Protein
Veggie Power Menu Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 480 calories, 19g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 970mg sodium, 65g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 13g Fiber, 14g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Blood Pressure:
Taco Bell offers a wide range of Grande Scrambler Burritos, Crunch wraps, and Quesadillas which are high in sodium. It is important to limit the sodium intake at Taco Bell and avoid any meal with over 750-800mg sodium.
Visit below restaurant in New Albany for healthy meals suggestion.
High Cholesterol at Taco Bell
Fast food restaurants are known for serving high calorie, greasy food with lots of sugars. Taco Bell changes this trend by offering Fresco Style option where your favorite food item is prepared using pico de gallo as it will cut down 20 – 30 calories easily from the original meal.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Taco Bell:
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Breakfast Soft Taco – Egg & Cheese
Nutrition Fact: 170 calories, 9g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 330mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, less than 1g Fiber, 7g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Fresco Crunchy Taco – Beef
Nutrition Fact: 140 calories, 7g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 300mg sodium, 14g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 6g Protein
Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla
Nutrition Fact: 200 calories, 10g Fat (3.5g Sat. Fat), 490mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 1g Fiber, 10g Protein
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Spicy Potato Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 230 calories, 12g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 27g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Cholesterol:
It is best to avoid Bacon or Steak dishes at Taco Bell as such dishes contain a lot of fat. Also, try to avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes which are full of sugars resulting in empty calories.
Visit below restaurant in New Albany for healthy meals suggestion.
Q&A on Taco Bell
Who owns Taco Bell?
Taco Bell is a restaurant chain subsidiary owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. which controls the restaurant division of PepsiCo.
When does Taco Bell stop serving breakfast?
Taco Bell starts serving breakfast from 6 a.m. which is one hour later than other competitors. However, the restaurant chain continues serving breakfast till 11 a.m. which is half an hour later than other competitors.
When is Taco Bell happy hour?
Happy hour at Taco Bell starts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Are Taco Bell beans healthy?
Beans are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and phosphorous. Hence, Taco Bell beans are healthy in nature. However, there are claims that Taco Bell uses a rehydrated slew of mystery ingredients instead of beans. So, simply inquire about the beans before ordering items serving Taco Bell beans.
Which Taco Bell is closest to me?
Use our Restaurant Listings directory to find Taco Bell nearby.
Which Taco Bell sauce is hottest?
Diablo is the hottest Taco Bell sauce.
Which Taco Bell sauce is best?
In terms of popularity, the Mild sauce is undoubtedly the best Taco Bell sauce favored by Americans.
Which Taco Bell sauces are vegan?
Hot and Mild sauces are certified vegan.
Which Taco Bell has nacho fries?
Taco Bell has a habit of discontinuing and relaunching Nacho Fries. You can find the Taco Bell locations nearby to see if the Taco Bell store has Nacho Fries.
Which Taco Bell is open right now?
Taco Bell opens at 6 a.m. in the morning and stays open until 3 a.m. the next day at major locations. In New York city, the Taco Bell stores stay open till 11 p.m. or 12 midnight.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
About Taco Bell
Taco Bell is a haven for Mexican delicacies such as tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos, and other specialty items. Owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. Taco Bell is one of the fastest growing American chains of fast food restaurants. The restaurant operates from 7,072 different locations which are mostly run by independent franchisees and licensees.
The background story of Taco Bell is interesting and inspiring for budding entrepreneurs. The fast-food brand is the brainchild of Glen Bell, who started his first food venture as a hot dog seller in San Bernardino, California. The year was 1948. After witnessing long queues outside a Mexican restaurant called Mitla Café across the street, Bell saw the opportunity and demand for hard-shelled Tacos. He reverse-engineered the recipe and later started selling Tacos and called the venture Taco-Tia.
Later, the name changed from Taco-Tia to El Taco. Eventually, Glen Bell sold the company to his partner and opened the first Taco Bell in Downey in 1962. By 1964, the restaurant also got its first franchise in Torrance. The 100th Taco Bell restaurant was opened by 1965. PepsiCo acquired Taco Bell from Glen Bell in 1978 and the restaurant brand is currently a subsidiary of Yum! Brands which looks after the restaurant business of PepsiCo.
Healthy Food Options at Taco Bell
You may believe that a healthy lifestyle doesn't go well at a fast food restaurant. Well, that's not the case with Taco Bell. Surprisingly Taco Bell offers a variety of healthy options, thanks to the in-house registered dietician who monitors the whole menu. The dietician ensures that each item on the menu is free from additives and preservatives, colors, and artificial flavors. The dietician also ensures that the food served at Taco Bell doesn't contain high-fructose corn syrup, low sodium levels, and reduced use of partially hydrogenated oil.
More than 75% of food items served at Taco Bell falls under 500 calories. Taco Bell also features the Fresco Style option which helps the customers to maintain healthy diet plan without missing out on taste. In Fresco style option, Taco Bell switches pico de gallo with cheese, sour cream, guac, and mayo-based sauce. Taco Bell takes care of almost every health preference of its customers.
Tips for Dining at Taco Bell
Diabetics can also try other Fresco styled Taco items such as Fresco Crunchy Taco, Fresco Grilled Steak, and Fresco Soft Taco Beef. These are other healthy alternatives of Tacos for diabetics which contains an adequate amount of starch and minimum or no fat content. Switch the regular sauce or cheese with pico de gallo and you can easily reduce the sodium intake and fat content for your body. It will help maintain blood pressure levels and control high cholesterol.
Q&A on Taco Bell
Who owns Taco Bell?
Taco Bell is a restaurant chain subsidiary owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. which controls the restaurant division of PepsiCo.
When does Taco Bell stop serving breakfast?
Taco Bell starts serving breakfast from 6 a.m. which is one hour later than other competitors. However, the restaurant chain continues serving breakfast till 11 a.m. which is half an hour later than other competitors.
When is Taco Bell happy hour?
Happy hour at Taco Bell starts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Are Taco Bell beans healthy?
Beans are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and phosphorous. Hence, Taco Bell beans are healthy in nature. However, there are claims that Taco Bell uses a rehydrated slew of mystery ingredients instead of beans. So, simply inquire about the beans before ordering items serving Taco Bell beans.
Which Taco Bell is closest to me?
Use our Restaurant Listings directory to find Taco Bell nearby.
Which Taco Bell sauce is hottest?
Diablo is the hottest Taco Bell sauce.
Which Taco Bell sauce is best?
In terms of popularity, the Mild sauce is undoubtedly the best Taco Bell sauce favored by Americans.
Which Taco Bell sauces are vegan?
Hot and Mild sauces are certified vegan.
Which Taco Bell has nacho fries?
Taco Bell has a habit of discontinuing and relaunching Nacho Fries. You can find the Taco Bell locations nearby to see if the Taco Bell store has Nacho Fries.
Which Taco Bell is open right now?
Taco Bell opens at 6 a.m. in the morning and stays open until 3 a.m. the next day at major locations. In New York city, the Taco Bell stores stay open till 11 p.m. or 12 midnight.
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Address :
266 E Main St
New Albany, OH, 43054 - Phone (614) 855-4600
- Website https://www.ella-restaurant.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Mon, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Susan D.
Have only been to Ella twice - once for the Easter buffet brunch and again for the Mother's Day buffet brunch. I have to say it just might be the best buffet brunch I've ever been to. The food was VERY good. And while there were plenty of items to choose from, they didn't try to do more than they were capable of, which is the downfall of a lot of buffets I've been too. Food was replenished quickly, everything tasted fresh... nothing was ever dried out like you find at many buffets. One thing I really appreciated was there was no omelet station - so no bottleneck in line - if you want an omelet, you fill out a ticket and the server takes it to the kitchen. NOTE: they have the best fried potatoes on the planet! The service was spot on, too! I realize that you want your buffet to look "pleasing" so things are staggered at different heights. However, I was there with my 87 year old mother-in-law and it was very difficult for her to reach some of the things she wanted. Heaven forbid you are a really short person. Lower things just a little... that would be my ONLY suggestion. Ella has now become our "go to" buffet brunch place for holiday's with the family. Even my EXTREMELY PICKY brother-in-law & sister-in-law loved it. Good job, Ella!
(5)Marissa M.
Eclectic Atmosphere. Varied Menu. Average Service. Delightful Tea. My best friend and I popped in Ella for a late lunch. She had heard great reviews of the farm to table food. I have to say that the food lived up to the expectations. The burger and gumbo very very tasty. Our waitress only had two tables and was missing half of the time. This was my main reason for moving it from four to three stars. I recommend getting the tea. It is the perfect start to a good meal.
(3)Suzanne P.
The food at Ella is mouth watering. I've been twice now and really enjoy everything I've tried on the menu. The pork chop, short rib and petit filets are incredible! Though they are not cheap, the portions are generous. Can't go wrong with the grilled cheese or arugula salad either. My only complaints are relatively minor. The service is pretty slow, so I wouldn't recommend dining there if you're in a hurry or have plans after dinner. The restaurant can also get pretty loud, so it's probably not your best bet for a romantic dinner. The quality of food far outweighs the two and the attached gallery is a really nice touch in the event you have to wait for your table.
(4)Ron T.
No Corona beer Got an appetizer that was called eggplant...couldn't find the eggplant. Enter was salmon and it was very good. Pricy and into presentation.
(3)Ben V.
I've eaten here a few times. The service was good and staff was friendly but I went in off hours during the week. I had the burger and a sandwich which were both good. The reason for 2 stars is because the owner was extremely rude to my sister(nicest person ever) when she went last time. They charged her VERY incorrectly and she was extremely rude and inconvenienced about fixing it. It ended up taking weeks to be resolved.
(2)RB B.
I recently attended a private wedding reception here. Every bite of food was absolutely delicious. I had the spinach salad and the filet. I also tasted the squash turnover. I was concerned that the filet would be overcooked, as it is difficult to prepare for such a large group. However, it was perfectly rare, and so tender I didn't need a knife. Sides were tasty as well. No complaints, but looking at the menu, I could see how some might think the prices are a bit high...
(4)El O.
This review is totally based on the prices of the beer on tap, not the food or the staff. The bartender was great, as was the general manager, so that is not the issue here. What was, is what they charged me for a pint of Jackie O's Mystic Mama. I was charged $10 a pint! I contacted Jackie O's and the sales representative told me that legally they can charge whatever they want but she was appalled (and invited me to Athens for some free beer!). Shameful when a restaurant advertises local and then gouges their customers for the "local" feel and experience, especially when you are charged more than double what you should be. Also, shameful that they completely lost my business. I will never go back, no matter how good their food is.
(1)Jared B.
We had a coupon from the Columbus DIner's Deck and decided to try this place out. We ordered the Zucchini Fries--which for 10 dollars, were way overpriced and "average"--probably somewhere between Friday's and Cheesecake Factory in taste. The three dipping sauces were okay. But again, way overpriced for the amount you're getting. Both of us ordered burgers and the parmesan potato wedges. The burgers were bland and the aioli that they provide with the meal made it taste a bit "gamey." I've had better burgers at chain restaurants that cost much less. If you're looking for the best burger in Columbus that you get your bite/buck ratio, it's hands-down Northstar Cafe. Service was below average. It took us a bit to be seated without anyone else ahead of us. There was a large table that all had individual bills, so that may have played a part in it. Our waitress seemed preoccupied with these tables. Overall, stuffy atmosphere (even for New Albany) and bland food. Meh. *Update: See the owner's response below. This is exactly the kind of attitude and service you'll get at Ella. I'm not sure if beef sourcing is the issue here--it could be from Timbuktu or Columbus area farms. It's all about how you cook and flavor the burger and it was just plain bad. Yes, I've had better burgers at chain restaurants that had patties that were previously frozen. I've also had ones that weren't from local restaurants. Farm to table, bakery to table, and made in-house is great, unless you take that great food and flavor it terribly. Again, I think it's great that you source locally in Ohio. But this is simply an experience in which the food was poorly executed and not how you do business or who your suppliers are. I'm glad the polenta fries are popular. Yes, this review was from over a year ago or three seasons ago as you called it. I transfered it over from another Yelp account. Glad to know that the restaurants attitude hasn't changed in over a year. Typically restaurants hop into the diners deck to attract more customers here and that the 10.00 off won't be a hit because you'll likely get items with higher margins. So, instead of saying, "hey, we had an off day, come back and try us," you see the typical New Albany attitude below.
(1)Toni H.
Waiter was awful. I asked what the soup of the day was and he said "3 bean and 3 meat chili" and walked away. Uh, wanna tell me what 3 beans and what 3 meats fella? Chili was too spicy and the cornbread croutons were dry and stuck in my throat. I asked for sour cream, which should have come with the meal, just to make it edible. I only ate half; the beans were only half-cooked. WTH? I got the beet salad that everyone raved about and was sorely disappointed. The arugula was old and wilted...some pieces were even yellow, way past their prime. Shame on the kitchen! I sent the salad back and the waiter asked if I wanted another to which I replied, no thanks, I don't know why any chef/kitchen would send that out so I don't want a re-do. The waiter was distracted and inattentive in a restaurant crowded with 2 tables. The manager came over and shook my hand, apologized for the meal and took care of the bill, as would I expect. I finished my overpriced glass of Kim Crawford SB, 12 a glass for a wine that costs 16 a bottle (guess he couldn't comp the one thing that I could consume). Lame. To add insult to injury, the 80s non-hit "Funky Town" was playing in the background - seriously!??? And the flies, don't get me started about the flies. The manager or owner seemed genuinely sorry about my bad experience which I appreciated but there wasn't much that could erase that flop. Perhaps comping the wine would have been a start? I wouldn't have paid for the food anyway so his waiving it was kind of meaningless. Obviously, I won't be back.
(1)Becky K.
The new menu is wonderful! Wine list is great. Since it was a Friday during lent, we were a bit concerned about what our options would be. But we were pleasantly surprised! Polenta fries, clam chowder, spinach salad, followed by the artichoke dinner, salmon, and the walleye. All were spectacular. They were plated with accuracy and the flavors of all dishes were perfect. The only reason I didn't give a five is ambience: the lighting is a bit bright for a special night out. Candles on the table and white tablecloths would do a lot to compliment the menu. Also every time I walk in the restaurant I almost fall due to the slippery floor.
(4)Amy W.
My husband and I tried Ella because we had a coupon from the Columbus Diner Deck. We went on a Friday night and I made a reservation with their online reservation system. They really were not crowded enough to need a reservation. New Albany seems far away, but the drive from Dublin was only 20 minutes. I liked the decor with all of the art on the walls and I liked that they sat us at a booth for 4 even though we were only 2 people. It gave us the chance to sit on the same side and view the dining room. The meal started with some free bread which was not impressive but it was free so I can't complain. My husband ordered the strip steak and the clam chowder. I ordered the Ella burger and the soup of the day (which was tomato bisque). I thought the clam chowder was a little salty, but it had a strong bacon flavor and lots of clams. My husband enjoyed it. My tomato bisque was awesome. Regarding the main course, we were both impressed by our meals. I ordered my burger medium and the middle was perfectly red. The steak was the same. I appreciated the crunchiness of the toasted bun and the onion aioli provided on the side. I believe the meat was local and it had a nice taste to it. The bacon was a little tough--made it difficult to eat on the burger so I picked it off and did not eat it. I stuck with the bbq potato chips for my side instead of the up-charged potato wedges. They were good--salty and sweet--but I didn't eat all of them. We needed to hit the minimum purchase to meet the coupon card requirement, so we ordered dessert as well--bourbon chocolate pecan pie with vanilla ice cream. Basically a Derby pie, but they didn't call it that. It was just alright, nothing super great. Tasted fine, but did not "wow" me like the burger.
(5)Will Y.
Came here on a Thursday night and got the double cut pork chop. It was huge. Decent place and recommended to others.
(4)Nick M.
Great food, very nice atmosphere. Great for a date night or sharing a bottle of wine. Went here for mothers day brunch and it was fantastic.
(4)Stephanie D.
I'd been wanting to come to Ella since I saw preparations for the restaurant opening (it was part of my old running route), but I was waiting for a Groupon. They never came out with a Groupon, boo! For Restaurant Week jan 21-26, I looked at Ella's menu for restaurant week, and it looked good, so I was excited to finally try out this place! I came during happy hour, so the bar area was filled with patrons. But I wasn't there for happy hour! I was seated at a small table. Looked over the drinks menu, cocktails are around $9-10.. they looked good, but I decided not to have anything to drink. I was presented with the bread. It was garlic bread, already heavily buttered. It was too much butter for me. For the first course, I had the BBQ OSU Pork (Over Smoked Randalls Cheddar Polenta Cake with Cider-Sprout Slaw). I really liked the BBQ sauce, but the pulled pork I had at gallo's pit bbq was more tender. The polenta cake and slaw were good. For the second course, I had Spinach Salad With Poached Pears, Hazelnuts, Gorgonzola, Radicchio, and Vanilla Balsamic Vinaigrette. Honestly, I thought the hazelnuts didn't work with the salad. Hazelnuts really belong in cookies. For the main course, I had Brie & Spinach Stuffed Ohio Chicken With Brown Butter Spaghetti Squash, Smoked Tomato Sauce. I wasn't fond of the brie in this dish, but the preparation of the ingredients turned out well. There was something crunchy on the top (like asian crunchy noodles), which I liked, but it was a bit odd with the chicken and the spaghetti squash. Tomato sauce worked well with the spaghetti squash. I ate the chicken separately from the squash. Sometimes I like to mix all the stuff on my plate, but that didn't really work here. Overall I think there are a lot of flavors which don't always work well together. Maybe Ella tries too hard to be different and unique? I'm not averse to returning. It was an interesting experience for my tastebuds.
(3)Jill C.
That lunch was so delicious, I needed to share. Who would expect and herb grilled chicken to be so delicious? It was served over the best arriabiatta sauce EVER and with crispy polenta fries! I will definitely be back!
(5)Kelly M.
We always enjoy the atmosphere, selection of wine and food at Ella. It's our first choice when entertaining friends, a family dinner or taking friends/family out to dinner when in town. Highly recommend!
(5)Marty D.
We have been to Ella's several times and went there last Friday night to celebrate my husband's birthday. We always find Ella's wait staff knowledgeable and able to answer our questions about the various entrees. We wanted to enjoy a glass of wine before we ordered dinner and the waiter was attentive but not intrusive and did not try to rush us but was right there when we were ready to order. We both wanted to try the Butternut Squash Turnover and were not disappointed. Ella's is known for beautiful presentation. Very original menu item and delicious too. The desserts at Ella's are incredible - and the menu says they are made in house and I believe it. I always love the carrot cake and was not disappointed. I like Ella's trendy decor and the nice touches -- the wine glasses are a nice quality.
(5)Erin D.
I'm late to the party on checking out Ella. But believe some progress has been made on the prior areas of complaint. Service was super attentive. We started in the bar to have a drink and app. Had someone over to us in less than a min. While we waited for our drinks, another server stopped to make sure we had ordered. Had the Stone Fruit Vodka Cocktail, which reminded me of a mint julep towards the end. Was boozy enough to be considered a good pour. Hubby had a Kölsch; bonus points for having this beer, hard to find on tap in the US. Started with the chips, cheese sauce wasn't overwhelming, which was nice. Seated at a small 2 top for dinner. I didn't mind the little table, felt more intimate. Table next to us was close enough that I suppose I could've eavesdropped, but also didn't feel like I could hear their conversation. Hubby had braised short ribs; meat was tender and he enjoyed the brussel sprouts. I had the scallop special. Seared nicely and a nice sauce cabbage and lentils, was a good Fall preparation for scallops; hearty and delicious! Also enjoyed the crispy bread with herb butter. I don't go out for bread; but always en Only negative was the parking lot was packed. Guess there must have been a lot of people at the gallery.
(4)Allison H.
I think after many more visits Ella deserves an upgrade. I have yet to have a bad meal here, and the service has improved greatly. I go as often as once a week, servers and bartenders recognize me & my family and are always very welcoming. Even if you aren't a regular, I see the same friendliness extended to everyone that comes in. The parking lot can get dangerously full on singles nights and some weekends. On one such occasion I went to retrieve a takeout order - a bartender saw me coming and told me to park off to the side, escorted me through the overflowing bar and got my food for me quickly and sent me on my way. Much appreciated. If you live in the area and haven't tried Ella yet, give it a shot. Sometimes the food takes a minute; everything is prepared to order and worth it. The fall menu has some of last year's favorites and the new items are great too. Scallops change daily and are always a revelation.
(4)Sarah G.
Great food and atmosphere. Always enjoy it. Portions are huge, especially the pork chops.
(5)Chris N.
My wife and I had lunch here on Monday. There were only about four other customers when we arrived around 11:30. Our server was Penny and she was great: pleasant. outgoing, attentive, and helpful. My wife ordered a cup of the soup du jour which was a strawberry gazpacho ($4) and the beet salad with chicken ($13) and I had the shrimp grits ($18). The strawberry gazpacho was outstanding! Kind of spicy, but awesome strawberry flavor at the same time. The shrimp grits were excellent, plenty of good size shrimp in an andouille sausage sauce alongside delicious homemade grits. My wife liked the beet salad with chicken. The chicken is organic, hormone free, and locally raised and my wife said it was the best chicken she's ever had. Overall, really a fine lunch, although a bit pricey.
(4)Regan F.
One of the best restaurants in Columbus! Hidden Gem. Local ingredients. Farm to plate. Menu rotates seasonally. Creative.Local beers on tap. Extensive wine selection. Partners with Art gallery next door.
(5)Thomas C.
Had a great evening last night, my wife's duck entree was cooked to perfection and the scallop dish was excellent. Good service ....thought it was a slow night until I realized the patio was hopping and the customers were still coming in when I was leaving at 9 pm Thank you
(4)shireen v.
We love Ella and the variety they keep adding to their menu. The service is usually pretty consistent and the wine list wonderful. My personal favorite has always been the beer salad and definitely love the rest of the menu as well. If you are in the mood for art it's offers a great variety of local artists next door at the Haley Gallery.
(5)Luis M.
I visited Ella for the first time. Not sure why it took so long since it is nearby and I had heard good things. Overall, fairly good, with some not so good. Worth a visit for the good. On the good side: They offer tastes of the beers on tap. This is a very good thing since they have some unusual things (why put sage in a beer????). I tasted all of them and found an IPA I liked. The "Ella-vated chips appetizer is very good. Home made potato chips dusted with a slightly spicy salt are good on their own. The dip, made with fontina cheese and some fresh corn is excellent. Together, it is very tasty and just enough for 4 people to share. It is somewhat misleadingly described as a fondue on the menu, but the dip is served at room temperature, disappointing one member of our party who expected hot, bubbly, cheesy goodness. On the mixed side: The entrees were generally good and they did a nice job on the proteins. The duck was perfectly cooked to medium rare with a crispy skin and fully rendered fat. The chicken 2 ways was juicy and very flavorful. The salmon was perfectly cooked to medium. The gnocchi was seared, but a bit too far and was very crisp on the outside, losing a bit of the lightness that makes for a good gnocchi. The sides that came with the entrees were a bit of a miss. The duck came with a polenta & Brie cake that was effectively a hockey puck and weighed about as much. It was too firm, dry and pasty. There was also a grilled kale that was very hard to eat - they grilled a portion from stem to leaves and served the hard stem. Couldn't cut it with a knife. I took to pulling it apart by hand. It was bitter, stringy and tough. They do such a nice job with the proteins, they really have to get their act together on the garnishes. On the total miss side: the desert. Ugh, what a disappointing way to finish. It's nice that they always bring extra fork, but it seems that they do so because one person wouldn't want to finish the desert. We got the zucchini bread with blackberry compote and the lemon Bundy cake with fruit. The zucchini bread needed the compote because it was so dry it was grainy like sand in your mouth. Sad, because zucchini bread is usually moist and soft. The lemon Bundy cake did not have even a hint of lemon flavor and was very dense in a bad way. It was hard & dry. Served covered in whipped cream and strawberries it tasted and had more of the texture of a strawberry shortcake, although a poorly composed one. All in all, I will probably return and give it another try because it is close to me and the proteins were quite good. I will probably skip desert and just go to Dairy Queen instead.
(3)Steve M.
Small plates have big taste! I'm not ashamed to admit that, on more than one occasion, I have proposed to the beet salad
(5)Liza P.
We went there for Mother Day's brunch! Wow everything is local the food was made with love. The mimosas we fantastic, the owner was very attentive and she made sure that everyone was attended to in a time my manner. I want excited to go here because of the yelp reviews weren't really good but we love it. My husband is a foodie and he loves to cook, so it takes a lot to impress him and this place did! We will be back and the waitress Ashley was wonderful with is too.
(5)Peter W.
One of the things that I like the most about coming back home to Ohio is good service I usually receive from most places I dine. Living in San Francisco although the food is usually good, the service is often ok or poor. Recently my girlfriend and I were visiting some friends in New Albany for New Years Eve and we visited Ella. I was excited because the menu looked good. Unfortunately our party did not have the best dining experience. I initially planned to order the burger since I had read several reviews that said it was the best item on the menu. Unfortunately, it was not on the menu. I asked the waitress if it was possible to make a burger, but she said that only the items on the menu were available. Although I was disappointed I understood that the kitchen may not have the ingredients for the dish. Instead I ordered a Wedge Salad and Lobster Tail, I figure if I can't have the burger I might as well "go big" since it was New Year's Eve. My meal was ok, but not great. The wedge salad was bland and the lobster tail was small and a bit dry. Again, although disappointed, I understand that what I like may be different from what someone else likes. Two people in our party ordered the Scallops and they were overly salty, again unfortunate, but some people like very salty food. The others in our party ordered the steak and duck and they were very happy. I was very disappointed with our server, she never came by to ask us how our meal was, never asked if we wanted drink refills, and we felt very "rushed". Each of us were barely done with our meals and the only thing she bothered to ask us was if we were done with our meal or not. I do understand people are not always happy to work on New Year's Eve, but we expected better service from the reputation of the restaurant. Overall a very disappointing experience. On top of this all, all of us who ordered seafood got food poisoning that night, I will spare you the details. I really like the idea and ambiance of ELLA, but everything else really made for a bad meal.
(1)L G.
I went to Ella's tonight by myself, so I decided to eat at the bar ( which I have done on several occasions ). The bartender gave me her name and promptly announced that she was was responsible for the patio as well as the bar area. She then walked away and returned to take a drink order 10 minutes later. After giving me my drink I asked for a menue. The long and short of it is food average wait time extreme. There seemed to be a lot of staff on cell phones and doing very little. The bartender was indeed very busy . I doubt that I will be going back again soon.
(2)Drew B.
Picture five restaurants outside of the 270 loop, with one of them being Ella. Now picture you are playing a rousing game of "Which One of These is Not Like the Other." Give Ella a chance (or another chance), and it's guaranteed to be a welcome addition to the growing restaurant scene. ELLA=Eat Local, Love Art. It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Ella has taken the high road when it comes to food delivery and restaurant presentation. While it's not always the most affordable way to run a restaurant, it's the right way. If you are someone that likes locally grown ingredients, with an excellent staff, Ella is the place for you. I don't live near Ella, but I am able to get there on a semi-weekly basis due to evening commitments in the New Albany. I usually sit at the bar, where Sean is keeping glasses filled with a pleasant, informative demeanor. The wine list is decent, and getting better every month. The happy hour specials are fantastic (try the pita pizza and the cheese plate). The owners of Ella have though of every detail, and most importantly, have gone to great lengths to hire some extremely knowledgeable and experienced staff. This, in addition to its local commitment, is where Ella shines the most. Even though not every food course has been the "best" I've had, the constant desire to improve their delivery is what keeps me coming back. If they didn't get it right the first time, as few new restaurants do, they will make up for it. My favorite thing to do is come in for happy hour, grab a glass of Cabernet, and saunter over to the Art Gallery. I'm not the biggest art buff, but it's a nice chance of pace from the standard "sit in a bar and stare at the tv" kind of deal. If you've already been to Ella, and were not impressed, give the place another chance.
(4)Mike T.
We were not impressed with this place at all. Their private parking lot is too small so parking is not guaranteed. And speaking of small, the restaurant itself is too small for all of the tables they try to pack in there. It's supposed to be a nice and romantic type of place to go and eat at but cramming as many tables as humanly possible really detracts from the experience. We were sat at a table for two which was stationed along a wall along with other tables for two. These tables are so close to each other that it's like being at one table with a number of strangers. There may be as much as 18 inches between each table. Our super skinny waitress had to turn sideways to fit in between the tables and then had to shimmy sideways outwards so she could turn around and face the table next to us. It's a loud restaurant so if you're sitting at one of the sardine-packed tables for two along the wall you have to speak up so you can be heard which means you are shouting over the people to either side of you. The best service we experienced while we were here was that from the guy who showed us to our table. After that the service went down hill quickly. It took 10 minutes to get water, another 5 minutes for our server to show up and take our drink orders, then 15 more minutes before she finally came to take our food order. She also hassled my wife about her not wanting to drink any wine. Awesome. Rather than wait another 30 minutes for our food to show up we just asked for the check when she finally came around to take our order. 30 minutes is too long to wait for a food order. One water refill is all we got in that 30 minutes and I was able to get one glass of wine in that time as well. I'm not going back here.
(1)Mrs. S.
It's like the old Seinfeld episode, they were able to take the reservation, but they weren't able to hold the reservation, which is the most important part of making a reservation. We had an 8:00 dinner reservation and checked in with the hostess on time. Sadly, after waiting at the bar, milling around the gallery, then waiting at the bar some more we were still not seated for dinner until 8:40. If I wanted to eat at 9 p.m. I'd made my reservation for 8:45, this was unacceptable. At the very least we should have been offered an appetizer or a round of drinks to soften the blow. We were not offered either. Our dinner was good, but not great. We ordered the ella-vated chips which were delicious but were brought to us barely warm. I am sure if they had been hot they would have been off the charts, they had such potential to be amazing, but fell short because of the temperature alone. The sautéed greens were not edible. They were over salted to the point of being disgusting. We sent them back and they were removed from our bill. Everyone at the table enjoyed the entrees but again, points were lost for lukewarm sea bass and cold mashed potatoes. At $8 the crostini apple tart should have been filled with apples. It was more like an apple laced dessert pizza with hazelnut gelatinous mousse topping. I wanted to love it but could not get over the lack of apples and the inflated price tag. Our server seemed aloof at times, our drinks should have been refreshed sooner and the overall experience was disappointing. My dining companions tried to be accommodating and reassured me this was not typical of their previous dining experiences at Ella. I think they don't get out much.
(2)Chris C.
Had a very nice time at Ella catching up with an old friend and her husband. We went on a Monday night. The restaurant was about half full. We sat and enjoyed a few cocktails while we were catching up. The waitress was very attentive and our glasses were never empty. We then ordered dinner. Two of us both ordered a cup of the gumbo. It was very good and flavorful. The entrees seemed to take a while after we ordered, but we didn't mind as the conversation was good. Once the food arrived we were all very pleased with the plates that arrived at the table. I had the duck. It was cooked perfectly. When I took a bite of that had a little bit everything (the smoked duck breast, french toast, caramelized onions, arugula, apricot creamed brie and port wine syrup) at once the flavors were amazing and really well paired together. My dining partners had the OSU pork chop (it was a huge pork chop!) and the ribeye. Both were very pleased with their selections. The portions were generous enough that they couldn't finish and and had to take some home. The dinner prices were what I would expect for a nice dinner but the beverage prices seemed a little on the higher side. If I'm ever be in the area again, I would definitely go back.
(4)Lee B.
The mussels appetizer was outstanding, the waiter extraordinary, the wine selection good, and the only restaurant in the Columbus area where I was able to enjoy an Anisette with my coffee after dinner.
(4)Amy P.
Not a fan. The menu tries too hard and some dishes are just a fail. Pumpkin seeds with the shells still on? Inedible. Salmon ordered rare was overlooked. Service was not knowledgeable or very good and why did it take so long to get a fork and a glass of wine? And why the $2 charge to split a salad??? Unacceptable at a fine dining place and especially when no mention is made.
(2)Michael G.
We had a group of three couples, late on a Friday night. When we got there it seemed to be about 80% full. Not bad for what turned out to be a horrible weather night. We had an array of drinks, wine, appetizers, sides, and main courses. I can say the food was really pretty good. The chef is inventive, the flavors were something we talked about, and the plating was nicely done. I don't think we had an issue with any item. Drinks were served in smaller than usual glasses. That was odd. I had an Old Fashion, which was well made, but the glass was way too small. Wine pricing is high, the selection is well thought out. Bathrooms were nice and well maintained. Serving is a weak spot. Our server had no training in fine dining, my guess he was an ex Max and Erma's or something like that, employee. If they want to be who they seem to want to be; kick up the jams on the training. We had to ask for many things, including silverware, napkins, and other assorted odds/ends. Overall, a good start to a newbie in New Albany, an area in central ohio that could use some fine dining.
(4)Lydia J.
We were very excited to try Ella, and after attempting to go one Saturday evening (and retreating after being told of the hour + wait), we finally made it out (with reservations!) this past Friday night. I wasn't immediately impressed by our two-top middle-of-the-aisle table, but I dealt with it. Our server was pleasant enough, but made a couple of very key mistakes. On the whole, we were very underwhelmed. Pros: - A couple of Stillwater saisons available on draft - Amazing sauce on the butternut squash ravioli - Homemade chips were delicious - Reasonably priced wine selection Cons: - We did not receive appetizer plates until I requested them (c'mon.. mussels!) - Mussels were very small (broth was ok) - Server did not bring us bread until I requested it (every other table had bread) - We were damn-near rushed out at the speed our courses came (we were seated a total of 45 minutes, I think) -Upholstery: distractingly 'meh' Another review talked about the kind of crowd... and I agree that people should not wear SCRUBS to an establishment like Ella on a busy weekend night. (Tsk tsk people, be classy.) I may try Ella again in a few months, once they are better established and have a more solid staff. But I'd rather drive down to Third + Hollywood.
(3)Scott K.
I love the patio, this is the best one in NewAlbany. Food is good, service has improved greatly and the desert menu has really dialed up. Teds Georgia Walnut Pie is to die for! We have been making Thursday night a regular trip to the patio for our dining group. The walleye is my favorite entree. If eating light the chicken sandwich is hard to beat.
(4)Mark K.
Based on the reviews on here, I didn't have high expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised. The service was pretty good. I got there right at 5 so maybe it's worse when they're busy, but everyone was friendly, and attentive without being intrusive. By the time I left the place was about half full, and there were several medium-size parties; all of us seemed to be getting the same, professional service. The food was, yeah, a little overpriced, but darn good. I had the pork wings. Okay, sherry molasses, yadda yadda- it's essentially a barbecue sauce, and a decent one. The meat was cooked just right, and though I wasn't sure how big they'd be (it's an app, and I'd never had "pork wings") it was two good-sized "wings" that I really enjoyed. I tried to eat them with my hands (hey, they're wings, and barbecue should always be messy.) Protip: just slice the meat off the bone. It started to slide off when I lifted it anyway... My server brought a warm, wet napkin for my saucy fingers. I also ordered a side of cheesy polenta. It was a large portion and was very well done. Took some of it home because I wanted to try the berry custard pie, and I'm glad I did. It was a more of a tartlet, nicely sized for one, The crust was firm but flaky, the filling was delicious, and the brulee top had a dollop of whipped cream. Everything was presented well, and the place is very nice- a bit trendy, but mostly classic decor. Art from the gallery next door adds a pleasant touch. I would definitely go back if I was in the area and wanted a nice dinner.
(4)Betsy M.
I think Ella is one of the best options in new Albany! The menu is high end without huge cost and I love the use of local ingredients! Nice wine selection and great patio weather permitting!
(5)Carol C.
We've been here a handful of times and have really tried to enjoy. The food is okay, The beet salad is good but Guiseppe's is better. There is nothing special about the place, ambiance lacks and service cries for improvement. The seating is too crowded for my likes. The snobby woman from the art gallery next door came around semi-soliciting -- not okay!! I'm here for a relaxing dinner. Geesh. Hoping something truly special comes along to the New Albany area in the future!
(1)Susan P.
Third time I have brought a large party to Ella and each time it gets even better. Amy is so nice and welcoming . Our server Tara was perfectly attentive. My guests raved about the Mac and cheese, the chicken and the risotto, the fried egg on top was great idea! The biscuits on the sliders made them hard to eat and a softer bun might be a better idea. The polenta fries and hummus were a great way to start. Tara helped to guide me to a Louis Latour Chardonnay which was perfect and I think fairly priced at $45/ bottle. Just another great experience at Ella. I look forward to the next time!!
(5)Kelly Y.
Meh. Service was really good and wine was good but food was all under seasoned and just ok. Had a piece of egg shell in my gnocchi and they paid no attention. What a shame. Gnocchi was also dense and looked pan fried... Strange for gnocchi. Definitely not light and fluffy. Wanted to like Ella, but food was disappointing. Won't be back.
(2)Jamie G.
Delicious. My husband and I have been here twice, most recently for our anniversary, and we left (again) saying, "we have to bring our parents here." We ordered the mussels as an appetizer and I ordered the Panko Crusted Roasted Butternut Squash as my entrée; my husband ordered the Grilled Double Cut Bone In Pork Chop. Our meals were perfect. So perfect, that we shared, but just a little. We each wanted our entrées for ourselves.The service was great. They could upgrade their dessert menu and it would be nice if happy hour wasn't at the "bar only". The waitress recommended the carrot cake - which was good - but not on par with our entrées. We will certainly be back (with our parents in tow). Give this place a try and be sure to check out the gallery next door!
(4)Carmelo A.
I just read some of the reviews about poor service...it seems that the only people that log in to rate Ella are the somewhat unhappy ones. I have been there many times, and always had wonderful service, fast, friendly. I encourage anyone who has had a bad experience to try it one more time. The food is incredible!
(5)Andy B.
Prices just went up for the second time in the last couple months! The burger, which in the old days was 10, is now 15 and the steak has topped out at 31!
(1)Douglas C.
The food is good and creative. I reccommend the burger which is also a great deal, $10. Very nice wine list and service was above average. My issues... 1. Why do they have two random tables in the middle of an aisle? 2. They need to buy some type of window treatment for the front above the door.
(3)Roderick C.
I've enjoyed many locavore restaurants around Columbus and was looking forward to trying Ella, despite the mixed reviews I had read. I was happy to get a reservation when I called late Saturday afternoon for dinner. It was surprisingly uncrowded this evening. Alas, the mixed reviews were right. My spinach salad was pretty, but felt a little tired - perhaps it sat too long pre-dressed? Companions' beet salads also looked good - no complaints from them. My Mussels with Orecchiette special was good, though the mussels were quite small. The spinach, sausage spears, and red bell pepper made a lovely dish, though I though it odd that it was served in a broth. I had to ask our server for a soup spoon, but enjoyed the delicious broth that remained. Companions were less happy with the Ginger Spiced Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Grilled Salmon, which they ordered because they had both been memorable in a prior visit. Tonight, both were disappointed. The pork was on a sweet potato pancake; the taste I had of both were good, though companion thought the pork was dry. The salmon came with an excess of raw scallion pieces; the wild mushrooms in the ragout felt and tasted canned - probably overly cooked in insipid liquid. Service was prompt and okay (though why are wait staff not trained not to remove plates until everyone at the table is done with a course?); fresh ground pepper was offered for the salads, but not for the entrees, though it came quickly when I asked. The menu prices were strange. The sandwiches were inexpensive, but the starters and entrees seemed overpriced. I was similarly turned off by the $10 they were asking for Jeni's ice cream on the dessert menu. With the tough competition offered by New Albany Country Club's new executive chef, I'm afraid Ella will have to do better to make it worth even a short trip for locals.
(2)Will Y.
Came here on a Thursday night and got the double cut pork chop. It was huge. Decent place and recommended to others.
(4)Nick M.
Great food, very nice atmosphere. Great for a date night or sharing a bottle of wine. Went here for mothers day brunch and it was fantastic.
(4)Susan D.
Have only been to Ella twice - once for the Easter buffet brunch and again for the Mother's Day buffet brunch. I have to say it just might be the best buffet brunch I've ever been to. The food was VERY good. And while there were plenty of items to choose from, they didn't try to do more than they were capable of, which is the downfall of a lot of buffets I've been too. Food was replenished quickly, everything tasted fresh... nothing was ever dried out like you find at many buffets. One thing I really appreciated was there was no omelet station - so no bottleneck in line - if you want an omelet, you fill out a ticket and the server takes it to the kitchen. NOTE: they have the best fried potatoes on the planet! The service was spot on, too! I realize that you want your buffet to look "pleasing" so things are staggered at different heights. However, I was there with my 87 year old mother-in-law and it was very difficult for her to reach some of the things she wanted. Heaven forbid you are a really short person. Lower things just a little... that would be my ONLY suggestion. Ella has now become our "go to" buffet brunch place for holiday's with the family. Even my EXTREMELY PICKY brother-in-law & sister-in-law loved it. Good job, Ella!
(5)Becky K.
The new menu is wonderful! Wine list is great. Since it was a Friday during lent, we were a bit concerned about what our options would be. But we were pleasantly surprised! Polenta fries, clam chowder, spinach salad, followed by the artichoke dinner, salmon, and the walleye. All were spectacular. They were plated with accuracy and the flavors of all dishes were perfect. The only reason I didn't give a five is ambience: the lighting is a bit bright for a special night out. Candles on the table and white tablecloths would do a lot to compliment the menu. Also every time I walk in the restaurant I almost fall due to the slippery floor.
(4)Amy W.
My husband and I tried Ella because we had a coupon from the Columbus Diner Deck. We went on a Friday night and I made a reservation with their online reservation system. They really were not crowded enough to need a reservation. New Albany seems far away, but the drive from Dublin was only 20 minutes. I liked the decor with all of the art on the walls and I liked that they sat us at a booth for 4 even though we were only 2 people. It gave us the chance to sit on the same side and view the dining room. The meal started with some free bread which was not impressive but it was free so I can't complain. My husband ordered the strip steak and the clam chowder. I ordered the Ella burger and the soup of the day (which was tomato bisque). I thought the clam chowder was a little salty, but it had a strong bacon flavor and lots of clams. My husband enjoyed it. My tomato bisque was awesome. Regarding the main course, we were both impressed by our meals. I ordered my burger medium and the middle was perfectly red. The steak was the same. I appreciated the crunchiness of the toasted bun and the onion aioli provided on the side. I believe the meat was local and it had a nice taste to it. The bacon was a little tough--made it difficult to eat on the burger so I picked it off and did not eat it. I stuck with the bbq potato chips for my side instead of the up-charged potato wedges. They were good--salty and sweet--but I didn't eat all of them. We needed to hit the minimum purchase to meet the coupon card requirement, so we ordered dessert as well--bourbon chocolate pecan pie with vanilla ice cream. Basically a Derby pie, but they didn't call it that. It was just alright, nothing super great. Tasted fine, but did not "wow" me like the burger.
(5)Jared B.
We had a coupon from the Columbus DIner's Deck and decided to try this place out. We ordered the Zucchini Fries--which for 10 dollars, were way overpriced and "average"--probably somewhere between Friday's and Cheesecake Factory in taste. The three dipping sauces were okay. But again, way overpriced for the amount you're getting. Both of us ordered burgers and the parmesan potato wedges. The burgers were bland and the aioli that they provide with the meal made it taste a bit "gamey." I've had better burgers at chain restaurants that cost much less. If you're looking for the best burger in Columbus that you get your bite/buck ratio, it's hands-down Northstar Cafe. Service was below average. It took us a bit to be seated without anyone else ahead of us. There was a large table that all had individual bills, so that may have played a part in it. Our waitress seemed preoccupied with these tables. Overall, stuffy atmosphere (even for New Albany) and bland food. Meh. *Update: See the owner's response below. This is exactly the kind of attitude and service you'll get at Ella. I'm not sure if beef sourcing is the issue here--it could be from Timbuktu or Columbus area farms. It's all about how you cook and flavor the burger and it was just plain bad. Yes, I've had better burgers at chain restaurants that had patties that were previously frozen. I've also had ones that weren't from local restaurants. Farm to table, bakery to table, and made in-house is great, unless you take that great food and flavor it terribly. Again, I think it's great that you source locally in Ohio. But this is simply an experience in which the food was poorly executed and not how you do business or who your suppliers are. I'm glad the polenta fries are popular. Yes, this review was from over a year ago or three seasons ago as you called it. I transfered it over from another Yelp account. Glad to know that the restaurants attitude hasn't changed in over a year. Typically restaurants hop into the diners deck to attract more customers here and that the 10.00 off won't be a hit because you'll likely get items with higher margins. So, instead of saying, "hey, we had an off day, come back and try us," you see the typical New Albany attitude below.
(1)Toni H.
Waiter was awful. I asked what the soup of the day was and he said "3 bean and 3 meat chili" and walked away. Uh, wanna tell me what 3 beans and what 3 meats fella? Chili was too spicy and the cornbread croutons were dry and stuck in my throat. I asked for sour cream, which should have come with the meal, just to make it edible. I only ate half; the beans were only half-cooked. WTH? I got the beet salad that everyone raved about and was sorely disappointed. The arugula was old and wilted...some pieces were even yellow, way past their prime. Shame on the kitchen! I sent the salad back and the waiter asked if I wanted another to which I replied, no thanks, I don't know why any chef/kitchen would send that out so I don't want a re-do. The waiter was distracted and inattentive in a restaurant crowded with 2 tables. The manager came over and shook my hand, apologized for the meal and took care of the bill, as would I expect. I finished my overpriced glass of Kim Crawford SB, 12 a glass for a wine that costs 16 a bottle (guess he couldn't comp the one thing that I could consume). Lame. To add insult to injury, the 80s non-hit "Funky Town" was playing in the background - seriously!??? And the flies, don't get me started about the flies. The manager or owner seemed genuinely sorry about my bad experience which I appreciated but there wasn't much that could erase that flop. Perhaps comping the wine would have been a start? I wouldn't have paid for the food anyway so his waiving it was kind of meaningless. Obviously, I won't be back.
(1)Linda G.
Nice Tuesday night light dinner. Very peppy atmosphere . Great small plates but they need to work on dessert. Very nice change from the usual restaurants.
(4)R M.
I really want to like this place, but the food is very avg. - we got the burgers and wanted it ranging from med to med-rare and all three was well-well done and dry...the server never even came back to check on the food. Just a lot of fail, we had high hopes for a local place here in New Albany.
(3)Dan M.
After settling into their new space. Approaching their soon to be ninth month I would definitely recommend a return visit. The Ravioli Entree' is killer tasty. I added grilled chicken as a topper which made for a really nice addition. The burger/bacon/avocado with homemade kettle chips is a true satisfaction to the palette. It is thick, juicy and flavorful without having to add a bunch of condiments. The Scallops and Pork Chop/bone-in always hit the home run. They are constantly changing the menu selections which is a interesting approach. There have been times I have stopped in for dinner and it just was not what I expected. I will say they always want to make it right. It is nice to have a upscale restaurant that eventually knows your name and makes one feel that it matters to them that your experience was positive and the entree's were creative. Thank you Ella for making dinner out worth the effort. Dan Granville, Ohio
(4)Jan S.
Expecting a lot but did not deliver in really any way except our server was pleasant. The design and layout was awkward and uninviting, lighting did not help at all. Where was all the art? Now to the food, well hard pressed to try again based on what was spent on first trip. Veggie sandwich with grilled eggplant, just awful, no words to explain, awful. Bisque soup was so thick one could turn spoon upside down and it stuck in a glob on spoon. Just continued downhill to the dreadful deserts, not many get desert right, but Ella was just was painful right from the beginning to the end. When will New Albany get a good restaurant? Hope they can clean things up and make it work to give it another chance?
(1)Jamie C.
Enjoyed a great dinner and loves the art. If we lived closer we would be regulars
(4)Marissa M.
Eclectic Atmosphere. Varied Menu. Average Service. Delightful Tea. My best friend and I popped in Ella for a late lunch. She had heard great reviews of the farm to table food. I have to say that the food lived up to the expectations. The burger and gumbo very very tasty. Our waitress only had two tables and was missing half of the time. This was my main reason for moving it from four to three stars. I recommend getting the tea. It is the perfect start to a good meal.
(3)Suzanne P.
The food at Ella is mouth watering. I've been twice now and really enjoy everything I've tried on the menu. The pork chop, short rib and petit filets are incredible! Though they are not cheap, the portions are generous. Can't go wrong with the grilled cheese or arugula salad either. My only complaints are relatively minor. The service is pretty slow, so I wouldn't recommend dining there if you're in a hurry or have plans after dinner. The restaurant can also get pretty loud, so it's probably not your best bet for a romantic dinner. The quality of food far outweighs the two and the attached gallery is a really nice touch in the event you have to wait for your table.
(4)Ron T.
No Corona beer Got an appetizer that was called eggplant...couldn't find the eggplant. Enter was salmon and it was very good. Pricy and into presentation.
(3)Ben V.
I've eaten here a few times. The service was good and staff was friendly but I went in off hours during the week. I had the burger and a sandwich which were both good. The reason for 2 stars is because the owner was extremely rude to my sister(nicest person ever) when she went last time. They charged her VERY incorrectly and she was extremely rude and inconvenienced about fixing it. It ended up taking weeks to be resolved.
(2)RB B.
I recently attended a private wedding reception here. Every bite of food was absolutely delicious. I had the spinach salad and the filet. I also tasted the squash turnover. I was concerned that the filet would be overcooked, as it is difficult to prepare for such a large group. However, it was perfectly rare, and so tender I didn't need a knife. Sides were tasty as well. No complaints, but looking at the menu, I could see how some might think the prices are a bit high...
(4)El O.
This review is totally based on the prices of the beer on tap, not the food or the staff. The bartender was great, as was the general manager, so that is not the issue here. What was, is what they charged me for a pint of Jackie O's Mystic Mama. I was charged $10 a pint! I contacted Jackie O's and the sales representative told me that legally they can charge whatever they want but she was appalled (and invited me to Athens for some free beer!). Shameful when a restaurant advertises local and then gouges their customers for the "local" feel and experience, especially when you are charged more than double what you should be. Also, shameful that they completely lost my business. I will never go back, no matter how good their food is.
(1)Erin D.
I'm late to the party on checking out Ella. But believe some progress has been made on the prior areas of complaint. Service was super attentive. We started in the bar to have a drink and app. Had someone over to us in less than a min. While we waited for our drinks, another server stopped to make sure we had ordered. Had the Stone Fruit Vodka Cocktail, which reminded me of a mint julep towards the end. Was boozy enough to be considered a good pour. Hubby had a Kölsch; bonus points for having this beer, hard to find on tap in the US. Started with the chips, cheese sauce wasn't overwhelming, which was nice. Seated at a small 2 top for dinner. I didn't mind the little table, felt more intimate. Table next to us was close enough that I suppose I could've eavesdropped, but also didn't feel like I could hear their conversation. Hubby had braised short ribs; meat was tender and he enjoyed the brussel sprouts. I had the scallop special. Seared nicely and a nice sauce cabbage and lentils, was a good Fall preparation for scallops; hearty and delicious! Also enjoyed the crispy bread with herb butter. I don't go out for bread; but always en Only negative was the parking lot was packed. Guess there must have been a lot of people at the gallery.
(4)Stephanie D.
I'd been wanting to come to Ella since I saw preparations for the restaurant opening (it was part of my old running route), but I was waiting for a Groupon. They never came out with a Groupon, boo! For Restaurant Week jan 21-26, I looked at Ella's menu for restaurant week, and it looked good, so I was excited to finally try out this place! I came during happy hour, so the bar area was filled with patrons. But I wasn't there for happy hour! I was seated at a small table. Looked over the drinks menu, cocktails are around $9-10.. they looked good, but I decided not to have anything to drink. I was presented with the bread. It was garlic bread, already heavily buttered. It was too much butter for me. For the first course, I had the BBQ OSU Pork (Over Smoked Randalls Cheddar Polenta Cake with Cider-Sprout Slaw). I really liked the BBQ sauce, but the pulled pork I had at gallo's pit bbq was more tender. The polenta cake and slaw were good. For the second course, I had Spinach Salad With Poached Pears, Hazelnuts, Gorgonzola, Radicchio, and Vanilla Balsamic Vinaigrette. Honestly, I thought the hazelnuts didn't work with the salad. Hazelnuts really belong in cookies. For the main course, I had Brie & Spinach Stuffed Ohio Chicken With Brown Butter Spaghetti Squash, Smoked Tomato Sauce. I wasn't fond of the brie in this dish, but the preparation of the ingredients turned out well. There was something crunchy on the top (like asian crunchy noodles), which I liked, but it was a bit odd with the chicken and the spaghetti squash. Tomato sauce worked well with the spaghetti squash. I ate the chicken separately from the squash. Sometimes I like to mix all the stuff on my plate, but that didn't really work here. Overall I think there are a lot of flavors which don't always work well together. Maybe Ella tries too hard to be different and unique? I'm not averse to returning. It was an interesting experience for my tastebuds.
(3)Jill C.
That lunch was so delicious, I needed to share. Who would expect and herb grilled chicken to be so delicious? It was served over the best arriabiatta sauce EVER and with crispy polenta fries! I will definitely be back!
(5)Kelly M.
We always enjoy the atmosphere, selection of wine and food at Ella. It's our first choice when entertaining friends, a family dinner or taking friends/family out to dinner when in town. Highly recommend!
(5)Marty D.
We have been to Ella's several times and went there last Friday night to celebrate my husband's birthday. We always find Ella's wait staff knowledgeable and able to answer our questions about the various entrees. We wanted to enjoy a glass of wine before we ordered dinner and the waiter was attentive but not intrusive and did not try to rush us but was right there when we were ready to order. We both wanted to try the Butternut Squash Turnover and were not disappointed. Ella's is known for beautiful presentation. Very original menu item and delicious too. The desserts at Ella's are incredible - and the menu says they are made in house and I believe it. I always love the carrot cake and was not disappointed. I like Ella's trendy decor and the nice touches -- the wine glasses are a nice quality.
(5)Allison H.
I think after many more visits Ella deserves an upgrade. I have yet to have a bad meal here, and the service has improved greatly. I go as often as once a week, servers and bartenders recognize me & my family and are always very welcoming. Even if you aren't a regular, I see the same friendliness extended to everyone that comes in. The parking lot can get dangerously full on singles nights and some weekends. On one such occasion I went to retrieve a takeout order - a bartender saw me coming and told me to park off to the side, escorted me through the overflowing bar and got my food for me quickly and sent me on my way. Much appreciated. If you live in the area and haven't tried Ella yet, give it a shot. Sometimes the food takes a minute; everything is prepared to order and worth it. The fall menu has some of last year's favorites and the new items are great too. Scallops change daily and are always a revelation.
(4)Chris N.
My wife and I had lunch here on Monday. There were only about four other customers when we arrived around 11:30. Our server was Penny and she was great: pleasant. outgoing, attentive, and helpful. My wife ordered a cup of the soup du jour which was a strawberry gazpacho ($4) and the beet salad with chicken ($13) and I had the shrimp grits ($18). The strawberry gazpacho was outstanding! Kind of spicy, but awesome strawberry flavor at the same time. The shrimp grits were excellent, plenty of good size shrimp in an andouille sausage sauce alongside delicious homemade grits. My wife liked the beet salad with chicken. The chicken is organic, hormone free, and locally raised and my wife said it was the best chicken she's ever had. Overall, really a fine lunch, although a bit pricey.
(4)Regan F.
One of the best restaurants in Columbus! Hidden Gem. Local ingredients. Farm to plate. Menu rotates seasonally. Creative.Local beers on tap. Extensive wine selection. Partners with Art gallery next door.
(5)Thomas C.
Had a great evening last night, my wife's duck entree was cooked to perfection and the scallop dish was excellent. Good service ....thought it was a slow night until I realized the patio was hopping and the customers were still coming in when I was leaving at 9 pm Thank you
(4)Luis M.
I visited Ella for the first time. Not sure why it took so long since it is nearby and I had heard good things. Overall, fairly good, with some not so good. Worth a visit for the good. On the good side: They offer tastes of the beers on tap. This is a very good thing since they have some unusual things (why put sage in a beer????). I tasted all of them and found an IPA I liked. The "Ella-vated chips appetizer is very good. Home made potato chips dusted with a slightly spicy salt are good on their own. The dip, made with fontina cheese and some fresh corn is excellent. Together, it is very tasty and just enough for 4 people to share. It is somewhat misleadingly described as a fondue on the menu, but the dip is served at room temperature, disappointing one member of our party who expected hot, bubbly, cheesy goodness. On the mixed side: The entrees were generally good and they did a nice job on the proteins. The duck was perfectly cooked to medium rare with a crispy skin and fully rendered fat. The chicken 2 ways was juicy and very flavorful. The salmon was perfectly cooked to medium. The gnocchi was seared, but a bit too far and was very crisp on the outside, losing a bit of the lightness that makes for a good gnocchi. The sides that came with the entrees were a bit of a miss. The duck came with a polenta & Brie cake that was effectively a hockey puck and weighed about as much. It was too firm, dry and pasty. There was also a grilled kale that was very hard to eat - they grilled a portion from stem to leaves and served the hard stem. Couldn't cut it with a knife. I took to pulling it apart by hand. It was bitter, stringy and tough. They do such a nice job with the proteins, they really have to get their act together on the garnishes. On the total miss side: the desert. Ugh, what a disappointing way to finish. It's nice that they always bring extra fork, but it seems that they do so because one person wouldn't want to finish the desert. We got the zucchini bread with blackberry compote and the lemon Bundy cake with fruit. The zucchini bread needed the compote because it was so dry it was grainy like sand in your mouth. Sad, because zucchini bread is usually moist and soft. The lemon Bundy cake did not have even a hint of lemon flavor and was very dense in a bad way. It was hard & dry. Served covered in whipped cream and strawberries it tasted and had more of the texture of a strawberry shortcake, although a poorly composed one. All in all, I will probably return and give it another try because it is close to me and the proteins were quite good. I will probably skip desert and just go to Dairy Queen instead.
(3)Sarah G.
Great food and atmosphere. Always enjoy it. Portions are huge, especially the pork chops.
(5)Steve M.
Small plates have big taste! I'm not ashamed to admit that, on more than one occasion, I have proposed to the beet salad
(5)Liza P.
We went there for Mother Day's brunch! Wow everything is local the food was made with love. The mimosas we fantastic, the owner was very attentive and she made sure that everyone was attended to in a time my manner. I want excited to go here because of the yelp reviews weren't really good but we love it. My husband is a foodie and he loves to cook, so it takes a lot to impress him and this place did! We will be back and the waitress Ashley was wonderful with is too.
(5)Peter W.
One of the things that I like the most about coming back home to Ohio is good service I usually receive from most places I dine. Living in San Francisco although the food is usually good, the service is often ok or poor. Recently my girlfriend and I were visiting some friends in New Albany for New Years Eve and we visited Ella. I was excited because the menu looked good. Unfortunately our party did not have the best dining experience. I initially planned to order the burger since I had read several reviews that said it was the best item on the menu. Unfortunately, it was not on the menu. I asked the waitress if it was possible to make a burger, but she said that only the items on the menu were available. Although I was disappointed I understood that the kitchen may not have the ingredients for the dish. Instead I ordered a Wedge Salad and Lobster Tail, I figure if I can't have the burger I might as well "go big" since it was New Year's Eve. My meal was ok, but not great. The wedge salad was bland and the lobster tail was small and a bit dry. Again, although disappointed, I understand that what I like may be different from what someone else likes. Two people in our party ordered the Scallops and they were overly salty, again unfortunate, but some people like very salty food. The others in our party ordered the steak and duck and they were very happy. I was very disappointed with our server, she never came by to ask us how our meal was, never asked if we wanted drink refills, and we felt very "rushed". Each of us were barely done with our meals and the only thing she bothered to ask us was if we were done with our meal or not. I do understand people are not always happy to work on New Year's Eve, but we expected better service from the reputation of the restaurant. Overall a very disappointing experience. On top of this all, all of us who ordered seafood got food poisoning that night, I will spare you the details. I really like the idea and ambiance of ELLA, but everything else really made for a bad meal.
(1)L G.
I went to Ella's tonight by myself, so I decided to eat at the bar ( which I have done on several occasions ). The bartender gave me her name and promptly announced that she was was responsible for the patio as well as the bar area. She then walked away and returned to take a drink order 10 minutes later. After giving me my drink I asked for a menue. The long and short of it is food average wait time extreme. There seemed to be a lot of staff on cell phones and doing very little. The bartender was indeed very busy . I doubt that I will be going back again soon.
(2)Drew B.
Picture five restaurants outside of the 270 loop, with one of them being Ella. Now picture you are playing a rousing game of "Which One of These is Not Like the Other." Give Ella a chance (or another chance), and it's guaranteed to be a welcome addition to the growing restaurant scene. ELLA=Eat Local, Love Art. It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Ella has taken the high road when it comes to food delivery and restaurant presentation. While it's not always the most affordable way to run a restaurant, it's the right way. If you are someone that likes locally grown ingredients, with an excellent staff, Ella is the place for you. I don't live near Ella, but I am able to get there on a semi-weekly basis due to evening commitments in the New Albany. I usually sit at the bar, where Sean is keeping glasses filled with a pleasant, informative demeanor. The wine list is decent, and getting better every month. The happy hour specials are fantastic (try the pita pizza and the cheese plate). The owners of Ella have though of every detail, and most importantly, have gone to great lengths to hire some extremely knowledgeable and experienced staff. This, in addition to its local commitment, is where Ella shines the most. Even though not every food course has been the "best" I've had, the constant desire to improve their delivery is what keeps me coming back. If they didn't get it right the first time, as few new restaurants do, they will make up for it. My favorite thing to do is come in for happy hour, grab a glass of Cabernet, and saunter over to the Art Gallery. I'm not the biggest art buff, but it's a nice chance of pace from the standard "sit in a bar and stare at the tv" kind of deal. If you've already been to Ella, and were not impressed, give the place another chance.
(4)Mike T.
We were not impressed with this place at all. Their private parking lot is too small so parking is not guaranteed. And speaking of small, the restaurant itself is too small for all of the tables they try to pack in there. It's supposed to be a nice and romantic type of place to go and eat at but cramming as many tables as humanly possible really detracts from the experience. We were sat at a table for two which was stationed along a wall along with other tables for two. These tables are so close to each other that it's like being at one table with a number of strangers. There may be as much as 18 inches between each table. Our super skinny waitress had to turn sideways to fit in between the tables and then had to shimmy sideways outwards so she could turn around and face the table next to us. It's a loud restaurant so if you're sitting at one of the sardine-packed tables for two along the wall you have to speak up so you can be heard which means you are shouting over the people to either side of you. The best service we experienced while we were here was that from the guy who showed us to our table. After that the service went down hill quickly. It took 10 minutes to get water, another 5 minutes for our server to show up and take our drink orders, then 15 more minutes before she finally came to take our food order. She also hassled my wife about her not wanting to drink any wine. Awesome. Rather than wait another 30 minutes for our food to show up we just asked for the check when she finally came around to take our order. 30 minutes is too long to wait for a food order. One water refill is all we got in that 30 minutes and I was able to get one glass of wine in that time as well. I'm not going back here.
(1)shireen v.
We love Ella and the variety they keep adding to their menu. The service is usually pretty consistent and the wine list wonderful. My personal favorite has always been the beer salad and definitely love the rest of the menu as well. If you are in the mood for art it's offers a great variety of local artists next door at the Haley Gallery.
(5)Mrs. S.
It's like the old Seinfeld episode, they were able to take the reservation, but they weren't able to hold the reservation, which is the most important part of making a reservation. We had an 8:00 dinner reservation and checked in with the hostess on time. Sadly, after waiting at the bar, milling around the gallery, then waiting at the bar some more we were still not seated for dinner until 8:40. If I wanted to eat at 9 p.m. I'd made my reservation for 8:45, this was unacceptable. At the very least we should have been offered an appetizer or a round of drinks to soften the blow. We were not offered either. Our dinner was good, but not great. We ordered the ella-vated chips which were delicious but were brought to us barely warm. I am sure if they had been hot they would have been off the charts, they had such potential to be amazing, but fell short because of the temperature alone. The sautéed greens were not edible. They were over salted to the point of being disgusting. We sent them back and they were removed from our bill. Everyone at the table enjoyed the entrees but again, points were lost for lukewarm sea bass and cold mashed potatoes. At $8 the crostini apple tart should have been filled with apples. It was more like an apple laced dessert pizza with hazelnut gelatinous mousse topping. I wanted to love it but could not get over the lack of apples and the inflated price tag. Our server seemed aloof at times, our drinks should have been refreshed sooner and the overall experience was disappointing. My dining companions tried to be accommodating and reassured me this was not typical of their previous dining experiences at Ella. I think they don't get out much.
(2)Chris C.
Had a very nice time at Ella catching up with an old friend and her husband. We went on a Monday night. The restaurant was about half full. We sat and enjoyed a few cocktails while we were catching up. The waitress was very attentive and our glasses were never empty. We then ordered dinner. Two of us both ordered a cup of the gumbo. It was very good and flavorful. The entrees seemed to take a while after we ordered, but we didn't mind as the conversation was good. Once the food arrived we were all very pleased with the plates that arrived at the table. I had the duck. It was cooked perfectly. When I took a bite of that had a little bit everything (the smoked duck breast, french toast, caramelized onions, arugula, apricot creamed brie and port wine syrup) at once the flavors were amazing and really well paired together. My dining partners had the OSU pork chop (it was a huge pork chop!) and the ribeye. Both were very pleased with their selections. The portions were generous enough that they couldn't finish and and had to take some home. The dinner prices were what I would expect for a nice dinner but the beverage prices seemed a little on the higher side. If I'm ever be in the area again, I would definitely go back.
(4)Lee B.
The mussels appetizer was outstanding, the waiter extraordinary, the wine selection good, and the only restaurant in the Columbus area where I was able to enjoy an Anisette with my coffee after dinner.
(4)Amy P.
Not a fan. The menu tries too hard and some dishes are just a fail. Pumpkin seeds with the shells still on? Inedible. Salmon ordered rare was overlooked. Service was not knowledgeable or very good and why did it take so long to get a fork and a glass of wine? And why the $2 charge to split a salad??? Unacceptable at a fine dining place and especially when no mention is made.
(2)Scott A.
I am a big fan of Ella. My wife and stumbled upon it as a last resort last year when we had family in town and did not realize it was a prom weekend. We sat at the bar (4 of us) enjoyed some good craft beers and amazing food. We really liked that the food was a locally grown / raised. The bar manager (who served us) was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and really seemed to love what he does. Earlier this year we needed to find a restaurant for a private late lunch / early dinner for our wedding. There were only 12 of us (including 3 children) and Ella had no troubles opening up early for our event even with so few of us. The same Bar Manager served us with the General Manager checking in on how we were doing. Again the food was outstanding. Everyone at the table enjoyed their drinks and meals. Since then we have been back twice - we usually just sit at the bar. Nice drink selection, new TVs to watch whatever game is on and the food and service has always been outstanding. Yes, it can be a bit pricey but we find it worth the quality when we are looking to go somewhere a bit nicer than an every day restaurant but still a bit on the casual side.
(5)Michael C.
I've literally never had a bad meal at Ella. This restaurant is consistent and accomodating, even when we bring our two young girls. It's great to have an alternative like this in New Albany. Hands down, my favorite local eatery.
(5)Michael G.
We had a group of three couples, late on a Friday night. When we got there it seemed to be about 80% full. Not bad for what turned out to be a horrible weather night. We had an array of drinks, wine, appetizers, sides, and main courses. I can say the food was really pretty good. The chef is inventive, the flavors were something we talked about, and the plating was nicely done. I don't think we had an issue with any item. Drinks were served in smaller than usual glasses. That was odd. I had an Old Fashion, which was well made, but the glass was way too small. Wine pricing is high, the selection is well thought out. Bathrooms were nice and well maintained. Serving is a weak spot. Our server had no training in fine dining, my guess he was an ex Max and Erma's or something like that, employee. If they want to be who they seem to want to be; kick up the jams on the training. We had to ask for many things, including silverware, napkins, and other assorted odds/ends. Overall, a good start to a newbie in New Albany, an area in central ohio that could use some fine dining.
(4)Lydia J.
We were very excited to try Ella, and after attempting to go one Saturday evening (and retreating after being told of the hour + wait), we finally made it out (with reservations!) this past Friday night. I wasn't immediately impressed by our two-top middle-of-the-aisle table, but I dealt with it. Our server was pleasant enough, but made a couple of very key mistakes. On the whole, we were very underwhelmed. Pros: - A couple of Stillwater saisons available on draft - Amazing sauce on the butternut squash ravioli - Homemade chips were delicious - Reasonably priced wine selection Cons: - We did not receive appetizer plates until I requested them (c'mon.. mussels!) - Mussels were very small (broth was ok) - Server did not bring us bread until I requested it (every other table had bread) - We were damn-near rushed out at the speed our courses came (we were seated a total of 45 minutes, I think) -Upholstery: distractingly 'meh' Another review talked about the kind of crowd... and I agree that people should not wear SCRUBS to an establishment like Ella on a busy weekend night. (Tsk tsk people, be classy.) I may try Ella again in a few months, once they are better established and have a more solid staff. But I'd rather drive down to Third + Hollywood.
(3)Scott K.
I love the patio, this is the best one in NewAlbany. Food is good, service has improved greatly and the desert menu has really dialed up. Teds Georgia Walnut Pie is to die for! We have been making Thursday night a regular trip to the patio for our dining group. The walleye is my favorite entree. If eating light the chicken sandwich is hard to beat.
(4)Mark K.
Based on the reviews on here, I didn't have high expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised. The service was pretty good. I got there right at 5 so maybe it's worse when they're busy, but everyone was friendly, and attentive without being intrusive. By the time I left the place was about half full, and there were several medium-size parties; all of us seemed to be getting the same, professional service. The food was, yeah, a little overpriced, but darn good. I had the pork wings. Okay, sherry molasses, yadda yadda- it's essentially a barbecue sauce, and a decent one. The meat was cooked just right, and though I wasn't sure how big they'd be (it's an app, and I'd never had "pork wings") it was two good-sized "wings" that I really enjoyed. I tried to eat them with my hands (hey, they're wings, and barbecue should always be messy.) Protip: just slice the meat off the bone. It started to slide off when I lifted it anyway... My server brought a warm, wet napkin for my saucy fingers. I also ordered a side of cheesy polenta. It was a large portion and was very well done. Took some of it home because I wanted to try the berry custard pie, and I'm glad I did. It was a more of a tartlet, nicely sized for one, The crust was firm but flaky, the filling was delicious, and the brulee top had a dollop of whipped cream. Everything was presented well, and the place is very nice- a bit trendy, but mostly classic decor. Art from the gallery next door adds a pleasant touch. I would definitely go back if I was in the area and wanted a nice dinner.
(4)Betsy M.
I think Ella is one of the best options in new Albany! The menu is high end without huge cost and I love the use of local ingredients! Nice wine selection and great patio weather permitting!
(5)Carol C.
We've been here a handful of times and have really tried to enjoy. The food is okay, The beet salad is good but Guiseppe's is better. There is nothing special about the place, ambiance lacks and service cries for improvement. The seating is too crowded for my likes. The snobby woman from the art gallery next door came around semi-soliciting -- not okay!! I'm here for a relaxing dinner. Geesh. Hoping something truly special comes along to the New Albany area in the future!
(1)Susan P.
Third time I have brought a large party to Ella and each time it gets even better. Amy is so nice and welcoming . Our server Tara was perfectly attentive. My guests raved about the Mac and cheese, the chicken and the risotto, the fried egg on top was great idea! The biscuits on the sliders made them hard to eat and a softer bun might be a better idea. The polenta fries and hummus were a great way to start. Tara helped to guide me to a Louis Latour Chardonnay which was perfect and I think fairly priced at $45/ bottle. Just another great experience at Ella. I look forward to the next time!!
(5)Kelly Y.
Meh. Service was really good and wine was good but food was all under seasoned and just ok. Had a piece of egg shell in my gnocchi and they paid no attention. What a shame. Gnocchi was also dense and looked pan fried... Strange for gnocchi. Definitely not light and fluffy. Wanted to like Ella, but food was disappointing. Won't be back.
(2)Jamie G.
Delicious. My husband and I have been here twice, most recently for our anniversary, and we left (again) saying, "we have to bring our parents here." We ordered the mussels as an appetizer and I ordered the Panko Crusted Roasted Butternut Squash as my entrée; my husband ordered the Grilled Double Cut Bone In Pork Chop. Our meals were perfect. So perfect, that we shared, but just a little. We each wanted our entrées for ourselves.The service was great. They could upgrade their dessert menu and it would be nice if happy hour wasn't at the "bar only". The waitress recommended the carrot cake - which was good - but not on par with our entrées. We will certainly be back (with our parents in tow). Give this place a try and be sure to check out the gallery next door!
(4)Carmelo A.
I just read some of the reviews about poor service...it seems that the only people that log in to rate Ella are the somewhat unhappy ones. I have been there many times, and always had wonderful service, fast, friendly. I encourage anyone who has had a bad experience to try it one more time. The food is incredible!
(5)Andy B.
Prices just went up for the second time in the last couple months! The burger, which in the old days was 10, is now 15 and the steak has topped out at 31!
(1)Douglas C.
The food is good and creative. I reccommend the burger which is also a great deal, $10. Very nice wine list and service was above average. My issues... 1. Why do they have two random tables in the middle of an aisle? 2. They need to buy some type of window treatment for the front above the door.
(3)Roderick C.
I've enjoyed many locavore restaurants around Columbus and was looking forward to trying Ella, despite the mixed reviews I had read. I was happy to get a reservation when I called late Saturday afternoon for dinner. It was surprisingly uncrowded this evening. Alas, the mixed reviews were right. My spinach salad was pretty, but felt a little tired - perhaps it sat too long pre-dressed? Companions' beet salads also looked good - no complaints from them. My Mussels with Orecchiette special was good, though the mussels were quite small. The spinach, sausage spears, and red bell pepper made a lovely dish, though I though it odd that it was served in a broth. I had to ask our server for a soup spoon, but enjoyed the delicious broth that remained. Companions were less happy with the Ginger Spiced Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Grilled Salmon, which they ordered because they had both been memorable in a prior visit. Tonight, both were disappointed. The pork was on a sweet potato pancake; the taste I had of both were good, though companion thought the pork was dry. The salmon came with an excess of raw scallion pieces; the wild mushrooms in the ragout felt and tasted canned - probably overly cooked in insipid liquid. Service was prompt and okay (though why are wait staff not trained not to remove plates until everyone at the table is done with a course?); fresh ground pepper was offered for the salads, but not for the entrees, though it came quickly when I asked. The menu prices were strange. The sandwiches were inexpensive, but the starters and entrees seemed overpriced. I was similarly turned off by the $10 they were asking for Jeni's ice cream on the dessert menu. With the tough competition offered by New Albany Country Club's new executive chef, I'm afraid Ella will have to do better to make it worth even a short trip for locals.
(2)Craig O.
Was really excited to try Ella and had a hard time getting a reservation for two. I read all the reviews online but came in with an open mind. I like how dark and intimate it felt when I first entered the restaurant. I didn't like how I felt like the seating was tight like packed sardines. There aren't many seats where you feel like you can have an intimate dinner. I'm surprised how many people they seat for the size of the space. Our server was very nice and she was prompt to our table. The wine, beer, and cocktail list was comprehensive. I started with a martini. They were out of the vodka that was advertised. For $9 dollars, the martini wasn't full enough and felt watered down. Ella, if you are reading....take a page out of the book of Smith & Wolenski on this one or else don't bother with the classic martini. We got the cheese plate next. Goat, cheddar, and sheep, I believe. Small portions cut into little cubes. There were larger amounts of topinade, preserve, and cole slaw than cheese. There was twice as much bread than cheese. I would have called it "salad and bread plate w/ cheese". For our entree, we ordered the salmon and pork tenderloin. The salmon was ok. The polenta tasted great. The salmon was a bit crispy. The tenderloin came on sweet potato hash browns. It was such a thin, crispy "wafer", that it was difficult to distinguish what it was made out of. I would recommend a pancake that was less burnt instead. The tenderloin was cut into 5 or 6 slices. The ends were cooked but the closer to the center, the less cooked. I'm ok with pink, but the middle piece was red/raw and I didn't eat it. It most overpowering item on my plate was the dill apple slaw on top. The tenderloin at the Worthington inn would be a good dish to reference instead. Many of the reviewers say the food is amazing and this is the "place to be seen" in New Albany. The food is ok (nowhere near the New Albany Country Club...not even close) and the decor isn't as nice a Mia Cuccina. My biggest complaint is the food is way overpriced for the quality of the cooking and the homogeneous presentation. I will go back again and try other dishes. In want to see what the bar scene is like as well. Note to patrons....please no muddy workbooks or medical scrubs at the dinner table. If we want upscale restaurants in New Albany...dressing for the occasion would be a good place for us to help start. The only other things to note....the floor is very slippery if you wear the wrong shoes. My wife wore ballet flats and almost fell down three time from slipping. Also, the art gallery is similar to the restaurant. Expensive and overpriced. In think this place has potential. They are brand new so I give them 3 stars. One other tip to the owners...the music in your restaurant is way off the mark. It doesn't really help set the mood. If you went w/ house music (maybe something like Thievery Corporation), I think it would help create a more upscale feel. The lyrics in your music selection is distracting. It sounds like something the cooks are listening to in the kitchen vs. for the patrons.
(3)Steve F.
Pricing on certain alcohol drinks have been raised. And a significant amount more than they were charging before. ASK before you order what the pricing is to avoid sticker shock later.
(3)Ben J.
Greeted kindly. Our server Donny was great. He was hustling and we can be work. Unfortunately the food did not match his service. Mussels, just OK. Burger good. Gnocchi - No. It's not close to us so we likely won't return. They had Orin Swft wines on the menu and have a nice glass and bottle selection overall. That part made me happy.
(3)Erin L.
I am rating this a 2 based upon the service of the bartender and the lack of attention by management. My friend and I sat at the bar. We had to fight for the bartenders attention despite being one of 5 patrons at the bar. The wine list is impressive, but if you are looking for beer the choices are very limited. Then a large group women came in who were immediately served because, according to the manager, "they came from the gallery". The women took our menus (not sure why they weren't provided their own). We reported the poor service when leaving and were met with a nonchalant attitude. The food was delicious, but could not compensate for the shoddy (at best) service and lack of attention from the staff and management.
(2)Meg H.
This is a great addition to New Albany. My husband and I grabbed two seats at the bar on Saturday evening and ordered some of their specialty cocktails and dessert. I had two of their signature martinis, both of which were delicious (especially the Goliath), and prepared well by our extremely friendly and attentive bartender-- her name was Vanessa, I believe. The rest of the staff we encountered (including the host, who offered to take our coats) also seemed friendly and professional. My husband was impressed by a few of the draft beers (especially the Stillwater, which you rarely see on tap). Our apple caramel bread pudding was delicious, and large enough to share but also light. The ambiance was good--not overly crowded, which was good because the bar area is not very large, but definitely not "dead" for a Saturday night--and all the entrees we saw being served to people around us were enticing, so we can't wait to come back for a full meal. A definite 5 for the bar experience-- we'll be back to try the rest of the menu ASAP!
(5)Erol P.
We went tonight, a Saturday night and had arrived a little early and had made reservations earlier in the week. Our guests had not arrived so we went over to the gallery first and saw some pretty excellent art work! Had a glass a of wine and waited for our for our friends to arrive, chatted with some nice people. After enjoying the gallery we went back to the restaurant part and were seated immediately. Everyone that greeted and seated us to our table was not only very friendly but courteous and very professional. Our server attended to us immediately and asked us if we wanted anything to drink and answered all of the questions we had. Our party joined us shortly after and again our server came back at least 2 more times because we were not ready and had plenty of questions before ordering the wine and appetizers. The wine list had plenty of selections, as well as the variety of bar drinks. The wine and appetizers which we ordered with bread came out almost as quick as we had ordered them. The bread was excellent, the cheese sampler and humus appetizers were more than enough for 4 people sipping our wine. We were not rushed to order dinner and after we were about done with the first bottle of wine, our server asked us if we were ready to order dinner! At no time were we rushed to make quick decisions about anything and our server was truly awesome. Everyone at our table was very pleased with every aspect of our evening out. We ordered the Walleye, Lamb, Chicken and Steak! All four entreee's were truly excellent! I tasted all of them :-) We were first asked how the appetizers were and then dinner not just by our server but by Halley, one of the owners as well as another manager owner. My guests and I not only felt pampered but delighted by all of the attention from this excellent establishment. I wanted desert but unfortunately we were all very full and no one could order desert because we just didn't make room for it. Next time! Everything about the evening was fanstastic - not just the service, the food or the ambiance. Everything ... we are going back soon. I recommend this restaurant to anyone that wants to have a good meal, look at some good art and be with some pretty happy and nice people. We certainly had a great time and we will be going back again and again! Yummy! What a great idea combining a gallery with a good restaurant.
(5)Bob K.
Ella was great - the food was excellent, it was quiet and the wait staff were very attentive. It was also fun to view the artwork and go next door to the gallery. We will return often.
(5)Sallie C.
Love the drinks. Love the food. Love love love the oil paintings and the professional staff; especially the gorgeous hostess on New Year's Eve! I ordered the fillet and it was grilled perfectly. Can't wait to go backand try the butternut squash ravioli. Martinis are amazing!
(5)Dorothy B.
This place was just ok. I thought the people were really nice but the food was maybe a little overpriced. We went on a Monday night and the place was pretty much empty. It took quite a while to get our food so I can only imagine what it's like in a busy night. Nothing was terrible but they didn't knock my socks off...
(3)Laura E.
I had really been looking forward to trying this place, so it was so disappointing to walk in the door with my husband and be treated as if we were the scum of the earth. The host was beyond snobby with no "hellos", but a curt "how can I help you?" I responded that we would like to have dinner, and he asked "how many?", then without saying a word , picked up menus and we followed him to a table. He placed the menus on the table and walked away without a word. I was a little shocked to be treated with such snobbery as, after all, we are in New Albany, Ohio for goodness sake - an area of the city where nicer restaurants notoriously go out of business pretty quickly. Who knows, maybe this place can afford to treat people like crap! To continue, the waitress came over after she was done chatting with another table, and I told her about the chilly greeting. She offered apologies (not her fault) and told me to just "forget about it" and she would let the management know. We ordered a wine and scotch, and she advised us what to get on the menu. The rest of the experience was fine, and I must say the butternut squash ravioli was heavenly. My husband's salmon dish was also quite good, albeit small portions for both.The Caesar salad was not good at all. No bread or anything was offered, unusual for such an expensive restaurant.. The ambiance was nice, but certainly nothing spectacular. Overall, it is overpriced (and the waitress said they are getting ready to take the sandwiches off the menu - the only thing that is perhaps good value in the $10-15 range) The food we had was delicious (and every bite was savored because of the small portions) , but there are a lot of restaurants in Columbus with delicious food that will make you feel welcomed and appreciated. A bad first impression is hard to recover from - I will never return.
(1)Disney world L.
If I could rate this restaurant zero stars, I would jump at the chance. We walked in on a Wednesday night, expecting a relaxing dinner at a nice restaurant where we had heard RAVE reviews. We were promptly seated. The first impression was nice, I'll give it that. However, we quickly realized our initial thoughts were very wrong. The restaurant was freezing cold (due to the many doors and windows on a winter night) and very loud. Now, I understand that these are not the only qualities that compose a great eatery, and I would have gladly overlooked them had the rest of the visit been pleasurable. Since it was far from a great dinner, I figured I would mention that this made our stay even more uncomfortable. We found ourselves yelling across the table just to have a conversation, which eventually left us staring at the floor rather than attempt to shout over the noise. Our food was unimpressive, to say the least: nowhere near the fantastic reviews it was given. Our entrees included the butternut squash ravioli, as well as the balsamic eggplant sandwich with steak fries. I should mention that the two large ravioli cost a whopping $17, including nothing but a bit of broccoli piled in a heap on top. The sandwich was $9, but of course the side of four steak fries cost an extra $2. The ravioli was alright. It wasn't hot when I recieved it; nor did I appreciate the miniature portions. The grilled eggplant sandwich was described by my family as having a "horribly pungent flavor." The steak fries, mediocre. Certainly not worth the extra $2. For dessert, the caramel apple bread pudding was recommended to us, and sounded delicious. We decided to try it. An extra $6 for two slices of bread each the size of a deck of cards was also outrageous, but you only live once, right? It came nicely presented, with yummy-looking powdered sugar sprinkled on top and drizzles of caramel on the plate. Collectively, we agreed it could have had more caramel, and would have been better served a-la-mode, but it was delicious! Warm and gooey with a crunchy baked outside. We had almost finished it off when we noticed something sticking out of the baked bread: something definetely not apple or caramel.. A HAIR. Needless to say, we didn't finish the dessert. Additionally, the service was terrible. There were times when, in the very small one-room restaurant, our waitress would somehow disappear for ten, twenty minutes. It took a solid twenty minutes just to bring our table dessert menus. The manager/owner made her rounds. She failed to even look at us as she half-heartedly said "just wanted to make sure your food is good? thanks." and walked away without waiting for a response. The only positive remark I can make was that there was a very personable busser who promptly refilled our drinks; and thank goodness, because our waitress clearly had no regard for us.
(1)Ville F.
Food great, service poor.
(2)