One of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at. Westerly, RI? YES! The food was spectacular. The pistachio creme brûlée was beyond amazing. I live in Alaska, but shall return!!!
Katherine
Have been here many times and mostly wonderful experiences. But most recent visit left a bitter taste in my mouth with the manager/hostess being extremely rude to my party. The phrase "this isn't that kind of place" when asking if possible to turn a 4 top into a 5 top. Wait staff and food was excellent.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Kevin Wilkes
Careful attention to every detail is the hallmark of Ella's approach to preparing and serving their delicious meals to you. The menu selections are creative and filled with flavor. The cocktails are expertly crafted. It may appear average from the outside but once you are seated inside, you are in for a special treat.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits
Josephine Guarnaccia
Always amazing. Happy hour is great. The burger was delicious and cooked perfectly! We also ordered off the regular menu. The miso salmon was incredible. This place is a treasure!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Miso Salmon
Brennon Viola
Simply a must try. Incredibly clean!! Jen provided top notch, white glove service. The food, was incredible, you can taste the food the way its meant to be, fresh, local cooked to perfection. The portions are perfect, and priced correctly. Without a shadow of doubt will be back!! Someone from Michelin PLEASE get this place a star!!! RI needs one and this place is beyond deserving!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mike O
Enjoyed an outstanding dining experience at Ella's.We started with foie gras club and fried hen of the woods mushroom appetizers. The flavors were delicious. The foie gras club had a great crunch with tomato jam, bacon and seared foie gras.It was out of this world. The fried hen mushrooms with ricotta and goat cheese were a fungi experience.Our server, Chris, was on the mark all night, her care in service was over the top but not overbearing. Her enthusiasm for this chef and restaurant was incredible.We chose the duck duo, a duck leg confit and a seared duck breast, while my partner had the grilled halibut special with asparagus tips, peas, and the fluffiest spinach gnocchis. The piece de resistance was chunks of lobster included with this meal. The flavors in both were heavenly. The thyme as jus with the duck was simply delish. The duck confit was perfectly prepared and a joy to eat, crunch by crunch. The seared duck breast cooked med-rare had a great crispness cap and still cooked to the right temp and married well with the sauce. Even the mashed potatoes elevated their taste to go with the duo dish. We somehow had room to have a dessert made in house, a cake with almond flour, candied pistachios, raspberries and vanilla gelato. Well made expresso and mochachino added to the fine dessert offering. This evening's meal will be something that I will always remember. Ella's put out a stunning dining experience. My thanks to the chef-owner Jeanie Roland and her incredible staff for a remarkable and memorable dining experience. I look forward to visiting again, and trying some other items from their varied menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Breast
Katie N.
We were looking for somewhere to have dinner in Westerly and decided to try Ella's. After an average meal with a very high price tag, my advice to others is to skip Ella's and try somewhere else in town. We started our meal with a cocktail (French Connection) and a mocktail. The cocktail was very small without the creative flavor I expected. The mocktail was light and refreshing. We got focaccia as an appetizer, which was very tasty. For the main course we got the Pig and the Fig, which the pork was actually quite under seasoned and boring but the potato was fantastic, and the scallops (wonderful!). So overall some of the food is quite wonderful but some things were kind of a miss. For the price of the food, my expectation is for it all to be wonderful. The other part of the dinner that has me not eager to return is the overall tone and feeling the staff left us with. As soon as we walked in, we felt unwelcome, like we were not the type of guests they usually have. I was at a table of four, all of us are in our late twenties/early thirties. We were dressed casual/business casual (no different than any other patrons there) so I would say there was nothing notable about us except perhaps we were a bit younger? When we were shown to our table, the maitre d seemed unsure if they wanted to lead the way or follow behind which ended up being a bit awkward. The server insisted on telling us that "the ladies order first here" and was overall hyper vigilant during our meal, which is usually a good thing but it felt like they were looking for something to scold us about. I do not mean to say this person was unfriendly or unprofessional, but they seemed like a strict aunt that didn't want any trouble in their house. Overall, we felt condescended during our meal and were glad we were too full for dessert because we were ready to leave! Ella's claims to be a fine dining restaurant and I think it is. So long as your expectation of that is exactly how they do it, you should have a pleasant evening.
Samantha Ide
Went for dinner with my husband to celebrate my birthday. The food was absolutely excellent and the presentation was creative. Our server was attentive and so very personable. 10/10 cannot wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rachel O.
It's taken me some time to put my feelings surrounding our experience at Ella's Fine Food & Drink into words. It wasn't bad. It was fine. Not in the Capital Fine Dining way, just fine. But the whole experience was unsettling in a way that's really given me something to think about. I generally refuse to feel "out of place" at a restaurant. My money is green, just like anyone else's. Having worked extensively in Fine Dining, I know how the white tablecloth operation goes, but I also know that a customer is a customer. Everyone belongs. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't belong at Ella's. Some of the things I felt at Ella's: - Patronized - Chided - Overwhelmed - Underwhelmed - Interrupted - Fleeced - Eager to leave Some notable firsts I experienced at Ella's: (Drink) Never before in my life have I ordered a classic cocktail & then subsequently been made to list every ingredient, every quantity, & every step to making the cocktail. (Food) Never before in my life have I asked a server for salt after tasting my dish. I had to at Ella's. Also the asparagus was raw. Verdict: There are plenty of incredible dining options in Rhode Island, & even in Westerly, that I can't imagine ever coming back to Ella's. If I want to dine "Fine" & feel "Fine" in southern Rhody, I'll go to Ocean House.
TeresaJ
Always a great experience at Ella's. We had a Halibut with lobster entree that we could eat everyday. If we lived close enough we would be there weekly. Service is always outstanding and we feel well taken care of when we leave. Can't wait to go back again when we are up this way. Don't miss the Tuna Tacos if they are on the menu.
I wanted to love Ella's. I was almost certain I would, based on some of the great things I'd heard about it. Unfortunately, our experience here was a mixed bag- some of it good, some of it bad, some of it bordering on bizarre. First, the good! Most of the food we ordered was great. I had the wagyu burger with fries, and it was perfectly cooked. We ordered olives and focaccia bread appetizers, and they were both a hit. My partner had the duck frites with jumbo asparagus, and it was surprisingly bland, but outside of that everyone was happy with their meals. The dining room is nice, with tasteful artwork on the walls and a relaxing atmosphere. Now the bad (and bizarre)- I don't want just say "the service was bad" because that doesn't adequately explain what went wrong here. To be clear, our waiter was very pleasant and friendly- it's more that, on the whole, Ella's ~vibe~ is missing the mark, and is in some ways contradictory. It's obvious that they are trying to be a Capital F Fine Dining Restaurant™. It says so right in the name, which may be your first indication that they very much want you to know that they are a Fine Dining Restaurant. Not only do they take women's orders first at the table, they will tell you that they are deliberately taking the women's orders first, so there is no confusion as to How They Do Things There. There are no hats allowed in the dining room, according to the host, who is wearing sneakers. To ensure that we were enjoying our Fine Dining Experience, we were visited by our waiter in approximately four to five minute intervals, sometimes including a thorough wipe of the table, whether or not we were in the middle of a conversation. (We racked up quite a check-in tally, considering our food took about an hour to come out.) There is a $2.50 "plate fee" (not to be confused with their $5.00 split plate fee), which, despite inquiring, we were unable to get to the bottom of what exactly that is all about. I don't consider myself an authority on what fine dining should or should not be. I'm a restaurant layman. That being said, I know that in some of the nicest restaurants I've eaten in, subtlety has been key. I think Ella's would do well to reel it in a little bit, drop the thinly veiled pretentiousness, and let the food and atmosphere speak for itself.
Ronald Cabral
Overall over priced ,, totally,,lot better places..for less the food was just ok , my opinion won't return..
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Brian Klossner
Whenever I leave here, I feel like I'm going to throw up. Not because the food is bad, but because it is so good I can't stop eating.Ella's consistently produces the best food I've ever eaten. Can appear pricey, but it's actually a very good value for the quality. It is my legitimate #1 restaurant I've ever been to.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits, Duck Confit, Scallops and Risotto Frutti Di Mare, Calamari
I would eat here every month if I could! Best food in South County! Delicious, creative menu, always the best service, amazing main courses and desserts! Can't wait to go back soon! Thanks Jeanie & James! We love Ella's ?
BarryW
We've been coming to Ella's for at least 6 years now and have never been disappointed. Last night was no exception! I give Chef Jeanie and James my best recommendation for a very special night out, wonderful food, service, and ambience. This restaurant would not be out of place in Manhattan. We'll be back!
One of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at. Westerly, RI? YES! The food was spectacular. The pistachio creme brûlée was beyond amazing. I live in Alaska, but shall return!!!
Have been here many times and mostly wonderful experiences. But most recent visit left a bitter taste in my mouth with the manager/hostess being extremely rude to my party. The phrase "this isn't that kind of place" when asking if possible to turn a 4 top into a 5 top. Wait staff and food was excellent.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Careful attention to every detail is the hallmark of Ella's approach to preparing and serving their delicious meals to you. The menu selections are creative and filled with flavor. The cocktails are expertly crafted. It may appear average from the outside but once you are seated inside, you are in for a special treat.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits
Always amazing. Happy hour is great. The burger was delicious and cooked perfectly! We also ordered off the regular menu. The miso salmon was incredible. This place is a treasure!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Miso Salmon
Simply a must try. Incredibly clean!! Jen provided top notch, white glove service. The food, was incredible, you can taste the food the way its meant to be, fresh, local cooked to perfection. The portions are perfect, and priced correctly. Without a shadow of doubt will be back!! Someone from Michelin PLEASE get this place a star!!! RI needs one and this place is beyond deserving!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Enjoyed an outstanding dining experience at Ella's.We started with foie gras club and fried hen of the woods mushroom appetizers. The flavors were delicious. The foie gras club had a great crunch with tomato jam, bacon and seared foie gras.It was out of this world. The fried hen mushrooms with ricotta and goat cheese were a fungi experience.Our server, Chris, was on the mark all night, her care in service was over the top but not overbearing. Her enthusiasm for this chef and restaurant was incredible.We chose the duck duo, a duck leg confit and a seared duck breast, while my partner had the grilled halibut special with asparagus tips, peas, and the fluffiest spinach gnocchis. The piece de resistance was chunks of lobster included with this meal. The flavors in both were heavenly. The thyme as jus with the duck was simply delish. The duck confit was perfectly prepared and a joy to eat, crunch by crunch. The seared duck breast cooked med-rare had a great crispness cap and still cooked to the right temp and married well with the sauce. Even the mashed potatoes elevated their taste to go with the duo dish. We somehow had room to have a dessert made in house, a cake with almond flour, candied pistachios, raspberries and vanilla gelato. Well made expresso and mochachino added to the fine dessert offering. This evening's meal will be something that I will always remember. Ella's put out a stunning dining experience. My thanks to the chef-owner Jeanie Roland and her incredible staff for a remarkable and memorable dining experience. I look forward to visiting again, and trying some other items from their varied menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Breast
We were looking for somewhere to have dinner in Westerly and decided to try Ella's. After an average meal with a very high price tag, my advice to others is to skip Ella's and try somewhere else in town. We started our meal with a cocktail (French Connection) and a mocktail. The cocktail was very small without the creative flavor I expected. The mocktail was light and refreshing. We got focaccia as an appetizer, which was very tasty. For the main course we got the Pig and the Fig, which the pork was actually quite under seasoned and boring but the potato was fantastic, and the scallops (wonderful!). So overall some of the food is quite wonderful but some things were kind of a miss. For the price of the food, my expectation is for it all to be wonderful. The other part of the dinner that has me not eager to return is the overall tone and feeling the staff left us with. As soon as we walked in, we felt unwelcome, like we were not the type of guests they usually have. I was at a table of four, all of us are in our late twenties/early thirties. We were dressed casual/business casual (no different than any other patrons there) so I would say there was nothing notable about us except perhaps we were a bit younger? When we were shown to our table, the maitre d seemed unsure if they wanted to lead the way or follow behind which ended up being a bit awkward. The server insisted on telling us that "the ladies order first here" and was overall hyper vigilant during our meal, which is usually a good thing but it felt like they were looking for something to scold us about. I do not mean to say this person was unfriendly or unprofessional, but they seemed like a strict aunt that didn't want any trouble in their house. Overall, we felt condescended during our meal and were glad we were too full for dessert because we were ready to leave! Ella's claims to be a fine dining restaurant and I think it is. So long as your expectation of that is exactly how they do it, you should have a pleasant evening.
Went for dinner with my husband to celebrate my birthday. The food was absolutely excellent and the presentation was creative. Our server was attentive and so very personable. 10/10 cannot wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It's taken me some time to put my feelings surrounding our experience at Ella's Fine Food & Drink into words. It wasn't bad. It was fine. Not in the Capital Fine Dining way, just fine. But the whole experience was unsettling in a way that's really given me something to think about. I generally refuse to feel "out of place" at a restaurant. My money is green, just like anyone else's. Having worked extensively in Fine Dining, I know how the white tablecloth operation goes, but I also know that a customer is a customer. Everyone belongs. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't belong at Ella's. Some of the things I felt at Ella's: - Patronized - Chided - Overwhelmed - Underwhelmed - Interrupted - Fleeced - Eager to leave Some notable firsts I experienced at Ella's: (Drink) Never before in my life have I ordered a classic cocktail & then subsequently been made to list every ingredient, every quantity, & every step to making the cocktail. (Food) Never before in my life have I asked a server for salt after tasting my dish. I had to at Ella's. Also the asparagus was raw. Verdict: There are plenty of incredible dining options in Rhode Island, & even in Westerly, that I can't imagine ever coming back to Ella's. If I want to dine "Fine" & feel "Fine" in southern Rhody, I'll go to Ocean House.
Always a great experience at Ella's. We had a Halibut with lobster entree that we could eat everyday. If we lived close enough we would be there weekly. Service is always outstanding and we feel well taken care of when we leave. Can't wait to go back again when we are up this way. Don't miss the Tuna Tacos if they are on the menu.
Restaurantji Recommends
I wanted to love Ella's. I was almost certain I would, based on some of the great things I'd heard about it. Unfortunately, our experience here was a mixed bag- some of it good, some of it bad, some of it bordering on bizarre. First, the good! Most of the food we ordered was great. I had the wagyu burger with fries, and it was perfectly cooked. We ordered olives and focaccia bread appetizers, and they were both a hit. My partner had the duck frites with jumbo asparagus, and it was surprisingly bland, but outside of that everyone was happy with their meals. The dining room is nice, with tasteful artwork on the walls and a relaxing atmosphere. Now the bad (and bizarre)- I don't want just say "the service was bad" because that doesn't adequately explain what went wrong here. To be clear, our waiter was very pleasant and friendly- it's more that, on the whole, Ella's ~vibe~ is missing the mark, and is in some ways contradictory. It's obvious that they are trying to be a Capital F Fine Dining Restaurant™. It says so right in the name, which may be your first indication that they very much want you to know that they are a Fine Dining Restaurant. Not only do they take women's orders first at the table, they will tell you that they are deliberately taking the women's orders first, so there is no confusion as to How They Do Things There. There are no hats allowed in the dining room, according to the host, who is wearing sneakers. To ensure that we were enjoying our Fine Dining Experience, we were visited by our waiter in approximately four to five minute intervals, sometimes including a thorough wipe of the table, whether or not we were in the middle of a conversation. (We racked up quite a check-in tally, considering our food took about an hour to come out.) There is a $2.50 "plate fee" (not to be confused with their $5.00 split plate fee), which, despite inquiring, we were unable to get to the bottom of what exactly that is all about. I don't consider myself an authority on what fine dining should or should not be. I'm a restaurant layman. That being said, I know that in some of the nicest restaurants I've eaten in, subtlety has been key. I think Ella's would do well to reel it in a little bit, drop the thinly veiled pretentiousness, and let the food and atmosphere speak for itself.
Overall over priced ,, totally,,lot better places..for less the food was just ok , my opinion won't return..
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Whenever I leave here, I feel like I'm going to throw up. Not because the food is bad, but because it is so good I can't stop eating.Ella's consistently produces the best food I've ever eaten. Can appear pricey, but it's actually a very good value for the quality. It is my legitimate #1 restaurant I've ever been to.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits, Duck Confit, Scallops and Risotto Frutti Di Mare, Calamari
I would eat here every month if I could! Best food in South County! Delicious, creative menu, always the best service, amazing main courses and desserts! Can't wait to go back soon! Thanks Jeanie & James! We love Ella's ?
We've been coming to Ella's for at least 6 years now and have never been disappointed. Last night was no exception! I give Chef Jeanie and James my best recommendation for a very special night out, wonderful food, service, and ambience. This restaurant would not be out of place in Manhattan. We'll be back!