Ella Elli

8 hours ago
2 min read

Chicago Restaurant Week is one of the best times to explore the city’s dining scene, and I had heard that Ella Elli was offering one of the standout Restaurant Week menus. After dining there, I can confidently say it absolutely delivered. From the variety of courses to the bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors, it was one of the most impressive Chicago Restaurant Week experiences I’ve had.

We started the evening with a glass of bubbles — always the perfect way to kick off a multi-course Restaurant Week dinner in Chicago.

For the first course, we chose the Ahi Tuna Crudo with pickled chilies, black lava salt, and olive aioli, alongside the French Onion Toast topped with pancetta, gruyère, and caramelized onion broth. While both dishes were beautifully presented, the French Onion Toast was the standout. The savory, cheesy toast paired with the rich onion broth created an incredibly flavorful and comforting first bite.

For the second course, we ordered the Ricotta Gnocchi with truffle and roasted mushrooms, as well as the Crispy Brussels Sprouts with ’nduja, pecorino, and a sunny egg. These dishes were completely different from one another but equally delicious. The gnocchi was soft and pillowy, coated in earthy truffle and mushroom flavors, while the Brussels sprouts were rich, crispy, and packed with bold, spicy notes from the ’nduja. Together, they showcased the depth and creativity of Ella Elli’s menu.

For the main course, we selected the Bistro Steak with mushroom, sunchoke, and black garlic, and the Sea Bass with tomato, Calabrian chilies, and capers. The balance between these two entrées was perfect — the sea bass was light, bright, and slightly briny, while the steak was hearty, savory, and deeply flavorful. If I had to pick a favorite bite of the night, the steak edged out the rest.

To end the meal, we couldn’t skip dessert. The Profiterole with vanilla ice cream and espresso chocolate was a classic done right — airy, creamy, and indulgent. We also tried the Pink Squirrel, a playful dessert cocktail made with bourbon, crème de noyaux, crème de cacao, and vanilla ice cream. It tasted like a boozy, creamy treat and was the perfect sweet finale.

Overall, Ella Elli offered one of the best Chicago Restaurant Week menus I’ve experienced. Each course felt thoughtfully curated, with rich, flavorful dishes that highlighted both comfort and creativity. If you’re looking for a Restaurant Week spot in Chicago that truly feels worth it, Ella Elli should absolutely be on your list.