Ella Social Reviews

Having arrived New York and experienced a frustrating three-hour passport control at EWR, it seemed most booths were unattended, we Ubered to check in at our place of four days in the Big Apple. We walked along Broadway and other streets on the upper West Side and thought Ella's looked just fine. Modern, clean and inviting. My fellow traveler likes sitting at the bar and promptly glasses of ice cold water were before us. We could see the three guys working hard in the kitchen while menues , one for food and one for beverages, were given. I wasn't that hungry so I went for the two sliders (mini burgers) called Kofte Sliders, the meat was lamb which I love. My friend chose a larger dish; Salmon Asado. The food was so good that we told them we might be back! We had Brooklyn Lagers with the meal, a really good beer combining the best of lager and IPA. And all this quality for less than 60 USD. The service was friendly and swift, food really tasty and fresh ( you never know when it comes to fish and being Norwegian I can easily tell if it's not fresh). We'll done you guys at Ella! And customers don't have to worry about noisy music either.

Really tasty fresh food, a wait between courses as its cooked fresh, please don't all go there too much as I want to be able to get a table next time! And Ella, PLEASE keep your standards up, they are pretty high and that will keep us all coming back.

Took a kofte burger, but the meat was really too salty. The paella seafood was good portion but nothing great here - Mussels were burned, chorizzo not spicy - just a lack of spices to me.

I love their brunch and dinner. They could be serving the same eggs Benedict as another restaurant but somehow they just make it better! The dinner is delicious. A restaurant I visit every other week!

I’ve been here loads of times. Great classic brunch menu with bottomless cocktails! Make sure you reserve! Last Sunday we had reserved and unusually had a 30 minute wait but the staff were so nice and dealt with it so well we actually didn’t mind. I’ll be back.

I love this place! The exposed brick rustic and modern decor is cozy and attractive. The tapas menu is great! The entrees were very good (meatballs, lemon chicken) served with amazing couscous and fresh tasty sides. Service was excellent. We'll be back.

We had an Open Table reservation which we honored at 11:45 precisely on Dec. 1st. Later they old Open Table that we were a no-show. I have the MasterCard receipt to prove that we were there. Brunch was o.k., but nothing memorable. After 75 minutes we were told to leave, that they needed the table! Seriously? We had a reservation, we were in the middle of a conversation, and we were asked to leave!!?? We did leave, and then afterwards noted that the restaurant only has a B rating for health and cleanliness, Yikes! I know that New York has a reputation for rudeness (an unfair one), but this was over the top. AVOID AVOID AVOID

The food is very good, but the restaurant is jam-packed, and noisy (probably a perfect place for people to meet for cocktails and Sunday brunch). The bathrooms are down a long sloping staircase so anyone with a disability beware!

I eat mostly vegetarian, love tapas, and also love Sangria. So, after reading the dinner menu and reviews for Ella's, I was looking forward to eating there. The restaurant has a warm and casual feel, and the service was very good. However, we were disappointed with most everything we ordered. Nothing was and or inedible, but it was just ok - not what we aim for when going out for dinner in NY. Plus, the sangria tasted like it csme out of a bottle; not home made and loaded with fruit.

In the endless search for a good place to eat near Lincoln Center, Ella's us a find. Even if it weren't near Lincoln Cenet, that virtual wasteland of dining. Do the tapas. Everything we ordered was well done, interesting and worth having again. Mushrooms croquettes, mini kofka burgers, empanadas all were good sized potions and first rate. Seating is close together. The service fast but a bit unsynchronized . Nice crafted cocktails - my Mojito was fine with a good wine list. And very good coffee.

So this place is a Tapas Bar with a modern rustic sheik atmosphere. When we got there for the HH, Happy Hour, it wasn't too busy but by the time we left it was rocking for a Monday night. The HH Margarita's have got to be some of the best if not the best homemade and authentic rita's I have had in a long time. I tip my hat to Guillermo who is an outstanding bartender. One who makes you feel welcomed and like you are at his table at home. Very personable and just an overall joy to speak with.

This place does not disappoint!!!!! Brunch is fabulous. The lemon chicken melts in your mouth and definitely try the truffle fries!!! Florentine Benedict are delicious. Make sure your try the sangria. Dinner is wonderful as well. The mushroom croquettes are fantastic as well as the cauliflower and any of the paella‘s are fantastic as well definitely shareable with entire table

Lots of tapas- style small plates and some regular salads and entrees. Four of us shared seven small plates - just about right amount. Memorable - empanadas, sprouts. The place is pretty loud, and not cheap. They do two kinds of guacamole - we tried the one with edamame, but have had better varieties elsewhere and at home.

Love this place for baked eggs. Gets crowded on weekends since it's right by the park, but we always snag a seat at the bar for faster service.

My wife and I ate dinner here and the food was fresh, tasty and good with a bit of a Spanish feel. I had the salmon and my wife had the skirt steak. The food was very good for the money. The interior decor is fun. The waitstaff were very friendly.

Very cute place. Nice ambience, interior design very pleasing, contemporary and tasteful. Perfect for a before Lincoln center performance. One thing to note - portion size. We ordered the Mother of all burgers and an arugula salad for 2 people. They were large and more than adequate. If we had ordered a burger each we would have had to take one home. Just something to consider.

the food was fresh, but nothig extraordinary. Omelette, good, like home cooking. the salmon burger was goodbut short of "great". The service was the biggest shortfall. Only four tables being served, but we were never asked if we wanted coffee or dessert.

we found ella on trip advisor and since it was within walking distance of our hotel we thought we'd give it a go. we are so glad we did. this is a small, old looking room with very friendly host and wait staff. even without a reservation we were seated and the place filled up around us. lots of spanish speakers, english speakers and non-speakers ( too busy eating). we had 4 shared plates and were completely sated, probable should have eliminated the potatoes. try the octopus, the lamb sliders and the albondegas.

Friendly, helpful staff. Well prepared Tapas with authentic ingredients- very tasty, especially the octopus. On draft local beers and a good selection of wines and whiskey.

This is a regular spot for us... we usually make a reservation , but sometimes the bar is open to sit as well.... we always get the same waitress and she is fantastic ... food is incredible and the price is fair.... great spot for brunch

Hat brunch here recently with family. We all enjoyed our meals and the staff and servers could not have better! They accommodated our seating request and were terrific! We will be back!

I met some girlfriends. Def recommend making a reservation. Went on a Sunday. They also have a bar you can eat at. Food was fresh. Not too much options but good portions.

this restaurant recently opened in our neighborhood. it specialises in tapas which are delicious and generous sizes. i would say that 3 tapas is enough for two and that the average price for each tapas is $12.00. we took absolutely great crispy calamary with an aioli sauce, grilled octopus served with sunshoke puree ..mmm really good... a guacamole tartare which was fantastic and some cauliflower with almond which were very well made. the waiters were friendly. for the ones who likes the outdoor , they are outside sitting but even though it is on colombus avenue, the noise of the avenue is not bad because of a bike lane and also citi bikes which push the cars away. alltogether a great place for a drink and a tapas or a full meal of tapas. they also have full main courses but tapas are so much more fun!

With a Mediterranean flair, this local upper west side spot takes classic brunch and creates new flavors and combos that break up the monotony of a Sunday brunch. They have breakfast and lunch items, and some that fit in between. The skirt steak with spinach and a paochedbegg was outstanding. If you whole 30 lots of great options. Friendly staff and great service.

The place is nice (Average for uws). Cocktails are good and they have variants of brunch classics with Cava. For brunch is ok but a bit expensive. While it is Good for tapas. Service is ok

Nothing spoils a restaurant more than horrible service . Our waiter had a very condescending and unfriendly attitude. After taking our drink and food order he never came back to out table I’m sure our food would have tasted better had it been hot but it was cold. We would have returned it but our waiter never came back to ask if we needed anything. Couldnt get a drink refill and we asked twice for jelly. The bus girl did all the work and the waiter just stood there with his back towards us. Not sure why you would employ someone that’s makes customers feel like never coming back?

Service was very friendly. Small cozy restaurant. Music playing in background. The menu had a mix of healthy and not so healthy comfort food option depending on your mood.

Had a lovely dinner here with friends. We split the empanadas, the guacamole and the delicious brussel sprouts as apps, then had the tasty skirt steak as a main.

Local to where I was staying I can recommend this lovely little Spanish restaurant. A menu of tapas dishes and paella. I had the latter, the seafood one which was very tasty and freshly prepared.

We went for dinner before a show at the Beacon Theater and the tapas were fantastic! We ended up getting a few to share to leave room for dessert and everything we had was delicious. Reminded us of our trip to Barcelona! Great food, great drinks, highly recommend.

Great place for tapas and drinks. My wife and I split four small plates and that was plenty: Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, empanadas and shrimp. All were generous portions and very tasty and well presented. Service was exceptional. Definitely recommend a visit if you find yourself in the neighborhood.

We were in the mood for something different and this certainly hit the spot. Hubby ordered Sangria and I ordered one of their interesting yummy cocktails. We had the crispy brussel sprouts...great, the mushroom croquettes...outstanding. Then we had the mussels with charizo...good but only a tbs of charizo. Burger sliders were also delicious. We can’t wait to return

Our family dropped in for a quick breakfast on our way to the Met. We really enjoyed the coffee, scrambled eggs, toast and home fries at an affordable price. Service was very good and friendly as well. Highly recommend

I have been here to eat or have a drink with a friend who lives in the area many times. I absolutely love the vibe; friendly and welcoming. I prefer to be eating at the bar when it's free just because the guy who runs the restaurant is often working behind the bar and will go out of his way to make you feel welcome and happy. Every meal I have ordered has been delicious. I recommend the Veggie Burger.

I had the best lunch of a 12-day stay in NYC at Ella's. The chicken soup had tender chicken and a light vegetable broth and the fish main meal was beautifully cooked. The surprise was the price - $14.95 which in NYC is great value. This place knows food - the Spanish link? I ate gluten-free and low FODMAP. The staff were convivial.

The food was delicious, we had several different tapas and I would have them over and over again -white sangria was made perfectly. Staff was right on and extremely friendly. Will keep this one in my pocket to go back to.

Found Ella's walking up Columbus searching for a breakfast place still serving. Atmosphere was cool when we walked in. Loved the decor and bar area. Immediately had the host and waiter assist us to a table and serve our beverages. Food options were plentiful and exactly what we were looking for. I had the mushroom/spinach omelette who'll my friends both had smoked salmon omelettes. Food was out in 10 mins and was perfect! Coffee was delicious too. We must have had 9 cups between the 3 of us. Very Cool place with great service. Will be going back to Ella's when we're back in NYC.

A nice place for breakfast in the UWS. Sit outside if you can. Pleasant on a sunny day. Menu and service are fine, not great.

My cousin and I chose Ella's since we were going to a matinee at Lincoln Center and it seemed enough off the beaten track to get a decent meal. We made reservations even though it was only lunch and it turned out to be a smart idea. The place was packed. We decided to share a salad and the challah French toast. Both were absolutely delicious and brought out arranged nicely in their respective dishes. I was very pleased with both but my cousin thought the portions were small for what we paid and was hungry when we left. I was satisfied but not stuffed. Service was fine but not fanstastic

We were at Ella's for lunch and were so happy we chose this place! We wanted to be seated outside but there was no room, so the waiters found us a table inside, but as soon as there was one outside, they moved us there. The food...what can I say. Excellent, so tasty, but at the same time healthy. We sampled 3 dishes and they were all so good. Add to all of this a really kind and friendly service. Would definitely come back!

Awesome, delightful brunches. A neighborhood staple for the locals. Fresh, delicious food. Always consistently better than their competitors.

Went here for drinks at happy hour. The place was packed. Staff very professional and friendly. Lots of signature drinks at good prices. Nice interior, food was very nicely presented. Definitely recommended.

Great to know there's another place serving solid burgers. Tried both on their menu and was pleased. The tater tots were a good complement as well.

My daughter and I enjoyed Ella greatly. We had several dishes--octopus, a large salad, latkes and setas (mushrooms in white wine) . There was a small mix up about one other dish and although we would have like to have tried it, we were actually full when it came down to it. Excellent service, very friendly staff, nice atmosphere. A great experience.

great neighborhood place. The food was creative. Drinks were delicious (had sangria that was homemade and didn't taste too sweet or like it was filled with seltzer - it was just right). And the service was fantastic. Really appreciated it, and really liked the vibe and the place. Good visit!

We went on a Friday night for dinner with a party of 9. I am sorry to say that Ella's was a washout on all counts. First of all the place was incredibly loud. The acoustics were one reason and also they kept the music really loud. It was nearly impossible to hear anyone who wasn't sitting right next to you. We asked that the music be turned down twice. The second time they did, but then shortly some live music started up and was louder than ever. That was true even though we were seated at the far end of the restaurant. I had ordered chicken paella. It was bland to the point of tasteless. I don't think any seasonings were used. Even the chorizo did not lend any extra flavor. Lastly the server under-performed. We asked for bread. She brought fewer pieces than there were people at the table. No butter, no olive oil. We had to ask for that. And one of our party had to wait 5 or 10 minutes after the rest of us were served to get her dinner. So three strikes and you're out.

We stopped by here upon arrival in NYC. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. We sat at the back at high tables and had a nice view. Server was excellent. I had the salmon and it was very tasty. My husband had the chicken breast and vegetable soup (he wasn't as thrilled with his). I still liked this place because the service was so good and it had a relaxing atmosphere. Would return.

Walking distance to Lincoln Centre and tasty tapas options. Friendly staff, tasty food, not a ton of seating so be prepared to wait a bit. Get the empanadas for sure!

Found this place on Yelp. In NY for the US Open tennis tourney, and after a Sunday afternoon in Central Park, walked down Central Park West , wondered around the Upper West Side and found this establishment. What a nice evening we had. An assortment of small plates, all delicious. The empanadas, chorizo and beef skewers were great! Nice Spanish red wine complimented the tapas. Alexandra, our server, was delightful and offered helpful suggestions. Finished with a tasty banana bread pudding and coffees. Check out this relaxed restaurant for a lovely dinner.

This place was around the corner from our hotel. It’s very cute inside. The staff were very nice. We ordered three tapas to share: Brussel sprouts, empanadas, and calamari. I’m not sure which I liked better because they were all amazing. We will be back!

We have gone to Ella several times before and after the theater. The tapas were some of the best I have had in the city, and the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable.

Although it was 8 pm, the four of us shared small plates rather than ordering a main course. Each dish was excellent. The pulpo (octopus) was particularly memorable. I also enjoyed a bowl of the traditional chicken soup which lived up to my expectations. Ella ("She") is not quite a Spanish restaurant and not quite Berkeley-style nouveau cuisine, but something new.

Columbus Ave. north of 66th street is loaded with restaurants that cater to Lincoln Center visitors. While Ella Kitchen & Bar is easy to miss, it shouldn't be overlooked. The room is bar like, noisy and a bit crowded but still rather nice. Service was very good and the bar well stocked although the wine selection was modest. We had a mixed group of vegan, vegetarian and omnivores and the selection of small plates, salads, soups, burger and large dishes fed everyone and well. We mostly just shared lots of tapas. The Braves and Empanadas were very good as was the Shrimp Ajillo. The Coliiflor con Almendras and Guacamole Tartare not quite as good but the Ella Salad was excellent. With the variety on this menu Ella would work for almost anyone and the variety of Tapas makes ordering and sharing lots of fun.

Our 20 minute wait was well worth it. Our brunch consisted of the Florentine eggs Benedict and the lemon chicken sandwich. The eggs were cooked perfectly on a delicious bed of sautéed garlic spinach. The lemon chicken sandwich was scrumptious along with a portion of hot perfectly seasoned garlic Parm truffle fries. The sangria had the perfect tart yet sweet combo. Can't wait to go back!!

WOW!! Absolutely fantastic! Every single thing was delicious! Great place for tapas and cocktails. We will definitely return every time we’re in the city.

I really like this casual restaurant on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It's casual with delicious food and friendly staff. No attitude. No drama. Quick service. Good basic food. It can get a little crowded and noisy, but it's New York! Love the baked eggs. Yum.

Unfriendly staff and the service and food is mediocre. Would not recommend. Poor quality ingredients, dirty cutlery etc.

Ate here w a friend for dinner. Outdoor seating looked fun but was not available. We sat inside and although somewhat noisy, it was fine. I ordered the burger w “drunken mushrooms” and it was great. The prices were very reasonable. There are many restaurants lined up in this area of Columbus Ave and I plan to try them all. This one was excellent.

After a morning in Central Park, we happened to walk past Ella Kitchen and Bar when trying to find some late lunch. It was buzzing and the food looked very appetising, so we asked if we could have a table - and we could! So pleased we did. Diligent, super-friendly, faultless customer service. It had a lovely busy, bustling atmosphere with a cracking 80s playlist. Most importantly, the food was absolutely delicious. It was well cooked, presented and generously portioned. Great menu choices, including a lovely veggie selection. A real find - our only regret was it wasn't that local to anything else we did on our trip, so we weren't able to return.

Had lunch today at Ella’s, I had the drunken mushroom burger, it was boring at best with just hunk of hamburger that was tasteless with supposedly mushrooms under the cheese and a touch of mayo on the bottom bun. Came with a boring bit of salad but good French fries. My wife had the salmon burger which tasted more like a filler than salmon again same salad and good fries. The music was also not to my liking which is a personal thing , it was ,techno which becomes very repetitive after about 5 minutes. Hopefully the dinner menu is better.

Walked in without booking no problem. Staff friendly and attentive. Lovely decour. Food was delicious. Thanks all

My friend and I enjoyed a dinner. The choices of small plates will satisfy the meat-eater and vegetarian. I enjoyed the octopus and Ella's salad. My friend enjoyed a burger and sangria (it was a hot day). Meatballs were so so, I would choose something else next time. Definitely an interesting menu, delicious food for all palates. (Just make sure you get a comfortable table when sitting outside.)

Outstanding location on the Upper West Side. Stopped in on a beautiful Saturday night last weekend. Started with a drink at the bar, bartender was very nice and personable, but opted for outside dining because of the great weather (should have eaten at the bar). My wife and I both had burgers (should have ordered Tapas in a Spanish restaurant but they had Pat LaFrieda meat), mine Beef and hers Salmon, just OK. The biggest problem was the service, or lack there of, while a very nice person, she was practically none existent. In the future, tapas and drinks at the bar.

We passed by on our way back from a visit to Central Park, looking for a venue for a well earned drink. Happy hour 2-7 posted on the chalk board outside tempted the 8 of us inside. Having said we were looking for drinks only at that point we were moved from the small bar area to some tables adjacent to the bar. We decided to have some sharing plates which were okay and another round of drinks. However when the bill was presented we challenged the full time charges for the drinks, i.e. Happy hour price we were told " that's only if your at the bar" so come on that's a pretty shameful excuse. Won't be returning, shame it had so much promise. Be careful.

Great small plates dishes. Everything we had was delicious. Service was also excellent. Definite recommendation

We go here to have brunch every time we're in NYC. Never had a bad meal. The baked eggs are terrific!

The place was busy but we were seated almost immediately without a reservation. The staff were very friendly and helpful, explaining the menu. We ordered a selection of tapas to share and everything was delicious. The food just kept coming as it was ready.

Grabbed my passport and travelled north of 14th St to the UWS for a catch-up w friends. Settled-in at Ella Kitchen and Bar. Great Music; awesome dining room and nice outdoor space to watch Columbus Ave stroll-by. Nice Bar with attentive staff and bartenders. Menu is varied - several small plates to share, salads and a few larger mains. Always a few specials to consider. Paella is extremely well-prepared (one friend thought it was far superior to paella they had on vaca in Spain). Croquettes, meatballs and chorizo are all solid and the salads are refreshing and varied. It's great to share everything. Oh, and I like the bar-level tables towards the rear; great to perch and watch the evening unfurl. We're coming-back for brunch!

Just around the corner from our accommodation at La Quinta Inn Central Park West. We walked past it a few times the previous day and decided it was too good to pass up during our stay. We dined for late dinner @ 9:15pm. The vibe was energetic, but casual; a great place for a chatty date night or catching up with close friends. The waitstaff were friendly and attentive and hit the mark with our special dietary requests. The interior is modern rustic and seating is varied (tapas bar or various sized tables). We can recommend: Ella Empanadas, Setas, Smoky Sprouts, Baby Arugula Salad, Ella French Fries, Coliflor con Almendras, Seeker Sauvignon Blanc. This, with drinks, was enough for 4 people (females) despite the waitress indicating we would need to order more! Highly Recommended!

The staff is friendly and the food is hearty and delicious. One small thing is, the staff need to be a little more careful when taking order as we were served the wrong food. However, they are very good at fixing it - just take the food away with no argue.

good choice for vegetarians, except cant eat the fried food due to cross contamination something the restaurant can solve easily absolutely loved the guacamole tartare and creme brule

We blotted out the construction noise and dirt for their burgers. Nicely presented and wth patio so the dog could come too! Don't know how they put up with the chaos around!

Four of us had dinner at Ella's, two are vegetarian and another has a diary allergy. Ella's was quite accommodating with our needs and the menu featured fresh items with an emphasis on vegetables served in appetizing ways. We shared wine which was also very good. It is not a large place but there is seating outside and we managed to snag a weeknight reservation on Open Table so that we could be seated as soon as we were ready. I would go back again to try more menu items. We had burgers, salad and several appetizers including cauliflower and mushrooms.

Very high quality, no-nonsense "Spanish" food. Everything we had was just fine, wine list is very decent, service is swift and despite they used every inch of the room, there is enough space between tables and you won't have anyone's elbow in your plate. Reasonably priced, perfect for a neighbourhood restaurant, which it is. Will return, if pressed for time. It's conveniently close ;-)

Love the many vegetarian-friendly choices! I got the farro veggie bowl with poached egg on top --delicious! My friend, who isn't vegetarian, got the salmon carpaccio and roasted cauliflower, both of which she said were delicious.

We had dinner here on a Saturday night. The staff are very sweet and thoughtful. Food was really good. We had the fish, sliders and a bread dish. It was all very good. The atmosphere is the best cozy and kinda sexy. Loved it.

Wow! We stumbled upon this small but super delightful cafe on the upper west side near the park. The service was friendly and efficient. Food was great, with perfect portion sizes. Sangria was tasty. We would recommend you stop in here.

There was a bit of a wait as they do not take reservations; however, there is a coffee shop next door, so waiting was not at all an issue. The staff is personable and courteous. They accommodated us with ease and where we wanted. The food was good, tasty and fresh. They answered all of our questions. Service was fast and we were not rushed out after we had finished. Will come back!

We ate outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Food was fantastic, try the roasted butternut squash and cauliflower. The grilled cheese and sangarias were really good too.

Come here (rather than) The Smith. Found this very last minute and we loved it. Rather than The Smith this restaurant provided great great service. Our server, Chris recommended us to try the Widow Jane, a 10 year local bourbon thats a cool "cult alternative" to the other bourbons/whisky. We were told their specialties were the small plates but we only shared a couple since we went for the Salmon and the Steak alongside with the brussel sprouts--- all of those were fantastic. The server was super attentive and very charismatic, ask for him he gave us all star recommendations and non-stop water refills without judging us hehe. We were really brought back to life! Wished we had found this place before but we were told they own cafe frida a mexican restaurant and we will try to pay a visit tomorrow early. The restaurant is really close to the Dakota building. Offers wifi/patio seating.

Walked in somewhat randomly on a busy Friday night. Had an awesome time at the bar having their tapas and red sangria. Invited two other friends who also live in the area, they came over and we had a great time. Guillermo took great care of us and was really warm-he made fantastic suggestions. We will go back.

Food is delicious, lunch special is the best deal in the city. Salmon, lovely veggie side or couscous with chicken soup ( better than mom ‘s ) all for $21. The staff is efficient but not terribly chatty, I see people complain about their attitude but it is what it is. Frankly, I dont need my waitress to be my pal. When weather is nice, the outside covered sidewalk space is a real pleasure.

We had an early dinner before heading to the theatre. Small plates are our favourite! We shared empenada, shrimp, Brussels sprouts, patatas bravas, and wild mushrooms, all very flavourful. That and a glass of lovely Tempranillo made us happy and full -- no room for dessert! Attentive service, small pleasant room.

At first the waiter was pretty bad: to everything we asked he was blunt and said no... but the food was pretty good. We went there on a Sunday for brunch: There were short on coffee choices (american only, and only full fat milk) but the avocado tartin with fried egg was delish (better than I’ve ever had).

Just love coming here when I want lots of smaller plates and more variety and this place has not disappointed You must try the empanadas, the mushroom tapas, the meatballs, and we finished with a lovely cheese tray. Good wine as well. Friendly, courteous & efficient staff. I read somewhere that someone said this place is cramped and noisy. I’m afraid they must be used to suburban eating. This place is hardly cramped for a Nyc restaurant! Nice vibe!

We went for a family lunch @ Ella Kitchen. The decor & music were welcoming, the menu was amazing for vegetarians, the servers were very patient and kind, the food was very precisely prepared & was quite amazing. You have to try their Avocado toast & Artichoke sides. Overall great experience!!!

Popped on here for lunch as we were nearby in Central park. Had a lovely 2 course lunch for $21 each. Staff very friendly and attentive

We stumbled across this place whilst wandering round the upper west side and I'm glad we did! I had the two course lunch menu which was chicken soup and steak all for €14.95. My boyfriend had the empanadas and steak burger. All was fantastic! Enjoyed a nice glass of mulled wine too. Would definitely recommend!

I wanted to love this place as the location is great for us. Food overall was above average, portions average to small for the price. But what kills the place is the service. Oblivious servers, long waits to order, receive food, and check. Just totally unorganized. I couldn't wait to get out of there. The tables are extremely tight, the music is way too loud, especially when the place is crowded. Overall I can't recommend.

New favorite spot on upper west. Came for pre-show dinner and got more than we bargained for...warm and romantic, the staff was friendly and spot-on with recommendations. The wine was reasonable and food very authentic. The Spanish manager made sure to check in before our meal had ended and took the extra time to share favorite spots to visit in Spain (a possible vacation destination for us...) Hope to be back SOON!

ate here twice in the span of two days. one lunch, where it was pretty laid back and quiet, and one dinner, where the place was completely full and a totally different vibe. had the same waiter both times, and he was great. food was tasty--if you are feeling adventurous, the grilled octopus was delicious.

We always try to scope out restaurants off the beaten path that’s more local than chain when traveling. This one didn’t disappoint. With both of us having dietary issues it is often hard for us to find a place where we can both eat. After wandering the Upper West Side during a ridiculous heat wave, this proved to be great. Packed with locals, the wait staff was friendly and the food was good. Prices were reasonable and we both enjoyed a delicious salad. Their varieties of Eggs Benedict looked amazing!!

This place is located in Upper West Side near my daughter's apartment. We had dinner our first night there and went back for brunch after the Macy's Day Parade. Both times the food and service was awesome.

Ella Social has a variety of tasty items on its menu, including tapas. The service is terrific. The atmosphere is great.

I’ve been here 3 times and plan to be back again soon! One of my favorite spots on the UWS, great food and friendly staff that make the experience even better. Highly recommend going here for tasty Spanish style tapas and the sangria is also fantastic!

My husband and I walked in for a bite to eat at the bar after a movie. Staff was super friendly, food was delicious, and cocktails were very good unique, and creative! Would definitely come back again!

Looking for something different on Columbus Ave. after a movie, my wife and I stopped in on an early Saturday afternoon. The entrees looked boring, but the small plates looked very interesting. Plenty of Spanish wine by the glass, and the Ollamendi Crianza was very satisfying. I don't eat meat, so sometimes tapas bars offer little from which to choose, but a vegetarian/pescatarian has big menu here: the Shepherd Salad ($15) was a great start; Smoky (Brussels) Sprouts ($10) with Chipotle Emulsion, Lime Juice, and Sea Salt was our favorite; Coliflor Con Almendras ($11) needed spices -- bland, despite supposedly having "Parmesan, Thyme, Olive Oil, White Wine, and [missing] Roasted Almonds"; "Setas" ($14): Sizzling Wild Mushrooms, Garlic, Rosemary, White Wine, Olive Oil, Chile Flakes "a little spicy" were just that, and flavorful; the Calamari Special ($16) was perfect. Our desserts: Affogato -- vanilla ice cream and espresso, and Crema Catalana, really hit the spot. We can't wait to come back!

Hence the name "ella"; get it? Pa-ella? Anyway, they tell you that it takes from 30-40 minutes to get the paella, so get some of the tapas--all are delicious, but especially the brussels sprouts.

Celebrated Valentine's Day early with brunch on the Upper West Side. My sons girlfriend chose Ella Kitchen and Bar as it is a short walk from her apartment. I made a reservation and we were seated right away. Our waiter was terrific, but one or two servers were indifferent to the patrons. Brunch and lunch menu was full of good choices and the bottomless cocktails were pretty good too. We had a delicious classic eggs benedict, chicken panini, and some burgers. Dessert was also quite good both the gelato trio and the chocolate cake. Our only annoyance while there is that the tables were so closely packed together that anytime anyone from either of the two tables adjacent to ours had to get up two of us had to also get up , push in our chairs, and move to the side!

Ella's tapas have elements of Argentinian, Spanish, and Moroccan cuisine, and they are absolutely delicious. We enjoyed beef empanadas, garlic shrimp, patatas bravas with harissa and saffron, roasted brussel sprouts in a tasty chipotle drizzle, and sizzling wild mushrooms, washed down with nice glasses of two different Spanish tempranillos. Five tapas were actually a bit too much for the two of us, as the patatas and sprouts were quite rich. We loved the big, bold flavours of the food and would definitely return to work our way through the rest of the menu.

You have to try the seafood paella, enough said!!! Great ambiance and service too. Perfect place to end the year and start the new one, with a short walk to Central Park and a great show of fireworks!

My family ate here one night while here to see Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It has a warm, inviting atmosphere and great service. The grilled octopus was the best I’ve ever had. The Brussels sprouts were perfectly roasted with great flavor. We enjoyed all our tapas. A delicious restaurant!

We ate tapas here as a family: the food was terrific and the staff genuinely lovely. Excellent wine and beers on offer too: try the Coney Island Brewery Mermaid Pilsner. Eat in or outside on the street terrace. The best restaurant we visited by far in this neighbourhood.

We walked in without a reservation. The hostess was able to accommodate us. The restaurant was packed the entire time we were there, never an empty seat. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. The wait staff was quick and helpful in recommending dishes, etc. We were very happy with our dinner and glad they were able to accommodate us! The restaurant is not very big, but you can see it is a very popular spot for dinner!

Good friendly service. Food was very good and spices were to perfection. Menu is not too big but good enough for anyone to find something. Highly recommend

This is the old Cafe Rhonda, and it’s still great. You walk into a lively atmosphere with Spanish music turned up (in a good way, not too loud), greeted by friendly and good looking staff. The bartender has been there for quite some time and friendly as always. The food is excellent, and I found that ordering a bunch of appetizers and sharing for two is the way to go. But I’m sure anything you order will be good.

Walking up Columbus and getting hungry, we came across Ella's and liked the menu we saw on the window. $14.95 with several interesting choices. I had a large, wonderfully prepared skirt steak-rare as requested with lovely roasted veggies. My sister had a large piece of salmon that was perfectly prepared-slightly under rather than over cooked. Her side was noodles. I would certainly return on my next visit to New York

My wife and I stopped in recently at lunch time and we were stunned at how good our meal was. I ordered the baked eggs with Argentine sausage, with potatoes and toast on the side. It came to the table piping hot and was extraordinarily flavorful and fresh. My wife had the same thing only with spinach, and she also loved hers. The manager and server were extraordinarily friendly, and we can't wait to go back for dinner or brunch.

We were looking for a restaurant in the Upper West Side and decided on Ella Kitchen and Bar based on the great reviews and weren’t disappointed. Place was full of locals, another good sign! For a starter definitely recommend the guacamole (ask for additional bread). You should also try the Salmon Asado which was cooked to perfection and wonderfully seasoned. Will definitely go back next time I’m in NY...Highly recommend.

Great place for food, friends and drinks. The sangria was excellent and quite affordable by the pitcher. I had the seafood pa-ella which was delicious. I'm always hesitant to order paella because it is usually overcooked and dry. They tell you up front the dish takes about 40 minutes to prepare and based on this I decided to get it. It was wonderfully fresh and tasty. Definitely a place to return to.

Meet friends here before a show and had a wonderful dinner, drinks were excellent as well. Staff was very kind and very caring. Meal sizes were enough for two and delicious. They offer in door and outdoor seating, some seats are not comfortable if you need space but you can find a great seat. I will be back, we enjoyed everything.

We visited twice, breakfast and lunch. The baked eggs with spinash and goat cheese was extraordinary. It is cooked with fresh cream so i wouldn't recommend it for those who watch their weight. Also the burger and memosa were yummy. The place is homey and cozy and the service was good and fast. I will defiantly go there again.

We went walking near our hotel for something new and not a chain and found this place. The menu looked good so we decided to stay. My husband had the salmon burger which he said was very good. I had the drunken mushroom burger. Rarely order burgers anywhere because I'm so often disappointed but this was the best burger I have ever had. Wish I lived closer because I want another...

My wife and I wanted to try something different on the UWS and stopped at Ella”s for a light dinner. We chose four small plates: Cauliflower with Almonds, Mushroom croquettes, Shrimp Ajillias and sliders made from lamb and beef. We also sampled their sangrias, pink and white. Everything was delicious but the cauliflower and shrimp were the best.

My husband and I had lunch here. The menu sounded really great and my husband thought the Drunken Mushroom burger, which he thought was fantastic. I had chosen the Baby Agile salad and was really disappointed about the size of the salad. It was $14, so I thought it would have been bigger. I asked for some bread, which never came. We also never received or was asked about refills for our drinks. Would I recommend this place? Yes, if you want a great burger. No, if you want a great salad.

My friend and I shared a smoked salmon sandwich and the ELLA salad. Both were extremely tasty, and the portions generous. A pity the service was poor. We asked for a second salad plate, and instead of a second salad place we got a small, rectangular plate, completely unsuitable. We asked for our bill, and 10+ minutes later were still waiting for it. The restaurant was nowhere near full, it was 2PM on a weekday. And, to be scrupulously fair, I will say that the bad service performance involved one person.

Ella is small but mighty! A great place for tapas/small plates. It's a very lively place. The service was attentive. The food was very good, and it's always more fun to share lots of great choices. The Brussels sprouts were amazing! The chicken Pa-ella was also very good. It was a good choice after a matinee at the Met and close to walk to.

Walked in on a Tuesday evening and was lucky to get a table for two. Awesome staff, great menu. Nice ambience. We shared some tapas style plates that were generous on their portions.

Light and casual ambiance. Attentive service. We enjoyed our brunch experience (yummy salmon omelette) more than our dinner dishes-- as we found the calamari and paellas (chicken and seafood) to be average.

We stopped in for just a few tapas due to time constraints. What we had was darn good: hangar skirt skewers, guac tartar, kofte sliders, and shrimp allijo. Didn't have drinks but table next to us ordered some good lookin' ones which they said they loved.

Small tapas-like kitchen bar. Fun energy, indoor or outdoor seating. Walk back from Central Park and grab a bite to eat. Good cooking, friendly service and relaxing atmosphere. Good drinks. Something on the menu for every taste, spicy, salty, meaty or vegetarian.

The food was absolutely amazing, the salm burger en the lamb burger ar perfect and the vegetables were perfect. You must eat here

We loved everything about this place! The drinks were special and creative, the service was super quick which was perfect, since we were heading to a concert in Central Park and this was a great pit stop. Had the salmon burger and felt completely satisfied, will be back! Must try!

Excellent food and service. Small, but boisterous. Tourists and locals. Outdoor and indoor seating. Pro bartenders! We had salmon, guacomole, steak skewers and tapa portions were plentiful, perfect for sharing. The atmosphere was a mix of Spain and Mexico. The menu is varied with main courses, salads, shared dishes and appetizers. Given another night in NYC, I'd have gone here again. Great location.

Found this great place after a long day of meetings. Exterior did not look too inviting, but we needed to find somewhere quick and through we'd try it. Walking in, we instantly felt this was a good choice, there was a nice aroma of different dishes. We were not disappointed, food was great.

I was with a friend exploring the neighborhood last week and we stumbled upon Ella so decided to have a light dinner before a show. We were feeling rather indecisive over what we were in the mood for and when we looked at the menu, it seemed perfect - plenty of small plates that looked good enough to share. We ended up ordering the lamb sliders, roasted cauliflower (yum!), and skirt steak skewers. All was really good and enough to satisfy us. The prices aren't the lowest, but certainly not ridiculously high (especially for the area). The serving staff was friendly and warm - not rushing but very attentive. My friend was in the mood for a beer and they were happy to make suggestions - the bartender even came over to talk to her and make a recommendation (which she did really end up liking). Overall a very pleasant experience!

We had a fine, lazy lunch here...kofte burger, lamb meatballs and other items. Slow service, very slow, mostly in Spanish, but friendly. However their guacamole is just average and that was a disappointment.

Came in for some drinks and some tapas, we had the mushroom croquettes, the sliders and spinach/corn empanadas everything was delicious and the service was quick and friendly. we sat at the bar around 615 before the Opera started and got a spot there though it’s small, we really enjoyed ourselves would be back again love the whole atmosphere of it and how friendly everyone was definitely recommend it!

We came here with family who were visiting from out of town, and everyone was super pleased with both the food and the service. We ordered several dishes to share and were all really full by the end. We really liked the cauliflower with almonds, the patatas bravas, the mushroom croquettas, the meatballs, and the chicken paella. Remember that tapas are meant to be on the smaller side and to be shared, so order several of them. The atmosphere was relaxed and cozy, which made for a more amiable evening. The service was prompt and attentive.

We went there without reservation, enjoyed a really good and attentative service with well presented and much more well tasting tapas .The octopus was delicious, the Kofte mini burgers fantastic, as we enjoyed a sell some smaller starters. The wine recommendations very good and all in all a really good relation of quality and price, we will definitely visit Ella again!

We had the bravas potatoes, olive plate, shoshtio peppers and arugula salad. The food came out quickly and it was fresh and delicious. The food was excellent and the service was very personal and friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant !

6 of us went to dinner here last night. It was too loud and in spite of asking 3 times for the music to be turned down, we had to shout to be heard across the table. The food was overpriced and mediocre, the portions were too small. I had the veggie burger - it arrived cold, with cold fries. Maybe it's ok for two, but not for a group.

The location building is under tuckpoint construction so there is scaffolding over entrance but still nice seating outside on weekends. Service was very quick and attentive. We ordered bottomless cocktails (mimosas, bloody marys, bellinis) and you can switch between them. There were 4 types of eggs Benedict and multiple other baked egg or omelet options, as well as lunch menu with burgers and salads. Definitely will return. Food wasn't overly special but was pretty tasty.

We had a fantastic meal and fantastic service at this fabulous little tapas restaurant. The food was fresh and extremely tasty and the servers were interested, attentive and pleasant. Would completely recommend!! Hopefully will visit again on our next trip to NYC.

Three of us at dinner and we got 5 plates to share and a few Ciders. Shrimp, brussels, mushrooms and steak were very tasty but small portions on baby skillets. Don't waste your money on the calamari. Nothing special, very ho hum. Wait staff was not warm or friendly, but delivered our asks without mistakes and food arrived quickly. All in all we enjoyed our meal, but the bill was high and we left still hungry.

We had an early tapas dinner at this tiny place before a recital at Juilliard. The staff was friendly and responsive, the food delicious and remarkably good value. With a decent bottle of wine and tapas for 5, the bill was < $150 with tip.

We stopped there at random while walking on Columbus Ave., mainly for drinks. Yet, we ended up ordering few dishes of Tapas. The food was Very good, beyond my expectations. If you are looking for an unassuming place, this is very enjoyable.

The staff was extremely unfriendly. We walked in and there was 1 other customer waiting at a table. The staff made you feel extremely unwelcome and almost like you are disturbing their not so busy day. The waitress didn’t offer us menus or wasn’t very friendly. Had to find the menu online and as we felt unwelcome decided to take our money somewhere else. Not a gay friendly place. Felt unwelcome as a gay couple.

Wonderful staff and service … great menu and the ambiance is stylishly elegant …. Highly recommend this spot .. just around the corner from the Dakota building and Strawberry Fields .. Central Park ❤️.. I visited from Australia in 2019… and throughly enjoyed this restaurant…

Eating in UES can be a tricky situation. Most restaurants sadly are mediocre and family oriented. So we were elated to stumble upon this stand up joint. On a hot sunny day you can sit comfortably outside under the big awning. I was able to find both good wine and healthy choices on the menu. Nothing makes me happier. Veggie burger, quinoa salad and grilled salmon all very tasty. It's a thumbs up from us.

I went at noon on Monday, so it wasn't too crowded. There is outdoor seating in addition to the normal indoor seating. I don't always like to sit outside with all of the traffic in NYC, but my friend wanted to, so it wasn't as enjoyable for me. The gazpacho soup was puréed and very good. The egg and cheese on a croissant was okay. Not great by any means. Fries were good and so was the salad. Very average.

We chose this restaurant because it has the same name as our daughter Ella. The food and service was excellent. We enjoyed sitting outside watching the hustle and bustle on the street. This was our favourite restaurant we went to during our stay in New York. Next time we will bring our kids and take Ella to ella!

Ella Kitchen & Bar catches your attention from the corner of the street with its unique lighting and outdoor seating. My girlfriend and I originally didn’t plan to eat here, but the venue caught our eye. It’s a nice spot to enjoy great tasting tapas and drinks. We came on a Wednesday evening (before the 9pm happy hour) and the owner was kind of enough to give us happy hour pricing. I highly recommend the bruschetta on the menu because it was delicious. The calamari tasted great as well but I wish it provided a bit more flavor. I recommend to go during the happy hour special because it provides great value.