Our office celebrated the holiday season last week with an amazing lunch at Ella Dining Room. Being an office of foodies and the like, I was looking forward to an afternoon to enjoy the company of our office away from our busy desks, and experience one of Sacramento’s top restaurants.
The restaurant itself was alive with a full lunch crowd. And the décor (which I usually evaluate as much as the food) was fun and modern, yet inviting and comfortable. Our resident party planner (aka Kim Bedwell) must have called weeks ahead, because FH got the two large tables next to the open kitchen, where we could see the wood fire flames and some food preparation – definitely the best seats in the house.
Because we had a large group we were given an abbreviated menu; even with a short list, the choices were not easy to make. We started with the Fried Giant Rock Shrimp with Chili Aioli and Wood Oven Meatballs, Roasted Tomato Sauce and Sheep’s Milk Ricotta.
The next course was a choice between salad or soup (I choice the soup special, which as great) but in my view the highlight of the meal was the entrée. We had a choice between a Wild Mushroom Ravioli dish or a Seared Sea Bass with Dungeness Snow Crab (I don’t have the exact menu names, since much of our selections aren’t on their regular menu).
By foodie code, I must give special recognition to the Seared Sea Bass with crab- it was amazing. The sea bass cooked just right and the crab was just buttery enough to melt in your mouth, but still flavorful. Below is a picture of the ravioli, which also got rave reviews.
Our dessert options included: Warm Bittersweet Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Cake with Toasted Coconut Ice Cream OR Meyer Lemon Tartlet, Sweet Crème Fraiche and Blackberry Sorbet – both pictured below. I selected the chocolate option (usually do) and my favorite was undoubtedly the coconut ice cream.
I just glanced at the full menu, and am already looking forward to my next trip to Ella. Cheers and happy holiday eating!
Check out other blogger reviews of Ella Dining Room:
Edible Sacramento
MetroBlogging Sacramento
Tastes of Life
Midtown Guru
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[…] number of popular eateries in the area are involved, including Cafeteria 15L; Mikuni; Ella Dining Room; The Firehouse and Grange. For more information and a complete list of participating eateries, […]
Bob Stockwell says
We found the service exceedingly poor on the night we tried this restaurant. The place was barely half full but some sides we ordered with the main courses for our party of four did not come out until they were clearing the plates from the table. Not a great experience.
Liz says
Both times I have been to Ella I have had outstanding food & service. I love it.
pajo says
Find my review of Ella, I too enjoyed but found service more than uninviting. http://www.placercooking.blogspot.com