ELLA
A NEIGHBORHOOD GEM OPENS IN BEVERLY HILLS

Our good friends at Melrose Umbrella Co. have slowly been taking over L.A.’s hospitality scene. During the height of the pandemic the popular Umbrella Co. was a haven for to-go cocktails and quality eats. Then they opened Umbrella Taco next door to the bar, which served as a dynamite destination for agave cocktails and inspired Mexican food.  And last summer they took over the rooftop at SIXTY Beverly Hills with their fab Umbrella Club—the perfect place for drinks and poolside pizzas with killer city views.

Now they’re introducing us all to Ella—the lobby level neighborhood gem at SIXTY Beverly Hills.  They describe Ella as a new neighborhood restaurant featuring flavors from all over the melting pot that is Los Angeles. Serving up local ingredients, Ella’s bold menu celebrates the Mediterranean, Asian, and Italian flavors found in our beloved city. Paying homage to the history of the post-prohibition era, the cocktails showcase the rebirth of America’s greatest culinary contribution–the cocktail.

During our recent visit for dinner, I was impressed with the redo of the former Caufield’s Bar & Dining Room space. The setting is swankier and the bar scene elevated. The Ella Old Fashioned and the Kimchee Bloody Mary sound like cocktail staples to me. I’m a big fan of the Cactus Prick—a pleasing mix of mezcal, cucumber, pineapple, avocado, ginger and lime.

Consider the Crispy Glazed Duck Wings a must-have starter. They’re a generous serving and are great to share or as your own dish. The Baby Beets salad and the Half Dozen Kumamoto Oysters are also solid choices.

If you’re looking for a heartier option, consider the Bolognese as it’s another filling and fine dish. The pizzas look promising but I think I’d opt for pizza poolside on the roof. The Ella Burger looks divine and the Grass Fed Hanger Steak was nice.

While the dishes are on the pricy side, they’re pretty reasonable for Beverly Hills. A night out with duck wings, maybe some chicken liver mousse, and a pizza seems like a damn good time. With Melrose Umbrella Co., Umbrella Taco, The Corner Door in Culver City, Umbrella Club rooftop, and Ella on the ground floor at SIXTY Beverly Hills, well, all I can say is thank God for Austin Melrose and Zach Patterson of Umbrella Co. These guys always seem to know just how to make the party a little more fun and interesting.

Ella is located on the ground floor at SIXTY Beverly Hills at 9360 Wilshire Blvd. Open Wednesday thru Saturday from 5:30pm to close. To make a reservation, call 310-388-6860.

Story By: Jose Martinez

Photography Courtesy Of: Ella