Ela
Mediterranean restaurant · Atlanta
1186 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306
Highlights
Mezze, grilled entrees, Mediterranean flavors, cocktails
Mezze, grilled entrees, Mediterranean flavors, cocktails
"This Virginia-Highland spot excels at brunch with its playful approach to Mediterranean-style dishes. You’ll want to bring a friend or two to share items like the spherical, pistachio-crusted baklava cinnamon roll, Ela’s salad with poached eggs and crisp onions, and the warmly spiced shakshuka. Their creamy, tangy Greek frozen yogurt rounds out the mid-morning meal." - Lia Picard
"The pan-Mediterranean spot, Ela, in Virginia Highlands is becoming a local favorite for their mezze-style dishes. But it’s their cocktails that bring a breezy, coastal feel to the meal. Sherry lovers (raises hand) rejoice, because the restaurant’s Lyre Lyre cocktail with Lustau manzanilla and amontillado sherries with spiced cocchi torino is a Spanish dream. The Spice Road cocktail is made with mezcal and the tangy berry spice, sumac. For a true night cap treat, dare to try the 2016 Vinsanto Domaine Santos made from dried grapes from Santorini, Greece. The caramel and nutty notes of the dessert wine feel like a hug after a good meal." - Molly Harris, Eater Staff
"Ela will take over the space formerly occupied by The Original El Taco in Virginia-Highland. Their Mediterranean menu will showcase Greek, Moroccan, Israeli, and Turkish flavors with dishes like Moroccan hot chicken and a lamb kofta burger. " - nina reeder, juli horsford
"Fifth Group’s replacement for longtime North Highland Avenue spot The Original El Taco has finally arrived. Ela, which takes inspiration from dishes and ingredients across the Mediterranean region, puts the emphasis on mezze. The restaurant’s strength lies in its shared dishes, like the dip trio or the brunch menu’s smoked salmon flatbread, while dishes like the Mythos beer-battered cod sando, the Moroccan “hot chicken,” and the skewers stand out from the entree selection. To drink, choose from Mediterranean wines, beers, and cocktails. Reservations encouraged." - Eater Staff, Henna Bakshi
"Virginia-Highland has a fabulous new option for a classy yet relaxed night out with friends. For those that remember this Va-Hi space as The Original El Taco, walking into the new dining room of Ela will feel like the big reveal at the end of an episode of Fixer Upper. What was once dim, divey, and more suited for a college campus crowd has been transformed. It’s now a trendy and sophisticated Mediterranean restaurant where groups of adults pass around very good shareable small plates. Get the crisp falafel with a moist center and the gourmet spinach and feta hot pocket with an impossibly flaky crust. Sauces move from sideshows to the main event with the “Get Sauced” tray, which includes five tasty dips like hot sauce, a green, herby oil, and a creamy yogurt-based spread that elevate everything on the menu." - nina reeder, juli horsford
