In case you need a refresh, the Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants that offer multi-course meals at reasonable prices. And while all are unique and the “price” varies from country to country, the standard for quality remains the same.
That’s why every Friday, we’re highlighting our Bib of the Week; where to go, what dish to order, the best time to stop by, and everything in between. So whether it’s the reliable roster of Korean barbecue hits (for under $50) in New York or the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean and SoCal, our selection of Bib Gourmand spots will leave both you and your wallet satisfied.
It’s hard to pinpoint why this bakery is such a hot spot. The easy answer is the menu of contemporary dishes with a focus on fermentation. Another could be the stacked and accomplished team behind the scenes (check out the staff section of their site for some truly fun portraits of the team). Or it could be the fact that it’s tucked inside the former Heller’s Bakery, a local institution. Either way, you’re here for a deliciously fun time.
But don’t take our word for it, check out what our Inspectors had to say here, and below, learn from the team on what you need to know before you go.
How did you conceive of a menu that is delicious, yet good value?
The great part about being an all-day restaurant and bakery is that the majority of what we offer is made in-house. From pastries and bread during the day, to kimchi, miso, pasta, and charcuterie, we are able to provide a variety of exciting items that are made by the talented team that we have.
Additionally, as fermentation and preservation is a large focus of our overall menu, we attempt to utilize as many parts of the produce and proteins that we get in to avoid waste. We like to challenge ourselves to use what would normally be considered a by-product from special processes to add different layers of flavor and get the fullest return on the product that we use.
How have you been able to maintain your standards with the cost of ingredients going up?
We have always strived to be as efficient with the product that we use and be as creative as possible with everything that we have at our disposal.
Working with local farms and purveyors has helped us avoid a lot of fluctuating costs as well as have a dependable source for ingredients that can suddenly become unavailable from larger vendors.
What is the dish to order at Ellē?
Our guava turnover is our most popular pastry. It’s rich and buttery, with sweet fruit offset by the tanginess of cream cheese; an indulgent treat for breakfast or lunch!
On the other hand, our breakfast sandwich is the classic Ellē daytime experience; housemade potato roll, omelet-style eggs, and white cheddar. Get it with Brisket, Breakfast Sausage, or Kimchi.
The Garlic Chive Bucatini is another popular dish. A house made pasta that is flavored with garlic chives, the sauce consists of a nettle pesto and juiced asparagus that adds a fresh, but rich spring flavor. Ramps and asparagus join the party for a super green and springy bowl.
What price range can customers expect at Ellē?
$3 (Scone) - $36 (Seven Hills New York Strip Steak)!
When is the best time to stop by?
Wednesday is the quietest day of the week for both daytime and evening service when you are almost guaranteed to be able to walk in, grab a table, and meet your neighbors.
What was the idea behind Ellē?
The idea behind Ellē is to be an all-day neighborhood cafe, bakery, restaurant, and bar. It's a place where anyone can come by at any time to feed your cravings. From coffee and baked goods in the morning, to full service dinner and cocktails in the evening.
What is one thing you want our audience to know about Elle?
Not everyone knows that our focus is on fermentation, whether it's food, alcohol, or breads. From making sourdoughs and tempeh, to fermenting vegetable scraps and mustard, to cooking with miso and koji, to serving craft beer and wine. We use old world techniques to enhance our flavors and boost the probiotics in your gut!
How would you describe your approach to food and cooking?
Seasonality is something that we’re always trying to bring to our food and we work with some great local farms to help highlight the wonderful produce that is available in this area. We try to bring food that is approachable and satisfying while also being able to showcase ingredients and methods that are exciting to both our guests and our team.
Hero image: Courtesy of Ellē
