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Ellē is praised for its innovative menu, friendly staff, and cozy atmosphere. The focus on fermentation and use of local ingredients are particularly appreciated. Some patrons note that portions can be small and prices higher than average, but many find the experience worthwhile.

Ellē - Mount Pleasant's Cozy Culinary Gem in Washington DC 20010 USA 

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Northwest Washington, Ellē offers an inviting and multifaceted experience that blends a charming café atmosphere with an intimate, upscale dining scene. Located at 3221 Mount Pleasant Street Northwest, this hotspot is a go-to destination for food lovers, digital nomads, and trend-conscious travelers seeking the perfect balance of artisanal breakfast pastries, craft coffee, and innovative New American cuisine.

Ellē's Daytime Café Vibe and Brunch Delights

By day, Ellē shines as a quaint coffee shop with a delightful selection of pastries including their standout blueberry-ginger scones, buttery croissants, and the ever-popular maple pecan scones. Coffee aficionados will find their match in Ellē’s expertly crafted espresso drinks and flavorful americanos, perfect for jump-starting your morning or accompanying a leisurely afternoon read. The café’s natural light, cozy seating, and prime window views make it an excellent spot for people-watching or catching up on work remotely.

Evening Elegance with New American Cuisine

As the sun sets, Ellē transforms into an intimate dining venue where guests can indulge in a carefully curated dinner menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients and sophisticated flavor combinations. The ambiance shifts with dimmed ambient lighting, brick walls, and dark wooden furnishings creating a cozy retreat. Highlights include the expertly prepared skate fish with crispy fried coating and umami-rich broth, and inventive vegetable dishes like roasted broccoli with sardines and parmesan or grilled cucumber atop tangy yogurt with crunchy hazelnuts. The kitchen’s focus on fermentation and local produce results in dishes that are not only unique but deeply flavorful.

Ellē enjoys a positive reputation among locals and visitors alike. The warm and friendly staff contribute to a welcoming environment, whether you’re settling in for coffee or an evening meal. The neighborhood charm and people watching add a lively backdrop during the day. While some patrons note that portions can be on the smaller side and prices higher than average, most agree the quality and creativity of the food make it well worth the experience. Occasional waits for food and drinks are offset by the attentive service and cozy ambiance.

 We do not have parking and we do not offer valet parking. While there is metered street parking, we encourage public transportation. We are about 4 blocks from the Columbia Heights metro and 4 blocks from the parking garage at DC USA (Target, Lidl, Giant, Etc.).

 Yes! We have kid-friendly menu options throughout the day, as well as high-chairs, changing stations, coloring papers, and crayons.

 Yes! We offer outdoor seating on our streatery. Please note that we do NOT have outdoor heaters and the streatery is partially covered.

 We accept reservations for dinner through Resy. Daytime service is walk-in only.

North America

United States

Nestled in the heart of Northwest Washington, DC, Ellē is a charming café and restaurant that effortlessly blends the warmth of a neighborhood spot with the sophistication of a culinary destination. Located at 3221 Mt Pleasant St NW, this inviting establishment is a haven for food lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. With its cozy ambiance and friendly staff, Ellē offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it an ideal spot for both casual meet-ups and intimate dinners.

Ellē's menu is a testament to New American cuisine, showcasing seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes that tantalize the taste buds. Start your day with their **blueberry-ginger scone**, a delightful pastry that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and spice. Paired with a rich cappuccino, it’s an ideal way to kick off your morning. For lunch, the **brisket breakfast sandwich** is a must-try, featuring tender brisket nestled between freshly baked bread, complemented by a tangy sauce that elevates the entire experience.

As the sun sets, Ellē transforms into an intimate dining space, where the ambiance shifts to a cozy, candlelit atmosphere. The dinner menu features standout dishes like the **roasted broccoli with sardines and parmesan**, which showcases the natural flavors of fresh ingredients. Another highlight is the **grilled cucumber**, a surprisingly delightful dish that combines charred sweetness with a tangy yogurt sauce, creating a unique flavor profile that keeps guests coming back for more.

One of the most charming aspects of Ellē is its commitment to community and sustainability. The café sources many of its ingredients from local farmers, ensuring that every dish is fresh and flavorful. This dedication to quality is evident in every bite, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. The café also hosts events and live music, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere and inviting guests to connect over great food and drinks.

Ellē is renowned for its exceptional breakfast pastries, innovative New American dishes, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

With its cozy ambiance, friendly service, and delicious menu, Ellē is the perfect spot for a relaxed meal or coffee break.

Ellē is conveniently located near several parks and cultural sites, making it a great starting point for exploring the vibrant neighborhood.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by Ellē for an unforgettable dining experience. Indulge in their exquisite dishes, sip on expertly crafted coffee, and soak in the inviting atmosphere. Share your experience with friends and family, and don’t forget to leave a review!

Top talents do breakfast pastries, breads, sandwiches & coffee, plus cocktails, wine & dinner fare.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNncG9HUjhnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJlfHBWyHIt4kROJ7C5CD7Kr4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNncG9HUjhnRRAB

I had the blueberry-ginger scone, cappuccino and brisket breakfast sandwich. The food was delightful, and the service was slower than I expected. We waited about 10 minutes for coffees and 30 minutes for the sandwiches. The food was definitely worth the wait, and the staff was sweet and helpful. It’s also in a charming neighborhood that has great people watching.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmOWVhc3JRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJlfHBWyHIt4kROJ7C5CD7Kr4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmOWVhc3JRRRAB

Wow...where do I even start? Whether you're looking for a cozy café with great coffee / pastries, an intimate restaurant serving some of the best New American cooking, or just a place that has some of the friendliest, most inviting staff to ever grace the DC restaurant scene, Elle has you covered.

They operate a cute little coffee counter in the day, which includes some of their amazing scones, croissants, and other goodies, as well as outstanding espresso drinks. There isn't a ton of seating in the café section so it ends up being quite crowded, but if you're lucky enough to snag a seat, it's super cozy and the perfect place to read or just hang out. The café area is confined to two mini counters in a small corner next to the front window, so it always gets plenty of natural light and is a great place to people watch. I dropped by on a Sunday morning to grab an americano and their maple pecan scone; the americano was phenomenal, and the scone was such a delightful ode to autumn flavors. It was quite large, super buttery and rich, and packed with maple and pecan flavor without being overly sweet.

Come back in the evening and you'll stroll into what feels like a completely different restaurant. The coffee bar is transformed into a standard bar, and the ambient lighting, dark wooden furniture, and brick walls make the space feel incredibly cozy and intimate. Their dinner menu is quite pricey, but it's genuinely worth every penny. My friend promised that Elle had the "best vegetable he's ever tasted," and they absolutely delivered -- the roasted broccoli with sardines and parmesan was delightful. It was super simple, but I appreciated how well it let the natural flavor of each ingredient shine, and each component had plenty of its own flavor, with the parmesan and sardines offering a hit of salt, umami, and sight funkiness. We also got the grilled cucumber which, at first glance, seemed like such an odd menu item. After giving it a try, however, I'm now questioning why we don't always grill our cucumbers -- the cucumber was beautifully charred on the outside, and heat helped to bring out some of the vegetable's natural sweetness to counterbalance the smokiness from the grill. It was served on top of a bed of savory, tangy yogurt and with chopped hazelnuts, which offered a great crunch. I was most impressed by the skate; this fish is a rare find in DC, but they prepared with perfectly. It was super tender, which contrasted beautifully against the crispy, crunchy fried outer shell. The skate was topped with crispy onions and a savory, slightly spicy sauce, as well as swimming in a rich, incredibly umami broth. The skate may have been the single best thing I put in my mouth all year -- I'm going to be devastated when it falls out of season and rotates of the menu, but I'm also super excited to come back and sample Elle's next season of items.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQaWVyazF3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJlfHBWyHIt4kROJ7C5CD7Kr4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQaWVyazF3RRAB

Gonna be honest, this is one of the spots where I feel like the vibes are better than the food. It’s a very cute coffee shop, but the coffee is alright, and the bagel was pretty mediocre. It’s probably a wonderful spot to meet folks and frankly the only option in Mount Pleasant but I’m not sure that I would seek it out. Also definitely on the pricier side for what you’re getting

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYbm95VVRBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJlfHBWyHIt4kROJ7C5CD7Kr4/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYbm95VVRBEAE

Food: The chai was delicious. It was not milky like most, you could taste the spices. I got the salmon beet bagel. The bagel was very chewy 😞 but the salmon, beets, and cream cheese were amazing 😍.
Service: A little slow but friendly.
Atmosphere: It's crowded inside. Definitely make an early reservation or they will be out of a lot of things.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQMXBqNDJ3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJlfHBWyHIt4kROJ7C5CD7Kr4/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQMXBqNDJ3RRAB

The honey goat cheesecake was really good, especially with the sourdough breadcrumbs. Get it slightly cheaper during happy hours from 5-7pm.

Note that pastries are only available in the day, so go early if you want the guava turnover (which I didn’t get to try).

Ellē: Cozy Café & New American Restaurant in NW DC

Ellē, located in the former Heller’s Bakery building in Mount Pleasant, Washington, D.C., has become a beloved institution since its opening in 2018. The restaurant focuses on contemporary dishes with a strong emphasis on fermentation, offering a unique dining experience that has garnered both local and national acclaim.

Nestled in the heart of Mount Pleasant, Washington, D.C., Ellē has transformed the landscape of local dining since its inception in 2018. Housed in the historic building that once served as Heller’s Bakery, this unique establishment has become a beloved institution among locals and visitors alike. From its focus on contemporary dishes to its innovative use of fermentation, Ellē offers a dining experience that is both enlightening and delicious.

2024: Featured in Washingtonian's '100 Very Best Restaurants' list at position #11

2025: Featured again in Washingtonian's '100 Very Best Restaurants' list at position #37

Over the years, Ellē has not only gained recognition for its quality and creativity but has also become a part of the community fabric. The restaurant emphasizes local sourcing and seasonal ingredients, which resonate with the growing trend of sustainable dining. This commitment to quality and innovation has earned Ellē a spot in the limelight, capturing the attention of food enthusiasts from around the country.

With its unique approach to culinary arts, Ellē not only serves food but creates experiences. Each dish tells a story, enriched by the flavors of fermentation, inviting diners to explore the depths of taste that reflect the essence of modern American cuisine. As the restaurant continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the vibrant food culture of Washington, D.C., where innovation meets tradition.

A selection of contemporary dishes with a focus on fermentation, featuring both sweet and savory options.

Brisket Breakfast Sandwich

Guava Turnover

Kimchi Toast

Garlic Chive Bucatini

Nashville Hot Duck

Thai Iced Tea Tres Leches

Ellē Menu

Ellē Menu Overview: Savory Discoveries and Sweet Delights in Washington DC's Mount Pleasant Neighborhood.

Nestled in the heart of Northwest Washington, DC, Ellē offers a culinary journey that perfectly balances innovative flavors with comforting familiarity. Known for its inviting ambiance—from a bright, bustling coffee counter by day to a cozy, intimate restaurant by night—Ellē showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes that highlight fermentation and seasonal ingredients.

Begin your meal with Ellē’s standout starter, the Kimchi Toast. This dish layers vibrant, fermented kimchi atop rustic sourdough bread, complemented by creamy labneh and a drizzle of XO sauce, offering a delightful fusion of tangy, spicy, and umami notes that awaken your palate.

Ellē’s mains showcase a masterful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for those seeking a refined taste experience. The Brisket Breakfast Sandwich features tender, slow-cooked brisket paired with a perfectly cooked egg and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled in a soft potato roll—ideal for a hearty morning or brunch treat.

For pasta lovers, the Garlic Chive Bucatini is a must-try. This dish combines bucatini pasta with fresh garlic chives, nettle pesto, and asparagus juice, elevated by seasonal ramps and asparagus, delivering a fresh, herbal, and subtly earthy profile that celebrates spring's bounty.

For a bold, spicy option, the Nashville Hot Duck steals the show. This dish features succulent duck served on a buttery buttermilk biscuit, accompanied by fermented squash slaw that adds a refreshing crunch and tang, perfectly balancing the heat and richness of the duck.

Ellē’s dessert selection is a delightful ode to sweet indulgence, perfectly closing your meal with unique flavor combinations. The Guava Turnover is a flaky pastry filled with luscious guava, butter, and sugar, delivering a tropical sweetness wrapped in a golden crust.

For something richer, the Thai Iced Tea Tres Leches offers an innovative twist on a classic Latin American dessert. Infused with fragrant Thai iced tea and topped with airy whipped cream, this cake is both creamy and aromatic, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Throughout the day, Ellē’s coffee counter offers exceptional espresso drinks and carefully crafted coffee blends, perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment. Their cappuccinos and americanos are praised for their rich and balanced flavors, with an aromatic spice chai that stands out for its authentic, non-milky profile.

As evening falls, the coffee counter transforms into a sophisticated bar serving an inspired selection of cocktails, wines, and local beers, enhancing the warm, inviting atmosphere. Be sure to visit during happy hours to enjoy specials on desserts like the honey goat cheesecake, a fan favorite known for its creamy texture and tangy sourdough breadcrumb topping.

 that enhance natural flavors and textures.

A perfect blend of casual and intimate vibes,

 suited for daytime coffee lovers and evening diners alike.

 that showcase local ingredients and creative culinary flair.

Savor artisanal delights at Ellē in Northwest Washington, DC. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere and stunning culinary creations. Visit us for a memorable meal!

Ellē Cafe in Northwest Washington, DC - Artisan Eats

Washington Municipality

Ellē

Enjoy food and drink specials between 5:30 and 7pm, Tuesday-Sunday.

Happy Hour

Available through Toast; café/lunch take-out menu daily; dinner take-out Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday.

Take-Out Orders

Ellē - Mount Pleasant's Charming Culinary Gem in Washington DC 

Nestled in the heart of Northwest Washington at 3221 Mount Pleasant Street NW, Ellē is a captivating café and restaurant that perfectly blends a cozy daytime coffee spot with an intimate evening dining experience. This beloved Washington DC establishment has garnered a dedicated following among locals and visitors alike for its innovative New American cuisine, exceptional pastries, and inviting atmosphere.

Daytime Delights: Coffee, Pastries, and People Watching

By day, Ellē operates a quaint coffee counter that shines with excellent espresso drinks and a tempting selection of pastries including buttery scones, flaky croissants, and seasonal treats like the beloved maple pecan scone. The café’s bright corner location with natural sunlight streaming through the front window creates an ideal setting for a relaxed morning or afternoon break. Known for its cozy vibe and prime spot for people watching, this nook is a favorite for foodies, digital nomads, and anyone looking to savor quality coffee paired with artisan baked goods.

 – The maple pecan scone, rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced with autumnal flavors.

 – Limited seating adds to the intimate feel, making it a perfect spot for reading or casual catch-ups.

 – From expertly crafted cappuccinos to smooth americanos, each cup is a delight.

Evening Elegance: New American Dining at Its Finest

As daylight fades, Ellē transforms into a sophisticated restaurant with warm ambient lighting, rich wooden furniture, and exposed brick walls that create a welcoming, intimate atmosphere perfect for dinner. The menu features thoughtfully crafted New American dishes that emphasize seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations. While the prices reflect the quality and artistry, guests consistently praise the value of every bite.

Highlights include the roasted broccoli with sardines and parmesan, a simple yet flavor-packed dish that balances saltiness and umami with fresh vegetable goodness. Another standout is the grilled cucumber served on tangy yogurt with chopped hazelnuts, offering a smoky and sweet contrast that's surprisingly addictive. Seafood lovers rave about the skate fish — a rare find in DC — perfectly prepared with a crispy shell, tender interior, and a rich umami broth topped with crispy onions and a slightly spicy sauce.

 – Enjoy special food and drink deals from 5:30 to 7pm, Tuesday through Sunday.

 – Convenient take-out available daily for café and lunch; dinner take-out offered Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday.

 – Includes outdoor seating options, accommodates groups, and offers free and paid street parking nearby.

Ellē is a perfect destination for those craving an authentic taste of Washington DC’s dynamic food scene. Whether you seek a vibrant coffee nook to start your day or an elegant spot for a memorable dinner, this spot on Mount Pleasant Street Northwest invites you to indulge in distinctive flavors and warm hospitality.

District of Columbia

Discover Ellē in Mount Pleasant, a cozy café and restaurant serving delicious breakfast, brunch, and dinner. Join us for amazing pastries and friendly service!

Ellē – Cozy Café & New American Gem in Washington, DC

Savor our baked goods and brunch options at Ellē, where delicious cuisine meets a cozy café vibe. Visit today for delightful pastries and fresh coffee!

Taste Delicious Pastries at Ellē Café in DC

Explore our menu at Ellē, featuring unique dishes and a delightful atmosphere in Washington, DC. Perfect for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike!

Ellē: Cozy Café & New American Restaurant in NW DC

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