The story
On a quiet stretch of Mt. Pleasant Street in Washington, DC, Ellē operates as both a daytime bakery and a dinner destination. The space shifts seamlessly from morning coffee and pastries to a fuller evening menu, all under the same roof. It’s a place that feels rooted in its neighborhood, yet the cooking has earned attention well beyond it.
The kitchen’s approach is contemporary, drawing from a range of influences without locking into a single cuisine. The daytime menu runs from 8AM to 4PM, offering a bakery-driven selection. Later, happy hour from 4 to 6:30PM leads into dinner service until 9PM. The restaurant also offers catering, cake orders, and private event hosting, making it a flexible part of the community.
Ellē’s cake program is a notable part of the operation. The menu includes a selection of whole cakes available by order, from a double chocolate mousse cake with a trace of coffee to a passion fruit mousse cake layered with white chocolate and raspberries. A honey goat cheese cheesecake with toasted almond oat pecan crumb and seasonal fruit garnish is offered as a gluten-free option. Orders require at least five days’ notice.
The restaurant has been recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award that highlights good quality, good value cooking. It’s a fitting nod to a place that balances ambition with approachability. Ellē is open for lunch, dinner, and takeaway, with air conditioning, wheelchair access, and space for private parties.
Recognition
Ambience
Location