Elle-J's Lakeview

Elle-J’s was recommended to me by a friend. We dined there tonight starting with the house salad which was fresh, delicious and a very sizable portion. Next came the meatballs and spaghetti and lasagna. We requested boxes to take the uneaten portions home, but couldn’t stop nibbling because our taste buds kept saying, “more, more.” The meatballs and spaghetti gravy didn’t bite with sharpness of tomato, but instead had a very subtle smooth, almost sweet, but definitely Italian flavor. The lasagna was covered with cheese in every bite. I forget the meat layered between the pasta, I think they used two different kinds. All I know is I didn’t want to stop. Of course we had to have dessert because no matter how full you are, you gotta top it off with something sweet. Bad habit! With a few good choices presented I chose the cheese cake dribbled with cremebrulee. Stephen, our waiter, was patient, polite and so helpful with the menu. I can’t wait to go back. Did I mention the prices are very reasonable?

Eggplant sticks for appetizer- yummy
My group of 4 got different dishes and we all had a taste of each. My favorite was the pork chop. Crispy and full of flavor- next was lasagna- then tie between veal piccata and shrimp scampi. Everything was tasty and good portion sizes- our young waitress was still learning the ropes but I'll giver her a pass. She was attentive and pleasant and will be just fine after some experience.
I will go back.

Pretty good service. I don't like how they charge for bread. Otherwise food was great. Will be back.

We just moved to the Lakeview neighborhood and our first night here we decided to stop at Elle-J's. Yelp called it "Hot and New" and it's also a combination of our names, so we had to try it out. It's conveniently located on Harrison street and has a supper club feel when you walk in. The menu is mostly Italian food with some good fish and meat options. They were having a $2 beer special on some random bottles so I got a hoegaarden. We shared a caesar salad which was overdressed and nothing special. By this time, we had 3 waiters approach us and ask if we were ready to order. We were sitting at the high tops, which was open seating, so seems like the wait staff is less organized on the bar side. I asked the waiter for a recommendation and she suggested the eggplant parmesan so I got that. My fiance got the black drum. My eggplant parmesan had too much breading and the marinara sauce they make is very sweet - too much for my taste. My fiance's black drum was tasty but the side portions were pretty small. At this point, the crowd that was starting to walk in was older. We don't know the neighborhood super well yet, but we could tell this wouldn't be our place in the future.

Great service, good food