Elle & ella

[mac]

We were there 2 weeks ago and the best meals we had were in Ele & Ela, L'Orange, Maxime's and the best was Bon Bon. We've never had a bad meal in E & E. Both the service and food have been wonderful.

[joanne]

Was in last Tuesday 3 of us fab service and food as always, looking forward to being back in a few weeks, and it was really, really busy so they must do somethig right.............

[zhit]

If the argument "it was really, really busy" is true, then McDonald's and Burger King are making everything right...

I remember my instant mashed potatoes and the very "mean" red housewine I had at "Elle" last year.... hmmmm .... Did I already mention the plastic wind break? Such a wonderful wide view...

[shanagarry]

Apart from the general comment about the poor service here recently - there has been nothing posted since 2006?

We have been invited there tonight by some friends - any pointers?

[shanagarry]

Apologies - I meant to say since the not so good comment of late. Don't know where I got 2006 from

[Graham]

Go with an open mind and let us all know what you think tomorrow - and I am jealous!

[shanagarry]

Graham

In all my years in Cvo - I have never been there before - so my mind is 'very' open. Watch this space.

[shanagarry]

Let me preface this post with an outline of the circumstances:

In our many years in Cvo we have never been to Ele and Ela previously - we only know one other couple who have ever been there and the only reports I have ever read was the recent one on this forum. The restaurants we frequent are Maximes, Villa Medici, Vila Nova, Vale do Milho Restaurant (not the golf club) and Mona Lisa - occasionally going to O Patio and Julios.I should add that I have an aversion to most of the restaurants in Rua do Barranco - I don't know why but suspect it is something to do with the close proximity of food to exhaust gasses!

We went last night on the invitation of some friends who had not been there before either. They had booked for two and asked us to join them - making up a party of six.

I called at 4.00pm yesterday afternoon to ask to change the reservation from 2 to 6 and did not get the type of welcome I would have expected - a rather clinical - "we'll see if we can do that". After a few moments discussion in the background they confirmed the change. We arrived as arranged at 7.45pm and was delighted to see that the place was very busy. There was no welcome from the host/ess - our friends were already there so we made our way to the table. The drinks order was taken by a South African waiter - who was friendly and courteous. The meal order was taken shortly after by a different person who was not overly friendly - curt would be my best description.

Three of us ordered the Lamb Shank, two ordered the Fish Stew and one the Fish of the Day and some starters. They were all delivered in a timely and efficient manner.

Those of us who had the Lamb Shank were delighted with our choice - it was tasty, plentiful and hot. The Fish Stews were a different proposition - they were tepid, small portions in a small bowl and were more curry based than fish. We asked for them to be warmed up and they replaced them with new ones. The opinion from the two eating the Fish Stews was that they were tasty but they did not think they were eating fish. The Fish of the Day person was happy with her choice. We were then harangued by the busker I call 'guantonamera' who has been around the village for ever it seems and I do not like him - but that doesn't matter. However, I do know that a number of restaurants, where previously he was a regular performer, do not allow him in as it seen as a form of begging - something I agree with. When he rattled a cashew tin with a few coins in front of me - I could see their point and did not contribute - but others at our table did.

We had coffees and two ice creams (served in a drinking glass) - got the bill for €154.45 (that included two bottles of wine - €25.50). We were not offered a drink on the house (don't know if they do that) and then had a straw-poll as to our opinion of the place. That averaged 4 out of 10. The consensus was that the place lacked any ambience and while the food was OK - the attitude of the staff was far from welcoming. Given the nature of the competition (as outlined above) they have a lot to do to get into the same league (our opinion). From my initial contact at 4.00pm yesterday afternoon to leaving the restaurant at 10.40pm last night I did not feel I had enjoyed a pleasant customer experience - something I do enjoy when I use the others I have mentioned.

Our friends who made the initial booking were very disappointed and said "they would not be returning". Neither will we

[EMM]

For new diners with knowledge of the area I think that Elle Ella suffers from the glowing reports occaisional visitors give it.

It is certainly better than many in the village but not deserving of the praise it often receives.
Our first experience was similar to Shanagarry and has not persuaded us ( yet ) to return given the many alternatives.

Thank you for your report on the fish stew, I must admit we were tempted looking at the menu yesterday.

[blue]

Went here with my son a couple of weeks or so ago, it was the first time he had been to Ele e Ela & we had a lovely meal, we really enjoyed it. The new young waiter does seem to have been trained at the 'Basil Fawlty school of service & charm' but the two usual waiters were absolutely lovely. It was busy but not over-crowded, everything arrived promptly & with a smile, except when served by 'Basil', but he made us smile so that was ok.

[mac]

We had the same chap serve us when we were there in September. The nice South African took our order then the other one brought it to us. I didn't think much of him but we got talking and he was lovely. We were a table of 2 and there was another table of 2 to our left, and we all chatted and then he was friendly to all of us. I think he's quite new at 'waiting' and doesn't really know how to act.

Anyhow, we had a wonderful meal as usual.

[Bristle Si]

Well, we had a great experience at Ele & Ela back in Sept - it was the 1st time we'd eaten there for 3 years - we had thought it was overpriced but gave it a chance this year and it was a very good all-round restaurant experience. Obviously there has been mixed reviews, but as with all busy towns there is plenty of choice in CVO and we all have different tastes. One place that we believe is definitely overrated and overpriced in CVO is O Patio - we will avoid there in future.

[Sandy]

Totally agree. I will NEVER eat at O Patio again.
I had the worst Caesar salad of my life there and it was a ridiculous price.
Iceberg lettuce, bottled dressing, grated feet (stale parmesan from a tub).
Disgusting.

[O-Bife-bem-passado]

I have lived here for many years and rate Ele & Ela as one of the best restaurants in town.

[shanagarry]

rate Ele & Ela as one of the best restaurants in town

To each their own - (as long standing Carvoeiroans) we will never go near the place again