Danny Wilser and Robert Merryman opened Ella’s in July 1990, naming their “Neo Classical American” restaurant for Mister Wilser’s great aunt. After building a dedicated following, cousins Andy and Matt Skov bought Ella’s in January 2006 and retained the eatery’s key elements. Ella’s seasonal menu still changes weekly, and everything is still prepared in-house daily, including all the baked goods.

We were hoping to start with Ella’s fresh-baked sticky buns, but thanks to the bun-loving brunch crowd, they already sold out. Instead, we split a warm buttermilk biscuit, a massive baked good that was well-intentioned, but still benefited from a few streaks of whipped butter.

Another biscuit-bolsterer was this crock of fresh strawberry preserves, shown with a summery table setting. I didn’t know they grew pineapples this small.

There was the option to order just one or two buttermilk pancakes, but my father went all-in, ordering the triple ($8.75). A single would have been plenty; they were tangy and subtly sweet, but heavy.

Country Style Sausage ($3.75) patties were seasoned with herbs, craggy and luscious.

I was tempted by the Brandied Orange French Toast, until I turned to my right and saw the future: an open-faced omelette with bacon, cherry tomatoes, grilled corn, fresh thyme and gouda ($11.50). The juicy tomatoes were of the moment, there was plenty of smoky bacon, and the fresh-cut corn kernels added a sweet topper.

Ella’s bakes five varieties of bread daily - White, Wheat, Sourdough Rye, Honey Oat Raisin and Buttermilk Biscuit. I chose honey oat raisin, which was studded with golden raisins and featured a supple oat-lined crust.

The Fresh Fruit Plate ($6.50) wasn’t just pretty to look at - a sunburst of color - but the blueberries, strawberries, and slices of kiwi, cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew, pineapple and papaya were also all at the peak of ripeness.

This moist coffee cake ($2.25) was studded with poppyseeds and featured a winning streussel cap.

Even my beverage had a nice twist. Ginger Orange Juice Punch ($3.50) hosted a subtle bite.

I ate breakfast at Ella’s when Wilser and Merryman were still in charge. I remember liking my meal, but I actually preferred my Skov-directed experience. Maybe it was the day’s selection. Maybe it was the company. Whatever the reason, it’s clear Ella’s can still justify the long waits.

Hours:
BREAKFAST Monday - Friday 7:00 - 11:30 am
LUNCH Monday - Friday 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
BRUNCH Saturday - Sunday 8:30 - 2:00 pm

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3. The Blue Plate – San Francisco, CA – Saturday, July 14, 2007
4. Bar Tartine – San Francisco, CA – Saturday, August 2, 2008
5. Out The Door - San Francisco, CA - Wednesday, August 1, 2007

This entry is filed under American, Breakfast, California, Northern California, San Francisco.