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ZipPicks Awards
Best Family Friendly Italian in Long Beach
Best Date Night Italian in Long Beach
Best Brunch in Long Beach
Best Italian in Long Beach
Master Critic Review
Ellie's
8.3
Chef Jason Witzl's Southern Italian restaurant in Alamitos Beach specializes in handmade pasta made fresh daily with California-sourced ingredients. The intimate neighborhood bistro features a charming front patio and small dining room where the chef's energy bounces between kitchen and table, creating a warm familial atmosphere despite the upscale sensibility.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle with Shrimp and 'Nduja, Potato Croquettes, Grilled Bread with Pork Butter
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Chef-driven pasta showcase with California seasonal ingredients
Who should go: Pasta enthusiasts, weekend brunch crowds, date nights
When to visit: Saturday or Sunday brunch on the patio
What to order: Order double potato croquettes, don't skip pork butter board
Insider tip: Parking difficult in residential area, Uber recommended by restaurant
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only in residential area - notoriously difficult. Restaurant recommends Uber/Lyft. Nearest lot is 3 blocks away at $8-10
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans welcome but the intimate setting rewards effort. Think nice date outfit rather than beachwear
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - small dining room keeps energy cozy without overwhelming. Perfect for hearing your date
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday. Book ahead strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait Tuesday-Thursday. Weekend brunch gets packed - arrive at open or expect 20-30 min
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options. Pasta-focused menu naturally accommodates with seasonal vegetable preparations and cheese-forward dishes
Vegan options: Limited but Chef Jason will adapt dishes. Call ahead for best experience - he's accommodating but menu isn't designed vegan-first
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate but not intimidating, impressive without being stuffy. The chef's visible passion creates natural conversation. Patio tables ideal for warmer evenings. Just book ahead to avoid awkward wait
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch or early dinner (before 6pm) - likely yes. Weekend dinner or brunch - risky. Small space fills fast. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins. Call day-of to check
Is it kid-friendly? Family-friendly category but intimate space. Best for well-behaved kids 8+ who appreciate good food. No kids menu but pasta dishes work. Weekend brunch most family-appropriate timing. Space tight for strollers
How long does dinner take? Plan 90 minutes for relaxed pace. Chef's hands-on approach means courses flow steadily but not rushed. Not a quick bite spot - this is linger-worthy neighborhood dining
Is the patio year-round? Yes with heaters, but best April-October. Alamitos Beach location gets lovely evening temps. Front patio has neighborhood charm - request it when booking if weather cooperates
Best For
Better for: Choose Ellie's for chef-driven intimacy and handmade pasta craftsmanship over corporate Italian chains. The seasonal California ingredients and visible kitchen passion outshine any Belmont Shore tourist trap. Better value than DTLB fine dining with comparable quality
Skip if: Need quick service, feeding picky kids under 8, require extensive gluten-free options, want full bar scene, or can't handle parking challenges. Also skip if you prefer red-sauce classics over seasonal Italian - this is chef's vision over nonna's recipes
Hours
Monday4pm - 9pm
Tuesday12pm - 9pm
Wednesday12pm - 9pm
Thursday12pm - 9pm
Friday12pm - 10pm
Saturday10:30am - 10pm
Sunday10:30am - 9pm