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Category: Vegetarian [Edit]
Neighborhood: Echo ParkWed-Sun. 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
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Let me justt eat my words and say that I scoffed a little when my friend Matt suggested a vegetarian restaurant. But, the more I thought about it the healthier I thought it would be, so off we went. As soon as we walked up it smelled fantastic, so we were both excitedly hungry. There was a short wait, but everyone was really nice. Once we were seated, we were surprised that there was cucumber in the water, and that they brought a wonderful dip with house-made lavash chips, both of which were delicious and perfectly seasoned. Our server (who happened to be absolutely gorgeous and super nice AND attentive) let us taste the soup of the day (Turkish tomato, I think it was, which was savory but wonderfully spiced with some cinnamon on the finish) as well as the rose water lemonade (great).
Matty L ended up ordering the lentil appetizer and one of the kale salads (the one with avocados). The lentils were amazing! They had portabello mushrooms, onions, and a fresh bay leaf in them but none of it overpowered the great thick, filling, rib-sticking lentils. The kale salad was enormous, raw, and the citrus vinegarette was great and had enough acid to make the whole thing tasty and edible without making you wish you'd had meat of cheese in it.
I had the beets with rice and braised fennel. To say it was delicious would be a grand understatement. The fennel, in particular, knocked my socks off. I think it had been braised in a beautiful stock, then roasted til browned. I don't know what they did in the details but it was unbelievable. We even made friends with the people next to us, who were as blown away by the food as we were (and one of them was a private chef!).
Their dessert was good, too, particularly their version of a tart tatin (theirs also had figs and quince), which was tasty, buttery, flaky, and had some amazing cream to dip it into. HEAVEN. Will for SURE be taking all of my vegetarian friends. What a find!
3.5, rounded down
Mmmm, it smells good in here. Skylar and I went to dinner at Elf last Friday. She got there as soon as they were open. I was concerned about the wait because it sounded like a small place and fortunately, we were able to get a table right away but within the next 40 minutes, they had to start turning away people or telling them they'll call when they opened up.
We ordered the cornmeal dusted oyster mushrooms with harissa to start. We sat so long waiting for it I forgot we had ordered it when we were finally given small plates. Then we waited for another 10 minutes before it actually came out. Oh wow, they were totally not what I expected. I love oyster mushrooms because of the taste and shape. When you mush them together with a bunch of really flavorful harissa and top it with some pickled veggies, I had no idea I was eating mushrooms. Hm, it was fine but for $10 the portion was extremely small.
Next came our meals. I ordered the savory crepe with was stuffed with blue cheese and mushrooms ($17). Now, I had leaned on mushrooms the whole night because that's what I heard was their specialty. Again, I didn't taste the mushrooms. It was very good though and the chevre butter was nice. And the salad was a healthy portion.
Skylar had the ratatouille with red quinoa. I loved her dish more. And at some point, I managed to convince her to switch plates. Portions for dinner are well worth the price even if they are on the pricey side.
The people are really nice, a bit hippie dippy but cool. We were marveling over the guy dressed like Monet.
There's $5 corkage and I found street parking right out front. Meters do run until 8 p.m. and it's only 1 hour parking. I had to run out to feed the meters in between the starter and our dinners. Otherwise, there's street parking in the residential neighborhood.
It's pretty close to the Echoplex where we went afterward, less than half a mile. I'd totally come back here again before another concert.
Friendly staff, great vibe & healthy food. There is very little seating so get here early. The salads are all good & the tart is hearty and good comfort food. Please bring back the mac & cheese already.
Bringing your own wine is always a bonus. Cozy place, cool neighborhood.
KALE SALAD, I wish I could have you every day. Well worth the interminable wait for a table at this tiny establishment- a waiter kept checking on us throughout to offer us water and make sure we were comfy even before we'd gotten in. We heard people were actually exclaiming how excited they were to have their leftovers as they left. We had the kale salad, labneh, polenta special & 2 tarts (the potato, blue cheese and carmelized onion, NOM!) between 4 people which was plenty of delicious, carefully-prepared food to go around, $25 each with tip. Service was attentive, vibe was nice and cozy. Can't wait to have an excuse to eat there again.
The most authentic hippie joint in LA. Love it! The staff has that kind-of dazed zen thing going on and the you'll been sure to overhear a conversation or two on auras and chacras. As a boy from Sedona I feel right at home. And to top it off, this place does some really awesome vegetarian fare.
Nestled among the many tiny shops on Sunset in Echo Park, this itty-bitty cafe prepares Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian cuisine using organic, locally grown products. Yes it's full of hippies, but not all of them smell like patchouli! The layout is intimate - a few small tables, some bar seating, and a couple of tables outside. Exposed brick and earthy tones give it a boho New York bistro feel. Because of its size and the proximity of the guests, the din of chatter can be a bit taxing at times, and the dishes are a little expensive for what they are, but you won't find anything else like it on the Eastside. Bring your own bottle of wine ($5 corkage fee) and dig in.
I created a Yelp account just to Yelp about this place. I love it. I guess we all have the place that takes our Yelp-irginity and this is mine.
These guys and girl know their vegetarian cuisine. The chefs are boy-wonders at flavor and consistency. E.G.- mamma no likey mushrooms but give me a plate of Elf Cafe mushrooms and I will devour.
The service is lovely. My man and I went to Elf on my birthday and it didn't let us down. They even offered a fresh plumb cobbler or "plumble" (get it? like plumb crumble??) and went on a candle run to wish me a happy birthday. So sweet.
If you are a vegetarian looking to turn a carnivore, bring him/her here.
ALSO the small cozy interior is very comforting to recent new york transplants.
yelp on yelpers.
Delicious Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian and vegan cuisine served in an intimate, romantic setting. The menu features about half a dozen starters like Tahini-Avocado Puree served with garlic pia, a good selection of creative salads, and another half a dozen entrees like Stuffed Mediterranean Dolma served with seasonal vegetables or the Savory Chickpea Crepe with Chevre Butter. Plus, tempting specials.
There is usually a wait, so come prepared to put yr name on a list and hang out. And they don't have a liquor license, so BYOWine.
The service is friendly, and you can see the food being prepared from most seats in the house. My only complaint, which i share with other reviewers, is the humble helpings for ponderous prices issue.
The kale salad is really, really good and I think I will go back just for that, in fact I crave it. Usually I crave bacon-based things so it's really saying something that a kale m'f'n SALAD is calling my name. Never thought I would see the day.
Elf keeps things simple enough and super-yummy--much prefer to Millenium in San Francisco (where I used to enjoy going).
Great staff, cozy little spot; grab some wine from City Sip across the street and you're good to go.
Elf is yoga chick heaven. It's like being dipped in warm estrogen butter.
The place is tiny, cramped, candlelit, and intimate. At every table are funky-cool, attractive Eastside women talking about chakras, their trip to Bali, and how after that break-up with Jim they felt maybe it was time to date a girl again, y'know?
I came here with a cute bisexual vegetarian who does yoga and goes to Burning Man. It rang all of her bells. She loved the food, she loved the ambiance, she loved the other women in the place. She had come home.
She said "This tastes like what you cook for me." And it was true - though I use less butter. Elf's food, while tasty and well-presented, is more on the level of inspired-home-chef-cuisine than a polished gourmet restaurant experience. Elf owns that aesthetic and does it well, but that's what it is.
Personally, while I found the food delicious and creative, it was also rich and low on protein. If I am going to hop this far off the healthy train, its gonna be for lobster or filet mignon, not a vegetable tart.
But you are not gonna care about that. You are either a vegetarian who will be delighted by this place, or you are coming here with a vegetarian girl who will be delighted. She'll be warm and basking in the good Elven vibes, maybe buzzing off a bottle of wine from City Sip across the street. She will be very happy. And so, soon enough, will you.
My favorite spot in L.A.! GO! That's all I need to say.
I had originally given Elf 3 stars (read my original review below) but since then they have emailed me 3 times asking me to remove my review. They quite rudely commented that I should have talked to a waiter rather than resorting to the web. I am lowering my rating down to one star because they are whiny little bitches. Last time I checked Yelp is a website for customer's to post reviews of restaurants, etc. I'm just being honest. By the way, we did mention the roach to the waitress and she didn't seem to be phased by it.
The food is pretty good but the last time I was there I saw a HUGE cockroach climbing up the wall.… Read more »
I still love elven food, and the staff and the location, but the prices have gone up, while my pocket has shrunk.....and I just can't afford it.
Were there some less expensive items, i could go there as frequently as I used to.
Somehow, (excepting real food daily), each and every time i hear there's a good vegetarian… Read more »
We love Elf. Enough so that if 94 others hadn't already reviewed the place, we'd keep it a secret.
This is EXCELLENT vegetarian cuisine, although most of it is far from vegan; it's the generous use of cheese and butter which makes it so delicious. There are vegan and raw choices but we have found them less than....appetizing.
High points: the crepes, the tarts, the lentils, the pear tarte tatin, and usually most of the specials. They're really proud of their cooking here, and it shows.
Another wonderful thing about Elf is that it really does feel neighborhoody. They're super friendly, very relaxed, and nice even when the place is tres crowded. In fact, they'll send you over to City Sip for a glass of vino while you wait, and they will CALL YOU when your table is ready. How sweet is that?
We waited over an hour for our food. When we asked what was up, the staff just responded as if we were inconveniencing them. Zero stars for service. One star for the atmosphere.
*** FOR MY 100th REVIEW***
I was contemplating giving 1 star and telling people to say away at all costs. But that would just be selfish, because I want to keep coming here and never have to wait for a table, like we did the other night.
So if you hate food made and served with love. Hate romantic hole-in-the-walls. Hate paying cash only. Hate an awesome tomato Carpaccio Hate eating fresh and inventive dishes.
Then please stay away from this place!!!! Don't ever go!!! It's mine!!!!
Maybe the best restaurant in Echo Park/Silver Lake. At least 4 stars for the food. Also scores very highly on originality, healthiness, and quaintness. Not stereotypical vegetarian or health-food, and certainly not stereotypical "fine dining," Elf is a restaurant in a category by itself.
It. is. so. good.
One of my favorite places on the East side of LA. You don't even miss the meat because everything is so flavorful and good. I swear by the roasted bell pepper tart! Delish.
No reservations, which is a drag, but BYOB which makes the cost more than affordable!
Viva la Elf!
Braised Beets!!
My only complaint is that it was hard to cut my beet with the butter knife they provided. Sharper cutlery please.
I love meat. I become extremely cranky/angry/whiny if I don't have some sort of meat with my meal. Don't get me wrong, I love my greens too. But still..gotta have my meat.
I was kindaaa worried when my friend suggested we go here because.. they don't serve meat. BUT! It was SO YUMMY! and DELICIOUS. and healthy-tasting but in an extremely pleasant way.
everything we ordered was full-of-flavor.. and just. yum.
As the appetizer, we opted for the Tahini-Avocado Puree (love avocados and the garlic pita bread! warning- you better like garlic!)
We also had the Raw Organic Kale Salad... which was interesting... very LEAF-Y :) I think it's kind of an acquired taste?
I had the Layered Roasted Vegetable Torte... bursting with flavor... just amazing. get it. now.
My friend had the Moroccan Vegetable Tagine... yummy curry taste
The restaurant is cozy and has personality.. just a tip- they say they open at 6PM but it seemed closer to 6:30.. or maybe it was just today
Wow, I've just found a new favorite restaurant in LA. This place is truly wonderful from start to finish: atmosphere, service & food are all delightful. Went with a group of 4 -- at 6:30 to avoid the crowds -- and shared 3 starters, a large salad and an entree between us, family style.
I highly recommend sharing this way -- you get to try as many items as possible, which is such a good thing. Everything was amazing. The lentils were way better than they had a right to be, the asparagus was perfect, kale salad with avocado was divine and portobello mushroom entree gave us a 'foodgasm.'
Also shared two desserts, the cheeseless cheesecake w/ blueberries (good) and the apple tart (amazing).
Top it off with some of the friendliest service we've ever had and you've got yourself a real winner here!! I want to go back. Every day.
I went to Elf shortly after they opened when I was 8 months pregnant. I had a wonderful meal, and knew it might be a while before I was back again (clearly not geared for kids there!) Little did I know it would be 2+ years before I returned!
I tried to go back twice - once not realizing they were closed on Tuesdays and once I was there at 6:30, but they had yet to open, and I had movie tickets that wouldn't wait...
Tonight was almost a third miss - meeting friends there at 6:15, had a sitter for 3 hours. by 6:35 they still had not opened and my friends were getting first antsy, then annoyed. they convinced me to give up the dream and leave and as we were walking away, we heard the screech of the gate! 6:40!
We sat and were the only ones there for a while. The cute ambience of the place was redeeming itself and my friends were enjoying themselves. Salads + app took a little too long to get to us, as did dinner, as did check, but we were having a nice time, so it wasn't a problem.
The food, overall, was good - i think sometimes a little too cheesy/salty - and I love cheese and salt. Coffee is great.
A few criticisms, when you order a salad to start, it would have been great to know that every entree we ordered came with a salad - we would have ordered a starter instead. Another small critique - i think with vegetarian food, it is crucial to call out all veggies (except onion/garlic) - my friend ordered the crepe which came full of cauliflower, which she doesn't eat, but no mention on the menu.
I think the menu is great and varied. As small and busy as it is, I didn't feel rushed, even on a Saturday night. It's pricey, but more worth it than not. It's particularly nice to have close-by. Even if I am driven crazy by their lax opening time, I'll be back.
Review #2 in a row where I was just so supremely disappointed with a place that perhaps I just had too high expectations for. Elf Cafe in Echo Park is a place where my wife was definitely more excited to go to than I, seeing as how there are very few vegetarian restaurants around that charge these prices, and I'm usually left feeling slightly ripped-off when they're $5 an item less at other places.
The wait. The wait was long, but spent drinking wine across the street at City Stip - an OK idea. So we get the call from the Elf lady on our cell (which is something that all restaurants should do - SO easy and makes life easier on everyone - especially the customer, which is the point, right?) and head over. And then wait for 15 more minutes. Really?
Here is a point where I'm sure nobody will agree with me, but I have to put it out there. If you are going to charge for corkage (which restaurants don't have to, by the way, this is completely a choice on their part) you need to provide somewhat decent stemware. Speranza, an OK Italian joint in Silver Lake doesn't charge for corkage and they give you decent cheap crappy wine glases, not the little jelly cups they give you at Elf. Why does this upset me? Because if I'm going to a restaurant with around $15-$20 mains and $12 apps, and they don't serve wine, I'm going to bring a bottle of at least comparable quality. I wasn't a fan of drinking a $40 bottle of something really nice that I wanted to share with my wife on date night out of little water glasses, and then being charged for it. If their argument is that it fits into their vibe or aesthetic or whatever, then their vibe or aesthetic is wrong and/or overpriced.
The appetizer was great - the labneh - with ample pita, and some nice olives. The little tray of green olives and cinnamon-dusted almonds was a nice addition.
The main courses were honestly bad, not the worst or awful or anything, but like another reviewer said, no tall order for the above-average home cook. I had the tagine, which was under salted, and too sour and mushy. Everything just got cooked to hell, and as much as I love Indian and Moroccan flavors, they did not play well in this school yard . Too many vegetables that produce water and go limp when cooked in this manner, and ultimately the flavors that didn't work together got muted by the watery-ness, so perhaps ultimately the squash was a Godsend.
My wife had the Torte, which was bland, under-seasoned, and cased in the most unfortunate expression of filo I've ever had. This is a delicate ingredient not treated as such, and thus was burned in parts, undercooked in parts, and a mess. The pesto separating some of the layers of under-salted vegetables was mealy and offered a really sour, bitter aftertaste. Thoroughly unpleasant, save for the mixed greens she had on the side and the roasted cauliflower; again, no tall order for your average Food Network fan.
The service is really great. Very pleasant, attentive without being invasive, and while the look of the place is definitely east side chic, it doesn't feel like you're eating at the Brite Spot or anything. There's some care here, and even though it's cramped, and I'm a large guy, I was still very comfortable.
This place really missed with me, as I'm willing to spend the money on great vegetarian food as long as it's actually great. Being a lifelong vegetarian I always get excited when something like this enters my life, but as others have said, if this style of cooking didn't work in New York in the 80s and 90s, what makes anyone think it will work here?
I think about Elf Cafe's Gorgonzola macaroni and cheese more than anyone should. I kind of want it right now. I really, actually told everyone I knew to try this place out after I ate there--and it's not as if they were asking me for restaurant recommendations.
Also: this place is great date material. It's nice without being stuffy. The food is excellent (my date enjoyed his mushroom and feta tart) but reasonably priced, and the tab is not going to shoot up in a shocking manner because of booze since they don't serve any. And you can bring your own wine! Yay!
If your a non-meat eater- interested in a sexy, non meat friendly spot and have some libations to imbibe and a friend to break bread with- Elf is your spot!
Its good. Not cheap. Busy. and nice to have in Echo Park!
Having this so close to my home is a god-send. I'm nowhere near vegetarian, but Elf is the first vegetarian restaurant where I didn't feel like something was missing. There's something special about a place that works to show what vegetables are capable of, rather than trying to create a half-hearted replacement for meat.
The portions are huge, and the food is very thoughtfully prepared, so I've never understood any gripes about price. The wait staff has always been very friendly to me and after just a few biweekly visits, they all began to great me by name with big smiles.
My only suggestions for them would be to get nicer glassware for wine drinkers and better ventilation to cool the place down a bit. That said, I think this is a perfect example of the style of restaurant that Echo Park needs to see more of.
2 years later I still love Elf! It is always such a treat to enjoy a delicious meal here. I'm not a vegetarian or vegan but I love coming here and always leave feeling blissful, satisfied, and awaiting the next visit.
I'm no Vegitarian but I love this place! 1st time there four of us sat at the counter and had such… Read more »
The Elf salad is delicious. Its large with mixed greens, olives, avocado, cold oily green beans, cold potatoes, dill all in a light dressing. Its $11.
The water is infused with cucumbers so it has a thicker texture and a little more flavor than normal tap water. Its free.
This place rocks. Its a little light on protein but high on everything else including low key elegant vibe, greens, lentils. Has none of the holier than thou pretension that sometimes accompanies vegetarian restaurants.
After hearing amazing reviews from our friends in the silverlake area about this cute little restaurant, I've been excited to try it asap. Unfortunately, it seems as if my friends have absolutely no taste in food.
I had the mac n cheese in squash which was very heavy and overpowered by the flavor of smoked gouda. The mixed greens were alright but the vinaigrette tasted as if the ingredient list consisted of dijon mustard and nothing else. My boyfriend had the stuffed portabello which was also overpowered by smoked gouda and so over seasoned with salt Im surprised he didn't have a coronary on the way home.
The staff was great and I can handle the cramped seating if the food is good. But really?! I will never drop another $65 on a meal that makes me wish that I had just gone to Del Taco.
First, let me just say that there are too many cranky, impatient people in LA. Seems like some of them have reviewed Elf. Hey!! I get cranky too!! I understand.. I do love the food here and I am a carnivore, but not of the caveman variety. If you're totally OOGA BOOGA than maybe Elf isn't for you or maybe you just need to branch out and it will be all yours. Everything I've tasted has been undeniably inspirational. I grew up hating vegetables cos I thought they grew in a freezer box. After a meal at Elf I go home and daydream about da veg and their infinite possibilities. The chef over at Elf is a salad magician. Ahh...the splendor that is the Elf salad!!! It's DILL-icious!! I've also had the Kale salad and it's a serious plate of roughage. I don't think a heaping plate of raw kale is for everyone (especially those OOGA BOOGAS I previously mentioned). I don't know what I like more kale or the notion that I've consumed a heaping portion of kale. It makes me feel healthy even though I'll probably eat 2 donuts at midnight. It's a ritual!
So, to sum it up Elf = salad magic a la a magician way more reputable and classy than David Copperfield. My rec is to go to Elf with friends and split an appetizer, salad and a couple of entrees. Enjoy some bites! They add up and become quite satisfying!!! Oh and don't go with your boring friends... Cos this is a meal you wanna drag out and pray never ends. I think that's why the wait it so long. People DRAG THAT SHIT OUT!!! I've tried the baked feta. Yep, score!! Labneh, touchdown!! Asparagus with oyster mushrooms!! I love asparagus scented pee!! Mac n cheese when available is just nuts. If you're the guilty type, you'll definitely feel better about it if you pair it with that kale salad!!
Entrees:
The chickpea crepe with some kind a goat cheesy something is "punch the air" good!!! And my personal fave is the roasted beets and fennel with wild rice and a red wine reduction. If that dish wore clothes, I would fantasize about undressing it next to my sultry fireplace.
So, there you go. I am a fan. I'll stand outside and wait cos I know it'll be a memorable meal and besides, I like my buddies and don't mind standing around with them....and cos it's the pre-cursor to thee most precious of moments. When will we share precious moments again, Elf Cafe??? SOON!!!!!
All I can say is over friggin' priced!
$16+ for a plate of steamed vegetables? Really? Seriously? Small, cramped indoor seating and even smaller outdoor tables.
The too-cool-for-school beret wearing hipster waiter needs to learn some table manners.
The food itself tastes OK for what it is but really, do you need to go out for a plate of vegetables?
P.S. We went there for macaroni and cheese, which we'd heard was very good. They took it off the menu...What kind of restaurant takes one of its most popular items off the menu? Pathetic.
My favorite restaurant in LA. The food, ambiance, and service are all impeccable.
My favorite starter is the Avocado-Tahini Puree - it is a perfect mixture of flavors and consistencies. For salads, the Elf Salad can't be beat (if you like kale, which I do). For main courses my two favorites are the Portabella Ragout (so rich and delicious - the sauce is out of this world) and the Vegetable Torte (perfect blend of tart and savory flavors).
The ingredients are top notch and it is BYOB which I always love. The coffee is stellar to which is always a clincher for me.
I see that there are about a bajillion reviews already so I don't need to go on an on here but I'd like to add a few notes. It's been a while since I've had such a great start to finish wonderful experience - not one single issue, and that's sayin' something. (not that you can tell by my other reviews *yet* but I can be a picky lil thing!)
When we arrived we were greeted by an adorable hostess type gal who was so lovely and it seemed sincere in her want for to us to get a table very soon. Her time estimate was off for sure, but due to the fact that she was so truly kind and concerned about us, I didn't care. As mentioned below, the place is adorable with chocolate walls and candelit loveliness - I'm a sucker for lighting and they nailed it for sure.
Our food was great - as recommended by the next adorable arrival of service, our waitress. She is a waif and floats around the tiny space with the same genuine concern for everyone's well being. This alone could be an argument for vegetarianism - these people are so sweet.
We had the asparagus (holy yum), babaganoush (crap I can't spell that - you know what I mean!) and the dee-licious potatoe mushroom thing mit cheese and butter. Lately I've been off the dairy so this little infusion was at both delicious and too much, but let's be honest - I should have chosen something sans dairy since they absolutely had tons of Vegan options. And I will! Next time! For sure!
Hooray for this little piece of east coast genius in our very own little echo park. I'm already looking forward to my next visit 'cause they make some of their deserts with agave which makes them a featured destination for me. We of course had to try and got the vegan chocolate cake with agave with some berry syrup (also agave). To summarize: it's dense and salty. Salty you say? That's weird. Not at all. Sweet and Salt is just a special, special place to be...
Run don't walk.
Elf is delicious.... being a gelfling, I enjoy eating elfin. The food is fantastic, the atmosphere is quaint and cozy... good date place. The staff is mostly friendly and the service is good. I definitely suggest Elf to all of my friends or people I meet visiting the area. My only suggestion is arrive early for dinner to avoid waiting for a table (no reservations).
I love the elves at Elf. Where else could you go and feel so much like you're a part of an ubergrassroots conspiracy of conscious consumption? Service is top-notch, ambience is killer, and the food.....UHHNNN. Who knew vegetarian food could be such an aphrodisiac? This is coming from a West Texas cattle rancher's daughter. I love meat. And the meatless food here made me horny.
As a frequent visitor I've had everything on the (regular) menu. If they have a special, DO IT. I love you, comrades.
My friend was in town for business and wanted to meet for dinner someplace close to his hotel in Downtown. Being a LA Downtown virgin (I have only been there for work purposes between 9am-3pm a few times), I turned to the only person I knew who could help me in my predicament - well, Minty lady - the one and only Shauna D :) No sooner than I had PMed her my request, she flooded me with places for two vegetarians to dine near Downtown. Elf Cafe was among those and as both me and my friend like Mediterranean food, it was a logical choice. And it was a good choice too. Locating the place and then finding parking on the nearby streets was the only problem we faced!! FYI, Elf Cafe is located on the right side after you pass Alvarado driving west on Sunset. It's next to a vacant theater with an American Apparel store and a few hairdressing salons nearby. There is a laundromat and Starbucks opposite it. If you think I am overloading you with information, then feel free to proceed and drive around in circles like we did.
Moving on to place itself, it is indeed a small place about the size of an average Starbucks or Coffee Bean. Maybe that's why it is called Elf in comparison to other places. There will most probably be a wait of 15-20 minutes to get a table. We were quite hungry from all the driving and decided to eat at the bar than wait for a table. We started off with the Labneh - Goat Yogurt Cheese with Date & Kalamate Tapenade served with pita bread. The goat cheese was a bit dense unlike the mushy ones I have had before. It was the perfect foil to the date-kalamate tapenade. We wolfed it down in flash amidst all our talking and catching up! Our main course followed soon after - the Moroccan Vegetable Tagine for me and the Raw Middle Eastern Platter for my friend. The Tagine was basically a Moroccan vegetable stew over a bed of quinoa. The stew looked and somewhat tasted similar to the South Indian stew back home! The sauce accompanying it was very hot and a dash of it to the stew changed the taste completely. It was now fiery hot and we were literally sweating :O The raw food platter was also very good and my friend like it a lot especially the Flax crisps. The crisps with the hummus were a very good combination and for a second I wished they served them as a appetizer too. Accompanying our food was the Kola & Ginger Ale, a very tasty beverage and highly recommended. The ale didn't have the sharp and over fizzy taste and feel to it, like some others, thus making it a pleasure to drink. The check came out to be a bit higher than other places but then most places aren't exclusively vegetarian/vegan. And they only accept cash, no matter the size of the check. So make sure you have plenty of cash for the food and quarters for the parking meters outside :)
Super cozy. Good food. Cool people. Decent prizes. Small and cute. I love this place.
It does not get better really.
so pretentious, so expensive. Hippie food I grew up with, in an ridiculously pretentious, overly-hipster-chic atmosphere - not hollywood chic, but skinny-jeans/sunsetjunction chic. Good sized portions and good hippie food, but totally cookable-at home, if you are a good home cook. 4 waif-like waitresses for the tiniest room. Really long wait for food. Yoga-retreat-80dollar-yoga-tank-top food.
I've been holding off on the Elf review because I'm honestly terrified of what Mike will say about it. After our last meal at Elf (Saturday night), he proclaimed it his favorite restaurant in LA -- based on a lot of things: proximity, price, food, ambiance, and so on and so forth. For him, it's a total package type thing.
And, he's right. It is the total package.
FOOD:
The macaroni and cheese is divine. The tarts are amazing (the potato and blue cheese is heavenly). Mike likes the Mediterranean platter -- the hummus and babaganoush are soooo good. They start you with cinnamon almonds and olives -- yum. It's all super fresh and yummy and comforting and spot-on.
SERVICE:
Helpful, nice, welcoming. Just what a neighborhood restaurant should be.
AMBIANCE:
Somehow manages to be dark and bustling at the same time. Romantic or soothing. You don't want to leave. Tiny and cozy.
LOCATION:
It's just around the corner from Mike's place in Echo Park, which means it's almost as far as you can get from MY home in the Marina and still be in LA. And you know what? I'll truck out there anytime Mike says Elf (let's be honest -- I'm out there enough anyway).
EXTRA:
Corkage is five dollars. We've brought good bottles (from the home supply), bad bottles (one sad bottle of Two Buck Chuck, the only thing Mike had in the house), and okay bottles (from the liquor store just down the street).
It's a winner, hands down, no questions. See? That wasn't so scary.
This is my new favorite place.
The atmosphere is very warm and relaxed. Their kitchen/waitstaff seemed to constantly circulate and our waitress was very helpful.
All the food we ordered was excellent. They seem to do simple things with very good ingredients.
Neighborhood: Silver Lake
Category: Vegan
Neighborhood: Echo Park
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Wilshire Center
Category: Vegan
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Category: Indian
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Category: Vegetarian
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