
Ella Dining Room & Bar
A sophisticated downtown gem offering New American and French cuisine with a farm-to-fork ethos. Known for its elegant ambiance and iconic bone marrow...

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Ella Dining Room & Bar

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sophisticated downtown gem offering New American and French cuisine with a farm-to-fork ethos. Known for its elegant ambiance and iconic bone marrow dish.
"Ella Dining Room & Bar: where comfort food meets refined cooking in the best possible way."
Plan for Parking
Parking in the downtown area can be challenging; plan your visit accordingly to find suitable spots.
Order the Oysters
The oysters are a popular and fresh appetizer choice, especially during happy hour.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
New American, French
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bone Marrow - A Sacramento Icon
Experience the signature wood-fired bone marrow, a dish that revolutionized local dining and remains a must-try.

Vibrant Ambiance & Celebrations
Enjoy a lively atmosphere perfect for special occasions and celebrations, like New Year's Eve.

Refined New American & French Cuisine
Savor expertly crafted dishes that blend New American and French influences with seasonal ingredients.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Plan for Parking
Parking in the downtown area can be challenging; plan your visit accordingly to find suitable spots.
Order the Oysters
The oysters are a popular and fresh appetizer choice, especially during happy hour.
Communicate Allergies
Inform staff of any allergies in advance for accommodating meal preparations.
Happy Hour Buzz
Visit during happy hour for discounted oysters and craft cocktails in a lively atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
Plan for Parking
Parking in the downtown area can be challenging; plan your visit accordingly to find suitable spots.
Order the Oysters
The oysters are a popular and fresh appetizer choice, especially during happy hour.
Communicate Allergies
Inform staff of any allergies in advance for accommodating meal preparations.
Happy Hour Buzz
Visit during happy hour for discounted oysters and craft cocktails in a lively atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ella Dining Room & Bar offers a refined New American and French dining experience with a vibrant, elegant ambiance. Diners rave about standout dishes like oysters, salmon, and the signature bone marrow, often highlighting the attentive service. However, some guests have noted occasional service missteps and food inconsistencies, particularly regarding allergens and seasoning, which can detract from the overall value given the price point.
"I visited Ella's Dining Room & Bar for the first time in celebration of my sister's birthday. The atmosphere was lovely, and the servers were attentive without being intrusive. They remembered the particularities of our orders and were consistent in response to them. The chef made a citrus-free vinaigrette to accompany my salmon and brussel sprouts in accommodation of my allergy. I poured it into my brussel sprouts and had one perfect bite after another. The salmon was flawless. The bourbon ice cream was a delightful surprise that I won't soon forget."
Genesis Barrow
"What a beautiful way to celebrate my 37th birthday! We were seated in a charming, cozy spot and taken care of by an incredible team--Martin, our server of the decade, and Shane, an amazing sommelier, made the experience unforgettable. The service was seamless; everything we needed was already at the table before we even had to ask.
We were seated next to a lovely family, one of whom had previously worked there. They were celebrating her father Dane's 65th birthday and even generously shared a glass of 1990 Stags Leap with us! such a special moment of community and connection.
It was my first time in Sacramento, visiting all the way from Milwaukee, and Ella's made it an unforgettable experience. Full of warmth, love, and incredible hospitality. Highly recommend!"
Phe
"Ella’s is one of those rare spots where comfort food meets refined cooking in the best possible way. The truffle risotto is pure decadence—rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of truffle aroma. It’s luxurious without being overwhelming, and every bite is deeply satisfying.
Then there’s the fried chicken—crispy, golden, and incredibly juicy on the inside. It’s clear that a lot of care goes into the seasoning and execution; it’s easily some of the best fried chicken I’ve had anywhere.
The wine list is small, but that’s part of the charm. It’s clearly curated with intention, offering thoughtful pairings that elevate the meal without overwhelming you with choices. Every bottle feels like it has a story—and the staff is more than happy to help guide you to the perfect match.
Ella’s strikes a beautiful balance between approachable and elevated. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again."
Jessica Crumpton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include the wood-fired bone marrow, oysters, salmon, and lobster gnocchi, all celebrated for their unique flavors and quality.
Yes, Ella offers a vibrant ambiance perfect for celebrations like birthdays and New Year's Eve dinners, with attentive service to match.
Yes, the staff is known to be accommodating. Inform them of allergies or preferences, such as requesting a citrus-free vinaigrette.
The restaurant features an elegant, contemporary, and modern decor, creating a sophisticated yet warm and friendly dining environment.
While not explicitly stated, the upscale ambiance suggests smart casual attire is appropriate.
Parking in the downtown area can be a challenge. It's recommended to plan accordingly or consider ride-sharing services.
Happy hour is popular for discounted oysters and craft cocktails, offering a lively atmosphere.
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Another restaurant owned by the Selland family, Ella happily showcases the bounty of the Sacramento and Central Valley region in its New American fare. Located in the heart of downtown, the restaurant provides a unique ‘rustic luxury’ ambience that is warm and friendly and features seasonal menus by new Executive Chef Rob Lind. Current selections include the mouth-watering pan seared scallops with creamed kale, bacon lardons, porcini mushrooms, and kale chips and the juicy Ella hamburger with smoked bacon, roasted onion, choice of cheese, and parsley fries.
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If you tire from hearing about farm-to-fork, it’s only because Sacramento has so many thoughtful, talented kitchens—and Ella happens to be one of the more fitting examples. The K-Street staple is perennially packed throughout the day thanks to a lively atmosphere coupled with founder Randall Selland’s seasonally driven menu (signatures include steak tartare and fried chicken). During happy hour, the party’s in full swing when discounted oysters and craft cocktails fuel the humming dining room—there's a lot to love about this place.
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Located just two short blocks from the sprawling capitol lawn, Ella is a sophisticated power crowd stomping grounds with an ample bar and a selection of private rooms for closed-door conversation. Lunch here is classic New American, featuring several serious salads, like a cobb with a smoked gouda dressing. The Capital Plate – a porchetta sandwich with a side salad, fries, and a salted chocolate chip cookie – is a lawmaker special.
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This swank restaurant and bar near the Capitol is artfully designed and thoroughly modern. The California–French, farm-to-table cuisine changes seasonally, but typical dishes include oysters on the half shell, steak tartare, and wood-fired bone marrow and entrées like wood-fired beef tenderloin and poached or pan-roasted fish.
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Sacramento once had a reputation as a town of conservative eaters, but that’s changed, thanks in part to pioneers like Ella, which was among the first to popularize bone marrow—yep, the soft, rich substance inside a bone—here. Kelly McCown, who was then executive chef at the downtown restaurant (he’s now at Ella’s sister eatery The Kitchen), started serving the dish in 2009—with a key innovation that makes his version a Sacramento icon: Crosscut marrow bones are a classic French preparation, but McCown updated it by splitting the femurs lengthwise, letting diners more easily spoon out the sought-after prize of luscious marrow, which is roasted until caramelized in a wood-fired oven and presented in the bone on a bed of hot salt. It’s delicious, succulent, comforting and sophisticated all at once, made for spreading onto grilled bread.
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Other local favorites showcasing farm-to-fork dishes are purveyors of Californian Modern American cuisine Grange, swanky Ella’s Dining Room & Bar, and homey Mulvaney’s B&L, with a menu that changes daily to reflect the seasonal harvest at local farms. Unsurprisingly, global tastes are also easy to find in the capital of diversity-rich California: For ramen that is obsessively homemade, from the broth to the tare to the noodle, there’s Shoki Ramen; fans of Cantonese cuisine have a low-key mecca in Yue Huang Dim Sum; Ethiopian cravings can be satiated at Queen Sheba; and a fixture of the city’s thriving Vietnamese community is Quán Nem Ninh Hòa.
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For the duration of the pandemic, the Selland Group’s downtown crown jewel, Ella, is temporarily shuttered — more metaphorically than usual, that is, since the design of the airy, stylish dining room features dozens of repurposed vintage wooden shutters. There’s also a striking central bar, where inventive cocktails and mocktails and strong raw-bar offerings (seafood platter, anyone?) make Ella a popular celebration spot. The seasonal menu offers signature dishes such as the sizzling bone marrow or pan-roasted king salmon, as well as surprises with regionally themed menus.
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A popular happy hour spot, Ella Dining Room and Bar is what you might call an elegant and upscale whiskey bar, professionally staffed with bartenders who know their spirits and boasting an extensive collection of rare and unusual whiskeys. Prominently featured on one corner of the Downtown Sacramento bar, a collection of more than 30 Scotch whiskeys and 100 bourbons and other whiskeys face the entry. Sample a Kilkerran Sherry Wood, a Hakushu 18-year-old Japanese whiskey, or a 23-year-old Pappy Van Winkle.
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Owned by the familiar purveyors of The Kitchen, the Selland family runs Ella with dedication and fervor for the Central Valley farm-to-fork mentality. With 8 different unique but equally extravagant dining room options, you'll be eating and drinking in luxury no matter where you sit. Their locally concocted menu is full of New American and French-style cooking featuring entrees of seafood, steaks, and tons of small plates and appetizers spanning everything from land to sea.
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Pleasure gardens of the 18th and early 19th centuries, sometimes called tea or mead gardens, typically opened on May 1 and offered relief from summer heat. Garden dining could be as simple as a tent in the back yard of an eating place or as elaborate as a larger garden with walkways, fruit trees, and arbors. A Philadelphia tea garden of 1798 furnished “tables, benches, boxes, bowers, etc.” The “etc.” might have included colored lights, or even small rustic cabins.
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Ask any Sacramentan about their go-to romantic restaurant for an anniversary dinner, and chances are Ella will come up. This rustic luxury destination strikes the perfect balance between an elegant evening out and the comfort of eating at a good friend’s home. Choose from a line-up of delectable New American dishes like fresh oysters or wood-fired bone marrow, and pair it with a selection from the award-winning wine list or their signature cocktail.
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The Selland family has been procuring quite the repertoire of dashing dining experiences for the past 20 years. They emphasize a form to fork mentality, making use of Sacramento’s proximity to California’s agricultural region – what is commonly referred to as the Central Valley. Floor to ceiling glass windows, close proximity to all of downtown’s main attractions, and a certainly classy atmosphere make Ella’s a winner on any given night.
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Ella Dining Room & Bar is where Sacramento dresses up while also eating well. Chef Dustin Harvey helms the kitchen, turning out dishes like crispy fried half chicken with roasted garlic and housemade hot sauce, and truffle brioche rolls that could start a small cult. The space, designed with 500 salvaged Hungarian shutters and soft lighting, feels like a European bistro that took a detour through California's Central Valley.
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For a more casual experience, head downtown to Ella, where everything from the signature lavender gin and tonic to the steak tartare with garlic popovers is made from scratch with local, sustainable ingredients. In East Sacramento, Orphan Breakfast House serves a unique menu of healthily indulgent dishes that marry Latin-Asian flavors at breakfast (avocado scramble, breakfast tamales) and lunchtime (Baja shrimp wrap).
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Operated by the locally acclaimed Selland restaurant family, Ella offers Michelin-recognized fare in downtown Sacramento. French cheeseboards and Italian carbonara as well as fried half chickens and whole chilled lobster are fixtures in this sophisticated yet inviting space. Seating arrangements can flexibly host small and large groups across Ella’s different dining rooms, lounge, separate banquet and board rooms.
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A Downtown Sacramento restaurant institution and premier dining destination, Ella Dining Room & Bar serves New American, farm-to-fork cuisine for lunch, dinner and happy hour, featuring entrées of seafood, steaks and pastas, small plates, salads, fresh oysters and traditional caviar service. Ella also features an award-winning wine list as well as seasonal and classic hand-crafted cocktails at its renowned bar.
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We have several locations offering a variety of food options – from classic grill items such as fresh Angus beef burgers, beef franks and fresh salads made daily with locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients. Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream carts and pretzel stands are also stationed around the zoo. Enjoy our outdoor dining experiences with picnic tables sanitized after every use, located near the dining area.
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Ella Dining Room & Bar, located at 1131 K St, has earned its reputation as a go-to destination for refined New American and French cuisine. The restaurant's elegant and contemporary space and inviting patio create a luxurious ambiance that elevates the dining experience. Customers consistently praise the enchanting atmosphere, meticulously crafted cocktails, and, above all, the phenomenal food.
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This upscale downtown Sacramento restaurant’s menu offers creative takes on global dishes. Ella Dining Room & Bar is sure to impress with its signature handcrafted cocktails, eclectic and impressive wine list, and fresh seafood bar. Be sure to try Ella’s world-renowned “White Linen,” featuring a crisp blend of gin, elderflower, simple syrup, cucumber, and lemon served in a Collins glass.
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Light, bright and elegant Ella is an ideal restaurant for celebrating any occasion. The high ceilings, covered with reclaimed Hungarian farmhouse shutters, reflect the restaurant’s luxurious yet grounded style. Persuaded by seasonal themes, the menu changes often but guests can rely on richly flavored meats, tender seafood and house-made pastas to accompany a wide-ranging wine list.
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Located in the heart of downtown Sacramento, Ella Dining Room and Bar offers an elegant setting for enjoying modern American and French-inspired cuisine. The restaurant features a stunning interior design that adds a dash of sophistication to any dining experience. Whether you opt for a classic steak or a seasonal delicacy, Ella’s serves up food that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
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They serve a combination for French and American-styled favorites in a rather contemporary setting, that’s also charming and rustic. Regulars pour in and out all the time, and the upscale atmosphere is one that is known both far and wide. The wine list is interesting (though not as varied as The Firehouse), but their menu really takes the cake when it comes to being eclectic:
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Ella Dining Room & Bar offers an elegant and romantic culinary experience in the heart of downtown Sacramento. Their inspired menu proves their dedication to promoting local and sustainable growers, farmers, ranchers and artisans. The menu changes frequently, but may include Hog Island oysters with jalapeño-lime mignonette and beef tenderloin with thyme-roasted mushrooms.
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For over 20 years now, the Selland Family has been committed to promoting local and sustainable growers, farmers, and ranchers, and to creating fresh, honest and innovative dishes featuring the highest quality seasonal and regionally sourced ingredients at Ella and its sister restaurants, The Kitchen Restaurant, OBO’ Italian Table & Bar, and Selland’s Market Café.
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Address: 1131 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814Phone:+1 (916) 443-3772Website:elladiningroomandbar.comDetails: $$$$, American restaurant. Ella Dining Room & Bar in Sacramento is a vibrant and excellent restaurant that caters to both friends and business dinners. The staff is accommodating and provides excellent service, creating a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere.
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Chef Jamie Rathburn from Ella Dining Room + Bar in Downtown Sacramento says: “ The culinary scene in Sacramento is so based on the community and the farmers that support it, and the guests that come and dine. Food not only sustains a community, but has to give back to it. The idea of getting to be a part of that, and a big part of it, is beyond words for me.
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Ella Dining Room & Bar Address: 1131 K St., Sacramento, CA Hours: Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner: Monday through Thursday 5-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5-10 p.m. Distance from us: 1.3 miles Menu: https://elladiningroomandbar.com/menus/ Have a taste of modern American cuisine at Ella Dining Room & Bar, situated in downtown Sacramento.
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This fine establishment is one of the best restaurants in Sacramento’s downtown. Ella’s dining room is a staple restaurant in the heart of downtown Sacramento. Serving New American, farm-to-fork cuisine for lunch and dinner, featuring entrees of seafood, steaks, pastas, small plates, salads, fresh oysters, and traditional caviar service.
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If you are spending your evening at the Crest Theater and want some upscale food, then Ella Dining Room and Bar is your place. While its food comes with a hefty price tag, everything on the menu is exceptional. For the carnivores out there, order the cedar plank pork belly, which is decadent, delicious and absolutely melts in your mouth.
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Finally, the Ella Dining Room and Bar is a great spot for couples looking for a romantic dinner. This popular restaurant is located in midtown Sacramento and features a cozy atmosphere, perfect for an intimate dinner. The restaurant also offers a variety of delicious dishes, from classic Italian dishes to modern American fare.
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1131 K St. (corner of 12th and K) Sacramento, Calif. 95814www.elladiningroomandbar.com. Happy Hour M-F 3-6PM. Bar bites from $9, including Smoked Trout Croquettes and Crispy Confit Chicken Wings. $5 glasses of wine and signature cocktails from $4 to $7, including Gin and Tonic, Elderflower Gimlet and Randall's margarita.
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For a sophisticated brunch experience, Ella Dining Room & Bar is an excellent choice. This upscale restaurant in downtown Sacramento offers a refined Easter brunch menu, featuring seasonal ingredients and creative dishes. Enjoy options like Dungeness crab omelets, brioche French toast, and a variety of fresh pastries.
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Ella is a restaurant that provides a warm and welcoming ambiance, reminiscent of effortless European rustic luxury. It is an ideal location for various occasions, from business lunches to celebration dinners and everyday enjoyment. The service is gracious and refined, adding to the overall dining experience.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (474 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American- Price: $$$$- Address: 1131 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814-3904- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-rated Southern restaurants in Sacramento by diners
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World-class service comes standard at Ella Dining Room and Bar, where you’ll be seated in one of the most luxurious dining spaces in the city. A seasonal, contemporary menu serves as the stage on which expensive and elegant bottles of wine flow freely and the truly decadent ambience is the main player.
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Ella is a popular bakery in Midtown Sacramento, known for its creative and delicious offerings. Their menu features a variety of sweet and savory items, including croissants, muffins, and sandwiches. Ella's commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients sets it apart from other bakeries.
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Ella Dining Room and Bar, owned by the Selland family, offers a delightful dining experience in Sacramento. Their creative dishes blend meat and fresh veggies sourced from local markets. The restaurant's elegant yet approachable ambiance, with white tablecloths, sets the stage for a memorable meal.
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James was attentive and the entire staff made us feel special. The fresh oysters were the best I've ever had, and the clarified strawberry bourbon cocktail was incredible. As someone with celiac disease, I was thrilled with the delicious gluten-free options and knowledgeable staff.
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With floor-to-ceiling curtains and white linens, it's just the place to celebrate an anniversary, impress your date, or stage an engagement. The Michelin Plate-rated menu includes fresh Pacific seafood and is heavy on meat-based entrées. Don't even think about skipping dessert.
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A post shared by #burgerbunnie | @rachelvalley (@burgerbunnie). Located at Downtown Sacramento, enjoy a premier dining experience in Ella Dining Room and Bar. Tickle your taste buds with refined French and new American cuisine presented in a contemporary and elegant space.
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Restaurants on the Stacker fine dining in Sacramento list that I have patronized, but not blogged about, are: The Waterboy, Ella Dining Room & Bar, Grange Restaurant, Dawson’s Steakhouse, Moxie, Echo and Rig, and Morgan’s Restaurant.
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The owner has spent millions to design this place with elegance and class. The crowd appreciates the ceiling-to-floor heavy curtains with the antique wooden interior of the eatery. Monday to Friday, 3 pm to 6 pm is happy hour.
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Sacramento is known for its Farm-to-Fork dining culture, and Ella Dining Room is a premiere example of this. It’s located in the downtown area and the food, service and decor are award-winning (including a Michelin star)!
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1131 K StSacramento, CA 95814(916) 443-3772 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. When Ella opened in 2007, this elegant and refined space instantly became a hit and a favorite in downtown Sacramento.
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Ella dining room & bar is another American cuisine restaurant. But, what is really great here is the dessert menu. If you are looking for the place to have a date or just enjoy one tasty ice-cream.
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1131 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814Phone: 916-443-3772 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Ella Dining Room and Bar (@elladiningroomandbar)

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