Ella Funt -
Ella Funt takes a classic French style and elevates it with expertly crafted food that leaves you feeling perfectly satisfied and excited to return.
Stepping into Ella Funt was an experience of its own. Unlike some restaurants in the East Village area, Ella Funt welcomes you to a gallery-worthy art collection that makes you feel incredibly important for a few minutes. Even though it brings a unique style to the Village, it still feels like it fits in the neighborhood and like it’s been there forever.
Ella Funt’s menu starts very strongly with its appetizers that perfectly balance sweet and savory. I specifically want to highlight the melon wrapped in salumi. Every bite I had gave my taste buds an explosion of flavors. The Gem Lettuce salad was also excellent in its simplicity and taste.
As for mains, you cannot go wrong. The cod was cooked to perfection and had a bit of a kick to it, which was an interesting choice but a good one. The grilled chicken was tender and juicy, and the yogurt sauce with salsa verde and sumac onions added intense flavor! I had never experienced the flavor and texture combinations that this dish provided, and it left me wanting to experience it again. The last main that I want to highlight is my favorite, and that is the burger. The ratio of burger to bun was perfect, the wagyu beef was perfectly cooked, and the aged cheddar was melted to perfection. I know it is very hard to mess up a burger, but I would argue that it is just as difficult to elevate a burger, and Ella Funt does just that.
When discussing prices, this restaurant is a hidden gem in NYC. Not only are the prices reasonable, with appetizers ranging from $8 to $18 and mains from $21 to $29, but you also don’t lose out in the quality department. Having that balance is refreshing to see in Manhattan.
If I had any disappointments with my experience at Ella Funt, it would have to be with their desserts. French desserts are some of my favorite to indulge in, and while the chocolate mousse was good, it wasn’t anything memorable. I did appreciate the touch of sea salt and olive oil, but overall, I felt that it left a lot on the table.
To make the most out of this place, treat it like an excursion into a world of art, and bring a friend who is open to exploring unique, unexpected flavor combinations on some of their favorite foods. I would argue that the experience you get alone is compelling enough to enjoy a night out at Ella Funt.
Service: 7/10
Food: 9/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
