Anne L. Francis

Great Breakfast Spot

Want to start your family's day with a hearty breakfast but don't feel like cooking? Venture over to Ella's, a small upscale diner with a comfortable, family-friendly, neighborhood vibe.

The chefs at Ella's whip up some tasty, classic American food for breakfast, brunch, and lunch (in generous portions, too). Almost every item is made from scratch. Their fresh baked breads and pies are particularly yummy. Our breakfast favorites: their enormous cinnamon sticky buns and their daily egg specials, such as eggs scrambled with bacon, sweet onion, and feta, or an omelette with sausage, roasted red pepper and havarti cheese. Eggs are consistently cooked to perfection and meat is never greasy. All eggs come with home fries and a big homemade biscuit or two thick slices of their homemade bread. Other breakfast/brunch options include thick pancakes the size of dinner plates, and hearty slices of brandied orange French toast. Check out their online menus to see more mouth-watering offerings.

For the most relaxing atmosphere and no wait for a table, go on a weekday. On weekends, it can get a bit hectic with lines out the door and long waits for a table (tip: to avoid waiting, go early, as in before 9:30 a.m.). No matter when you go, though, once you're seated, food is ordered and served quickly by friendly and attentive servers. High chairs and boosters are available if needed, as are small toys for your kids.

Ella's is located on the corner of Presidio Ave. and California Street in Presidio Heights. It's open seven days a week, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekdays, and 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekends. Reservations are accepted for lunch but not breakfast or brunch. Due to its small size, the restaurant isn't particularly stroller friendly, but you could probably fit one next to some of the tables, depending on location. If you drive, your parking options are metered and non-metered spots in the neighborhood (challenging) or the JCC parking garage catty-corner across the street (easy).

Ella's
500 Presidio
San Francisco, CA
415-441-5669
http://www.ellassanfrancisco.com/

Stars: 4 out of 5 / Price: moderate