ELLA, a new American bistro led by Executive Chef Kyle Farr and Beverage Director and General Manager Julian Shaffer, will open June 17 at 7949 Walnut Hill Lane in Preston Hollow Village.
The 63-seat restaurant, located in the former Chido Taco Lounge space, combines modern comfort food, standout cocktails and warm hospitality in an intimate setting designed to feel refined yet approachable.
The concept comes from local restaurateur Blaine McGowan, who envisioned ELLA as a space “where exceptional food, drinks and service converge.” His goal: to create a standout dining experience for the neighborhood.
A MICHELIN-Honored Bar Program
At the helm of ELLA’s beverage program is Shaffer, the first-ever recipient of the MICHELIN Guide Texas Exceptional Cocktails Award. His inventive approach, developed during his tenure as bar manager at Rye, now shapes the guest experience at ELLA and at Customs, the upstairs speakeasy that will remain open and focus on craft cocktails using premium Mexican spirits.
Signature drinks include:
- Chocolate raspberries, with brandy, raspberry and cocoa butter
- Poached pear, with brandy, Riesling, miso brown butter and pear
- Salsa verde ranch water, with tequila, mezcal, tomatillo and citrus
- Summer daiquiri, with Charanda, watermelon and mint
- Shiso gin and tonic, with gin, shiso, Szechuan peppercorn and tonic
Elevated Comfort Food by Chef Kyle Farr
In the kitchen, chef Farr brings an equally thoughtful approach. His background includes leadership roles at MICHELIN-recognized Sachet and Bishop Arts favorite Boulevardier. At ELLA, Farr combines technical mastery with a bold, thoughtful, flavor-forward approach.
His opening menu features elevated takes on comforting classics, including:
- Shrimp and masa dumplings with roasted peppers and charred broccolini
- Steak tartare with tenderloin, Dijon and cured egg yolk
- Pork cheeks with orange jus, roasted carrots and sunchokes
- Bolognese with house-made pappardelle
- Short rib braised in red wine with smoked sweet potato
- Salmon with beet purée, chickpeas and parsnips
A Space Designed to Welcome
The 2,500-square-foot restaurant blends polished style with neighborhood charm. Guests enter through a romantically lit patio into an interior marked by earthy green paneled walls, dramatic 12-foot globe chandeliers, and a rosy red tiled bar. Cozy booths and modern design details complete the space.
A discreet staircase behind drapery leads to Customs, which will continue to serve cocktails with a focus on premium Mexican spirits crafted by bartender Jairo Castillo.
Building a New Destination in Dallas
For McGowan, the vision is clear. “We wanted to bring something to the neighborhood that wasn’t there,” he said in an official statement. “Our focus is on people — both our team and our guests. We’re building a place where you want to come back again and again.”
ELLA will open for dinner service Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. Lunch and weekend brunch will follow in the coming months.
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