Ella Dining Room & Bar

Sacramento, CA

Ella Dining Room & Bar sits in the heart of Downtown Sacramento and stands as one of the crown jewels of the Selland Hospitality Group. For more than 30 years, the Selland family, led by founders Randall Selland and Nancy Zimmer, has helped shape Sacramento’s reputation as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital.” Ella is known for its New American cuisine, and its interior, designed by a Belgian design team, features vintage wooden shutters as striking ceiling accents alongside flowing white draperies, reflecting the same care and local focus found in its menu.

The Sustainability Print:

Ella remains a leader in transparent sourcing. The Selland family was among the first in the Sacramento region to build their business on direct relationships with local growers, a practice that is now standard across the city. Their commitment goes beyond the kitchen, with ongoing efforts to reduce waste and support local food security and community programs.

A Study in Sourcing: The Breadbasket’s Best

The menu at Ella is a seasonal map of the Central Valley, often featuring ingredients sourced just days or hours before service.

The “Selland Circle”:

Ella prioritizes the highest-quality seasonal and regionally sourced ingredients, supporting a network of sustainable growers, farmers, and ranchers that the family has cultivated for over three decades.

Seafood Stewardship:

Their raw bar features fresh oysters and traditional caviar service, often sourced from local icons like Tsar Nicoulai, a sustainably operated sturgeon farm located just south of Sacramento.

Heritage Grains & Pasture-Raised Meats:

From pan-roasted duck breast to braised short ribs, the kitchen emphasizes sustainably raised proteins that highlight the valley’s agricultural heritage.

Market-to-Glass Bar:

The beverage program is an extension of the kitchen’s philosophy, featuring fresh, market-driven ingredients for handcrafted cocktails and a wine list spotlighting California vintners.

Insights

Ella is a prime example of “Heritage Hospitality.” While its sister restaurant, The Kitchen, holds a Michelin Star for its distinctive chef’s table experience, Ella is where the family’s connection to the land comes through in every dish. It’s an elegant, approachable space where fine dining and farm-fresh sourcing meet, and a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the “Breadbasket of the World” at its best.

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