Elena
GO HERE: for the pizzeria, backyard terrasse, basement coffee shop, all-purpose hangout of our dreams. Nora Gray co-owners Emma Cardarelli, who helms the kitchen, and Ryan Gray, who heads the wine program, transformed this long-vacant building into Elena, a natural wine and pizza heaven.
ORDER THE: homemade pastas, veg-forward plates, and pizza (duh), which comes out of the wood-fired oven charred and bubbling with a crust that’s somehow soft and crisp at the same time. Cardarelli and Gray place an emphasis on using products from local farms and natural techniques, meaning the pizza dough is naturally leavened (which gives it that subtle tang) and made from Quebec wheat. Gray’s wine list highlights mostly natural wines from small Italian producers and, though there are only a couple of wines offered by the glass, the staff will pour you a taste from whatever magnums are open.
THE VIBE IS: sophisticated and modern, with playful pops of color from the lavender and burnt sienna banquettes. It’s the kind of chic affordable spot you desperately wish was in your neighborhood.
PRACTICAL STUFF: Open every day 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The restaurant fills up quickly, so reservations are recommended Thursday through Saturday via Resy.
—Claire Saffitz
