When I heard that there was an amazing pizza spot in Chinatown that served gluten-free pizza, I knew I had to check it out. After seeing all of Ella’s Wood Fired Pizza’s unique flavor combinations, I was sold. Ella’s is a must visit for any gluten-free pizza lover…
Owner and Chef Ed Hanson opened Ella’s after making a name for himself on the DC food scene. He named the restaurant after his daughter and wanted to make Neapolitan-influenced, contemporary Italian dishes. This contemporary Italian theme dominates the menu with pizzas such as the Pizza Di Mare, which features shrimp and pesto, as well as the Melanzane Pizza, with goat cheese, eggplant, and roasted yellow peppers.
Although Ella’s is known for its pizza, I highly recommend ordering the Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto to start. The risotto is creamy, and the butternut squash adds a unique fall twist. The Baby Kale Salad and Oven Roasted Portobello Mushroom Salad are other gluten-free appetizers that taste amazing as well!
In terms of entrees, Ella’s does not offer gluten free-pasta or calzones. No need to fear; every pizza (expect the Polpotini Pizza) can be made gluten-free! All pizza toppings besides the Ella’s meatballs are gluten-free too! I highly recommend the Soppressata Pizza or the Margarita Pizza with gluten-free crust. The Soppressata features parmesan, sweet Italian sausage, and roasted red peppers, and it is absolutely delicious! The Margarita pizza tastes extremely fresh with its fresh buffalo mozzarella and basil. The tomato sauce on both pizzas is also exceptional, and something my friend cannot stop talking about! For dessert Ella’s has two gluten-free offerings: the Homemade Ice Cream and the Double Chocolate Pudding. The Chocolate Pudding is sure to please any chocolate lover, and the Homemade Ice Cream is surprising with its mango and white chocolate raspberry flavors.
Ella’s also serves brunch with a variety of gluten-free options. I cannot wait to go back to Ella’s and try the Breakfast Pizza and Creamy Polenta. Ella’s is by far a must visit for any gluten-free pizza lover who is looking for unique pizza toppings with a contemporary Italian feel.