Best Restaurants for Groups in Johnson

Dined on Thanksgiving Day. The restaurant was doing a brisk business, but everything seemed to be well under control. Service was excellent, attentive but not intrusive, friendly and efficient. Four starter courses to choose from, and four entrees as well (including a traditional turkey & dressing option). For the starters we had the wild mushroom tart, and the pork belly on grits. The puff pastry tart was filled with roasted mushrooms and goat cheese (I think), savory and delicious. It was a larger than expect slab of pork belly, fairly lean but still unctuous, atop a large dollop of grits, with some yummy pickled cherries. Between the courses was an amuse bouche, a spoonful of Parmesan panna cotta that was as lovely as it was delicious. We both had the salmon entree, served with scalloped brussels sprouts and roasted potatoes. The generous piece of salmon had crispy smoked skin. Dessert consisted of pecan tart with buttermilk ice cream, and pumpkin tiramisu. The pecan tart was our favorite. The lobby, shared with 21c Museum Hotel, always has interesting artworks.

Ella's Thanksgiving Buffet has always been a great experience - good food; good service.

The food is outstanding, with a variety of pasta, fish and meat choices. Our table ordered ravioli, calamari and warm focaccia bread for appetizers, and they were yummy!