Great recommendation from a friend. Delicious, affordable soul food, a hidden gem in Forestville Mall. All the menu items are great but the cornbread could be better. Staff is friendly, seating area is clean. Recommend the catfish & oxtails read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Oxtail, Mac & Cheese, Coll Greens - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

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The Greens Were Dry Chewy And Blaine. The Potato Salad Was Overpowered By The Pickles. The Cornbread Was Dry. The Cashier Was Rude. Customer Service Is Key Also A Lot Of These Reviews Are Written By Their Family.Members Because Their Food Is Not.That Great. 1. STAR read more

I cant tell you how good this food is I live 55 mins away And ms ella is an angel The staff is well mannered I wish ms ella come to Montgomery county read more

The fools was mostly delicious, However the cashier and the wait time is utterly ridiculous; especially with the severely nasty attitude of the cashier. She could've very well been family; this medium height, appx 5 foot 3 dark skin young lady, with a hell of a shitty attitude.‍‍ She needs to be retrained regarding customer service! When customer service is bad, the food just isn't as good. I'm begging you to please check the front line because that's where the service begins. However, there was a senior gentleman who came to me personally, and asked what was my order, and he immediately went back there and filled it himself for that, I give the restaurant 5+ stars. read more

Right now Ella Ray's Cafe is hands down my favorite local soul food spot. I have visited this establishment on several occasions and they never disappoint. If soul food is your thing check out Ella Rays Cafe. Thank me later read more

First of all,​ it is CLEAN! I don't care for the mac and cheese and the greens are a tad bit too salty. The green beans and most​ of everything else is very good. I always order the salmon cakes extra crispy! YUMMY! I do not like the cornbread it is too dry and crumbles. The good thing is they do not over season the food since some may not like heavy seasoning but it is still good. There are some days the food tastes better no idea why this is so. They do not cook the greens with meat and that works for vegetarians and is supposedly healthier minus the excessive salt. I have tried almost everything on the menu and they are doing the darn thing. Never got sick or had the bubble guts from their food. My stomach does not tolerate garbage food so this is how I know the food is awesome. This is definitely​ my go-to​ place when I want to eat out. Carry out and fast food is never an option for me. I like real food and Ella Ray's Cafe is the place to be. Can't expect perfection and they can not please everyone but they sure try to. read more

I'm going to start off with the easy part. During Covid this place is social distancing w/ the appropriate protectors up between the person that is waiting on your orders and protective barriers between customers and workers in the kitchen.A gate blocking you from the soda fountain w/ sanitizer displayed for your. Nice place with nice workers.I decided to get the 2 pork chops fried dinner. It's been a long time since I had this like years.My sides cabbage and mac & cheese also yams.I had a 30 minute or more wait just standing and waiting.I been out all day nothing to eat until ready to go in.I opened the container to eat one of the chops while in the car.It was a disappointment it was like the chop was reheated the meat was old.The more I bite the chop the tough the meat was. Then I Peel the skin or breading off of the pork chop and see the discoloration of the meat .That may been cooked over.Mac & cheese elbow macaroni w/shredded cheese,milk & egg ? Nasty no flavor all I could taste what seem like box macaroni with sprinkle cheese on it oh it was awful.Yums to much all spice (can).I know you have to do what you have to do! The cabbage was good a hint of sugar if you like that.My cornbread was good I was there on a Friday and the customer was ordering fish dinner I should have ordered fish.Hope this help It could be a hit and miss situation.But this is on purpose. read more

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Stumbled across Ella Ray's as I was leaving Forestville Mall one Saturday morning. I initially was going to order a scrapple egg and cheese sandwich but, the cashier tempted my taste buds with the delicious details of the scrapple platter and coffee. Doesn't' take much to change my mind when it comes to good tasting food...lol So, whenever you are in need of some good 'ole home cooking you must make a stop at Ella Ray's. I need to return and order lunch and/or dinner. Too many mouth watering options. read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Scrapple platter - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

Been here twice within a week. Customer service is outstanding and the atmosphere is nice and cozy. The food is very up and down. Good days produce good tasty and well seasoned foods. Bad days produce dry and bland foods. No consistency. Missing sides on some occasions. Menu doesn't reflect actual prices for some dishes. I would recommend a visit BUT don't go out of your way to eat here. read more

Ella Ray's Cafe made my day . I ordered a fish sandwich and the mac and cheese for myself and salmon cakes with greens and cabbage for my mother . Baby , let me tell you , my food was the absolute best. Mom is from Georgia , so she knows good soul food and she said those salmon cakes were the best that she has had in a long time. The service was great and the food was outstanding. I highly recommend that you stop by when you get a taste for some excellent soul food . read more

So far this small restaurant has the best tasting soul food in the area. I really like the cabbage, oxtails, catfish and yams. Yes, I have almost tried everything this past week and have not been disappointed. This food taste like food I've only had in North Carolina. read more

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Would not recommend and will not come back. The young lady taking orders was very rude and set the tone for the whole experience. I would rate one star if I could. read more

Yesterday was my first day eating here . The service and food was outstanding. I purchased the rib platter and mom purchased the salmon cakes. Everything was outstanding . Unfortunately we were so hungry we didnt take pictures . I am back today for breakfast . I will take pictures this time. Stay tune for my next review read more

The food is wonderful... easily the best soul food,outside of homemade, I've had hands down.

Really good food & service . Bbq sauce was on point so delicious . Customer service was nice and sociable . There was a little wait for the food but that's expected when the food is really fresh . read more

EllaRay's Cafe - 4 fried wings (requested to be smothered in bbq sauce) macaroni & sweet potatoes. - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

RUN RUN, Service terrible looked on the menu. false advertising and did not even honor it. I ordered liver and onions to say tuff is an understatement. memo to a chef beef liver is not tuff calf liver is tuff. customer service sucks nothing but attitudes. the menu stated that rice came with order well Mr. Ray said no it does not I took menu with me the coward did not even come out saying he left. I clearly saw him and heard his voice from the back. Do not support Integrity means a lot and Ella Rays has none no professionalism at all. RUN RUN RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

I went back to this location a week later, wanting to give it another try because I really wanted to like it. This time instead of going RIGHT AT OPENING, I went in the evening. Not bad at all! I think the first time the food was leftover from the day before (not going to lie this is a big possibility). In any event, I was not disappointed. I got the spare ribs, cabbage, Mac and cheese, and catfish (not pictured). That catfish was GOLDEN brown! I should have taken a picture, it was SO good. Mac & cheese was tasty and cheesy. Ribs had a lot of meat on them and were large in size. Cabbage was ok but had absolutely no seasoning. I'm beginning to think they don't season their food but you can always add salt, so, no problem. Cornbread was a little dry and screams "help," it needs more sugar. But nothing a good slap of buttah can't fix. Not bad at all, you just have to add seasoning to your food. - My updated and honest review! read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Ox Oxtail platter - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

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My husband and I had the pleasure to dine at Ella Ray's Cafe on today. I was taken back by the taste of southern country soul food with great courtesy and hospitality shown by the owner, Mrs. Ella. The service granted was of 5-star rating as well, as the food and atmosphere. Then to top off great dining, come to find out that Mrs. Ella is my homegirl...a native of North Carolina but from Kinston. Her treatment of customers demonstrated old school Southern style and it can't get no better than that! Loved the service, food and atmosphere... with such a warm welcome while dining. I recommend to the public...ELLA RAY'S CAFE in Forestville Mall Shopping Centre on Donnell Drive. read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

Flavorless no seasoning on anything and feathers on wings! Greens bland. Mac and cheese looks good but no flavor. Chicken is okay still more seasoning needed. Cornbread crumbly and dry. The only thing that passed my taste test was the potato salad to which I give three stars. A lot of customers ordered breakfast while I was there maybe that's where the flavor is. Price is reasonable and portions are nice.... great concept... need more flavor please! Do not be fooled by the high ratings.:: owners need to re-evaluate flavor/seasoning of food! If they were cooking for Geriatric patients then it would be acceptable! read more

EllaRay's Cafe - No flavor and feathers still on wings. Would not recommend. While people seem to order breakfast menu items, maybe they taste better - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

Food in past has been fantastic, but now they have obviously decided to add SPICY PEPPERS into the vegetables in which I'm allergic too, also any platter that you purchase that has rice and gravy , they put more gravy than rice. Food is great but portions aren't for price. read more

So....this Southern Style Cafe is located inside of Forestville Mall. The atmosphere was just okay. It's is appropriately called a Cafe. Not to big and to small. It is clean. I ordered the pork chop dinner with collard greens and rice and gravy. The pork chops were cooked pretty, not dry, seasoned okay, but could have been a little more tender. The sides were okay. My husband ordered the bbq ribs w/Mac and cheese and yams. The ribs were cold. We had to reheat them. The Mac and cheese was cooked too long. The corn bread was too dry for me. My thoughts on my meal is that it was not nasty but edible. If you like southern food, I would say give a try for yourself. read more

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I really wanted to love this place because the owner and employees were great but I think they could have done a few things differently. Pros: Pricing was very fair, lots of drink selections and convenient location (next to 5 below). Cons: The fried chicken platter was very dry, it could have used 5 minutes less in the fryer. The catfish platter was a huge salt bomb! I was so excited to dive into this but after a bite, I couldn't bring myself to take anymore. The [catfish] batter was very wet that it didn't leave a nice crunch to the exterior of the fish .... plus, it was drenched in oil. Sides: The mac n' cheese needed so much more cheese and a dash of salt, the green beans were fine and piping hot but our favorite was the cabbage. I don't think I'd come back because of these flaws and the wait time for our food to arrive. read more

I went to Ella Ray's today cause I had the test for Smothered Pork Chops and that's just what I ordered. Upon getting my food, the cashier repeated my order as she was putting it in the bag! When she got to the pork chop, she said let me show you this and boy did it look good. Get home to eat it and the pork chop was so tough, I couldn't even cut it with a knife.. I was so disappointed. Ella Ray's you gotta do better!!! Money wasted; as I got not ate the two sides read more

Food needs a unique spice note. All the fried food has a bland taste but cooked perfectly. The catfish didn't have a twang almost tasted like whitning. With limited options in Upper Malboro hopefully they will create a unique flavor to bring people in the door. read more

SOUL FOOD. Catfish, greens, cornbread, mac n cheese is my go to plate at this place. The food is delicious and seasoned to my liking. This is definitely one of the food gems in the area. read more

The food and the people make this spot number 1. Visited on a Thursday evening and had the pleasure of meeting and getting recommendations from Ella and Ray. Everything they recommend (which was just about the entire menu) was amazing. Since we ordered multiple meals we had a lot to enjoy. The greens, green beans, and cabbage all fantastic. With my Georgia roots, I'm real funny about Mac and cheese but this was legit. The candied yams were on point. The fried fish and meatloaf did not disappoint. To top it off, that sweet potato pie was wow! Please understand that I cook all of these items so it takes a lot to impress me and I was impressed. Thank you for a wonderful meal that I didn't have to cook. I'll definitely be a repeat customer. read more

Overall good food. Spot was crowded so it took a minute for the food (call in order). Catfish meal was great. Sides on point (mac n cheese, yams). Fried chicken meal was pretty good. Again sides were great (cabbage, yams). Chicken was good but not as great as that catfish. We also got peach cobbler and sweet potato pie. These put everything over the top. Both were top notch. My family has fantastic recipes for both so to come here and get these and have it taste like home is special. Again overall great experience. read more

Very convenient location; located in the mall; a little pricey; big draw back is that you can't see the food you are ordering before you order. I ordered the Turkey wings, collard greens and rice with gravy and sweet potato pie I wasn't a fan of the turkey wings (too tough; undercooked) the rice (overcooked; too hard) Collards great- bitter and sweet tasting The pie was tasty but too small a slice for $4.00 also it was too stringy Overall restaurant does have potential; I recommend working on ways to improve the turkey wings, rice and sweet potato pies. If possible perhaps have the food in front so that customers can see what they are ordering. read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

We were looking for a different lunch place and decided to try Ella Ray's. I had the Fried Chicken. It is fried to order, so be prepared to wait for a few minutes. To go along with it, I chose the green beans and mac and cheese. The green beans were great but the mac and cheese was a bit dry. The accompanying cornbread was also dry. read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

I really wish I could give this place a good review. However, I ordered a chitlin dinner and the chitlins were HORRIBLE. Unfortunately, they appeared to dump a bag of Aunt Bessie's Chitterlings into a pot without inspecting them or removing the membrane, which rendered uneatable. Also, the collard greens appear to have been from a can. Again, HORRIBLE. On a better note, the mac and cheese was very good. Hopefully, this honest feedback will be used as an opportunity for improvement. read more

What a treasure in this part of town!First off it is clean,clean,clean!!The staff always has a smile,the portions are perfect the prices are affordable and the food is amazing! My mother lives in district heights and it's literally no where clean enough to eat besides chick fila so to find this gem is a blessing!! read more

I stumbled upon Ella Ray's and was ushered to come in and try the food. I must say that I do not regret stepping foot into this establishment! The service was great...greeted with a smile and suggestions from the cashier. I ordered the veggie plate with Mac & Cheese, collards and cabbage. I also tasted the fried whiting. It was all delicious. I had been looking for a go-to soul food restaurant, and I found it! The kitchen is visible from the waiting area (that's always a good sign), I could see that all of the food was made from scratch! Note to self to try the homemade sweet potato pie that was baking in the oven right before me!! I hope that this minority business is successful. read more

I visited this restaurant on 12/29/17 just inside Forestville Mall right next to the bakery stand. I hesitated at first to buy something because although the atmosphere and ambience was good, doesn't necessarily mean that the food will be. I openly said out while waiting to see a menu how I felt, when this guy on one side of me looking at a menu handed me his menu and a woman on the other side of me just picking up her order, almost simultaneously said the food is delicious and you will be back. From this point of my review, I really don't want to say how the food was (at least what I bought) only because y'all gonna be in there making the line long, Lol. Anyways, I asked if I could sample the candied yams and they obliged. Let me tell you I'm a person big on sweet potatoes (you know, candied yams) being done right. I mean country style right. People I must admit they know what they're doing in the kitchen.. I ordered Turkey wings, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, corn bread, and of course....a large candied yams. It was ALL delicious. As if I cooked it myself. Pleasantly, deliciously surprised. You know because everybody can't cook. Ella Ray's only been opened since 11/17 but so far, so GOOD. I give them my blessings and hope that they continue to stay with the food being delicious and don't get greedy and charge the people more because...the people will come. As of this review and my first visit there, the prices are all reasonable. Many blessings to Ella Ray's and crew. Keep up the Good cooking. AND in the words of Arnold Schwazenegger.... I'll Be Back. read more

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I am not a regular but have eaten here many times. So today I called in to inquire about the oxtail platter. The reason I inquired is because out of 5 times ordering 2 of the orders wasn't tender, but my overall rating of this restaurant is based on my overall experience. Well anyway, the young lady answered and said hold on let me go taste it. She returned to the phone and told me it's a go. And baby...I haven't even put the gravy on them yet and they are the bomb. I love eating at Ellaray's, the staff is always friendly, courteous and patient. There are hardly any restaurants in this area that can offer the homemade taste of food that we so desperately seek. Well this is the place from chitterlings to ribs you would not be disappointed. read more

I was so happy to see a black owned business in the mall until I experienced the service. The litteral worse, waited 1hr plus for 6 wings and mac and cheese. It was nothing special, in fact kind of crappy. All in all the place is a shame. read more

I learned of this restaurant about a month ago, and have eaten here a few times since. The food never disappoints!!! It's flavorful, portion size is more than enough, they always get my order correct, and the staff is friendly. Only complaint is the growth in my waistline !! read more

First, I want to say the food here is amazing. It is my second time eating here and both times I have been disappointed in the service. The first time I came here and ordered my food, it wasn't until my order was ready a that I was told I could not have my complete order. I had to sit and wait another 15 minutes on top of the 15 minutes I already waited for potato salad. I went back to the restaurant because of the food and I love supporting black owned businesses. My second time at the restaurant was highly disappointing. I ordered a 6 piece fried wing and a 2 piece fried chicken meal. I had to wait 35 minutes to receive my food. When I asked the owner about the wait she informed me that they do not fry food after 5:30 (I ordered at 5:37). I told informed her that I did not know that and there were not signs to support what she was saying. She informed me that I "should" have been told when I ordered and the food was taking so long because they have to reheat/make new order and the chicken would be made to order. After a 35 minute wait we still did not get our complete order. After the 35 minute wait I was informed that there was no more potato salad again. Over the owner made no attempts to rectify the situation or try to have keep happy customers in the end. read more

EllaRay's Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Forestville, Maryland

I am a weekly Ella Ray's patron, and I just did a catering order.... So I'm extremely disappointed in the customer service received. We always get a huge order, and yes everybody gets mostly soul food, except for my son who loves their spaghetti. So when my friend was visiting from out of town, that was the first place I wanted to take her. We got over $100 in food, and of course my son's spaghetti. It was terrible, like a rancid, maybe vinegar taste. I called to speak with someone, they told me Mr. Ray wasn't there call back at 9:00, which I did, and was told he was busy. I explained that I would like to speak with someone regarding the spaghetti and that I wasn't looking for a refund, (we had thrown it away). Because it could make someone sick.. and nothing; he wasn't willing to come to the phone or return my call...... So disappointed!!! read more

We usually love this business. We always go after 4pm but today we were off and in the neighborhood. Both whiting dinners were very overcooked.Literally you can hear the fish snap apart in some areas. Very disappointed with the whiting. But cabbage was awesome as usual read more

What a pleasant surprise.... A friend brought me to this cafe a month ago. This is now one of my favorite places to eat. The customer service has been great every visit which is appreciated. I have had the fried chicken (white), turkey wings, mac n cheese, yams, and cornbread. All were pretty tasty and flavorful. I am not much of a cornbread eater so I will probably try one of the other options. read more