About Elle
Honoring all that is maternal, womanly, and goddess-like through exceptional Mediterranean cuisine in our Bohemian sanctuary.
The Elle Story
~ Where "Her" Essence Lives ~
Elle means 'her' in French. We created this space to pay homage to all that is maternal, womanly and goddess-like in each of our lives, past present and future.
When restaurateurs Jay Leitson and Izzy Schachner opened Elle in December 2021, they brought more than just another restaurant to Solon—they created a sanctuary. Named "Elle" meaning "her" in French, this sophisticated dining destination was conceived as a tribute to the powerful feminine influences that have shaped their lives and careers.
The Visionaries
~ Seasoned Restaurateurs with a Dream ~
Jay Leitson
Co-owner of Elle Restaurant & Lounge, Jay brings decades of hospitality expertise to Solon. Along with partner Izzy Schachner, he also owns 56 Kitchen and Birdigo restaurants, establishing a reputation for creating memorable dining experiences throughout the Cleveland area.
Izzy Schachner
Co-owner and visionary, Izzy Schachner has been instrumental in transforming Solon's dining landscape. His commitment to excellence and attention to detail have made Elle a rare dining gem, bringing sophisticated cuisine to Cleveland's eastern suburbs.
Bohemian Chic Design
~ Lush Fabrics & Sparkly Chandeliers ~
Step into Elle's eclectic, bohemian and inviting dining room and bar, where lush fabrics meet sparkly chandeliers and handsome furniture creates an atmosphere both sophisticated and welcoming. The former Harvest restaurant space has been completely reimagined into a sanctuary that celebrates artistic freedom and culinary excellence.
Every detail has been carefully curated to create a space that feels both intimate and grand—perfect for romantic dinners, celebrations with friends, or quiet evenings at the bar. The 100-person interior flows seamlessly to a charming 30-40 seat side patio, extending the bohemian atmosphere into the Solon evening air.
Our Culinary Philosophy
~ Made From Scratch With Love ~
Our award-winning kitchen operates on a simple but profound principle: everything is made from scratch with love. Our talented culinary team creates Mediterranean-inspired cuisine featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients, prepared with techniques that honor traditional Italian foundations while embracing modern creativity.
From our signature wood-fired dishes to delicate seafood preparations, each plate tells a story of culinary passion and artistic expression. Our menu changes seasonally to showcase the best available ingredients, ensuring that every visit to Elle offers something new to discover.
We believe in the power of fresh ingredients to transform a simple meal into an extraordinary experience. Every dish reflects our commitment to excellence and our love for the culinary arts.
Our Journey
~ From Vision to Reality ~
December 2021
The Beginning
Elle Restaurant & Lounge opened its doors on December 21, 2021, transforming the former Harvest restaurant space into a sophisticated French-Italian concept. Located at 33730 Bainbridge Road in Solon, Elle immediately began making its mark on Cleveland's eastern suburbs dining scene.
Early Success
Building Reputation
Elle quickly gained recognition for its elevated approach to Mediterranean cuisine. Our kitchen's commitment to fresh, made-from-scratch cooking and innovative techniques began attracting attention from local food critics and diners alike, establishing Elle as a culinary destination.
Critical Acclaim
Recognition & Growth
Elle began earning praise from Cleveland Scene, Cleveland Jewish News, and other local publications. Described as "on its way to becoming the rare dining gem in Solon," the restaurant established itself as a sophisticated option in a suburb typically lacking upscale dining choices.
Continued Excellence
Present Day
Today, our exceptional culinary team continues creating amazing dishes while honoring Elle's founding principles. The restaurant continues to evolve while maintaining its core mission: to provide exceptional Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in an atmosphere that celebrates the feminine divine.
Experience Elle Today
Join us in our Bohemian sanctuary where every detail honors the feminine essence and every dish is prepared from scratch with love. Located in the heart of Solon, we're ready to welcome you to the Elle experience.