Insider Pages Reviews for Cafe Stella

5 Stars: Formidable! (by LaMaria)

LaMaria — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Skinny frites, a cavernous wine selection, excellent outside seating and cozy bar, Cafe Stella has it all, avec sucre on top!

1 Stars: Great Place (by Sugarman)

Sugarman — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:00:00 GMT

The place is top notch!

1 Stars: service that made me want to SCREAM. (by darbro)

darbro — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:00:00 GMT

Jebus! I've never been as insulted as I did when I brought my fiance to celebrate our engagement to this otherwise charming restaurant. It was like being spat on by a hot girl after giving her flowers.

The African American bartender did not demonstrate any offense, however, his service was "cool" and impotent and he always seemed to be bothered by us whenever we needed anything. Despite his lackluster service, we left him his obligatory 20% tip.

I complained to the maitre d' (tall, skinny, Frenchmanorexic with longish hair). I told him that I was celebrating my engagement and that the service could have been better. In his arrogance, he snipped "I don't care," and quickly pranced away, leaving my fiance and I stunned.

We are easy going diners, and do not expect too much. We've worked in restaurants ourselves, and are sympathetic to the moment to moment plights of restaurant service people. What did we do to deserve such grievous service?

So as it stands, this place gets decent reviews on YELP. No question that it displays a charming bistro facade. But take a closer look at all the one star reviews. Many of the reviews blast the arrogant service. Hope they treat you better than they treated us. :(

5 Stars: Try it, you will love! (by detmarlow)

detmarlow — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 01:00:00 GMT

I have probably been to Stella about 15 times. The food is always good, but you can never go wrong with the beet salad and the moules frites. Dip the delicious bread in the white wine sauce....yum!!

Stella is a lovely dining experience, the ambiance is great and the service is consistently pleasant. Only once did I experience a less than accommodating hostess but the odds are in their favor.

Stella is my neighborhood fav!

3 Stars: up up & away go the prices (by citypal)

citypal — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I've loved this restaurant for many many years and am so sorry to report that things are changing for the worse. The owner was there when I recently ate at the bar and he was loud and invasive to everyone. He strutted around like a rooster and commented on everything we all were doing. The wine list has gone through the roof and there is no bottle under $45. The menu is not as innovative and the prices have gone up on all the food as well. This place used to be the "go to" neighborhood spot for a quick Moule Fritte or the "special night out" for the high end elegant experience in the dining room. Now it's lost it's elegant vibe and has priced itself out of the "neighborhood hang." BoooHooo

5 Stars: Frustrating. (by wehoconcierge)

wehoconcierge — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

This place was perfect before they covered the beautiful outdoor dining area with a horrible roof. I can't dine here anymore. I thought it would be temporary but it seems here to stay. I can no longer send my guests or dine there myself because the asthetic is ruined. There I've said it. Take down the roof, s'il vous plait.

5 Stars: Don't listen to the last review! this restaurant is the best! (by rawrimeanmeow)

rawrimeanmeow — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

First of all, if you read the last review....That birthday party was my party and it was off the hook. I don't know who wrote the review but out of 20 people there, 19 of them LOVED it. The chef is one of the best, most inventive chefs in LA and if the waitress was a little overwhelmed, it is totally because we were a hectic party of 20 that the restaurant kindly took at last minute. The wine was delicious and the food was perfect, as usual. I work at a restaurant and it is always challenging when there is a big party and it's not fair for anyone who is part of the party to judge so harshly. I highly recommend cafe stella and mad props for the staff for helping me have such a great birthday!

4 Stars: A Must-go! (by Yvette D.)

Yvette D. — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:26:00 GMT

You gotta go here for fine French cuisine. It's small and crowded, but it just adds to its bistro feel. Great wine selection. Always a treat to go here. Service can be better at times. There's a long wait so make a reservation. They won't accommodate a group larger than 8, so beware. Eat at the bar so you can enjoy their wines. They change their menus regularly, so it's a treat!

2 Stars: Horrible service, mediocre food, overpriced (by zatanna)

zatanna — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Went here last night for a birthday dinner. The service was so terrible, it set the tone for the entire evening. We had one waitress for a very large party, and she was completely scattered and annoyed with us the entire time, because she obviously couldn't handle our table herself. We ordered several bottles of (expensive!) wine, and she kept hoarding them on a little table in the corner, only pouring us glasses whenever she felt like it. Finally, I went and retrieved the wine myself, and she saw me trying to pour a glass and ran over and poured it for me, basically grabbing the bottle from my hands.

The food was ok, but would have been better if it was actually hot. It took so long for everyone to get their food, it would have been smarter to have just eaten as soon as we received our plates, instead of waiting for everyone. I had the gnocchi, which was greasy and bland. Others had steaks and salmon, which they seemed to enjoy, though a handful of peoples' steaks were cooked incorrectly (probably not the fault of the chef -- our waitress was clearly inept and probably put the orders in wrong).

As soon as I set my fork down, a bus boy swooped in and took my plate and utensils, BUT I WASN'T DONE! I tried to call after him, but he pretended he couldn't hear me. Others at the table were treated similarly -- they were clearly trying to rush us out. To top it off, my friend ordered an espresso which was served with 1 sugar cube. He asked for a different sweetener and cream, and was told by the waitress, "sorry, we only have sugar." Ridiculous.

Overall: snobby atmosphere, overpriced menu items, horrible service, and not worth the trouble. Go to the Cliff's Edge down the street for a meal and ambience you can actually enjoy.

5 Stars: Viva Le France!!! thank you!! (by chic3p2)

chic3p2 — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:00:00 GMT

My friend and I went to eat here the other night and had a great meal and a great time....starting with the food, which was really exceptional...I had the steak frites and it was very tender and robust with flavor. My friend had the salmon which was as tender as a stick of warm butter. We started with a really simplistic heirloom tomato salad that was mixed with the most delicious mozzarella I have ever tasted. Our waiter Jack was really helpful in picking our wine, and here is a shocker for LA restaurants....he was funny and devoid of bitterness!! Didn't hurt that he was easy on the eyes either. The decor is really warm and welcoming....we sat outside which reminded me of being at a cafe back home in New York. It has a really great neighborhood energy that I have found to be a rarity in this city, and all these things considered, I will definitely be coming back soon.

1 Stars: Rudest Service Ever (by jsgmdfacc)

jsgmdfacc — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:00:00 GMT

One of the worst experiences ever!. Went with a long time customer and had requested a particular table. After being seated, the manager came over and said we would have to move as that table was reserved for the owner.The manager and owner were both so rude and even went so far as to suggest that we dine elsewhere...which we did...never to return.

5 Stars: great overall dining experience (by luvfood7)

luvfood7 — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I love this place. really transports you-great ambiance AND food- quite a feat these days.
steak was delicious. went back and tried the cod..also very good.
food is consistent. I usually go to ethnic hole in the walls so I will not have yet another expensive, disappointing experience, but Cafe Stella impressed me.

1 Stars: Terrible Food & Service (by pluggiep)

pluggiep — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Don't Bother... unless you like wasting your money and time... it may possibly have the worst service in the city.

1 Stars: absolutely HORRIBLE service (by missharlow)

missharlow — Fri, 30 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Possibly one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. If I could give it zero stars, I would. I'll start with the staff: WOW. Arrogant, slow, rude and RUDE. We had to flag down our waitress several times before she even made a move. The food was barely mediocre and way overpriced. For those prices you'd think you'd be getting something pretty decent. The bread they serve was old and hard and I found myself contemplating whether or not they recycle their bread?!?!? Woe is me. Our soup and entrees were cold and on top of all this, the service was incredibly slow. Our meal took almost 2 and a half hours! What a waste of time and money. Needless to say, I cannot recommend Stella to anyone, and I won't be returning.

1 Stars: Bartending Hits A New Low (by RodeoDr)

RodeoDr — Mon, 19 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Having enjoyed several dining experiences at Cafe Stella in recent years, I was shocked to find my experience in the restaurant's bar so apalling. I had the misfortune of recently sitting down at the bar run by a young american guy who must have been having a bad day, week, month, or perhaps life... long before I arrived. After my friendly request for a cocktail, the young bartender was rude and downright snotty to me, calling me words that I won't repeat here. Perhaps he'd had a fight w/his girlfriend just before work? Told that he wasn't getting the raise he wanted? Had an ingrown hair? Perhaps we'll be overly generous here and simply call it "chemistry"? God knows his ugly attitude does damage to Cafe Stella. Gotta wonder how many abused patrons actually report him and long he'll be kept around. Shame on him. This fine establishment should lose him. The sooner, the better.

1 Stars: Stella's has lost her Groove (by FoodXL)

FoodXL — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Let me start by saying that my wife and I loved cafe stella when it first opened. But unfortunately the past two times we have been there for dinner the food was simply horrible, and the prices seem to be going up. Our first course consisted of a cold mushy heirloom tomato with a teaspoon of burrata and an inedible escargot. The escargot were small and looked as if the chef had cut them in half and shoved them into cold shells and cold clarified butter. And then unfortunately our main courses came and they weren't much better. My wife's steak arrived in a scalding hot cast-iron skillet which is puzzling because I felt like we were at Chilis and had ordered smoking fajita platter...This gimmick should never be part of any French dining experience... I had the duck entree, which thankfully was not served in a skillet but was nonetheless cold and devoid of flavor. All in all, the dining experience was thoughtless and expensive($390 for 4 people) and the reason that I post this is that on top of a horrible experience, my wife awoke sick as a dog and is sure that the escargots were bad. If you want an expensive French meal that's worth the price, I would recommend you keep looking...

4 Stars: Paris in LA (by glorianaf)

glorianaf — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Cafe Stella is a breath of fresh air. Yes, there may be better food or service elsewhere but Stella has something most restaurants in LA do not: ATMOSPHERE. I am so over the ultraslick Westside eateries that bear no resemblance to a true French bistro. If you want Hollywood gloss go there, if you want an authentic experience come here. The kitchen is more than competent and the service is cordial. I have been here on several occasions and the steak au poivre (medium rare, always) never disappoints. Charming place with character...a real gem on the East side.

1 Stars: Attitude without substance (by bduck)

bduck — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

We walked in, four of us, to an empty restaurant at 9pm. "4 of us for dinner" I said to the hostess. "Do you have a reservation?" she replied. After telling her I didn't she said there "wasn't room."

JOKE

1 Stars: Beautiful setting ruined by hideously rude service mediocre food. (by chado72)

chado72 — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

An old favorite, Cafe Stella is past its prime. The authentic European feel on the lovely patio lives on, but the uninviting, indolent staff and sub-par food quality is unacceptable, especially in a neighborhood with so many superior alternatives. 45 minutes to see a server, soup served luke-warm, peppercorn steak with all the flavor and tenderness of Sizzler. Also known to be homophobic - gay men should avoid. Similar menus at Figaro on Vermont or even Taix on Sunset near Echo Park are a better choice.

2 Stars: doubt I will return (by wg78)

wg78 — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I give them a 2 star rating because I found the food very bland. For the price you spend, I honestly do not think the food should be so lacking in flavor and I need to mention NOT hot at all?just warm.
Unlike other reviews, the service was great and the staff was very nice.
I just do not think that I will return because I found the price very high for ultra average food. Nothing was terrible, just nothing to rave about either.
It is terrible because it would be great to have a nice place so close, but I will drive to better.

4 Stars: Nice scene (by chrilu)

chrilu — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 02:00:00 GMT

To the guy who said Taix is better... you gotta to be kidding dude. As to Edendale, it's not better than Stella just on a par. I really wonder what people expect. Stella is a fun scene. It's pretty, it's fun, it's busy. There are lots of beautiful people. Many smoke, so don't go if you find that offensive. You know... a 30 something year old SCENE catering to the affluent influx in Silverlake. But the nice thing about Stella, is that for a scene, the food is perfectly good and honest, not great no, I don't think the claim here is fine dining, and it has a really fun wine list, not your usual crappy stuff. A part from that it's priced like a SCENE, on the high side. The waiters are irregular, some good some bad, like you'd find in any SCENE, and that can indeed be annoying, but bad service is not a reason to trash the food even if it's a perfectly valid reason to be angry. So if you want anything more, don't go, otherwise it perfectly lives up to what it set out to be and actually does it better than most. Recommended for good food, pretty patio with nice lighting, tasteful French antiquish things on the walls, ability to smoke if that's your thing, fun wine list, people watching.

3 Stars: Great Staff and Dessert (by justvisitingla)

justvisitingla — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Service and style were great but the menu was disappointing. Friends from LA had heard a lot of great things about this place but once we got there it was okay. Maybe it was too much hype but I think the menu could use a little work.

I would go there again for the staff; but maybe just drinks and dessert.

1 Stars: nice ambience, HORRIBLE SERVICE!!!!!!!!!! (by moonshadow24)

moonshadow24 — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 02:00:00 GMT

the food is decent, and the ambience is nice and honestly its great to be able to smoke where you eat but i've NEVER EVER been so offended by a waitstaff. after our waitress brought us our food, SHE LEFT. and after about an HOUR of us sitting there with empty glasses and dirty plates, we catch a waiter as he flies by us. exhasperated, we inform him that that our waitress left us an hour ago. in the middle of informing him of what happened, he snaps at us that if "we need something , we should just ASK for it and is there ANYTHING WE NEED??" it seemed less like he had a bad night and more like their management encourages them to think they really are in europe (as opposed to being waiters in a european-themed restaruant in silverlake...)
to my shock, my gracious friends STILL tipped well at the end of the meal...oh well, i guess SOMEONE in this situation had to act with some class...

3 Stars: Skip it unless you're rich and can't taste anything. (by rufustf)

rufustf — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I can't say the food was bad (mine was an evening special, the cornish game hen), but wasn't nearly was I'd expect for the pricetag. It tasted like the basic roast chicken I make at home when I'm too tired to make it special in any way. Which is good, but all things considered entirely under-whelming. Our waiter knew nothing of the food or wine, and it took forever. If you're going to spend $100+ on dinner for two, do yourself a favor and head to either Blair's or to Cliffs Edge, for much better everything all around. The food is about the same quality as I usually get at Taix for about half the $$, better service, and generally a much friendlier atmosphere. Then again, if you'd rather oogle movie stars and trust-fund twentysomethings than get great food (at great food prices) then go right ahead. Oh yeah, the owner is an A$$HOLE, especially when drunk!

3 Stars: Great ambience (by maybell)

maybell — Sat, 12 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Went there and waited for a table that we had reserved for over an hour. The hostess was lovely and apologetic which made it okay since we got to sit in the cozy bar area while we waited. Interesting crowd, great neighborhood spot. I would suggest that the staff know a bit more about the wine list. I had trouble figuring out what to select and at those prices I didn't want to make a mistake!
I wasn't very impressed with the menu selection or the food once it finally arrived.
It was decent but not great
I would go back for the ambience though

4 Stars: take your date here! (by zzmachine213)

zzmachine213 — Fri, 11 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Girls love this restaurant! As much as I don't want to give out all my tricks, I will say that this is a great place to take a date. The great thing is that you won't sacrifice atmosphere for food! The food here is awesome and the vibe is super chill and very french. The wine is good the waiters good but some times you feel that they are stealing your game. Worth it for the food and atmosphere......points.........i'm serious .............

5 Stars: It's a great find! (by ladining)

ladining — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

The overall experience was excellent. The west side prices are certainly justified considering the high quality of food that you are getting. The patio is extremely lovely! It's an ideal place for a date but a reservation is definitely needed. Both duck breast and lamb were wonderfully done.

3 Stars: very average (by karnow)

karnow — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

nice atmosphere. the food is overpriced for the quality which is only average. not worth it. mediocre for the price.

1 Stars: AWFUL (by cynvaughn)

cynvaughn — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Really horrible service and awful food. We waited and waited and waited for everything. No one could answer our questions about the food or wine, and everything was overpriced. Don't go.
In a city with so much selection do not waste your time.

5 Stars: The best food in Silverlake (by markdeangelis)

markdeangelis — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Cafe Stella is expensive but worth it. The food is always prepared perfect AND served at the right temperature within a reasonable period of time.

I will agree with some of the reviewers that there's a little aire of snobbery but these waiters are the real deal - they're not actors wannabe's who are only serving you until their big deal comes forth. Cafe Stella waiters/waitresses KNOW the food their serving, how it's prepared, and what type of wine pairs well with it.

People that eat at the same place for 5 years and then have a single bad experience are what give CUSTOMERS a bad name. (They're probably the same people who divorce after the first fight!)

I'd recommend the Steak Au Poirve, Lobster Flan appetizer, Chocolate Creme dessert.

1 Stars: WORST RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE EVER! (by giginucci)

giginucci — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I have been going to this spot for 5+ years despite the negative reviews i have heard from others. For me, it has always been an enjoyable, neighborhood spot with great ambience and good food. As of last night, 11/18/2006, i will no longer be frequenting this spot, nor will i be reccommending it to locals and out-of-towners. i have never in my 30+ yrs of restaurant going, been treated the way i was, in the US or abroad. Had i not been there to celebrate a close friend's birthday, i would have left the establishment. 3 of 4 guests at my table ordered the steak au poivre; 2 were to be medium rare and one medium. Our food arrived and our server disappeared. Fine, used to that kinda of service from them, except for when your $30 steak is not cooked how you requested it. We flag down another server who was more than willing to accomodate us and took 2 overdone steaks back. Magically, our server re-appeared, holding the same 2 plates over our heads and telling us to come to the kitchen with him, for the bright lights, to see the color of the meat to assure us they were medium rare and not medium. we were appalled. he then went on to lecture us about how to order your steak and if we wanted it less cooked then we need to order it rare. we totally disagreed. And since when was the customer wrong? to make matters worse, our friend, who had the steak cooked medium asked him why ours looked the SAME as hers. He went on to say that hers was actually undercooked and wrong and ours were correct. And, this assessment was made by candlelight. ha! After returning to the kitchen with our controversial steaks, he walked back to let us know he threw out his back and we would be taken care of by another server. NICE. luckily, although i completely lost my appetite, it didn't ruin our evening, even though our food arrived after the others were done eating. I suppose it was just a matter of time before i would be one of many that was treated like a piece of merde.

4 Stars: Passport to Paris (by alisonkramer)

alisonkramer — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I LOVE this place. The menu changes daily, the food is authentic, delicate, and entirely French. The atmosphere is that of an intimate garded tucked away in a Paris side street - you'd never think you were just steps from the hustle and bustle of Sunset Blvd. Perfect date spot, make a reservation

4 Stars: Losing charm (by restaurantlover2)

restaurantlover2 — Tue, 30 May 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Cafe Stella was - up to a year ago - one of my favorite finds in LA.
Sadly, not anymore. The service has turned into an actor's studio (another waiter had to bring out our entrees because our server was talking up his "directoral debut" with the entertainment-connected couple next to us). The food, luckily, is still really wonderful (the halibut it divine), but because of the service and the recently overcrowded outdoor seating (only a year ago, the seating felt roomy and romantic), I'm thinking that takeout may be the best option from now on. It's always sad to see a classic fall below par. C'est la vie in LA.

5 Stars: wow (by notthattypeofgirl)

notthattypeofgirl — Sun, 09 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I went to cafe stella last night and had such a nice time....I picked this place because it seemed small and romantic...the perfect place to get to know my date and make the evening feel special. What I didn't expect was how great the food is and the service was so personal. Our waitress was sweet making sure to suggest a wine that we would enjoy not an easy task since I have little knowledge in that area. But she was spot on with her recommendation. Me and my date had a nice long meal finishing with a fromage plate. When we left we both decided this place was our new favorite.

1 Stars: boring (by nelli25)

nelli25 — Wed, 05 Oct 2005 02:00:00 GMT

This place really has the worst service. We never got our appetizers and our main courses were all wrong. The server was not helpful and it seemed as though no one cared. we will never go back again.

5 Stars: I love this little gem (by superduper10)

superduper10 — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I have been to this restaurant many times and I love everything about it. It's bustling with something so not los angeles. There are not many places that allow you the time to enjoy a meal outside even though it is small and seating can be limited there is no feeling of being pushed out. The food is great and better then ever and the wines are unusual....ask your server to suggest a wine, you can find great ones for under $40. I've always enjoyed the personal service and love the recognition I have received for being a familiar face. Now if that isn't special in this city I don't know what is....one of the most romantic spots....I am happy such a place exist.

4 Stars: Lovely, however... (by zelders)

zelders — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 02:00:00 GMT

It's true. The service was subpar. Waited 15 minutes before even getting water. The waitress was sweet, but went to get a sample of wine for my mother before taking my drink order, and man was I eager for a glass of wine. Also, when taking dessert orders, I asked what the sorbet flavors were and she said she'd check. She came back 5-10 min later asking us if we had decided on dessert, and turns out she forgot to check on the flavors. When we got the dessert, the anjou pear was not good at all and the ice cream was a strange, icy consistency.

Otherwise, the food was very good. Duck and steak were great, delicious tomato and mozzarella appetizer, amazing wine (Magnet Pinot Noir). Hot male waiters. Beautiful, romantic atmosphere took me out of LA.

I would recommend, but don't expect too much.

4 Stars: stella is hella good (by phant)

phant — Thu, 17 Mar 2005 01:00:00 GMT

cafe stella offers some of the best dining atmosphere is los angeles. tucked neatly behind the storefronts at sunset junction in silverlake, the closely situated patio dining is perfect for the euro-vibe-craving angeleno. crowded but unobnoxious at 8pm on a wednesday, my companion and i stuck to the appetizers, desserts and wines, forgoing the more expensive dinners. and neither of us felt cheated. The food was outstanding, if standard-issue, and worked quite well with the wine. the waitstaff was relaxed and friendly (fyi to you impatient eaters: service was hardly prompt) and provided very unpretensious guidance (always nice).

Escargot was exciting, cheese plate was slightly skimpy but very good, heirloom tomato salad was perhaps the highlight, and wines quality. the shortbread/lemon curd dessert is not to be missed.

In combining unbeatable ambience with un-crushing prices AND a very respectable menu, one cannot go wrong with stella.

5 Stars: Absolument merveilleux! (by halker)

halker — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Cafe Stella is now my favorite restaurant in Los Angeles, and I have been searching for a place like this for over 2 years. The food, ambiance, service, overall experience is amazing. Was raving about it for days. The Kobe steak was incredible! A wine list to be proud of and a desert menu to brag about!

I have returned 3 times within 2 weeks!

5 Stars: (by Pascal D.)

Pascal D. — Sun, 30 Jan 2005 09:37:00 GMT

Simply the best french in LA

3 Stars: Ehhhhhhhhhhhhh (by ponysea123)

ponysea123 — Fri, 17 Dec 2004 01:00:00 GMT

I want to like Cafe Stella, I really do. It's charming, it's quaint, it's a neighborhood joint. But the lackluster service, the overpriced uninspired wine list, the meat and side dishes cooked within an inch of their lives (when my steak came out medium well instead of the requested rare we were told "that's how the chef cooks it"). Too bad too, it's such a beautiful spot...........

4 Stars: Sweet and casual (by fortmeyer)

fortmeyer — Mon, 12 Jul 2004 02:00:00 GMT

The dishes are predictable, but well executed. The patio is just a delight, though. And the unrushed, Continental service easily turns dinner into a three-hour affair, which is nice in this town for a change. Not a bargain, but I'd recommend it for ambience alone.

3 Stars: Unfortunate... (by bon_petit)

bon_petit — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 01:00:00 GMT

that Stella's service was less than stellar, because the food was actually very good. We went on a Friday and it was at maximum capacity granted. We were a group of 7 and were in good spirits when we arrived, though we were made to wait 30 minutes for our table, the wine list was indeed intoxicating. My fiancee never got his entree, the waiter hadn't put his filet order in and once he did there were no filets left, nor was the steak au poivre, he ended up with nothing and we were celebrating the waiters girlfriends birthday. We ended up at J&B. I can't convince him to go back.

5 Stars: Tops - and stay out of silverlake (by officerswami)

officerswami — Fri, 18 Jul 2003 02:00:00 GMT

BEST place to dine on the east side. We like Lucques, Campanille, and Patina used to be great, but Stella rules. We live 3 blocks away - walk there. Comped wine by the staff (get to know em - very good wine list) ALWAYS good & satisfying food. Candlelight. Walk home tipsy. Yeah, your neighbors there, but they would be there as well if you were in Paris. We've eaten there 50+ times in 6 years and have NEVER had a bad food or service experience. Waiters are great. Menu is upscale bistro - nothing fancy. The tomato soup might be the best special we have ever ordered anywhere. Also good in the hood - Pho 87, wonder bakery egg custards, sashimi combo @sushi gen, Rambutan and Simply thai, Backdoor for breakfast, Ocean Seafood Dim Sum (if you wont drive to rosemead), Marios deli Glendale.

5 Stars: Yum (by trixiefaux)

trixiefaux — Sat, 31 May 2003 02:00:00 GMT

After reading all of the replies here I was expecting to be kept waiting, which I wouldn't have minded considering I was out with my boyfriend for a romantic evening. However, we were not kept waiting for anything at any time. The service was excellent and it was a busy Friday night. We had an 8pm reservation and chose to sit outside. Our waiter was as charming as can be, joking with us in his suave French accent. We ordered the ahi tartar appetizer, filet mignon and a chicken wrapped in shrimp special, and, of course, red wine. Everything was absolutely delicious. I think this is my new favorite restaurant. You can't beat the atmoshpere. It's just a romantic and lovely place.

3 Stars: Stellaaaaaaahhhhh (by beaglelee)

beaglelee — Fri, 28 Feb 2003 01:00:00 GMT

Okay I read some of the other reviews thinking people were being high maintainace but I have to say the service was SLOW here I swear we went on like a tuesday night or something there was maybe one other couple in the place and we still got our food at a snails pace....I mean I know the french enjoy their food more...but pahleese could we atleast get some food to enjoy first...augh

4 Stars: France on Sunset (by GymHound)

GymHound — Thu, 27 Feb 2003 01:00:00 GMT

The food is fantastic. This is a great place to bring a date. Get cozy with the table next to you. I love coming here. It's a fantastic treat.

5 Stars: I Never Liked France But I Love Stella. (by arcosdesign)

arcosdesign — Sat, 22 Feb 2003 01:00:00 GMT

Cafe Stella, no matter how popular it becomes, serves up a lot in terms of atmosphere, food and service. I had dinner there with my best friend the very first opening week (a lonnng time ago) and it was really wonderful. They were still ironing things out but the chef came out to greet us and thank us for our business and brought out complimentary creme brulee. We had a great conversation with him (he's hilarious!) He was funny and very welcoming. I felt as if I was eating at a secret outdoor little restaurant in a tucked away Parisian street. Steak is melt in your mouth delicious. I've been back many, many times and always leave feeling like I've experienced something very special.

5 Stars: Great Place for a date! (by gcribb)

gcribb — Mon, 10 Feb 2003 01:00:00 GMT

The atmosphere is very romantic; the wine list is pricey but excellent. The service was really friendly but somewhat slow which actually makes for a more romantic evening. The starters were excellent and the main course delicious. Take my word for it you have to leave room for the dessert. The chocolate mouse thing is pure heaven. I will eat here again, very soon.

5 Stars: Great experience (by johnflanagan)

johnflanagan — Wed, 27 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

i have never found the service to be sub par, even when busy. the new addition of a small wine tasting bar is wonderful. always romantic and the food has always been fantastic. try the french onion soup for starters. the steak au poiuvre (sp?) is fantastic. a good wine from the chateauneuf(sp) du pape region on the wine list will complement the meal beautifully. the waiters can be curt, but that doesn't imply rudeness. i've been there more than a few times and have never been disappointed.

5 Stars: It's a beautiful thing.... (by h0tb0y)

h0tb0y — Tue, 19 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

Quiet Euro ambience, delicious food, friendly/not annoying waiters. A little hard to find, so keep your eyes peeled.
The lamb chops were brilliant!

5 Stars: eastside charm, it exists (by filmrookie)

filmrookie — Mon, 07 Oct 2002 02:00:00 GMT

I've eaten everywhere in LA; from highbrow to lowbrow; and Stella gets top nods for disarming and attentive service without being overbearing and one of the best steaks on the eastside. Make a reservation or don't bother trying to find a seat!

4 Stars: Delightful, but Don't Be in a Hurry (by taradelis_citysearch)

taradelis_citysearch — Fri, 20 Sep 2002 02:00:00 GMT

First, and let's be perfectly clear about this, the service can be chaotic and disorganized. Don't go hungry and don't go expecting stellar service, though some waiters are better than others. Timothy, for instance, is very nice.

The best way to enjoy Stella is to be in good company, drinking good wine--be with the person you could be happy talking to while possibly waiting over an hour just for your appetizers. Just relax and enjoy the ambiance--the courtyard is quite charming.

I'd give the food a solid B. Especially recommended is the pecan encrusted goat cheese salad with fresh pears--very tasty. Stay away from green pea side--they're cold and hard. The steaks are delicious and the wine list is extensive.

Bon Appetit!

5 Stars: Just Delicious (by chdunagan)

chdunagan — Wed, 04 Sep 2002 02:00:00 GMT

My goodness. The food is delicious and I didn't have any problems with the service. Just go. You won't be disappointed. It's small and inviting and warm and has a great atmosphere.

5 Stars: french, definately french. (by kento)

kento — Mon, 08 Jul 2002 02:00:00 GMT

ok, ok, yes the tables are stacked on top on one another and the service can be wanting but the food is divine and the atmosphere intoxicating. it all adds up to a decidedly un-la experience that can only be described as "french". if that's what you're looking for, give it a try, otherwise stay at patina.

3 Stars: Did I miss something? (by sinter)

sinter — Tue, 11 Jun 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Like perhaps, the restaurant? What the cripes is everyone talking about? The tables are cramped and on top of one another which might be why the service was so bad. It seemed like the waiter was too inconvenienced to even make there way over to our corner. We might as well have eaten WITH the couple at the next table. The food was overall "OK", with one "good" dish, one "bland" dish and one "OK" dish. But when you match them up to the prices, you really have to ask yourself, "What am I paying for?"

5 Stars: Stellaaaa!!! (by dawnmariesmith)

dawnmariesmith — Thu, 06 Jun 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Such a wonderful little place in LA....eat inside if you can't handle the smoking ... but the food is amazing as is the service!

5 Stars: Stellar Stella! (by Flip)

Flip — Mon, 20 May 2002 02:00:00 GMT

We live in Silverlake and we eat, play, & party here. There simply are too few great places to eat like Stella in this n'hood. The food is top notch, the ambience (although it's a bit small, loud) is nice and the staff is professional, courteous and attentive. The filet mignon is out of this world and the wine list will meet your needs without denting your wallet too bad. Look, this isn't b-hills. Those who knock Stella must live in areas where they have too many better places to eat. Go try Stella...maybe they'll have to expand to meet the demand!