A Memorable Culinary Journey at Stella’s Greek Cuisine From the moment we stepped into Stella’s, we were transported to the heart of Greece. Nestled in the heart of Sarasota, Florida, this gem of a restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience that combines exceptional food, impeccable service, and a captivating ambiance. Food: 5/5 The culinary delights at Stella’s are nothing short of spectacular. Every dish we sampled was a testament to the chef’s mastery and dedication to authentic Greek cuisine. The moussaka was a highlight, boasting layers of perfectly spiced meat and creamy béchamel that melted in the mouth. The grilled octopus was tender and flavorful, complemented by a zesty lemon and herb dressing. Their spanakopita, with its flaky pastry and savory spinach filling, was simply divine. The standout dish, however, was the Chicken Lemonato. The chicken was perfectly cooked, tender, and infused with a delightful lemony flavor that was both refreshing and comforting. To top it all off, the baklava was a sweet symphony of honey and nuts, providing a perfect ending to our meal. Service: 5/5 The service at Stella’s is truly commendable. From the warm welcome at the door to the attentive waitstaff, every aspect of our dining experience was marked by professionalism and genuine hospitality. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu, offering excellent recommendations and ensuring our glasses were never empty. The pace of the meal was perfectly timed, allowing us to savor each course without feeling rushed. Ambiance: 5/5 The ambiance at Stella’s is both charming and inviting. The décor beautifully blends traditional Greek elements with modern touches, creating a space that is both elegant and cozy. Soft lighting, tasteful music, and comfortable seating set the stage for a relaxing and enjoyable dining experience. The outdoor patio, adorned with twinkling lights and lush greenery, is perfect for a romantic evening or a lively gathering with friends. In conclusion, Stella’s is a standout among Greek restaurants, offering a dining experience that delights all the senses. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Greek cuisine or new to its flavors, this restaurant promises a memorable journey that will leave you eager to return. Highly recommended for...
Read more—Authentic and unique— I’ve been coming here frequently to dine in the evening . Stella’s is the most interesting place I’ve ever dinned in Florida. This is better than going to the Greek restaurants in Tarpon Springs. I was in Tarpon Springs just last a month ago, and after I finished, I could not help but feel the comparison. My conclusions are that Stella’s is authentic Greek food in an authentic Greek atmosphere. Moreover, this place is unique! It’s authentic because the owner came out of retirement to cook because she enjoys cooking. They told me they carefully select the food to ensure quality. More importantly, this restaurant is unique. This may be the only restaurant in Sarasota county where the owner cooks the food and the owner serves the customers. To me that shows accountability for all-round quality. From my experience in having lived in Italy, I was only used to Italian wine. But when the owner recommended the Greek wine, I was reluctant. But I am very impressed, and I enjoy every glass that I drink. I can’t say that for other restaurants in Sarasota, unless you pay for a glass of wine at the cost of a bottle in a wine store. A special note of its uniqueness: this is the only restaurant where I can even have an argument about philosophy—especially Greek philosophy. For me that’s unbeatable, and it’s the reason why I keep coming back. I don’t remember these kinds of arguments even when I was in Athens!!! My only recommendation is that I would like to see a small picture of Themistocles hanging on the wall. Like the statue of Themistocles standing in the port of Pireaus. I was there for Christmas when everything was closed for the holiday. I just sat and admired his statue. Bravissimi to the staff for their work!
Returned and experience was just as...
Read moreWith all the great reviews we had high expectations for this place.. So the food was decent but nothing close to what we had in Greece, but the experience itself was just ruined by the manager/ probably owner? who served us. The one guy who actually had great customer service skills is just standing around filling waters and clearing plates while the owner/server who's rude af and stinks like b/o is taking orders and handling tables. After being rushed to put our entire order in immediately, because there was only 1.25 hours left before they close. He said something like "we're closing soon". He walks away in the middle of us ordering before we could even ask for drinks and doesn't come back into the front of the building for 10 minutes and then tries to close out multiple other tables without looking at us while the other guy stands around repeating customer requests to the frazzled owner who can barely work a register. When he finally came back around with apps, (the dipping sauces with pita were great, the sausages were bland kielbasa with peppers) we ordered 2 glasses of wine to come out before or at least with our dinner.. which we never received and had to remind him at the end to take it off our bill because he never brought it. They were out of chicken lemonato, so my gf got the lemon chicken soup which was incredibly bland, and I got the stifado (beef stew) which was actually good but the sausages were a let down, the olives were 50/50 calmattas tasted amazing but the green olives were under ripe and disgusting, and finally the red pepper/feta dipping sauce and pita was probably the best thing we had but still a far cry from what we had in Greece. We won't be back anytime...
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