Stellini Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Hilton Head Island

Our second visit, this time better than last year's! We called ahead for three of us, and got a spot in the side room with the windows. Glad we did, because the deer and raccoons that live in the area came to visit the feeders, so we got dinner and a show!

Our server was new (she said it was her first night), but she was very friendly despite seeming a little nervous. The owner that was training her recommend us a delicious bottle of reisling to start off with, and gave us several dinner recommendations as well. After getting the garlic bread, we started off with the escargot and crab ravioli, and both were incredible. My sister got a peach tea cocktail, and it was okay, but tasted watered down like it had been sitting for awhile. Up next came our house salads; fresh, crispy, with a simple but tasty balsamic vinegarette. While we waited I ordered a filthy vodka martini with blue cheese olives. Perfectly made.

For our entrees we got the chicken pancetta (the broccoli was so flavorful, such a standout in the dish for only a few bites) that had a delicious sauce; the pesto tortellini with fresh and excellently seared scallops (pesto was not too strong and had a great flavor, the tortellinis were delightful to bite into with the squishy center); and the sea bass Naples style with kalmata olives and angel hair pasta (super light and tender, the sauce was amazing). Everything we got was very different from the other, but every dish was executed impeccably and highlighted the skill of the kitchen.

For dessert we tried the trio (cannoli, flourless chocolate cake, and mini crème brûlée). Everything was great- the cannoli not too sweet but nice and creamy, the cake fudgey with a nice cocao flavor, and the crème brûlée fabulous. I had wanted to try the homemade limoncello, but they were out so I went with the mocha mint cappuccino instead.

Overall super thrilled that we came back, would absolutely give this place 6 stars just for the food alone, but the service and atmosphere are...

I’m not normally one to write reviews but I felt compelled to tonight. We visited Stellini tonight on a Wednesday night. It was the only Italian restaurant that had any availability. That should’ve been our first warning. The restaurant itself is dark and outdated. We were seated pretty promptly on the porch. Our waitress was nice enough but not attentive. We were all without water for at least 10 minutes until my son finally asked if she could fill it. To me a good waitress would notice when your cup is empty. We were also told we had to wait to order because they were busy. Thought that was weird but not a big deal. We ordered the garlic bread which was the best part of our meal. Salad was ok. Basically some greens and a couple croutons with some dressing. I won’t go into too much detail about our meals but none of us liked it. I’m honestly baffled that this place has over 4 stars. BAFFLED. I’m by no means an Italian connoisseur but I use to live near Boston and go to the North End restaurants and THAT is some freaking good Italian. I’m not lying when I say I think Carrabbas is better. This food was not good. And our bill before tip was like $150 for 4 people. Absurd in my opinion. I understand that the area itself is overpriced but I feel like for that price my food should be pretty dang good. So lesson learned we will not be back. Again our waitress was ok she wasn’t the issue. It was the overpriced subpar food and...

We have been living in the Lowcountry for almost 4 years and exactly why this was our first trip to Stellini remains a mystery. Perhaps because of my Sicilian grandmother, and my northern Italian professional chef grandfather, going out for Italian food is secondary. Regardless, we wanted to try this having heard good things and so, while taking a quick 2 overnights on the Island Stellini was our choice for night 1. Long story short…we had a fabulous experience. Warmly greeted, promptly seated and immediately attended to as if we had been there multiple times. Appetizers chosen were fried artichoke hearts and mozzarella en carroza, both wonderful, entree choices were linguine with clams (white) and a melt in your mouth Veal Marsala portions so large we ended up bringing 1/2 of each home ( we’ll, “home” to our DVC room). That brings me to the garlic bread….simply the closest we’ve found to the venerable Manero’s (#iykyk). I ended with a cannoli that would be right at home on Arthur Ave. A bonus for my wife was being able to watch the wildlife feeding outside…her version of dinner and a show. The service outstanding and an excellent (and incredibly reasonable) wine list. One thing is for certain, this may have been our first visit but definitely...