La Stella Pasta & Pastry — Restaurant in Norwich

I had an unpleasant experience here having nothing to do with the food, but I won't be going back. The pre made meals here were highly recommended by a few friends, as were the cookies. As a middle aged widow, sometimes it is easier and even cheaper to do take out for one, so I planned to get a few meals to try and some bread. I walked over to the bread to see what was available and chose a ciabatta. A woman who works there came over and asked if I needed help. I said I was just looking for bread. She stood fairly close to me as I went to walk to the back of the store. She then crossed her arms and stood in the entryway, blocking me from entering and staring at me. When I tried to get by she said 'Is there anything else?' I said I wanted to look at the pre made meals. She let me pass then followed very close to me as I headed to the take out items. I felt extremely uncomfortable as it seemed to me that she expected me to shop lift or something. It was very intrusive. I decided at that point to not spend my money there. I told her I won't be buying anything, put the bread back where I found it and left. I have no idea what was her problem with me. I am a responsible Norwich taxpayer with a small amount of disposable income, and I try to patronize local establishments whenever I can. Just not here. Very...

Today I was trying to find cupcakes and we went to a couple grocery stores with bakeries beforehand, and they just wouldn't do. I decided to head to my favorite bagel place, the sister store to my favorite pizza place La Stella Pasta & Pastry. They didn't have regular cupcakes on display and on a whim I decided to ask about them. The woman at the counter was so helpful and went back to ask one of the bakers. They said they could whip some up for me in the back if I wanted to wait! The baker even added beautiful flowers to the tops of them. The people here take pride in their work and presentation. It is no wonder they're loved in and around Norwich. Thank you for saving my hide and saving me from having to get mass produced grocery cupcakes for our last minute birthday hosting!

I also wanted to point out I thought the cupcakes on display (the same size as these) were the jumbo cupcakes. If I had known they were the regular cupcakes I wouldn't have been so much trouble! You made me feel like I wasn't trouble regardless, and I always leave an incredibly happy customer no matter what I buy.

*Your cupcakes and cakes are of the highest quality and less expensive than anywhere we've been.

Thank you for being one of the most welcoming, high quality establishments that I've...

Today, Feb 14th was special despite unexpected experience. My husband brought me to this place again. We liked the meals and desserts. I like their soup. It feels like we are in Italy because of their food. Tortellini soup is my favorite. Today is the 3rd time I ordered this soup, and Kale was the missing ingredient. We reached out to the female staff who served us the soup but they denied the ingredient because they thought there is no kale. We explained that the name of the soup itself has Kale in it. Nonetheless, the female cashier lady (long curly hair) came to us and apologized for the missed ingredient. I commend her humble spirit. She was very kind. I think today they are understaff. The line of customers must be overwhelming. Management should add even 1 more staff to help the cashier navigate thru serving back and forth to dine in customers. This cashier lady even offered us a free complimentary small serving dessert which was very nice of her. At first, we were disappointed but this cashier lady showed us this humbling experience. I hope next time they wont forget kale in that tortellini soup. Love...