STELLA. — Restaurant in Seattle

TL;DR - We booked Mother’s Day brunch at STELLA expecting something special—what we got was a pricey ($55/person), fixed menu with barely any brunch items, no allergy accommodations, tiny portions, and poorly prepared food. Service felt indifferent, and the food was so disappointing we left halfway through and went to Denny’s instead. The manager was kind and didn’t charge us, but we won’t be going back.

My husband made a reservation at STELLA for Mother’s Day brunch a month in advance, hoping to take me somewhere special. The restaurant required a credit card to hold the reservation and stated that no-shows would be charged the full $55 per person—which, frankly, is wild.

When we arrived, we learned it was a fixed menu with no à la carte options, and the selections weren’t remotely brunch-like. I also overheard the host turn away a hotel guest (STELLA is inside the Hotel Monaco) because they were only seating reservations. The guest seemed surprised and disappointed, and honestly, I would’ve been too.

The host didn’t acknowledge the occasion at all—no “Happy Mother’s Day,” no warm welcome. The first course was a plate of thaw-and-serve pastries, only two of which were savory, despite there being four of us (my husband, our two daughters, and me). The sweet pastries all contained nuts, which is a big problem because our younger daughter has a nut allergy. No one asked about dietary restrictions in advance, and the only nut-free substitute they could offer was a couple of hard, flavorless coconut macaroons—clearly meant as a gluten-free option.

The second course choices were clam chowder or salad. Not exactly brunch staples. My older daughter and I had the salad, which was mostly bitter radicchio and barely dressed. It clashed terribly with my coffee. My husband tried the chowder and said it was “not that great.” It was also tiny—maybe 3.5 oz.

The third course included a few attempts at brunch food, but none of them hit the mark: savory crepes with asparagus and mushrooms, poached eggs with tomato sauce and pecorino, beef stew, or a seafood lasagna. My egg dish came out with fully cooked yolks—definitely not poached—because the entire plate had clearly been baked to melt the cheese. It tasted like store-brand tomato sauce with garlic and cheese dumped on top. My husband’s crepes were soggy, poorly seasoned, and skimpy (just one crepe). Our older daughter’s stew was okay but also a tiny portion, served with an aggressively hard piece of toast. Our 12-year-old daughter found nothing on the menu appealing and barely touched the macaroons.

Dessert options were strawberry shortcake or tiramisu for adults and vanilla gelato for kids—but we didn’t make it that far. After trying the entrées, my husband got up to talk to the manager while the kids and I waited in the car. He offered to pay for what we’d eaten, but the manager kindly waived the charges and apologized. To her credit, she handled the situation with grace—though I imagine we weren’t the only family to leave disappointed that day.

We ended up going to Denny’s in SODO, which was not only a relief but honestly better food. We live here in Seattle, and after this experience, I doubt we’ll...

Honestly the best dining experience I’ve ever had! I’m not usually one for fancy restaurants but my girlfriend and I were in town and staying at the Hotel Sorrento so I thought it would be fun to try. I ordered a specialty cocktail, I can’t remember what it was called but it was so pretty and delicious I savored it one tiny sip at a time through my whole meal.

I have a weird food sensitivity that is difficult to explain and the waiter recognized it right away as an issue with nightshades and checked with the kitchen to make sure the dish I chose wouldn’t have any. I ordered the chicken with green beans and squash, the name of the dish is French on the menu and I don’t speak French so please excuse my not remembering the exact description (I had to look it up on my phone). The chicken looked like it had some sort of glaze and was so juicy and delicious and flavorful. The squash was expertly prepared and melted in my mouth, sweet and salty and savory but not overwhelming. I savored this one little bite at a time as well and had fun making little bites to share with my girlfriend who was also enjoying her meal. The green beans were also delicious, I love green beans and order them often and these were exceptional.

I will say the restaurant was quite loud for me but I have a lot of sensory issues and would bring earplugs or something similar in the future but I don’t think it would be too much for the average person to enjoy. Part way through the meal the music on the speakers turned off and a musician began performing live on the piano.

They really do an excellent job preserving the romantic atmosphere that I imagine was present in the 1920s closer to the era the Hotel was built. The furniture and paintings on the walls complimented the round shape of the room and detailed wood paneling lining the walls, with big armchairs near the large fireplace.

Some times on the rare occasions I eat some where on the more expensive side (expensive to me anyway) it is good but doesn’t quite justify the price. I did not feel that way at all for this meal. If you can save up for a once in a lifetime dining experience or if you like spending a lot on restaurants regularly, I can’t recommend this restaurant enough....

I recently had the pleasure of visiting STELLA inside Hotel Sorrento. What truly made this experience unforgettable was their remarkable bartender, Min.

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile and impeccable service. Min's knowledge of cocktails and spirits was truly impressive. It was evident that she had a deep passion for mixology, and it shone through in every drink she crafted. She took the time to ask about my preferences and tailored the perfect drinks to suit my partner and I's unique tastes.

One of the highlights of my visit was watching Min at work. She performed with the precision of a maestro, effortlessly juggling bottles, shakers, and garnishes with incredible skill. Her attention to detail was remarkable, and it was clear that she took pride in her craft.

Not only was Min an expert mixologist, but she was also an excellent conversationalist. She shared fascinating stories about the history of various cocktails and the origins of the spirits she used. It was clear that she was not just making drinks; she was crafting a memorable experience for us.

The ambiance at STELLA was simply enchanting, with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a welcoming atmosphere that made me feel right at home. It was the perfect setting to enjoy Min's expertly crafted cocktails and engage in delightful conversation.

In addition to Min's exceptional talents, the entire staff at STELLA was attentive and courteous, further enhancing the overall experience. From the moment I walked in until the moment I left, I felt like a valued guest.

If you find yourself in Seattle and appreciate the art of mixology, a visit to STELLA inside Hotel Serrento is an absolute must. And if you're lucky enough to have Min as your bartender, you're in for a truly extraordinary experience.

Thank you, Min and the entire team at STELLA, for making my visit so memorable. I can't wait to return and savor more of your incredible cocktails and...