Cafe Stella

12/23/09

Nice, but not a coffeehouse and not in East LA

by mohassan99 at Citysearch

It is not a coffeehouse, it is a bistro with a small bar and it is not in East LA, it may be on the "East side" but it is in LA, Silver Lake. East LA is east of downtown so I think that may be a bit misleading.

• Pros: romantic, nice ambience, patio, soft lighting, but not dark
• Cons: none

12/01/09

Formidable!

by LaMaria at Citysearch

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

• Pros: Delicious Steak au Poivre

01/03/09

Try it, you will love!

by detmarlow at Citysearch

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!

• Pros: ambiance, the food, the patio
• Cons: more meat dishes that fish or vegetarian but that is only a con if you don't eat meat.

12/30/08

up up & away go the prices

by citypal at Citysearch

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

• Pros: Joshua the bartender - food is still good
• Cons: the owner - pricy food & drink - parking$$ - no longer cool

10/26/08

Frustrating.

by wehoconcierge at Citysearch

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.

09/24/08

Don't listen to the last review! this restaurant is the best!

by rawrimeanmeow at Citysearch

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!

08/20/08

Viva Le France!!! thank you!!

by chic3p2 at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: Food, Service, Ambience
• Cons: little pricey

08/06/08

great overall dining experience

by luvfood7 at Citysearch

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.

03/23/08

Paris in LA

by glorianaf at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: atmosphere
• Cons: parking

02/15/08

doubt I will return

by wg78 at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: ambience
• Cons: food, price