Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Starling Diner

    4.2 (2.3k reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Order Starling Diner Takeout or Delivery

    Starling Diner Photos

    STARLING DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    More like Starling Diner

    Recommended Reviews - Starling Diner

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    San Fran stuffed French toast with seasonal berries
    Danielle B.

    Our boss treated us to lunch for a coworker's work anniversary and he had heard great things about this place and decided to try it out. It's tucked in a neighborhood and so parking was pretty sparse but we found a spot about a block away. We came around 11:45 am during the week and we were able to get a table right away. Our waitress was very friendly and gave us some good suggestions on what to try. I ordered the roast beef and scrambled eggs-16.50, and my coworkers ordered the chorizo and apple sausage which are both $14.95. Our boss ordered for the table the San Fran stuffed French toast with seasonal berries ($14.99) to share! I really enjoyed my roast beef hash and potatoes on the side. The side of baguette bread I could have done with out since it was a bit harder to eat. The French toast was different with the baguette bread but I really enjoyed it since it didn't make the bread all soggy like other French toast can do( sad we had to share it lol).

    Tara F.

    Was surprised to find that this little diner was located in the neighborhood would've never thought it would be here. There's plenty of street parking. We came just a little before they close got a symbol, scrambled eggs and corned, beef hash and honestly, I've had better hash didn't like how this one was prepared. It was like a burger, patty and a little too done on the outside for me in greasy. Also didn't like their breakfast potatoes, which were a huge chunks of Yukon gold potatoes felt more on the heavier side. The eggs were cooked nice and fluffy. It also came with a little piece of bread with some butter on the side. My friend ordered their basic breakfast, which is basically eggs, potatoes, and bread and at first both of our plates came out a little cold so they were nice to bring us new plates that were nice and fresh. The staff was very friendly. I probably come here again to try their other items.

    French toast
    Pawan S.

    You need to order the French toast here. It's the best French toast over ever had anywhere omg. It's stuffed with a custard that's not too sweet but perfectly blends with the bread and it comes out warm almost every time. Also the bananas are super ripe it's so good. Their service here is also excellent they are very welcoming right when you walk in. I've been here a few times never had a bad experience. The inside is cozy small cafe vibes the tables are a little small but that's my only gripe. Other than that's this place is amazing and has a must try French toast.

    House Bloody Mary
    Carrie S.

    Cute diner in a house with great service, cool vibe and amazing food. It is street parking only, we cane a Friday at 10:30 and had a slight wait and a small walk but all manageable. We started with the house Bloody Mary which had a crab claw and a kick. The micro greens were cute but not sure they had an impact on the flavor. Big hit and we loved them. Makes me want to try some other options from their cocktail menu. The must-try hyped-up French toast was worth the glory bestowed to it! We got the caramelized apples with brandy butter. Waiter said the berry or peaches are his 2 favorites but we had already narrowed down to apples or the banana Nutella. Of those 2 he said apples so we got it! Short story they are all made with fresh baguette stuffed with mascarpone cheese topped with your choice of fruit and sweet options and fresh whipped cream. I tend to lean more savory breakfast and my hubby likes the sweet so this isn't normally my jam.... But the cheese is a perfect complement to all the sweet and is something I would get again for sure, which says a lot. We got the cheeseburger scramble which was hearty and fillings. Ground beef, cheese, mushrooms and scrambled eggs, simple, easy and yummy. I personally like my eggs salty and needed to add some but my husband thought it was perfect. It was served with yummy whole small roasted potatoes that were crispy but still soft inside, perfectly seasoned IMO. Also a small slice of fresh baguette with butter (and jam on table) was a tasty plus. In fact that bread makes me want to go back for lunch to get a sandwich. All in all it is a new top spot on our list and can't wait to go back and try another cocktail, a new French toast flavor and maybe the crab cake and eggs that I saw walk by. Great find.

    Riese L.

    We were able to arrive just before the brunch rush. We were able to try a few different things on the menu. The breakfast bruschetta was very interesting. So used to savory style but this sweet item was a treat. You can't go wrong with classic bacon and eggs. The banana and Nutella stuffed French toast was good. Not too sweet like some places. The blue crab cake and eggs were delicious by far a fave on the menu.

    Stuffed french toast with caramelized apples
    Patricia D.

    Food is delectable! The diner is charming! Service is superb! The staff are hospitable and prices are affordable! EAT HERE! If you're on the fence between this place and another, pick this diner! If you're worried about parking, parking sucks everywhere! Eat here! I had their basic breakfast with a side order of smoked salmon. It was perfect. The potatoes were seasoned well, and the scrambled eggs had a nice chew. Butter on a soft baguette will always be a yes for me! I also had their stuffed french toast with caramelized apples. The best french toast I've had to date. The baguette held up so well against the tender apples and creamy mascarpone. I highly recommend it!

    Their popular stuffed French toast w/caramelized apples in Brandy butter
    Sanny C.

    I had this place bookmarked for a very long time. Finally got the chance to try it. I heard that they are very popular for their French toast. So of course we gotta try it. The French toast here was very different from the ones I normally get. They used baguettes for their French toast. We got the Caramelized apples with Brandy butter. The apples were caramelized perfectly. It wasn't so sweet like other places that I have tried. Also, it was nice that there was still a crunch to it. The apples were not super soft and mush like most places. The mascarpone or cream cheese for filling was simple but yummy. Although, they executed this item well I still prefer the original French toast breads. I like my French toast on the softer end. Baguettes required more chewing since it was not as soft. Overall, I don't mind eating it again lol We also ordered the Egg Benjamin. This was a salmon Benedict without the biscuits. I do prefer it this way. They provided a bread on the side instead. It came with some potatoes. I like the potatoes they used, but I do prefer it to be steamed. The exterior was somewhat hard. I got tired of eating it. We tried the blue crab cake as well. It was yummy, but prob something to share. I usually prefer lumps of crabs in my crab cakes. The flavor was good, but we got sick of it quick. Not sure why. Maybe too creamy?? It was good tho. Coffee was good. Normal & fresh Service was ok Parking was not bad.

    mimosas, peach and blueberry pomegranate
    Kyle N.

    Fast, dependable, consistent. Staff here is really friendly. I finally got a mimosa here and loved it. Starling is a time capsule of the millennial brunch craze and I hope they never change a thing.

    Blue Crab Cake & Eggs
    Sara N.

    Cute little diner tucked away on 3rd Street. Find street parking in the area, be sure not to block people's driveways! They have outdoor and indoor seating. Been here a couple times. They have a variety of teas, coffees, sodas annnnnnd ADULT COCKTAILS. I've had their basic breakfast which is really good, their scones are house made so they're very soft in the inside. Their blue crab cakes are good BUT their French toast is AMAZING. Not too sweet, just the right amount of fruit, we got one for the table to share and I'm pretty sure I could have ate that all on my own. They're only open til 3 and it gets crowded on weekends so hurry over!

    Jenny V.

    Delicious breakfast spot. It was super busy Sunday morning. Wait time was around 30 mins, however it's the spot to eat. They serve wine, beer, coffee and fresh drinks. I really enjoyed their water with the mint leaves it made my water really refreshing to drink. The food was delicious and the service was excellent!

    Dank drink. Da bomb diggty! I got the honey steamer. With almond milk! Love love it!

    See all

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ryan T.
    318
    47
    3

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nha T.
    392
    202
    1013

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 45
    Thanks 1
    Love this 43
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cat L.
    329
    36
    5

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Amazing food and staff!! So welcoming I love the ambiance and neighborhood vibe!!! I LOVE this place!! 10 star all the way!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jeri B.
    37
    15
    1

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Maria E.
    319
    111
    54

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Michael O.
    107
    73
    34

    1 year ago

    Amazing food. Great staff . A great value for the food. I highly recommend coming to Starling diner.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Peter B.

    Peter B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 3 of 58

    Starling Diner Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Starling Diner

    Is this a dog friendly restaurant?

    As of a month ago, no dogs outside on patio due to an incident they had.

    Is there a Kids menu?

    Hi, I really did not check but most places have s kids menu. Sorry

    Is it first come first serve or do you take reservations for a party of 7?

    First come first serve

    Is it still dog friendly?

    Unfortunately no. Despite what their Yelp page says, it has not been updated to reflect they no longer allow dogs on the patio.

    Will you be open on New Year's Day?

    Are you open for dine in?

    Yes

    Are u open today?

    We are closed today for 4 th of July observation

    Is there public parking nearby?

    Its on a residential street- tons of free parking

    Are they currently for dine in with outside seating?

    Yes

    What vegan options are there?

    They have a granola, or you can order a lot of the salads without cheese or meat on it. Not a ton of options, but there's still ways to work around it.

    Do you really have vegan options? The last comment about vegan options was three months ago it stated there were no vegan options but the yelp pg says there are. I will be there in April with a group of friends so just want to know my options?

    Yes we do.

    Is this place dog friendly?

    Yes, I've seen dogs outside since they have outside seating:)

    View All 17 Questions

    Recreational Coffee

    Recreational Coffee

    4.3
    (863 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $

    My girlfriend and I were looking for a caffeine boost to get us through Sunday when we stumbled…read moreupon Recreational Coffee in Downtown Long Beach. A very welcoming vibe upon entry, we were greeted by a friendly couple who answered our questions about popular drink flavors. We decided to go with a Hot Cinnamon Dulce Latte and an Iced Blueberry Lavender Latte. While waiting, there were plenty of chairs, tables, a comfy couch and even a bar area to sit and relax. Tons of board games, books and wonderfully mellow music helps make the experience feel comforting and inviting. Our drinks were prepared quickly and shouted at the coffee bar for pickup. The presentation was great, but the flavors, out of this world! The Cinnamon Dulce Latte was OUTSTANDING. So good, in fact, that my girlfriend stole it from me! Not to worry, her Blueberry Lavender Latte was also top-notch, with a smooth, not-to-sweet flavor combination. Friendly staff (which comes with occasional karaoke renditions from the Bluetooth speakers), a chill vibe and outstanding drinks make this a top spot in the area for hardcore coffee lovers. Check them out!

    Visited this place on a Saturday morning. I popped in and popped out with an okay drink. I…read morepreviewed the menu and the Sonora town Horchata latte called my name. Ordered and it didn't take long at all to get it. Did they even add espresso? Who knows because the latte was weak. It barely had any hint of coffee. I asked if the latte was sweet and they said it wasn't. After the first sip I could just taste all sweetness no espresso. Recreational coffee do you guys add espresso to the lattes? Maybe I should have ordered something else not sure.

    Photos
    Drink good coffee
    Drink good coffee
    Affogato was amazing. Perfect ice cream, not too sweet. Excellent espresso. Great service. Overall cool place.
    Affogato was amazing. Perfect ice cream, not too sweet. Excellent espresso. Great service. Overall cool place.
    Honey Vanilla Lattesss

    See all

    Honey Vanilla Lattesss
    The Ordinarie

    The Ordinarie

    4.2
    (958 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    My wife and I had an excellent Sunday brunch experience here. We sat in their shaded patio and…read morelistened to the duet jazz band sipping cocktails and eating delicious food. I started with a cup of their beef and barley soup. My wife and I both make this at home from scratch and we're both impressed by theirs. My wife took a taste of mine and instantly ordered her own. Very rich and flavorful. I kept looking at photos of their take on chicken and waffles and knew I had to try it. Seriously epic and was good as it looked. They coated the chicken in a chili rub that gave it a sweet and spicy flavor when paired with their maple syrup. Served on top of a waffle and topped with an egg. I loved it and would probably order again on my next visit. My wife had the American plate which was your classic eggs, bacon, potatoes, and sourdough toast combo. High quality ingredients elevated it beyond your typical diner food. Drinks were great too. I had their house made bloody mary which had a nice kick to it. My wife had their brunch version of a Corpse Reviver cocktail. After our meals were done we finished with an Irish coffee since everyone was ordering them. Perfect service, relaxing atmosphere, and delicious food will definitely have me returning very soon! Parking is free for 2 hours at the nearby garage on 3rd and is a very short walk. The closer garage on Broadway is not free. You can make restaurant reservations on their website but it wasn't needed when we went.

    I am here to review The Miracle pop-up at The Ordinarie, that's how late my Yelp reviews are coming…read morein. Sorry!! TLDR; It's expensive, and not worth the routine visit, but worth the one-time stop in to experience the festivities. The Miracle pop-up at The Ordinarie is somehow even more decorated and extravagant than you'd expect from a seasonal pop-up. The line looks long outside, as there are no reservations, but it moves quickly since they hold everybody to a pretty strict 2-hour time limit. The drinks are good, the cups are cute, and everyone is festive. It's an all-around fun experience.  I think because of this, you do pay a premium price tag for food and drinks that are just good or okay. I think it's something that is worth the visit if you've never been and you enjoy getting into the Christmas spirit. I think that outside of the pop-up, The Ordinarie is a fun spot to check out in Long Beach. It't not a pillar of the food scene if you're a tourist, but it is a good, late night spot if you work in the industry nearby. They have a great late-night menu with a killer smash burger.

    Photos
    Drink specific cocktail glass
    Drink specific cocktail glass
    Grilled Chicken Sandwich|ISM Beer
    Grilled Chicken Sandwich|ISM Beer
    Navy Grog

    See all

    Navy Grog
    The Breakfast Bar

    The Breakfast Bar

    4.2
    (4.4k reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    high-quality family establishment. Huge attention to detail and quality. Fantastic menu, Service…read morehit the Mark in a huge way. Friday morning, 630 arrival 730 breakfast with a colleague. No wait but moderately busy, restrooms immaculately clean. Menu descriptions are fantastic. perfect customization of a traditional breakfast menu... with traditional items available.. They pay attention to every little detail of your experience. This would be my "never go anywhere else" breakfast place if I lived close to Long Beach. Just go there.

    My husband and I had two opposite experiences this morning at Breakfast Bar…read more His eggs were just the way he likes them - soft and fluffy, like the egg whites have been whipped. Pancakes were also very delicious with good flavor and fluffy height. The pancakes had a brown butter topping that he really liked, didn't even need syrup. Sausages didn't seem homemade but were very tasty. I ordered the Eggs Noni, which is a version of Eggs Florentine, plus a side of bacon. The Eggs Noni came on two pretty hard small sourdough discs. I had difficulty cutting through the crust with a knife. There is a lot of cayenne in their hollandaise sauce, not my favorite version. The thick slice of tomato was the highlight. Side of bacon $6 for two measly pieces - overcooked and too crunchy. I could tell the bacon would have been good if it was more on the meaty/chewy side. This came with a potato pancake which was like mashed potatoes mixed with cheese and then fried. Service was okay, I think because it was pretty busy. They may need more staff to help the servers with drink refills and to check in more frequently. Lastly, our table was very wobbly and we had to fix it with sugar packets otherwise our drinks would have toppled.

    Photos
    Uncle Marcee's Omelet Casserole
    Uncle Marcee's Omelet Casserole
    Eggs Noni
    Eggs Noni
    Hung Over (Breakfast Poutine)

    See all

    Hung Over (Breakfast Poutine)
    Ubuntu Cafe

    Ubuntu Cafe

    4.4
    (67 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    Lovely neighborhood breakfast cafe with so many options. So quaint and a very attentive, friendly…read morestaff. I chose a steamy hot cappuccino and their Portuguese sausage with chilaquiles; delish! Hubby had a simple breakfast sandwich with egg, avocado, bacon and cheese; fabulous and filling. Fresh orange juice was amazing. We will definitely will be back to check out their baked goods. Wonderful outdoor seating, blankets included. Waterfall with duckies for kids to play with. Refreshingly decorated!

    Expected nothing less than a 5* experience and of course they delivered. I have visited the…read moreoriginal location numerous times, but this was my first time to the downtown location and my first time trying this spot for dinner. Located on the Promenade with both indoor and outdoor seating. Just like the original location, they have blankets out should you need a little extra coziness during dining. This was a mid-week visit and they weren't very busy, so solid service was to be expected. The starter of choice was the Brazilian Cheese Bread. This gluten free bread is so so so delicious! This was the first time, i've had it served pipping hot. It was even better than I remembered. I rarely order pizza at a place like this, but sitting inside, with the pizza oven in view, I just went with it. Overall, fabulous! I had pear (instead of figs) and prosciutto. Best part was the perfectly cooked crust. I paired this with a Farmers Salad which I also enjoyed. I'm glad we have this new location in downtown LB!

    Photos
    Oak milk lattes with extra shot. Amazing!
    Oak milk lattes with extra shot. Amazing!
    Interior decor  with products from Spain and Portugal
    Interior decor with products from Spain and Portugal
    Drip coffee

    See all

    Drip coffee
    The Attic

    The Attic

    4.2
    (7.9k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Really yummy food. Really good vibe. Service was kind and on point. I'd recommend the beignets,…read morechocolate cake, and French fries, and biscuits!! We also ordered the bratwurst (it was ok), the burger (it was just a basic cheese burger), and the chicken sandwich (chicken was crispy and moist).

    ~~ LONG TIME CUSTOMER ~~…read more So i've been coming to The Attic for a long time. It's a cute vibe and the food was always good. The aesthetic is AWESOME. It's right in Belmont and one neighborhood away from the water. Great date place and bar too. 2026 update: This breaks my heart. The menu has changed, the chef has definitely changed and service has unfortunately gone down. First off they cut a good portion of the menu and the physical design is not the easiest to read. (that's not really a problem tbh but it's something to note) What is the problem are the following: Ordering food for 3 took 20 minutes for servers to come, get food, and water + drinks we ordered. food took almost 45 minutes to arrive at the table. I get the kitchen makes a lot of stuff but this is crazy. at this point we were here for over an hour without eating. Not only were the orders wrong but also food portions were noticeably smaller. Credit due here, they fixed that (ofc which takes an extra time). Final straw here: To get someone's attention, get the bill, then for them to come get the bill, pay, and give us our cards back took: TWENTY MINUTES. Just to pay. tldr: food prices went up, staff not attentive, food still decent but different chef. Food is noticeably saltier. This place is still cute and servers as a great bar but oh my gosh has it gone down hill. Full context half the restaurant was empty. we are so disappointed. this place used to be great :(

    Photos
    Covered bar area.
    Covered bar area.
    Mac & Cheetos
    Mac & Cheetos
    Mac & Cheetos

    See all

    Mac & Cheetos
    Nick's On 2nd

    Nick's On 2nd

    4.5
    (3.6k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Great atmosphere and professional staff provided friendly service…read more The baby back ribs are the best in Long Beach period. Good cocktails... amazing martinis . One of my favorite restaurants in Long Beach.

    We dined at nicks last night for birthday dinner. The dinner and service were both great. Our…read moreserver was training and still did an amazing job. Training can be a little hectic some times when you're in the service industry and sometimes it can slow service down. Our server Ben was on it. We had the grilled artichoke, chicken piccata, and the cioppino. All very very delightful. During our dining experience I needed to use the restroom. The smell in their bathroom was amazing. Probably one of the best smelling restrooms I had ever. When I was leaving, I politely ask the hostess if she knew what the name of the smell was bc it was so awesome. She wasn't telling me the exact name. She essentially told me the essence. While in the middle of her talking, a female manager aggressively told us that they were not aloud to tell patrons the scent. Hey, I get it, but as a person who was a manager for one of the highest ranking upscale casual dining restaurants, who has worked in 5 star resorts, knowing how to provide kindness to both guests and staff, this manager did not present those skills. This manager was quite frankly disrespectful not only to her staff, but to me. There is a way to handle situations without embarrassing your staff member and making them feel small and showcasing your flex of power to a diner who was about to drop hundreds for a dinner in our volatile economy. This manager did NOT handle this appropriately. Like i said, she was rude, extremely aggressive to respond, and not once smiled and said, "I'm so glad you love it. It's our secret to get you to come back." She did try to say it was a secret, but seriously... with the way she treated her staff.... I think she better focus on hospitality rather than the scent in the bathroom. After this interaction, I actually watched and observed the manager during the remaining time of our dinner. I wanted to see how she interacted with her staff. I wanted to see if she knew how to manage without flexing on her staff bc obviously she doesn't know that words matter and what you say and how you say it can make or break your staff's entire night which can reflect on how they treat their guests. I get this is lengthy over a restroom scent, but as a person who thrives on seeing the beauty in how a management team can make a huge impact on the success of a company, if she's openly rude and aggressive to me and her hostess, how is she with the rest of the staff and guests? Just a little food for thought. I will say, that interaction totally changed my view for the remaining time of our dinner. I truly hope that the female manager who was working last night June 1 reads this and changes the way she handles situations. From what I saw and experienced, she needs to take a step back and regroup. She needs to be retrained on how to treat her staff, how to smile with kindness, and how to kindly make a joke about the scent kindly with laughter rather than an attack on her staff. To the hostess: I'm sorry you had to be treated that way. You were incredibly kind from upon greeting us even to the very end. You're awesome. I'll return back, but I do hope next time, the manager from last night is on a better wave length as the people who help create her position. There are a lot of great managers out there willing to take that place.

    Photos
    Beautiful restaurant
    Beautiful restaurant
    Spicy Rigatoni
    Spicy Rigatoni
    The best espresso martinis in town!

    See all

    The best espresso martinis in town!

    Starling Diner - newamerican - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...