I had high hopes for Stella Doro. After missing the chance to visit the day before. We went for lunch and, while I expected a lively, bustling atmosphere, it was actually quite quiet during our visit. That didn't bother me--it gave me the chance to really take in the space. As a pescatarian, I was pleasantly surprised to have a few appealing options to choose from. I ended up ordering the sole Florentino, which was lemony and delicious, served with a side of pasta. The fish was cooked perfectly, though the pasta could have used a little something extra to elevate it. My husband ordered the scallop and shrimp fra diavolo. He enjoyed it and it satisfied what he was looking for. I can't forget to mention the bread--it was a standout. A large, toasted, crusty loaf that was a treat all on its own. The only downside to our visit were awkward moments when someone we believe was a manager was on speakerphone, seemingly arguing with a staff member. It was a bit distracting and took away from the otherwise pleasant experience. Overall, it was a good experience with some highlights, and I'd be open to giving it another try. Pricing was what I expected, not too expensive and good portion size. read more

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2 words: PISTACHIO. CHEESECAKE. Order it. Thank me later! We also had the burrata appetizer and steaks, which were delicious. Our steaks were perfectly cooked. Awesome martini. Cozy vibes. We'll be back! read more

I picked up a to go lunch for work and was extremely pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food, the friendliness of the service and the cute bar. I got the crabcake Wich although on the outside was very symmetrical the inside was pure crab meat and they provided a cream crab meat dipping sauce to go along with it, it was delectable. I got salad with five giant grilled shrimp on it with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette that was very good. I will absolutely come back again. My only regret is that I didn't take pictures. read more

Another great meal from Stella Doro!!!! The service is always on point and the food is delicious. Don't miss out on their Espresso Martini after dinner along with the dessert options. Relax indoors or outdoors, enjoy! read more

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The food was very good at a reasonable price. Nick the waiter was great, and he was attentive with a good sense of humor. The seating in the main dining hall was a little tight - close quarters. The Italian bread wasn't great. Italian restaurants should always have very good, fresh Italian bread. Other than that, I would recommend it. I had the Stella D'oro Combo. It was very good. read more

Fantastic meal last night! Broad menu and everyone's meal was enjoyed! Service was fun and efficient. We had a drink first at the HUGE bar. Easy parking, too read more

Food was great, good service, and an early dinner made for a very nice experience, pre movies. We shall return ! read more

I enjoyed Stella D'oro! The restaurant looks the same to me as it did when it was Tuscany Grill years ago. The menu is also somewhat reminiscent of Tuscany in that it's pretty large. We showed up last Saturday night without a reservation. The dining room was full, but fortunately we were able to get a table at the bar. My husband I shared clams casino, pasta with chicken and sausage (rigatoni Siciliana), and chicken Romano (chicken in a light brandy cream sauce). Everything tasted great. I wished the portions were a bit larger because we finished everything. Service was friendly, but a bit on the slow side. I would gladly return. read more

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I am writing this review not to complain about the quality of the service or food but for how expensive Stella D'oro has become. I paid for LUNCH $30 for a dish of pasta bolognese. I thought prime rib was $30 not a bunch of carbs. Now I know why I was the only customer there. I am sorry but I am never going to step in this restaurant again. Plenty of places where to get cheaper pasta. Did I mention $4 for an espresso? What a rip off!!! read more

Recently we had a birthday luncheon at StellaDoro with 10 people. We each ordered separately off the menu so we had a variety of different entrees, appetizers and wines. It was superb! Everyone was pleased with their meals and the waitress was very friendly and professional. They did not rush us and we were all able to relax and catch up. It was a good price too for the exceptional quality and service. We all agreed it was an excellent choice and we will meet there again to celebrate our next gathering. read more

We had 13 people for a luncheon. Everting was perfect! The server and the food was excellent. The food was served quickly, and the server was very accommodating. The parking is free, they serve gluten free, and the outdoor patio is quiet and private. This is my new favorite restaurant in town. I would highly recommend Stella D'oro. read more

Very mediocre experience. I was incredibly hesitant because there previously was a Stella D'oro restaurant in Middletown years ago. We went once for brunch, the food looked awful, and we walked out. It closed soon after. So I wasn't optimistic, but everyone has been saying how good it is, so we decided to give it a try. Especially since Tuscany Grill was one of our favorites so we love the space it's in. We walked in on a Friday night and there were only two parties in the dining room, and only one or two people at the bar. Bad sign!! We had drinks at Esca immediately before and it was packed to capacity. People are out again - they just aren't going to Stella D'Oro. We walked to the hostess stand and got seated quickly, however we didn't get menus. It was at least 5 minutes until we finally got them, it was sort of an awkward time. And it's not like they have a QR code to look at it on your phone, and the menu on their website doesn't have prices or drinks. And the place isn't busy. Why not just give us menus when you seat us? Then it seemed the hostess was also our server, we don't really know, she never introduced herself to us or anything. We thought their wine prices were fair and ordered a bottle of wine. Can't really mess that up, it is what it is. Mark West Pinot Noir for $30. She also brought bread and dipping oil. The bread was fresh, hot and crispy and the dipping oil was my favorite part of the meal. It was really good, but it's sort of bad that was the highlight. Then we ordered entrees, which came with salads. They only have 3 salad dressing options, and they're all odd. Balsamic with Gorgonzola, creamy garlic, and house which was a creamy Italian. There were just two of us, we ordered entrees and she asked our salad dressing choices, then repeated them back to us. When she brought the salads, she got mine right (balsamic with Gorgonzola) but got my husband's wrong. And she knew it, you could tell by what she said. She puts it down and says "creamy garlic.....that's what you ordered, right?" Not right, he ordered the house. He agreed to keep it, but really? There were two of us, you repeated it twice, and still got it wrong? Salad was good, basic greens, two tomatoes, a cucumber slice and two kalamata olives. For entrees, I ordered the rigatoni Stella D'Doro, based on the photo on the website and the description. Basically a rigatoni alla vodka with shrimp and shiitake mushrooms. Good in concept but not in execution. The sauce was extremely liquidy and bland. There were just 3 shrimp, all were horrifically over cooked, and one still had a vein in it. The pasta was undercooked. Overall it was so mediocre. Not inedible, but not anything I want to eat again. And not worth $22.95 in any way. My husband ordered chicken parm and was equally underwhelmed. The chicken was mushy, not crispy. It also didn't have a ton of flavor and neither did the sauce. The portion was a decent size but if it doesn't taste good, then it's not like you're happy to have leftovers. Then it was time to pay. Our server brought the check, it had a QR code for contactless payment, my husband did that and we told our server. She got confused and walked away. We knew we paid so we started to get up, then a man came over and says, you had a question? I said no question, we told our server we paid our bill and she seemed confused and wandered off. He said we were all set and we left. Bottom line: Gorgeous space and one of the best patios in Middletown. Mediocre food and service. Let the lack of customers tell you what you need to know. Food can look pretty, but if it doesn't taste good...then why go here over the other 10 Italian restaurants in Middletown? We won't be back. read more

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We sat at the bar and had a fabulous night! Great drinks were delivered right away with warm bread and a delicious oil! We all loved our entrees! I had cheese tortellini with blackened chicken and it was fabulous, my husband had veal parmesan and ate every bite! Our friend ordered veal oscar and loved it too! Can't wait to return!!!! read more

Stella Doro - Italian Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

I went a few months ago with my mother and had a wonderful time! Service and food were both excellent!!! We had the eggplant rollatini appetizer to start, and the Chicken Genovese and the Chicken Alla Stella D'oro entrees to split. The dishes were beautiful, and full of flavor. Portions were a nice size and everything was well worth the money. The restaurant is a romantic, charming traditional Italian restaurant with a cozy vibe. read more

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We used to go here when it was Tuscany Grill. We decided to try this new restaurant called Stella Doro. Great parking for downtime Middletown. The restaurant itself is very pretty. Great bar area. Our food was delicious. We had salmon over risotto but it was really a vegetable rice on the bottom. I didn't mind. It was delicious. My husband had a pasta dish with scallops and shrimp. He enjoyed it. Our bartender was nice but disappeared for a while. My husband wanted some hot pepper seeds and another drink but she didn't appear again until we were done. That was strange as the place was empty on a Saturday night. Although the food was good we probably won't return as it's too quiet inside for a large restaurant but we enjoyed our food. read more

Stella Doro - Italian Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Went here once about two years ago, it was a great experience as far as I can remember. Walked in on Friday night and took a seat at the bar with my date. Several bartenders passed by us, no one acknowledged us. No big deal, it's a Friday night and it's fairly busy. A group walked to the bar after us, were immediately greeted by a bartender while they were working on another order, given menus and ordered their drinks. 10 minutes passed and no one acknowledged us, despite our efforts to get anyone's attention behind the bar. We couldn't even get eye contact from anyone. We ended up leaving and going to Osa. No regrets, won't be back here. read more

Everything!!! Food and service we received was horrible. The food was so salty could not eat it. Too many other good places in area.

What could improve--The food and service. The one star rating was for the drinks, while took a long time to get, were very good. The service was very poor and my meal was inedible!! The risotto and baked scallop special could not have more salt in it if they tried. That was the same for many at the table. You could not eat the food. We said they should tell the chef about the issue. When, we told the waiter he said "how about a round of shots" for our troubles. The service was horrible, table not cleaned off when they were bringing out food. Total disappointment. I will never go to that place again. read more

On a side street off of Main with a private parking lot it was a breeze to park. Big bar area right when you walk in and dining room behind that. The food was the old school franklin Ave style and it hit the spot ! Really great vodka sauce as well! Waitress was really friendly. read more

Amazing food with very generous portions....my husband is Italian and he loves this restaurant (he's very particular where his Italian cuisine is concerned)... The service is amazing as well! Instead of making dinner tonight, make reservations at Stella Doro!! (Walk ins are welcome as well).... read more

I just got home from a great meal with a great friend. We say under the tent as the tables were already set. There was plenty of well spaced seating both under the tent and on the patio. All of the seating is outdoor, unless the weather is unfavorable. We were greeted by the friendly staff and were promptly brought menus, water, bread and a wonderful dipping oil. Minutes later our server was back to take our drink order. Shortly after receiving our drinks our server was back to take our order. We both decided on pasta dishes. Both meals came with a small salad that was brought out ahead of or meals. I ordered the Smoked Chicken Ravioli with shiitake mushrooms and pimento tossed in a creamy pesto sauce. I'm not usually one to sop up my sauce, but I could not get enough of this pesto off of my plate. My girlfriend ordered the Pollo Scarparello, a pasta dish with chicken, sausage, artichoke hearts and red peppers in a white wine sauce. We decided to treat ourselves to dessert and coffee. I chose the Tiramisu and my friend decided on the cannoli. The coffee was decent. The Tiramisu coloring looked a bit off to me. There was not the traditional dark cocoa powder dusting on top. The dessert was served with a "raw" Ladyfinger biscuit. I just didn't know what to do with it, so I left it on the plate. The flavoring was a bit bland. It lacked the espresso and alcohol flavor that Is one would expect. I will definitely visit again. There were some interesting menu items that I would like to try. Next time, I'll just skip dessert. read more

Eh the food is alright. I had the steak, ribeye and while it was cooked perfectly there was little to no seasoning and when I asked for salt it took a really long time and asking three different people. Probably will give them one more chance though as the prices were pretty low. read more

I dropped in for dinner the other night. Very nice place, old style architecture, housing a clean, contemporary dinning atmosphere. Staff was polite and efficient, with no slip ups. The food....Outstanding! For an appetizer I had the Broccoli Rabe with Sausage. Cooked to perfection with strong garlic seasoning. Just the way I like it. For an Entree had the Chicken Romano. First bite was Heaven, last bite was the same. Very tasty dish! Price, not cheap, but worth it!!! I highly recommend Stella D'Oro read more

Everything about my experience was incredible! The waitress and those that helped with clearing the table were all extremely kind and had great personalities. The food was excellent, from the bread and oil to the entree. It was a quiet and pleasant atmosphere, with Frank Sinatra playing in the background, it made for a wonderful experience with my family. I will most definitely be back! read more

Service and atmosphere were fine, food was a c plus at best. Not worth the effort for a Saturday night out.

its valentines day and its 8:45. i have reservations at 8:30 and theres still people waiting who have reservations at 7!!! wtffff

Unlike Valerie R.... ‍ I find the cuisine to be far above average. (Some of us are elite for talking too much imo, but that's just me I guess.‍) This restaurant offers a menu from Montenegro, a bit different than most Italian menus. I appreciate the uniqueness and differentiation from other Italian restaurants in the area. And one thing I will say, if you listen to the likes of the naysayers you will be missing out on the Most Delicious bread dip I have ever had at a restaurant. I pay for pints of the stuff and bring it to Friendsgiving, and am a hit every year. I have worked in restaurants, mostly fine dining, for many years (16), if you look over the experience offered by this family owned business, you will be missing out, indeed. So don't test me Valerie, I read your "elite" take on a local favorite and as an experienced server I'd be surprised to learn of your party being anyone's favorite table of the night. Drinks on me if you can prove it read more

Excellent food at a reasonable price. It also has a nice atmosphere. Was a former movie theater from the 1920s

They had a nice spot for a private family group of 8-10 in a small alcove in the back of the restaurant. Everything was clean and service was pretty good. The oil for the bread is nice, but the rest of the food was average including the pasta. Portions were a good size. I probably would not return, but it was selected by less selective family members. If you're looking for a tucked away spot for that size of a group with a lot of menu options, then this would be the right place for you. read more

This has become one of our favorite, local restaurants! The service is always great, friendly and fast. The food is yummy. My favorite is the Chicken Romano. So good! read more

My Husband and I have eaten here several times since they have opened, and we have not once been disappointed! Great service? YES! Friendly wait staff? YES!! Good food? Not just good, IT IS PERFECTION!! Whether it's a week night or a weekend, the service and food are SPOT ON! The Bruschetta is delicious, the Broccoli Rabe with sausage and hot peppers is the best I have had EVER!! Coming from an Italian, THAT MEANS ALOT! Try this place for yourself, you will NOT be sorry (or leave hungry!!) read more

Stella Doro - Broccoli Rabe with sausage, hot peppers and garlic - Italian Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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I admit that I'm not somebody who's easily impressed and quite frankly I find myself frequently disappointed in restaurants. Stella Doro has restored my faith in restaurant take out delivery. First, the food was fresh, hot and delicious. I ordered a tortellini in a pink sauce and 2 desserts. The tortellini meal came with salad which was delicious and Fresh bread. The desserts were fresh and delicious (guava cheesecake and hazelnut cake). Because they were out of one of the cakes I ordered, they actually called to let me know and asked if I wanted a substitute which I was fine with. So many places just don't put that effort into it. After so many bad experiences recently I am just estatic and ready to order from them again today. Can't wait to eat in the restaurant. Bravo! read more

This sleeper always has excellent food and service! It's tucked away off of Main Street with a very traditional Italian menu, lovingly prepared. The Florentine dishes are wonderful, and the broccoli rabe was fantastic, too read more

We had a large group of 20. Atmosphere and ambiance was good, food and staff were great! Everyone was happy w the pasta's and seafood. Apps and drinks were very good as well. Bar area is large and set up really awesome! read more

Excellent place. I'm a Chef so eating out can be difficult. This was every enjoyable. Father & son family business. Son runs the front of the house. Really nice guy that makes excellent cocktails. We had expresso martinis before dinner. Seafood antipasto was an excellent start that my wife and I split. 2 clams casino, 2 large Scallops, 1 shrimp & 2 stuffed mushrooms. With a nice lemon white wine sauce. Dinner i had a Veal breast chop. Top quality piece of meal cook to perfection with rapini and mashed potato in a light cognac sauce. Excellent!! My wife had the Stella D'oro combo veal,chicken, shrimp in a white wine lemon sauce with ziti. Excellent. We spilt a house made Tiramisu (awesome) with really good expresso. Great food , great service nice open restaurant. Excellent anniversary dinner. Thank you Stella D'oro. read more

Stella Doro - Veal chop - Italian Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Service was excellent, as was dinner. Veal was nice and tender. We loved their take on bruschetta. Beautiful breeze on a nice summer night. read more

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Shrimp cocktail was warm calamari was chewy the oil for the bread dipping was an excellent wine was good martini was OK!! definitely would come back for drinks and better af apps I would have to choose read more

Stella Doro - Stella doro - Italian Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Food was delicious. Yummy drinks. Great selection. Staff friendly & attentive. Slightly over priced but I think probably worth it.

Was pretty good Everything was as it should be reasonable price good food. Good portions good service make it 4 1/2 stars

Four of us visited Stella Doro this evening at 5PM on a Saturday. On arrival we were the only folks in the place, save the staff. We were ushered to our table promptly, provided menus, and placed drink orders in short order. Our waiter was definitely on his game. The bread and tomato/spice dipping sauce was outstanding. Drinks arrived and orders were taken within 10 minutes of being seated. The salads were served all around but curiously only a House Italian & Creamy Garlic dressings were available. A good Pharm/Peppercorn would be a plus, given the Italian cuisine. The entrees were enjoyed by all...especially the Shrimp/Scallop Fra Diavolo & Veal Parmigiana. There was no room for dessert and the requested Cappuccino wasn't available. By the time we left (@ ~ 6:45PM) the dining room was well populated & there were a couple of parties out under the tent. We will definitely be back as we found the staff, facilities and cuisine to be very good. read more