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The last time I was at Stella's was at their Charleston location. I visit Charleston often since my adult children live there, and Stella's has become one of our go to favorites. It had been a while since I'd been back to the original here in Richmond, and it absolutely reminded me why this place is legendary. We ordered almost exclusively off page one of the menu, and every single dish delivered. We started with the grilled octopus. Let me be clear, nobody does octopus better than Stella's. It is grilled and charred to perfection, tender, smoky, and never rubbery. It is served over romaine with a Greek dressing that brings just the right brightness and acidity. I could eat that dish every single day and never get tired of it. They begin the meal with warm bread and olive oil, and I honestly wanted to walk across the street and get a case of the olive oil to take home. It tastes like Greece. The bread is fresh and , buttery, and perfect for dipping. I saw someone once compare it to Wonder Bread, which tells me they know absolutely nothing about bread baking or the difference between fresh bread and ultra processed food. This bread is exactly what it should be. We also had the Tria and Stella's calamari. The calamari is outstanding. The Mediterranean flavors are spot on, and the sun dried tomatoes add just a hint of sweetness that balances everything beautifully. The fresh pita and Tria dips are so yummy. We also ordered the lamb lollipop special and the seasonal salad. That salad deserves its own moment. Shaved fennel, an ouzo dressing, bacon, cranberry, and apples. Just phenomenal. I would happily eat that salad on its own every day. Yes, we over ordered, but Stella's boxes everything up without hesitation, which I truly appreciate. Great restaurants want you to enjoy the meal twice. The service was outstanding from start to finish, but what really stood out was the care they showed. I messaged ahead explaining that I am immunocompromised due to a stem cell transplant for leukemia. Stella's is tiny, so I asked for a corner table and made it clear I completely understood if they could not accommodate. Not only did they seat us thoughtfully, they kept a 4 too next to us as just a two top even though they easily could have filled the neighboring table twice. That kind of awareness and kindness matters more than people realize. If you can, go to Stella's. It is on best of lists year after year for a reason. You are not just eating dinner, you are eating like you are in Greece
The food here is so traditional and delicious. We had an appetizer, some delicious cocktails and ordered food to go. The bartender was super helpful and friendly with our drinks and the food menu. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful, lots of windows and natural light, soothing decor. After this we shopped at their market across the street and took a bunch of prepared food home! All delicious!!
I came here for a dinner and got the spanakopita ($15), pikelia ($30) and pastichiatho ($25). The food came out after about 25 mins and wow was it amazing. The spanakopita was very flaky and crispy and the dip complimented so well. The pastichiatho was a sweeter pasta with a meat sauce it was very delicious. And the pikelia had a little of everything from meats, vegetables, and pastries. Everything tasted sooo good, I can see why they are always so booked 3 months out. My only complaint is the size of the restaurant and space between tables, it's very close to other tables literally 2 or 3 feet apart which made the atmosphere feel a little to close to each other. Overall food was absolutely amazing! I'm definitely going to get another reservation down the line! Food(50%): 9.3 Staff/service(25%): 7.0 Value(25%): 8.4 Overall: 8.5/10
Great atmosphere and awesome food. The moussaka was a little sweet which was unexpected but still good. The pasta 5 was really filling but okay on flavor. The sampler was great to try several appetizers! Would recommend getting a reservation though since it gets packed. There is also a communal table that different groups can sit together at
While staying in Richmond a group of us (co-workers) came here for dinner on a weeknight. We didn't have reservations and the place was packed, but they were still able to find seating for the four of us, which was great! Honestly, service the entire evening was excellent! The menu is loaded with all sorts of appealing Greek food. We decided to try a bunch of items to share... such as their Village salad, which was very nicely done with fresh veggies and a tasty, robust feta. I also tried a cup of their Lentil soup - this was really tasty. We tried many other items too; their meatballs, trio of dips, and even their flaming cheese - We really liked it all and there was so much food, we got full from just these small plates! Definitely would recommend stopping in, but be sure to make reservations, they are quite popular!
I was in Richmond for work last week and decided to stop at Stella's for dinner before driving back to Baltimore. I adored it. First of all - the location and the ambiance are really lovely. Stella's is located in a more residential neighborhood (I street parked a block away in front of a really charming bungalow house), and it's incredible charming: outside seating under an awning, corner door, in a tiny strip of shops. The inside of the restaurant is beautiful, intimate, and romantic (but still wonderful for me, as a solo dinner at the bar). And the restaurant has history. Stella's has a lengthy Richmond history for being not such an old place itself. It's named after Stella Dikos, who was born in Nazi-occupied Greece in 1942 but who emigrated to the States after an arranged marriage. She and her husband opened Village Cafe, which served American and Greek classics, in Richmond in 1956. Her first namesake restaurant opened in Richmond in 1983, and the current Stella's is nod to her, too. Until she passed away in 2024, you could still find Stella working the restaurant that bears her name. The food and the drinks really live up to the charm and history of this great restaurant. Stella's serves Greek dishes - some classic comforts and some more modern takes the cuisine. The menu is large, and the only thing I don't like about solo dining is that there's not someone to share with you, so you can't order as much. But looking at this menu, I couldn't order just one dish. I started with a salad, their Maroulosalata (tender lettuces, dill, scallion, feta, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh lemon), which I loved. It was simple and fresh and bright and everything I want in a salad. Honestly, I could eat it every day. My main dish was harder to choose. Did I want Moussaka? Always. Or did I want their Artichoke Moussaka? Interesting, maybe I want that! Was I craving Pastichio? Always. But then there were dishes I'd never tried before (Pastichiatho, Koltopoulo, Hilopites...) and roasted whole fish and roasted leg of lamb... I said to myself, "Well, you'll just have to come back," and ordered their Hilopites (egg noodles, giant beans, pine nuts, cherry tomato, kalamata olive, feta, fresh mint, and extra virgin olive oil). Comfort in a whole. I loved it. I also had a glass of wine recommended by the bartender - a bright, acidic, Greek white wine perfect for the meal. And I chatted with the bartender, other servers, and a solo drinker to my left. All of this - the history, the ambiance, the wine, and - YES ABSOLUTELY - the food, added up to one of my favorite meals lately. I can't wait to have a reason to come back to Richmond, so I can eat at Stella's again. Next time, I'm bringing other people, not because I need the company (Stella's is exactly the kind of warm place where a solo diner can have a great experience) but so I can try more of their menu. A gem.
We came in for a late Christmas Eve lunch and it ended up being one of those meals that sticks with you long after you leave. The restaurant was lively but not chaotic, and the space itself felt warm and inviting. Inside, the bar was full, tables were buzzing with conversation, and the holiday decorations added just enough festivity without feeling forced. It felt like the kind of place where people were settling in and enjoying themselves, not rushing through a meal. Outside had its own charm too. The street was lined with classic cars and the storefront felt cozy and neighborhood driven. It was one of those moments where you pause for a second before going in and think, this feels like the right place to be today. We started with the saganaki, followed by spanakopita and grilled octopus. Everything came out beautifully done. The octopus was especially memorable. Tender, nicely charred, and bright with lemon. The spanakopita was crisp and comforting, exactly what you hope for. For mains, we shared the pastichio and the braised lamb shank, which was absolutely the right move. The pastichio was rich and satisfying with a deeply browned top, and the lamb shank was fall apart tender with bold, slow cooked flavor. We finished with ekmek, which was light, creamy, and refreshing after a heavier meal. Portions were generous and we happily took some food home. Service was excellent throughout. Our server Jon P was attentive, friendly, and gave us space to enjoy the meal without ever feeling forgotten. We walked out right at 150 including tip, and it felt like money very well spent. This was our first visit, but it will not be our last. Stella's turned a Christmas Eve lunch into something that felt special, and that kind of experience is hard to come by.
A beautiful birthday dinner. We were able to get a spot at the bar without a reservation on a busy Monday night. The service was impeccable and the food was outstanding. Highly recommend the feta braised chicken... some of the most flavorful and tender chicken I've ever tried. Definitely worth the hype.
Stella's was absolutely delicious! The portions are perfect for sharing and the drinks were amazing too. We had such awesome service--everyone was so friendly and attentive. We sat at the bar since they only accept walk-ins (no reservations) and it definitely gets busy, but it was well worth the wait. Every dish was so flavorful and unique. The baked oysters special was incredible, and the filet was cooked to perfection. I love the feeling inside it's very warm and inviting. Highly recommend!
I've had opportunities to try Stella's several times over the last few months during lunch and dinner. I can certainly see why it's so busy and hard to score reservations. The food is delicious, portions are massive, and the service is attentive. It seems you can't really go wrong with any of the dishes. I highly recommend trying several apps like spanakopita, hummus & tabouli, and tiropita. All the phyllo dishes are so delicate and crisp. I've also enjoyed the chicken souvlaki pita, lamb gyro, kotopoulo, and the chicken souvlaki. Everything is tender and you can really taste all the Greek flavors. I do surprisingly wish the pita and gyro were a bit smaller as they're so large and full that you have to eat it with a fork and knife.
At any given night you'll probably find me here at my regular table ordering the octopus, lamb, and salmon with my Kapnos cocktail in hand. This has become one of my Richmond staples and a place I take anyone and everyone in my life. The staff is like family and the food is always consistent. I hope they stay in Richmond forever.
Fab food! Some of the dishes are spin-offs and more fusion than traditional, but everything we tried was good. We had the mushroom saganaki, black kale salad, artichoke moussaka, and salmon. Out of the selection, the salad was the least interesting as the dressing consisted of just oil and lemon (though it was flavored with the grated cheese. We just like stronger flavors. The other dishes were done to perfection. The atmosphere was very pleasant and could be romantic (soft light, candle lit lanterns, faux tin ceiling, cloth napkins, cool wall art). The soundtrack is mostly older Greek songs, which works for the restaurant, but makes me feel bad for the staff who must have heard every song thousands of times. The service was great! Just right amount of attention but not too much. They were helpful as to recomendations. We were seated almost immediately on a thursday night, though the restaurant was bustling.
Stella's is a Richmond top restaurant year after year for so many reasons! From the delicious cocktails to the entrees, you'll be happy with whatever you choose. And, if you've never tried octopus, this is the place to try it. Perfectly grilled and tender. Every. Single. Time! read more
Stella's never disappoints. For my birthday we decided to have a late lunch at Stella's. I made a reservation because I know it's hard to just walk up and get a table. We had a 1:15 pm reservation and when we got there the place was still super busy. The host was really friendly and welcoming...a great first impression! He sat us at a table in the front window area, and it happened to be the same table we were at the last time we visited. I hate how close the tables are but I get that they're trying to get the most revenue from the square footage. Our server came over and brought water. He didn't introduce himself, poured our water and spilled some on the table that didn't get wiped up and took our drink order. He was nice but seemed harried. He later came back and took our orders, which included a village salad and calamari, veal shank and Greek chicken. Everything was tasty. The chicken was the winner from both my husband and me. We also ordered coffee and a chocolate mousse. The mousse could be made with less sugar but us Americans love our sugar so I'm sure they were trying to make it to the average American's taste. Overall I enjoyed Stella's. Nice atmosphere, good food and decent service. There are other Greek restaurants that are less expensive but just as good that I go to on a regular basis. Stella's is a treat for the atmosphere and a little different menu. Definitely worth the visit. read more
Stella's of Richmond has been around since 1983. I'm ashamed it took me until 2022 to finally visit a culinary institution. Stella's story, in their own words, requires only two sentences. "In 1983, the first restaurant in her namesake opened doors on Harrison Street, just steps from the Village Cafe. After a successful run into the early 90's, the second iteration opened on Main Street in 1998, offering critically acclaimed eclectic cuisine." Stella's honors rustic and modern Greek cuisine bringing Mediterranean fare right to your table. They don't simply honor Greek cuisine they showcase it. Their grilled octopus is the standard by which all others are measured. Any Greek food item you enjoy or ever heard of is here! From moussaka, pastitsio, spanakopita and souvlaki to saganaki (cheese on fire), feta phyllo, keftedes (meatballs), and kotopoulo (oven baked chicken). To quote an old movie: "If they don't got it, you don't want it!" A word to the wise, the portions on some of the dishes are magnum in size. The No. 5 pasta for example could feed four small people or two big eaters. Personally, I would stick to their Greek classics for the ultimate experience. The grilled octopus is second to none and the basics like their spanakopita and saganaki are outstanding. Their sauteed calamari is zesty and clean. I tried the steak filet Mignon and it was quite underwhelming. Additionally, the moussaka was far too rich and I could only endure about three bites. That being said, stick to the Greek dishes and you'll see why Stella's is a Richmond dynasty. read more
3 months ago
As a big big fan of Greek food, I was really excited when I stumbled across all of the amazing reviews for Stella's. I rushed to make a reservation for lunch the same day - and could not see any availability. Luckily, I decided to try my luck by getting there as soon as they opened... And fortunately there was an option for seating at the bar. From the amazing cocktails to the fantastically fresh ingredients and generous portion sizes - everything about lunch at Stella's was delectable and mouthwatering. I would highly recommended the Fried Kalamari and Pan Seared Salmon!! The special of the day was the whole Branzino with Spanakorizo and that also blew my tastebuds away. The general vibe at the restaurant was very homily. It was clear that it's a great spot to go to with family, friends and also an intimate date. The team were all super friendly and experienced. Looking forward to visiting again to sample items off of the dinner menu . read more
8 months ago
3 years ago
I love Stella's and speaking to others and reviewing Yelp most others do too. They provide so many tasty Greek dishes which are so flavorful. The service is usually excellent and very attentive. The dining room could get a bit loud but not too loud where you can't have a conversation. It's really very cozy but always crowded which explains why it's tough to get a table. We usually arrive at 4 for a bar seat but if a table is available at the time they will sit you down but give you a time limit. I enjoy the wine list as well. They have a great list of different Greek wines and the server has always been able to discus the different wines with detail. The street parking is usually not a problem since this is a mainly residential neighborhood. This may sound odd but the one negative that I find is that the food can be too flavorful and maybe over seasoned. An example from my most recent order would be that when serving heavily seasoned lamb I would prefer a less seasoned side. My potatoes were so seasoned that I had to drink a lot of water. I'm not saying I wanted plain potatoes but the side should not overpower the main entree. It might be why I prefer spicy Asian/Indian foods with white rice. I enjoy the contrast. read more
4 months ago
I love Stella's! Always great service, fresh food, a nice atmosphere, and large portions. We always have food left to bring home. I also love their fresh bread and private label olive oil for dipping. Truth though, we carry out from the market more than dining in because we usually can't walk in without a reservation. Today, we were lucky and got a table! Their specials are always interesting, so make sure you hear about them before making a menu choice! Nice selection of greek and Mediterranean wines. One complaint, it does get really loud! What we ate: Saganaki: FLAMING KEFALOGRAVIERA CHEESE, SERVED WITH GRILLED PITA Roasted oysters: SAUSAGE, SPINACH, CHEESE Hilopites: EGG NOODLES, GIANT BEANS, PINE NUTS, CHERRY TOMATO, KALAMATA OLIVE, FETA, FRESH MINT & EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL Roasted leg of Lamb: LEG OF LAMB, SLICED, AND SERVED WITH ROASTED LEMON POTATOES My rating rationale +1 Service +1 Food~Taste/flavor/quality +1 Presentation +1 Atmosphere/vibe +1 Value read more
9 months ago
2 years ago
About 10 years ago my family and I stumbled upon Stella's as we were making our way north from the Carolinas back to PA. We were weary travelers just looking for a good meal and a break from driving but that night, we got so much more. It all feels like a dream looking back on it now. Walking into the warm and inviting atmosphere and looking at the menu to realize that we were in for a journey back to a nostalgic place in our yiayia's kitchen. It was Greek soul food. Everything we ordered left us speechless. So fresh, so delicious and so authentic. It was the kind of meal and experience that you never forget. So it was only fitting that last week, when I found myself making that same journey back to PA, I made a point to stop in Richmond and revisit that special place that lived in my memories a decade later. I had kept up with Stella's on Instagram and seen that the matriarch of the family and business had recently passed away. I wondered if things would be different now. Well, reader, I am happy to report that this place has still got it. I imagine there may be an even greater commitment to excellence to honor Stella's legacy. I sat at the communal table in the center of the room that quickly filled up with neighborly guests. I ordered the greatest hits- the spanakopita, the dolmades, the feta phylo drizzled in honey and sesame seeds. My belly was full but I didn't want it to end. I got the pasticcio to go and a rizogalo and baklava too. I have people back home to share with, after all. I had no business ordering the "Bright White" cocktail at 12:30 in the afternoon but how could I resist a drink that featured mastiha from our island of Chios? The first sip brought a tear to my eye (so did the last one, but for a different reason). It was all so damn good and I can't recommend it enough. If you're like me, when you're meal is through, you'll meander across the street to Stella's Grocery and figure out how you can take a little more of this special place home with you. read more
8 months ago
A must go place when we visit Richmond. Great food, great service, in a high energy restaurant that does not rush you. We had grilled oysters, mushroom saganaki, moussaka, pikelia, and all were perfect. Wine and cocktails always good as well. The smells will make you hungry as soon as you step into the restaurant. read more
9 months ago
2 years ago
Commonly regarded as one of the best restaurants in Richmond for good reason. This place BREATHES authenticity when it comes to its Greek roots and unique menu selection. The depth of flavors was incredible - having never had Moussaka before, I now think I want it every day for the rest of my life. My stepdad loved its close counterpart - the Pastichio. The highlight of the meal was the Saganaki though - and not just for its brilliant flaming showmanship when it was brought to the table, but just in how utterly delicious it was. I swear I scraped every last bite off that pan. Even the pre-meal bread was delicious and I had to catch myself from eating too much before the main event. My girlfriend thought the chicken dish she got was perfectly tender and seasoned, and that the potatoes that went with were insanely flavorful. My mom loved her crab-cakes too! Stella(r) cocktail menu to go along with (see what I did there). Literally everything was good. Overall, I think this place is such a gift. We sat on the patio and heard all about the places history and story from our gracious server. We managed to get in without a reservation and were constantly given updates as to when our food would be arriving, as it was quite a busy night. Everyone was so attentive and the vibe of this place is just truly unmatched. That said, it is EXPENSIVE. Do not be surprised by the number you rack up here if you truly dive into the experience full throttle. I'd say it was worth it :) And if you don't want to go here, at least give the grocery locations a shot :) read more
One of my all time favorite restaurants in Richmond. I've come here for years, and service and food are consistently outstanding. Nothing more can be said! It's no wonder why reservations here are hard to come by. If you haven't already been, GO! read more
Dang, finally know what all the hype about Stella's is about. Food was delicious, great portions, and service was quick and friendly. I loved the complimentary bread-it was warm, fluffy, and a little sweet. We loved: lamb gyro (moist and hearty) and tria dips (flavorful and came with heaps of toasted pita) Fyi: weekend reservations are hard to get. Try and make a reservation a couple weeks in advance read more
My first visit but not my last. Great atmosphere inside and patio seating also available. Our server was very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. You have to start with the Saganaki, yes it comes flaming. The Fried Kalamari (I'm spelling it like they do) is enough to share and delicious. The Filet is the perfect size and perfect flavor. Nice and tender and juicy. Also the Grilled Whole Fish was more than expected. Depending on your appetite it could be enough to share, but it is a great choice. Everything was wonderful and I will return. read more
I've heard so many wonderful things about Stella's and after trying the restaurant for the first time I understand why. The restaurant includes a bar, outdoor seating, indoor tables, and one large communal table. It's very rustic and beautiful. If you want to ensure that you get a table to yourself make sure that you get your reservations at least a week in advance. The food is absolutely delicious. I enjoyed the Stella's Calamari. It's sautéed with sun dried tomatoes, capers, and artichoke hearts. My friends also greatly liked their food. Everything came in generous portions and served with freshly baked breads with olive oil. The waitresses and hostess are also super kind and helpful with explaining the menu. I love everything that this restaurant has to offer! read more
4 months ago
We had a fantastic meal at Stella's - the kind of meal that transports you to another world with its delicious flavor combinations and textures. Among the four of us, we shared the saganaki, grilled octopus and oysters rockefeller to start. I am and always here for flaming cheese. It was absolutely scrumptious. The grilled octopus was one of the best renditions I have had - smoky, tender, not at all rubbery but with such meatiness in each bite. For my main, I got the filet mignon. This was served with jump lump crab on top of the filet mignon, which I quite enjoyed as a twist on a traditional surf and turf. It was served with this sherry dijon cream that was luxurious and divine. The filet mignon was cooked perfectly and melted in my mouth. The accompanying orzo was the cherry on top of this perfect dish. I am already looking forward to come back. My husband and his family are from Richmond, and always spoke highly of this restaurant - I'm so glad to have finally dined here! read more
Repeat customer - reservations are a good idea, but outside seating or bar is usually available. Today I had a special soup - shiitake mushroom with lump crab in a sherry cream base. Following that I enjoyed the Artichoke Moussaka. Wife had the same soup along with the Pastichio. Everything was excellent (as usual). Thoroughly endorse and recommend! read more
GUYS. LIFE. CHANGING. Wow Stella's is awesome. We ate outside and it was a lovely day. The ambiance was clean and classy. A nice little place to sit. We came here to celebrate an early Father's Day, and what a good choice. We had a reservation and got our table right away. Our waiter was super nice. The dolmades, amazing. The octopus, SO TENDER!! Every dish was so flavorful and delicious. Oh yeah, don't forget there is B R E A D. Dip it in the olive oil, it is beautiful. Honestly you can't go wrong with any of these dishes. I really enjoyed the shrimp and the fish. The sauce is just so fresh. Looking for a nice night out, go check this place out! Truly a top hit in RVA. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
You need to go. It's so good. And what I appreciate is just the vibe and the consistency. I am a pretty adventurous orderer but my husband loves his still go with what you know. He always gets the filet (medium rare) with crab and this sauce ... I swear I wanted to lick the darn plate good. I got the rockfish special which was baked with like a zucchini veg blend. It was good. Anyways everything was/ is always so good. Go. Just go! read more
2 years ago
What can I say that's not already been said? Yes, this place is worth every dollar AND ... calorie! The bread is as soft and light as a cloud, paired perfectly with incredibly flavorful olive oil. As i t was such a hot day I landed on the Village 16 (Salates). Quite impressed with its freshness - each component tasted like it was just picked. The feta cheese added a creamy element that was out of this world. I opted to add the salmon, which was cooked to perfection with a nice crisp exterior, while remaining tender, soft, and flaky on the inside. It wasn't over seasoned at all, striking the perfect balance when served alongside the salad. To top it all off, the staff is helpful and kind, enhancing the overall dining experience. Their attentiveness and friendly demeanor really made me feel welcome. This meal was a delightful experience from start to finish. If you're looking for fresh ingredients prepared with skill and care, served by a great staff, look no further. read more
Fabulous Greek restaurant with flaming Saganaki brought to our table! We were so impressed by how well the cheese tasted. We also enjoyed fresh bread and Stella's olive oil. Oh so scrumptious! I had a full tentacle of octopus with seasoned lettuce while hubby had a a lamb gyro with a side of Lima beans accompanied by fennel and feta. Generous portions were served and we were so pleased! So happy to find this healthy place for lunch and we will return! read more
Stella's gets my vote for the best restaurant in Richmond. There is a reason this place has reservations booked out for months in advance, and that common table/bar seating always fills up quick. The food here here is always great, and is so fresh and delicious. You get started with the house bread, with their own brand of olive oil for dipping. Depending on how many people are in your party (or if you want leftovers), decides how we order the rest of our food. For 2 people, splitting 1 entree, or 2-3 tapas is usually plenty. For a party of 4, can do more tapas, or do 1-2 tapas and split an entree. I recommend the hummus and tabbouleh, saganaki, and lamb frites for tapas, and the Classic No 5 noodle for entree. Everything outside of the food is also great. I recommend the Santorini drink (serves about 4-5 glasses but is so delicious). Service is always very nice and attentive. The atmosphere is also great - feels so cozy and sophisticated, and the bar/common table tops add to it as well. After living in Richmond for about 5 years, this has definitely become my favorite restaurant in the city, and is where we go to celebrate special occasions. The food is also reasonably priced for the quality. Overall a great spot worth going to! read more
Great neighborhood gem, but worth the trip from anywhere around RVA! It's a lively spot on weekends, so make a reservation. The bar was bustling and the community table was full and guests there were all enjoying each other's company. Our table for two was right in the middle of everything and the service was very attentive. The wine list was true to form with all Grecian wines on the list. Our server helped us find a great bottle. We kept the meal simple: dolmades with an excellent tzatziki, lamb chop lollipops that were perfectly done with accompanying grilled lemon and amazing coarse salt, and their Cypriot salad with arugula, shaved fennel, pistachios and grilled grapes. Richmond has a great dining scene and while there are many more places to explore, I'm looking forward to another Friday night at Stella's. read more
3 stars but I loved the grilled octopus so much I'm bumping up to 4. I'd request to sit in the restaurant when you make a reservation. Our party sat in the retail shop next to the restaurant and it was a bit bizarre. The space was beautiful but it's a boutique with a couple of tables, and smells like spa products lol. We shared a lot of plates after some assistance ordering by our incredible server. The standout by far was the grilled octopus, and we loved the lamb frites as well. This was my first time going. Next time I want to sit in the restaurant and order a pasta. Would def recommend. read more
2 years ago
Definitely want to come back to Stella's! My friends and I were happy we were able to make a reservation here (since their reservations can get booked fast). We loved every dish. The Branzino fish had amazing flavor and was grilled perfectly. Also, the rice with the fish was delicious. The Greek salad with the feta cheese tasted very fresh. The restaurant has a rustic, classic ambiance inside. The server was also very attentive and kind. I want to go back to try more dishes! read more
A little slice of Greece tucked away in Richmond, Stella's embodies authentic Greek cuisine. The decor features earthenware vases, old Greek films playing on the far wall, and traditional Grecian music, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an old-world restaurant in Greece. Even the entire wine selection, from which we chose a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Viognier/Sangiovese blend, originated from Greece. The Cabernet Sauvignon was medium-bodied and less dry than a typical Napa Cab, while the Viognier/Sangiovese blend was unlike any wine I've ever tasted. Our server was very knowledgeable about the varieties of Greek wine they offered and gave us excellent recommendations. For food, we ordered the Feta Phyllo, the Saganaki, Pastichiatho, and Braised Lamb Shank. The Feta Phyllo was wrapped in delicate layers of phyllo, baked, and topped with honey, fresh lemon, and toasted sesame. Baked to a golden crisp, this dish balanced sweet, savory, salty, and nutty flavors beautifully. The Saganaki, flaming Kefalograviera cheese served with pita, was melty and salty, with an elevated flair from the flaming alcohol when brought to the table. Both appetizers were expertly made and left me eager to try more from the extensive menu. One could have an entire meal solely composed of the shareables, and it would be exceptional. As for our mains, the Pastichiatho was a delightful take on spaghetti with meat sauce, distinguished by a touch of nutmeg that set it apart from its Italian counterpart. The Braised Lamb Shank, however, was extraordinary and in a league of its own. The shank was fall-off-the-bone tender with a succulent, rich flavor that wasn't overly gamey, and the brown butter tomato-based sauce was infused with all the richness and meaty essence of the lamb. The bucatini served with the lamb was perfectly al dente and served as the ideal vessel for the rich sauce and decadent lamb. The portions were generous, leaving us thoroughly satisfied by the end of the meal. My only regret was not being able to try everything on the menu, especially the desserts, which are a must-order for our next visit to Stella's. read more
5 months ago
11 months ago
We came but one evening and they were so busy that we had to try elsewhere. We tried again when in town for the weekend with no reservations and was able to sit at the community table among others with our party of 5. Worked out perfectly. Our waiter was fantastic. He was very attentive and professional. He took very well care of us. Food was amazing!! We ordered several appetizers and were so full that we didn't need entrees. However, we ordered them anyhow. My faves were the tria, calamari, & grilled octopus. Everything tasted fresh. Was impressed with the comfy cozy warm colors and homey feeling. Will come back when the opportunity presents itself for sure! read more
2 years ago
10/10!! This was my second time going to Stella's, and it did not disappoint. Everything from the food, to the service, to the cocktails... Everything was wonderful. If you have not been, you have to!! Definitely one of the best restaurants in Richmond, hands down read more
More info about Stella's
1012 Lafayette St
Richmond, VA 23221
Malvern Gardens, Near West End
Directions
(804) 358-2011
Call Now
Visit Website
https://stellasrichmond.com
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Ask the Community - Stella's
Do they offer reservations for outdoor seating?
I'm not really sure...but definitely worth the wait!
Is there any outdoor seating these days?
Indeed there is, along the sidewalk leading towards the front door of the restaurant.
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Stella's - mediterranean - Updated June 2026
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