Appetizers and drinks were fantastic. There was absolutely nothing on the menu that we could eat for dinner. The server and other staff were horrible when we said we weren't staying for dinner. They snatched up our plates and glasses before we could finish. I won't go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
JAMES ELLIS
A quiet place with nice atmosphere serving delicious food. Would highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ben Dover
Server did not check on us for the entire time we ate. Food wasn’t bad but I wasn’t happy with what I ordered and I didn’t have the chance to get something else because we were pretty much ignored. The server only asked about dessert even though my plate was still full of food and did not care to ask me if I even enjoyed it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 2
Sarah Howard
Lovely dining experience! Had some roasted chestnuts, fois gras, scallops, and they offered a whole list of mocktails. Our server was Craig and he was professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mitch Cheney
My wife and I joined another couple for dinner at Stella and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Cocktails, appetizers and entrees were all delicious and well prepared. There was a mixup with my entree but Chef Myles Anton was extremely responsive and handled it smoothly and efficiently. We look forward to going back and trying out different menu items. I would highly recommend Trattoria Stella.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maynard Neal
We came up to Traverse City for the weekend and were struggling to pick a dinner spot… and then we ended up getting lucky with a reservation at Trattoria Stella. Let me just say this: I am still thinking about the food. I’m talking lay-awake-at-night replaying it in my mind kind of good.
The calamari came out and I swear I had to pause mid-chew like, “Hold on… why does it taste THIS good?” The sauce alone had me reconsidering life decisions. Then the main dishes came, and at that point, I was just grateful to be alive in that moment. I travel a lot — in and out of the country — and I’m telling you with a straight face… this is one of the best meals I’ve ever had in my adult existence.
The ambience: perfect. The service: warm, attentive, and not overbearing. The food: Actually outrageous. Like, there should be a law.
If you’re in Traverse City and you don’t come here, I genuinely don’t know what to tell you. You’re missing out on something your tastebuds will bring up in therapy later.
Trattoria Stella — thank you. We’ll be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brett Mitchell
You cant beat Stella for atmosphere. Its a beautiful and intimate space and very romantic. Watching the check in area, it was a little chaotic at times. I dont think they were doing a bad job, it just seemed like there has to be a better system. But im being extremely picky there.
Our server was fantastic. He was helpful and knowledgeable, and very attentive. 10/10 service.
The focaccia bread was absolutely fantastic. It feels weird to say it but it was the best bread I have ever had. I had a cocktail that I cant remember the name of, the Oaxaca something or other. It was smoky and delicious. My date had a mocktail that was tart and delicious.
Our entrees were good, but not quite as good as I was expecting. There wasn't necessarily anything wrong with them, they just didnt blow me away. Portions were excellent, my pork was cooked to perfection. My dates ravioli looked beautiful.
The dessert was absolutely perfect. We had one that I cant pronounce that tasted like all the best parts of fall, and also the Vanilla Bean Pavlova which is a STRONG contender for best thing I've ever had and im really not a dessert guy. These were both just exceptionally well done.
Overall, it was a 9.5 out of 10 experience if im being really really picky about it. Would absolutely love to come back again next time we visit the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kisstina Loose
We traveled to Traverse City for the first time to celebrate my cancer anniversary and stayed for the weekend in the penthouse above Trattoria Stella. We were excited to try this restaurant after reading so many wonderful reviews, and the entire building smelled incredible. When we saw they offered online ordering, we decided to stay in and enjoy a cozy dinner after a full day exploring. Unfortunately, the service experience fell very short of expectations. The online ordering system would not allow us to place an order and directed us to call instead. I called multiple times with no answer, so we went downstairs to inquire in person. The hostess greeted us warmly at first, but when we explained that we did not have a reservation and were trying to place a take-out order, her demeanor changed abruptly. She became noticeably rude, dismissive, and unprofessional, and speaking sharply. When I offered to show her the online ordering issue, she cut me off and told me she believed me, though her tone suggested otherwise. She reluctantly took our written order, said it would be 10–15 minutes, and that we would receive a call when it was ready. We returned upstairs to wait. After 30 minutes without any communication, we went back down. The hostess again seemed frustrated to see us and told us—rudely—that our order had been sitting there “for awhile,” despite telling us we would be contacted when it was ready. No explanation, no apology, and she walked away while we tried to figure out how to pay. As a business owner in the service industry myself, I understand things happen and restaurants get busy. But kindness, communication, and professionalism are non-negotiable. This interaction did not reflect the level of hospitality we expected based on the restaurant’s reputation. To be fair, the food itself was excellent—the cavatappi and chicken were flavorful and delicious. I can see why people rave about the cuisine. However, the service we experienced made what should have been a special evening very disappointing. I hope this feedback helps improve the guest experience, because the food deserves a level of service to match it.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
Muhammad Usama Ashraf
Great place with top ambiance and quality food. You will not regret it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hornet35
Old school staple for incredible Italian cuisine in TC.
The service was my favorite part of the dining experience. The servers are very well trained and really go above and beyond.
The food was incredible.
The drinks...ehhhhhh...just OK. I can make a better Old Fashioned in my kitchen. C'mon...in TC and don't even put a cherry in there?
Still, that wasn't a big deal. The food was still on point as it changes often with local availability of ingredients.
Had a large group. Management was very helpful and accommodating sorting out handling allergies and vegan restrictions. Service was friendly and on point. And the food was all excellent. It made for a wonderful evening for us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wendy Petrik
Amazing. This restaurant knows what they are doing. The owners, the chef, the Sommelier… they know Italy. The menu proves it. Delicious, with a wine cellar atmosphere. A must do for great food. Michelin, get your ish together and visit this gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emmy
I come here once a year when I visit and it’s just the best. From the drinks, to the food and atmosphere it’s just unmatched. It’s a must if you visit Traverse City!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ricke Stauffer, Jr.
Trattoria Stella never disappoints. I don't think there is anything on the menu (or off) that isn't worth trying and enjoying. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the ambiance is unmatched. If you haven't tried it yet, you're missing out!
Appetizers and drinks were fantastic. There was absolutely nothing on the menu that we could eat for dinner. The server and other staff were horrible when we said we weren't staying for dinner. They snatched up our plates and glasses before we could finish. I won't go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
A quiet place with nice atmosphere serving delicious food.
Would highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Server did not check on us for the entire time we ate. Food wasn’t bad but I wasn’t happy with what I ordered and I didn’t have the chance to get something else because we were pretty much ignored. The server only asked about dessert even though my plate was still full of food and did not care to ask me if I even enjoyed it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 2
Lovely dining experience! Had some roasted chestnuts, fois gras, scallops, and they offered a whole list of mocktails. Our server was Craig and he was professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My wife and I joined another couple for dinner at Stella and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Cocktails, appetizers and entrees were all delicious and well prepared. There was a mixup with my entree but Chef Myles Anton was extremely responsive and handled it smoothly and efficiently. We look forward to going back and trying out different menu items. I would highly recommend Trattoria Stella.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We came up to Traverse City for the weekend and were struggling to pick a dinner spot… and then we ended up getting lucky with a reservation at Trattoria Stella. Let me just say this: I am still thinking about the food. I’m talking lay-awake-at-night replaying it in my mind kind of good.
The calamari came out and I swear I had to pause mid-chew like, “Hold on… why does it taste THIS good?” The sauce alone had me reconsidering life decisions. Then the main dishes came, and at that point, I was just grateful to be alive in that moment. I travel a lot — in and out of the country — and I’m telling you with a straight face… this is one of the best meals I’ve ever had in my adult existence.
The ambience: perfect.
The service: warm, attentive, and not overbearing.
The food: Actually outrageous. Like, there should be a law.
If you’re in Traverse City and you don’t come here, I genuinely don’t know what to tell you. You’re missing out on something your tastebuds will bring up in therapy later.
Trattoria Stella — thank you. We’ll be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
You cant beat Stella for atmosphere. Its a beautiful and intimate space and very romantic. Watching the check in area, it was a little chaotic at times. I dont think they were doing a bad job, it just seemed like there has to be a better system. But im being extremely picky there.
Our server was fantastic. He was helpful and knowledgeable, and very attentive. 10/10 service.
The focaccia bread was absolutely fantastic. It feels weird to say it but it was the best bread I have ever had. I had a cocktail that I cant remember the name of, the Oaxaca something or other. It was smoky and delicious. My date had a mocktail that was tart and delicious.
Our entrees were good, but not quite as good as I was expecting. There wasn't necessarily anything wrong with them, they just didnt blow me away. Portions were excellent, my pork was cooked to perfection. My dates ravioli looked beautiful.
The dessert was absolutely perfect. We had one that I cant pronounce that tasted like all the best parts of fall, and also the Vanilla Bean Pavlova which is a STRONG contender for best thing I've ever had and im really not a dessert guy. These were both just exceptionally well done.
Overall, it was a 9.5 out of 10 experience if im being really really picky about it. Would absolutely love to come back again next time we visit the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We traveled to Traverse City for the first time to celebrate my cancer anniversary and stayed for the weekend in the penthouse above Trattoria Stella. We were excited to try this restaurant after reading so many wonderful reviews, and the entire building smelled incredible. When we saw they offered online ordering, we decided to stay in and enjoy a cozy dinner after a full day exploring.
Unfortunately, the service experience fell very short of expectations.
The online ordering system would not allow us to place an order and directed us to call instead. I called multiple times with no answer, so we went downstairs to inquire in person. The hostess greeted us warmly at first, but when we explained that we did not have a reservation and were trying to place a take-out order, her demeanor changed abruptly. She became noticeably rude, dismissive, and unprofessional, and speaking sharply. When I offered to show her the online ordering issue, she cut me off and told me she believed me, though her tone suggested otherwise.
She reluctantly took our written order, said it would be 10–15 minutes, and that we would receive a call when it was ready. We returned upstairs to wait. After 30 minutes without any communication, we went back down. The hostess again seemed frustrated to see us and told us—rudely—that our order had been sitting there “for awhile,” despite telling us we would be contacted when it was ready. No explanation, no apology, and she walked away while we tried to figure out how to pay.
As a business owner in the service industry myself, I understand things happen and restaurants get busy. But kindness, communication, and professionalism are non-negotiable. This interaction did not reflect the level of hospitality we expected based on the restaurant’s reputation.
To be fair, the food itself was excellent—the cavatappi and chicken were flavorful and delicious. I can see why people rave about the cuisine. However, the service we experienced made what should have been a special evening very disappointing.
I hope this feedback helps improve the guest experience, because the food deserves a level of service to match it.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
Great place with top ambiance and quality food. You will not regret it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Old school staple for incredible Italian cuisine in TC.
The service was my favorite part of the dining experience. The servers are very well trained and really go above and beyond.
The food was incredible.
The drinks...ehhhhhh...just OK. I can make a better Old Fashioned in my kitchen. C'mon...in TC and don't even put a cherry in there?
Still, that wasn't a big deal. The food was still on point as it changes often with local availability of ingredients.
I like that farm-to-table approach!
Keep up the great work TS!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Had a large group. Management was very helpful and accommodating sorting out handling allergies and vegan restrictions. Service was friendly and on point. And the food was all excellent. It made for a wonderful evening for us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing. This restaurant knows what they are doing. The owners, the chef, the Sommelier… they know Italy. The menu proves it. Delicious, with a wine cellar atmosphere. A must do for great food. Michelin, get your ish together and visit this gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I come here once a year when I visit and it’s just the best. From the drinks, to the food and atmosphere it’s just unmatched. It’s a must if you visit Traverse City!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Trattoria Stella never disappoints. I don't think there is anything on the menu (or off) that isn't worth trying and enjoying. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the ambiance is unmatched. If you haven't tried it yet, you're missing out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very good food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
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