Stella

I dine out frequently and am usually quite understanding when things don’t go perfectly, but this was honestly one of the most frustrating dining experiences I’ve had. From the start, there were multiple issues. The plates we were initially served were dirty. Although our server helped replace them, it already set a negative tone. After taking a sip of water, I noticed debris in the glass as well. We were told the oven was broken, and it appeared that there was dust and residue throughout the service area as a result. The only solution offered at the time was to replace the water. The food itself was disappointing. The carrots were completely burnt and blackened, and the steak we ordered medium came out much closer to medium-rare, with a very raw center. Service was also very disorganized. While the server assisting us went to ask the kitchen to rework the food, another server came by and cleared our salad even though we were still actively eating. To be fair, the restaurant ultimately comped the salad and the steak, and I do appreciate the effort made by the staff to address the situation. That said, for a restaurant where the average spend is $50–$100 per person, the overall experience — from food quality to cleanliness and service coordination — fell well below expectations. I appreciate the effort, but this experience left a lasting negative impression.

A small, intimate wood‑fired spot with standout hospitality and incredible food. Tyler’s welcoming smile made the night, and Chef Marshall’s arancini and hamachi crudo were perfect. Easily the best restaurant in Truckee.

I honestly don’t even know where to start. We arrived roughly 10 minutes early for our 7:45 PM reservation. We asked the host stand if we could grab a drink at the lobby bar but were told it was for hotel guests only. This turned out to be untrue, as we walked over anyway and they happily served us. When we returned to the stand at 7:55 PM, our table was still not ready, despite the fact that we could see several used tables sitting uncleaned. Once we were finally seated, our server, Jay, told us that everything was "going to be a while," which was confusing considering there were only about six other tables seated at the time. We ordered our first round of drinks and the $14 cornbread. When we asked for water for the table, Jay said, "Okay, yeah, I guess, but it might be a while." Then, when he returned with our drinks and we said we were ready to order our food, he again said, "Okay, yeah, I guess, but it’s going to be a while." This didn't make sense to me—I would assume the sooner you put the order in, the sooner the food would come. Fast forward 45 minutes: We had finished a bottle of wine and all our cocktails, and our food had still not arrived. When we asked for an update, the waiter said he would check, but instead returned with a plate of "unused" calamari. He told us it had just been sitting there, so we could have it as a consolation prize for the wait. When we asked for small side plates to share it, he actually rolled his eyes as if he expected us to just use our hands. It was pretty unreal at that point. When the main courses finally arrived, the quality was poor. My wife was served a mushroom risotto that was gooey and creamy but very clearly had zero mushrooms in it. The salmon and short rib were just okay. To top it all off, our friends were splitting the steak frites. It was conveniently split for them in the kitchen, but served very cold. The fries had clearly been double-cooked, as they were dark brown and rock hard. When we complained about the meat being cold, Jay told us, "Well, you’re just going to have to be patient because they’re going to have to make a new one for you." They did eventually comp the steak and offered free dessert, but when they served the replacement steak, it was—unbelievably—still cold.

Food good but super super cold need to find a solution to warm it up since it is literaly freezing inside Very small alternative in case of allergy. Service quite rude, we asked nice table for a birthday we have been answered “ depend how many people we have”, at least make the effort to say we will do our best. Almost argued ordering breakfast with the waiter , they could do better since food is not bad

honestly this may have been the best hospitality I’ve had in a while! My friends and I showed up at 10 am not realizing they closed at 11 and the host/server was kind enough to let us stay. It was 10 of us and only one of her and I think 1 cook as well. The waitress was so kind, she took everyone’s order, she was on top of things all the meanwhile cleaning up the rest of the restaurant. For such a big group everything came out so quick + the portion sizes were 10/10! My friends and I enjoyed it so much and hope to visit Truckee again to come here, but a lot earlier rather than an hour before closing. Shout out to the waitress + cook, we appreciated it so much and wish I would’ve asked for their names so they could get the recognition they deserve. 20/10 recommend!

We had a great time dining at Stella. We came here for breakfast and I had the best omelette. My son hate all of his parfait. The servers were very nice and quick. I highly recommend.

We came here for dinner over MLK weekend because we couldn't get into some of the better know Truckee restaurants with a large party. I am so glad we did. We had a great meal. The salmon was delicious and prepared perfectly. They have a nice, reasonable kids menu. The flourless chocolate cakes we had for dessert disappeared quickly. It's also a relative bargain compared to the other options in town. And I love the atmosphere. The tables are spread out . You don't feel like you're on top of other dinners.

This was a favorite place of mine the past few years and it's only gotten better with the new chef and changes they've made. They now have full service waiters and more seating options. The menu choices became fewer but there is nothing on it that disappoints. The cauliflower is a staple and a must. The Tartine bread starter (not shown) was divine and great for sharing. The halibut had so much flavor! They have unique combinations of ingredients that complement each other really well.