Stella's

Stella’s is great for a Greek experience. Been many times, consistently good food and service. Off the beaten path in a neighborhood. Love the cheese philo, Greek salad, and the Stella on draft. Had a shrimp entree that was good, also love the chicken souvlaki. Lots of food, I recommend. Greek store across the street has take out version of food served in restaurant. The neighbors are lucky. Reservations suggested however there is a community table

Stella's in Richmond was a fantastic experience! The food was absolutely delicious, with generous portion sizes that left us satisfied. We enjoyed the tender lamb with perfectly cooked potatoes and the pasta, which came loaded with flavorful meat. The ambiance was lovely, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Highly recommend!

This place is so good. We stop every time we go through Richmond. The lamb pops are the best! You can’t go wrong with drinks, food, or desserts! Get a reservation online, its easy to change if something happens.

Huge portions and great selections with Greek influence! Reservations highly recommended. Lounge next door and grocery across the street in the Stella's family

The restaurant is loud, but not disruptive. We were served by Jon, who was very intentional and kind. The food was outstanding! The feta, the fresh veggies, and multiple options - all with generous portions! My date and I had a wonderful anniversary dinner.

What a gem! Stella’s is the real deal when it comes to Greek cuisine - authentic, cozy, and so welcoming you’ll feel like part of the family before you even sit down. We were greeted with special house bread and super fresh olive oil that honestly deserved its own spotlight. I could’ve eaten a whole meal of just that. Service? Absolutely outstanding, friendly, fast, and full of those warm Mediterranean vibes. Now onto the food: we ordered the chicken souvlaki, pasta, and octopus. All the dishes came out looking fantastic and the portions were huge, even the kids’ meals looked like they were feeding future Olympians. Everything tasted great, but I have to admit, the octopus was a bit on the dry side. Maybe it got confused when I asked them to skip the red wine vinegar… totally my fault for giving it stage fright. Still, overall a delicious meal and a lovely experience. Come hungry, leave full, and maybe don’t mess with the octopus’ dressing.

Stella’s is a Richmond staple for a reason—delicious, creative cocktails and a friendly, attentive staff make for a consistently enjoyable experience. The place is always packed, so definitely plan to get there right when they open if you want to avoid a wait. We’re big fans of Greek food, and the dishes here are clearly fresh and generously portioned. Everything is well-prepared and presented with care. That said, there’s something about the flavor that feels just a bit muted or maybe too refined—it’s hard to put a finger on exactly what’s missing, but it doesn’t quite hit the bold, vibrant notes we look for in Greek cuisine. Still, it’s a solid spot with great energy, excellent service, and a warm, welcoming vibe. Worth a visit, especially if you’re in the mood for a quality meal and a great drink.

My friends and I came here a couple weeks ago during the holiday bustle. We were meeting midway in Richmond as I was traveling north and they were returning south. We wanted a fancier meal in a nice setting and found this on Yelp and decided to give it a try. We arrived around 8pm on a Friday and were seated immediately at the end of a long communal table. It's a small but cozy space with nice decor. Our waitress was outstanding - very friendly, observant, quick with suggestions and made our experience that much more enjoyable and memorable. We started with some espresso martinis and appetizers (meatballs and oysters). The meatballs were a great portion - I had leftovers and needed to save room for the entree. I ordered their shrimp pasta which was a special of the day - also a large serving that lasted me into the next day. My friends enjoyed their plates too. Drinks were delicious and food was good. A little pricy but definitely delivered on the fanciness we wanted for the night.

I was in Richmond for a meeting and just kept hearing about Stella's as the go-to spot for Greek food, so I made a point to stop in--and I'm glad I did. The atmosphere is casual yet inviting, perfect for a lunch or an easy dinner, and the food was definitely up to the referrals I received. I started with the Crab Bowl, which was full of flavor; plenty of lumps of crab meat so well complemented the rice and vegetables, simply aided by lemon and olive oil making it all come together. Refreshing and satisfying without overfilling me up. My wife had the Lentil Bowl which was hearty and full of flavor. The lentils were nice and firm in texture, and the roasted vegetables and feta added a really nice texture to the Bowl. The vinaigrette gave it a kick with a tanginess that made this a special soup. The star of the afternoon for me, though, had to be the Keftedes. These handmade beef and lamb meatballs were pan-fried to a nice crispiness on the outside and so tender inside, smothered with grated cheese and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, rich in flavor. Oh how so yummy. We didn't have the time to try everything on the menu, but all that we tried left a great impression. Stella's is definitely on my list for the next time I'm in Richmond--I'm already looking forward to coming back.

My friends and I came here a couple weeks ago during the holiday bustle. We were meeting midway in Richmond as I was traveling north and they were returning south. We wanted a fancier meal in a nice setting and found this on Yelp and decided to give it a try. We arrived around 8pm on a Friday and were seated immediately at the end of a long communal table. It's a small but cozy space with nice decor. Our waitress was outstanding - very friendly, observant, quick with suggestions and made our experience that much more enjoyable and memorable. We started with some espresso martinis and appetizers (meatballs and oysters). The meatballs were a great portion - I had leftovers and needed to save room for the entree. I ordered their shrimp pasta which was a special of the day - also a large serving that lasted me into the next day. My friends enjoyed their plates too. Drinks were delicious and food was good. A little pricy but definitely delivered on the fanciness we wanted for the night.

It was totally worth the wait! We made a reservation two months out just to see what all of the hype was about! It was so worth it! The service was phenomenal, the food was great, and the ambiance was warm and cozy! We got the feta and phyllo to start, a pasta and a moussaka. Each dish was better than the next! I got the Santorini as my drink and would recommend!

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!

We were able to snag reservations for Saturday at 5 pm same day. The restaurant was very warmly decorated, service was great and ambiance was great. Restaurant was packed and had outdoor seating as well. Our server was very helpful with recommendations and her honest opinions. She constantly checked on us and there was always someone walking around to top off water. Food: the bread they bring to start you off with was AMAZING! Tasted so fresh and fluffy We got the grilled octopus and dolmades to start. OMG the flavor in both was on point. The octopus was perfectly seasoned and grilled. The dolmades were packed with so much flavor. We were impressed! We got the lamb shank to share. It was highly recommended and we were so let down. When the server came by to ask how the shank was I told her it was underwhelming and under seasoned. She apologized profusely and talked to the cook. The cook made a new sauce and it was so much more flavorful! Apparently they messed it up and appreciated our honestly to fix it. The comped is a dessert Dessert was so light and fluffy and not too sweet. The cook came out at the end to thank us again for our honestly. The service was just so good and everything else was amazing. I can't wait to come back to try the other things on the menu!

Went to Stella's around the new year to celebrate. We showed up without a reservation, which I don't necessarily recommend, but we were seated wigging thirty minutes which I felt was totally fair for the time of year, time of day, and popularity of the restaurant. They have a gift shop next door so we were still able to wait and sip a cocktail if we wanted, surrounded by beautiful gifts and ambiance. We were seated at the community table which still had ample space for everyone. It's a warm and inviting space, but it's pretty loud. We ordered some cocktails and the tiropita and spanakopita as starters. They came out so hot and delicious. The tzatziki was incredible. The cocktails were tasty and so pretty. We both ordered moussaka as an entree. It is so fluffy and delicious. The béchamel was perfection. I can't wait for my next order! We will definitely be back. As a bonus our server was so thoughtful and warm and made the experience just that much more special.

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.

I absolutely love Stella's! It is by far one of our favorite regular go to places. Fantastic service, amazing food and drinks, I love the ambiance, and well worth the long wait list to get a reservation. We love absolutely everything on the menu and have a hard time choosing. The only thing we wish was a little different is that we find the béchamel sauce to be a little too sweet for my taste. My boyfriend also thinks so. We love the Moussaka and other dishes that have the sauce but just wish the sauce was a little less sweet.

Great friendly service and food. Large servings. Tasty Mediterranean fare. Had plenty to take home, too.

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.

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.

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.

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 :)

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!

Went to Stella's for lunch with my friend and sat at the bar. I love bar seating . We were served immediately by Jon. He has waited on me before and he is always great for suggestions because everything at Stella's is amazing. Can't wait for my next visit. So good!

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.

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!

I like everything I've ordered at Stella's. The weekly specials are always good too. Amazing service and wine pairing recommendations. Make sure you make a reservation unless you're going for lunch! A little pricy but it makes sense for what you get.

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 .

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!

I recently visited Stella's restaurant with my family for a birthday celebration. We were a group of seven, so while the booth comfortably accommodated six of us, my father had to sit on a chair, which was a bit uncomfortable. Our waitress was extremely understanding and accommodating. She was upfront about the potential for cross-contamination on their grill due to my celiac condition, which unfortunately meant I couldn't enjoy the grilled octopus. However, I really appreciated her helpfulness in suggesting other safe options for me. Additionally, she thoughtfully brought out sliced cucumbers as an alternative to the in-house crafted bread, enhancing my dining experience. For our meal, we ordered a variety of dishes: Shrimp Santorini, Shrimp Ouzu, Grilled Octopus, Braised Lamb Shank, Bronzino, and a cup of Avgolemono Soup. The flavors were exceptional, making Stella's one of my top Mediterranean restaurant choices in RVA. The rice accompanying the Bronzino wasn't to my personal taste, but the others in our party enjoyed it, indicating it might just be a matter of preference. Overall, it was a delightful dining experience, despite the minor seating inconvenience and my dietary restrictions.

We've dined here 3 times. It's good, but we don't see what all the hype is about. Not sure why it has ratings as high as it does. They're busy, so make a rez. Atmosphere is ok, but it's pretty crowded. Can't say it's a romantic spot or a great place for a business meal. It's fine for a family dinner. Food was consistently good, but we haven't come across anything that knocked our socks off in terms of flavor or presentation.

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.

The Restraunt has Amazing food and great staff. You will be sitting with strangers so know that going in . It's worth it and strikes up interesting conversations. Worth it!

An excellent gem in this neighborhood, certainly a destination in and of itself. The vibe of the restaurant is very elegant, and the service and menu are upscale. I've tried many items on the menu, but I typically order whatever the server recommends. Highly recommend reservations or getting their at opening for a bar seat.

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.

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

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

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!

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!

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.

I just had the most unforgettable birthday celebration at a Mediterranean bar and restaurant, and I can't stop raving about it! The service was fantastic--every server was so welcoming and made me feel like a VIP. But the real star was the food. It was absolutely extraordinary! As a picky eater, I'm not easily impressed, but every dish was packed with flavor and blew me away. If you're looking for a place with great atmosphere and unforgettable food, this spot is a must-visit!

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!

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

Stella's in Richmond is the heart of Greek cuisine in the area. The menu is a beautiful balance of classic and contemporary dishes, showcasing fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The Mezze platter is a must-try, offering a delightful assortment of small plates perfect for sharing. From the creamy hummus and tangy tzatziki to the crispy calamari and savory spanakopita, each bite is a flavor explosion! The knowledgeable staff can offer excellent recommendations to pair one of their Greek wines with your chosen dishes. The service at Stella's is impressive. The staff is attentive, friendly, and passionate about sharing their love for Greek cuisine. Stella's is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and delicious dining experience in Richmond. Book a reservation in advance if you do not mind a late dinner reservation or feel free to stop by and eat at the family table.

Simply the best food and service imaginable. The menu of Greek food is exceptional. We make this a regular.

Not sure why it took us over 2 years since moving to RVA to check out this spot, even though we'd been to their markets. Great spot! We went early-ish for dinner on a Sat and got seats at the bar. The guy taking care of us was super friendly and helpful in talking about the Greek wines which we didn't have any experience with compared to other regions. He gave us a little flight to sample so we could pick a bottle. Super fun. We went with a bottle of white (Moschofilero, though we are usually red people). The bread and oil was delicious. We got the Kreatopita which were like spring rolls but with phyllo and ground meat. You get 4 and were more filling than expected. We also shared the hilopites which I can best describe as being like a pasta salad... cherry tomatoes, feta, olives pasta as well as giant beans and pine nuts. Very tasty. A tad heavy on the garlic but we enjoyed it. Those 2 things (as well as bread and drinks) were PLENTY of food for 2 people! Highly recommend! Great vibe inside too!

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!

Soo happy to have stumbled upon this spot. The entire Stella's owned street that consists of a restaurant, boutique, and grocery is just adorable. The food was delicious and service was excellent. I highly recommend the No.5 pasta and artichoke moussaka.

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.

Wegot the catch of the day, Greek salad, and hummus. Everything was delicious and the staff was super friendly. there is a reason this is a Richmond institution.

I've been to Stella's a few times now and it's an absolute Richmond classic. You can't go wrong with anything you get, according to my family and friends. There are not extensive vegan options, but there are some! The Yia Yia skillet is my go to...and it's big & filling. The dolmades (without tzatziki) are delicious too. It can be tough to get a reservation, but absolutely worth planning for it! You won't be disappointed.

What an outstanding discovery! For an out-of-towner, stopping by Richmond and looking for a spot that had great reviews, good food for lunch, and easy parking, I couldn't help but wonder, how could this place be as good as the reviewers said, when it is in the middle of a residential area?? Well, the reviewers were spot on. We walk in, without a reservation, only to sit at the bar but i have NO complaints. The fresh bread, their own EVOO, friendly bartender, excellent classical Greek comfort food, and great value (compared to Washington, D.C. area prices). The moussakka had a silky-smooth mashed potato top layer. The lamb gyro is a must-try.

Mousakka is my favorite. and it was very flavorful and satisfying here. The fried smelts were a first time try, it was ok but glad to test them out, the sauce that came with it was complimentary to the fishy critters OHMYgoodness the Lamb Frites were a nice surprise and so comfortably filling. Will be back!

Went to Stella's for an anniversary dinner. Although it was a Tuesday, this place was packed. The atmosphere was beautiful on the interior. There is a large shared table towards the middle for patrons who don't mind a communal dining experience. Due to the large amount of people, the restaurant was a little loud. There was also greek classic movie being projected on the wall. The tables were really close to accommodate a large crowd, so the experience didn't feel quite "intimate". The cocktails were amazing. I got the Olympic and my partner a Stella. Stella offers bread made in house. It was basic but nice paired with the table olive oil. We ordered a variety of appetizers. The grilled octopus, rack of lamb, calamari, and scallops. The grilled octopus was slightly disappointing. It just tasted burnt. I travel extensively, and grilled octopus is my go-to. The octopus at Stella's tasted almost like lighter fluid/bitter. The octopus was tender and not chewy, which was a plus. The calamari (not to be confused with the Stella Special Calamari) was very basic. You do get a lot of calamari. Just calamari battered, fried, and served. No real personality. Now the saving grace with the Scallops and Rack of lamb. Both were tender and seasoned well. I dream about the scallops and lamb! I would go back to Stella's, but not on a frequent basis. The price adds up quickly. This is a good spot for a special occasion. Not if you're looking for a quiet, intimate location, though

I'm not sure where to begin, Stella's exceeded my expectations. The service was outstanding, from the moment we walked in until we left the restaurant. They were very, very busy but the host still greeted us kindly and sat us at the communal table. Our server was top notch and made the experience that much more enjoyable. When leaving we were told good night by staff and given smiles on our way out the door. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated inside. It was loud but the ambiance and music made it very calming and cozy regardless. Now the best part, the food/drinks! I ordered a whiskey drink (I cannot remember the name) but similar to an old fashioned. It was well balanced and definitely allowed the whiskey to shine through. 4/5 We started with the grilled octopus and it was delicious. The vinaigrette it was served with complemented it perfectly. 5/5 Finally the star of the night, the braised lamb shank. Cooked to perfection and the sauce *chefs kiss*. The noodles were surprisingly one of my favorite parts of the dish. Great portion and can be split between two people if paired with appetizers. 5/5 I will definitely be back! Highly recommend.

The best Greek food, and the best atmosphere as well! I have always had a good experience with the food servers and their recommendations on specials.

I was extremely impressed by the service, ambiance and food. My drink came out and was fabulous. We had the lamb and potato appetizer and shared the chicken plate for dinner. After being blown away by both we decided to get dessert and boy am I glad we did. The baklava was delicious and so was the ice cream paired with it. We were lucky enough to get a table at the communal table walking in at 8:30pm. I did not realize how much of a fight it is to get a decent reservation time on a normal basis. I was inspired thinking back on this meal and thus I booked our yearly anniversary in 1.5 months to celebrate here next time. Can't go wrong here.

Food was incredible, even the bread was to die for. Our waitress was lovely. We were sat at the community table where we still felt like we could enjoy ourselves and the people around us. The inside is beautiful, with great drinks, staff, and clean all around. 10/10, I can't wait to return