Trattoria Stella

Nice and cozy ambience. Perfect for special events to celebrate your loved ones. Food were served fresh. Wifey and I had the bone in veal, and the frutti de mare (pan seared cod with shrimp). Fairly priced in my opinion. The veal was phenomenal. The Cod was good. People and waitress were friendly and experienced. Experienced waitressing is a niche skill and they certainly have it. Ambiance and privacy is fair to good. So if you're looking for somewhere quiet and romantic, this would be the place. By the way, the menu was dated for the day itself.

We had dinner here and everything was delicous. The cocktails were complex and the food was made with high quality and fresh ingredients. The meal was pricy (around $200 for 2 people) but the quality of food and service was worth it for a special occasion.

Weak-Sauce! This was a bust. Over priced for mediocre farm-to-table Italian cuisine in an interesting setting. Multiple meals felt like the “meat” was over done and tough. Some pasta was “chewy” while others were bland. Even a simple cocktail was served “flat”. To make matters more difficult our server was challenged with answering the most basic questions. Shame as we had high hopes as it came highly recommended.

During our visit, we ordered the ravioli and the fettuccine. The ravioli was delightful, with a rich and flavorful filling that we thoroughly enjoyed. However, the fettuccine was disappointing as it was served with meat and potatoes, an unusual and unappealing combination. We would not order the fettuccine again. On a positive note, the ambiance of the restaurant was lovely, creating a pleasant dining atmosphere. The service was amazing, with attentive and friendly staff who made our visit enjoyable. Overall, while the ravioli and service were highlights, the fettuccine left much to be desired.

I went here for my anniversary with my wife 10 years ago and it was amazing. We decided to go again this year for our anniversary and we're not disappointed. We've tried several different items and they are all amazing every time. Classy establishment, but with class comes price. Still not terrible though. Highly recommend.

Trattoria Stella has truly become a gem in my heart. The staff radiates warmth and charm, making every visit a pleasure, and the cuisine is exceptional, crafted by highly skilled chefs. You’ve effortlessly captured my heart with your incredible food and hospitality! A special shoutout to Jess for being exceptionally patient and providing valuable insights into the dining experience. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an unforgettable experience that I can’t wait to indulge in again.

What a way to start a fantastic weekend trip to Traverse City! I used to be a sous-chef when I was a younger buck, and it takes a lot for a restaurant to totally impress me like Trattoria Stella did for both of us. Every dish we had was perfectly balanced, beautifully presented, and the flavors were 100% spot on. The house made hot sauce served with the oysters even surprised me with a perfect balance of butter and heat (not even close to Buffalo sauce). The weekly special of Foie gras was cooked in clarified butter, with a perfect crust that melted in our mouths, and the caramelized onions were a great touch to pair side by side. Both of our of our entrées (pan roasted chicken and sea scallops) were amazing, and the desserts we ordered were exactly what we hoped for. My goodness Trattoria Stella, from the greeting at the door, the outstanding service and amazing food made for an unforgettable dining experience, neither of us will soon forget. Seriously, thank you!

Trattoria Stella has been a Traverse City staple for years, and for good reason. The first thing any guest will notice is the architecture of The Commons. The entirely unique space creates a very intimate environment, particularly if you dine away from the bar. Stella also knocks it out of the park more than any other restaurant in TC with both its meat and pasta dishes. The various cuts are outstanding and very well curated. All pasta is homemade and entirely delicious. I brought my family for dinner recently, including my (usually) well-behaved 12 and 10 year olds who happen to be adventurous eaters. We all had a fantastic time and enjoyed each other's company over great food we couldn't get enough of. Isn't that what every restaurant should be about? Highly recommended.