The service was incredible, the ambiance was beautiful, and the food was exceptional. read more

Stella - Shrimp and crab with squid ink pasta. - New American Near Me - Ventnor City, New Jersey

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Unassuming from the outside, Stella immediately transports you into an intimate and romantic ambience. More refined dining for the shore and the food hits the mark. Meatballs with polenta and burrata with the caponata were appetizer standouts, for entrees the Cacio e Pepe and the Ciopinno broth left memorable impressions. read more

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Had an amazing experience at Stella! The restaurant is sophisticated yet cozy, inviting and overall just the right vibe. We had the spicy rigatoni, the creamed corn side, and the halibut and crab -- all perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The halibut was especially impressive! And the apple pie was the best I've ever had! Warm, buttery, not too sweet.. just perfect. Definitely the best meal we've had at the shore this whole month. Highly recommend! read more

Chose this place per a colleague's recommendation for a best Gal Friends Birthday dinner. What a little Hidden Gem - wedged between two other yummy businesses on the main strip, it's tucked away but a pleasant & welcoming Ambiance once found The Food - It was Impeccably and thoughtfully prepared. I'm a lady who eats with her eyes, and this delivered a well rounded eating experience. The style is sleek sophisticated and a little abstract. Very cozy space with a comfortable arrangement of seating which made the space feel less cramped. I definitely plan to return with my other half for a cute date night. Also love A good BYOB - I recommend bringing your best or favorite bottles. Enjoy. read more

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We are big fans of this beautiful and sophisticated little upscale Italian BYOB restaurant. Great service. Intimate vibe. Properly and thoughtfully prepared pastas and salads. read more

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This was my first time visiting Stella. The space is very small and needs some sprucing up inside. Very little ambience. It's also very difficult to find parking in the Summer. The food was good but based on the reviews I was expecting to be blown away.. To be honest I was a little underwhelmed. Very limited menu and high price point for an average meal. On the positive side the service was excellent and its BYOB. read more

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The ambiance is very dark and swanky. The food was good, and decently priced as well. I really enjoyed the meatballs and pasta, the mussels were just okay for me. read more

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A hidden gem. Their food is exceptional, and we have always had a wonderful experience with service.

Made a reservation for 4 ppl at 6:00 , called and left a message on their answering machine about 30 hrs before asking to increase party to 5, the message said they would contact me within 24hrs. After no response we went to the restaurant hoping 5 would be fine since I had not be contacted. The hostess said she could not seat 5, I ask about my phone message and she stated she came in a 4:00 and had no time to check messages. No apology just attitude. They could seat us outside but it turned out they were short on staff, saw the server when we placed the order and brought the check. Food was good but the negative attitude by the server and hostess helped me decide not to vote with my dollars to this restaurant again. There was one really bright spot from the experience and that was the young lady bussing tables, should replace the server we experienced. Think twice before your visit! read more

Food is exceptional! My salmon was cooked perfectly and the mussels are the best I have ever had! Service was excellent and the dark lighting is great! My fiancé and I will be back for our next anniversary. read more

Stella is absolutely phenomenal!!! Great Food and the service is outstanding!! Short Ribs are wonderful!! Salads are delicious as well. Definitely will go back again and again read more

Menu at Stella is very limited, if you don't eat fish that is. They only had one chicken dish, alas, that chicken was delicious. The chicken dish is literally called, "Chicken". Chicken is perfectly cooked, and packed with flavor. Sauce was cream based, rich, and smooth. The vegetables add a great contrast of sweet and savory. It's the right amount of food, not too much, not too little. The whipped potatoes as silky smooth and just scrumptious. The Short Rib with whipped potatoes was delicious as well, very tender meat. Charging for bread is the opposite of hospitable, and it's $7 for a tiny loaf of bread with some butter, it's downright a slap in the face to the customer. Service was spotty. Our waitress never brought out extra sauce that we asked for, didn't really refill our drinks, and when it came time for the check, it almost seemed like she avoided all eye contact with us. The food was excellent, but the charging for what should be complimentary, and poor service, could be improved upon. read more

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Great atmosphere although a bit noisy, attentive wait staff, I want to try everything on the menu, they don't rush you out. Last visit I had the squid ink pasta with clams, wife had the short ribs and our daughter had the pasta and sausage. All then food was great, no complaints. BYOB makes this the best restaurant in Ventnor. read more

I have been waiting to go to this place for a while and finally got The chance to on a Friday night. We had reservations at 6, which is probably the best time to go because it gets reallllly busy around 7, 730. By the time we left, people were waiting around in the front for their tables. The crowd at the beginning of our meal was primarily older white couples, but a younger crowd definitely started to fill by the time we finished. The ambiance is really nice - it's dark and decorated very New York/speakeasy-esque, with flashing black and white pictures on their velvet curtains, Neon namesake light, and dark walls. It's super cute in here... definitely not what you expect in Ventnor, but it's nice that way. We need more places like this in South Jersey because it seems like every single option is Italian with flatbreads and pasta. The service was great and the host was actually our waitress. We never felt rushed, even with people waiting for their tables, which a lot of places around here do. We definitely had time to finish our entire bottle, have good conversation, and enjoy a nice date night. The food was amazing. They had already won me over with the massive amounts of arugula (I'm obsessed with the stuff)... but the dates omg. They were the perfect mix of salty + sweet + Smokey. We also got the tartine, which was different in a good way. My boyfriend got the short rib, which he loved and was cooked perfectly. I had the veal and eggplant - amazing. For dessert, we finished with the apple pie w/ ice cream, but honestly it wasn't anything to write home about. That being said, I would still definitely 100% come back here to try everything else. 10/10! read more

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Excellent dinner on a beautiful summer night! Had plenty of delicious dishes, and a lot of GF options including crab cakes . It's byob , had amazing blueberry pie desert with vanilla ice cream. , highly recommend ! read more

We came on a Sunday night, first dinner seating is at 5:30 and there was a line waiting to get in when we arrived. Decor is dark and trendy, almost feels like you're in a small restaurant in NYC - very intimate and cool. We had the meatballs (not too much filling, mostly meat, which was refreshing) and the stuffed dates (delicious, very cheesey). Then I had the short rib (OMG, so good. Huge portion too) and hubby had the veal parm (delicious, not like a typical boring veal parm with loads of cheese and red sauce - this was prepared with a bottom layer of fried eggplant and topped with a rich brown gravy sauce and nicely carmelized veggies). -Bring cash and save yourself the 3% credit card fee. -plenty of meter parking on the street. -Don't get confused with the other restaurant two doors down. -Grab a Peace Pie (next door) for dessert! Even though they make homemade pies for their dessert menu, which could also be a good option! read more

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Excellent quality of choices on the menu. Each night they have a special of the night. Frutti Di Mare was the special of the night. I would highly recommend the veal dish as it was a large quantity and very good quality. In addition the eggplant dish was more than a single serving, and absolutely delicious. For appetizers we all really loved the stuff dates. The fresh blueberry pie for dessert with ice cream was a perfect way to finish off the meal. Highly recommended and you are able to bring your own wine and beer. read more

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Great food and very good service. We had gone to this establishment a couple of years back...but the food was not as noted as good has this time. Will be back again. read more

Great pasta dishes along with a wonderful array of delicious pizzas! Outside eating is more enjoyable than inside for me but both are good. Been here many times! read more

EVERYTHING is GREAT.. where the locals go. Stuffed dates. Eggplant and crab cake are superior. But the crown goes to rigatoni alla vodka. Better than Carbones read more

Everything went well, food is outstanding, ambiance is lovely, looking forward to returning

We love Stella's. Having a summer home in Margate, I visit Stella's often and I've never had a bad experience. The staff are always attentive and the food is delicious. read more

We just had the most amazing meal and service at Stella. Every single thing we ate was beyond delicious and the service was superb . From the minute we walked in we were greeted with smiles from the hostess and it continued through our meal with each server that we had . This restaurant deserves 5 stars and we already can not wait to go back! read more

Great little byo with great food! The waitstaff is very friendly and attentive, the dining room is intimate and dark, nice romantic feel to it. read more

This is one of my favourite dinner spots in the area, but there is limited in-door and outdoor seating so make sure you have a reservation or a 2+ hour wait. I don't know if I recommend this for larger groups over 6. We came here for 6 and it's def tight but the food is delicious. 1) always a small menu but I love that 2) stuffed dates with goat cheese - yes 3) any stuffed seafood dish 4) black squid ink if it is available 5) always yes to dessert 6) while I always lean toward the seafood paella - I really liked the short ribs And BYOB!!!!!!! read more

Amazing food, ambiance, service! We love the outside dining option too. We have dined there over the years with "groups" of 2-8 and the experience is always excellent. read more

Good food, great service. Not a bad time, wish you were here, i enjoyed it. I liked it.

The food was amazing. I got the vodka sauce with rigatoni. The caesar salad was different and delicious and consisted of shredded lettuce with shaved Parmesan. It was fabulous. This is a little hot spot joint in margate. You feel like you're in an intimate restaurant in NYC. Definitely have to check it out but reservations go fast all year round! read more

Loved the cool vibe, touch of speakeasy...Food is delicious. Service was very efficient and friendly. The figs appetizer is to die for. One issue when we tried reservation there was nothing but 5:30. When we actually came to the restaurant it was completely empty except 2 people outside and not a single person showed up till 6:30. Honestly I don't believe they had it all booked. read more

Stella - Stuffed figs-amazing! - New American Near Me - Ventnor City, New Jersey

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We Love this restaurant. Food is always great . Always piping hot! Great friendly service . read more

Excellent, impromptu Friday night meal. The team, led by Gabriel, seated us quickly, outside on a beautiful night as we begun our brief introduction to this meal with a phenomenal appetizer of sautéed spinach and garlic followed by one of the best Burrata dishes that not only melted in your mouth, it danced around your taste buds, teasing them in preparation for what was to follow. The large platter of eggplant Parmesan arrived garnished with fresh basil and assorted cheeses. I can not do this first bite justice but suffice to say that first bite is an explosion of fresh eggplant with all the different herbs and ingredients from seemingly a distant land. One could taste the freshness of the eggplant with no interference from all the other ingredients that complimented this partnership. We do not drink alcohol. BYOB. Bon Appetite read more

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Stella is a quaint little BYOB restaurant. Decor is warm and minimal. The menu is American with Italian influences. We had a reservation for a four top at 7pm, but upon entering, the restaurant was pretty quiet. When we left around 8:30, it was much more crowded, so you may want to secure a rez if you're dining late for dinner. Upon being seated, we were given bread and a delicious basil dipping oil. The appetizers were the highlight of our meal. We shared burrata and meatballs. Both were bursting with flavor and well executed. For mains, my husband and I were both underwhelmed with our dishes. I tried the grilled romaine salad with the addition of salmon. The salmon was perfectly cooked and flavorful. The salad was quite bland and needed more salty, more acid, more dressing. My husband ordered the eggplant main and found the flavor to fall flat. While the plating was playful in a mini cast iron, the meal never cooled down to a temperature comfortable to eat. The other diners had the shrimp and grits and the Caesar salad and licked their plates clean. Service was a bit slow and scattered. I was a bit confused by bill payment. The table next to us said that they were told it was cash only, but that the restaurant had a credit card machine for emergencies. We gave a credit card for the bill without incident. read more

I really like Stella. Second favorite Italian restaurant in the area. (See my other reviews where I reveal my #1 ) I'm craving their squid ink pasta. It was EXCELLENT. So much flavor. Heavy? Yes. Worth every carb? Absolutely. I'm sure this is made clear in this solid spot's description already, but it's a BYOB. As far as ambiance, the inside is pretty small and pretty. Super welcoming. Would be perfect for a date as you will definitely be able to hear each other. We sat outside on a what-I-thought-would-be-warmer chilly June night and it was super snug once others sat near us. The date conversation would surely be overheard by nearby tables if you sit outside during the busy summer nights. Definitely check this place out if you're a fan of good Italian food in a cozy BYOB place. Sorry no pics- I need to get back in my groove on here! read more

The charming exterior of Stella caught my eye for a while so I decided to finally give it a try for our anniversary. I'm so glad we did and can't wait to come back. The staff were all extremely friendly and attentive. The food was out of this world delicious! I went with the grilled romaine, veal dinner, and bread pudding dessert. Also can't beat that it is byob. It was a truly wonderful experience!! read more

Stella - Veal is closest. Short rib is across the table. Both were phenomenal - New American Near Me - Ventnor City, New Jersey

We have been to Stella many times and have never been disappointed with anything on the menu. This little family owned and run restaurant is a charmer!! read more

The good news: Menu was quite diverse and appealing ,food quality and presentation was excellent, staff were solid and ambience very nice . disappointing : server came over almost immediately asking if we needed few more minutes to order. we had just poured our wine mind you. when she returned I asked if we could first order our bread starter , then appetizer thereafter , followed by entrees since we wanted to pace ourselves . She did say of course ,but noted that kitchen prefers entire order go in at one time but assured us that kitchen would control pace so not rushed. well that did not happen. bread came our right away which was good . Immediately thereafter meatball starter came. no time in between , which was our desire , to enjoy some wine with bread for few minutes. Almost immediately after finishing our meatballs, the entrees came. no time to sit back casually and enjoy another glass of wine and savor the entrees. As we finished the entrees, the bus boy showed to clear table and ask if we wanted to see desert menu. we did not at that point wish to stay , although they brought us a complementary desert for our anniversary. I'd guess we were there less than one hour. Certainly not the paced dinner we were promised. we will go back but i will insist on breaking by order down by courses. I know it was Sat night but why make us feel rushed. ! read more

We've been there many times over the years both summer and winter (limited hours in the winter so call ahead). Great food, ambiance, and service. Only gripe we had was their service charge to use a credit card. We weren't happy about it and from the conversations I heard around us neither was anyone else. Beyond that I have no complaints, I'll just make sure we have cash next time. Still 5 stars for everything ! read more

The veal was SPECTACULAR! Meatball was fantastic! Edamame was was the BEST I've ever had! Vinny and the service was AMAZING!! BYOB don't forget, but if you do the owner will even pick with his car! Absolute must try! Sooo good I couldn't even wait for a good pic! read more

Stella - New American Near Me - Ventnor City, New Jersey

impeccable service with excellent food.......................................................................just to keep it short and sweet, highly recommend read more

The fam & I settled on a 3.5 rating for Stella, but out of kindness and the logistics of math, this is being rounded up to 4 stars. AMBIANCE: Stella is a quaint BYOB with seating both indoors and indoors. They can accommodate bigger parties as well. FOOD: The food here is definitely good, but it seemed that everyone had a comment or two about each of their dishes, so they definitely weren't perfect. Here's what we ate: First, we have to discuss the bread provided at the start of the meal. Warm, crusty, and soft on the side, this sliced baguette was served with a PESTO OLIVE OIL. You heard that right, a PESTO OLIVE OIL. This was definitely the star of the show, and a great beginning to the meal. Meatballs: A table favorite. Two meatballs served over a bed of polenta, topped with sauce and mozzarella cheese. These were moist and flavorful, and everyone loved them. These alone are worth 5 stars. Boquerones Tartine: Dad ordered these because he's an anchovy fan, and was really hoping for that anchovy punch. However, this just missed the mark for him. 5 slices of baguette topped with anchovies, arugula, caramelized onions and roasted red peppers. Dad says the anchovy flavor was lost amongst the other competing flavors. Ravioli: 3 raviolis in red sauce, topped with sautéed spinach and mushrooms. While good, these were not great. The sauce was light, and the raviolis were a bit TOO al dente, a bit dry. The filling was great though! Beet Salad: Mom's a lover of beet salads, and gets them everywhere. THis was not her favorite. More of a green salad topped with roasted beets, then a "beet salad" per se. Bouillabasse: This was great! Fish of the day, clams, shrimp, clams and mussels in a tomato broth! The mussels were SO PLUMP AND JUICY. The kind of mussels you always hope your getting. The farro was a nice addition to make it a hearty meal. Eggplant Parm: Ooey and gooey, it was good. Chicken: Brother thoroughly enjoyed this dish - cleaned his plate! He says the chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the whipped potatoes were scrumptious!! Short Rib: These were SO GOOD. They were moist and flavorful. That being said... it was served a bit less than room temperature. If served hot, would have been another 5 star hit. Low Country Shrimp: Basically the northern version of shrimp and grits. 6 gorgeous shrimp on a very flavorful polenta. The shrimp were cooked perfectly - not dry at all... and this is coming from my mother who doesn't always love shrimp. Served warm in a cast iron skillet :) SERVICE: The service was good, probably a B+ if I had to give it a letter grade. The good: When we arrived, we heard the hostess calling a party with a later reservation to inform them they were running behind. Thought this was a sweet gesture, and would have appreciated the call myself. Also, they spilled (yes, this happened 2 yelp reviews ago with my family too, we're aware) red wine onto my brothers lap. They quickly came with napkins and sparkling water to try to help clean up the mess. The bad: After devouring the first serving of bread, we were in need of more. But... it required us asking 3 times to finally get it. And the entrees took a bit long to come out (not the apps though!) Overall.... We liked this place, and we would probably go back again. The food was good, but didn't meet all of our personal preferences. For the less picky, this may be a great spot! And eat that bread up!!! Ask for seconds as soon as you sit down, because you'll want them. read more

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