Dinner at Stella on Chapel St
Looking for a restaurant with great vibes, top notch cocktails and superb dining? We recently enjoyed dinner at Stella Restaurant and Bar, a Melbourne gem stretching across four glorious levels in South Yarra. Named after the owners’ daughter, this hotspot radiates style and sophistication, offering a true Italian experience with a side of impeccable hospitality.
On this visit, it wasn’t just the vibes drawing us in—it was their elevated food and drink offerings. While Stella’s pastas and pizzas are a South Yarra staple, this time we zeroed in on their steak mains, and let me tell you, they delivered in spades.
The O’Connor scotch fillet (600g of grass-fed, 14-day aged perfection) was a triumph. With its expertly rendered crust and tender pink center, every bite was to be savoured. Perfect with a dob of mustard.The Wagyu rump cap cut, rich and buttery, was pure decadence, especially paired with a glass of Henschke Five Shillings Shiraz—an elegant, full-bodied companion to the steaks.
Sides of grilled greens & beans (dressed in a tangy sherry vinaigrette) and golden, crisp sea salt chips with sexy thyme aioli rounded out the meal beautifully.
Entrees were equally outstanding: the fried calamari was light and crispy, complemented by herbaceous aioli and a fresh frisée salad, while the Venetian scallops—seared to perfection and topped with a panko herb crumb—were a luxurious start, particularly alongside a classic Negroni or Old Fashioned.
Desserts, as always, were a high note. The traditional tiramisu delivered nostalgia in every creamy bite, while the chocolate basque cheesecake, with its luscious crème anglaise, was pure indulgence.
Stella has mastered the art of casual sophistication. Whether it’s a special night out or a spontaneous dinner with friends, this gem offers top notch dining with stellar vibes to match.