La Stella's - Boca Raton

Favorite. This restaurant is one of my favorites. It is VERY tiny but the food is AMAZING. Staff was pleasant and the herb garden out front gave it a very cozy atmosphere. I'd recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes good italian food.

If you're looking for a charming local Italian restaurant reminiscent of Little Italy or the North End, you need to check this place out. It's truly one of the best in South Florida. The menu is fantastic, featuring superb dishes, and the wine selection is excellent too, with prices that are very reasonable. The specials are outstanding, and the owner, who also serves as the chef and server, makes you feel right at home. I noticed a lot of regulars dining there, which is always a positive sign. They really put love and care into everything they do—what more could you ask for? The catering menu also looks amazing!

However, one significant drawback is the flat-screen TV on the wall airing a sports recap show. It feels completely out of place amid the upscale decor and ambiance. The owners need to clarify the type of clientele they are trying to attract. With such refined design elements, including contemporary dishes and glassware, the TV seems at odds with the overall vibe. Are they aiming to be a casual pizza place or something more refined? Their menu suggests the latter, so I strongly recommend removing the TV. Regarding the service, a gentleman assisting the waitress appeared to be the owner and was quite polished. The young woman was friendly but could use some more training to refine her skills. Additionally, it would be beneficial to handle dishes more gently instead of tossing them into containers, as the noise can be distracting. As for the food, it was well-executed. The chicken special over pasta featured two generously sized, lightly breaded and sautéed cutlets served with a small portion of flavorful pasta for $19. The spicy sausage and pasta dish was delicious and definitely worth the $15; I suggest trying it as an appetizer to share. The Caesar salad was decent but not standout—the dressing lacked a bit of kick, and the absence of croutons along with the inclusion of peppers was puzzling. However, the shaved Parmesan was a nice touch. I plan to return, hoping the TV will be removed or turned off, the music will play a bit louder, and I’ll become a regular fan. In East Boca, where most new restaurants struggle to survive beyond a year, I genuinely hope that Stella's finds its niche and becomes a strong contender among the numerous Italian restaurants within a three-mile radius. It has great potential for success!

Do not miss this gem!. Do yourself a favor and try LaStellas! You will not be disappointed I guarantee! The freshest seafood ever (right out of the ocean) fantastic pasta creations with the most delightful flavors, a fab wine list and the coolest little deserts! There nightly special are terrific...all of them! They just started a happy hour for the summer with half price wines by the glass and a half price pasta and tapas menu. This is our neighborhood gem that we dine at at lest twice weekly and bring friends and host parties!

Very good food. I was there on Thursday and it was busy but not crowded. I would suggest reservations. I was there with a new girl friend and did not know what to expect. We started off with 2 glass of house wine which were excellent. We then ordered an appetizer of Beets with sting beans I though it would be so so it was fantasstic I will go back just for the appetizer I give in 6 stars on a 5 star scale. I was so big we only ordered a chicken dish with sausage and mushrooms it was a solid 5 star and desert unbelievable. I have traveled around the world and I would rate this with the bestBoca Man