Stella Blu Cafe - Dee Why

Always busy.....says it all. Peta is a star, very attentive but then after a lifetime working in UK hospitality one wouldn't expect otherwise.

This is a perfect spot right next to the surfing beach at Dee Why on the northern beaches. There were four of us in the party 3 chose the same thing, seafood pasta (one of my all time favourites) start with a Belini cocktail they are delicious!!! The pasta arrived and it did not disapoint any of us, one of our party had the Agre Dolci chicken which she said was superb, I will have that on a return visit.

One of our local favourites. Great location, and food is generally fantastic. A little ritzier in price than your average Dee Why Beach restaurant.

I have treated a few people to birthday dinners here and am never disappointed with the choice. It is slightly dearer than the surrounding cafes but the food, service and ocean views cannot be faulted and provides a relaxing atmosphere for a social gathering. In addition, one can fill out a form for a special concession for one's own birthday. I plan to be a more frequent visitor here.

Stella Blu is a stellar restaurant which our family has been going to for years. Usually of high quality food and ok-to-good service, today's birthday lunch was a let down in two ways. One, the staff member (one of those referred to in previous reviews here - older and not at all welcoming) who almost rudely went around the table "you, what do you want?" and was a bit too quick to collect menus and dismiss ideas for coffee. Second, the overcooked risotto that felt like it was pre-prepared and reheated. Overcooked rice, bland flavour with mushy seafood and rice - more like porridge than rice. It took me ages to eat 3/4 of mine even though I was hungry and I wished I'd sent it back. The rest of the family had superb meals, which is what we usually expect at Stella Blu. But today, we were let down and disappointed.