Trattoria Stella Restaurant

I went to Trattoria Stella this morning with my sister to have a mimosa. We were seated outside and told by our waiter that if we wanted to sit outside that we needed to order food as well as a mimosa. He was quite unfriendly. We finished our drinks quickly and asked for the bill. As we paid our bill he told us that there was a legal issue with only ordering drinks... we were not aware that it is illegal to only order drinks at a bar. We will not go back to this place. more

I have been to Stella's numerous times and had great experiences every time. We usually sit in the bar side (R Bar) and the servers are always extremely friendly and knowledgeable.\r \r The dressings here are all homemade and so tasty! I was hesitant to try the Orange Fennel dressing, but it was probably the best dressing I have ever had. \r \r My favorite dish is the 32nd Street Pasta. The combination of flavors is AMAZING - sweet, salty and a tiny bit spicy. My boyfriend ordered the Chicken Fettucine Alfredo and he really enjoyed it as well - it had big roasted garlic pieces and bacon, which was a unique twist.\r \r I highly recommend this place to anyone. They make all their pasta fresh on Tuesdays and change up their menu with unique combinations. Great neighborhood place! more

I was a big fan of Cafe Star and went there the other night only to find that the restaurant had changed to mirror Stella's Trattoria, run by the same people. I always thought of Cafe Star to be a step up from Stella's (which I still love) and was disappointed by the change. And even with the same menu as Stella's,the food is not as good as the original, located in the Highlands. I hear the brunch menu is still the same as Cafe Star's old menu, but if the chefs have changed, I'm a little wary. Pros: Food is ""good"" Cons: Food is only ""good"" more

Like Mizuna, Rioja and Barolo Grill, Cafe Star was an old reliable on our fine dining list. However, ever since Chef Rebecca moved to NYC in the fall of 2007, the food has really gone down hill. The steak was undercooked and over-sauced; the jus covered the entire plate and that's just not necessary. The shrimp appetizer wasn't noteworthy, just boring and bland. The salad with hot bacon dressing came cold and too early (right after we got the shrimp app); no, the dressing was not cold b/c we had to wait to eat it, it was cold on arrival. The salad came with mozzarella cheese, which was much too bland for the spinach and bacon dressing; would have been better with a strong blue or goat. And pickled onions on a spinach/bacon salad? No, raw red would have been fine. The whole combination just didn't work.\r \r Besides not presenting the wine, the server filled our proper wine glasses so much that the wine couldn't breath. Not that we care about presentation that much, it was just a sign of how the experience quality has lessened. Unless we hear the food has improved, we won't be going back again. But that's okay, b/c we look at it as an opportunity to try other great places in the city. We were going there so often that we never tried other great places in Denver. (originally written 1/21/08 and posted in Westword.) Pros: Fun Atmosphere Cons: Parking, Inexperienced Servers more

THIS JUST IN: CAFE STAR HAS CLOSED AND WILL BE REPLACED WITH STELLA'S. YUCK!!\r \r Here is another example of an originally unique restaurant, ruined by identity crisis. Yes, it was tragic when the chef who created their outstanding menu defected to NYC. But is it really that hard to imitate some of what she was doing? Is there no one in the kitchen capable of any creativity? And for gosh sakes, why remove some of the dishes for which you were best known??? Gone are the refreshing Mediterranean salad, the amazing escargot bread pudding and several of the other items I literally used to crave and couldn't get anyplace else. Instead, we have boring pizzettas, more pastas and just a more mediocre selection overall. The weekend brunch still stands, and those selections are as delicious as they are inventive but overall, the lousy, inept service coupled with the trashing of the dinner menu really, really disappoints. We used to be really loyal regulars but after they 86'd my favorite cocktail on the menu and installed the bizarre movie night screen in the bar, it was the last straw. That bar is a gorgeous, hidden gem- made for adults who appreciate real cocktails and the opportunity to sip them in hip surroundings. Why destroy that with movie nights and crappy drinks you could get at Bennigan's? Sorry, but I'm in the market for something different and unfortunately, Cafe Star's desire to conform is working all too well. more

The food was great. I can't say enough about it. The reason for my rating is 2 things. 1) lack of a competent wait staff. Our waitress was flighty, she forgot things and seemed to be ""absent"" in the literal and figurative meanings. That wasn't so bad, but the biggest bummer was #2: No A/C; not even a fan. OK, look I get it: it's in an old building; maybe the A/C was on the fritz, who knows. The thing was they didn't even have a fan of some sort to circulate the air. My girlfriends and I ate our dinners as fast as we could, just to escape the heat. We opted to go someplace else for dessert, since no one could stand it any longer. Even my red wine was hot. I had to ask the waitress for a glass of ice, (blasphemy, I know), but just to make it drinkable. (Oh yeah, that might signal to some that the wine is too hot, or maybe even barely drinkable, but not our girl, she just gladly brought me a glass of ice.) Pros: great food Cons: wait till fall when it's not so hot more

My husband and I took some out of town friends to Cafe Star on Saturday. First off, we had to delay the reservation and the host was very polite about it all. We had two wonderful appetizers: fresh mozzerella and olives and a rissotto with a delicious basil sauce. Our server was very polite and was very helpful. We shared two bottles of wine which were great deals at $25. The manderin, fennel salad was super good. I had the mushroom gnocci, which I actually wouldn't reccomend, it was a little dry. But my friends had the crawfish potpie and a mint/pea ravioli which were both done quite well. The key lime tart and the panna cotta were both good, but the pannacotta would have been better without the nuts on top. Overall, we had a great evening. The price was very reasonable. The menu had changed a lot since the last time we went to Cafe Star, but we really liked the changes and the prices were better. Pros: Good food, good service, flexible reservations Cons: They put peas in too many dishes more

My husband and I ate here recently after deciding to never again patronize their sister restaurant (Trattoria Stella). We were so pleased with everything, honestly, everything. Our server was this sweet girl from Chicago, she was so personable and helpful. We started with the tuna appetizer then I ordered the duck special and my husband ordered the pork. I also had a great Malbec which was truly fantastic. What can I say? Probably one of the best meals I have ever had, and my husband agreed. I'm sure that we'll be going again, and even if they are having an 'off' night, they are still worth the time and money. \r Regarding the parking: come on guys, it's Denver! There isn't much space, and restaurant owners can't afford to purchase a whole city block just to have more parking and convenience people that can't walk a 100 feet without complaining . Geez! Get real and learn how to parallel park...or move out of the city...any city for that matter. Pros: Awesome service, wonderful food! Cons: not one thing... more

My wife and I were walking from the Tattered Cover when we stumbled on this little gem. Who knew that Denver could produce such great food!! My wife had the halibut which was delicious. I had the duck small plate on the advice of our server. The skin was perfectly crispy and the meat was nice and moist without being fatty. The service was relaxed but very well done and the wine list was filled with interesting, well priced options. The only drawback was that the mens room ceiling was dripping from a rainstorm and the tables were a little worn. Over all though, this was one of the greatest restaurant experiences that we've had in Denver. Pros: Amaaaazzzing Food. Fun Wine list Cons: The decore could use some spiffing up. more

My husband and I live in the neighborhood so we are very interested supporting local restaurants. However, on our first three attempts to eat at Cafe Star we were turned away because we didn't have a reservation. These visits were not all on a Saturday night and the tables were not full. I recently mentioned this to someone else who said they had the same experience. Each time we ended up at GoodFriends (which I might add is always good and never turns you away).\r I'm a vegetarian and there is nothing even close to vegetarian on the menu besides some basic tapas you have to piecemeal together. It would be very easy to offer at least one vegetarian option, as most places do. \r The service was extremely slow as well, so needless to say, we won't be returning. \r \r Next time we're sticking with GoodFriends. \r \r Pros: Cute location Cons: Service was poor, no vegetarian options, snooty more

My husband and I ate here for the first time on a recent Friday evening. The ambience and service were fair, but the food was mediocre at best and downright gross at worst. We ordered grilled asparagus that was limp and flavorless, a romaine salad that was uninteresting, a pizzetta that was unmemorable other than for its butter-soaked crust, a small plate of rubbery ravioli, and a small plate of lobster gnocchi that my husband described as ""okay."" The meal was tremendously disappointing, especially considering the prices and some of the glowing reviews for this restaurant. I don't know if the once-great quality has declined, if it was an off night, or if the quality never actually lived up to the hype. Nonetheless, I don't think I'll be back. On the plus side, I enjoyed a delicious pinot noir with dinner. Pros: Patio, happy hour Cons: Food more

Chef Rebecca Weitzman has left for NYC and will hopefully return one day so we can all once again enjoy her duck confit leg and foie gras. Pros: Good spot before a show at the Fillmore or Ogden on Colfax Cons: Street parking (if you parallel-park like an 80-year-old grandmother like I do) more

My husband and I don't eat out that often anymore. When we do, we want it to be worth the effort. Cafe Star was most certainly worth the effort. The food was amazing. Each dish was a perfect combination of flavors and texture. We started with the homemade mozzarella salad, which was delightful. Next, we sampled the fig, blue cheese, and pancetta pizzetta, which was my favorite dish of the evening. The complex flavors just explode in the mouth! Nicely done! We sampled the crab ravioli. Wonderful. Next was the seared tuna, which was perfectly prepared. We finished with the pistachio rice pudding that was rich and delicious. Our server was friendly and attentive, but not overly so. The pacing of the meal was perfect. As we finished one dish, the next one would arrive at our table. This was one of the best dining experiences that we have had in Denver. We went early on a Friday night and had no problem finding a place to park on a side street on the other side of Colfax. I love the location on Colfax! Don't move! We will be back. more

I?ve been coming to Cafe Star for over a year now and I must say that I love this place. The food (especially on the latest menu) is out of this world. The only place that I?ve had better Duck Confit is in France. The wine list is nicely quirky and well priced. The service is always very friendly.\r \r I do have some small complaints. One is that while the service is friendly, it is sometimes spotty. Some of the servers don?t seem especially well trained or experienced. Another is the shape of the restaurant. It is obvious that there was a lot of thought put into the decor when they opened, but now some of the tables are worn down and there are spots on the curved wall where the paint doesn?t match due to repairs. The place looks like it could do with a good once over. I?ve mentioned the dinky size and cheap feel of the wine glasses to the staff and even once to the owner, but there has been no change. The wine list itself is fun, but a little small. I would like some higher-end selections. I talked to the sommelier and he said that there plans to expand it ? I hope that happens soon. While the menus are very well written, the menu folders are looking shoddy. Cafe Star looks like it could do with a good once over.\r \r I really do love Cafe Star and I recommend it often. I think that a few changes could turn this great restaurant into an outstanding one. Pros: Amazing Food and Fun Wine List Cons: Getting a Little Run Down more

Hmm...where do I start? A friendly host seated us at the time of our reservation. We were immediately greeted by our friendly, seemingly competent server who then took over ten minutes to return to our table to take our drink order which then took another ten minutes to be served...we're talking two glasses of wine not some exoctic blender drinks. We ordered three dishes from the small plates menu with the anticipation that we would order further courses if we were still hungry (we are experienced at this having done it successfully at other restaurants that offer small plate fare). The first plate took over 20 minutes to arrive (yawn) and the second and third plates took at least another 30 minutes to arrive after that (double yawn). Its one thing not to be rushed, its another to wait forever. The food was, unfortunately, not worth the wait. Tasty words on the menu did not translate into equally as tasty dishes. The flavors lacked depth and the textures were unremarkable. After an hour and a half and only three small plates, we were tired, still hungry and disappointed. Needless to say, we did not order more food. The only thing that happened quickly was our server running my credit card. \r \r We appreciate a leisurely, well paced meal (think Luca d'Italia, Rioja, Kevin Taylor). While we definitely were not rushed at Cafe Star, the service staff and kitchen lacked any sense of pace. Overall--a big disappointment and we will not be returning. Pros: Cool space on Colfax Cons: Service, timing, food more

Outstanding food! The setting is casual and comfortable with a good wine list and friendly service. Wonderful salads (like goat cheese, fig and arugula), small thin-crusted gourmet pizzas with interesting toppings; and a variety of appetizers (definitely try theduck confit). They have a large variety of small plate and large plate entrees, all appropriate for sharing. They serve duck, lamb, beef, fish, etc., and they also have pastas. Everyone can find something they like on the menu. I usually get a salad, pizza, pasta or appetizer, and large plate - all to share. I have never had a dish I didn't enjoy. The chef is well respected and her meals stand up to the very best Denver/Boulder has to offer!\r \r Definitely make a reservation. The only negative for me is the parking. It's a busy area so you may have to park down the street, but the meal is worth it. Pros: Food, selection of menu items, wine list, comfortable, friendly Cons: Parking more

This was my second trip back to Cafe Star, and a few things were truly outstanding, but others missed the mark. The roasted beet salad and pumpkin pasta were amazing. I wasn't overly impressed with the tuna, however, and my boyfriend's lobster & shrimp potpie was just so-so with the lobster (all two pieces) being quite rubbery. Our service, on the other hand, was very good -- a nice surprise after reading the other reviews. Be warned though, on a cold night, this place has two stikes against it. Finding parking is VERY difficult. We ended up walking over three blocks in freezing temps. And, if you are seated near a window (which most of the best seats are), the cold air seeping in is pretty uncomfortable. All in all, I still like Cafe Star, but it will have to shine a little brighter for two of us to drop another $100+ there on dinner. Pros: Ambience, some amazing dishes, nice wine list Cons: Parking, can get expensive when you start adding up the ""small plates"" more

Seared ahi tuna wrapped in pancetta, deep fried olives, lobster potpie- Cafe Star puts an interesting twist on food. Each dish has unusual sauces/ingredients to add to the flavor and complexity of the meal. The food is fantastic but the service is lacking. Our server was sweet but the host was very rude. We plan to go back but hopefully, they can improve their service. Pros: Amazing food Cons: Service is rude more

Great place! We went on a Saturday night and didn't have reservations but were promptly seated at the bar. The bartender was helpful in choosing several plates to try - everything was great! Loved the decor too. Trendy but not overly done. Great date spot but not quiet if you're looking for romantic.... Pros: cool atmosphere, 3 areas to sit (including bar) more

We have been fans of Cafe Star for the past couple years and go a few times a month, but I have to say that the new menu (we went on 08/30/2006) is pretty disappointing. There wasn't anything that really jumped out at either of us. We love the staff and the space and usually the service. We will probably wait until the menu changes before going back. Bring back the hanger steak and flatbread Serrano ham pizza!\r -b\r Pros: Great ambience, crowd, service and drinks Cons: I don't love the new menu.... more