Stella's
Experience authentic modern Greek cuisine in a charming, minimalist space. Known for signature dishes like grilled octopus and a lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Stella's
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic modern Greek cuisine in a charming, minimalist space. Known for signature dishes like grilled octopus and a lively atmosphere.
"This place was recommended to us by someone who knows the area well, and it is hands down one of the best Greek restaurants I have eaten at!"
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant is popular and tends to book up quickly, so making a reservation is advised.
Don't Miss the Octopus
Several reviews highlight the grilled octopus as a must-try, tender and cooked to perfection.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Greek
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Modern Greek Cuisine
Experience fresh, flavorful Greek dishes with both traditional and contemporary twists.
Must-Try Grilled Octopus
This tender, perfectly grilled octopus is a standout dish that reviewers rave about.
Cozy & Romantic Atmosphere
A charming, minimalist space with warm lighting, perfect for intimate dinners and date nights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant is popular and tends to book up quickly, so making a reservation is advised.
Don't Miss the Octopus
Several reviews highlight the grilled octopus as a must-try, tender and cooked to perfection.
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Visiting during less busy times can offer a quieter dining experience.
Explore Stella's Grocery
For takeout or if reservations are unavailable, Stella's Grocery offers many of the same Greek classics.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant is popular and tends to book up quickly, so making a reservation is advised.
Don't Miss the Octopus
Several reviews highlight the grilled octopus as a must-try, tender and cooked to perfection.
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Visiting during less busy times can offer a quieter dining experience.
Explore Stella's Grocery
For takeout or if reservations are unavailable, Stella's Grocery offers many of the same Greek classics.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Stella's is lauded for its authentic modern Greek cuisine, creative cocktails, and friendly service, creating a consistently enjoyable experience. While many dishes receive high praise, some diners noted that certain items, like the moussaka or lamb, were not to their taste, and one review mentioned the flavor profile being slightly muted.
"This place was recommended to us by someone who knows the area well, while we were in town visiting for the day. It is hands down one of the best Greek restaurants I have eaten at, and I have eaten at restaurants in Greece! (You can't beat the views there no matter what though, so if you haven't been, save some money, grab that passport and go!)
The portions, the service, the atmosphere, all top notch! There is so much more on the menu I want to try. We definitely will come back again the next time we are in town. Also, don't be afraid to try the limabean feta salad as a side. Listen... I am not a fan of limabeans... I mean at all, but this... this was some kind of gastronomical genius at work or something, it was actually DELICIOUS! We were able to get in without a reservation, but it wouldn't hurt to make one of you plan on attending during the busiest hours. Whatever you do though, eat at this place! 👍👍"
Niko G
"My friends and I came here a couple weeks ago during the holiday bustle. We were meeting midway in Richmond as I was traveling north and they were returning south.
We wanted a fancier meal in a nice setting and found this on Yelp and decided to give it a try. We arrived around 8pm on a Friday and were seated immediately at the end of a long communal table.
It's a small but cozy space with nice decor. Our waitress was outstanding - very friendly, observant, quick with suggestions and made our experience that much more enjoyable and memorable.
We started with some espresso martinis and appetizers (meatballs and oysters). The meatballs were a great portion - I had leftovers and needed to save room for the entree.
I ordered their shrimp pasta which was a special of the day - also a large serving that lasted me into the next day.
My friends enjoyed their plates too. Drinks were delicious and food was good. A little pricy but definitely delivered on the fanciness we wanted for the night."
Dee Bee
"What a gem! Stella’s is the real deal when it comes to Greek cuisine - authentic, cozy, and so welcoming you’ll feel like part of the family before you even sit down.
We were greeted with special house bread and super fresh olive oil that honestly deserved its own spotlight. I could’ve eaten a whole meal of just that. Service? Absolutely outstanding, friendly, fast, and full of those warm Mediterranean vibes.
Now onto the food: we ordered the chicken souvlaki, pasta, and octopus. All the dishes came out looking fantastic and the portions were huge, even the kids’ meals looked like they were feeding future Olympians.
Everything tasted great, but I have to admit, the octopus was a bit on the dry side. Maybe it got confused when I asked them to skip the red wine vinegar… totally my fault for giving it stage fright.
Still, overall a delicious meal and a lovely experience. Come hungry, leave full, and maybe don’t mess with the octopus’ dressing."
Nusrat A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended as Stella's is very popular and tends to book up quickly. Planning ahead ensures you can secure a table.
The grilled octopus is frequently mentioned as a standout. Many reviewers also enjoy traditional appetizers and entrees like spanakopita and moussaka.
Yes, Stella's is noted as being vegetarian-friendly, with vegan options and catering to gluten-free diets.
The restaurant features a modern, minimalist space with a blond-wood interior, often described as cozy, charming, and romantic, making it a popular spot for date nights.
Yes, Stella's also has a grocery component, Stella's Grocery, where you can purchase many of their Greek classics for takeout.
Portion sizes are generally described as generous, with many reviewers noting that they had leftovers from their meals.
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Best Restaurants in Richmond
Get a taste of the Mediterranean at Stella's,[1] where they serve modern Greek cuisine made of the freshest ingredients. You can find traditional Greek appetizers and dishes like Tria, Lamb Frites, Kotopoulo, and much more. The blond-wood minimalist space located on the corner of Lafayette Street that is Stella's offers a romantic and charming atmosphere as one of the top date night restaurants in Richmond, VA. So, if you're looking to spend quality time with a special someone after moving to Richmond, this atmospheric restaurant is a perfect choice.
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Inspired by both rustic and modern Greek fare, Stella's fills their menu with Mediterranean classics like spanakopita, dolmades, and keftedes, as well as flavorful entrees such as moussaka (sautéed eggplant with spiced aromatic ground beef baked with béchamel), braised lamb shank, and crab cakes. The restaurant is one in a long lineage of restaurants named for Stella Dikos, a legend in the Richmond food scene. Stop by Stella's Grocery if you cannot snag a reservation at the sit-down restaurant or want to take some of their Greek classics home.
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A Richmond institution, this Greek gem has undergone multiple iterations since first opening in 1983 but still has ties to its owner and matriarch, Stella Dikos. Classic Greek dishes like spanakopita and dolmades sit alongside elevated versions of braised lamb shank, shrimp ouzo, and souvlaki. A number of the restaurant’s ingredients and prepared specialities are available at Stella’s Grocery, a gourmet outpost which has since expanded to locations in Malvern Gardens, Scott’s Addition, and Downtown Richmond.
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Rating: 4.5/5Location: 1012 Lafayette St, Richmond, VA 23221-1142Timings: Sat-Sun 10:00 am - 3:00 pmMon-Friday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM5:00 pm - 9:30 pmPrice: $$ - $$$Must Try: OctopusStella's is a placethat is vegetarian friendly, it also has vegan options, and it also caters to a gluten-free diet. Richmond's greatest restaurant and service, hands down. A wonderful neighborhood just outside of the city center!
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Address: 1012 Lafayette St, Richmond, VA 23221Highlights: Stella's brings the flavors of Greece to Richmond with its delightful brunch menu. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes like Loukaniko, Greek sausage served with eggs, and the sweet and indulgent Baklava Pancakes. Another favorite is the Greek yogurt with honey and fruit, offering a light yet satisfying option.
Highest-rated Brunch Restaurants in Richmond, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (520 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 1012 Lafayette St, Richmond, VA 23221-1142- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: Top 25 songs in Richmond on Shazam in the past week
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Stella’s is Greek food done up a notch. You’ll definitely need a reservation and I guarantee you’ll have trouble deciding what to order. The daily specials are usually fabulous, but stand-outs from their daily menu are the grilled octopus or artichoke moussaka.
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Take a trip to Greece with your loved ones by dining at Stella’s. This charming and rustic restaurant has welcomed thousands of visitors inside its storied doors since its humble start in 1983.
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