Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Stella's, Dana Point, CA

Stella's

4.5 (1320)
$31 to $50
Italian
17 Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point, CA 92629

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Stella's is the embodiment of serious Italian cuisine - original recipes and techniques alongside the freshest organic products, housemade cheeses, and carefully selected Italian flavors. Stella's is the perfect place for friends and family to gather - be it at the bar with a chilled martini, an appetizer in the lounge, or dining alfresco while tasting your way through the wine list and menu. Whatever your pleasure or mood, Stella's can make it happen!

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Happy Hour in Lounge Mon, Sun 2:30 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Sat 2:30 pm–7:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    Stella's provides full off-site catering for any event. Please call the restaurant for details.
  • Private party facilities
    Our patio is available for private parties for lunch and dinner. A minimum number is required for a completely private affair depending on the day and time. The patio offers an ideal setting for Saturday and Sunday afternoon affairs as the restaurant is closed and the ocean views are spectacular. Please call for more information.
  • Neighborhood
    Dana Point / Monarch Beach
  • Cross street
    PCH & Crown Valley Parkway
  • Parking details
    We are in the shopping center and there is parking in front, on the South Side, and in the back of the restaurant.
  • Entertainment
    We feature a live saxophonist Tuesday through Sunday.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Ask Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 1,320 people are saying

Stella's reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Stella's offers a "great neighborhood Italian" experience with outstanding food, including homemade pasta and fresh fish. Guests rave about the "magnificent service" and live music, which creates a vibrant atmosphere. Known for its "delicious meals" and "polished service," it's perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners.
1,320 Reviews
  1. Lauren

    Dallas - Fort Worth1 review

    3.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was good however they only had one server and one person in the kitchen working. We were discouraged from ordering additional items. Disappointing for a birthday.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Don VIP

    Orange County7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Normally a go to spot every couple of weeks. Great atmosphere and staff. Menu are excellent choices, but I normally go with their specials. Last night was Veal Chop. Outstanding presentation and flavor. Owner can be spotted there frequently to keep standards high.

    Is this helpful?

  3. bruce VIP

    Orange County12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    A great neighborhood Italian restaurant. Always outstanding food, including homemade pasts, fresh fish, creative appetizers and salads. Live music is a huge plus. Great service. Good wine list. The best in Monarch Bay and Dana Point!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Allison

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I cannot sing Stella’s praises enough!! The service was magnificent, I felt very taken care of. They have a saxophone player almost every day of the week, and he is extremely kind and encourages patrons of the restaurant to make requests. We visited for our anniversary, and the staff provided us with a beautiful “happy anniversary” dessert free of charge. Everyone who we interacted with was generous and kind, with a smile on at all times. I will definitely be coming back to Stella’s!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Bob

    Orange County1 review

    3.0

    Dined on July 8, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was less good than expected although portions were generous.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Lilibeth

    San Diego9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It my friend’s birthday . Our server, Mario, was exceptional—attentive and friendly. The restaurant surprised the birthday celebrant with a special treat, and the live trumpet player added a festive touch. The food was delicious, with authentic Italian flavors in every dish.

    Is this helpful?

  7. John VIP

    Los Angeles8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Old Standard never fails: best restaurant in Dana Point. Order the eggplant parmigiana.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Anoushka VIP

    Las Vegas23 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 18, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Cute spot with live music and the best mushroom pasta! Ambiance was a bit stale crowd wise but the food was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Victoria

    Los Angeles2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had very good late lunch for Father’s Day. The ocean view was very nice bonus. We had several nice appetizers - Garlic flat bread was very good. Our main course was a variety from menu. Service was great and was very relaxed lunch, with no rush.

    Is this helpful?

  10. LORI

    Orange County11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding service and delicious meals. This is a very special experience, especially for special occasions.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Stella's is rated 4.5 stars by 1320 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County
  4. South Orange County
  5. Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today
Google Map for Stella's

17 Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point, CA 92629

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    PCH & Crown Valley Parkway
  • Neighborhood
    Dana Point / Monarch Beach
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Happy Hour in Lounge Mon, Sun 2:30 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Sat 2:30 pm–7:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    We are in the shopping center and there is parking in front, on the South Side, and in the back of the restaurant.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    We feature a live saxophonist Tuesday through Sunday.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    Stella's provides full off-site catering for any event. Please call the restaurant for details.
  • Private party facilities
    Our patio is available for private parties for lunch and dinner. A minimum number is required for a completely private affair depending on the day and time. The patio offers an ideal setting for Saturday and Sunday afternoon affairs as the restaurant is closed and the ocean views are spectacular. Please call for more information.
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo