Stella Restaurant and Bar

Growing up in and around his father’s Italian restaurant for decades, Ali Mousavi developed a searing passion to create a space of his own where patrons could celebrate life over a delicious meal. As such, it was during this time that seeds of a future venture were planted, nurtured and began to grow as Mousavi worked diligently and continued to learn the ropes of the hospitality trade. It was only recently that circumstances finally aligned, signalling the perfect moment to transform his dream into reality by creating an elegant destination to treat customers to superb quality and flavoursome food. Welcome to Stella Restaurant and Bar. Named after his daughter and housed in a stylish late-1800s, 4-storey building located at 427 Chapel Street, South Yarra, Stella offers delicious Italian-inspired fare, including classics you expect and dishes that will surprise and delight. Stella, however, is much, much more than a mere restaurant. It is the ideal destination for casual catch-ups, business lunches, after-work drinks and romantic evenings. It is a venue imbued with the love of family, exquisite flavours and beautiful spaces, spaces perfectly suited for all occasions and experiences.

Begin your exploration of Stella on the open-air rooftop. Choose from a variety of bespoke cocktails as you take in the sprawling cityscapes and enjoy the festive atmosphere and the healthy, lush vertical garden. Announce your evening’s intention with a Merle Verde – infused Forty Spotted classic gin with Granny Smith apple, Green Chartreuse, green apple syrup and citrus. Walk-ins are always welcome. When the stomach begins to sing its familiar song, simply head downstairs. The first floor boasts a casually upscale dining area and bar complete with a cosy fireplace and an extensive glass bottle installation across the ceiling. Continue your journey downward and you will find yourself enveloped by the warmth and otherworldliness of the Marana Forni pizza oven and accompanying circular pizza bar. Finally, if you are willing and able to recruit nine genuinely worthy companions, you may enter the exclusive realm of the private cellar dining area, a one-of-a-kind space reserved for intimate, memorable dinner parties and filled with a dizzying selection of reserve drops. This collection of unique spaces was designed by Finn Warnock of Sum and branding maestro Nick Cox of Projects of Imagination, and it is one that must be experienced firsthand to be believed. It is truly magical.

Now the food…yes, the food… Stella’s culinary heart and soul is idealistically quite simple but realistically rather complicated. The foundation upon which Mousavi’s dream-come-true has been built is none other than his father’s pizza crust recipe. That sounds simple enough, right? Would you believe, however, that this recipe has been developed and refined over – wait for it – four decades?! Well, it has, in fact. It is this recipe, as well, that provides a definitive nod to the special heritage of the food that is being lovingly prepared for your enjoyment. Furthermore, Mousavi has built on his father’s decades-old recipe by recruiting Italian culinary master Head Chef John Park, formerly of 400 Gradi fame. Park skilfully infuses knowledge of Italian and Australian food and cooking techniques to round out a menu that offers familiar staples exhibiting modern twists. House-made pastas stand alongside masterfully prepared meat, fish and seafood. A menu highlight is the beef tartare entrée with quail egg, avruga caviar and toasted schiacciata. Mousavi is eager to share his dream with anyone and everyone who enjoys and appreciates great food and impeccable service: “Stella, named after my daughter, is a destination that combines Italian hospitality and culture with a modern Australian take…a neighbourhood local – familiar, welcoming and known for dishing up delicious Italian fare.”