Stella Restaurant, poised high above the city on the 27th floor of the Holiday Inn, elevates dining to an experience of pure indulgence. Here, Neapolitan-inspired cuisine meets architectural grace, where every plate is as artful as the view beyond its floor-to-ceiling windows. From this lofty vantage, guests take in sweeping panoramas of the Gulf of Thailand, while the terrace—perfect for sunset cocktails—frames the mountains fading into Myanmar’s golden horizon. Blending contemporary sophistication with natural splendor, Stella captures the essence of refined dining with stunning sea views.
Stella’s Truffle and Mushroom Bruschetta showcase the restaurant’s commitment to high quality ingredients prepared in such a way as to produce exquisite flavor. Served on homemade sourdough, sauteed funghi di bosco, gives a rich, earthy depth to each bite. The addition of truffle paste infuses this dish with an aromatic richness that complements the savory mushrooms. Each mouthful is a delightful blend of umami and crunch, taking one straight to the forests of Italy. This is a must try to begin an evening of dining excellence.
Next came the Burrata with Pomidori, a harmonious blend of fresh flavors and textures. The creamy, rich burrata cheese pairs wondrously with sun-ripened cherry tomatoes. The soft interior of the cheese, the outside drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with a hint of sea salt, these simple ingredients are elevated to a new height. Cheese lovers will finish with a trip to Italy lingering in their minds.
A cart rolled up to our table overflowing with the ingredients for Stella Caesar Salad. Chef Rabbit created not only an exquisite salad, but his work lent a bit of theater to the preparation. Crisp romaine salad forms the base, tossed nicely with an elegant, creamy dressing. Croutons added a crunch. As did the savory bacon bits. Chicken breast topped off this dish. Chef Rabbit twice grated parmesan cheese over the salad. The result was worthy of praise on many levels, including a starter that can serve as a complete meal.
Stella’s Daviola Pizza is a tribute to classic Italian flavors. The baked crust strikes a perfect balance between crispy and chewy. The fiery pepperoni adds a delightful, smoky flavored kick, which complements the tangy tomato sauce. The flor di latte mozzarella melts beautifully, while fresh basil leaves provide a fragrant finish. The result is a true celebration of flavor that invites you to savor each bite.
Next was a show stopper, Stella Snow Fish, aka Chilean Sea Bass. The snow fish is perfectly prepared, boasting a flaky texture, lusciously complemented by a lemon butter sauce which adds a zesty kick to the dish. Slow-cooked potatoes, and broccolini, with its natural crunch adds delightful flavor and visual appeal to the must-try dish for seafood lovers seeking a comforting and sophisticated meal.
Next, we moved to the Sorrento region of Italy, the Stella Gnocchi alla Sorentina. What a visual surprise begging one to indulge, in a perfect harmony of texture and flavor. The small potato gnocchi is stylishly baked and enveloped in a tangy tomato sauce. Grilled king prawns, with their char, add depth to this dish from the southern regions of Italy. The result celebrates Italian cuisine at its best.
Dessert time. Stella Tiramisu, showcases its roots to its Veneto heritage. Rich espresso-soaked savoiardi biscuits are covered in layers of velvety mascarpone cream. The result is a magnificent blend of sweetness, and a subtle bitterness from the dusting of cocoa powder. The palate is well-satisfied, and not one crumb will be left on the plate.
The last dish for the evening was the colorful burst of color stemming from blueberries and strawberries visually stunning Stella Rum Baba, a beloved Neapolitan dessert. A perfectly light yeasted brioche, soaked in dark rum produce a slightly boozy taste. Masterfully infused orange zest creates a blend of citrus and sweetness. Complemented by a creamy Chantilly, and topped with blueberries and strawberries, makes this an inviting, grand finale to a wondrous culinary experience.
Stella’s journey through the diverse culinary landscape of Italy showcases its rich flavors and traditions. Each dish, from the fiery Daviola Pizza to the decadent Tiramisu is crafted with care form the finest ingredients, reflecting Italian cooking at its best. The impeccable service ensures that every guest feels welcomed in the warmth of Italian dining. The thoughtful wine pairings, particularly the Chilano Cabernet Sauvignon, add an excellence to the dining experienced unmatched in other Italian restaurants. The cuisine, wine, service and vistas combined into an unforgettable dining adventure. I will be back.
Andrew Klukowski