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Stellina
Categories: Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Restaurants Sandwiches Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Sandwiches [Edit]
95 Allen StNew York, NY 10002
Neighbourhood: Lower East Side
(212) 274-9555
- Nearest Transit:
-
Grand St (B, D)
Delancey St (F)
Bowery (J)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 10 am - 1 am
Sun 10 am - 9 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dessert
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
22 reviews for Stellina
Review Highlights
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"Brown sugar strawberry was by far our favorite." In 4 reviews -
"I also got a home-made waffle cone." In 3 reviews -
"The La Strada, chocolate gelato with marshmallows, brownie..." In 2 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Dan T.
The summer brings out an opportunistic side of me that treats gelaterias offering samples like complimentary tapas joints.
Considering that it stands in stark contrast to its grittier, older Asian neighbors, I figured Stellina would be contrived and pretentious. (It kinda is, but...) There's a pretty sleek, clean feel to the shoppe, which is situated next to Sorella, its seester restaurant predecessor. I requested samples from the friendly gal behind the case: Bee Named Elvis, Fior di Latte, & Chunky Stellina - all were solid but not phenomenal. (Why the 5, then?) I ended up with a small brown sugar strawberry, the only remaining non-chocolate flavor they offered that day. The damage was ("only") $3.27 (no CC minimum for Visa/MC) for a small (1 flavor only), a bit of a misnomer, as it's often a regular elsewhere and can run upwards of $4.50. More importantly, the flavor itself was slamming, a welcome new marriage of tastes and a luxurious texture. -
Review from vinjonster t.
Brooklyn, NY
12/1/2011
Giving two stars only because I feel cruel as a pastry cook giving one.
Went to Stellina on 9/26, I know this because I had a debit card charge from them on 11/18. Called my bank and was like what's up with this, I went to this place in early fall, how come they're billing me in November? Apparently vendors have a YEAR to submit charges, but most don't wait that long...Is this a reflection of the institution as a whole? Probably.
The main thing that got my feathers ruffled was the STANK service. The woman who took my order wouldn't even make eye contact when describing the dessert/talking to me in general. I ordered some kettle corn bombolini and when the dessert came out the only signs of kettle corn were LITERALLY CRUMBS of crumbs of kernels. On top of that the dough was not fried all the way through so it was squishy, raw dough. I asked what was up with the kettle corn and her and her coworker who was not on the shift but just chilling at the bar looked at each other and decided "that's just how it is." Right.....the pastry cook/chef/person that actually gave a fck about the food wanted the doughnut to be raw and be garnished with kettle corn dregs...
The woman nonchalantly answered my questions with BS responses and didn't bother to even glance my way (can i get the check please?, etc.)
crappy service+poorly executed desserts=here. -
Review from Nina C.
8/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
After two long, double shifts at work and dinner plans that fell through, I met up with my sister for a quick dinner. We didn't stay long, as we were both tired and the restaurant was closing soon...
Since we didn't get dessert, I was thinking of what we had at home to satisfy my craving for a little something sweet. Luckily, I remembered that we were going to pass by Stellina on our way home! Yay!
We got the La Strada and Brown Sugar Strawberry flavors.
I'm picky when it comes to Strawberry ice cream. I don't like artificial tasting strawberry. This tasted like perfectly ripe strawberries - a great balance of sweetness and tartness.
The La Strada, chocolate gelato with marshmallows, brownie bits and almonds, was also really good. The marshmallows were fluffy, the brownie bits weren't too big and the almonds added a nice crunch.
So glad Stellina is open late! My sweet tooth is satisfied... -
Review from Melanie M.
New York, NY
7/16/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This tiny little storefront tucked away on an unassuming stretch of Allen street has found its way into my heart. Yes it is rather pink and shiny, not my normal asthetic but somehow Stellina makes it work.
The service is so genuinely friendly and calm that no matter how frazziled I walk in here I always leave feeling less stressed.
There are no boring flavors here so if you're a plain vanilla person you'll have to look elsewhere for your cold creamy pleasure, but for those who enjoy a bit of innovation mixed with classic Americana (Peanut butter and honey) Stellina is well worth the trip.
The best flavor is the coconut. Its not too sweet like most other coconut gelatos I've had that taste like coconut tanning oil smells, but rather its nutty and creamy with these wafer thin shards of dark chocolate strewn throughout. I also enjoy their version of an oatmeal cookie filled with hazelnuts and chocolate chunks, crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle. -
Review from Karina L.
6/14/2011
Blissful and heavenly! We slipped in here on a lazy Friday night for some coffee and gelato and ended up staying for quite some time. Our server (I forgot your name, I'm so sorry! I remember your seafoam colored bandana) was such a sweetheart, and even treated us to a scoop of ice cream (our 4th one).
The mango sorbert was absolutely divine. Think of the best mango you ever had, and then imagine it in sorbert form. The cherry sorbert was a little strong, but only because this place stays true to the flavor it promises.
Chunky sorella is fantastic. If you're sharing it with a friend, make sure you snag the chocolate covered pretzel bits before they do. You won't regret it.
Brown sugar strawberry was by far our favorite. I've never been a fan of strawberry ice cream, as it typically tastes way too artificial and sweet. The strawberry taste is light and is wonderfully enhanced with the brown sugar. Once we tasted it, our conversation dumbed down to a series of rapturous grunts and one-worded questions and answers. -
Review from Erica L.
New York, NY
6/24/2011 7 Check-ins Here
This place has easily become one of my absolute favorite gelato places in the city. It was just officially opened in March by the owners of Sorella next door so it is still pristine. I mean, check out the beautiful barstools!
They don't have the largest selection of gelato in the world but the quality of each more than makes up for that. Only the sorbets are single flavors; all the gelato flavors are the most heavenly concoctions of a mad genius.
On my first visit I had the chunky Sorella, which was a caramel gelato with bits of chocolate-covered pretzel. SO YUMMY. I love the alternating salty-sweetness of it. Have also had the brown sugar strawberry and giandujotto. The brown sugar strawberry is what all strawberry gelato/ice cream should taste like- not too sweet, not too tart, just well-balanced pure strawberry. The giandujotto is a hazelnut gelato with fudge and real bits of hazelnut. Perfect for someone obsessed with hazelnut aka perfect for me.
Some may find it pricey considering the size of a small cup but I am all for paying more if the quality delivers, which it does at Stellina.
Also, I may go and steal a barstool some day.
Woohoo! As good as it gets! (To quote yelp.) -
Review from Jack C.
Brooklyn, NY
6/27/2011
A lovely gelato and treat shop. I shared a small Chunky Sorella, which is a salted caramel gelato with chunks of chocolate and bits of pretzel. It was amazing! A wonderfully smooth texture and the saltiness and sweetness played against each other perfectly.
We also tried the coconut macaroon sandwich, which was filled with a sort of chocolate ganache. It was also very nice, but nowhere near as good as the gelato.
The counterperson was extremely helpful and gave us little samples of most of the flavors until we settled on the one we wanted. She also chatted with us and told us about the restaurant next-door Sorella, which has the same owner.
The whole place is done in a lovely white marble with some sanded tiles and a clean minimalist feel. I highly recommend stopping in on a hot day and cooling off with delicious gelato in a relaxing setting. -
Review from Peggy w.
8/15/2011
This place is so cute! Stopped in after dinner across the street.
I don't remember the name of the gelato we tried but it was raspberry with chunks of white chocolate and waffle cone bits. Yes, it was as delicious as it sounds.
A nice after dinner dessert stop. Wish there was more sitting space though! -
Review from Franny A.
3/20/2011 1 photo
Little Stella cafe.....owned by the Sorella people next store is a pinky, girly cafe with some slammin' gelato.
It is a cafe so there are sandwiches and salads starting at $10- I did not eat here but stopped by after downing my fave chicken biscuit at Cheekys.
A single gelato is $3.5 pricey, but ooooooooooh so worth it- it is love a first look when you see the incredible gelato right in your face when you walk in.
I had the salted caramel, and gianduja in a homemade waffle cone- $6.53. Mama mia. The salted caramel has chocolate bits in it and the gianduja is a chocolate caramely concoction and the cone is perfect. Others flavors include peanut butter, cookies and cream all with Italian names like La Strada, Colazione etc. and they are LUScious!Listed in: Ice-cream to s(cream) for
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Review from Jason N.
7/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was rooting for a local superstar, recently annointed by Time Out NY as the best sandwich in the city. Stellina delivered in part.
The space is small and cute and the turkey sandwich on biscuit bread ($12) is tasty and large enough for two. The sweet morsels of bacon were like candy on a sandwich-- the whole thing was savory and sweet all at once, with real slices of breast of turkey pressed in a warm panini style sandwich.
It was a bit of a gut bomb, though, for lunch. Plan a nap afterward if you are going to eat the whole thing yourself.
The "gelato" was a disappointment and not worth the price or calories. The flavors sound so good-- salty caramel with pretzels and chocolate, etc., but really are just overloaded with chunky ingredients that overpower any independent flavor of the gelato itself. The result is more Baskin & Robbins than "Italian" gelato. We sampled 5 flavors and bought 3, but I much prefer simpler approaches that do not try so hard, such as L'Arte del Gelato. -
Review from Food F.
New York, NY
6/27/2011
Wonderful flavor combos, nice staff, gelato made by pastry chef from restaurant next door.
I liked gelato flavor "A bee named Elvis" (honey gelato , banana caramel swirl, peanut nougat).
Coffee bar.
Restaurant next door. -
Review from Wai Sze Z.
Flushing, NY
7/22/2011
A charming little shop with a nice stool/bar to enjoy some good gelato especially on a scorching hot day! The flavors are different (like Apricot Cashew - worth a try but I'll pass) and the selection is small but good. I enjoyed the Strawberry Butter. It was fresh and not too sweet. I also ordered an Iced Latte - strong and tasty! I didn't think $3.5 for the small cup was pricey because I received a generous helping (and I ate all of it of course!)
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Review from Diana Y.
5 stars is for gelato in firenze. all else fails. but with a less critical eye, this place is goood.
gelato. amazing flavors. must. go. back. they're great and the service is great. i just wish it was closer to me. no wait. i don't. then i'd be there daily and wouldn't be able to fit into any of my clothes that are already bursting at the seams. -
Review from Autumn S.
Fresh Meadows, NY
9/25/2011
Butterfinger Gelato is Delisssshhhhh!! So we came across Stellina at the San Genaro festival this Sunday and my bf and I went back to this place 3times and they gave us a free scoop the 3rd time. My first time having gelato and I am definitely in love.
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Review from Lucie D.
Manhattan, NY
4/4/2011
I just had one of the best ice creams of my life :) Chunky Sorella is a salted caramel gelato with chocolate-covered bits of pretzel. Pretty awesome.
Why not 5 stars? Price...
Singe gelato is $3.5, and add $1 for a cone. I haven't tried any of the drinks or sandwiches, but $12 for a sandwich really?
I'll be back every few days during the summer though... can't resist it! -
Review from Stella H.
New York, NY
3/16/2011 2 photos
Stellina is one of my nicknames, so I had high expectations from the start. I read about this gelateria and cafe in the NYTimes and had to come. It's sister store is next door--Sorella. While I've never been there, Stellina proved to be just as great as the name. It's located in Chinatown, so I don't know how many people they are going to get to come in just by foot traffic, unless people know it's good. They opened in October supposedly, but my friend and I seemed to be the 1st two in there all day (the gelato looked untouched), and it was the afternoon. Hopefully, they'll do well when the weather gets warmer. They had a small selection of gelato and two sorbet flavors. I want to try the pink grapefruit next. They also have a flavor of the month! I honestly wanted them all. I'm pretty sure anyone could choose one or two flavors and enjoy them. I got the "chunky Stellina"....because I am going to get chunky if I eat too much of it. Boy was it good. Buttermilk and raspberry gelato with white chocolate crunchy chunks. I also got a home-made waffle cone. YUM. Everything is made there, but the waffle cone was a real treat because most places don't make their own. The guy working was nice. He took my photo in front of the store window. There is a counter to sit or stand at (very cute indoors), and they serve sandwiches, cake, cookies, and Counter Culture Coffee/Espresso, which is one of my favorites, too.
I'll definitely be back to try the others. I hope people hear about it more now that I've added it to Yelp!
**Edit: This is americanized gelato. The real stuff is at Grom where they use actual carapinas for the gelato and the staff softens the ice cream against the side of the carapina right in front of you. Stellina is still good for crazy flavors, though. -
Review from Senthil S.
New York, NY
4/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome gelato.
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Review from brian k.
New York, NY
8/16/2011
the turkey sandwich with bacon jam is *amazing*. it looks kinda small but it's really quite filling. could barely finish mine.
i tried the tuna today and for $11 it was pretty tiny and not very filling at all. small amount of canned tuna, boiled egg, very weedy watercress... couldn't figure out what was supposed to make this an $11 sandwich.
gonna stick with the turkey bacon jam from now on. -
Review from Sasha M.
New York, NY
4/7/2011
DELICIOUS gelato, scones, and cookies. The people couldn't be nicer, and the decor is beautiful.
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Review from max d.
New York, NY
8/1/2011
I live in Murray Hill but recently starting seeing a guy in the Lower East Side so I've been satisfying my summer gelato cravings near his place at Stellina. I fell in love with the Chunky Sorella -- a perfect mix of salty and sweet. Now the guy tells me he's moving to another neighborhood. Guess I need to find a new boyfriend who lives in the LES.
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Review from Lin Y.
Manhattan, NY
3/26/2011
Gelato, ice tea and one cookie for almost 15 bucks?? I think not!
Gelato was mediocre. Had too much stuff in it and tasted old. You're better off going to Red Mango one block further North. It just opened! I think I was charged one buck extra for a cone!!
And a cookie for 3 bucks or was it 3.50? Please!! Head to Panade, directly behind Stellina, on Eldridge for their delicious desserts.
And sandwiches for 11 and tiny also!! Go to Berkli Parc at the corner or Panade, way cheaper, bigger digs and larger portions.
I think my ice tea was 3 bucks also. Ripe off. Most coffee places I go to are in the 2 range!! Starbucks charges less!! Its a cute place, about the size of a shoebox, with a few stool seats!!! Was emty when we went there. Maybe that's why the gelato tasted old!!
And obscene prices like that for the neighborhood, outskirts of Chinatown, you are nuts!!! NO way are we going back. So many more better dessert places in NYC. Don't know how long they will last! -
Review from Tim W.
stopped in for a espresso. i was post brunch food coma so it hit the spot. totally cute space. i want to go back for their NON-traditional style of gelato. i cannot remember the flavors but they LOOKED really nice. They make it there along with their pastries and other goodies. The girls are the owners of Sorella next door which is my FAVORITE restaurant in the LES!! Congrats you two for opening Stellina!
