The third time was NOT the charm :( My husband ordered the pasta with meatballs, the meatballs were very bland and the pasta was way overcooked. Not what you think would occur at Stella's. My son ordered the fettuccine, it had well over a dozen morel mushrooms in it (you would think yum) the pasta was 'SO SALTY' it was... More

So would you think of eating @ a restaurant in an old "insane" asylum? Yep, not me either - but you'd be mistaken if you didn't add Stella's to your to do list. The developer has done a top notch job in turning the old and historic building into shops, restaurants and condos. The whole ground floor has shops with... More

One of my good friends lives in Traverse City, and she convinced my boyfriend and I to go eat out at the restaurant that she worked at. Stella's was that restaurant. First of all, very pricey, so be aware of that. The atmosphere I could tell would be appealing to some, but to me the fact that we were dining... More

Michigan used to have a number of large psychiatric hospitals; when they were closed, few were re-purposed. Traverse City was unique in that their psychiatric hospital has been adapted with shops, restaurants and office space, and Trattoria Stella is in the basement. The food is delightful and the service is excellent!

Great place in the old State Mental Hospital grounds and building...it's down in the basement (like most shops there), and it's a bit upscale! But the owner/manager has instilled a sense of importance, regale and service in all the waitstaff, and it comes across in a healthy "respect" so it's well received. The food was excellent, although a bit outlandish... More

This was our second trip to Stella's. Both times were beyond incredible. Tried the boar, the chicken galantina, chilled potato and fava bean soup, arugula salad, and the chocolate torte at our table. Every single course was amazing. I've been to many nice restaurants throughout the U.S., and this is hands down the best. The service was also amazing. The... More

I disovered this restaurant by mistake while making a u-turn. What a wonderful surprise. The waitstff is first rate. Knowledge of food and wine is outstanding.

Stella's has never let me down. If I want to have a quiet celebration with my wife and know that the food and the service will be good, I go to Trattoria Stella and stroll around the grounds of the old State Hospital after dinner.

Want to try something new in a meal....not just fried foods? Trattoria Stella in the Traverse City Commons near the Munsing Medical Centre is an experience in eating. Give yourself some time to visit the many unique shops down the halls of the building next to the restaurant.