From the classic onion soup to the poulet tarragon or steak au poivre, menu choices reflect simple, good French food. There are nightly specials, and a pot au chocolat dessert that's not to be skipped. Cafe Stella is reminiscent of one of those cafes tucked into the alleyways of San Francisco, or even a bistro from an overlooked Paris neighborhood. The dining room is tiny, allowing only six bare wooden tables with candles. The walls are covered with muted nudes and a blackboard of daily specials.
Additional tables spill out onto a courtyard that is pleasantly Bohemian in nature.
The eclectic crowd seems to truly enjoy this petite diamond in the rough, which is a refreshing change of pace from some of the self-conscious upscale bistros popping up all over town. While it's not likely to set any trends or win an abundance of awards, this is a fun neighborhood eatery worth discovering.