Stella Alpina Osteria, Burlingame

Atmosphere was inimate, however the service and food was well under my expectations. The service was slow, which I wondered why because it was early in the evenig. My meal wasn't very hot, and the vegetables were borderline cold. The server never came back to check on us so I could ask him to reheat it. As a matter of fact, he never even asked us how our dinner was at all. He asked if we wanted desert, and then handed us our check. As we were leaving the manager didn't ask us how our meal was either. I thought that was odd, that no one asked how everthing was! Will not be back!

My wife and I have been searching for a nice intimate restaurant to call our favorite and I think we found it! After my parents took us here for my b-day on Saturday evening, we were all pleasantly surprised at how good everything was. We had a variety of dishes and we were all raving about each one. The prices were reasonable, portions were just right, and service was excellent. Suggestions by the waitress were right on and the wine was the best I've ever had. The restaurant filled to capacity while we were there, yet it wasn't too loud. We haven't tried the desserts yet....but that just gives us a reason to go back! If they remain consistant with this type of service, there is no doubt that they are one of the best restaurants in the area.

my boyfriend and i just went to stella on sunday and it was absolutely fantastic. we made a reservation at 7:30 and we were seated promptly when we arrived, our waitress was extremely friendly and very accomodating to the fact that my boyfriend was fasting and couldnt break fast till almost 7:50. we started out with their famous white truffle gnocchi and it was amazing the best gnocchi i have ever had of course it just want enough only 5 per person but still worth it. i had the veal piccata for dinner which was perfect and my bf had the osso bucco which he liked but didnt love esp. bc of the polenta which i tasted and was very bland. but dessert saved the night, we had the pistachio and choc chip canoli which again was perfect. the atmosphere was very nice, romantic and cozy i can't wait to come back esp for the gnocchi!!

Very small intimate establishment, the food is amazing, service impeccable, deserts divine, it left me very satiated. The staff makes you feel at home. The restaurant is now officially my favorite!

Awesome fabulous dinner, amazing food I went to this restaurant following recommendations from Yahoo local, and I'm glad I did. Great service. The food was amazing, great dinner for 2. What you MUST try: - the Escargots (divine sauce) - the meats - the desserts!! (especially the 2 involving expresso)

This is authentic Italian. Beautifully done. Service is superb. I had to eat in a hurry at the bar and they got me in and out in 30 minutes with an unbelievable Risotto dish. Guys at the bar were quite funny. Having seen too many episodes of Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, I realize that employee chemistry can be a tell of the quality of a restaurant and these folks had good, positive energy. Most people won't find this restaurant because it's submerged a little and almost hidden away, but don't pass up on the best Italian in Burlingame.

I love my italian food, so when the Alpine Inn opened up again as Stella, I had to try. Not only was I surprised that it beat my expectations, every time I have come back I keep gettitng surprised by the specials! Their appetizers are to die for, but save room for one of the main dishes, and a little room for an espresso with dessert! Keeps me coming back!

Great food, pretty atmosphere, good service. The Risottos are particularly good, but the fish of the day can be counted on as well. I appreciated the corkage policy: $18 to open a bottle, but there is no attitude of discouragement when they see you arrive with one. Great for birthday parties (but avoid the round table in the first dining room near the kitchen door.)

We live around the corner from this spot and finally tried it last night -- was pleasantly surprised at how good it was, especially in comparison with some of the other Italian restaurants in the area. The caesar salad was especially good, as was the rigatoni ragu. Risotto cakes were a little heavy on the truffle oil, but still tasty.