Picture this: you’re walking through the front doors of Stella’s Cucina. You are greeted by a hallway, where, as you make your way down to the lobby, you reach a hidden bouncer behind a window in the oak wall who checks you in. A secret door opens, revealing the interior, where the host then takes you down the dim corridor into the dining area. As you step inside, your senses are met with the aroma of fresh Italian cuisine wafting through the air and the sight of an interior unlike anything else in the city complete with curved ceilings, a sleek, modernized style, and an inviting ambiance.
This is the experience Stella’s Cucina owner Stella Spanu seeks to deliver. The fine dining restaurant recently opened to the public and claims to be a modern twist on authentic Italian cuisine with the intention of creating a feast for the senses. Its unique design and sense of culture allow it to stand out among other restaurants in Boulder, particularly with the speakeasy concept which, according to Spanu, “incorporates art, music, design, and of course, premier service.”
Spanu comes from a family of restaurateurs with a rich background in authentic Italian cuisine. This is apparent in the menu, which was created with fresh ingredients and traditional dishes in mind. Many of the products used are sourced from local Colorado farms, others imported directly from Italy, for a largely farm-to-table dining experience. The pastas are made in-house as well to provide the most genuine Italian experience possible. Spanu noted: “That this stays true to how Italians eat, and offers a way of eating that is both clean and simple by cooking with the right techniques and the freshest ingredients— that’s true Italian.”
Some of the menu’s highlights include their Tagliolini All’agnello, a house-made pasta with a lamb ragu sauce, the Mar Tirreno, seared octopus with spicy tomato sugo sauce, and the Spigola al Forno, a whole-roasted sea bass which is said to be flown in from the Mediterranean three to four times per week. In addition, they offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options as well. The wide variety of dishes from all of various regions of Italy help Stella’s Cucina stand apart from standard Italian restaurants while honoring Spanu’s heritage.
Stella’s Cucina also has an impressive drink selection, with a wide variety of options ranging from imported fine wines from Italy to their gorgeous signature cocktails, all made with the highest quality ingredients and expert precision. Some of the more popular mixed drink options include the Stella’s Hugo spritz and the espresso martini. The dining area features a wraparound bar uniquely positioned to welcome customers from any point in the room. A skylight sits above it, casting a constant stream of sunlight onto the bar throughout the day. This skylight also serves as a solar dial, tracking the movement of the sun. As the day draws to a close, the lighting in the room begins to shift, gradually dimming in preparation for the evening’s entertainment.
The restaurant then doubles as a lounge after dinner service Thursday- Saturday, with DJ’s, live music, and a dance floor. This makes Stella’s feel like an all-around destination for dining and entertainment and helps it stand out among the area’s best restaurants and bars. This is all a part of Spanu’s mission to create a feast of the senses.
The ambiance at Stella’s Cucina is unmatched, with an extensive lighting system perfectly tailored to the restaurant and an Art Deco inspired design with navy-blue and gold coloring that allows it to feel contemporary while harkening back to 1920’s and 30’s aesthetics. Spanu added: “that this allows it to feel upscale but not stuffy,” as she ultimately wants to create an atmosphere that works as a “midground between fine dining and casual dining.” This is apparent in the dress code, which allows customers to wear whatever they choose, as there is no requirement to dress up. However, one may feel a bit underdressed showing up with just jeans and a shirt, as the restaurant’s atmosphere is suited for more of a business-causal at least.
Ultimately, Stella’s Cucina excels at being a space that is modern but with a classical feel. It brings authentic Italian ambiance to Colorado while simultaneously being something completely different. It is more than just a restaurant; it is an entertainment experience and a culinary destination for those who desire the best the Boulder has to offer.
To learn more about Stella’s Cucina and Stella Spanu, visit their website
