Not a good experience
Service. Yes, that is what you would expect when you go to a restaurant, but unfortunately that is the farthest thing that we got at Stefano's. Had reservations for a group of eight, waited for over an hour and were continually told that we would be seated very shortly. After numerous times going up to the hostess asking "how much longer?", we were eventually seated and were asked to split our group of eight into two groups. We politely asked that two tables be put together instead to accommodate, which was done. We thought after our long wait, etc., that the waitress would make up for it with the service, but guess again. To make a long story short, the grand finale was when our group was walking out the front door and the owner running out yelling "you guys belong at Perkins". Needless to say we will not step foot into Stefano's again and when asked by other people on any recommendations of a restaurant, Stefano's is brought up as a place NOT to dine.    [18 Nov 2003 09:56:01]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance: -   Overall: 

     ­Anonymous   

Best of the Twin Cities
The food at Stefano's is exceptional. The atmosphere breathes of the coziest restaurants in Italy. My family has made repeated visits to Stefano's and has had delicious food and friendly service each time.    [05 Jul 2005 16:37:02]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: ravioli, tortellini

     ­Anonymous   

Our Favorite
Stephano's is a great place to go on a date or with your family. Great food, good service, and wonderful atmosphere.    [01 Oct 2005 12:13:19]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Anonymous   

It Was A Fabulous Night
Four of us stopped in without reservations on a busy Friday and we were told to relax in the bar area, we were offered drinks and were seated within 10 minutes. We were constantly being asked if we needed anything and were recommended two specials for the night. We took their recommendationas and were rewarded with some awesome seafood dishes. Everyone went out of their way to help us!    [26 Nov 2005 11:04:26]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Tom & Pam   

Best Italian and That's Final
This place has by far the best service, and the best food around. My friend had her Groom's Dinner there also, and it was a complete success.

I have been going there for years, and highly recommend this place to anyone who really appreciates a quality Italian Experience!    [02 Dec 2005 11:48:10]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Anonymous   

Favorite Resturant
I will start out by saying that the staff as well as the owner is the best around. The food rates a 10 out of 10 in the opinions of everyone I have recommended the place to. The negative post probably was true, they probably DID belong at Perkins.

This is a favorite hangout for some of the Minnesota Twins, MN Vikings, Governor TIM PAWLENTY among others and for a reason. How do I know this? I have seen them there.

Stephano is a very accommodating owner who is always there making sure all is well.

Sure there may be a wait, but if you have a big group, you can always call ahead of time. And there is a wait for a reason.. I will let you guess why..    [29 Oct 2006 18:45:36]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Todd   

Delicious!
I have a great time every time I dine at Stephano's. I used to live right off of Millpond, so needless to say this used to be my most frequented restaurant. Although I live in Downtown Minneapolis, the flavors of Stephano's rivals those of Al Vento, Campiello, etc.!    [15 Jul 2007 15:36:44]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Anonymous   

Terrible Atmosphere and Worse Food.
My husband, son and I went to Stephano's last Friday night. It was very warm and humid outside. It didn't help to walk into an equally warm room where every light fixture in the place had a red light in it which made the place seem like either Dante's Inferno or a cheap Italian bordello. It made our eyes swim and our stomaches quesy and we tried to read the menu in the dim red light.

I ordered the fish soup which our young waitress said everyone liked although she hadn't tried it herself. The soup itself was exactly like someone opened a can of Campbell's cream of tomato soup and heated it. This was unfortunate because there was some very nice seafood in this terrible saucey soup.

My husband had a shrimp alfredo - with sundried tomatos, the tomatos gave the dish a very sweet flavor which didn't go well with the alfredo. My son had the beef and cheese ravioli's - okay but nothing great. Again the tomato sauce had very little flavor and was sweet.

We all took our food home and in the garbage it went the next day. And, this was not an inexpensive dinner either. What a waste! I don't understand why I have seen so many good reviews for this restaurant on the web. We will NEVER go back there.    [10 Oct 2007 17:26:34]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Anonymous