When a new restaurant opens in the area I’m almost always very interested in what it is going to be like. And, this one so far has not disappointed. Just around the corner, or what I would suggest is a short stumble is a new place called “Stella’s Italian Kitchen.” It’s located at 182 Dupont Street very close to the intersection of Davenport and Dupont. Prior to this recent re-birth it was known as the Pour House which was primarily an Irish Pub serving simple food and various spirits. I had been there a few times and it was okay but not something I would consider as a place to put on my regular rotation. When the closing sign went up along with the information about what it was going to become my enthusiasm level increased - an Italian joint for the neighbourhood.

So how should you define a neighbourhood restaurant? Clearly most people will have their own ways to measure or define. But, I would suggest that things like longevity, affordable pricing and no doubt it’s easy access to your own locale. Obviously you need to like their type of food and it should be a place you might consider going more than once a week - if you can afford it.

It doesn’t have to be the best in the city or appear on top ranking lists. The food should be good (that’s a given), It should be close by - ideally you want to be able to walk there. As I mentioned above if it’s a stumble home especially if you have had a few glasses too many that’s a real plus. Finally, you should not have to take out a second mortgage to enjoy yourself.

The first time we visited it was with the family and we ended up sitting inside. The restaurant is actually very large with a few small rooms located off to the sides of the main, long room. The bar is situated in the middle and it’s a decent size. When you first enter you can observe where they make the pizza’s. They also have an excellent patio out back and they offer something most places don’t - a choice to bring your four legged friend.(dogs). They have to enter the restaurant from the back entrance.

On our first visit we ordered the Burrata Caprese and Caesar Salad as starters. Both were excellent however my daugher upon a second visit prefered the regular burrata. The salad is quite large and easily shared. As our mains we had the Not So Classic Pepporini Pizza and a Margherita Pizza. The better half had a pasta dish of unnamed origin (I can’t remember).

If you have read any of my previous posts you would no doubt agree that I have tried a lot of pizza. I wouldn’t say I’m an expert but I do know my way around the different types of pizza in this city. I have now been to Stella’s three times and to no great surprise I’ve had the pizza three times. And….it’s fabulous. Okay, it’s not better than Pizzeria Badiali or Bar Sugo which are two spots that I rank very, very high. But….it’s really, really good and it’s a “neighbourhood joint.” I can stumble home after dinner. That’s truly important.

Our second visit we sat outside in their very lovely patio and as we are winding down the days of September it was great to enjoy the mild nights we have been enjoying. It’s a fun spot out back with about 12 tables and room for the furry friends if you choose. My only complaint was that the music was a bit loud so I asked if they could turn it down. My wife had the Eggplant Parm as her main while I chowed down my pizza. She reported that it was very good and quite large which meant she had lunch for the next day.

On my most recent and third visit I was dining by myself so I sat at the bar quietly reading and enjoying the time on my own. The bartender was chatty and quite friendly and was eager to please. He was a young fella from the UK as he mentioned he has been a “barman” for seven years. A turn of phrase we don’t often hear here. The wine list is more than adequate and the staff are cheery and friendly. It wasn’t overly busy as it was a Saturday night so I’m hopeful that as word gets out more people visit to ensure it can last through the cold winter nights that are coming.

I give it 4/5 stars and maybe next time I will try something else besides the pizza…