A Chef's Dishes Shaped by Setouchi's Rich Food Culture

STELLA

Tabiiro’s picks: signature dishes

Rich sauce perfectly balanced by light noodles

House-made sauce reflecting a strong focus on the ingredients

"House-Made Bolognese" with Rich Flavor and a Light Mouthfeel

The "House-Made Bolognese" features a rich, aromatic sauce simmered slowly with dried porcini mushrooms for added depth of flavor. Finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is generously added on top, bringing extra richness and umami to the sauce. The full-bodied sauce is deliberately paired with thin pasta for a lighter texture, creating a deeply flavorful dish that does not feel overly heavy.

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  Organic Canned Tomatoes as the Foundation of the Cooking

  Organic canned tomatoes form the base of the Bolognese sauce. Slowly simmered to bring out the tomatoes' natural umami, they create a mellow, deeply flavored sauce with a balance of acidity and richness. Attention is also given to ingredient selection, preserving the character of each flavor. Though casual and approachable, the dish reflects the chef's focus on ingredients and precise preparation.

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  Aromatic Olive Oil from Shodoshima

  The finishing touch on the Bolognese is olive oil from Shodoshima, chosen by the owner out of a desire to incorporate an ingredient from their home island. Its rich aroma and mellow flavor complement the full-bodied sauce, adding depth while leaving a light finish. The dish reflects the owner's affection for their hometown and attention to ingredients, capturing the character of the restaurant.

Popular pairings

Two house-made sauces that bring out the savory flavor of Daisen-dori chicken

"Grilled Daisen Chicken Thigh from Tottori Prefecture"

This dish features "Daisen-dori Chicken," known for its tender texture and juiciness. The chef brings out the natural character of the chicken while also paying attention to color and presentation. Two sauces are available: "Honey Mustard" and "Cafe de Paris Butter." The "Honey Mustard" combines honey with dashi and balsamic vinegar for a light, refreshing flavor, while the "Cafe de Paris Butter" blends butter with herbs, dried tomatoes, spices, and other ingredients for a rich, full-bodied taste. Each sauce brings out a different side of the chicken's flavor.

Must-try signature dish

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  "Basque Cheesecake"

  House-made Basque cheesecake is baked until the surface is deeply browned, adding a subtle bitterness, while the center remains soft and smooth with a rare-style finish. Seasonal fruit adds color to the presentation and brings in flavors of the season. Handmade one at a time to highlight the ingredients, it is a house-made dessert suited to after-dinner dining or cafe time.

Restaurant highlights

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  Dishes made in-house with select ingredients

  Italian Cuisine with an Emphasis on Natural, Seasonal Ingredients

  The restaurant name "Stella," meaning "star" in Italian, is also known as the name of a flower associated with "family" in the language of flowers. Reflecting that name, the restaurant aims to be a welcoming place where local residents can stop by and relax. Its natural-style Italian cuisine incorporates seasonal ingredients and highlights their individual qualities. Beyond the food, even the syrups used in sweets and drinks are made in-house, with each item prepared individually.

Interior

Star-shaped lights echoed in the restaurant's name sparkle throughout the interior

Counter seating ideal for solo diners

Table seating for meals and conversation with friends

The restaurant has the quiet charm of a hideaway and a comforting warmth that makes it easy to unwind. Its relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere makes it welcoming even for solo diners. An inviting spot for lunch or a café break, it is also ideal for a leisurely dinner. Whether for a date, a meal with friends, or a special occasion, the restaurant offers a comfortable setting for spending time together. It's also the kind of place you'll want to visit when you're looking for a little change of pace from everyday life.

From the Tabiiro Editorial Team

About a 4-minute walk from Exit 6 of Minamimorimachi Station on the Osaka Metro, the restaurant feels even closer than expected. Located on the second floor of a building along Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, it has a tucked-away feel while the interior is warm and welcoming. Particularly memorable were the chef's words, "You'll understand once you taste it." They reflect the confidence of a chef who pays close attention to everything from ingredient selection to cooking methods. It is a casual place to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine.