About Stella Burlingame

Treat yourself to our expertly prepared braised meats, the smoothness of our risottos, the vibrancy of our pastas, and the warmth of our ragus – all crafted with meticulous attention. We especially recommend Chef Matteo’s signature Veal Osso Buco, paired with creamy Mascarpone Polenta, and the comforting flavors of Nonna’s Housemade Potato Gnocchi, a recipe passed down through generations.

Our dedication to authenticity goes beyond the Alps, as we also pay homage to the time-honored pasta traditions of Northern Italy and incorporate the rustic flavors of mountainous regions. Each plate captures the essence of Italian cuisine, embracing both tradition and innovation.

To complement your dining experience, we offer an extensive selection from our Full Bar, complete with expertly crafted cocktails and a curated collection of Italian and California Wines. Our attentive staff is eager to guide you through the perfect pairing to elevate your meal to new heights.

Whether you’re savoring a romantic dinner for two, celebrating a special occasion, or simply seeking a delectable culinary adventure, Stella warmly welcomes you with open arms. Immerse yourself in the comforting ambiance of delicious food and great company create unforgettable moments.

Come and discover the soul of the Alps at Stella Burlingame – where passion, tradition, and the finest ingredients unite to create an extraordinary dining experience.

At Stella, we invite you to savor more than just a meal; we invite you to savor a journey—a journey that traverses the peaks of taste, tradition, and hospitality. Join us and discover the remarkable tapestry of Alpine-inspired cuisine, where every dish tells a story and every bite creates a memory.
 
Buon Appetito,

Alisa and Matteo Ferrari

Born in the mountains of Italy’s Piedmont region in the small town of Valduggia, Chef Matteo Ferrari’s passion for cooking began at the age of five. His first mentor, his Nonna Nilla, taught him many things on Sunday afternoons at her country house, most importantly, the art of making potato gnocchi as well as the perfect sauce. Matteo learned to hunt for the best natural ingredients in the local mountains, including one of Italy’s most famous, porcini mushrooms. For more than 30 years Matteo’s passion for cooking combined with his appreciation for the infused flavors of fresh ingredients has delighted customers all over the world, and has defined his authentic, rustic Italian style that he creates today.

Destined to be a chef, at the age of fifteen Matteo began his formal education at the Instituto Alberghiero “Pastore” at Varallo Sesia. He paid the tuition by hunting porcini mushrooms and fishing and then selling his finds to local restaurants. He graduated in 1986 and was driven to learn from the best. He began working for free in Milan at the famous “Savini” Restaurant in The Galleria, just to learn the “art of the Risotto” from Chef Fulvio Lavarini.

After working in Milan, it was time to see the rest of the world. Matteo began working for the award-winning Princess Cruises. For the next 14 years Matteo worked his way up from a Galley Helper to an Executive Sous Chef learning how to cook all types of international cuisine as he traveled the World. He worked on famous ships such as the Original Love Boat and the Royal Princess, where he served Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II. To gain even more experience, Matteo took a few years off from the high seas and went to Paris where he became a line cook at Enoteca. Two years later, Matteo went to London, beginning his first Executive Chef position at Osteria Pulcinella, a very popular and authentic Italian Trattoria where he started to make a name for himself. Eventually Chef Matteo was lured back to the sea, working for Princess Cruises, where he met his business partner, Alisa Ferrari.

Matteo and Alisa first started a full service catering company Matteo In Your Kitchen in 2003 that caters to both large and small events up and down the San Francisco Peninsula and is thriving today. In May, 2005 Matteo and Alisa opened the restaurant Stella Alpina Osteria in Burlingame, California. At Stella, Matteo continues to delight customers with his rustic sauces, braised meats and risottos in a cozy and inviting setting. After over ten years in business, Matteo’s dream of having customers dine as if they are in his own home is a reality and his customers can’t get enough of Matteo’s rustic Italian flavors.

Born in the mountains of Italy’s Piedmont region in the small town of Valduggia, Chef Matteo Ferrari’s passion for cooking began at the age of five. His first mentor, his Nonna Nilla, taught him many things on Sunday afternoons at her country house, most importantly, the art of making potato gnocchi as well as the perfect sauce. Matteo learned to hunt for the best natural ingredients in the local mountains, including one of Italy’s most famous, porcini mushrooms. For more than 30 years Matteo’s passion for cooking combined with his appreciation for the infused flavors of fresh ingredients has delighted customers all over the world, and has defined his authentic, rustic Italian style that he creates today.

Destined to be a chef, at the age of fifteen Matteo began his formal education at the Instituto Alberghiero “Pastore” at Varallo Sesia. He paid the tuition by hunting porcini mushrooms and fishing and then selling his finds to local restaurants. He graduated in 1986 and was driven to learn from the best. He began working for free in Milan at the famous “Savini” Restaurant in The Galleria, just to learn the “art of the Risotto” from Chef Fulvio Lavarini. After working in Milan, it was time to see the rest of the world. Matteo began working for the award-winning Princess Cruises. For the next 14 years Matteo worked his way up from a Galley Helper to an Executive Sous Chef learning how to cook all types of international cuisine as he traveled the World. He worked on famous ships such as the Original Love Boat and the Royal Princess, where he served Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II. To gain even more experience, Matteo took a few years off from the high seas and went to Paris where he became a line cook at Enoteca. Two years later, Matteo went to London, beginning his first Executive Chef position at Osteria Pulcinella, a very popular and authentic Italian Trattoria where he started to make a name for himself. Eventually Chef Matteo was lured back to the sea, working for Princess Cruises, where he met his business partner, Alisa Ferrari.

Matteo and Alisa first started a full service catering company Matteo In Your Kitchen in 2003 that caters to both large and small events up and down the San Francisco Peninsula and is thriving today. In May, 2005 Matteo and Alisa opened the restaurant Stella Alpina Osteria in Burlingame, California. At Stella, Matteo continues to delight customers with his rustic sauces, braised meats and risottos in a cozy and inviting setting. After over ten years in business, Matteo’s dream of having customers dine as if they are in his own home is a reality and his customers can’t get enough of Matteo’s rustic Italian flavors.

Recognition / Awards

For Alisa Ferrari, the joy of bringing people together through exceptional food has always been a deeply held tradition, and her love for throwing parties was evident from the start. The vision that she and Matteo shared from the day they opened Stella Alpina Osteria 20 years ago was to approach every dinner service as if they were hosting a dinner party for their closest friends each night. While supporting those she loves, Alisa played a vital role in helping her then-husband, Chef Matteo, realize his culinary vision. As an equal partner, Alisa's previous experience in financial accounting, sales, and marketing – honed in the technology sector and other industries – proved invaluable in establishing Stella Alpina Osteria. From its initial location on Primose Road to its current, beautifully expanded space on Burlingame Avenue, Stella has flourished under Alisa's guidance. Her dedication to creating a warm, cozy, and rustic atmosphere has made it a beloved local spot and a sought-after destination for parties, meetings, and memorable dining experiences. Alisa's understanding of her community, including the needs of local professionals, has shaped Stella Alpina into a welcoming haven for all. Now the sole owner, Alisa's unique blend of business acumen and genuine hospitality, along with her ability to cultivate a team of loyal, long-term employees, ensures that Stella Alpina continues to thrive and serve the community with passion for years to come.