La Stellina: A Taste of New York-Italian Charm at The St. Regis Deer Valley
- Regis Deer Valley has long been synonymous with luxury and exceptional hospitality.
- For Michael Zaccaro, chief operating officer of Falcon Investors, LLC and managing partner of The St.
- Zaccaro, along with managing partner David Reis, who also hails from the New York area, was determined to bring authenticity to every aspect of La Stellina.
La Stellina: A Taste of New York-Italian Charm at The St. Regis Deer Valley
Nestled in the heart of Deer Valley, The St. Regis Deer Valley has long been synonymous with luxury and exceptional hospitality. But in 2021, as the hotel completed its second phase of expansion, it set its sights on elevating its culinary offerings. While RIME was transformed into a sophisticated steakhouse, the team recognized the need for a more family-friendly dining option. This vision gave birth to La Stellina, a New York-Italian restaurant that combines authenticity, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia.
For Michael Zaccaro, chief operating officer of Falcon Investors, LLC and managing partner of The St. Regis Deer Valley, the concept was deeply personal. “I’m from the Bronx originally, and I’ve always had a strong connection to the Italian restaurant scene in the greater New York City area,” Zaccaro said. “When we discussed what we wanted to create, an Italian concept felt like the perfect fit. It’s family-friendly, approachable, and still delivers the quality and service that define The St. Regis.”
Zaccaro, along with managing partner David Reis, who also hails from the New York area, was determined to bring authenticity to every aspect of La Stellina. From the design to the menu, the restaurant draws inspiration from iconic New York-Italian eateries, blending tradition with modern flair.
At the helm of the culinary vision is Consulting Chef Matthew Harris, a celebrated figure in Utah’s dining scene. Known for his work at Tupelo Park City, Harris has earned accolades for his Southern-inspired cuisine. But for La Stellina, he embraced a new challenge: mastering the art of Italian cooking.
“I think it’s important to study the origins of all food,” Harris said. Before the restaurant’s opening, he and his wife, Maggie, spent three weeks in Italy, immersing themselves in the culinary traditions of the region. From learning the secrets of a traditional bolognese sauce in Bologna to exploring family kitchens, Harris brought back techniques and recipes that now define La Stellina’s menu.
One standout dish is the restaurant’s lasagna, a guest favorite. Unlike the traditional layered version, La Stellina’s lasagna is rolled, creating a perfect balance of crispy edges and gooey cheese. “We wanted to capture those crispy bits you love in a lasagna, but in every bite,” Harris explained. The dish, made with handmade pasta sheets and a rich bolognese sauce, is a testament to the care and creativity behind the menu.
Another highlight is the gnocchi, a labor of love perfected by Chef de Cuisine Josephine Hansen. “Gnocchi is one of those fickle things—there are a thousand ways to do it,” Harris said. After extensive experimentation, Hansen crafted a recipe that balances egg yolk and potato, resulting in pillowy bites sautéed to a delicate crisp. Served with a seasonal cream sauce, butternut squash, and brussels sprouts, the dish is a winter favorite.
The menu also features a variety of pizzas, from the classic “Classico” with tomato sauce, basil, and mozzarella to the unique “White Clam Pizza,” a nod to New Haven-style pies. “We wanted to pay homage to the white clam pizzas of Connecticut,” Zaccaro said. “It’s a dish that brings a little bit of the East Coast to Utah.”
For Zaccaro, one dish holds special significance: the Lou’s Chicken Scarpariello, named after his late father. “It’s from one of the restaurants that inspired La Stellina,” he shared. “My dad would always order it, and it became a family tradition. Chef Harris studied the dish to recreate it for our menu, and it’s a way to keep that memory alive.”
Since its opening, La Stellina has become a gathering place for families and food lovers alike. “It’s heartwarming to see families enjoying meals together here,” Zaccaro said. “That’s exactly what we envisioned—a space where people can relax, connect, and savor great food.”
Open daily from 4:30 to 9 p.m., La Stellina invites guests to experience the warmth of New York-Italian hospitality in the heart of Deer Valley. Whether it’s a family dinner, a date night, or a casual meal, the restaurant offers something for everyone.
As Harris put it, “Come in, have a seat, and relax. We’ve got a little bit for everybody here.”
Conclusion: A Culinary Triumph at The St. Regis Deer Valley
La Stellina, the newcomer to The St. Regis deer Valley, has genuinely captured the essence of New York-Italian charm. Nestled in the heart of Deer Valley, this restaurant is a testament to the convergence of tradition, innovation, and luxury hospitality. The vision of Michael Zaccaro and David Reis, both with deep roots in New York City’s Italian dining scene, culminated in a dining experience that seamlessly blends family-friendly warmth with premium quality.
Under the guidance of Consulting Chef Matthew Harris, who demonstrated an unwavering dedication to mastering Italian cuisine after a three-week culinary immersion in Italy, La Stellina’s menu showcases timeless favorites reimagined with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From the hand-pulled mozzarella and the copper-tiled pizza oven to the meticulously prepared conventional dishes, every detail at La Stellina reflects an uncompromising commitment to authenticity.
In a resort environment renowned for its excellence, La stellina stands out as more than just another dining option—it is a celebration of the beauty and simplicity of Italian cuisine. Whether you’re a local aficionado or a visitor indulging in a meal after a day on the slopes, La Stellina offers an unforgettable experience that combines the rich cultural heritage of Italy with the impeccable service and luxury amenities for which The st. Regis Deer Valley is famous.
With its inviting ambiance, elegant design, and robust offerings, La Stellina is poised to become a beloved destination for those seeking authentic, high-quality Italian dining in the heart of deer Valley. Whether dining in or exploring the vast array of dishes available, this new gem of The St. Regis Deer Valley is sure to please every palate and leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Address: La Stellina, located in The St. Regis Deer valley,Snow Park Building,2300 Deer Valley Drive east,Park City,Utah 84060. Reservations: Available via srdvdining.com or by calling 435-940-5700.
La Stellina is a culinary triumph that beautifully exemplifies the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. It is an integral part of what makes The st. Regis Deer Valley a premier destination for hospitality excellence. Come indulge in the true taste of New York-italian charm and discover why La Stellina is destined to become your new favorite dining destination.
Conclusion: A Culinary Triumph at The St. Regis Deer Valley
In the vibrant culinary landscape of Deer Valley, The St. Regis Deer Valley has once again elevated its dining experience with the debut of La Stellina, a New York-Italian restaurant that embodies the perfect blend of authenticity, warmth, and nostalgia. This culinary gem, born from a vision to create a family-kind dining option that adheres to the highest standards of The St. Regis, has successfully achieved its mission by offering an unparalleled dining experience.
La Stellina’s commitment to authenticity is evident in every dish and aspect of the restaurant. Chef Consulting Matthew Harris, with his extensive background in Southern-inspired cuisine, seamlessly transitioned to the art of Italian cooking, spending time in Italy to immerse himself in its culinary traditions. This dedication is reflected in dishes such as the rolled lasagna, a guest favorite, and the gnocchi, a labor of love perfected by Chef de Cuisine Josephine Hansen.
The menu is a masterful blend of classic and modern flavors, showcasing pizzas like the “Classico” and the unique “White clam Pizza,” both paying homage to iconic New york-Italian eateries.The dish that holds special significance for Michael Zaccaro, the Lou’s Chicken Scarpariello, is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to tradition and family memories.
La Stellina’s success can be measured in its ability to become a gathering place for families and food lovers alike. the warm, welcoming atmosphere is a perfect reflection of what Zaccaro envisioned—a space where people can relax, connect, and savor great food. Open daily from 4:30 to 9 p.m., La Stellina invites guests to experience the essence of New York-Italian hospitality in the heart of Deer Valley.
La Stellina is a culinary triumph at The St. Regis Deer Valley.It has successfully bridged the gap between customary Italian cuisine and modern luxury hospitality, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience. whether it’s a family dinner, a date night, or a casual meal, La Stellina offers something for everyone, ensuring that the restaurant remains a cherished addition to Park City’s culinary scene. As Harris so aptly puts it, “Come in, have a seat, and relax. We’ve got a little bit for everybody here.” In this festive and beautifully decorated restaurant,every bite is a celebration of Italian elegance and New York spirit.
