Even with these minor changes, Stanello’s award-winning pizzas continue to rake in the hardware. Most recently, the pies were voted Best Pizza in Whatcom County in 1994 and 1995. Don’t be misled: this isn’t some hole-in-the-wall pizza place. Stanello’s is a fine-dining establishment that just happens to serve a great pizza. Consider if awards were given for other Italian foods: Stanello’s would probably win the bulk of those as well.

Delicious and affordable ravioli, spaghetti, manicotti and chicken cacciatore are some of the classics to choose from. Soup or salad and garlic toast comes with the meals, which average under $10. Choice steaks, fettuccines, and gourmet salads are other tasty options. Bar patrons may enjoy their favorite appetizers, such as deep-fried mozzarella and jalapeno poppers.

Written By: Ken Brierly

Features
Takes Reservations  |  Wheelchair Accessible  |  Beer and Wine  |  Dinner  |  Full Bar  |  Lunch  |  Outdoor seating  |  Smoke-free

Comments
Do you like rude, insolent people? Then you'll love the owner of Stanellos. We were in Bellingham for the Washington State High School Golf Championships. We had five girls and three boys from Life Christian Academy in Tacoma, WA, plus coaches and parents -- about 26 people. We were looking forward to a great meal and a fun evening. As we arrived, our group was seated in a large, empty, unimpressive room. The LaSalle High School team and parents sat nearby. When the last of our party arrived the owner told them they could not sit with us, even though the room was half empty. He led them upstairs to a completely empty, large room and said they had to sit there. When asked why they couldn't sit with the group, he got very angry, yelling that he didn't like us. One of the other parents tried to discuss the situation with him and he just got ruder and ruder. A few parents got up to leave. I went to the owner and said, "You're going to lose all 26 of us." His response? "I don't care. I'm glad you're leaving!" So we did. We all went across the street to the Mambo Italian Cafe where we were warmly treated and had a GREAT meal. BTW, at the golf course the next morning we told the people in the pro shop about our experience and they said, "Yeah, he's been getting really weird lately."
- Steve Miller on Thu, May 22, 2008

The best pizza I have ever tasted. The crust melts in your mouth. Everyone should try this place!
- Lisa on Sun, August 27, 2006

Well, I can only say about the previous comment on 11/13/05, that I think somebody like the big W could benefit greatly from them. After all, they are stuck with their "measly wage" and that is it! The staff at Stanellos is wonderful - knowledgable and attentive. That earns them a big tip from us. I tip at least 25% every visit. Apparently the owner takes pride in customer service and has trained his staff accordingly. I believe most people tip for good service. I have been known not to tip at all. I would think that an employee of Stanellos could subliment their income, substantially. Stanellos has some of the best prices around. I live in Kirkland, WA and we drive up - just to visit this restaurant, from time to time. I find it difficult to understand why the staff is always so friendly and happy, IF they are being treated so poorly - yeah right. I say take your energy to the big W - THEY could really benefit from tips/bonuses AND customer service training.
- Gail Penn  on Tue, December 6, 2005

Funny that the first comment here should mention the friendly waitstaff. In today's Bellingham Herald business secion (11/13/05), there is an interview with Stanello's owner Stan Velis, decrying the upcoming burdensome minimun wage "hike". A whopping .28 up to $7.63. Mr. Velis says his staff makes up to $25 per hour including tips, and he has had to cut 2 staff positions due to the increasing expense. When we called his restaurant to say we are giving up one of the best pizza places in town, due to his smug condescending attitude towards paying a living wage, the staff person who answered was very surpised to hear that her boss said she earned $25/hr. and thanked us for the call. Bottom line - no matter how much you enjoy the food, you should know the owner doesn't think his staff is worth a measly $7.63 an hour. Bellingham is not a third world country. At least not yet.
- Joanna on Sun, November 13, 2005

Just a fantastic restaurant!! The best pizza I have ever eaten and I have eaten it from New York - Chicago and many places in between Bellingham. The wait staff could not be more friendly and accomodating. I LOVE the smoke free atmosphere. I live in Kirkland, WA and have visited Stanellos for the past twenty years - it just keeps getting better. The salads are just wonderful. Too bad more restaurants do not take tips from Stan. Gail Penn
- Gail Penn  on Mon, July 25, 2005

I love the pizza crust!
- Wayne Berry on Mon, April 25, 2005

I would really like it if you a menu online.
- Debbie Sires on Wed, March 28, 2001

Try the "mexican Pizza".
- Pat McCan on Sun, July 2, 2000

Stanello's has the best atmosphere of any pizza place in Bellingham. Although their pizza is not as good as it once was (Sneaky's on Northwest has taken the lead - but only for take out because the restaurant smells of stale smoke), it is a Fairhaven tradition - not to be surpassed.
- Sarah van Woerden on Fri, April 2, 1999

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