Tributes to Stella

When I was choosing “things” for my book, “100 Things to Do in Richmond Before You Die,” there was never a doubt that Stella’s Greek restaurant would be included. In fact, it’s the very first listing.

For one thing, the restaurant has been feeding hungry and grateful Richmonders for more than 40 years, established in 1983. Just as importantly, the “rustic and modern Greek cuisine” is high-quality, and at a delicious price for the quality.

The matriarch and namesake, Stella Dikos, was not only a talented chef and successful restaurateur, she also contributed her passion and dedication to her family and the community.

Stella Dikos passed away in June 2024. I was at a signing for my book the weekend after, and a woman who flipped through the book stopped at the listing for Stella’s. She was full of praise for Stella the woman, and sad for her loss. Turns out, they lived in the same neighborhood. If she would see Stella out, in her garden, for example, Stella would always greet her warmly.

In fact, the woman said, from the way Stella looked at her and listened, she got the feeling that they were close friends. It turned out, Stella Dikos was that way with everyone. She was sincere in her kindness, and she had many such friends.

The family requested donations be made in her name to two of Stella’s beloved institutions: Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral and the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. It’s never too late to honor a life well lived.

A Memorial for Stella is scheduled for July 20, 4 to 7 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond

In honor of Stella Dikos and her contributions to Richmond, I present my listing as it is in the book.

SEE WHY IT’S ALL GREEK TO US AT STELLA’S

Two waves of immigration brought entrepreneurial Greeks and their culture to Richmond’s melting pot. Greek restaurants and an annual festival have affirmed locals’ appreciation for that culture, especially the food. The Greek Festival, held at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, began in 1976 and presents food, dancing, cathedral tours, a market, and opportunities to learn about the Greek culture and Eastern Orthodox religion. Several Richmond restaurants offer access to Mediterranean fare year round.

The most notable, Stella’s, opened in 1983 and is named for matriarch and chef Stella Kafantaris Dikos. Stella’s restaurant and its gourmet market offshoots use fresh ingredients and Greek authenticity to bring the best of the Old World to Richmond. Think pastichio, moussaka, spanakopita, souvlaki, tabouli, and flaming saganaki cheese. Opa!

Stella’s

1012 Lafayette St., 804-358-2011

Richmond Greek Festival

Saints Constantine and Helen Greek

Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Malvern Ave.

TIP

Be early or be prepared to wait at Stella’s and the festival. You can get prepackaged Greek foods at Stella’s markets (see stellasrichmond.com for locations), though fresh is always better. Don’t miss Stella Dikos’s favorite, the spanakopita.

From “100 Things to Do in Richmond Before You Die” by Annie Tobey (Reedy Press, 2023)