Since it’s tucked away in a small shopping center on Swift Road, we’re worried you may have missed Stella’s Greek Cuisine, which would be a shame. Though Stella’s dining room is diminutive, its flavors are huge, thanks to the restaurant’s namesake chef and owner Stella Raphelli. She prepares some of the best seafood dishes in town, like achivades (clams) with white wine, garlic and olive oil, or whole roasted branzini with seasonal vegetables and lemon potatoes. Raphelli’s flavors are clean and straightforward, but you’ll find plenty of opportunities to indulge. Our favorites? Flaming saganaki made with imported kefalograviera cheese to start the meal, and a slice of moist semolina cake flavored with orange and honey called ravari to end the meal. What you decide to do in between is none of our business.

STELLA’S GREEK CUISINE | 4783 Swift Road, Sarasota, (941) 706-3936, stellasgreekcuisine.com