The best Italian restaurants in St. Louis

Top spots for pasta, pizza, and a taste of Tuscany in St. Louis

CASUAL

Anthonino’s Taverna

  • In a Nutshell: Tutto mare and saganaki—Italy and Greece convene at a St. Louis classic that’s almost as crowded as a Taylor Swift concert.
  • Recs: The toasted ravioli (and accompanying marinara) is some of the best in town. Insiders know the housemade baklava are mandatory.
  • Insider Tip: Along with its frozen t-ravs, four varieties of Anthonino’s pizza (including one topped with gryo meat) are now available at most metro area Schnucks stores. 2225 Macklind.

Basso

  • In a Nutshell: Descend a wraparound staircase in the historic Cheshire to discover one of St. Louis’ coziest restaurants, replete with gas lantern fixtures and a hand-polished zinc bar.
  • Recs: The cacio e pepe’s a classic for a reason, though you also can’t go wrong with a wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, specifically the Emo Cover Band.
  • Insider Tip: Happy hour (4–6 p.m. Monday through Friday) is hard to beat, with drink deals and food specials. And consider a nightcap at the nearby Fox & Hounds. 7036 Clayton.

Liliana’s Italian Kitchen

  • In a Nutshell: Winner of SLM Readers’ Choice A-List Award for “Hidden Gem Restaurant” in 2023, the South County flagship location is known for its generous portions and old-school charm. A second, larger location in Cottleville retains the same marinara-red and black color scheme, plus a large patio and parking for golf carts.
  • Recs: Don’t-miss items include the Caesar salad (with housemade Mayfair dressing), fried spinach, chicken modiga, and a St. Louis–style pizza with a homemade crust and a mozz/Provel blend.
  • Insider Tip: Co-owners Tim and Kathy Pieri solicited patrons to upcycle any old family plates and platters. They ended up with a roomful, enough to supply three or four restaurants. 11836 Tesson Ferry Road / 3891 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Cottleville.

Noto Italian Restaurant: 

  • In a Nutshell: Although best known for their Neapolitan pizzas, the owners are equally serious about their Italian cocktails, mocktails, and 100 percent Italian wine list.
  • Recs: Come for the Neapolitan pizza, stay for one of the fresh pastas, such as gemelli with nduja, rapini, roasted garlic, pecorino romano, lemon, and cream. 
  • Insider Tip: In November 2022, Noto became the only local restaurant to be certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) in Italy, an honor bestowed only upon approximately 100 restaurants in North and South America.  5105 Westwood, St. Peters. 

O+O Pizza

  • In a Nutshell: Situated in the former Olive + Oak space, in Old Webster, the trattoria transcends the typical pizzeria, with handmade pastas, entrées, and more.
  • Recs: Start with some small plates (t-ravs, grilled octopus corzetti) and split a pie, such as the off-menu Frankenstein.
  • Insider Tip: Check out the happy-hour specials (4–6 p.m. Monday through Friday), which include lamb meatballs and arancini, as well as Aperol spritzes, wines, and more. 102 W. Lockwood.

Sugo’s Spaghetteria

  • In a Nutshell: The classic pastas and Neapolitan pizzas from third-generation Italian restaurateur Michael Del Pietro are handcrafted from ingredients so fresh that the kitchen doesn’t even have a freezer. Del Pietro maintains the same high-quality level across all of his restaurants: two Sugo’s locations, Babbo’s Spaghetteria, Il Plato, Del Pietro’s, and Blue Violet.
  • Recs: Even on a menu full of signature dishes, the pollo spiedini is a standout, and the brick-sized lasagna is one of the best values in town.
  • Insider Tip: There are different chicken, fish, and veal specials every night—and, if you’re lucky, one of them will be creamy veal carciofi. 10419 Clayton Road / 243 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville.

Vicini Pastaria

  • In a Nutshell: After a formative stint at a restaurant in Tuscany, Dawn Wilson fell in love with Italian cuisine—not just the dishes themselves, but the culture surrounding food both in its preparation and enjoyment. That passion and ethos are the foundation of her outstanding Lafayette Square lunchtime restaurant, a bastion of fresh pasta and casual Italian fare. Don't let its counter-service format fool you: There are few experiences more luxurious than sitting in the gorgeous, Venetian-inflected dining room while sipping an after-lunch espresso.  
  • Recs: You can’t go wrong with any of Wilson’s fresh pasta, but the pici is a particular labor of love. The hand-rolled noodle, which she describes as a thick spaghetti, is the base of her outstanding cacio e pepe, which shows that the most beautiful dishes are also, at least on the surface, the most simple.
  • Insider Tip: Although pastas are a go-to, don’t miss the schiacciata bread service. This Tuscan-style focaccia is served with, among other goodies, Wilson’s house-made pesto. The verdant concoction is some of the best you'll find in the city. 1916 Park.

WEEKEND OUTING

Acero

  • In a Nutshell: Acero remains popular more than 15 years after opening on a corner in downtown Maplewood, and for good reason—owner Jim Fiala (who also runs The Crossing in Clayton) sets a high bar for quality food and service in an inviting atmosphere.
  • Recs: The four-course tasting menu (starting at $58) spans such options as gnocco fritto, orecchiette, lamb rack, and goat cheese panna cotta.
  • Insider Tip: Impress with the seven-course chef’s grand tasting menu and wine pairings. 7266 Manchester.

Bartolino’s

  • In a Nutshell: The family-owned and -operated restaurants include two Bartolino’s locations (a third is slated to open next year in Twin Oaks), as well as Chris’ Pancake & Dining and Chris’ at the Docket.
  • Recs: On a wide-ranging menu, favorites include calamari atop flash-fried spinach, chicken spiedini, linguine tutto mare (made two ways), and scallop risotto.
  • Insider Tip: Bartolino’s is one of a handful of St. Louis’ successful “generational” restaurants, which serves the children (and now grandchildren) of parents who first dined there. 5914 S Lindbergh Blvd / 2103 Sulphur.

Edera Italian Eatery

  • In a Nutshell: The ambiance at this Central West End restaurant is the next best thing to dining in Italy. A multicourse meal of antipasto, pizza or pasta, and mains makes for a transportive night out.
  • Recs: The yeasty, chewy crust of the Neapolitan pizza is excellent, with either red sauce (topped with prosciutto and mushroom) or white sauce (with ricotta and roasted garlic).
  • Insider Tip: You can’t reserve outdoor seating in advance, but if you make reservations to dine indoors, you get dibs on outdoor tables in the majestic courtyard with its namesake ivy-covered wall, in the shadow of the Chase. (Edera means “ivy” in Italian.) 48 Maryland Plaza.

Gian-Tony’s Ristorante

  • In a Nutshell: After 33 years in the business, chef/owner Tony Catarinicchia is still growing garden produce on-site and working in the kitchen.
  • Recs: Bolstered by one of the best marinara sauces around, the Capellini alla Gian-Tony’s (with Italian ham and onions) is a signature pasta. Catarinicchia excels at the basics, but notables include Italian wedding soup, tortellini, and even t-ravs.
  • Insider Tip: Grab a drink at the bar to catch up on recent Hill happenings. Or just eat there, as many regulars prefer to do. 5356 Daggett.

Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria

  • In a Nutshell: After learning the restaurant ropes from her dad, the late Tom Lee, Katie Lee Collier and her partner, Ted Collier, have built a dining empire, which now encompasses three perpetually packed locations—including at Ballpark Village, the latest and largest.
  • Recs: Split the burrata and crab arancini, as well as the spicy fiori arrabbiata or wood-fired morel pizza.
  • Insider Tip: Show up a tad early if you want to catch happy hour (2–5 p.m. Monday through Friday), when drinks, 9-inch pies, and select starters are discounted. 9568 Manchester / 14171 Clayton / 751 Clark.

Lombardo’s

  • In a Nutshell: An icon of the local Italian dining scene, Lombardo’s has remained a favorite throughout its more than 90 years in operation, thanks to its elegant take on traditional dishes.
  • Recs: The area’s king of toasted ravioli, Lombardo’s serves up half-moon-shaped pillows that have been dazzling for three generations.
  • Insider Tip: T-ravs may be the essential dish, but don’t miss the restaurant’s dark-horse stunner: the mouthwatering flash-fried spinach. 10488 Natural Bridge / 201 South 20th.

Pastaria

  • In a Nutshell: The unconventional pastas, pizzas, and desserts at this trendy Clayton restaurant are inspired by chef Gerard Craft’s travels in Italy and the friendships he’s made over food and wine.
  • Recs: There are gems in every section of the menu: the shaved kale salad; the canestri cacio e pepe pasta; the four-cheese pizza; the butternut squash with herbs, balsamic vinegar, and hot honey; and the wedding cake.
  • Insider Tip: While walk-ins are welcome when space permits, your best bet for spontaneous dining is to join the online waitlist or pick up a to-go order at the deli. And for to-go options, check out Pastaria Deli & Wine next door. 7734 Forsyth.

Peno and Rosé by Peno

  • In a Nutshell: The flagship offers outstanding Sicilian fare and a welcoming four-season patio. In Lafayette Square, Rosé by Peno combines coastal French and Italian cuisine inside a hip 38-seat bistro.
  • Recs: At Peno, opt for the specials or the octopus, which is as tender as you’ll find anywhere. At Rosé by Peno, a signature item is pissaladière, Marseilles-style pizza with a puff-pastry crust.
  • Insider Tip: Any conversation with unabashed chef/owner Pepe Kehm is entertaining and enlightening. Seek him out if he’s available. 7600 Wydown, 1463 S. 18th.

Trattoria Marcella and Marcella’s Mia Sorella

  • In a Nutshell: These two restaurants from brothers Steve and Jamie Komorek are known for their elevated Italian comfort food and impeccable service, from a quick bite on the sidewalk patio to a full-out fine-dining extravaganza.
  • Recs: The lobster risotto isn’t on the dinner menu, but it’s always available.
  • Insider Tip: Feel free to dress up for Trattoria Marcella’s elegant dining room, but causal is just fine for a weekday happy hour in the bar. 3600 Watson, 14426 Clayton.

Trattoria Toscana

  • In a Nutshell: Flawlessly formal, the trattoria’s decked with starched linen and glittering crystal—and has one of the best bargain wine lists in town.
  • Recs: With such dishes as lobster ravioli in a sunset-orangey sauce, as well as a cherry-topped cassata cake, dinner here is a visual feast.
  • Insider Tip: The private room is a great choice for family or business gatherings. 11686 Gravois.

DATE NIGHT

Bar Italia Ristorante

  • In a Nutshell: A well-loved Central West End institution since 1983, Bar Italia specializes in fresh Mediterranean flavors and an international vibe. The light from the setting sun on its patio is nothing short of magical.
  • Recs: For a taste of the melting-pot menu that owner Mengesha Yohannes has created, try the pollo agrodolce, a Sicilian dish of chicken, mushrooms, and peppers with such North African influences as raisins and pine nuts.
  • Insider Tip: Save room for an espresso martini with tiramisu or a Rossini cocktail to accompany the lemon chiffon cake. 13 Maryland Plaza.

Café Napoli I, II, and III

  • In a Nutshell: Having launched three blockbuster locations of Café Napoli, the Pietoso family opened seafood-focused Napoli Sea in St. Charles in June and plans to roll out a fast-casual pizza-and-pasta-based spinoff.
  • Recs: From a broad menu of classic Southern Italian favorites, the bestsellers include the Chilean sea bass and a veal chop prepared two ways. Other highlights include the Stack Salad and Linguine Abruzzo (with shrimp, scallops, and sun-dried tomatoes).
  • Insider Tip: The Clayton flagship doesn’t use executive chef Jon Berger’s freshly made pasta. “It’s the only location that uses only dried pasta,” says Tony Pietoso. “That’s what we started with there, and there’s no reason to mess with that success.” 7754 Forsyth / 1054 Town and Country Crossing / 1450 Beale St., St. Charles.

Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill

  • In a Nutshell: It’s a time machine, a culinary throwback to those checkered tablecloths of yesteryear, where veal comes four ways, and sauces and wines are both beautifully red.
  • Recs: Desserts, like the legendary carrot cake, are indispensable at this elegant, brick-walled icon.
  • Insider Tip: Expect the flawless level of service that we once took for granted, and try to nab a spot on the stunning courtyard. 5226 Shaw

Frank Papa’s Ristorante

  • In a Nutshell: April 1, 2022, eponymous owner Frank Papa retired and sold the 28-year-old restaurant to his executive chef and nephew, Rob Duerscheidt. Fortunately, nothing has changed—including that reservations are only taken by telephone.
  • Recs: Basics such as cannelloni, salmon, and linguinette con peche are superior, but don’t overlook unexpected standouts such as portabella ravioli and escargot-and-sundried-tomato-stuffed mushrooms.
  • Insider Tip: Diners who venture downstairs discover a cozy private space: the 8- to 20-person wine room, where hundreds of bottles line the walls. 2241 S. Brentwood.

Il Bel Lago

  • In a Nutshell: A taste of The Hill in Creve Coeur, Il Bel Lago honors its Giovanni’s legacy with outstanding traditional cuisine and formal tableside service. 
  • Recs: Although the President Reagan’s Bowtie pasta was served at his inaugural ball, the delectable smoked salmon, cracked pepper, and Parmigiano Reggiano Mélange is fit for a king.
  • Insider Tip: Its elegant atmosphere makes Il Bel Lago feel like an evening place, but tucking in for a solo lunch (possibly with a glass of wine) is the self-care we all need. 11631 Olive.

Il Palato

  • In a Nutshell: Michael Del Pietro’s deft touch makes this upscale Clayton eatery a bastion of fine Italian fare that embraces a modern, seasonal approach. 
  • Recs: If you want a trip to the Amalfi Coast without hopping on a flight, order the delicate Mare Arrabiata. Chock-full of shrimp, clams, and scallops, it’s a Poseidon-worthy feast.
  • Insider Tip: Don’t let the gorgeous marble bar and swanky atmosphere fool you: This is indeed the place to order eggplant Parmesan—They refer to it as Melanzana. 222 S. Bemiston.

LoRusso’s Cucina

  • In a Nutshell: This warm, welcoming South City restaurant is one of the region’s consummate destinations for its traditional Sicilian family recipes and notable wine list.
  • Recs: The flash-fried spinach is a must to start the meal. After that, opinions are split between any of the risottos and anything with vodka sauce.
  • Insider Tip: Owner Terri LoRusso is an inspiring restaurateur adept at overcoming adversity, including the untimely loss of her husband, Rich, who started the restaurant with her in 1986, while they were still in their 20s. 3121 Watson.

Peppe’s Apt. 2

  • In a Nutshell: Tucked in a historic Victorian house in Kirkwood, Peppe Profeta’s restaurant embodies elegance. The ivory-colored dining room on the ground floor is filled with chandeliers, white tablecloths, and fresh flowers.
  • Recs: The menu includes multicourse dinner options with the choice of salads, appetizers, and desserts. Order based on your appetite, but consider the halibut if it’s available.
  • Insider Tip: The second floor, converted into a modern dining space with photos of Italian actors and dark walls, provides a contrast to the bright space downstairs. 800 S. Geyer. 

Roberto’s Trattoria

  • In a Nutshell: A beloved South County institution, Roberto’s has found success in its uncompromising commitment to quality and the sort of hospitality that makes you feel like part of the family.
  • Recs: If you order the white-wine-and-mushroom-kissed Filet Roberto, then be sure your companion gets the lobster-and-shrimp-laden rigatoni alla vodka. 
  • Insider Tip: Longtime owner Roberto Zanti may have handed over the reins to Matt and Jamie Hines this year, but you can still catch him working the dining room—and at Zanti’s Deli nearby. 145 Concord Plaza Shopping Center. 

Sapore Italian Café

  • In a Nutshell: Owner Paul Buzzetta is part of a St. Louis family that knows Italian food; he learned the business from his parents, who ran Benedetto’s in Frontenac. Over time, Buzzetta has built his own St. Louis staple, offering an upscale, Tuscan-inspired vibe without the fuss.
  • Recs: Lobster ravioli, Linguette Sapori del Mare, veal Siciliano... It’s tough to choose, so think about splitting all of the above (for a small charge).
  • Insider Tip: Sapore offers family-style carryout specials for four, including pasta Bolognese, house salad, and t-ravs for $75, among other options. 451 S. Kirkwood. 

SPECIAL OCCASION 

Casa Don Alfonso

  • In a Nutshell: A dazzlingly beautiful outpost of the Michelin-starred Amalfi Coast restaurant, Don Alfonso, this gem in The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis serves food worthy of its world-class design. 
  • Recs: When something is called Grandma’s Ziti, you don’t ask questions, you just order it. 
  • Insider Tip: The restaurant offers St. Louis’ best weekend breakfast buffet, thanks in part to the charcuterie bar, which allows you to eat your weight in prosciutto di Parma. 100 Carondelet Plaza. 

Dominic’s on the Hill

  • In a Nutshell: Are graduations really official without a meal at Dominic’s? Maybe, but locals have long gathered here for celebrations.
  • Recs: Regulars crave the scampi alla griglia. The wine list’s constantly changing; the barrel-aged Negroni is a constant joy. Lobster risotto defines “succulence.”
  • Insider Tip: Consider a spot on the romantic patio, a relatively new addition. 5101 Wilson. 

John Mineo’s

  • In a Nutshell: The Town & Country environs may have changed from pastoral to suburban since John Mineo’s opened its doors in 1972, but inside you’ll find the same quintessential Sicilian-inflected fare that has made this place West County’s must-visit Italian spot. 
  • Recs: Zucchini, mushrooms, garlic, and olive oil make up the tagliatelle ortolana, but the dish’s beauty lies in its simplicity.
  • Insider Tip: Although it’s not listed on the menu, get the sea bass when it’s offered on special. 13490 Clayton.

Paul Manno’s

  • In a Nutshell: You’d never expect a tribute to Sinatra in a strip mall—or excellent la cucina raffinata.
  • Recs: Veal and chicken are superb, but this is the place for lasagna, Mama’s own.
  • Insider Tip: For a special occasion for two, request table No. 13, a spacious corner deuce by the window. 75 Forum Shopping Center. 

Tony’s

  • In a Nutshell: At one of the area’s most renowned restaurants, in Clayton, patrons can dine in the main room downstairs; the less formal Anthony’s Bar upstairs; or at the rounded end of the bar proper, where diners face each other, sparking conversation.
  • Recs: The biggest seller is linguine with lobster and shrimp, but don’t ignore the center-cut filet of swordfish. And Tony’s regulars know that the pasta con broccoli may be the best in town.
  • Insider Tip: The outside patio has a louvered roof, heaters, fans, a water element, its own bar, and a heated floor, making it one of the most versatile—and perhaps most elegant—al fresco spots for a top-notch evening meal. 105 Carondelet Plaza.

More Italian Restaurants to Enjoy

  • Brio Tuscan Grille: Indulge in happy hour on the outdoor terrace on weekdays from 3–7 p.m. 1601 S Lindbergh.
  • Charlie Gitto’s at Hollywood Casino: Catching a show at one of the nearby amphitheatres? The classic spot is a safe bet for dinner. 777 Casino Center.
  • Cibare Italian Kitchen: Enjoy pasta carbonara here before seeing magician Michael Carbonaro at River City Casino on August 25. 777 River City Casino.
  • Cunetto House of Pasta: After nearly 50 years, Cunetto’s remains a tradition on The Hill.  5453 Magnolia.
  • Del Pietro’s: Paying tribute to his parents, Mike Del Pietro operates this old-school spot in Richmond Heights. 1059 S, Big Bend.
  • Dominic’s Trattoria: With its prime perch across from Shaw Park in Clayton, Dominic’s Trattoria offers a change of scenery from its classy cousin on The Hill. 200 S. Brentwood.
  • Farotto’s: The Rock Hill mainstay offers a four-seasons patio that appeals to diners of all ages. 9525 Manchester.
  • Favazza’s: Claiming to be the largest restaurant on The Hill, Favazza’s also offers a banquet space, Rose of the Hill. 5201 Southwest.
  • GIO Modern Italian: At the rebranded Vito’s in the Valley space, in Chesterfield, chef Giovanni LaFata serves up both Italian classics and such specials as Whiskey Shrimp and Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese. 138 Chesterfield Towne Center.
  • Guido’s Pizzeria & Tapas: Serving a “taste of Spain in the middle of Italy,” on The Hill, the 35-year-old eatery offers a menu of pizzas, pastas, paninis—and Spanish-inspired small plates. 5046 Shaw.
  • Joe Boccardi’s Ristorante: Joe and Margherita Boccardi opened the flagship around the time that nearby Six Flags in Eureka first welcomed guests. Multiple Locations.
  • Lorenzo’s Trattoria: Unlike other spots on The Hill, Lorenzo’s specializes in Northern Italian cuisine, including veal risotto and polenta. 1933 Edwards.
  • Mama’s on the Hill: Claiming to be the (accidental) birthplace of the toasted ravioli, the former Oldani’s is a must for those seeking the St. Louis staple. 2132 Edwards.
  • Onesto Pizza & Trattoria: The South City hangout is known for its New York–style pie, though it also serves sandwiches, stromboli, and more. 5401 Finkman.
  • Pan D'Olive: The popular neighborhood hangout has become a destination restaurant due to its high quality/reasonable prices, affordable two-course lunch specials, and lively bar, where the deals at happy hour (4-7 p.m., Mon-Fri) are the best in town. 1603 McCausland. 
  • Pietro's:  Since 1960, Pietro's hasn't wavered from being a solid, value-packed, South St. Louis neighborhood Italian restaurant. The pasta dishes are very reasonably priced and you can't beat the three-course lunch deals for $13.95. 3801 Watson.
  • Quattro Bar + Grill: Just across from Busch Stadium, Quattro plays up the baseball theme, with such cocktails as The Wizard and the Perfect Game. 811 Spruce.
  • Rigazzi’s: Known for its frozen fishbowl drinks, this landmark restaurant on The Hill serves such St. Louis classics as t-ravs and thin-crust pizza. 4945 Daggett.
  • The Pasta House Co.: Expanding its local fast-casual empire, Pasta House recently opened an outpost in the former Pi+Rico space in Kirkwood. Multiple Locations.
  • Vangel’s Restaurant & Bar: Louie Vangel, grandson of Charlie Gitto Sr., opened this Warson Woods spot in mid-2022. 10017 Manchester.
  • Vito’s Sicilian Pizzeria & Ristorante: Looking for a spot to grab dinner and drinks before a CITY game? Vito’s has a free shuttle, as well as such shareables as hand-tossed pizza and apps. 3515 Lindell.
  • Zia’s: Founded in 1985, Zia’s has expanded over the years—and beyond The Hill, with a food truck, catering, and salad dressing available at local grocers. 5256 Wilson.
Sign up for St. Louis Magazine's 'Dining In' and 'Dining Out' newsletters to keep up with the latest in the local restaurant and culinary scene.
Or, check out all of our newsletters.