Categories: Restaurants

Italian Restaurants

Author: Cheryl Hughey, Dianna Lucas, and Jennifer R. Rolf

Mama Campisi’s (2132 Edwards, 314-776-3100) is a historic restaurant and a landmark on The Hill, St. Louis ’s famous Italian neighborhood. House specialties like Parmigiana di Melanzane (fresh slices of eggplant dusted with bread crumbs, deep fried and then topped with a marinara sauce and provel cheese and baked until golden brown) and Vitello Saltimbocca (veal, topped with prosciutto ham and provel cheese, in a white wine mushroom sauce) will make your mouth water. The menu boasts a large selection of pastas and sandwiches, as well as steak and seafood selections. Desserts like Cannoli and Tiramisu provide a perfectly sweet ending.
Website: www.mamacampisis.com.

LoRusso's Cucina (314-647-6222, 3121 Watson) proudly serves up “not your usual Italian” fare. Treat yourself to a plateful of Ziti Con Vodka or immerse your palate in Horseradish Encrusted Salmon. Top off your evening at this veteran restaurant of 20 years with a bottle from their extensive wine list.
Website: www.lorussos.com

Cunetto House of Pasta (5453 Magnolia, 314-781-1135) is no misnomer with over 30 pasta choices. For over 30 years, loyal customers on the Hill have enjoyed traditional Italian fare. Sandwiches include salsiccia parmigiano, saucy meatball, and the Giganti which piles ham and salami on fresh baked Italian bread. Zia's (5356 Wilson , 314-776-0020), which means “Aunt's” in Italian, is another St. Louis classic. Toasted Ravioli, Parmiagiana di Melanzane, and the Zia's house salad keep customers coming back. Their special house dressing is packaged for purchase.
Website: www.cunetto.com

Many of us have fond memories of the mouthwatering meals in the kitchen of our favorite aunt's or grandmother's house. Much like its namesake, “zia” (Italian for “aunt”), Zia's on The Hill (314-776-0020, 5256 Wilson) offers an inviting atmosphere that is reminiscent of warm meals in the comforts of home. Enjoy the coziness of a big bowl of pasta and lose yourself in the Kahlua and rum-brushed Tiramisu.
Website: www.zias.com

Many families moved to the United States from Italy and brought with them their favorite family recipes. One such family, the Lombardo's, moved to the states in the early 1900s and opened their first restaurant in 1934. Lombardo's Trattoria (314-621-0666, 201 S. 20th) continues this tradition with carefully prepared meals that are dedicated to quality and goodness.
Website: www.lombardosrestaurants.com

“The oldest restaurant in the historical “Hill” neighborhood,” Rigazzi's (314-772-4900, 4945 Daggett) is known for savory pastas, toasted ravioli, awesome service and generous servings of beer. Lovingly referred to as a “fishbowl,” this tap beer glass will take both hands.
Website: www.rigazzis.com

Located on the Hill in the city's Italian area of town, Lorenzo's Trattoria (1933 Edwards, 314-773-2223) tempts patrons with appetizing dishes from Northern Italy . While the Hill is not short on Italian restaurants, Lorenzo's offers choices beyond the traditional spaghetti and meatballs. House specialties include braised ossobuco, chicken spedini and provimi veal marsala . Although the outdoor seating area is smaller, dining al fresco at Lorenzo's allows patrons the chance to experience the neighborhood's old-world charm.
Website:www.lorenzostrattoria.com

The Old Spaghetti Factory (727 N. First St. , 314-621-0276) has a relaxed atmosphere with Italian cuisine including Napalese meat sauce, clam sauce, marinara, and mushrooms on what else? Spaghetti. For the wee ones, spaghetti with sauces even the picky ones will love, and for dessert: spumoni and Italian cream sodas.
Website: www.osf.com

I Fratellini ( 7624 Wydown Blvd. , 314-727-7901) is big on ambience. The interior is always cozy with crisp white linens, velvety red roses, and gorgeous lighting. Snuggle up for a taste of Italian romance and enjoy crusty baguettes with pistachio butter and a tumbler of wine. Be tempted by an array of pastas which are magically accompanied: linguini with seafood, tagliatelle with proscuitto and mushrooms (vegetarian upon request), or Rravioli filled with imagination and topped with decadence. The snapper, salmon, and trout are typically stuffed with a combination of cheeses, herbs, nuts, and proscuitto, and served with perfect al dente vegetables. There is a glowing dessert case where you'll find irresistible Panna Cotta alongside Zabaglione, and several take out items including lasagna. A primarily Italian wine list and servers who are attentive but not hovering make this a perfect spot to duck in for lunch on a blustery day or nestle in for a beautiful experience on a frosty evening.
Website: www.ifratellini.com

St. Louis is famed for its Italian neighborhood, The Hill, and the amazing eateries that populate it. To many, Dominic's Restaurant (314-771-1632, 5101 Wilson ) is the prized gem among them, an upscale spot that draws long-time regulars with its elegant décor, top-notch service and, oh yes, sumptuous foods that burst with flavor. The cuisine is formal, traditional Italian, and is served European style with a first course (usually a pasta; not to be passed up) and an entrée. The full menu is mind-boggling---Zuppa di pesce and several veal dishes are favorites---as is the extensive wine list.

In St. Louis , the area known as the Hill is synonymous with great Italian food. In this part of town, restaurateurs either born in Italy or descended from Italian immigrants bring their native region's flavors to life. One such Italian-born proprietor is Tony Catarinicchia, who came from Sicily for a visit more than 30 years ago, and decided to stay and make a life here. After many years of working as a chef at another restaurant on the Hill, Tony finally opened Gian-Tony's Ristorante (5536 Daggett, 314-772-4893). One of the only restaurants on the Hill open seven days a week for dinner, Gian-Tony's touts tempting Italian specialties with Sicilian flavor. Menu highlights include Vitello Alla Marsala and Pollo Alla Parmigiana.

 

Check out places of interest near Italian Restaurants:

Amighetti's
5141 Wilson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

Affordable and freshly baked Italian bread, pizza and sandwiches are served at this well-established eatery in the Italian Hill neighborhood.

Charlie Gitto's Downtown
207 N. 6th Street, St. Louis, MO 63101

From the same family that brought you fine Italian dining on the Hill, Charlie Gitto's Downtown brings together a different element than its other two restaurants, situated between the Edward Jones Dome and Busch Stadium.

 

Cicero's Restaurant and Entertainment Venue
6691 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130

Housing a combination Italian-restaurant and entertainment venue sets Cicero's apart, but not quite as much its free beer school, offered every Wednesday to help beer drinkers sound more like wine experts when describing a brew.

 

Cunetto House of Pasta
5453 Magnolia Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

Taste the richness of family recipes at this restaurant on the Hill.

Cunetto's House of Pasta
5453 Magnolia Avenue , St. Louis, MO 63139

Cunetto House of Pasta has been bringing rich Italian food to the St. Louis area since 1972, and doesn't show any sign of stopping. Still family run and moderately priced, any Italian foodie would be amiss not stopping in for a bite.

Dominic's Trattoria
200 S. Brentwood Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63105

Taste the award-winning cuisine at this beloved Italian restaurant.

Dominic's Trattoria
5101 Wilson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Dominic's Trattoria is a St. Louis fixture, located on the Hill and offering fine Italian food in a regal setting.

 

Gian-Tony's On The Hill
5356 Daggett Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

Sicilian specialties at affordable prices can be found at this Hill neighborhood favorite.

Giovanni's On The Hill
5201 Shaw Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Giovanni's On The Hill is the a premier Italian restaurant offering authentic cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

 

I Fratellini
7624 Wydown, St. Louis, MO 63105

A cozy place in Clayton for a quality Italian meal.

Lombardo's Restaurant
10488 Natural Bridge Rd., St. Louis, MO 63134

Since 1934, Lombardo's diners can enjoy a tradition of fine food from the Lombardo Family. A sister restaurant to the original, Lombardo's Trattoria.

 

Lombardo's Trattoria
201 S. 20th St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Since 1934, Lombardo's diners can enjoy a tradition of fine food from the Lombardo Family.

Lorenzo's
1933 Edwards Street, St. Louis, MO 63110

A contemporary Italian eatery on the Hill with great service.

LoRusso's Cucina
3121 Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63139

LoRusso's Cucina serves up home-cooked traditional Italian food, as well as some special creations from the mind of Restauranteur of the Year 2004, Rich LoRusso.

Luciano's Trattoria
172 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, MO 63105

Classic fine dining, Italian style, with hearty pasta dishes and wood oven pizza.

 

Mama Campisi's
2132 Edwards (at Bischoff), St. Louis, MO 63110

Mama Campisi’s is a historic restaurant and a landmark on The Hill, St. Louis’s famous Italian neighborhood. House specialties like Parmigiana di Melanzane and Vitello Saltimbocca will make your mouth water. The menu boasts a large selection of pastas and sandwiches, as well as steak and seafood selections.

Mama Campisi's Restaurante
2132 Edwards Street, St. Louis, MO 63110

There are a number of menu options at this restaurant, ranging from American to Italian to steakhouse dining. The full menu beckons travelers to join the tradition of fine dining that began when the restaurant first opened in 1982. Mama Campisi started the restaurant, and her sons, John and Frank, carry on the tradition with taste and style. The star dish remains the Toasted Ravioli, accidentally invented when a cook dropped an order of ravioli into hot oil instead of hot water. After adding some spice and dressing, a popular favorite was created.

Mia Rosa
4501 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Mia Rosa is a local Italian restaurant featuring coastal cuisine.

Racanelli's New York Pizzeria
6655 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130

Racanelli's Pizzeria delivers New York-style flavor with St. Louis prices, giving customers huge slices of classic pie covered in melted cheese, and offering a variety of specialty pies as well.

 

Rearn Thai
7910 Bonhomme Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105

Award-winning Thai cuisine in the Clayton neighborhood.

SanSai Japanese Grill
20 Allen Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119

Enjoy Japanese food that is fresh and fast. Grilled options and child menus available.

The Old Spaghetti Factory
727 N. First, St. Louis, MO 63102

The family-friendly Old Spaghetti Factory  (314-621-0276, 727 N. First St.) offers plenty of atmosphere in addition to spaghetti with your choice of sauces. Favorites include the rich meat sauce, the clam sauce, and spaghetti with mizthra cheese. Eating inside the restaurant's streetcar is fun, as is topping off your meal with the traditional spumoni ice cream.

Zia's
5256 Wilson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

Established in 1985- Zias has been offering wonderful Italian cusine at reasonable prices for over twenty years.

Zia's On the Hill
5256 Wilson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63130

A tradition is carried on through the restaurant's name and its food. Named after the founding brothers' aunts, who were brilliant cooks, Zia's has maintained and added to its menu of bold and zesty creations since its opening in 1984. Previously the location of an Italian grocer, the street corner café has a quaint, old-world charm with intimate seating. Hearty sandwiches are favorite menu choices, including meatball, steak, and fish sandwiches.

The Repertory Theater of St. Louis
130 Edgar Road, St. Louis, MO 63119

This St. Louis theater company is on a mission to bring high quality theater to the city for audiences of all ages. Performances suit a wide array of tastes; the company's line-up includes all types of theater from musicals to psycological murder mystery to comedy to experimental theater.