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10 Best Italian Restaurants in St. Louis

10 Best Italian Restaurants in St. Louis

The ten best Italian restaurants St Louis has to offer are Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill, ZIA’s, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Mama’s on The Hill, Fratelli’s Ristorante, Roberto’s Trattoria and Chophouse, Anthonino’s Taverna, Eleven Eleven Mississippi, Cafe Napoli, and Tony’s. The Italian food culture in St. Louis is famously centered in its historic neighborhood, "The Hill," which created inventive dishes like toasted ravioli.

The heart of Italian cuisine in St. Louis in the state of Missouri is concentrated on The Hill, a dense neighborhood of family-owned eateries, but excellent options are also found in areas like Clayton and Lafayette Square. The best Italian St Louis provides includes historic trattorias, sophisticated chophouses, and innovative fusion restaurants. These establishments present a range of atmospheres, from the classic, old-world dining rooms on The Hill and the rustic-industrial elegance of Eleven Eleven Mississippi to the high-energy, modern setting of Cafe Napoli.

The Italian establishments found in the Gateway to the West are celebrated for their roles in both neighborhood dining and formal occasions. Charlie Gitto's on The Hill stands out as the #1 Italian restaurant on this list, celebrated as the originator of toasted ravioli. Anthonino’s Taverna is a local favorite for a casual meal, known for its unique and successful blend of Italian and Greek cuisines. The distinction of being the city's most acclaimed fine-dining destination goes to Tony’s, which has maintained a prestigious AAA Five Diamond rating for its formal service and Northern Italian menu. Establishments such as Anthonino's Taverna and Maggiano's Little Italy provide menu options for both vegan and gluten-free diets.

10 Best Italian Restaurants in St. Louis are listed below.

1 Maggiano's Little Italy
2 Fratelli's Ristorante
3 Anthonino's Taverna
4 Eleven Eleven Mississippi
5 Cafe Napoli
6 Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill
7 ZIA’s
8 Mama’s on The Hill
9 Roberto’s Trattoria and Chophouse
10 Tony’s

What Makes Italian Restaurants in St. Louis Famous?

Italian restaurants in St. Louis are famous for their location in the historic neighborhood, "The Hill," and for creating unique Italian-American dishes like the Toasted Ravioli. This distinct culinary identity is a major draw for food tourism, attracting visitors who want to experience a deeply rooted Italian-American culture that has been preserved for generations. What sets the city's Italian food scene apart from other states is this combination of a historic tight-knit neighborhood with its own specific culinary inventions. The Hill has been a hub for Italian immigrants since the late 19th century and it is filled with family-owned restaurants, bakeries, and delis that have passed down recipes for decades. This has led to the creation of a distinct St. Louis-Italian cuisine, and the best Italian food in St. Louis is often found in these historic establishments.

What Type of Italian Restaurant is Commonly Found in St. Louis?

St. Louis features a variety of Italian restaurant types, with a strong emphasis on traditional, family-owned establishments, especially in The Hill neighborhood. The city's Italian dining landscape is a blend of historic eateries and more contemporary restaurants.

Traditional Trattorias and Italian-American Restaurants: These are the heart of The Hill and are known for serving classic "red sauce" Italian-American comfort food. They are typically family-run, with a casual and welcoming atmosphere. Restaurants like Zia's and Mama's on The Hill are prime examples, serving dishes like lasagna and chicken parmigiana.
Fine-Dining Italian: These establishments offer a more upscale and formal dining experience with sophisticated menus, extensive wine lists, and refined service. Charlie Gitto's on The Hill and Tony's are iconic examples, with the latter holding a prestigious AAA Five Diamond rating.
Delis and Grocers: A significant part of The Hill's food culture are the Italian delis and markets that also serve prepared foods. Establishments like Gioia's Deli, famous for its hot salami sandwich, offer a more casual taste of the neighborhood's culinary heritage.
Modern Italian: While the city is known for its traditional fare, there are also more contemporary Italian restaurants that offer inventive and modern dishes. Restaurants like Trattoria Marcella and Pastaria are known for putting a modern twist on Italian classics.

Does St. Louis Have an Authentic Italian Restaurant?

Yes, St. Louis has authentic Italian restaurants, particularly within The Hill neighborhood, which is renowned for its preservation of Italian culinary traditions. Restaurants like Charlie Gitto's on The Hill and Gian-Tony's Ristorante are considered authentic for their adherence to family recipes and traditional cooking methods that have been passed down through generations. The authenticity of the city's Italian food is rooted in the history of the neighborhood itself, which was settled by Italian immigrants who brought their regional foodways with them. The presence of numerous family-owned bakeries, delis, and markets that import and produce traditional Italian ingredients further supports the authentic dining experience in the city.

What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Italian Restaurants in St. Louis?

The best Italian restaurants in St. Louis are known for several signature dishes, including Toasted Ravioli and Chicken Spiedini, many of which are unique to the city's Italian-American culinary tradition. The most notable signature dishes are listed below.

Toasted Ravioli: This is the quintessential St. Louis Italian appetizer. It consists of meat or cheese-filled ravioli that is breaded, deep-fried, and served with marinara sauce. Restaurants like Charlie Gitto's on The Hill and Mama's on The Hill both have strong claims to inventing the dish.
St. Louis-Style Pizza: A distinct style of pizza made with a very thin, cracker-like crust that is unleavened, and topped with Provel cheese, a processed blend of provolone, cheddar, and swiss. It is traditionally cut into squares, a style known as a "party cut."
Chicken Spiedini: A popular entree consisting of marinated chicken breast that is rolled in breadcrumbs, skewered, and then grilled or broiled. It is often served with a lemon butter sauce. Zia's is well-known for its version of this dish.
Pasta con Broccoli: A simple yet beloved pasta dish made with broccoli, mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce. It is a staple on many menus in The Hill.

Does St. Louis Enjoy Italian Food?

Yes, St. Louis enjoys Italian food, a deep affection for the cuisine that is most evident in its historic and nationally recognized Italian-American neighborhood, "The Hill," which has been the heart of Italian culture and cooking in the city for over a century. The enduring success of multi-generational, family-owned restaurants like Charlie Gitto’s and Mama’s on The Hill, combined with the city’s invention of iconic dishes like toasted ravioli, demonstrates a profound and lasting connection. The widespread popularity of Italian restaurants, from casual trattorias to formal fine-dining establishments, proves that Italian food is a fundamental and celebrated part of St. Louis's identity.

Are There Vegan Options in Italian Restaurants in St. Louis?

Yes, Italian restaurants in St. Louis have vegan options, including pizzas with vegan cheese, vegetable-based pastas, and customized marinara dishes, with several modern establishments offering dedicated plant-based dishes. Restaurants like Pastaria and Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria are known for accommodating vegan diets with specific menu items, including pizzas with vegan cheese and pasta dishes centered on vegetables. Pizzeria Tivoli also offers vegan cheese for its Neapolitan-style pizzas. While more traditional restaurants on The Hill may have fewer explicit vegan options, many can prepare pasta with a simple marinara or aglio e olio sauce upon request.

Does an Italian Restaurant in St. Louis Offer Gluten-Free Options?

Yes, Italian restaurants in St. Louis offer gluten-free options, including Zia's, Anthonino's Taverna, and Pastaria. Many establishments, including traditional spots on The Hill like Zia's, provide gluten-free pasta substitutes for their classic dishes. Anthonino's Taverna also offers gluten-free pasta and has numerous naturally gluten-free Greek entrees. Modern Italian restaurants like Pastaria and Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria have well-established gluten-free programs, providing both pasta and pizza crust alternatives for diners with gluten sensitivities.

What is the Average Meal Price for Italian Restaurants in St. Louis?

An Italian meal in St. Louis costs between $20 and $100 or more per person, depending on the restaurant. Budget-friendly dining at casual spots on The Hill, like Zia's or Mama's on The Hill, is available for $20 to $40 per person. A meal at an upscale restaurant such as Charlie Gitto's or Cafe Napoli ranges from $50 to $100 per person. The city's premier fine-dining establishments, like Tony's, have prices that can exceed $100 per person for a complete dinner.