50 Best Italian Restaurants near Clayton

“Just flew to St. Louis from Atlanta with my husband and came here straight from the airport. We were lucky enough to get last minute reservations and oh my God, so glad we did. We had the most amazing service and food. Corinne was our waitress and she was just OUTSTANDING and SO sweet!!! She felt like a friend since the start of the dinner. Honestly every single person here was so generous. The other waiter kept checking on us as well and even the women by the door when you first walk in! I can’t wait to come back the next time I’m home :)“

“THE BEST dinner we’ve had in the past three years! The cauliflower appetizer, the romaine salad, and sea bass main course were outstanding! The service was perfect, and the ambiance and decor were terrific. Congrats to Michael and his team. A+“

“Good food and very professional staff“

“I had the best experience and it was all thanks to our amazing server, Kiersten. She was quick, funny, and incredibly personable from the moment we sat down. There was a little mix-up with our order, and she noticed it right away and fixed it immediately, pure professionalism.

The mushroom pizza was phenomenal. One of the best pizzas I’ve had in a long time. The Old Fashioned was fantastic. Must try the maple pecan gelato! Risotto balls - chefs kiss!

Kiersten, along with the fantastic food and drinks, has officially made me a return customer. She’s hands-down one of the best servers I’ve ever had. If you go, definitely request her!“

“Absolutely delicious calzone spot! Will definitely be back again next time we're in St Louis! Great atmosphere, friendly service, and even better food! They also have dessert calzones which we didn't have room to try. Definitely stop in if you're in the area!“

“Haven't been back to St. Louis for awhile and knew we needed to go to The Crossing for dinner. Jim Fiala and his team hits it out of the park in every way. 3 courses paired with wine and each spot on. Last time there we brought our own wine as it was a special bottle. No problem as long as it wasn't on their list and the wine cellar is extensive. If you want an extraordinary dining experience please go.“

“Pizza and pasta was delicioso!“

“Great food. Awesome appetizers!“

“Walk in pizza joint. No dine in option. Place was clean and well kept. Pizza was perfect. Parking was street parking or a small parking lot behind the building.

Parking: Street parking and small parking lot.

Kid-friendliness: Not really kid friendly. But it's not meant to be. You go here to pick up pizza and leave.“

“Homemade pasta, great service!“

“We wanted Italian food and we decided to go on the hill to Zia‘s. We ordered pasta dishes, which was extremely nice portion size. The bread was delicious when you dip it in olive oil. I also had the French martini which was delicious. I think if you have a taste for Italian food pasta, you couldn’t find a better place.“

“I have been wanting to get here for several years, and we finally made it, tonight, to Anthonino's Taverna, a short distance from Rob's place. (Fun fact, this place has been spotlighted twice on Guy Fieri's Food Channel Show. I can now see why. 🥰) Well, I wish I had made it here sooner. But, that's behind us, and tonight was a delicious, and delightful night. Our waitress, Bailee, had the excellent insight to know it takes awhile to decide on a drink, and dinner choices. It doesn't matter if you read the menu online or not. Changes are always added. She gave us the grace to settle in for a few minutes. She gave us enough time to settle in so we could make our choices. Rob had a Kona Wave draft, and I had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Bailee brought us bread made, and baked on The Hill with great quality olive oil, and herbs for dipping. Rob ordered the lasagna, and I opted for the Tutti de Mare with seafood, garlic, butter, and olive oil. My dinner was delicious, and made with freshly made pasta, and a perfect mix of perfectly cooked wild caught seafood of mussels,shrimp, clams, and squid. Rob's lasagna also featured freshly made pasta sheets, Anthonino's red sauce, sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. I tasted it, and it's your pick here if you love lasagna. Homemade taste that brought me back to my grandmother's and my mother's tables. 🥰❤️ I also felt welcomed, and comfortable as soon as I walked through the door. Italian girl here, and I would highly recommend this place for the food, drinks, the customer service, and the ambiance. I am already planning to come back on my next trip here. Anthonino's Taverna“

“First time at Failoni’s yesterday. Had pasta and marinara (I know, not very daring). The marinara can stand on its own. Wonderful. Loved the ambiance, neighborhood vibe. We were made to feel welcome right away. Was with two friends and we will be back!!“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pictured below is the Gonzo calzone- Salami, dates, spinach, garlic herb cheese, mozzarella, mascarpone-ricotta blend, and garlic oil with garlic butter on the side. My husband looked at me like I was crazy when I read off dates but the slight sweetness against all of that savory is what made it!! We also tried the Fatty B, Meat me in St Louie, Magic Carpet Ride, and the Gyro. They were all amazing but the Gonzo and the Gyro were my favorites. The Magic Carpet Ride is also a must try if you're into mushrooms.“

“We came into Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill with no reservation, to celebrate my birthday. There was a short wait for seating but we got drinks and were checked on during our wait. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable with pairing drinks with food. The lobster ravioli and manicotti were delicious!! I look forward to going back in the future.“

“Every dish I have tried has been a 5 star!“

“I can’t stop thinking about YOU! My husband and I visited our friends in St. Louis in July. We’re from Michigan & they said that this was the place we HAD to go to no negotiations. I’m a pasta girl so I said no problem! This place is absolutely amazing. I had a special rigatoni with shrimp and oh my goodness. Chefs kisss doesn’t define it. The food was so delightful and definitely Italian authentic! Homemade noodles, sauce from scratch, delicious wine, high quality meats….the list goes on. The only problem now is I’m 1,000 miles away with no hope of ever eating it again. Trattoria Marcella…I love you! I’ve been thinking about you! And I wish I could go BACK! Highly recommend. It’s one of those places that is excellent from the moment you walk in to the moment you walk out. The manager is delightful as well! Don’t think about it! Just do it!!!“

“Great food, fair prices, friendly vibes.“

“Delicious food. Friendly atmosphere. Great service. Great happy hour menu! Great little local gem. Everyone is so kind. Shannon was great!“

“Bartolinos South is our favorite nice restaurant. Not only is the food consistently wonderful but they always work to please you. We celebrate all special occasions there. Recently we reserved their front room which holds a max of 16, I believe. They went out of their way to make the setting perfect (even bringing in a small table for our use). Our waiter, Karen, was discreet in providing us perfect service without interrupting our shared conversation/memories as we were toasting a dear friend on her birthday. I can’t say enough about how flawless they made our luncheon. Bartolinos will remain our favorite not only for the quality of the food but for their personal attention.“

“Guido’s is the best! Every meal I have had there is top notch. It’s our “go to” restaurant!“

“Our family opted to eat out for Thanksgiving. I’m so glad we chose Pietros. The staff were so friendly and welcoming— like family! Service was timely and the food was incredible!“

“We have always enjoyed our dining experience at Roberto’s. The food is great, service is great and the atmosphere is great. HOWEVER, they need to improve in two areas. Every time I have asked for a little horseradish. They don’t have any. So next time, I’ll bring my own. The other is the amount of sour crème provided with your huge potato is inadequate. I asked for a little more and they charged me an additional fifty cents! I can’t believe that I’m paying $240 for a meal and they want to ding me fifty cents for a dollop of sour crème. How petty.“

“great food and hearty portions 👍definitely recommend“

“Stuffed squash blossom, delicious!! Did not get the margarita had a different cheese pizza with garlic can’t remember the name. It was great except 2 slices had no cheese. Will definitely be back but need more cheese!!“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pictured below is the Gonzo calzone- Salami, dates, spinach, garlic herb cheese, mozzarella, mascarpone-ricotta blend, and garlic oil with garlic butter on the side. My husband looked at me like I was crazy when I read off dates but the slight sweetness against all of that savory is what made it!! We also tried the Fatty B, Meat me in St Louie, Magic Carpet Ride, and the Gyro. They were all amazing but the Gonzo and the Gyro were my favorites. The Magic Carpet Ride is also a must try if you're into mushrooms.“

“Great restaurant. Great service and food.“

“Cannoli Cake is 🤤😋delicious“

“Best dinner we’ve had in a long time. The “trio” appetizer was awesome, salads were great and our main courses were incredible. Will definitely come back again!“

“Pasta con Broccoli sauce was like water, no flavor! Moved the noodles to my wife’s dish and took it home. Service was good. Stuffed Mushrooms were ok. Won’t go back“

“Went there for the first time Sunday and it was a great place. The food was delicious and the owner came out and greeted every table and was super nice.“

“Had a catered lunch brought to work for a special occasion. Everything was perfect. The catering crew out did themselves. Every dish was fresh and the hot food was perfect temperature. Thank you!!!!!“

“We had a great anniversary dinner!“

“Nice, relaxing atmosphere. Great servers. Amazing, authentic food.“

“Last night was our second time to Lorenzo’s Trattoria and again it was amazing. Our waiter, Jose, was energetic and friendly, always with a true smile on his face, wait staff kept our drinks full and used dishes cleared, but the best part was the food. Absolutely delicious! We will be back many times!“

“One of the best restaurants on the hill which is known for their Italian cuisine. You won’t be disappointed. White tablecloth, excellent service. The Rolls served hot in a basket with butter is easy to overindulge in. The calamari was cooked perfectly. If you like risotto, try the risotto with lobster. Veal Parmesan is excellent. If you’re lucky, you may hear Dominic sing at one of the tables for a birthday or anniversary! This is the real deal folks.“

“We recently moved “locally” and Our trying out new restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised with “A’mis” Took Our four kids there for lunch today. The ENTIRE dining area was full, yet the short staffed staff did not miss a beat. Drinks filled, food brought out, they did forget silverware but They were SO busy and also so on top of it! Truly impressed as a former server and hostess back in the day. My kids finished the cheese sticks in less than 5 minutes. The fettuccini was amazing, and so was the New York style pizza. The house dressing is good as well. On top of that the wait staff was so friendly and kind to Us. You sometimes sadly get dirty looks bringing 4 kids under 13 into a restaurants alone, even if they are well behaved! We will be back!!! Thank-You!“

“My partner and I were impressed with the friendliness of service and amazing food. We will definitely go back. 5-star place, for sure.“

“This Restaurant is a 10 star being the best...Sue was so polite and very courteous....she greeted us on entering waited on us and brought our food out.....She is an asset to your company ..will be back tons of times“

“We had carryout catering from Vincenzo’s for an event we hosted, and it was amazing! The customer service truly elevated the entire experience. We can’t thank them enough for taking care of us and providing such a delicious meal!“

“We ate there 2 nights ago. All dishes the three of us had were exceptional. Even the simple dishes were spectacular. I don’t think I’ve had a better meal in my life. Chef Adam came to our table of number of times and got us just what we wanted. The portions were huge. Everyone should go here and keep going back.“

“We chose to have our happy hour drinks here & we chose to have dinner here, too. Service was excellent (bartender deserves a raise, she was great!). We split a steak & sides which were delicious. The last night we dined there I had the scallops and risotto and it was amazing! We loved dining here!“

“The food is delicious and consistent. I love the calzones and the salad.“

“Watermelon sangria and stuffed pasta is where it's at! The new bucatini is good too!
Gabby was the most amazing server for our large party of 18. She was organized, stayed on top of refills, got everything right, and did it all with a smile!
Food was great, manager checked in and was seen helping out.“

“Best food and kindest people!“

“One of the best parts of St. Louis food culture, this restaurant exemplifies Italian Pasta at its finest. Well done!“

“We ate lunch here Sunday after church October 16, 2022 and had the most attentive and delightful waiter named Chandler! Our food was great and took enough home for two more meals! Really love Joey B’s thanks n the Hill!“

“We love Viviano’s, great for lunch or dinner, great happy hours! The mushroom Brie soup is wonderful! And the workers are super sweet ❤️“

“This was my first time eating here. The food was amazing and the staff was super friendly and helpful! Just an all around wonderful experience!“

“Robin and I ate here Friday night (5/3). We were immediately seated outdoors in the lovely courtyard, flanked by a large, ivy covered wall. Every bite we had from the salad, Brussels Sprouts, Burrata, Wild Mushroom Risotto, and their award winning Amaretto Pie was better than the last. It truly tasted like Italy and has our wholehearted recommendation!“