Best Italian Restaurants in University City

29 restaurants available nearby

1. Café Napoli

4.8

Exceptional(2230)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Clayton

Booked 30 times today

Café Napoli, nestled in the vibrant heart of Clayton, consistently exceeds expectations with its exquisite and authentic culinary offerings. This beloved family-owned gem, established in 1989, has become a cornerstone of the local dining scene. Patrons rave about the "unbelievable food" and "impeccable service," highlighting dishes like the "perfect shrimp scampi" and the "delicious caprese." The restaurant’s atmosphere adds to its charm, described as "comfortable and cozy" with options for alfresco dining that make every meal feel special. It's no surprise that Café Napoli is frequently hailed as the "BEST Italian restaurant in St. Louis," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier dining experience. Whether it's the live music, the innovative dishes from Executive Chef Jon Berger, or the warm family management, Café Napoli promises and delivers an unforgettable culinary journey.

2. The Crossing

4.9

Exceptional(2529)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Clayton

Booked 19 times today

At The Crossing in Clayton, the essence of French cuisine is celebrated with a local twist, creating a dining experience that's both authentic and innovative. Praised as "one of the best restaurants in St. Louis," The Crossing is renowned for its meticulous attention to quality and its farm-to-table approach. Diners rave about the "exceptional service and attention to all of the details," with dishes that are "always outstanding" and crafted from fresh, organic ingredients. Whether it's the "divine" morel pasta or the perfectly paired wine selections, each meal is a testament to the chefs' passion and skill. As one satisfied customer put it, "The food was prepared to perfection. It’s a bit pricey, but we had a great evening." This glowing endorsement of The Crossing's commitment to French culinary excellence makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly remarkable meal.

A photo of Charlie Gitto's 'On the Hill' restaurant

3. Charlie Gitto's 'On the Hill'

4.8

Exceptional(7057)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • The Hill

Booked 66 times today

At Charlie Gitto's 'On the Hill' in St. Louis, the essence of authentic Italian cuisine comes to life amidst the charming ambiance of The Hill neighborhood. Renowned for its exquisite Italian fare, diners rave about dishes like the "lobster spaghetti" and "homemade spicy seafood pasta," highlighting the meticulous preparation and fresh ingredients. The service is equally lauded, with patrons noting the attentiveness and expertise of the staff, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Reviews consistently mention the "outstanding service and atmosphere" and the delightful "toasted ravioli," a must-try. Charlie Gitto's stands out as a gem for fine Italian dining, a place where every meal is both a tradition and a celebration. Whether it’s the "best Italian on the hill" or the perfect spot for a special occasion, loyal customers and newcomers alike leave with plans to return.

A photo of Casa Don Alfonso - The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis restaurant

4. Casa Don Alfonso - The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis

4.3

Awesome(1254)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Clayton

Booked 76 times today

At Casa Don Alfonso in the heart of Clayton, St. Louis, guests are treated to an authentic slice of the Mediterranean with every dish. Awarded the *2024 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence*, this establishment boasts a menu that reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Sorrento Coast. According to a glowing review, it offers "the best meal I've ever eaten, including many in France & Italy.” Each recipe, whether it's the handcrafted pastas or the whimsical desserts, tells the story of the Iaccarino family's traditions, bringing the magic of southern Italy to Missouri. With ingredients sourced to mirror the quality of the Iaccarino family’s farm, Casa Don Alfonso stands out for its commitment to authentic Mediterranean flavors and exceptional hospitality.

A photo of Edera Italian Eatery restaurant

5. Edera Italian Eatery

4.6

Exceptional(50)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Central West End

Booked 38 times today

Edera Italian Eatery in the vibrant Central West End of St. Louis delivers an exceptional Contemporary Italian dining experience, blending traditional charm with modern culinary innovation. Chef Andrew Simon's fresh interpretation of Italian classics, using top-quality ingredients sourced from Italy to Missouri, ensures every dish from the Neapolitan pizzas to the signature pastas is a masterpiece. The ambiance, described by patrons as akin to a European patio, enhances the dining experience with its Italian-style courtyard and newly renovated dining room. Glowing reviews consistently highlight the "amazing flavors" and "excellent service," with one guest recommending, "Ask for bread! It’s super tasty." Edera stands out not just for its food but for creating memorable moments, whether it's a cozy dinner in a chalet or a festive outdoor meal.

6. Del Pietro's

4.9

Exceptional(1054)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Richmond Heights

Booked 18 times today

Del Pietro's is a casual affordable Italian restaurant serving fresh pastas, pizza, salads, antipasti, entrees, local beers, and a diverse wine list.

7. O+O Pizza

4.8

Exceptional(535)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Webster Groves

Booked 25 times today

O+O Pizza in Webster Groves is an Italian-inspired gem where the authenticity and quality of the Pizzeria cuisine shine brightly. Patrons rave about the experience, with one guest exclaiming that the OG Pepperoni pizza is "phenomenal!" and another lauding the "fabulous" meatball pizza with vodka sauce. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh, sophisticated yet simple dishes makes every visit memorable. Many reviews highlight the exceptional service and welcoming atmosphere, making it a neighborhood favorite. Whether it's the innovative street corn gnocchi or the classic eggplant parmigiana, O+O Pizza consistently delivers a craveable and unique dining experience that keeps guests returning for more.

8. Acero

4.9

Exceptional(2716)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Maplewood

Booked 30 times today

Rustic Italian cuisine in the heart of Maplewood that features fresh ingredients from local farmers as well as an all Italian wine list.

9. Il Palato

4.9

Exceptional(625)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Clayton

Booked 7 times today

Il Palato in Clayton stands out as a gem of Mediterranean cuisine, offering an exceptional dining experience that draws from the rich flavors of Southern Italy. Guests rave about the "delicious" and "excellently prepared" dishes, highlighting the authenticity and quality that Il Palato brings to every plate. One diner enthused about the "best chicken piccata in town," while another was captivated by the "perfectly baked lobster spedini." The restaurant's commitment to authenticity is evident, as they offer handmade pasta and bread, which diners describe as "fabulous with olive oil and balsamic." The vibrant atmosphere, combined with a "worldly wine list" and "luxurious craft cocktails," ensures that Il Palato is not just a meal, but a Mediterranean feast for the senses.

A photo of Dominics Trattoria restaurant

10. Dominics Trattoria

4.5

Awesome(469)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Clayton

Booked 16 times today

Dominic's Trattoria in Clayton, a family-owned gem since 1997, offers an authentic Continental dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors. Known for its exquisite dishes like Chicken Saltimbocca and Veal Milanese, the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity shines through. Customers rave about the "outstanding food and impeccable service," often highlighting the cozy yet elegant atmosphere that enhances each dining experience. With dishes that are "simple, elegant and just plain delicious," Dominic's stands out as a bastion of Continental cuisine, making every meal memorable. Whether it's the rave-reviewed Linguini with Fresh Clams or the perfectly cooked Tenderloin Monte Carlo, Dominic's Trattoria is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly delightful Continental meal.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jordan
Cambridge/Cambridgeshire •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
We had a group of 6 and the experience was wonderful. Our servers, Wendy and Emma, were excellent! They were attentive and joked around with us throughout the night. We had a nice private room in the back, so our group was able to enjoy the evening with some privacy. The food was delicious and the drinks were great! Overall, one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in many years!
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Charlie Gitto's 'On the Hill'Price: Expensive• Italian• The Hill
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4.8
A
Addie
St. Louis •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Delicious food. I haven’t had pasta that good since I gave been in Rome. I was so impressed. We came early and it wasn’t crowded, but the place filled up and it was so loud. We had to shout at each other to hear. That’s my only downside. Service was excellent. I would highly recommend. I would go back, but sit towards the front where it might be quieter overall.
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O+O PizzaPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Webster Groves
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4.8
J
Jayvip
St. Louis •28 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
As always, perfect preparation of our meals, great service, never rushed and a constant reminder why we always return.
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Café NapoliPrice: Moderate• Italian• Clayton
•
4.8
E
Ellen
St. Louis •50 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food was spectacular, and our waiter Douglas was fantastic. We will request him every time we go back. Fantastic experience!
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The CrossingPrice: Very Expensive• French• Clayton
•
4.9
A
Anthonyvip
Denver / Colorado •17 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
Delicious food and excellent service. The meal is served at a typical Italian pace - one is expected to linger over and enjoy each course. So it is not unusual for a meal to last 2.5 hours. Slow down and enjoy!
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Casa Don Alfonso - The Ritz-Carlton St. LouisPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Clayton
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4.3

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University City

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Best Italian Restaurants in University City

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29 restaurants available nearby

1. Café Napoli

2. The Crossing

3. Charlie Gitto's 'On the Hill'

4. Casa Don Alfonso - The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis

5. Edera Italian Eatery

6. Del Pietro's

7. O+O Pizza

8. Acero

9. Il Palato

10. Dominics Trattoria

See what locals rave about

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