Best Italian Restaurants in University City

30 restaurants available nearby

1. Café Napoli

4.9

Exceptional(2251)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Clayton

Booked 29 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(2550)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Clayton

Booked 27 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(7105)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • The Hill

Booked 53 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(1299)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Clayton

Booked 49 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.

5. Del Pietro's

4.9

Exceptional(1071)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Richmond Heights

Booked 27 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.

6. Acero

4.9

Exceptional(2737)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Maplewood

Booked 26 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.

7. O+O Pizza

4.8

Exceptional(545)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Webster Groves

Booked 30 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. Il Palato

4.9

Exceptional(633)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Clayton

Booked 11 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 Edera Italian Eatery restaurant

9. Edera Italian Eatery

4.6

Exceptional(66)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Central West End

Booked 40 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.

A photo of Maggiano's - St. Louis restaurant

10. Maggiano's - St. Louis

4.5

Awesome(5184)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Richmond Heights

Booked 139 times today

Maggiano's in St. Louis, located in Richmond Heights, is a treasure trove of Italian-American culinary excellence. Diners consistently praise the restaurant for its faultless service and delectable dishes that resonate with authentic American flair, offering an array of options that cater to every palate. As one reviewer enthuses, "I have NEVER tasted anything I didn't like!" from the seafood linguini to the exquisite crab cakes, each meal is a testament to quality and tradition. The atmosphere at Maggiano's is often highlighted as "perfect," making it an ideal spot for any occasion, from intimate dinners to family gatherings. With its commitment to impeccable service and a menu that sings with American cuisine classics, Maggiano's stands out as a top dining choice in St. Louis.

‘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

N
Noah
St. Louis •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
An absolutely perfect evening at Charlie Gitto’s!! We were immediately greeted with fresh bread and water and overall, the service was attentive and fabulous. Our server Talitha (I cannot for the life of me remember her name exactly 😂) was phenomenal. She was very knowledgeable and gave plenty of insight on different dishes. For an appetizer, we tried the toasted ravioli which was truly heavenly. For our entrees, I ordered the lobster spaghetti special which was incredible and my partner ordered the seafood pasta. Overall, the experience was amazing and we will be returning.
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Charlie Gitto's 'On the Hill'Price: Expensive• Italian• The Hill
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4.8
R
Rosemary
St. Louis •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Attending the Christmas Day Brunch Buffet was superb! The quantity of food choices was immense and of top-notch gourmet quality! Our server, Paris, was so cordial, attentive, and very professional. The beef, salmon, vegetable dishes, butternut squash bisque, breads, fresh honeycomb honey, and all of the elegantly prepared desserts were breath-taking and so delicious. Thanks for making our culinary experience so special!!!
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Casa Don Alfonso - The Ritz-Carlton St. LouisPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Clayton
•
4.3
S
Steve
St. Louis •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Paul was our server and he was great! The food was amazing, sea bass for me and steak and lobster for my wife. We both agreed the lobster was the best either of us ever had, incredibly delicious.
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Café NapoliPrice: Moderate• Italian• Clayton
•
4.9
I
Ian
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Absolutely outstanding. Best restaurant in STL that I have experienced.
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The CrossingPrice: Very Expensive• French• Clayton
•
4.9
J
Jenny
Little Rock •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Amazing family dinner. The rigatoni & pepperoni pizza were unworldly!!
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O+O PizzaPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Webster Groves
•
4.8

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Best Italian Restaurants in University City

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30 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. Del Pietro's

6. Acero

7. O+O Pizza

8. Il Palato

9. Edera Italian Eatery

10. Maggiano's - St. Louis

See what locals rave about

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