Italian immigrants began populating what would later be established as The Hill during the 1890s. Nearly a century and a half later, it has become one of the must-try neighborhoods for fans of Italian food in the US. If you haven’t been or you’re visiting for the first time in awhile, check out our guide below for a full list of restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and markets that grace the streets of the neighborhood.
Adriana’s on The Hill
Adriana’s on The Hill.
Family-owned and -operated since 1992, Adriana’s on the Hill dishes out Italian-American classics for lunch Monday through Saturday. Make the perfect lunch with the Half & Half Special, half a sandwich with one side dish. Try the Teresa (hot turkey, Swiss and bacon) or Mary’s Special (hot roast beef on garlic cheese bread). For a side, choose from potato salad, caponata, house salad or the soup of the day.
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Adriana’s on the Hill, 5101 Shaw Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-773-3833, adrianasonthehill.com
Anthonino’s Taverna
Anthonino’s Taverna has won best toasted ravioli in our readers’ choice awards multiple times. In addition to the lauded t-ravs, be sure to try Braciole (thinly sliced flank steak filled with Volpi prosciutto, provolone and spinach and served with marinara). Anthonio’s is also well-known for its extensive pizza menu.
Anthonino’s Taverna, 2225 Macklind Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-773-4455, anthoninos.com
Café Dolce
Open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Café Dolce is the spot in The Hill for a morning or afternoon jolt. Try creative coffee drinks, like the cinnamon toast cold brew or butter pecan latte. Pair your drink with a sweet treat like a Sicilian Cassatina: sponge cake topped with chocolate chips and ricotta and covered in marzipan. With kolaches, cake pops, cannoli, scones and tiramisu, the pastry case at Café Dolce is always tempting.
Café Dolce, 5143 Daggett Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-282-0332, facebook.com/cafedolceonthehill
Carnivore STL
If you’re feeling hungry, head to Carnivore STL, The Hill’s steakhouse serving up quality steaks. Pair a rib-eye or a strip steak with Italian apps like bruschetta, arancini or fried artichokes. It also offers brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Or, come by Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. for happy hour. Score $6 Martinis, $5 well drinks or $3 domestic beers.
Carnivore STL, 5257 Shaw Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-449-6328, carnivore-stl.com
Charlie Gitto’s.
Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill
Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill is beloved for its take on a St. Louis classic: toasted ravioli. Other signature dishes include the Penne Borghese – pasta tossed in a pink cognac sauce with prosciutto, onions and parsley – and the chicken Nunzio, which includes breaded chicken breast topped with crab, cheese and lemon butter sauce. This spot is bound to be busy during dinner, so be sure to make a reservation.
Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill, 5226 Shaw Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-772-8898, charliegittos.com
Charlie Imo’s Market
In addition to buying Charlie Imo’s housemade meat and sausage, you can swing by its deli for an easy, quick lunch. Charlie’s Special, with roast beef, Ozark ham, Volpi salami, cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo, is sure to fill you up. Try one of the spot’s lunch specials; get a half sandwich and a half house salad for $7.95 or a 9-inch, one topping pizza with a half house salad for $8.95.
Charlie Imo’s Market, 5048 Daggett Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-300-8050, imomeatandsausage.com
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate prides itself on crafting small-batch confections with fair-trade cocoa. Choose from goodies like chocolate-covered almonds, sea salt caramels or a milk chocolate peanut butter banana bar. If a holiday or a loved one’s birthday is coming up, head to the shop to craft a gift basket or pick up something special. With chocolate bars in flavors from waffle cone caramel to dark chocolate and blood orange, there is a chocolate for every palette here.
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate, 5025 Pattison Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 888-222-7710, chocolatechocolate.com
Cunetto House of Pasta.
Cunetto House of Pasta
It’s no surprise, given the name, that this joint’s specialty is pasta. If you want to venture beyond carbonara or Bolognese, try the ditalini con piselli – small-cut pasta with creamy white butter sauce, green onions and peas – or the linguini alla Pavarotti – pasta served with a sauce of anchovies, tomato, parsley and red pepper. To finish off on a high note, indulge in the tiramisu, cannoli or spumoni.
Cunetto House of Pasta, 5453 Magnolia Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-781-1135, cunetto.com
DiGregorio’s Italian Market
DiGregorio’s Italian Market has won best artisan food shop in our readers’ choice awards several times, and it’s no surprise why. Talk with the shop’s butcher to get your perfect cut of meat. Pick up classic Italian staples, including giardiniera, Calabrian chile paste, pasta sauce, olives and more. Keep an eye on its Facebook to stay informed on weekly deals and specials.
DiGregorio’s Market, 5200 Daggett Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-776-1062, digregoriofoods.com
Dominic’s
Open since 1971, Dominic’s is a great spot for a birthday, anniversary or celebratory dinner. You can’t go wrong with the seafood-forward menu. Choose the mussels or calamari to start, and then order the risotto with lobster or the linguini with clams. If seafood isn’t your vibe, there’s plenty of classic meat dishes, like veal saltimbocca or chicken piccata, as well. Be sure to order the barrel-aged Negroni to accompany your meal.
Dominic’s, 5101 Wilson Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-771-1632, dominicrestaurant.com
Eovaldi’s Deli
The Hill has its fair share of delis, but Eovaldi’s is always in the conversation of which is the best. The most iconic sandwich is the Eovaldis’ Special: roast beef, ham, mortadella, salami, provel, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, banana peppers and mayo. Or, try the Chicago Style, with housemade salsiccia, hot roast beef, hot pepper cheese, onions, pickles and au jus. In addition to subs, customers can also order pasta, pizza, sausage and salads.
Eovaldi’s Deli, 2201 Edwards St., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-771-5707, delionthehill.com
Favazza’s on The Hill
Favazza’s on The Hill.
Open since 1978, Favazza’s has become the largest restaurant in The Hill, with a capacity of 300 diners. Enjoy classics like Baked Cavatelli Melanzane (pasta in marinara sauce with mushrooms, topped with eggplant parmigiana). Other customer favorites include the fettuccine shrimp alfredo and veal piccata. This spot also offers vegan and gluten-free menus, in addition to family to-go specials.
Favazza’s on The Hill, 5201 Southwest Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-772-4454, favazzas.com
Gelato di Riso
If you need a sweet treat after enjoying a decadent meal on The Hill, head to Gelato di Riso. Enjoy Italian flavors like amaretto and pistachio, or go for more nontraditional flavors like chile chocolate or salted peanut. Balance out the sweetness with an espresso, macchiato or Americano. Flavors change daily, so call the store before you go to be sure your favorite is available.
Gelato di Riso, 5204 Wilson Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-664-8488, gelatodiriso.com
Gian-Tony’s Ristorante
Specializing in Southern Italian and Sicilian food, Gian-Tony’s is a great spot for a date night or family celebration. For appetizers, don’t miss the involtini (thin grilled slices of eggplant stuffed with spinach and ricotta and topped with mozzarella and marinara). For an entrée, try the Cappellini alla Gian-Tony’s, pasta with sautéed prosciutto and onion in housemade marinara with a dash of white wine.
Gian-Tony’s Ristorante, 5356 Daggett Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-772-4893, gian-tonys.com
Gioia’s Deli
St. Louis may not have an official sandwich, but Gioia’s hot salami is definitely iconic. Order the classic, jazz it up by getting it on garlic cheese bread, or go all in and order the Hogfather (hot coppa, hot salami and bacon). Other sandwich options include hot roast beef, meatball and the Italian Poor Boy (Genoa, mortadella and ham). Whatever your choose, it’s bound to be flavorful and filling.
Gioia’s Deli, 1934 Macklind Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-776-9410, gioiasdeli.com
Guido’s Pizzeria
Guido’s Pizzeria & Tapas.
Spanish and Italian cuisine come together at Guido’s. Enjoy tapas plates like chorizo and manchego, cold-cured salmon, bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with Mitica cheese and shrimp sautéed with garlic and cayenne. Or, enjoy Italian classics like chicken picatta, caprese salad, pizza or toasted ravioli.
Guido’s Pizzeria, 5046 Shaw Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-771-4900, guidosstl.com
J. Devoti Trattoria
J. Devoti Trattoria focuses on traditional Italian cuisine with a farm-to-table approach by partnering with local producers such as Ozark Forest Mushrooms and Rolling Lawns Farm. If you want to let the chefs guide your dining experience, go for the six-course tasting menu for $65. Consult your server and the extensive wine list to choose the perfect wine to accompany your meal.
J. Devoti Trattoria, 5100 Daggett Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-773-5553, jdevoti.com
Joe Fassi Sausage & Sandwich Factory
Open since 1926, Joe Fassi has become a mainstay on The Hill. First-time customers should be sure to try its most famous offering – the meatball sub. Repeat customers have their own favorites from the menu’s 28 available sandwiches. A deep cut you should definitely try is the Lou Fassi Italian Kicker (roast beef and gravy topped with blue cheese and homemade Italian olive salad). While you grab your sub, you can also buy sausage, meatballs and salad dressings to take home.
Joe Fassi Sausage & Sandwich Factory, 2321 Sublette Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-647-5158, joefassisandwiches.com
Joey B’s on The Hill
Joey B’s slogan is “redefining casual dining on The Hill.” With burgers, pizza, salads, sandwiches, pasta and seafood, there is something for everyone here. The large outdoor patio is a great spot to meet a friend for lunch or enjoy an after-work drink. Don’t miss the twice-fried jumbo wings, coated with Joey B’s signature house seasoning blend.
Joey B’s on The Hill, 2524 Hampton Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-645-7300, joeybshill.com
John Viviano & Sons.
John Viviano & Sons Grocers
You can count on leaving John Vivano & Sons full and happy. In addition to its classic meatball sub, in-the-know customers order the Sophia Loren (oven-roasted cracked pepper turkey topped with melted swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo on a hoagie roll). If you’re feeling extra hungry, order one of the spot’s St. Louis-style pizzas.
John Viviano & Sons Grocers, 5139 Shaw Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-208-3299, johnvivianosonsgrocers.com
Lorenzo’s Trattoria
Lorenzo’s Trattoria prides itself on specializing in the cuisine of Northern Italy. The seafood risotto features shrimp, calamari and scallops in mushroom ragù. Or, you could try the housemade gnocchi, served with sausage and arugula in a gorgonzola, fontina and parmesan sauce. Save room for dessert; options include tiramisu, amaretto bread pudding and ricotta cheesecake.
Lorenzo’s Trattoria, 1933 Edwards Street, The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-773-2223, lorenzostrattoria.com
Lou Boccardi’s
Open for lunch or dinner, Lou Boccardi’s is known for its take on St. Louis-style pizza. It even ships frozen pies to customers across the country. In addition to pizza, try the chicken Salerno – breaded chicken topped with provel cheese sauce, prosciutto, artichoke hearts and fresh mushrooms. Specialty entrées include lasagna, manicotti, fettucine alfredo and cannelloni.
Lou Boccardi’s, 5424 Magnolia Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-647-1151, lou-boccardis-restaurant.business.site
Mama’s on the Hill.
Mama’s on The Hill
There are multiple ways to enjoy food from Mama’s on The Hill. Book a cooking class, order catering for your next event, or join its wine club. If you’re dining in, you’ll have an extensive menu from which to choose. Try the rabbit Bolognese, roasted rabbit sautéed with red onion and spinach served with pappardelle and a veal tomato broth. Other options include pizza, steak, chicken and classic pasta dishes like lasagna, fettucine alfredo and beef ravioli.
Mama’s on The Hill, 2132 Edwards St., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-776-3100, mamasonthehill.com
Marconi Bakery.
Marconi Bakery
Founded in 1968, few places in The Hill can claim the illustrious history that Marconi Bakery does. Locals love its fresh bread, rolls, focaccia, pizza crusts and buns; this bread will elevate your average brown-bag sandwich. And be sure not to miss the perfectly crispy cannoli.
Marconi Bakery, 1913 Marconi Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-773-8728, marconibakery.com
Milo’s Bocce Garden
No city’s Little Italy is complete without a bocce ball facility, and Milo’s checks that box for The Hill. After you work up an appetite on the bocce court, enjoy bar staples like toasted ravioli, chicken strips, burgers and pizza.
Milo’s Bocce Garden, 5201 Wilson Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-776-0468, milosboccegarden.com
Missouri Baking Co.
A family-owned and -operated business since 1924, Missouri Baking Co. is synonymous with tradition. The options here are near limitless; enjoy apple cinnamon cream cheese pound cake, blueberry pie, peach coffee cake, Irish soda bread and more. Whatever holiday is approaching, this bakery is sure to have an appropriately themed baked good to celebrate; think lamb cakes for Easter or stars-and-stripes cookies for Fourth of July.
Missouri Baking Co., 2027 Edwards Street, The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-773-6566, facebook.com/The-Missouri-Baking-Company
Park Avenue Coffee
One of Park Avenue’s many locations sits in The Hill. Its gooey butter cake is always a contender in the debate over who makes the best version of the dessert. Try the turtle mocha, or spice it up with a dirty chai. Customers can also pick up bags of Park Avenue’s coffee to brew their own cup at home.
Park Avenue Coffee, 5105 Columbia Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-717-1900, parkavenuecoffee.com
Pit Stop
If you’re on The Hill but want something other than Italian food, Pit Stop is a dependable option. Its menu has a bit of everything, from roasted beet hummus to burgers to grilled salmon. With plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, most dietary restrictions can be accommodated here. Be sure to check out the cocktail menu, featuring signature, dessert and seasonal cocktails that pack a punch.
Pit Stop, 2130 Macklind Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-696-2999, pitstop-stl.com
Pizzeria da Gloria.
Pizzeria da Gloria
Led by pizza expert Joe Kurowski, Pizzeria da Gloria prides itself on its handcrafted pies. Try a classic Margherita, or go for an elevated take on pepperoni (housemade fresh mozzarella, Ezzo cup and char pepperoni, pickled jalapeños and Pecorino-Romano). Other pizza options include mushroom, eggplant, sausage and stracciatella. Sip on wine or craft beer to accompany your perfectly crispy slices.
Pizzeria da Gloria, 2024 Marconi Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-833-3734, pizzeriadagloria.com
Pop’s Blue Moon
Every neighborhood needs a spot for local music and good vibes, and Pop’s Blue Moon is The Hill’s. A self-described “mindful dive bar,” in addition to a full bar, Pop’s has plenty of nonalcoholic options as well as cannabis-infused drinks. Check the bar’s Facebook page to stay updated on future shows and events.
Pop’s Blue Moon, 5249 Pattison Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-776-4200, facebook.com/popsbluemoon/
Rigazzi’s
Open since 1957, Rigazzi’s is a true staple of The Hill. Rather than having a signature drink, this spot has a signature glass – the fishbowl, a 32-ounce frozen goblet that can be filled with beer or a cocktail. Choose from an array of pasta options, including manicotti, lasagna, baked ravioli or shrimp scampi. Don’t skip the stuffed artichokes Milanese – breaded artichoke hearts filled with tomato, basil and cream cheese. Check out the restaurant’s website for its daily specials.
Rigazzi’s, 4945 Daggett Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-772-4900, rigazzis.com
Rock Star Tacos.
Rock Star Tacos
Rock Star Tacos shares its home with recording space the Gaslight Lounge. Diners can expect dishes such as birria tacos, vegetable tacos, gyro tacos, Cuban tamales, shrimp and grits, toasted ravioli quesadillas and “rock star dust” seasoned popcorn. If you’re in the restaurant industry, come on Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. for industry night and score happy-hour prices. Keep an eye on its Facebook page for unique specials like blackened shrimp or yellow curry chicken tacos.
Rock Star Tacos, 4916 Shaw Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-625-7508, rockstartacos.com
Sado
Sado – which means “tea ceremony” in Japanese – is the newest restaurant to call The Hill home, and the first Asian restaurant in the neighborhood. With Sado, chef-owner Nick Bognar has created a welcoming environment that situates familiar classics like crab Rangoon, California roll and miso ginger soup against experimental dishes like black tea kanpachi and chawanmushi, a custard-y dish served hot that features crab, enoki mushroom and uni, or sea urchin. The bar program is filled with craft cocktails designed to complement the dishes, pulling inspiration from Asian culture, poetry and literature.
Sado, 5201 Shaw Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-390-2883, sado-stl.com
Shaw’s Coffee
Shaw’s Coffee began as a micro-roastery in 1999 and has continued to provide The Hill with freshly roasted, single-origin coffee to this day. In addition to classic espresso-based drinks, like a macchiato or cappuccino, guests can enjoy tea, smoothies and frozen, blended coffees. For a refreshing afternoon drink, try the tropical breeze, which features pineapple, mango, strawberries, peaches, coconut syrup and apple juice.
Shaw’s Coffee, 5147 Shaw Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-771-6920, shawscoffee.com
SOHA Bar & Grill
Come to SOHA for elevated bar classics, like jumbo pretzels and wings. If you’re feeling brave, try the Fire & Ice Burger with hot sauce, bacon, Gouda, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and jalapeño. This spot also has one of the best happy hours in town. On weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m., grab $5 wine, $3 Busch and Stag, $5 baskets of fries and “buy one, get one half off” on flatbreads.
SOHA Bar & Grill, 2605 Hampton Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-802-7877, sohabarandgrill.com
Southwest Market
Southwest Market does one thing – sandwiches – and it does it superbly. Customize your perfect sub with the bread, meats, cheeses, veggies and dressings of your choice. The bestseller is the Poor Boy – French bread piled high with housemade salami, ham, bologna, American cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, banana peppers, mustard and mayo. This deli also offers a variety of sides, including soup, macaroni salad, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, mostaccioli and chicken and dumplings.
Southwest Market, 5224 Columbia Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-776-5220, facebook.com/southwestmarketcuisine
Vitale’s Bakery.
Vitale’s Bakery
Open in The Hill since 1976, Vitale’s Bakery dishes out fresh baked goods and bread six days a week. In addition to sweets like cannoli and biscotti, you can find rolls and pizza crusts. Around the holidays, enjoy specialty baked goods like cucidati, a fig cookie made in Italy around Christmastime. You can also ship Vitale’s cookies to a loved one anywhere in the country.
Vitale’s Bakery, 2130 Marconi Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-664-6665, facebook.com/vitalesbakery
Volpi Foods
Volpi Foods got its start on The Hill in 1902, and it still relies on the same centuries-old traditions to make its cured meats, including salami, prosciutto and coppa. In addition to buying packaged meats, guests to the shop can order freshly made panini. If you’re looking to make a stellar charcuterie board, chat with staff to select the perfect combination of meats and cheeses.
Volpi Foods, 5256 Daggett Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-446-7950, volpifoods.com
Zia’s on The Hill
Founded in 1985, Zia’s is a well-known name in St. Louis. The penne salsiccia – noodles tossed in olive oil, butter and garlic with marinara, sausage, red peppers, red onions, green olives and fontinella cheese – is sure to satisfy. If you’re feeling extra hungry, order the bistecca mudega, an 8-ounce filet breaded, charbroiled and topped with cheese, white wine lemon butter sauce and mushrooms. With an extensive wine menu and knowledgeable servers, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect wine pairing for your dinner.
Zia’s on The Hill, 6256 Wilson Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-776-0020, zias.com
