Anthonino’s Taverna – St. Louis, MO

• Anthonino’s Taverna is a popular restaurant on The Hill in St. Louis, MO
• Their food is is Italian-Greek exemplified by their Gyro Pizza
• Their toasted ravioli was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and has won best in St. Louis

“The Hill” is well known for being the Little Italy of St. Louis. In 2003, brothers Anthony and Rosario Scarato brought something a little different to the neighborhood. With an Italian dad but a Greek mom, they brought their combined heritage to Anthonino’s Taverna.

Toasted ravioli is one of the most famous dishes in all of St. Louis, and Anthonino’s is one of the best. In fact, at one point the Riverfront Times named it the best for seven years in a row. And if that’s not enough Guy Fieri brought Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives to Anthonino’s to learn how they make it. Slightly larger in size than the average toasted ravioli, Anthonino’s serves up six golden-fried puffs, stuffed with a combination of ground beef, ricotta and pecorino romano cheese. They are properly dusted with grated not shredded parmesan and served with a quality marinara. These are so good you might need two orders.

Another winning dish which showcases both Greek and Italian cuisine is the Gyro Pizza. This is not a St. Louis style pizza. It is cut has thick, hand-tossed dough, cut in triangles, with no provel in sight. All of their pizzas are 14 inches and easily serve two or three. They gyro pizza is loaded with tzatziki sauce, gyro meat, tomato, onion, mozzarella and feta.

Despite the excellent food, Anthonino’s is a casual, come-as-you-are type of place. It can get crowded, and they don’t take reservations, but grab a drink and wait because the food is worth it.

Pro tip: The Perfect Gin and Tonic ($8) uses Missouri Gin from Pickney Bend as well as Pickney Bend Tonic Syrup. If you’re a gin drinker, it’s a must try.

For more see our travel bites page.