If you fancy a meal at one of the best Italian restaurants in Missouri, continue reading to learn about 10 of them!
1. Farina
Owned by master chef and James Beard Award-winner Michael Smith, Farina is a work of love centered in the heart of Kansas City. As one of the few fine-dining joints in the area, Farina has earned some much-deserved local love. Farina is open for dinner service from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
You can expect to find a wide range of classic Italian entrees and antipasti with unique, handcrafted ingredients. Farina’s specialty lies specifically in hand-shaped pasta, lovingly-crafted sauces, and fresh seafood flown in each day. In short, the ingredients on offer at Farina are simply unrivaled.
To get a table, go to Farina’s reservation page.
2. Garozzo’s Downtown
With 32 years of serving Kansas City under his belt, owner Michael Garozzo has developed a homely, comfortable Italian eatery in the Italian Columbus Park neighborhood. Garozzo’s is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week, except Saturday (open and closed an hour later) and Sunday (open an hour earlier).
On the menu at Garozzo’s are all of the Italian staples you would expect from a longstanding Italian joint. The specialty of the place, though, lies in the family recipes that adapt classics such as Sophia Maria (stuffed grilled veal) and eggplant Parmigiano.
If you want to grab a table, head to Garozzo’s reservation page.
3. Cupini’s
Franco Cupini is an Italian native. In the years since coming to the States, Cupini has dedicated his life to creating some of the freshest, most delicious handmade pasta available in the midwest – something that earned a visit from Guy Fieri himself! Cupini’s is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. except for Sundays (when they’re closed) and Friday-Saturday when Cupini’s stays open an hour later.
The most important things to find on the menu at Cupini’s involve the pasta. Look for Franco’s favorites and inspect their extensive pasta menu and you’ll find a taste of Italy in the heart of Kansas City.
To reach out, head to Cupini’s contact page.
4. Charlie Gitto’s On the Hill
Charlie Gitto’s On the Hill was (unsurprisingly) opened by Charlie Gitto in 1981. Since then, it’s become a St. Louis staple known for tasty sauces and delectable dishes. Charlie Gitto’s On the Hill is open from 5-9 p.m. every day of the week. Friday and Saturday, dinner service stretches to 10 p.m., and on Sundays, they open an hour earlier.
The best-known specialty of Charlie Gitto’s is fried ravioli – an accident that resulted in crispy, crunchy, saucy deliciousness. You’ll also find the usual Italian fare with veal, seafood, beef, and chicken. Keep in mind that business casual is required for entry – so dress up! It’s worth it.
To find a table, go to Charlie Gitto’s reservation page.
5. Trattoria Marcella
Trattoria Marcella is a simple Italian eatery in the heart of St. Louis. Opened in 1995 by brothers Steve and Jamie Komorek, Trattoria Marcella has become a household name in the following twenty years. Trattoria Marcella is open from 5-8:30 Tuesday-Thursday, open an hour later Friday-Saturday, and closed on Sunday-Monday.
The local favorites include toasted ravioli, fritto misto (calamari and spinach in a light sauce), risotto, and even ossobuco (pork shank with polenta and soffritto). No matter your tastes, there’s a dish for every palate – so give Trattoria Marcella a try!
To grab yourself a table, go to Trattoria Marcella’s reservation page.
6. Failoni’s Restaurant & Bar
Opened over a century ago in 1916, Failoni’s is a true St. Louis landmark. The menu is full of Italian classics with (light) American twists, and the staff is friendly and dedicated to ensuring you leave full and feeling like family. Failoni’s is open from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, open an extra half hour on Saturdays, and closed on Sunday-Monday.
You’ll find a wide selection of food here, from brick oven pizza (the house specialty) to special Italian sandwiches and the usual selection of seafood, chicken, and pasta. For those who truly love pizza, their midweek specials offer incredible deals for delicious food – so don’t sleep on it!
If you’d like to get a plate, go to Failoni’s delivery or pickup pages.
7. Ott’s Pasta Carry Out
Those in Springfield’s Rountree district already know this name. Ott’s Pasta Carry Out is exactly what it sounds like. A casual Italian eatery with numerous forms of carry out pasta on offer. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and closed on Sundays.
Whether you need a full lasagna or casserole for the family, tortellini, rotini, or mostaccioli, you’ll find handmade sauces, house pasta, and a dedication to the craft that’s genuinely refreshing. While the menu is limited, a trip to Ott’s might as well be a trip to any small Trattoria in Rome – filled with delicious scents and flavors and a comfy, cozy feeling.
To reach out, go to Ott’s online ordering page.
8. Avanzare Italian Dining
Those seeking a chef-owned, northern Italian experience in Springfield need to look no further than Avanzare Italian Dining. Owned by Chef Tony, Avanzare brings a focus on the finer things in life to small-town Springfield. Avanzare is open from 4:30-10 p.m. every day of the week, except Sundays, when they close at 9.
You’ll find tasty antipasti from the northern reaches of Italy, homemade pasta, delicate sauces, and several Tuscan specials on offer here. From a special rack of lamb to numerous seafood specialties, there’s a plate for every palate.
To get a plate for yourself, head to Avanzare’s online ordering page.
9. Salvatore’s
Under the same familial name as Garozzo’s, Salvatore’s is one of Independence’s most sophisticated Italian joints. And with over thirty years serving the community, it’s no surprise that Salvatore’s is a local favorite. Salvatore’s is open from 4-8:30 p.m. every day except Sunday-Monday for dinner service.
You’ll find a similar assortment of meals here as at Garozzo’s. Painstakingly crafted antipasti, house-specialty melanzane Parmigiano (breaded eggplant with cheese and sauce), and the usual assortment of veal, seafood, chicken (spiedinis included!), and beef. In short, come to Salvatore’s hungry and you’ll leave so full you’ll need a wheelbarrow to exit.
Head to Salvatore’s contact page to reach out and grab a table.
10. V’s Italiano Ristorante
V’s Italiano Ristorante is a longstanding name in Independence. Opened in 1963, V’s was founded by the Totta family and has grown steadily since. They treat each guest as a member of the family, and it truly shows. V’s is open for lunch and dinner service every day of the week from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a champagne brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Their food on offer is incredibly broad, with full brunch, dinner, and “pasta by the pan” menus. While I won’t try to list this all off (I genuinely couldn’t in the given word count), you can rest assured that there is something for everyone at V’s. Whether you need calamari and crunchy antipasti or special housemade pasta and lasagna, you’re sure to be drooling by the time the food arrives.
To book online, head to V’s online ordering page.
