Anthonino’s Taverna is a family-owned Italian and Greek restaurant at 2225 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, in The Hill, the city’s historic Italian-American neighborhood. Founded by the Scarato family in 2003, it draws travelers for toasted ravioli, generous comfort-food plates, and a neighborhood dining room that feels more like a local gathering place than a sightseeing stop. Its appearance on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives brought national attention, but the central attraction remains a meal rooted in the family’s two culinary traditions.
What to Expect at Anthonino’s Taverna
Start with the toasted ravioli, the St. Louis specialty that is breaded and fried rather than literally toasted. Anthonino’s version combines beef, ricotta, and Pecorino Romano inside a crisp pasta shell, with marinara for dipping. Sharing an order makes a useful introduction to the city’s Italian-American cooking. The restaurant did not invent toasted ravioli: its reputation comes from its own interpretation of a dish long associated with The Hill.
The broader menu crosses between Italian pasta and pizza and Greek favorites such as gyros with tzatziki. That range makes this an easy choice when your group wants different things without splitting into separate restaurants. Expect a casual, conversational setting rather than a formal tasting-menu experience; everyday sightseeing clothes fit the atmosphere. Ask about vegetarian choices and ingredient substitutions when ordering. Breaded ravioli and conventional pizza and pasta contain wheat, and allergy-sensitive diners should discuss preparation and cross-contact directly with staff.
- House toasted ravioli: Beef, ricotta, and Pecorino Romano filling, a crunchy coating, and marinara make this the signature starter.
- Italian and Greek cooking: Pasta, pizza, and gyros let mixed-preference groups explore both sides of the restaurant’s identity.
- Family history since 2003: The Scarato family’s restaurant adds a newer chapter to The Hill’s much older immigrant-food traditions.
- Food Network connection: Its Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives appearance helps explain why visitors seek out this neighborhood address.
- Flexible dining formats: Dine-in reservations, pickup ordering, catering, and private banquet space accommodate different group sizes and schedules.
Anthonino’s Taverna at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2225 Macklind Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 |
| Neighborhood / Area | The Hill, southwest of Forest Park |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday closed |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission charge; $$, moderately priced casual dining. Check the official ordering menu for current prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | MetroBus 90 Hampton on Hampton Avenue, followed by a neighborhood walk; street parking around Macklind and adjoining blocks |
| Official Website & Phone | Anthonino’s Taverna; +1 314-773-4455 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve through the official website for Friday or Saturday dinner, especially with a larger party. An early lunch shortly after 11 a.m. is a practical choice when you want time to explore afterward. Drivers should look for legal street spaces on surrounding residential blocks, checking signs and keeping driveways clear. MetroBus 90 Hampton provides an approach from Hampton Avenue; allow roughly 15–20 minutes for the walk, depending on your stop. Use Metro Transit for current connections rather than expecting a MetroLink station beside the restaurant.
For wheelchair or stroller visits, call ahead to discuss the entrance threshold, restroom access, and a table with adequate maneuvering space; request ordinary-height seating when reserving. Nearby sidewalks include street crossings, so allow extra time rather than rushing from a distant parking space. Pair lunch with Berra Park, roughly five minutes away, or walk about 10 minutes toward St. Ambrose Catholic Church and the Italian Immigrants monument at Wilson and Marconi. These stops connect the meal to the neighborhood’s parish life, working-class history, and Italian-American identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit?
Anthonino’s opens Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and closes Sundays. Choose an early weekday lunch for a straightforward sightseeing schedule, and check holiday hours before traveling.
How expensive is it, and should I reserve?
This is a moderately priced, $$ restaurant rather than a fixed-price dining experience. Consult the official menu for current dish prices and reserve ahead for weekend dinners or groups.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Budget 60–90 minutes for a shared appetizer and main courses. Allow additional time for a busy dinner service or a walk around The Hill afterward.
Is it suitable for families and casual dress?
The informal atmosphere and pizza-and-pasta choices suit family meals and casual clothing. Mention high-chair, stroller, wheelchair, or dietary requirements when booking so staff can discuss suitable arrangements.
When planning your St. Louis travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and american restaurant in St. Louis, pair this stop with standout local spots including Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis At The Arch, Marriott St. Louis Grand, The Westin St. Louis, and Charlie Gitto's On the Hill (0.5 km away).
