Anthonino's on The Hill

I love it when the cheese stretches from the pan and has to be urged to your plate with a little help from your fingers. The crust of this Four-Cheese Pizza was incredibly tasty with just the right amount of crunch and chew.

If your group of hunger-crazed friends can’t decide which kind of food they want to eat, you might consider Anthonino’s Taverna on The Hill. Anthony and Rosario Scarato, brothers and owners of the popular tavern are Greek-Italian and offer a menu that is bothextensive and in keeping with their heritage.

Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives visits Anthonino’s kitchen.

Back in 2012 Guy Fieri of Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives told the world about Anthonino’s toasted ravioli, marinara sauces, stuffed grape leaves and tzatziki sauce. Customers swarmed the place making it necessary to expand the dining area; seating is now in the vicinity of 180.

Since then more accolades have poured in: Best Pizza on The Hill; Best Toasted Ravioli from RFT for 5 years running; and Best Italian Restaurant in St. Louis from RFT.

The Brothers Scarato have modernized without diminishing the rustic charm of the old tavern. In addition to the original bar, the hardwood floors, exposed brick, and pressed-tin ceiling are original. The already expansive menu, continues to evolve, making decision all the harder. Fortunately, my daughter and her husband shared, so I got to taste several items.

Anthonino’s over-sized menu and comfortable booths are an invitation to fine dining.

Toasted Ravioli, a St. Louis specialty

Anthonino’s opened it’s doors in 2003. Here’s the original space, showing the expansion beyond the opening.

Pasta Puttanessca. All noodles at Anthonino’s are made in house.

Toasted ravoli with cheese sauce Anthonino *

Ravioli with cheese and pesto. Anthonino’s ravioli is hand made.

The old, dark wood bar was part of The Hill Tavern, a popular neighborhood bar that once occupied the space.

I must return. . . and soon. I didn’t have a chance to try any of the Greek foods on the menu: the chicken slovakia, gyros or dolmathes. The worst omission of all was not getting the handmade toasted ravioli with the house marinara dipping sauce sprinkled with Romano cheese. Next time.