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Local picks

Italian food and date spots in The Hill

An Italian dinner that sets the right mood for a conversation without the distraction of a loud, chaotic dining room.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated April 2026
01
Café Dolce image 1
Café Dolce image 2
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Coffee shop

Cozy coffee shop with authentic Little Italy vibe and charming piazza feel offers hand-piped cannoli and Italian pastries. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs and locals enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. The space feels inviting and visually pleasing, perfect for a quiet break.

Freshly piped cannolis stand out with crisp shells and subtly sweet ricotta filling, dusted just right. The tiramisu rivals those from Italy, and almond biscotti offer a perfect, addictive dip.

Cozy coffee shop offers a cute atmosphere ideal for couples. Frequented for casual coffee dates that feel comfortable and relaxed.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be excellent and delicious."

"The cannoli filling here is the best I've ever had."

"It's a cute spot with great vibes for date spots."

Good to know

1

Seating is limited, especially outside, so arrive early for outdoor spots.

2

Prices for drinks and pastries can be on the higher side, averaging $25 for two lattes and pastries.

3

The café is known for its authentic Italian treats, including cannolis and sfogliatelle.

02
Pizzeria da Gloria image 1
Pizza restaurant

Open-air courtyard and shaded patio create a pleasant outdoor dining experience with a vibe that recalls Italy. Inside spaces feel small and lively, with a mix of European cafe and 1970's rathskeller styles. Loud music inside contrasts with the warm, inviting atmosphere found on the patio.

Wood-fired pizza and pasta stand out with excellent marinara sauce and rich flavors. The Penne Vodka Pizza blends creamy sauce and pancetta for a unique twist, while dishes like Patate with pancetta and pecorino highlight perfect herb combinations.

Offers a cozy atmosphere suitable for date nights and casual lunches. Welcomes kids, making it flexible for different types of outings.

People are saying

"I found the pizza to be amazing and delicious."

"This Italian food, especially the pizza, has an authentic flavor."

"The Neapolitan pizzas here are authentic with a light crust."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for outdoor seating due to high demand.

2

Expect a 1.5-hour time limit for reservations during busy hours.

3

Happy hour runs from 5 to 6 PM with half-price spritzes.

03
Marconi Mercato image 1
Italian restaurant

Market area blends with bakery counter, bar, and dining rooms creating a lively, casual atmosphere. Noise levels rise with sports on multiple TVs and communal bar energy. Crowd enjoys Italian luxury that balances style with warmth and friendliness.

Freshness and flavor stand out in dishes like jumbo lump crab fresh pasta and lobster gnocchi. Silken Burrata di Puglia and rich Ravioli all’Aragosta add elegant, balanced touches to the Italian menu.

Top-notch food and service create a solid backdrop for dates. The menu includes dishes like Tagliatelle and bourbon cocktails that stand out during meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always to die for."

"The Italian food here is exquisite, especially the pasta."

"The pasta dishes here are amazing, especially the crab and spinach."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

They accept both cash and credit cards for payments.

04
Lorenzo's Trattoria image 1
Italian restaurant

Large dining room with white tablecloths and dim lighting creates a cozy, elegant atmosphere suited for both business and family meals. Covered patio offers shelter from weather, while the vibe stays laid-back and classy. The place draws mostly adults and maintains a versatile, warm ambiance.

Veal piccata stands out with its fantastic flavor and the Braised Ossobuco is notably tender. Carbonara features a generous amount of yolk and cheese, and seafood pasta comes with a light wine sauce and plenty of seafood.

Northern Italian cuisine offers a romantic setting with dishes like eggplant pasta and tortellini enjoyed during special occasions. Meals here suit couples looking for a lovely dining experience.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the seafood pasta."

"The wine here is wonderful and very good."

"The food here is delicious, perfect for a date spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are easy to get, even for large groups.

2

Parking is off-street and free, but can be tough to find.

3

Expect higher prices, with meals costing around four dollar signs.

05
Joe Fassi Sausage and Sandwich Factory image 1

Small sandwich shop with old-school Italian ambiance and walls covered in family and neighborhood memorabilia. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, reminiscent of traditional Italian diners. Known for classic sausage sandwiches and a nostalgic vibe that honors local culinary history.

St. Louis style Italian sausage stands out with its rich flavor. Hot pesto chicken comes with a generous amount of meat plus fresh lettuce and tomatoes. Pasta salad and spaghetti with meatballs offer solid, classic options.

Two different sandwiches like the Turkey Artichoke Sub and Meatball Sub offer a solid choice for couples. Both sandwiches stand out as memorable and satisfying options for a casual date.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best sandwich I had ever eaten."

"The homemade Italian sausage and meatballs are amazing."

"I thought the Italian sandwiches were the best I'd ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Menu prices are not clearly listed, which may lead to surprises at checkout.

2

Expect to pay around $45 for two lunch combos without prior menu pricing.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of sandwich sizes and toppings for customization.

06
Gian-Tony's Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers quiet, intimate seating with a dark, candlelit interior decorated by personalized photos. The atmosphere supports clear conversations despite a lively bar area featuring live music. The space combines a diner-style bar entry with a more secluded back dining area.

Tortellini and Bolognese sauce stand out with rich, authentic flavors. The Penne Arabriata offers a vibrant kick in its sauce, while seafood ravioli and lobster ravioli provide amazing options.

Dinner offers a chance to try several dishes, including chicken spiedini which stands out as delicious. The setting suits couples attending events like concerts nearby.

People are saying

"The Italian food's pasta sauce has a vibrant, unique kick."

"The service at these dinner spots is wonderful; the staff is so professional."

"Chef Tony makes the Date Spots feel so personal, checking on everyone."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

2

Street parking is available and not difficult to find.

3

Expect to pay around $150 for two people without drinks.

07
Dominic's image 1
Italian restaurant

Old school fine dining atmosphere with quiet, relaxing vibe and vintage decor creates a private, elegant experience. Beautiful dining room and outdoor patio add to the charm. Guests enjoy personalized touches like kitchen experiences and wine cellar tours.

Freshly made pasta comes with genuine care, even for the little ones. Veal Parmesan, lobster risotto, and chicken saltimbocca stand out among the authentic Italian dishes.

Offers a fancy atmosphere suitable for special occasions with kids. The cannelloni stands out as a solid dish choice.

People are saying

"The service here for Date Spots is genuinely warm and attentive."

"I experienced great fine dining with delicious Italian food."

"The Italian food, especially the veal dishes, is delicious."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended to ensure a table.

2

The menu features authentic Italian dishes, not Americanized versions.

3

Prices are higher than average for Italian cuisine.

08
Carnivore STL image 1
Steak house

Steakhouse occupies a historic building with classic architecture and a bright, airy dining room featuring an open kitchen. Atmosphere is loud, especially during peak hours, with hard surfaces amplifying noise. Bar offers a varied drink selection and seating includes indoor, outdoor, and bar areas.

Pasta dishes stand out with options like Baked Beef Ravioli and Chicken Alfredo. Starters include Bruschetta, and main courses feature Chicken Parmesan and a Steak Sandwich.

Perfect for special occasions, this spot offers delicious 6oz filet, baked potato side, and house red wine. Sharing starters like Bruschetta adds to the intimate vibe for anniversaries and birthdays.

People are saying

"Their brunch is amazing, with generous portions and delicious food."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, was delicious."

"The food here is delicious, especially the steak sandwich."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets busy, especially on weekends.

2

Taco Tuesdays feature special taco deals that are popular among patrons.

3

Happy Hour offers discounted appetizers and drinks from 4-6 PM on weekdays.

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The Hill, St. Louis

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