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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Hill

Italian food and lunch spots

A midday Italian meal that feels like a genuine break in your day rather than a hurried, heavy affair.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated April 2026
01

Rustic sandwich shop with cozy, old-fashioned decor and checkered table tops creates a welcoming, historic atmosphere. The space gets bustling and noisy at lunchtime, with a lively energy and outdoor seating available. A microphone system calls out orders, adding to the casual, friendly vibe.

Juicy, well-spiced meatballs come in a crusty sesame roll topped with bubbling mozzarella. Fresh pasta dishes include a rich bolognese and a vibrant Italian beef soup loaded with pasta, cheese, and vegetables.

Lunch features hot roast beef and cheese sandwiches paired with fresh pasta salad and soup combos. Lines form but the quality sandwiches make the wait worthwhile.

People are saying

"The pasta here is so fresh it practically walks off the plate."

"I thought the sandwiches here were awesome."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta and sandwiches, is amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during peak lunch hours, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early to avoid waiting.

3

Portion sizes are generous, making it a good value for the price.

02
Charlie's Market & Deli on the Hill image 1

Deli offers clean, simple seating with fresh, authentic Italian sandwiches served quickly on good French bread. Atmosphere feels sterile but acceptable, suited for a fast lunch with fair prices and convenient frozen items to take home.

Cannolis stand out as a popular dessert choice, often delivered directly to events. Pasta salad and raviolis also feature as delicious options on the menu.

Offers a fast lunch option with choices like a Cobb salad. Suitable for families, including kids after outings.

People are saying

"I found this place to be a great lunch spot for sandwiches or pizza."

"I desperately wished I could return for more of their delicious pizza."

"The Italian food here, especially the cannolis, gets tons of compliments."

Good to know

1

The sandwich was large and cost $10.95.

2

Fountain drinks are reasonably priced at $1.69 each.

3

The restaurant is clean and welcoming.

03
Eovaldi's Deli & Catering image 1

Small deli with old-school Italian charm offers a cozy, peaceful atmosphere that feels like a traditional kitchen. Local crowd gathers around limited seating, drawn by outstanding Italian sandwiches and fresh, flavorful meats.

Salami stands out as exceptionally flavorful and comes in several varieties. The chicken Parmesan sandwich impresses with its rich taste. Gnocchi and pasta salad also deliver strong Italian classics.

Offers a local flavor that stands out for lunch. Serves as a solid deli stop in the area with satisfying options.

People are saying

"I still think about this gigantic sandwich a year later."

"Their Italian food, especially the subs, is authentic with meat piled high."

"This lunch spot's Chicago Combo Sub is a 10/10 experience."

Good to know

1

The shop seats about 12 people inside and at least 3 outside.

2

The 9-inch sandwich was listed at $6.75 but actually costs closer to $10.75.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is recommended for small purchases.

04
STL Toasted image 1
Restaurant

Small family-run sandwich shop with scratch-made meats and breads offers a simple menu focused on quality. Limited indoor seating but two picnic tables outside provide casual dining space. Open only on weekends, it draws a crowd seeking some of the best sandwiches and toasted ravioli in the city.

Toasted raviolis come with savory and sweet fillings, including a standout beef option with flavorful sauce. Dessert ravioli features unique stuffings like banana and pecan, paired with mascarpone and toasted pecans. Mozzarella sticks are notably large and satisfying.

Stops here offer hearty sandwiches with portions large enough for leftovers. The neighborhood has a welcoming vibe for travelers seeking a solid lunch break.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are amazing, fresh, and flavorful."

"The Italian food, especially the ravioli, is amazing."

"This lunch spot has amazing, flavorful, and fresh food."

Good to know

1

They are only open from Friday to Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM.

2

There is no seating available; all orders are takeout.

3

Everything is made from scratch, including the sandwich meats and breads.

05
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.

Lunch offers Pizza and Salad Specials with a Creamy Italian salad that adds flavor. The sauce and cheese on the pizza make for an enjoyable meal suitable for kids, dates, or a treat-yourself moment.

People are saying

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

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

"This Lunch Spot's pizza crust is pure art."

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.

06
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.

Classic Italian and American favorites make up the lunch menu with options like the Joe Fassi sandwich available in a small size for a perfect portion.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's sandwiches have fresh, high-quality ingredients."

"The homemade Italian sausage and meatballs are amazing."

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.

07
Volpi Foods image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Old-school family-owned deli atmosphere blends with new fixtures and old world charm. Shelves pack house-cured meats, Italian salami, and top-grade cheeses alongside gourmet snacks. Sandwiches and fresh cuts offer exceptional quality and authentic flavor for quick bites or gourmet shopping.

Exceptional Italian salami and meats come with no nitrites and old-school packaging. A wide selection includes pistachio mortadella, cheeses, antipasto, and fresh pastas, all at competitive prices.

Fresh sliced meat and unbelievably good sandwiches stand out for lunch. A wonderful selection of salami, cheese, and antipasto complements prepackaged snacks and desserts like pistachio cheesecake.

People are saying

"Their Italian meats and cheeses are top grade and fresh."

"The sandwiches here are unbelievably good and top quality."

"I found some of the best salami and Italian meat products here."

Good to know

1

Volpi Foods offers fresh sliced meats, gourmet snacks, and sandwiches for lunch.

2

Prices for Mortadella are lower than packaged options found elsewhere.

3

The deli features house-cured meats and a variety of Italian specialties.

08
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 allโ€™Aragosta add elegant, balanced touches to the Italian menu.

Amazing service and great food stand out during lunch. The menu varies from very limited to diverse options depending on the visit.

People are saying

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

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

"This is a great lunch spot with excellent food and service."

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.

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The Hill, St. Louis

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