A Food Lover’s Guide to the Hill, St. Louis’ Premier Italian Destination

When it comes to specialty food shops and restaurants that have stood the test of time, no St. Louis neighborhood does it better than the Hill. The south city neighborhood still wears its Italian roots proudly, with fire hydrants and even crosswalks proudly sporting the Tricolore, and naturally there are numerous Italian delis, bakeries, coffee […]

Written by RFT Writers
03/29/2024
RFT Writers are a collective of independent journalists contributing original reporting to RFT. They report on a wide range of topics including music, news, gaming, cannabis, and the creator economy.

When it comes to specialty food shops and restaurants that have stood the test of time, no St. Louis neighborhood does it better than the Hill. The south city neighborhood still wears its Italian roots proudly, with fire hydrants and even crosswalks proudly sporting the Tricolore, and naturally there are numerous Italian delis, bakeries, coffee shops, pizzerias and even a gelateria.

But in addition to that, the Hill now boasts a host of other cuisines, from Mexican to sushi to barbecue. It’s welcomed those newcomers with its signature hospitality — without losing the essential Italian American feeling that makes it such a draw.

This walkable neighborhood will have you wanting to come back again and again to try more and more of its delectable eats — trust us, we know.

Scroll down for our guide to all the places you need to visit, whether you’re craving hot salami or gelato.

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Missouri Baking Co. Details: 2027 Edwards Street, open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and closed Monday and Sunday.  History: They’ve been going strong for 100 years. Menu: Cookies, cakes, pie, cannolis, muffins, tarts, cheesecake, strawberry stollen, danish, hot cross buns, gooey butter cake, Irish soda bread and more.  Vibe: Though there is no seating, the sweet, family-owned bakery is inviting with its beautiful, sweet treats on display, making it hard to choose just one. But when you do, remember, they’re cash only.

PAULA TREDWAY

Missouri Baking Co.

Details: 2027 Edwards Street, open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and closed Monday and Sunday. 

History: They’ve been going strong for 100 years.

Menu: Cookies, cakes, pie, cannolis, muffins, tarts, cheesecake, strawberry stollen, danish, hot cross buns, gooey butter cake, Irish soda bread and more. 

Vibe: Though there is no seating, the sweet, family-owned bakery is inviting with its beautiful, sweet treats on display, making it hard to choose just one. But when you do, remember, they’re cash only.

Joe Fassi Sausage & Sandwich Factory Details: 2323 Sublette Avenue, open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.History: This vintage sandwich shop is the latest iteration of a business operated by the same family in the same location for 98 years and counting.Menu: Hot sandwiches are a specialty, with customer favorites including sandwiches utilizing the housemade salsiccia, meatballs and Italian sausage. However, Fassi’s offers combinations of layered meat and veg to suit all tastes, with condiments including the house special dressing. Pair your sandwich with soup, salad or the pasta of the day.Vibe: Hole-in-the-wall neighborhood sandwich shop that transports you to an earlier era of the Hill: green-and-white tiles, red neon and the “Wall of Fame” featuring old newspaper cuttings highlighting the accomplishments of local heroes like Yogi Berra.

PAULA TREDWAY

Joe Fassi Sausage & Sandwich Factory

Details: 2323 Sublette Avenue, open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
History: This vintage sandwich shop is the latest iteration of a business operated by the same family in the same location for 98 years and counting.
Menu: Hot sandwiches are a specialty, with customer favorites including sandwiches utilizing the housemade salsiccia, meatballs and Italian sausage. However, Fassi’s offers combinations of layered meat and veg to suit all tastes, with condiments including the house special dressing. Pair your sandwich with soup, salad or the pasta of the day.
Vibe: Hole-in-the-wall neighborhood sandwich shop that transports you to an earlier era of the Hill: green-and-white tiles, red neon and the “Wall of Fame” featuring old newspaper cuttings highlighting the accomplishments of local heroes like Yogi Berra.

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Marconi Bakery Details: 1913 Marconi Avenue, open 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday. History: Marconi Bakery was established in 1968 by the DiGregorio family. The bakery has been using the same traditions and recipes for the last 58 years. Menu: Locals love Marconi’s fresh artisan breads (Italian, French, rolls, focaccia, pizza crusts and buns), baked seven days a week. They also offer Sicilian-style pizza (Italian sausage, pepperoni, veggie deluxe or cheese) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Though Marconi is known for its bread, make sure to keep an eye out for the crispy cannolis and made-to-order sandwiches. Vibe: The small bakery offers a wholesome mom-and-pop atmosphere with some seating available, racks of fresh bread and the Italian flag proudly on display.

PAULA TREDWAY

Marconi Bakery

Details: 1913 Marconi Avenue, open 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday.

History: Marconi Bakery was established in 1968 by the DiGregorio family. The bakery has been using the same traditions and recipes for the last 58 years.

Menu: Locals love Marconi’s fresh artisan breads (Italian, French, rolls, focaccia, pizza crusts and buns), baked seven days a week. They also offer Sicilian-style pizza (Italian sausage, pepperoni, veggie deluxe or cheese) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Though Marconi is known for its bread, make sure to keep an eye out for the crispy cannolis and made-to-order sandwiches.

Vibe: The small bakery offers a wholesome mom-and-pop atmosphere with some seating available, racks of fresh bread and the Italian flag proudly on display.

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Adriana’s on the Hill Details: 5101 Shaw Avenue, open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. through 3 p.m. History: Adriana Favazzo and her daughters first opened this cheerful lunch spot in 1992 and still run it today.  Menu: Adriana’s is known for its hearty sandwiches, but it also offers a limited selection of pastas, salads and pizzas. The sandwiches are big enough you could easily partake in the half & half (half-sandwich and half-salad or side dish) and still have leftovers. The beef sandwiches are famous for a reason, but we’re partial to the cold Mambo Siciliano (ham, cappicola, pepper jack cheese, pepperoncini, lettuce, tomato, onion, gardiniera, and oil & vinegar Dressing). It’s a mouthful! Vibe: Sunny and friendly counter-service lunch spot, with efficient staffers trying their best to process a line that begins around 11 a.m. every day and doesn’t stop ‘til long after the noon hour. There are plenty of tables both outside and in.

Andy Paulissen

Adriana’s on the Hill

Details: 5101 Shaw Avenue, open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. through 3 p.m.

History: Adriana Favazzo and her daughters first opened this cheerful lunch spot in 1992 and still run it today. 

Menu: Adriana’s is known for its hearty sandwiches, but it also offers a limited selection of pastas, salads and pizzas. The sandwiches are big enough you could easily partake in the half & half (half-sandwich and half-salad or side dish) and still have leftovers. The beef sandwiches are famous for a reason, but we’re partial to the cold Mambo Siciliano (ham, cappicola, pepper jack cheese, pepperoncini, lettuce, tomato, onion, gardiniera, and oil & vinegar Dressing). It’s a mouthful!

Vibe: Sunny and friendly counter-service lunch spot, with efficient staffers trying their best to process a line that begins around 11 a.m. every day and doesn’t stop ‘til long after the noon hour. There are plenty of tables both outside and in.

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Volpi’s Details: 5256 Daggett Avenue, open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday. History: Volpi Foods got its start on the Hill all the way back in 1902. Menu: This shop/cafe offers cheese, mixed nuts, pasta, peppers, olives, spreads, breadsticks, vinaigrettes, salads, sandwiches and premade party trays. Vibe: The quaint, clean, deli-style eatery offers a quiet spot for lunch with indoor and outdoor seating.

PAULA TREDWAY

Volpi’s

Details: 5256 Daggett Avenue, open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday.

History: Volpi Foods got its start on the Hill all the way back in 1902.

Menu: This shop/cafe offers cheese, mixed nuts, pasta, peppers, olives, spreads, breadsticks, vinaigrettes, salads, sandwiches and premade party trays.

Vibe: The quaint, clean, deli-style eatery offers a quiet spot for lunch with indoor and outdoor seating.

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Gioia’s Deli Details: 1934 Macklind Avenue, open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. History: The original location of what’s now a chain of four in the metro area, Gioia’s Deli was honored with the James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classic Award for good reason. It’s been on the Hill since 1918 and is still going strong. Menu: Gioia’s is famous for its hot salami, which regulars know means warm, not spicy. There’s a variety of classic sandwiches, two distinctly unhealthy (and totally delicious) salads and all sorts of tasty choices to make (white, wheat or garlic cheese bread? Jalapenos on top or giardiniera, or both?). You can’t go wrong here. Vibe: Old-school counter-service sandwich shop, with some indoor dining and picnic tables outside for the overflow. An order window and online ordering makes to-go orders a snap.

Gioia’s Deli

Details: 1934 Macklind Avenue, open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

History: The original location of what’s now a chain of four in the metro area, Gioia’s Deli was honored with the James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classic Award for good reason. It’s been on the Hill since 1918 and is still going strong.

Menu: Gioia’s is famous for its hot salami, which regulars know means warm, not spicy. There’s a variety of classic sandwiches, two distinctly unhealthy (and totally delicious) salads and all sorts of tasty choices to make (white, wheat or garlic cheese bread? Jalapenos on top or giardiniera, or both?). You can’t go wrong here.

Vibe: Old-school counter-service sandwich shop, with some indoor dining and picnic tables outside for the overflow. An order window and online ordering makes to-go orders a snap.

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Pit Stop-STL Details: 2130 Macklind Avenue, open 4 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and closed Monday and Tuesday. History: Owner Joe Smugala opened Pit Spot in 2020 in an old auto garage.  Menu: If you’re on the Hill but want something other than Italian food, Pit Stop is a great choice. They have salads, chicken sandwiches, burgers, grilled ribeye, beef medallions, a spicy honey shrimp bowl, fried chicken, several desserts and more. They also offer a kid’s menu, as well as plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Vibe: Though it's limited on space, Pit Stop has ample outdoor seating, with charming details and quick service for a classy, yet casual dinner.

PAULA TREDWAY

Pit Stop-STL

Details: 2130 Macklind Avenue, open 4 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and closed Monday and Tuesday.

History: Owner Joe Smugala opened Pit Spot in 2020 in an old auto garage. 

Menu: If you’re on the Hill but want something other than Italian food, Pit Stop is a great choice. They have salads, chicken sandwiches, burgers, grilled ribeye, beef medallions, a spicy honey shrimp bowl, fried chicken, several desserts and more. They also offer a kid’s menu, as well as plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.

Vibe: Though it’s limited on space, Pit Stop has ample outdoor seating, with charming details and quick service for a classy, yet casual dinner.

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John Viviano & Sons Grocers Details: 5139 Shaw Avenue, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday.  History: John Viviano Sr. opened John Viviano & Sons Grocers in 1950, but moved to its current and larger location in 1979. The store is now run by his grandsons, John Jr. and Tony. Offers: Cheeses, coffee, tea, cookies, candies, sweets, crackers, toasts, frozen foods, gifts, Italian beverages, meats, seafood, olive oils, olives, pasta, soup, rice, salad dressing, spices, spreads, condiments, vegetables, sauces, vinegars, wine and other spirits. Vibe: The relatively small mom-and-pop — or is that sons-and-pop — shop is the perfect neighborhood market to swing by on your way home to grab some authentic Italian groceries.

PAULA TREDWAY

John Viviano & Sons Grocers

Details: 5139 Shaw Avenue, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday. 

History: John Viviano Sr. opened John Viviano & Sons Grocers in 1950, but moved to its current and larger location in 1979. The store is now run by his grandsons, John Jr. and Tony.

Offers: Cheeses, coffee, tea, cookies, candies, sweets, crackers, toasts, frozen foods, gifts, Italian beverages, meats, seafood, olive oils, olives, pasta, soup, rice, salad dressing, spices, spreads, condiments, vegetables, sauces, vinegars, wine and other spirits.

Vibe: The relatively small mom-and-pop — or is that sons-and-pop — shop is the perfect neighborhood market to swing by on your way home to grab some authentic Italian groceries.

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Milo's Tavern Details: 5201 Wilson Avenue, open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday. History: Milo’s Tavern was built by Anheuser-Busch and has seen several names since opening in 1902, including Merlo’s and Wil-Mar Lounge. The current name came to be in 1975 when Tom Savio and Joe Calcaterra took over ownership and has stuck since. In 1989, Savio sold half the business to Joseph Vollmer, now a St. Louis alderman, which is when the bocce courts and full kitchen were added.  Menu: Milo’s has a wide variety of appetizers from fried green beans to toasted ravs to quesadillas, as well as several sandwich options — hot roast beef, turkey with bacon, breaded cod with cheese. You get the idea. They also have salads, pasta, burgers and pizza. Vibe: Chill dining space with plenty of seating and TVs for sporting events complete with a bar and a big outdoor patio with a bocce court for Italian-style bowling.

PAULA TREDWAY

Milo’s Tavern

Details: 5201 Wilson Avenue, open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday.

History: Milo’s Tavern was built by Anheuser-Busch and has seen several names since opening in 1902, including Merlo’s and Wil-Mar Lounge. The current name came to be in 1975 when Tom Savio and Joe Calcaterra took over ownership and has stuck since. In 1989, Savio sold half the business to Joseph Vollmer, now a St. Louis alderman, which is when the bocce courts and full kitchen were added. 

Menu: Milo’s has a wide variety of appetizers from fried green beans to toasted ravs to quesadillas, as well as several sandwich options — hot roast beef, turkey with bacon, breaded cod with cheese. You get the idea. They also have salads, pasta, burgers and pizza.

Vibe: Chill dining space with plenty of seating and TVs for sporting events complete with a bar and a big outdoor patio with a bocce court for Italian-style bowling.

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Urzi’s Italian Market Details: 5430 Southwest Avenue, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday. History: The market originally started out across the street from its present location in 1926, but moved in 1970 its current address. Offers: wines, cheeses, pastas, olive oils, pasta sauces, candy, chocolate, nuts, spices and more. They make lemon ice, olive salads, chicken spedini, sandwiches while bread is available and fresh Salsiccia on Thursdays.  Vibe: Literally your one-stop Italian shop with great customer service.

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