If you're on the Hill, don't miss a chance to stop in at Volpi Foods. Since its founder Giovanni Volpi opened the doors in 1902, this specialty meat store has produced some of the best and most authentic dry-cured meats in the nation. Today, you may find Volpi salami or prosciutto in national supermarkets, or used within restaurants well outside St. Louis. But nothing beats walking into the tiny, original retail store and ordering directly from a third generation member of the family.
Samples are offered freely, although they often make it more difficult to decide what to purchase. Try a pack or two of Volpi's original Rotola (which means "small wheel" in Italian). Rotola consists of thin slices of prosciutto or salame wrapped in mozzarella cheese. Some varieties also have herbs or sun-dried tomatoes wrapped into the wheel as well. If you prefer plain salame, Volpi has eight varieties. Once again, luckily, samples are offered freely.
Dozens of Restaurants
The Hill has many other shops, markets and interesting sights. But of course it’s legendary for the dozens of great Italian restaurants within its borders. Favorites for fine dining include Zia’s, Gian-Tony’s and Lorenzo’s. For a more casual atmosphere, visit Rigazzi’s, famous for it’s fishbowls of beer, or Amighetti’s, a name nearly synonymous with Italian sandwiches. Amighetti’s is also a great bet for gelato.
To return to your car: From Volpi Foods, turn right on Daggett Avenue, go one block to Marconi Avenue. Turn left on Marconi and then right on Shaw, returning to our starting point.
