- Large menu specializing in “everyday” Italian dishes
- Good for family-sized or larger groups
- All kids’ meals include apple sauce, fries and a large chocolate ice cream bar
- Tables are packed tightly together, so it can feel crowded
- Prices for pasta entrees are a bit high
- Service is professional, but not very personable
- Location: 4945 Daggett Avenue, St. Louis, Mo.
- Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Friday - Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - Midnight - Phone: (314) 772-4902
When St. Louisans want authentic Italian food, they head for “the Hill.” When residents of the Hill want good Italian food, many of them go to Rigazzi’s. For the past 50 years, locals and visitors alike have filled the restaurant’s main dining room, where the space between tables and chairs is minimal, but portions and dinners are generous.
Rigazzi’s is a fun place to eat. Almost in beer hall fashion, the tables of the main dining room are lined up nearly end-to-end, in three tightly packed rows. The close quarters give Rigazzi’s a lively atmosphere, while the restaurant’s infamous fishbowls of beer give patrons a great reason to linger and relax.
Of course, any discussion about a restaurant on the Hill is bound to generate a serious debate with some very strong opinions. It’s no surprise then that some locals say Rigazzi’s has seen better days, or that tastier Italian food can be found elsewhere. Both points have their merit. Gutted by fire in 2000, the restaurant was completely renovated, but lost some of its historic charm, including quite a bit of local sports memorabilia. And, as far as the food goes, there are certainly neighboring Italian restaurants with fancier entrees or more carefully prepared dishes. But for St. Louis style pizza or homemade toasted raviolis, Rigazzi’s is still a great choice.
