Hopefully, we won't get "turkeyed out" by the week's end as the week of Thanksgiving dinners approaches. A change of pace and a new flavor experience is provided by Italian cuisine. The following Italian restaurants in Missouri will surely please your palates!
1. Florentina's Ristorante Italiano, Branson, Mississippi
Florentina's offers authentic family dining options with their family platters, menu items served family-style, with portions for groups of 4-6. Authentic brick oven pizzas, soups, salads, pasta, steaks, and seafood are all made from original recipes by Chef Ron Kalenuik. The bread will be fresh from the oven and served with a flavorful olive oil flavored with Italian spices. Among the most popular dishes are the chicken Marsala, the salmon Trattoria, and the Linguini Vongole, which combines linguini, clams, garlic, and Parmesan with a lemon white wine cream sauce. For dessert, try Florentina's Italian Wedding Cake, Spumoni Ice Cream, Crème Brulee, Tiramisu, or the fantastic Cheesecake Messaluna, an authentic Italian dessert made from cheesecake filled dessert ravioli.
- Location: 2690 Green Mountain Dr, Branson, MO 65616
- Website: https://www.florentinasristoranteitaliano.com/
- Phone: 417-337-9882
- Store Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-8:30pm / Fri-Sat 11am-9pm / Sun 11am-8:30pm
2. Bambino's Café, Springfield, Mississippi
The Standard, Missouri State University's newspaper, voted Bambinos Cafe in Springfield as the best Italian restaurant, best place for a date-night dinner, and best restaurant. Delmar's original location is tucked back in the Phelps Grove neighborhood and can be difficult to find, but well worth the effort. According to 417 Magazine, their relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices make them the Best Hidden Restaurant in the area. Signature dishes include Turkey and Swiss Panini, Portabello Ravioli, and the Diana, a delightful shrimp, broccoli, and mushroom version of Fettuccini Alfredo. Originating in 1920, Lone Pine was a dirt road back then, and the original location may be as old as the car. A dance club and fried chicken dinners were the trademarks of Half-a-Hill's tavern. Half-a-Hill was destroyed by a massive flood in 1978.
- Location: 1141 E Delmar St, Springfield, MO 65807
- Website: https://bambinoscafe.com/
- Phone: 417-862-9999
- Store Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am–9pm / Fri 11am–10pm / Sat 11am–10pm
3. Vincenzo's, Ferguson, Mississippi
Italian cuisine, prepared fresh daily in a friendly, casual environment, is the specialty at Vincenzo's. Throughout the day, the best chicken, seafood, beef, and veal are available, as well as a variety of delicious pasta dishes. Afterward, choose a wine from their selection. Mike Lonero, the owner, is a proud, active member of the Ferguson community, where he and his family run several other businesses.
Vincenzo's, which opened in 2002 and serves delicious, fresh Italian food in a welcoming, casual setting, has become one of North St. Louis County's most popular dining destinations. This Old World-style restaurant offers only the best ingredients in its Old World-style food, which is served in a cozy atmosphere. In addition, the restaurant offers a comprehensive wine list, a full-service bar, and outdoor dining in season.
- Location: 242 S. Florissant Road, Ferguson, MO 63135
- Website: https://vincenzosstl.com/
- Phone: (314) 524-7888
- Store Hours: Tues-Sat 4-9pm
4. Guido's, St. Louis, Mississippi
Guido's is located in "The Hill," a popular destination for great Italian food, offers a vast assortment of Italian-style dishes as well as Spanish Tapas and Entrees, offering a "Taste of Spain in the Middle of Italy." Guido's Homemade Lasagna ranks as one of their most popular options. Their excellent Seafood Ravioli made with shrimp, scallops, and lobster prepared in a balsamic vinaigrette with tomatoes, spinach, and Feta cheese.
- Location: 5046 Shaw Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
- Website: https://guidosstl.com/
- Phone: (314) 771-4900
- Store Hours: Wed–Sun 11am–10pm
5. Bella Napoli, Kansas City, Mississippi
Bella Napoli is known for its delicious, fresh, and highly satisfying Italian food that melts in your mouth. Light and flavorful tomato sauce. Melanzane alla Parmigiana, Tagliatella alla Bolognese, and the Puttanesca, made with olives, capers, anchovies, pepper flakes, and tomato, are some of their signature dishes. Bella Napoli also has a deli, coffee shop, and grocery.
- Location: 6229 Brookside Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64113
- Website: https://kcbellanapoli.com/
- Phone: 816-444-5041
- Store Hours: Mon–Wed 11am–8pm / Thur–Sat 11am–9pm
Please let us know what you think of these Italian restaurants in Missouri!