Paul Manno's Restaurant — Restaurant in Chesterfield

We were there my inlaws 50th Anniversary. We got there just as they opened, and we had a 5:15 reservation. There were 4 of us. We were greeted like stars and the number of staff was unreal! There was literally a line of waiters and such just standing ready to go. If you have seen the show “The Bear,” toward the end of season 2, it was like that. If our glasses of water got half way, boom, there they were. They checked on us often, but not enough to be annoying. It was if they knew the exact moment we had a question or needed something. Service, out of this world!! And in now time the place was packed, and it is actually a pretty big place. My wife and I plan to go to the French Laundry someday, but now I don’t know. Yes, it was that good. And not snobby. The decor looks like a million bucks! Low lights, candles, Sinatra memorabilia everywhere, and at the door hundreds of pictures of stars who have eaten there, like Denzel Washington, Connie Francis, etc! We had a lot of dishes and every single item blew us away. We just kept passing bites to each other to try each dish we had, and eyes were rolling back! AND WE DO A LOT OF FINE DINING OUT! The Rigatoni with lobster and sausage in a tomato cream sauce is one of the best things I have EVER tasted. I mean top ten of my 56 years! The desserts AMAZING! Even the martini…how they did it I don’t know. But something as simple as a martini, was the best ever. Folks this is not just your typical Italian food. They have eaten at ever place on the Hill, and agreed there is no one even close to this place! Wrap your head around that! Did we lay down some serious money, yes. But for ONCE, FINALLY, it was worth it. I have dropped hundreds at French restaurants and walked out going MEH, was it really worth it? Well, this place is. I cannot thank the staff, and I think it was mom checking us in, so gracious, enough! Thank you, thank you, thank you! We will be back! Get thee to Paul Manno's! We are now dubbing it the "Chesterfield Laundry!" What an...

Paul Manno’s – A Meal That Left a Mark

Dining at Paul Manno’s was one of those experiences that reminded me why going out to eat can be something special—not just about the food, but the feeling it leaves you with.

The atmosphere is refined but relaxed. It’s the kind of place where the lighting is just right, the tables are dressed nicely, and the room carries a quiet hum of conversation that makes you want to lean in and enjoy. What really stood out, though, was the service. Matthew, our server, was excellent—attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. He made the whole evening feel smooth and personal, like we were being hosted rather than just served.

The food lived up to the setting.

The lobster ravioli was rich, creamy, and full of flavor. You could taste the quality in each bite—the lobster filling was fresh, and the sauce had a beautiful depth, with peas and mushrooms adding color and texture. It was comforting but elevated—something clearly made with care.

Then there was the lamb chop—perfectly cooked, bone-in, and served in a rich, flavorful sauce with a generous topping of sautéed mushrooms. It had a slight char on the outside, tender inside, and paired beautifully with the sauce underneath. It was hearty, balanced, and deeply satisfying.

What impressed me most about Paul Manno’s was how well everything came together—from the kitchen to the table. You can tell the team there takes pride in what they do. It wasn’t flashy or over-the-top—just honest, well-executed food and thoughtful service in a setting that made you want to stay a while.

We left full, happy, and already planning...

This is by far one of the very best restaurants in St. Louis. Authentically Italian, family run for decades, and a caring staff down to every detail. The Manno family works hard for a repeat clientele and it shows. Who doesn't love this family? They illustrate the hospitality side of the business above and beyond their culinary talent.

I ordered the Veal Piccata (loved their house salad too). I know it's not the calorie saboteur that some of the pastas would be and it was perfectly prepared. My husband got the tortellini (almost never gets anything else). He said it's one of the best he's ever had, but I wouldn't know. I am not much of a tortellini fan. In the 90's, we came here once a week because we lived less than a mile away. The dining room was ultra tiny then, and years ago, they expanded with a second, bigger dining room. It hasn't lost that cozy feel, however I do miss the best-kept-secret quality during that period. Today, it's not nearly as easy to get a table.

It still sits in a rather unattractive strip mall, but that doesn't bother me. The central location makes up for it.

We intend to become regulars again because we've...