Grassi's Ristorante & Deli — Restaurant in Frontenac

I hate to have to do this, because we are regulars at Grassi’s, but I had to throw it out there because what happened just wasn’t right. One of my sons is vegetarian, one of my sons can’t eat meat for medical reasons, and my husband’s on a diet and trying to abstain from meat, so, as we have every time in the past, we ordered cheese toasted ravioli. Tonight we ordered 25 cheese ravioli, and when my family goes to eat them, they realize that they are all meat and not cheese, which meant neither of my kids had dinner This has happened at least three times in the past, and I’ve never called Grassi’s or complained, but I did call this time, asked them to remake them and inconveniently drove all the way back to pick them up. The surprising part was when I arrived, I explained to the gentleman at the register that we’ve ordered cheese and ended up with meat ravioli several times in the past and I have never brought it to their attention. He seemed mildly apologetic, told me it happens all the time and advised me to ask to have my order read back to me, thus implying that the onus or fault was on me for not taking extra measures to ensure that they got my order correct. ???? I responded with “I’m not sure how this is my fault, but in light of the fact that it has happened several times, you don’t feel any need to reconcile the situation?”(meaning with anything, e.g., some free garlic bread, some type of coupon for some free cheese raviolis next time we came, WHATEVER he wanted to offer because it clearly was about the gesture, and had nothing to do with what he actually offered.) At that point, I noted I that I even tipped the guys $7. At this point, the guy opened up the register, took seven bucks out and begrudgingly sort of tossed it to me saying “here’s your seven dollars back.” Not the way to conduct business, in my opinion, and I’m hoping this review will prompt them to figure out a way to make the correct raviolis, i.e. the raviolis that the customer actually ordered, and not just whatever the kitchen makes regardless of the...

The food here is fairly decent. The Italian salad with green olives which comes with many of the meals was the highlight of my lunch. Also they serve a really nice pickled giardiniea and the toasted ravioli is worth ordering. I was recommended Grassi's by a friend who raved about their sandwiches and when in line I spotted a slab of pink marbled roast beef which looked super amazing so I ordered a roast beef and turkey sandwich and my friend got a poboy. Unfortunately the sandwiches were a let down. Though the roast beef was allowed to cook in au jus for a few minutes it was nearly flavorless and had very little contrast to the turkey and the ratio of meat to bread was lacking. The bread was a plain old white bread Italian loaf which blent in perfectly with the other bland ingredients making a stack of very unimpressive food. The giardiniea doctored up the sandwich well enough but not so much so that I would order this sandwich again. I would say the poboy was pretty much the same but the salami was at least a little more flavorful. If you are visiting St. Louis and have a hankering for a really great sandwich try Blue City Deli, Nira's or...

Great little place and a great family. I have lived in StL for about 25 years now and I just found this place about 10 years ago. I have never had anything bad here...everything is AMAZING. Classic Italian food in a cafe style setting. Easy to order online from Uber Eats or just call in and place your order for pickup. They have daily specials but I only know of one...the Wednesday special. It's one of their awesome, hand made meatballs, done on the flat top like a burger and served on their Provel Garlich Cheese Bread. Get a side of marinara for dipping and you're set. You can get it as a single or a double. Pro-Tip: Plan a walk or a nap later and get the double. it comes with their awesome Italian Salad with Olives. When I am avoiding Carbs, I get the Meatballs and Marinara with a side salad. A few carbs but I can live with myself.

The best part is the people. They care that you have a good experience, they thank you for being a customer and they are genuinely happy to meet and serve you. Best little secret...