Sapore Italian Cafe — Restaurant in Kirkwood

[New Edit: waiter took more tip than I wrote on the receipt, and the owner can't do anything but write me a check. I no longer recommend, but condemn this place. We are never returning.]

First of all, it was BEAUTIFUL. Doubled black/white tablecloth, folded napkins, water goblets all set out, candlelight, ambient lighting, Italian music, it was a great atmosphere.

The server was nice, but assumed that since we (boyfriend and I) are young we wouldn't be spending much. He didn't offer the wine menu or tell us about specials. He did this for other tables; everyone else at the restaurant was much older than we are. I did end up getting riesling with my calamari and chicken marsala, both of which were delicious. I wasn't a fan of the riesling, though. Their wine selection was pretty slim. I asked about the spumoni ice cream being made in-house, and he said that it was. However, a couple bites into it there were definitely clumps of ice, which I continued finding throughout the dessert. So if it really is "house-made," they create a huge batch and serve it throughout the week probably. Overall I wasn't as impressed with the service or the wine and desserts as other similarly-priced Italian restaurants. Great...

We are long time patrons of this restaurant, and were anxiously anticipating our meal this evening, after having moved away from the St. Louis area a couple of years ago. Something has changed. New ownership? New management? I'm not sure. What I am sure of is that the scallops risotto special that I have literally ordered every time I have eaten there (50+ times) was too, too salty. As the waiter was gathering up our plates, both my daughter and I agreed that we could not eat the entire meal because of the high salt level. He apologized and then brought out our bill for five adults. The scallops were priced at over $50 per plate, and there was no reduction in price or even verbal acknowledgment from the chef that we were displeased. As we were leaving, I spoke to our waiter again, and he acknowledged knowing us from the many times we have dined there. His said that the chef told him the saltiness was from the Prosciutto in the breading. I also use Prosciutto when I make risotto and I know it is salty. If that is the case, then back off on the amount of Prosciutto and/or salt you are using. The attitude of the kitchen and wait staff is really disappointing. I am sad to say that we...

My 89-year-old mom said: "That is the best meal I have ever had!' She loved the warm bread, the mixed green salad, and, especially, the Siciliano breaded veal, which was "perfect." And, the side of veggies was so good, she ate some of each of the skinny green beans, roasted new red potatoes, and braised carrots, but usually won't eat veggies. Photo is proof!

Another dinner companion had the same dish and also shared it with her husband, who both raved about all of it. My garlic lemon chicken with prosciutto (skipped the cheese) on arborio rice was excellent, but a little heavy on the salt. The waiter said he'd bring me those veggies, but did not...? Our other companion had one of the night's specials, jumbo scallops on arborio rice, which he adored, but, also, no veggies. Seemed odd... For antipasti, we shared the house meatballs and baked eggplant dishes, both fabulous.

Mom and I will get another dinner each from the generous portions!

The outside patio has many tables and some have umbrellas. Ramps are somewhat hidden, but available on the left of the building or behind. Otherwise, many steep steps to climb.

We would...