Trattoria Marcella — Restaurant in St. Louis

First off, if you are looking for a quiet, intimate place to have dinner, keep looking. This is NOT the place to go. People were practically yelling because it was so loud, especially in the front of the restaurant. We were seated in the back, so it was a bit better, but still VERY loud inside.

We started with the toasted ravioli. They were very good. Not worth $14, but were very good. They were not uniform in size or shape at all, which was really odd to me.

My husband had the lobster risotto and I had the chicken and spinach cannelloni. He definitely chose better than me. The risotto was very good, but mine was incredibly dry and the chicken tasted like it was prepared days ago. It definitely didn't taste like it was freshly prepared. Portions of the pasta were rubbery as if it was reheated in a microwave.The portion size for the cannelloni was small for it being $21 and it didn't come with anything else. Just the 3 cannelloni and that's it.

We ended with the tiramisu. It was mediocre. It wasn't terrible, but I've definitely had better. It also wasn't plated very well either. For this being a fine dining restaurant, I expected more.

The service was very fast (which is good and bad... Bad because it really makes me doubt that things are freshly prepared as the menu and website make you think it will be). We had a 7pm reservation and we were done with our meal by 8pm.

One final thing that I didn't like is that when you ask for your meal to be boxed, they take it away and box it in the back. I am not a fan of restaurants that do that as I don't trust when my plate leaves my sight. Also, with the way the world is, I'd like the least amount of people coming into contact with my food. Also, once I got home, I discovered that my cannelloni were carelessly put into the box and practically none of the sauce from the plate was put in the box. That will make reheating these pointless as the sauce was the saving grace of the dish to help the dry chicken.

Overall, this restaurant is VERY overrated and very expensive for just an OK experience. If I'm going to spend that amount of money, there are far more places I could go and have a much...

I absolutely love Trattoria Marcella! It's hands down one of the best Italian restaurants in all of Saint Louis (and that includes the overblown "Hill" landmarks.) The perfect atmosphere, menu and customer service is why I keep eating here. From the moment you walk into Trattoria Marcella, your senses are graced with a taste of both Italy and St. Louis. If you're lucky to meet host Christine, you're in good hands. In fact, when you call to make a reservation, I only go through Christine now. Some of the younger Hosts pay little attention to the details Christine does. She will remember you by name! It's her family restaurant and she takes care of the amazing customer service side which is no small feat. They will seat you either up front in the smaller, more romantic area or you can ask to be seated in the back. I strongly recommend the back area where you will feel like you are eating in a Tuscan villa. Bold red drapes flank the room and create a perfect setting for a family dinner or office celebration. The servers are top notch here. They will make you feel like you're family. Stop! Don't look or ask for the dipping olive oil and grated cheese plate. Trattoria Marcella pairs a fava bean hummus with their Italian bread. It's a romantic treat on your tongue. Trust! When you read over their menu, don't rush it! Every single item on their menu deserves its own award. They don't mess around here. I always love their specials and I specifically ask for off the menu seasonally items. Now here is the secret: they have the best risotto on this planet, including a shrimp, lobster, chicken and seafood versions. They can even do a vegetarian version. My husband is a vegetarian and has no problems eating here--plenty of choices. Again, you'll love Trattoria Marcella and you'll love bringing your family and friends there. Call ahead for a reservation--this place fills up quickly! The prices are moderate and affordable for the quality of food you are...

My gosh, what a wonderful restaurant! Where to begin? I went here with my mom and aunt, who had been here the night before. They loved it so much that they returned!

The customer service is what truly stands out here. The servers checked in regularly, and would do everything in their power to ensure we enjoyed our meal. Sarah was wonderful and my mom and aunt also raved about Alexa, who had waited on them the night before. They had been slightly unhappy - still good, but a bit salty -- with a shared dish the previous night, and the chef had personally re-made it, unasked, and delivered it to them. They were floored. Tonight, to thank us for coming two nights in a row, they gave us a tiramisu on the house that was simply irresistible. Also, it bears saying that although the dress level is formal, we dressed casually -- and received the same remarkable hospitality.

As for the food.... First of all, the mushroom appetizer with polenta fries is a MUST. I don't even like mushrooms, and I couldn't get enough. We even ate every last bit of the sauce with our table bread - "fare la scarpetta," as they say in Italy. They must have a secret ingredient! (And it's probably love!) Second, the calamari was delightful, and served on a bed of crispy, salty spinach. I am not a huge fan of leafy greens, but I was fighting for every leaf! Such a perfect and unusual pairing. The cocktails were marvelous all around. I can't remember what everyone had, but I had the incanto, and enjoyed it very much. Prosecco, with Ste. Germaine and Cynar, bitter and beautiful as a freshly cut grapefruit.

The decor is the only piece that I found a tad simplistic, but not necessarily in a bad way. A few stone friezes, set serenely on a wall of dark blue, but like a crisp white tablecloth, they set the mood without overpowering the food.

I can't recommend this place highly enough. It's not cheap, but they earn every bit of it with perfect...