Vicini pastaria, cafe, & market — Restaurant in St. Louis

If you’re on the hunt for a truly special Italian dining experience, this restaurant is it. Tucked away in St Louis, it’s not just a place to eat—it’s a love letter to authentic Italian food, with cacio e pepe that’ll feel like you’re in Rome. The vibe here is cozy and charming, like stepping into a rustic italian deli and restaurant combined. Seating is limited, we were lucky to come here when it wasn’t too busy. We started off with house-made schiacciata bread service. It came with homemade pesto and olive oil from Italy for dipping. Now, about that cacio e pepe. It’s absolute perfection. Just a handful of ingredients—pecorino Romano, black pepper, and pasta water—come together in a way that’s downright magical. The pasta is cooked just right, the sauce is creamy without being heavy, and the flavors? Bold, balanced, and completely unforgettable. Every bite makes you close your eyes and wonder how something so simple can taste this good. They put a little touch of themselves in the dish by topping it off with breadcrumbs and a slice of freshly baked focaccia. The people here really make the experience, too. Warm, welcoming, and totally passionate about making sure you’re having the best time. They’ll even help you pick the perfect wine to go with your meal—whether it’s a crisp white or a rich red, they’ve got you covered. We chose to pit our meal with a lovely Vermentino. Whether you’re a hardcore Italian food fan or just looking for something extraordinary, this place is in a league of its own. Trust me—you’ll leave planning...

Delicious food, perfectly executed. I was so Impressed with everything we tried here.

To get this out of the way… the hours are a little frustrating. I’d like to eat a big bowl of cacio e pepe at 9pm on a Tuesday. But, it’s cool. I get it. I just had to schedule this meal a little in advance. Also the interior can feel a cramped. It’s very welcoming but, be prepared to shuffle and squeeze to get to your seat.

But the food melts all those concerns away. It’s simple food down extremely well. Even the side salad/dressed greens were perfectly dressed and seasoned. The bread so soft and tender, but has amazing flavor and structure. They use my favorite olive oil Partanna) and the pesto was great too.

The cacio e pepe and the rigatoni in vodka sauce were both wonderful. Perfect pasta cook, sauces were luxurious and not overly salty.

Definitely worth putting a reminder in your calendar to have lunch here...

A neighborhood treasure of old world delights Sit down with your favorite companion, start with the bright flavors of the olives, then choose a sandwich and a pasta to share. You truly can not go wrong.

The focacia is light and tender, Italian meats delicately sliced, the arugula aromatic, and the spreads perfectly chosen. House-made pasta is perfectly al-dente and dressed with the care of an artist.

Converse with the family; mother, daughter, and son who run the restaurant together. Admire the antiques and pantry delicacies, perhaps selecting some to bring home.

The portions and preparations are such that you can squeak in a delightful desert without being overfull or needing an immediate nap. Don't forget the espresso and a pizelle to send you...