Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria — Restaurant in Town and Country

Eating good food is, arguably, my best supported and favorite hobby. Finding (or successfully making!) dishes that are either creative and unique, or comforting and classic, but either way expertly crafted, is just so rewarding.

When I describe my love of food in this way to someone new, very often their next question is, "what's your favorite restaurant around here?" And generally I say something like, "just one?!? Impossible, there are so many! All the different cuisines..." And we'll talk about some of the many established great places around StL, and maybe a new place that's coming out of the gate particularly strong. Generally a few places of different costs, styles, heritages, etc will come up.

I truly don't like to cite one favorite, because chefs and restauranteurs are doing so many different things that just can't be directly compared. But by many definitions...Katie's is truly my favorite restaurant in St. Louis. There are SO MANY excellent dishes, both creative and classically comforting. They do a few simple foundational things extremely well (that Neapolitan crust), that quality and skillful execution are dependable (I've not had a poorly made dish even once, at any of their locations, in 7 years and countless visits), and there are both creative new dishes popping up regularly as well as perfected comfort food classics.

The apparently successful business model that has allowed them to expand and seemingly remain well-staffed is also so clutch - Katie's is a go to whenever we want a great brunch or dinner, as getting a reservation is usually doable even with little notice.

Highlights - cannellini bean dip. Fig + pancetta French Toast. Figs + whipped ricotta. Any burrata. Fried artichoke salad. Calabrian kale caeser. Black spaghetti. Lemon cream [insert pasta shape of the moment here, I swear it's changed at least once.] Pear + prosciutto pizza. Potato pizza. Pancetta and fig pizza. Yeah I know that's a lot of dishes with figs. These guys wield dried figs like MAGIC, getting so much sweet and savory flavor...

So disappointed. I made a reservation in advance online but the hostess couldn't find it. There were many empty tables but we waited patiently while she searched and searched. I ended up showing it to her on my phone and she said, Oh on Google" and then she found it. No apology, no sorry for the wait. It took forever and then I asked if we could sit at one of the many empty tables outside and she refused and said they were all reserved. I found that surprising as the restaurant in and out was half empty. Let it go and sat at my table where we then waited forever for a server to greet us. She gave us a brunch menu and we almost left because we came for lunch but then found out that we could get either. Why not ask which menu we would like? The server was unfriendly at best and took forever to do every single step. The food finally arrived (we ordered 2 salads) and they were yummy but no checkback and my friend needed more dreseing as her salad was dry. She asked for some when we were finally able to get his attention. He brought some over and she poured it on and it was straight oil. We stirred it but nope....straight oil. When we finally get him to come back he basically treats her like she is lying. He gets her a new salad again with no apology for his mistake and no kindness whatsoever. We were there for almost an hour and a half for 2 salads during lunch. Unsurprisingly all of the empty outdoor tables were empty the entire time we were there and still empty when we left. I gave them 2 stars bc the food was actually good bit not worth the trouble. ...

Here’s your experience at Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria turned into a polished and engaging Google review:

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Some people start their Sundays with a smoothie and good intentions. I started mine with pistachio orgeat, fried artichokes, and spicy pepperoni—and I have zero regrets.

The vibe at Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria in Town & Country was bright, buzzing, and full of energy—exactly what you want on a gloomy day when carbs and cocktails are the only cure. It’s a bit loud, so if that bothers you I would recommend to sit outside.

We kicked things off with the Extra Shot cocktail: vanilla bean Verita Italian vodka, coffee liqueur, mint, cacao nib-infused bitter, espresso, and housemade pistachio orgeat. Imagine your barista and bartender collaborating on a masterpiece—that’s this drink.

The Tomato & Watermelon Caprese was light and fresh with burrata, aged balsamic, mint, and basil—a surprising and summery combo for April. The Roman Artichokes were another standout: crispy, creamy, and tangy with stracciatella and aged balsamic. Gone in under a minute.

But the real star? The Ezzo Pepperoni Pizza—with stracciatella, wildflower honey, and Calabrian chili paste. Sweet, spicy, and perfectly balanced. I’d like to be alone with it next time.

Katie’s always delivers, but this visit was top tier. If you haven’t been—go. And if you have, tell me what to order next!

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