Unearth The Voyage
St. Louis and toasted ravioli go together like marinara and Parmesan. You’re about to discover the crunchy, golden pockets locals swear by, from century-old haunts to modern takes that surprise in the best way.
I’ll point you to the meaty classics, cheesy gems, and buttery twists that make T-ravs unforgettable. Come hungry and curious, because your new favorite bite might be the next stop.
1. Charlie Gitto’s On the Hill
You feel the history the second you sit, then a basket of toasted ravioli lands and does the rest. The shells are crisp and deeply golden, with steam that smells like Sunday sauce.
Dip into a bright pomodoro, and you get meat, spinach, and cheese playing together in every crunchy bite.
Order extra Parmesan on top for that salty finish you’ll crave tomorrow. Share if you must, but guard the last one.
Pair with a red from their list, and you’ll understand why this spot anchors so many St. Louis food memories.
2. Mama’s On The Hill
This is where the legend begins, and you taste that first. The ravioli arrive piping hot, meat-filled, and dusted with Parmesan like snow on brick streets.
One dunk into marinara and you get that nostalgic crunch locals brag about to out-of-towners.
You’ll love the sauce balance, not too sweet, with herbs you can actually smell between bites. Grab a table near the photos and let the stories surround you.
Order a double if you’re with friends, because seconds happen fast. You leave thinking about how one happy accident built a city’s favorite appetizer.
3. Zia’s on The Hill
Zia’s gives you that neighborhood comfort with a crisp, no-nonsense crunch. The ravioli are well-seasoned inside, letting the meat shine without heavy filler.
Marinara leans savory, hugging the edges without making them soggy.
Ask for extra cheese on top and a squeeze of lemon for brightness if you like a twist. It’s a plate that disappears while you’re catching up with friends.
You’ll appreciate how consistent they are from visit to visit. Simple, satisfying, and reliably great with a glass of house red.
4. Trattoria Marcella
These are overstuffed in the best possible way, like little pillows barely contained by their shells. You cut one open and see slow-braised beef and pork, spinach, carrots, and Parmesan.
The aroma alone stops conversation for a second.
They deliver a hearty, almost entree-level take on T-ravs, perfect with a glass of Chianti. The crust stays shatter-crisp, even under generous sauce.
If you love nuance and depth, this is your move. Save a piece of bread for mopping up, because nothing on this plate deserves to be left behind.
5. Rigazzi’s
Old-school charm meets loud, happy tables, and toasted ravioli that match the mood. The shells have a sturdy crunch, just right for dunking without collapse.
Inside, a peppery meat filling keeps each bite lively.
Order a frosty schooner and settle in for a spirited meal. The marinara is classic, slightly tangy, and built for sharing.
You’ll love how the basket seems bottomless until suddenly it isn’t. Perfect for pre-game energy or a celebratory night when only comfort food will do.
6. Frank Papa’s Ristorante
This is polished comfort, where toasted ravioli arrive elegant yet familiar. The breading is fine and evenly browned, delivering a delicate crunch.
Inside, the filling leans classic with a clean, meaty profile that pairs beautifully with a richer sauce.
Take your time here, sip something nice, and savor the balance. A sprinkle of parsley and Parmesan finishes everything with style.
It’s the version you order when you want tradition dressed up a bit. You leave feeling satisfied without being weighed down.
7. Anthonino’s Taverna
You get Italian heart with a Greek wink here, and the toasted ravioli proves it. The filling is beefy and rich, kissed with Pecorino Romano for that sharp, savory edge.
Each bite stays crisp without getting greasy, the mark of a kitchen that respects its oil.
Drag them through the house sauce and notice how the ricotta smooths everything out. It’s the plate you order for the table and then hoard slowly.
Pair with a simple salad and a cold beer. You’ll leave plotting your return before the check hits the table.
8. Cunetto House of Pasta
Hearty plates rule here, and the toasted ravioli fit right in. Expect generous portions with a firm, satisfying crunch that stands up to a big ladle of sauce.
The filling is savory, old-world, and just begging for extra grated cheese.
You’ll love this before a pasta feast, or as the star with a salad. The room hums with families, laughter, and plates clinking.
It’s everything you want from The Hill, in one basket. Come hungry, leave happy, plan a nap.
9. Guido’s Pizzeria & Tapas
Here’s where St. Louis comfort meets a playful Spanish vibe. The toasted ravioli come crisp and golden, perfect alongside a pitcher of sangria.
Meat filling stays juicy, so every dunk into marinara pays off.
Grab a pizza too, then bounce between slices and T-ravs like a pro. The crowd is lively and the plates arrive fast, which is exactly what you want on a weeknight.
Shareable, fun, and easy to love. You’ll walk out planning the next group dinner.
10. Joey B’s on the Hill
Big energy, big portions, and toasted ravioli that bring the party. The crust is extra crunchy, like it was made for dipping and lingering.
Inside, the filling leans classic and satisfying, with pepper and Parmesan peeking through.
Grab a patio table when the weather’s good and make it a spread. Wings, T-ravs, and a bucket of beers will keep everyone smiling.
It’s the kind of plate that disappears while you’re telling a story. Order more than you think you need.
11. Pietro’s
Pietro’s keeps it timeless, and that includes T-ravs with textbook crackle. The meat filling is balanced and comforting, the kind you crave on a cold night.
Marinara leans robust, clinging perfectly to the ridges.
Order a salad and let the meal stretch out like Sunday dinner. You’ll notice how the basket stays hot thanks to smart plating.
It’s simple, honest, and deeply satisfying. If you’re introducing someone to toasted ravioli, this is a perfect first taste.
12. Gian-Tony’s Ristorante
This spot whispers old-world charm, then shouts with flavor. The toasted ravioli are thoughtfully seasoned, with a delicate breading that still delivers snap.
Inside, the meat is tender and layered with herbs you can name.
Ask for a side of extra sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil if available. You’ll appreciate the quiet confidence of the kitchen here.
It’s a plate that invites a slower pace and a good conversation. You’ll leave content, already missing that last crunchy corner.
13. Farotto’s
Farotto’s delivers a crisp, airy breading that feels light while staying indulgent. The meat filling is savory with a gentle garlic warmth.
Dip liberally, because the marinara has a bright, lively finish that lifts each bite.
Order alongside thin-crust pizza and enjoy the contrast. Service is quick, the mood relaxed, and plates land hot.
It’s the kind of neighborhood reliability you dream about on busy nights. Count on leftovers disappearing from the fridge by morning.
14. Failoni’s Restaurant
Failoni’s feels like your friend’s big Italian family party, and the T-ravs show up ready. They’re crunchy, generously filled, and great with a squeeze of lemon if you like spark.
Marinara is classic and comforting, perfect for quick dips between laughs.
Come for live music nights and let the basket keep the table happy. The vibe is lively without losing warmth.
It’s the kind of place where servers remember your order. You’ll leave full, smiling, and plotting your next excuse to return.
