• St. Louis is home to a number of upscale Italian restaurants.pasta image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
  
  St. Louis is located in eastern Missouri, right on the state's border with Illinois. St. Louis is home to the St. Louis Art Museum, Forest Park, St. Louis Zoo, City Museum, the Muny and a number of other attractions that draw visitors from around the nation. When visiting the "Gateway to the West," there are a variety of top-notch restaurants that are worth exploring that boast the best authentic Italian cuisine that the city has to offer.
  
  

Bar Italia

• Bar Italia is a casual group- and family-friendly restaurant that offers indoor and outdoor seating with waiter service and takeout. This restaurant offers dinner and access to a full bar throughout the week. Popular menu options include balsamic chicken, seafood stew, bruschetta, sirloin steak, risotto, chocolate mousse and tiramisu. Outdoor dining is offered beneath a heated awning. The restaurant's interior offers mood lighting and an authentic Italian atmosphere with rich colors and simple décor.
  
  Bar Italia
  13 Maryland Plaza
  St. Louis, MO 63108
  314-361-7010
  baritaliastl.com
  
  

Charlie Gitto's

• Charlie Gitto's is an upscale Italian food restaurant that features group-friendly dining and takeout service throughout the week. In addition to a dinner menu, Charlie Gittos also features a full bar. The atmosphere is sophisticated and modern with dark woods and rich colors. Popular menu options include toasted ravioli, gelato, eggplant Contadina, crostinis, tenderloin with cream sauce and fresh antipasto salads. The signature dish at Charlie Gitto's is the toasted ravioli. The gelato offered for dessert is made in-house, and many of the menu ingredients are sourced locally.
  
  Charlie Gitto's
  5226 Shaw Ave.
  St. Louis, MO 63110
  (314) 772-8898
  charliegittos.com
  
  

Dominic's on the Hill

• Dominic's on the Hill is a sophisticated, dressy-attire, authentic Italian food restaurant. They couple a fine-dining atmosphere with authentic Italian food featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu boasts Caprese salad, osso bucco, risotto, chicken piccatta, fried ravioli, veal saltimbocca, house-made tiramisu and "Jackie's Dessert." Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday, though not required. Dominic's is closed on Sundays.
  
  Dominic's on the Hill
  5101 Wilson Ave.
  St. Louis, MO 63110
  314-771-1632
  dominicsrestaurant.com