The Oldest Restaurant In Missouri's The Hill Is A Culinary Masterpiece
By Beth Price-Williams|Published August 12, 2022
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Missourians know there’s one place to go, when in St. Louis, for a delicious, authentic Italian meal – The Hill. The historic neighborhood, founded by Italian immigrants, promises some of the best Italian cuisine in the entire state. If it’s your first visit to the charming area, reserve a table at the oldest restaurant on the Hill.
A Hill favorite since 1957, Rigazzi’s is perhaps best known for a few things – in addition to being the neighborhood’s oldest Italian restaurant – and that’s its toasted ravioli and the frozen fish bowl.
Toasted ravioli needs no explanation, but the award-winning dish is worth ordering. If you’ve never had a frozen fish bowl, you’re in for a delightful treat.
Unlike some restaurants, Rigazzi’s balked at the idea of a signature drink, instead offering a “signature drink glass.” Fill the 32-ounce “goblet” with whatever drink you choose.
Rigazzi’s serves lunch and dinner on select days. For a real taste of Italy, order one of the classic Italian entrees – the baked ravioli or the beef tortellini.
Each entrée comes with a dinner salad and garlic toast. A quick glance at the many offerings – ziti pasta Pomodoro, baked lasagna, and manicotti – is sure to get your mouth watering.
Don’t worry if you’re not really craving Italian. Rigazzi’s also serves an assortment of other favorites. You can’t go wrong with the fried chicken dinner, a classic burger, or a pizza pie.
The kiddos, age 10 and younger, have their very own menu, too. A slew of kid-favorites – hot dogs, burgers, and grilled cheese – are among the more than dozen choices.
Whatever you do, save some room for a dessert, or order it to go. Treat your taste buds to such sweet treats as homemade cannoli, tiramisu, or chocolate cheesecake.
Have you been to the oldest restaurant on the Hill? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Next time you’re up for a scenic drive, check out one of these six scenic backroads in Missouri.
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