Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives spotlighted Anthonino’s Taverna on The Hill, launching its scratch-made, hand-stuffed toasted ravioli into the national culinary conversation. Melding their rich Italian and Greek heritage, owners Anthony and Rosario Scarato have paired television fame with flawless local execution, earning a string of “Best Toasted Ravioli” accolades and exceptional customer ratings, solidifying the restaurant’s status as a premier St. Louis dining destination.
ST. LOUIS, MO – June 27, 2026 (STL.News) When Guy Fieri rolled into St. Louis for Food Network’s hit series Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, his mission was clear: find the absolute best local comfort food the Gateway City had to offer. While St. Louis boasts an incredible culinary landscape, no trip to the historic neighborhood of The Hill is complete without diving into its signature creation: toasted ravioli.
Among the fierce competition on those storied streets, Fieri headed straight to Anthonino’s Taverna, shining a bright national spotlight on what locals had known since 2003—that brothers Anthony and Rosario Scarato have cracked the code on culinary excellence.
The Triple D Effect: A Masterclass in Scratch-Made Comfort
The Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives segment captured exactly why Anthonino’s stands out in a city filled with exceptional Italian eateries. The Scarato brothers proudly honor their dual heritage—blending rich, decadent Italian traditions with bright, robust Greek specialties—but it was their meticulous, scratch-made approach to the iconic toasted ravioli that blew Fieri away.
Rather than relying on mass-produced, pre-frozen options, the kitchen at Anthonino’s crafts every single pillow of pasta by hand. The clip highlights their relentless dedication to quality:
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The Plump Filling: A generous hand-stuffed blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and sharp pecorino romano cheese.
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The Crunch: Coated in fresh Italian breadcrumbs and fried to a flawless, golden crisp that avoids the greasy pitfalls of lesser imitations.
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The Showstopper Marinara: Fieri famously raved about the house-made dipping sauce, a vibrant marinara simmered from San Marzano tomatoes and heavy fresh basil that cuts through the rich, fried pasta perfectly.
The national exposure triggered a massive surge in demand, prompting the restaurant to expand its physical footprint in 2014 with a spacious back dining room while preserving the 1939 historic charm of its original front bar. Today, the kitchen rolls out thousands of these award-winning raviolis every week to keep up with locals and traveling foodies alike.
Unmatched Ratings and Critical Acclaim
The praise didn’t stop when the Food Network cameras packed up. Anthonino’s Taverna has consistently backed up its television fame with staggering ratings and local accolades that cement its place at the top of the St. Louis hierarchy.
| Platform / Publication | Rating / Award | Significance |
| Google Reviews | 4.6 / 5 Stars | Backed by thousands of verified dining experiences. |
| Facebook & TripAdvisor | 4.8 & 4.5 Stars | Celebrated consistently for both top-tier food and warm hospitality. |
| Riverfront Times (RFT) | Best Toasted Ravioli | Named the undisputed champion for 7 consecutive years. |
| Riverfront Times (RFT) | Best Italian Restaurant | Regarded as a premier powerhouse on The Hill. |
| TripAdvisor | Certificate of Excellence | Recognized globally as a must-visit destination for travelers. |
Reviewers across the board consistently champion the restaurant’s casual, old-world comfort, noting that whether you are stopping in for their next-level toasted ravioli, an oven-fired medium-crust pizza, or a monster Greek gyro platter, the execution is flawless.
A Legacy Built to Matter
What truly elevates Anthonino’s Taverna beyond a simple television feature is its steadfast commitment to consistency and community. By sourcing fresh ingredients from local farms and shipping their famous ravioli nationwide via Goldbelly, the Scarato brothers have turned a neighborhood gem into a national brand.
For anyone watching the iconic Food Network clip, the message is undeniable: Anthonino’s doesn’t just serve food; they serve an authentic, scratch-made slice of St. Louis tradition that lives up to every bit of the hype.
