Each year, Saint Louis University offers students a unique
spring break experience–a 12-day trip to Italy. However, for those
individuals unable to afford the opportunity, a local authentic
Italian neighborhood awaits you.
Branded “the Hill” by St. Louisans, the easiest way to arrive at
this Italian enclave is by taking I-40 West to the Kingshighway
Boulevard exit and heading South until reaching Shaw Road.
As you turn down Shaw and cruise past Marconi, green and red
flags, along with fire hydrants painted the same colors adorn the
Italian village.
Rich in history, the Hill dates back to the late 19th century,
and continues to remain a home for a community of Italian
immigrants in the St. Louis area.
One need not drive too far on Shaw before arriving at J. Viviano
and Sons grocery store (5139 Shaw, 771-5476). Among the items
available include freshly made sausages, breads, pastas and sauces.
The authentic Italian market also boasts an impressive selection of
fine Italian wines.
Wilson, 773-4810) is a crowd-pleaser, providing fresh-baked breads
and sandwiches. It’s not a bad idea to leave some room for desert,
as an Italian favorite, gelato, is homemade next door.
For those sandwich fans not satisfied by Amighetti’s,
Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders (4620 Hampton, 832-9700) offers 28
varieties of grinders (hot sandwiches baked on homemade Italian
bread), hand-tossed pizzas and fresh salads.
When on the Hill, do as the Italians do and leave the Atkins
diet at home! Cunetto House of Pasta (5453 Magnolia, 781-1135) is a
favorite place for traditional Italian cuisine at reasonable
prices. The popularity is obvious once an individual realizes that
almost every customer is a “regular.”
Favazza’s and Rose of the Hill (5201 Southwest at Marconi,
772-4454) offers huge portions of your favorite pasta and Italian
specialty dishes.
If gourmet cuisine is what you’re looking for, head over to
Gian-Tony’s on the Hill (5356 Draggett, 772-4893) where owner/chef,
Tony, prepares your meal.
Featured on The Food Network, Gian-Tony’s offers veal, beef,
pastas, chick, seafood and specials at a price that won’t break a
college student’s bank.
A favorite among SLU students, Rigazzi’s (4945 Draggett,
772-4900) is the “Home of the Frozen Fishbowl,” i.e. a large amount
of beer served in a bowl at an affordable price. Established in
1957, this casual Italian dining hot-spot offers more than 200
items.
Zia’s on The Hill (5256 Wilson, 776-0020) has received both
local and national recognition. The moderate prices are a welcome
relief for SLU students.
Rather than board an airplane and travel for nine hours to
arrive in the heart of Italy, get in your car, leave your bags at
home and head for the Hill.
-Elle Hogan
