Giovanni's On The Hill: Good Enough For Oprah And Reagan

If you're looking for a swanky Italian spot in St. Louis, look no further than Giovanni's On The Hill on Shaw Avenue.

Chef Giovanni Gabriele has been preparing some of the finest Italian food in St. Louis for 38 years now, and attributes his success to "Dedication, honesty, enthusiasm, and loyalty to the customer," according to St. Louis Magazine. Gabriele even had the honor of prepping a dish for Oprah Winfrey, which he later named after her. The Pappardelle alla Bella Oprah is now one of the most popular on the menu, containing basil, Pecorino, Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts. That and the pasta with salmon and cream sauce dish served to President Reagan in 1981 are two of the most popular menu items.

Joe Bonwich of the St. Louis Post Dispatch believes that Giovanni's sets the standard for Italian dining through its atmosphere and service, and Zagat concurs. And if Oprah's calling back the day after her meal here to invite the chefs onto her show, then it's certainly a place to check out.