When Tony Pietoso opened the original Cafe Napoli in the '80s, it quickly became a success. So Successful, in fact, that it moved to a bigger location at 7754 Forsyth Blvd. The restaurant continued to flourish with its generous portions of regional Italian specialties. Cafe Napoli has recently undergone a facelift and has added Bar Napoli next door. The swank cocktail lounge has soft lighting and a separate wine room that can accommodate 30 diners. The kitchen is headed by chef Jeff Davis, who has been with the restaurant for several years. Fortunato Pietoso, Tony's brother, has also returned to the kitchen. Tony makes rounds chatting with customers, many of whom appear to be on a first-name basis with him. The sons Ande and Kye split their time between the Bar and Cafe, as they are being groomed to take over the family business. Cafe Napoli is a must visit when in the St. Louis area. Some guests include Tony Bennett, Gloria Estefen, Joe Torre and Arnold Palmer to name a few.
"My wife an I love a "date like" evening now and then, and Café Napoli really filled the bill. Had an 8:30 reservation, arrived at 8:15 and we were seated immediately at a great patio table. The energy on the patio was really fun, the wine was perfect and our server let us linger. My wife's pasta was wonderful with enough to have some for lunch the next day. My steak was very good and the prices were much like most neighborhood places with much less going for them. Café Napoli is a real GEM. Don't miss it, especially while the patio is hopping."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, late-night find, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Overall, I was satisfied with my dinner with friends at Cafe Napoli, but one thing that turns me off is warm salads. I look forward to a chilled, crisp salad, but the only cold was the fork. When I complained to the waiter, he acknowledged that the salads were warm , but immediately blamed this on a crowd do to graduations. I find this to be a poor excuse. The salad was terrible,even though he recommended it strongly. When one pays a lot of bucks for a salad, you would expect that the restaurant would take care to serve it chilled."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Experienced, well trained waiters did NOT once refer to us as "you guys". Also, the wait staff did not interrupt our conversation to take orders or clear dishes. My only complaint is that I would have preferred to have a actual dessert menu instead of the waiter just reciting desserts aurally."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The service is always great at Cafe Napoli, even when there is a busy lunch crowd. We loved the cannoloni special that we had."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We often visit Cafe Napoli as I had a business trip to STL for a week where my wife attended. We went on Monday night and had a wonderful meal and experience and went again on Tuesday evening. We normally try new locations when traveling,however, in our opinion this restaurant is fantastic. You are welcomed and treated very well. The food is excellent and the Waiter ( in our case ) Andrew helped with side selections and pairings. We started out as an appetizer the Risotto special and it was to die for. All i can say if you go to STL and want a fantastic dining experience then you must go to Cafe Napoli .........."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Took my wife and son as we were visiting from out of town. We have been to Cafe Napoli a few times and everytime we come to STL we must go to Cafe Napoli. The food and service are excellent as I would say it is one of the better Italian restaurants in the country. Warm excellent service combined with great food will make your evening a smashing success."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We enjoyed a wonderful anniversary dinner at Cafe Napoli. The sea bass was outstanding and with so many wonderful sounding menu options it was hard to pick! Our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable, our only complaint being that when we ordered our second drinks they were a little slow to get to us. We will definitely be back!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Wonderful evening..Food very good..if you stay away from specials..can even be reasonable. I have been here many times and things have improved since my last visit..will make another trip to Cafe Napoli."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had a table by the window with view of the lighted patio. The veal was the best I've ever tasted and the wine by the glass was excellent. A wonderful experience. We will definitely go back."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My husband and I adore the staff here. The filet mignon is superb. The snapper with tomato based sauce melts in your mouth and the wine selection will satisfy anyone. Great Job!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"As is ususal at Cafe Napoli, the food was outstanding. The Bruschette Pomodore is the best in the world(at least my world), the salad and main courses fantastic. And a superb bottle of wine. Plus great service. A+."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Recently moved to St. Louis and have been very busy trying new places. Cafe Napoli was without question the best food and service I have experienced!"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I had the Sea Bass Special which was beyond great....I am still dreaming about it days later! My husband had the linguini with mussels, shrimp, clams, and scallops in a red sauce (cant remember the name but it is a regular item on the menu). His entree was top notch as well. The service was exceptional: very professional, polite and knowledgeable. Definitely a place we will visit again (and again...) and would recommend to family and friends as a must place to try."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I hadn't been to Cafe Napoli in many years. It was just as good as or better than I recalled. Salad portions were generous. I had a Valentine's Day special, lobster tail & scallops; my husband had the veal chop. Both were good. Valet parking was excellent. This is a popular place and reservations must be made in advance."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Overall a wonderful dinner and experience. Two comments: 1. We were seated in the "fishbowl" which was fine except that more often than not when looking into the main dining room all we saw was the backs of some of the waitstafff who were leaning up against the wall. 2. It is my belief that no plates should be removed until everyone at the table has finished eating.Jerome was an excellent waiter."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This was my first time eating at Bar Napoli, as I recently returned from NYC. I have to say that I LOVED it. I believe this rivals any restaurant that I frequented in NYC! I definitely plan on dining at Bar Napoli real soon."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.