Photo by Cristina M. Fletes (Post-Dispatch)
Anthonino's Taverna
Anthonino’s Taverna is a big restaurant: big menu, big flavors and, since expanding its dining room to more than double its original capacity, just plain big. In fact, when I dined here in my research for last year’s STL 100, it felt too big, with food and service not quite clicking. Now, I can happily report, everything is running smoothly again. First-time visitors might struggle to choose between the Italian and Greek options. I generally lean toward the Greek fare, the gyro especially, but the pizzas are strong, and the Greek and Gyro pizzas let you enjoy both sides of Anthonino’s together. And there’s always the Big Rosario, a fat cheeseburger with pancetta.
Hours: Lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday
Last year's ranking: new
Opened: 2003
Must order: Gyro ($8)