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    Vicini Pastaria

    4.8 (56 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Vicini Pastaria Photos

    VICINI PASTARIA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Vicini Pastaria

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    Jacklyn L.

    The vibes of this place are immaculate. It's part restaurant, winery, baked goods, and your Italian grandma's house all in one. The hours are tight but the focaccia will make up for it (so good OMG). We had the classic sandwich and pasta. The sandwich has really fresh ingredients and the pasta was cooked perfectly. The menu changes every week, but the sandwiches stay the same. Food came out very fast and the owner was very kind in answering our questions. Would recommend this place to anyone wanting amazing Italian food.

    Mortadella sandwich

    The European feel to the cafe is charming. The meats from Prosciutto to mortadella melt I. Your mouth. The homemade focaccia is amazing. I want to go back and try pastas and dessert.

    Pici cacio e pepi with homemade pasta. So good!
    Keith J.

    I was amazed, how excellent and authentic the homemade pasta is at Vicini Pastaria. I went there solo on a Friday at noon for lunch and have been wanting to try the Pici Cacio e Pepe pasta plate especially since that's a food staple in Rome and wow! It was so flavorful and on point. Also, as an appetizer I ordered the focaccia bread and a small sample of the olives that was an awesome lunch maybe the best pasta I've had in St. Louis which is really saying something. I can't wait to return with family and friends. I loved the interior of the restaurant and they also have an outdoor patio off to the side of the block of businesses there. It was very friendly and is in a beautiful old building in Lafayette Square.

    Spaghetti w San marzano tomato sauce
    Michael C.

    A lovely little place that has fabulous Italian food. Had the homemade spaghetti w San Marzano tomatoes and the bread, oh the bread was so damn good w pesto and olive oil dipping sauce.

    Cacio e Pepe
    Chrissy E.

    I had the pleasure of trying out Vicini Pastaria and rest assured, it lived up to the hype! Located in Lafayette square, this quaint restaurant/shop offers more than meets the eye. It's packed with art and miscellaneous things you can purchase while also giving you the chance to see how your food is made. When I walked in, I had no idea it would be so small, but was also surprised that it was a shop and restaurant combined. I was handed a menu and given the choice to sit wherever. With limited seating inside, I managed to snag a two-top near the wall. As for the concept, you order at the front and then they'll bring it to you. After a brief glance of the menu, I decided on the apricot Bellini, bread service, and cacio e Pepe. They gave me a water decanter and a glass to take with me back to my table. This is now the second restaurant I've been to that's done that? Has this become the new norm? Regardless, I get it. Within minutes I was given my Bellini and Bread service. The Bellini was better than I expected (namely because I can't recall ever eating anything with apricot) but it was sweet to the taste. The bread service was out of this world. The foccacia was fresh, light and fluffy and the olive oil and pesto were nice accompaniments. After shamefully eating all my bread, I managed to save some room for my main course. The Cacio e Pepe was good but was a wee bit salty for my liking. Additionally, while I've only had the dish a handful of times, this is the first I've had that's been so thick and creamy, almost as if the noodles were swimming in the cheese sauce towards the bottom. If they cut back on that just a little, the dish would be perfect. Overall, I really enjoyed my visit. Everyone working was very courteous and I liked being able to get in and out with no frills. I'll definitely be back and can't wait to try more dishes!

    Stained Glass Ceiling and Chandelier
    Brian K.

    Beef Carpaccio - Excellent, Rich, Delicious Heirloom Tomato Caprese - Fresh, Indulgent, Crisp Cacio E Pepe - Seasoned Well, Slightly Aldente - Sumptuous Intimate yet bright. Feels like mom's kitchen if it was in Amalfi. Completely Charming.

    Amy F.

    This place is quaint! It's a tiny little space on Park Ave that serves up some delicious pasta and offers fresh pasta and cheese for sale. The concept is fast casual - walk up to the counter to place your order and they bring it to your table. The dining room is small, but we were lucky to get a table. The pastas are fresh & simple, with high quality ingredients. I resisted the urge to buy some fresh pasta to take home, so I'll have to go back soon!

    Woodmen's pasta
    Katherine B.

    I've been on a best of St Louis pasta kick lately, so I'm super excited to try Vicini. Atmosphere is absolutely lovely, kinda quaint, a few tables and a lovely selection of drinks and complementary wine pairings. The woodsman's pasta was delicious, however , the flavors seemed muted to me. Granted, I do prefer spicier cuisine in general, but I've developed a recent appreciation for Italian flavors. I didn't get a big impression of spices or classic Italian flavors (parsley, basil, etc). Most of the flavor of the pasta was the various meats and mushrooms. They were advertising a happy hour on selected days each month. Super friendly at the counter. I sat outside in the park nearby and enjoyed my fresh pasta and house made focaccia. I'll try a different pasta next time.

    Brittany P.

    This pasta tastes like being in Rome! Tiny place without a ton of seating, tables are first come first serve and they do have a few large tables people seem to share. They have a menu that changes often available at the counter. They also sell lots of grocery items as well as some vintage goods. If they are packed you can always get it "to go" and eat at the park nearby (Lafayette Square!). They also offer classes, I will definitely be attending one!

    Rigatoni
    Justin G.

    In-restaurant experience was incredible. Felt super cozy and authentic inside, like you're having a meal inside someone's home. Space is limited, communal seating mostly throughout. Best way to describe the food was that it was exactly just right. Not doing too much, not doing too little. Everything tasted fresh, very light, and cooked with intention. Favorite dishes: Bread service is a must (Be sure to add the truffle honey butter), Pasta al pesto w/ asparagus, Prosciutto, Wedding Cookies

    5 on food 100%, service as well. My only beef is they don't serve the lunch menu after 3 - they close at 6. We got off a 11 hour road trip and stopped. Owner is sweet, food is delicious- focaccia sublime... If you are in the area, you are missing something really, really special by not stopping in!!!

    Jenna H.

    I went there with four of my besties for our birthdaysliterally we all said this might be the BEST pasta we ever ate. I had the pepe, I tried my friends tortellini in the brodo.. best communal service ever, cutest shop with food-exotic & fresh to go and angel items for sale.. Italian wedding cookies omg!! Delicious with amazing personal chef/family experience.. hidden gem

    Arancini
    Jonnathan J.

    This little cafe/store with communal seating (first come first serve), cozy ambiance, delicious food and plenty on shopping opportunities was the perfect place for lunch on a Sunday during a Lafayette Square neighborhood event. The pasta was cooked perfectly, the olives and the arancini were really good. The sandwich super filling and tasty. The service was great, even during a very busy day. Totally recommend to check out this place.

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    7 months ago

    Great experience all around. Good food and a nice place to shop for little gifts. Not overpriced.

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    1 year ago

    Amazing pasta! True Italian experience. The bread was a great start to a fabulous dinner

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    Great atmosphere and amazing food. I really enjoyed the Classico panini with the asparagus basil leek soup. Yum!

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    Ask the Community - Vicini Pastaria

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    Vicini Pastaria - pastashops - Updated July 2026

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