Saint Louis Restaurant Guide

Celebrity chef Mario Batali, of The Food Network, describes The Hill as one of the top "Little Italy" neighborhoods in the country. One of the staples of The Hill is Mama Campisi's (once known as Oldani's), perhaps the most famous and historic restaurant in Saint Louis. Home of the toasted ravioli, Mama's has become a landmark of The Hill and its Italian neighborhoods. In the early 1940s, a chef by the name of Fritz accidently dropped an order of ravioli into hot oil instead of hot water. Quickly realizing his mistake, the raviolis were removed but not discarded. Mickey Garagiola, older brother of Major League Baseball Hall-of-Famer Joe Garagiola, was actually at the bar during the mishap and was the first to taste the accidental treat. With some seasoning, everyone agreed that toasted ravioli was a hit and there to stay. Word quickly spread and soon other restaurants in the area started making their own versions. Toasted ravioli exploded in popularity and was soon served nationwide, although its home is on The Hill. Andrea Ervin, new owner of the restaurant, is determined to continue the tradition of wonderful food and service that Mama Campisi's has provided for so long.