Noto Italian Restaurant is a special place in St. Peters

Sauce 75: the essential St. Louis restaurants right now

This family-run operation has harnessed something special that compels repeat visits. The menu changes seasonally, but the Neapolitan pizzas are always there and always essential. You can’t go wrong with a dish featuring Noto’s burrata, whether that’s on a pizza, in a pasta or as an appetizer. Noto’s cocktail program is another strength – ask about the rotating off-menu specials, or order one of their signatures like the Atrani Fizz (made with Tuscan vodka, limoncello, basil simple and club soda). The addition of Bacaro, a Venetian-inspired aperitivo and cicchetti bar, on the same property only ups the ante with a succinct menu of snacks and spritzes.

5105 Westwood Drive, Suite B, St. Peters, 636.317.1143, notopizza.com

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The Sauce 75 is a photomosaic of the best in St. Louis dining. This list is a celebration of the diverse skills, techniques and culinary traditions that meet across our region. In sum, it tells a story about where St. Louis has been, where it is now and where it’s going next. Many great and good St. Louis restaurants have not made the cut. (Seventy-five is a lot fewer than you think!) Restaurants are constantly growing and evolving and go through ups and downs. Newly opened restaurants can take time to find their feet: There are a few exciting new places we’re cheering for, but which we feel haven’t yet fully hit their stride. Read the entire list here.