There’s just something about I Fratellini that makes it special, beyond the delicious Italian menu. Maybe it’s the exposed brick wall or the halos of light emanating from each candlelit table at dinner. With a cozy ambiance, this hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant is the perfect place for date night or a fancy celebration dinner with friends.
Photo by Christy Luong
I Fratellini is the place to get away from the stress of midterms and endless deadlines, a formal restaurant that has a cosmopolitan vibe even though it’s just minutes from campus. Because it is a bit on the pricey side, it’s definitely the restaurant for a special night out or birthday dinner.
At the very least, I Fratellini is known for its service. The water glasses at my table were almost never empty. After you order, the waiter brings out fresh bread and butter, per any usual Italian restaurant, but not just any butter: a subtly nutty pistachio butter that is surprisingly delicious.
Photo by Christy Luong
While there are many tasty items on the menu, the must-try dishes are the off-menu specials: the Italian Sausage Lasagna and the Pistachio Encrusted Trout. Both choices are equally delicious and the portions are more than generous. Like many Italian restaurants, you can’t go wrong with the pasta here. Go for the Tagliatelle with Prosciutto or ask for the special.
Photo by Christy Luong
For the more budget-pressed, the lunch menu is about half the price of the dinner menu, while providing the same portions of similar dishes. My friends and I spent fewer than $20 per person when we went for lunch, and that was including dessert.
Photo by Christy Luong
Speaking of dessert, the dessert menu itself is enough to warrant a visit. In my opinion, there are two ways to go for dessert and both are equally satisfying: the classic Italian dessert, tiramisu, or for the more indulgent, the chocolate mousse torta. The tiramisu comes out on a plate elaborately decorated with chocolate ganache and the chocolate mousse torta, a slice of flourless chocolate cake, is so decadent and rich you’ll probably need help finishing it.
Photo by Christy Luong
Although I Fratellini is relatively unknown amongst WashU students, it’s a pretty popular spot for lunch and dinner for Clayton locals, so I suggest making a reservation ahead of time. The next time you’re craving Italian, instead of trekking all the way to the Hill, definitely give I Fratellini a try.
Address: 7624 Wydown Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63105
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11:30am – 9pm, Friday 11:30am – 10pm, Saturday 5pm – 10pm