Navigating a kitchen renovation is tough, especially for a food lover. For weeks, home-cooked meals were off the table, replaced by a rotation of new restaurants, old favorites, and too many grab-and-go options. Then, the text came: “Guido’s Pizzeria & Tapas?” It wasn’t exactly home cooking, but the thought of Guido’s STL felt like a comforting embrace.
Guido’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a St. Louis institution. For anyone looking for that neighborhood joint vibe with seriously good food, Guido’s STL delivers every time.
A St. Louis Staple: More Than Just a Meal at Guido’s STL
It’s hard to pinpoint the first visit to Guido’s Pizzeria & Tapas. It likely happened soon after moving to St. Louis seven years ago, guided by a local’s recommendation. Someone who, perhaps surprised we chose to live here, wanted to ensure we experienced the city’s culinary scene. Since then, countless visits have marked birthdays, late work nights, and casual cravings when other kitchens had closed up shop. We even chose Guido’s STL as the spot for our wedding rehearsal dinner, introducing out-of-town guests to St. Louis-style pizza and Provel cheese – a truly local experience.
The initial reactions to St. Louis-style pizza are always entertaining:
Guest: “This pizza is… unique.”
Us: “It’s St. Louis style, with Provel.”
(Cue the standard Provel explanation.)
Guest: “Actually, I kind of like it!”
Us: “Just kidding… but seriously, welcome to St. Louis!”
Even admitting it feels like a culinary confession, there’s a genuine fondness for Guido’s STL St. Louis-style pizza. The crust, slightly thicker than the typical cracker-thin version, makes all the difference. It provides just enough chew to balance the often-maligned Provel, almost making you believe it’s real cheese.
Pizza Perfection: Exploring the Menu at Guido’s STL
While the St. Louis-style is an experience, opting for mozzarella at Guido’s STL is always a winning choice. On our recent visit, the pizza with mozzarella, Italian sausage, and fresh basil reaffirmed why Guido’s pizza is a local favorite. The combination is elemental in its perfection: tangy, salty mozzarella; subtly sweet sauce; fragrant, verdant basil; and the gently spicy sausage with that distinctive fennel note. The quality of ingredients shines through in every bite at Guido’s STL.
While Guido’s menu offers a range of Italian dishes, the pizza is consistently a draw. But beyond the pizza, the real reason for repeat visits to Guido’s STL lies in the tapas.
Tapas That Transport: Authentic Spanish Flavors at Guido’s STL
After experiencing countless restaurants claiming to serve “tapas,” returning to Guido’s STL felt essential – a return to the source. While Guido’s doesn’t market itself as a traditional Spanish tapas bar, owner and chef Miguel Carretero and his parents, Segundo and Genoveva, are from Madrid. Their tapas are as authentically Spanish as you’ll find in St. Louis. This family’s Madrid roots infuse Guido’s STL with genuine Spanish culinary heritage.
Ordering albóndigas or patatas bravas at Guido’s STL is practically mandatory – often both. The albóndigas, tender meatballs served in a delicate white-wine sauce with onion, garlic, and potato, disappear in moments. Each bite leaves a subtle hint of spice and sweetness, a reminder that tapas are meant to be fleeting, snacks that enhance a larger experience, not the main event.
Patatas bravas at Guido’s STL are deceptively simple: sautéed potatoes in a picante sauce. Yet, the appeal is undeniable. The potatoes maintain a golden-brown crispness, almost like they’ve been deep-fried, while the sauce offers just the right amount of pepperiness, perfectly priming your palate for wine or beer. This pairing, often overlooked in Americanized tapas, is central to the Guido’s STL experience.
And speaking of drinks, another reason to appreciate Guido’s STL is their wine list. You can enjoy a glass of quality Spanish or Italian wine for a surprisingly affordable price.
Beyond the Usual: Exploring More Tapas at Guido’s STL
For those looking to expand their palate at Guido’s STL, the calamares a la romana (fried calamari) is a solid choice. Lightly battered and crisply fried, it’s served with lemon and a spicy tomato sauce. However, for something different, try the calamares a la plancha. These large pieces of grilled squid, seasoned with chile, paprika, and lemon, are chewy, spicy, and boast a wonderful charred flavor that complements the squid’s natural taste.
Or, you can always return to beloved classics at Guido’s STL. Queso frito con salsa de escalona, fried goat cheese with a red wine and shallot sauce, is a must-try. Each generous wedge of breaded and fried goat cheese offers a rich, crispy exterior. While some might question breading goat cheese, it softens the cheese’s intensity, making it an excellent match for drinks. The allure of fried cheese, after all, is timeless and universally enjoyed.
The empanadas and croquetas caseras at Guido’s STL are also frequent orders. The croquetas, bite-sized and crumbly with chicken (or ham), offer a unique texture, somewhat like a less gooey mozzarella stick. Sometimes, a simple plate of Serrano ham, Spanish chorizo, and Manchego cheese from Guido’s STL is all you need. While you could prepare a similar platter at home, when home feels disrupted, Guido’s STL provides that comforting, familiar feeling – the next best thing to home itself.
In conclusion, whether you’re a St. Louis local or just visiting, Guido’s STL offers a welcoming atmosphere, delicious pizza and authentic tapas, and a taste of home, even when your own kitchen is out of commission. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a St. Louis experience.
