I love supporting local small businesses. And I don’t write poor reviews unless the experience is very bad. I simply cannot get past this.This was my go to place for Italian - a hidden gem. I raved about it any time someone asked for dinner recommendations. Last night, that all changed.We had friends in town this week from Texas. They are foodies like us. I made reservations, knowing seating was limited. I raved about this place to the friends all week saying this was going to be their must visit spot whenever they came to town. We arrived, were seated, and were perusing the menu when the greeter stepped up to our table a few minutes later to inform us that our party had to eat at the bar, outside in the 90 degree heat, or leave because they promised our table to someone else.In all my years of dining, fine or otherwise, I have never had this happen. To say that I was embarrassed was an understatement. Our guests were aghast.We wound up having an enjoyable meal at Napoli up the street.As much as I have enjoyed the food at Peno, I cannot go back. Buyer beware.
Delicious food and great service! The Fishermen Stew was so tasty and loaded with all kinds of seafood including shrimp clams mussels! The octopus crostini were amazing!! My aperol spritz was just right and a taste of three magnificent desserts….zabaglione, tiramisu and Italian cream cake! Can’t wait to come back! Thanks for a lovely experience!
Great food. One of the best Italian-Sicilian restaurants in St. Louis. My dinner really tasted like something I would have ordered in Sicily. Fish stew
Fabulous!! The owner/chef Pepe was so nice and personable. He found out it was my son's birthday and a vegetarian and he sent out several appetizers for us to try since this was our first time there. We will definitely be back!!! Amazing cuisine!
Hands down best Italian food I've ever eaten in the States. Chef Pepe Kehm really brings his families Calabrian roots right to your mouth with every bite you take. Whether it's the pizza or the handmade pastas or the beautiful desserts, you can't go wrong! Perfect place for a date or group!
Amazing food and even better service. Everyone is so friendly and accommodating.
Pepe is a great guy and great restauranteur! Always a treat to have a bite to eat at Penos Soul Food. Great remodel too! Pizza, wine, salad, and service - it's ALL GOOD. Thanks Pepe...
The food here is excellent! I have absolutely no complaints there. Flavorful meals and good sized portions that leave you feeling very gratified. Additionally, everyone is warm and welcoming.They are currently understaffed like everyone so you will need to be patient. BUT dishes arrived hot and executed well. So it's more a matter of being okay with a European length meal than anything else.This was our first time at Peno so we didn't know that ALL the seating was outside. I guess the first issue with this in the winter is that the atmosphere sucks. It's a tent, with tables in it. In the summer with the walls down and tropical plants about I'm sure it's nice but in the winter, nope. They have heaters but by the time our 3.5hr meal was over the dinning area was only 60f. Eating with your parka on wasn't really what we had in mind.The menu didn't have any pricing on it (save for the wine). I just found this odd. Perhaps it's one of those "if you have to ask you shouldn't come" situations? We actually found the pricing pretty reasonable...$230 before tip - 2 bottles of decent wine, 4 appetizers, 4 entrees, and a tart. And again, the portions are generous so there is good value here.Lastly, one member of our party chose to go for something other than the bottles we ordered. The wine by the glass was served in a water tumbler, slightly unconventional.So I'm conflicted about Peno. I'd say we're likely to go again in the spring when eating outside doesn't come with a penalty.
Outstanding from start to finish! Pepe & all the staff are Fantastic!!! We love PENO❤️
Great experience! Top notch service and excellent cuisine.