Chef-owner Peppe Profeta aims to please, and his restaurant delivers with crystal-encrusted mirrors, over-the-top crown molding, warm hospitality, and fresh flowers at every table. However, the food is the real reason we return time and again to this Kirkwood stalwart. The shrimp scampi entree is one of the best dishes in all of St. Louis: Fresh shrimp are coated in truffled breadcrumbs, seared on a hot grill and finished with a buttery, garlicky, lemony sauce. We always swap the default sides with an order of the stunning fettuccine alfredo. The pasta is cooked al dente, the sauce is luscious with cream and butter, and when the server asks if you want cheese, just say yes: That extra sprinkle (or heap) of Parmesan is the cherry on top. Peppe’s aims to please, but within certain boundaries. The menu rarely changes, and it’s not trendy in any way. They just do what they know how to do best – and that’s the way we like it.
800 S. Geyer Road, Kirkwood, 314.909.1375, peppesapt2.com
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.
This article appears in December 2024.