While summer offers a chance to recharge under the sun with a spritz in hand, packing your bags for Europe isn’t always feasible. Here are four patios across the city to channel the quintessential “Euro Summer” feel, from leisurely afternoons with a spritz to long evenings dining al fresco.
Oliva on the Hill
Located in the heart of the Hill, this cafe and bistro transports you elsewhere with its beautiful outdoor terrace. Typically open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, it serves Italian-focused sandwiches and salads. It also opens for Wine Down Wednesdays (5-10 p.m.), where guests can enjoy wine and small bites. As an added bonus, you can also shop The Hill Antique Market, which is connected, while you sip your wine, spritz or cocktail of choice.
4915 Daggett Ave., St. Louis, olivaonthehill.com
Edera Italian Eatery
Elevated but approachable Neapolitan pizza and signature pastas, served in this dreamy Italian-style courtyard in the Central West End, provide a hidden escape from the city. The open-air space is surrounded by walls of ivy and twinkling lights overhead. The menu rotates seasonally, highlighting fresh ingredients, but the Smoked Caesar Salad – with egg, breadcrumbs, pickled red onion, Parmesan and lemon – has remained a favorite for the years it has been on the menu. Paying their own ode to summer, the Summer Raw Bar is available Fridays and Saturdays, featuring freshly shucked East and West Coast oysters, as well as seasonal boozy slushies (Amaretto Sour and Aperol Spritz).
48 Maryland Plaza, St. Louis, ederastl.com
Bowood by Niche
The outdoor patio allows you to dine among the plants in this garden oasis tucked away in the Central West End. The menu satisfies a variety of palates, from classic breakfast entrees to more creative interpretations, such as crab cake Benedict, cacio e pepe eggs and a churro waffle. Breakfast and lunch are served daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a unique morning happy hour from 8 to 9 a.m. Monday through Thursday, featuring entrees priced from $6 to $9.
4605 Olive St, St. Louis, bowoodbyniche.com
Pizzeria da Gloria
This shaded patio on the Hill serves seasonal wood-fired pizzas and a wide selection of spritzes. In addition to the classic Italian favorites, such as the Aperol Spritz and the Limoncello Spritz, the beverage menu features seasonal spritzes and nonalcoholic options for those who prefer bubbly without the buzz. Aperitivo Hour is available Tuesday through Thursday from 5-6 p.m., with discounted spritzes and small plates. A lunch special is offered Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (dine-in only), featuring $7 spritzes, an appetizer and salad for $17, or a pizza and salad for $23. The team also plans to host a Spritz Social from 2 to 4 p.m. July 18 in collaboration with San Luigi Spirits to celebrate the launch of its new Cello Cello liqueur.
2024 Marconi Ave, St. Louis, pizzeriadagloria.com