Peno Soul Food

Wasn't impressed and over priced. The only thing I liked was the gin cocktail that I ordered.  I had the pepe pizza to start and it was just okay. Flavor wasn't really there.  For entree, I had chickpea lagane which was very bland and noodles were overcooked not to mention it was $30.  This is stepp for having no meat. I definitely would not dine here again.  I would much rather dine at Casa Don for the price. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Leno seems to get better every time I goThe originality of the menu and quality of the food is only outshined by the taste and smell of the dishes.  Best. Octopus. Ever.All past hand made . And the recipes....A gem in St. Louis . More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Delicious! The octopus starter was mind boggling, cheesy bread scrimp, pastas amazing. The owner came out to greet us and to explain the menu. His passion for food really came through. We will be back! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I've had hundreds of pizzas from all over the world (including Italy) but can say without an iota of doubt that I just had the absolute best pizza I've ever had in my 46 on earth. It's called Pizza Pepe from Peno. I wish I've taken a picture to share but trust me, if you try this pizza I know you'll agree. Unbelievable delicious. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

This place was a grand slam- dunk of a find. Not the typical Italian-American eatery that is common in St. Louis. This is SOUTHERN-Italian , think Calabria-Sicily. Until Penos, Sicilian/ Calabria foods and wines were simply ignored., locally.The staff is upbeat and love working there. Refreshing difference and welcomed. Foods reflect a freshness and respect that is in decline elsewhere. Run...don't walk to this shrine of SOUTHERN Italian Cuisine. So unique. 5 star quality? NO, 6 Stars, for sure. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Exceptional service with pretty good food is how I would describe my dinner here. Their crispy smelt appetizer was delicious! Their octopus was melt in mouth tender but would've expected it to be charred for its final cook for better texture - instead it was mush. All the pastas were fresh, tasty and well made but nothing was truly memorable. For dessert, their tiramisu was a standout. There is no pricing on their QR linked menu or on their blackboard - i felt awkward for looking up their online order menu on my phone. Just trying to be a responsible adult. So here's their general pricing based on what our group ordered - apps are $12-18, pizzas are $16+, pastas are $26-30, entrees are $30-40ish, desserts are $10. It's not cheap but it's not unreasonable if you know in advance. To finish what I started, our server was exceptional. He was so quietly observant and knew exactly what to bring over or advise us before we even open our lips. Talk about amazing customer service that was so subtly seamless.Overall I'm indifferent but I'm giving it a generous 4 stars due to great staff/service. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

The food and experience were just amazing. Our first time there and our server could see we were interested in many of the items that were passing by so she told us the story of the Farm to Table Restaurant and then offered to just bring us Food until we were full. We loved that and it worked perfect for us to share fabulous items! It is a must try and a place that I will definitely go to again!! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Great food. Wonderful host

Reviewed on Facebook

We've eaten here at least a half dozen times and ordered a lot of take out throughout Covid.  Normally, we love it, but last time wasn't on point.  They were out of five things we tried into order (including cocktails where they completely ran out of rum and alcohol).  The service wasn't the same as the past.  The food we didn't get was still pretty good.  I'm hoping it was just a one time thing because we've always loved this spot. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

The food, service and atmosphere were amazing! Something for everyone. 💖

Reviewed on Facebook

I honestly don't know how to articulate how much I loved Peno! The intimacy of the smaller restaurant and the family-owned atmosphere made me feel like I was in southern Italy. This is the perfect date night spot with shareable plates made from scratch and friendly & knowledgeable staff. The menu changes by the seasons, giving me many reasons to return! Because Peno is focused on creating a personalized experience, they have limited seating making reservations very helpful! What we ordered: Giuseppe pizza Sicilian EggplantMushroom Tagliatelle Tucci Salad Tiramisu More...

Reviewed on Yelp

We tried Peno tonight! I had the mushroom tagliatelle it was delightful. Bread service was good. We got the cheesy garlic bread and it was a lot could have skipped it. They bring bottled spring water nice touch. Husband had the seafood stew it was really good, great broth he said he expected more octopus but it's apparently one of their popular starters. He seemed to have plenty of other seafood, shrimp, halibut and mussels. It's one mound of risotto and the rest is stew on a big plate. It was tasty will definitely return. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

The food was outstanding. We had the beet salad to share for starters. I had the trout  that was the featured fish  that evening. My friend had the seafood stew. The owner brought us out another special salad complimentary. For dessert we had the chocolate cake. When I tell you this place is a awesome. I wish I had pictures to share & show how beautiful the presentation was. They also have a great patio but this particular evening was  a little to hot for us to sit out and enjoy . I HIGHLY RECOMMEND PENO!Cheers More...

Reviewed on Yelp

The best, true Italian food I have ever tasted.

Reviewed on Facebook

The food and overall care for service and craft consistently go above and beyond.

Reviewed on Facebook

Ok, I have to thank the amazing Peno staff for the last minute accommodation of a friend’s birthday. These folks moved mountains to ensure her special day was . .. extremely special! Pepe, the owner, sent out some off menu items to give our large party some nosh to snack on while cocktails were prepped and they started on entrees. Literally everyone in our party agreed — from the calamari appetizer to the beet salad to the homemade pastas and pizzas to the incredible tiramisu — this has to be some of the BEST food any of us have had. For sure, tops of the St. Louis region! And — it’s not some stuffy, self-important spot. It’s comfortable, it has soul. The perfect spot for a date, for the best seafood salad you’ve ever tried, for a special occasion or for a carb coma!! Take your out of town guests here, they’ll thank you! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

One of the best things going. The food is ahmazing! It’s truly a gem tucked inside an amazing community!

Reviewed on Facebook

Peno is one of my favorite restaurants in STL!The service is excellent!! They go above and beyond to make you feel completely welcome and answered my millions of questions about what to order. . they also gave great recommendations (I am indecisive and always ask the expert)!Their food is incredible! You can taste the freshness and that each dish is carefully prepared and crafted with love! My favorite menu staples:- Octopus - this is amazing! Perfect balance of flavors and textures! - Giant Meatballs - whether you order this as an app or get the spaghetti & meatballs, these balls are not to be missed- Gnocchi - do yourself a favor and order this.. they're so good! Between the pillowy soft gnocchi to the house tomato basil sauce, this is a MUST!- Pizza - any of them! I love all the flavors of the Guiseppe but they're all to die for!Peno is great. Stop reading reviews and just go already. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Peno is doing St. Louis outdoor dining right. Who WOULDN'T want to come. Plus, the great food and service is a bonus. A great dining experience- You will not be disappointed.

Reviewed on Yelp

Really great southern Italian food.  Small place, but the outdoor dining area makes up for lack of indoor seating.  The staff is excellent, taking time to go through the menu and specials.  A very 'homey' atmosphere that makes you feel like you dining with friends or neighbors.  Red sauce pastas are all different, and the homemade bread is great. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Food: 5 StarsService: 5 StarsY'all.  I found a little piece of Italy on one of my favorite strips in Clayton. I had the pleasure of meeting the beautiful people who own the establishment and had such a fun evening interacting with our server. We shared some hearty chuckles. :]The food here is phenomenal. Flavors are fresh and just explode in your mouth. Pictured here is the kingklip livornese with a white ditale. This thing was super light, flakey, and melted in my mouth like butter. It doesn't get any better than that, folks. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Excellent food, service and atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Reviewed on Facebook

REALLY good Italian restaurant. The name is a little confusing , Peno Soul Food , it lead me to think that it was an Italian / American Southern restaurant. Anyways, the food was excellent, honestly it was the second best "authentic " Italian restaurant I've been to Stateside since moving back from Italy after living there for 7 years. My one complaint is that we ordered the arugula pizza and they put the arugula on before the pizza was cooked, a no go on Italy. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Dined in for early Valentine’s Day celebrations. Everything thing we ordered was truly incredible. The smoked and fried mozzarella is a MUST! Ordered gnocchi pasta and lamb shank for entrees and both were great! Service was just as great. Our waitress was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Amazing experience all around, we will be back!! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

My beloved and I drove in from Ohio and asked a good friend where to have dinner. Without hesitation it was Peno, Pepe and his staff have hospitality running through their veins, and for the food. ...ON POINT! We actually wanted to try EVERYTHING on the menu. There’s a lot of Passion in this establishment and that’s the type of restaurant we love to support! See you soon my new friends! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

5 stars!! We took home lasagna, salad and fresh bread and it was absolutely fantastic. Lasagna is as good or better than any I have had and I lived in Italy for 2 years. Thank you Chef for an incredible meal looking forward to the next one already!! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Peno is my favorite restaurant in the entire city and everybody on staff will go absolutely out of their way to make you feel special. My favorite dish is the oxtail stew and my boyfriend loves their Seafood dishes. make homemade bread that is divine. this is the only restaurant where I have no hesitation to order an accompanying wine. I always feel good supporting the business! I've celebrated my birthday here and I'm excited to try their New Year's Eve pre-fixe dinner tonight. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Had the seafood stew, Giuseppe pizza and the tagliatelle.  All three were fantastic.  Honestly, there is more depth of flavor and soul in this food than any other Italian restaurant I've been to in Stl.  Reminded me of meals in Florence.  It was even that good as carry out on a cold New Years Eve. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I've lived in the area for years and walked by on Sunday and decided to stop in (with a dog). They were so welcoming and their COVID-restrictions  tent was adorable decorated. Fabulous drinks, highly recommend the chocolate/orange dessert martini. I wish there were prices on the menu as we spent a little more than anticipated on this Sunday stroll, but no regrets as it was a lovely place. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Ordered the Ragu, gnocchi, and chicken for pick up. Was thoroughly pleased with each dish, even the bread that came with! It was my first time eating Peno and I can't wait to return for an in restaurant experience post covid ! For those comfortable dining out right now, Peno has several spaced out areas, including a heated tent in their drive way. It's clear that they are going above and beyond when it comes to health measures as well. I got a little lost trying to find the pick up rack for my order, but staff was friendly and accommodating in assisting me. Thanks for the great meal peno! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

This place is AMAZING. Every last bite of food we ate was divine. It is a small spot so definitely have a reservation or take it to go! I can't recommend the octopus enough, it was so tender and the sauce it came in was so delicious that we asked for an extra serving to go. Our waiter was from Italy and he was so kind and helpful. Everything was definitely worth the price and I will absolutely be returning. More...

Reviewed on Yelp