With the opening of Casa Don Alfonso at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis in Clayton, Missouri, we’re inclined to say yes. The first U.S. outpost of the Iaccarino family’s venerable Don Alfonso 1890 – a two-star Michelin restaurant in Sant’Agata, Italy – aims to bring a taste of the Sorrento Coast to the Midwest, specializing in the culinary traditions found throughout the Campania region. And you’ll feel transported from the moment you step inside what is easily one of the most gorgeous restaurant spaces in town, featuring a massive open kitchen flanked by a copper ceiling and hand-painted tile backsplash made in Sorrento and a striking display of 600 hand-blown glass wisteria leaves suspended over the main dining room.

Easily one of the most gorgeous restaurant spaces in town, Casa Don Alfonso at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis features a massive open kitchen flanked by a copper ceiling and hand-painted tile backsplash made in Sorrento, Italy, and a striking display of 600 hand-blown glass wisteria leaves suspended over the main dining room. That same level of attention to detail is also evident in the restaurant’s breakfast buffet, where you can feast on avocado toast, omelets, pancakes, chicken-apple sausage, smoked salmon and chia pudding, among other brunch favorites. Available on Saturday from 6:30 to 10 a.m.

This unassuming Midwestern city may be best known as the home of the Gateway Arch, but Saint Louisans are equally proud of being the home of one of America’s most enduring Italian neighborhoods—The Hill. In fact, The Hill is arguably that last remaining “Little Italy” in the United States (according to this June 2020 documentary). But the proof is in the panna cotta and there can be no greater affirmation of St. Louis’ Italian bonafides than the much-awaited debut of Casa Don Alfonso—the first American outpost of the legendary two-star Michelin Don Alfonso 1890 in Sant’Agata, Italy.

This luxurious, romantic restaurant reflects the culture and beauty of southern Italy. Restaurateur Mario Iaccarino opened Casa Don Alfonso in St. Louis to mimic the recipes and flavors of the original Don Alfonso in Sant’ Agata, Italy. Mario Iaccario comes from a family with four generations in the restaurant industry; the original restaurant in southern Italy has received two Michelin Stars for its incredible cuisine.

Café Don Alfonso's story started on the Sorrento Coast in the late 19 th century. This fourth-generation family establishment crafts recipes echoing the character, hills, sea, and flavors of the Mediterranean. The family's flagship in Italy is translated into an elegant space tucked into the Ritz Carlton in St. Louis, still reflecting the seasonal ingredients and vibrant colors of the Sorrento Coast.

You don't have to leave St. Louis to be whisked to the Amalfi Coast. With its gleaming marble table tops, lemon trees, hand-painted tile walls and blown-glass wisteria leaf decor, Casa Don Alfonso(100 Carondelet Plaza, inside the Ritz Carlton, Clayton; 314-719-1496) evokes the sort of ease you'd feel sipping aperitivo on an outdoor terrace in Sant'Agata. And the authentic food will truly transport.

On The Menu: Along with traditional brunch fare including pancakes, waffles, an omelet station, bacon and sausage, Casa Don Alfonso’s elevated Sorrento-inspired buffet will feature caviar and a live cannoli station. Bottomless drink upgrades including mimosas, and the restaurant’s signature Bucatini Bloodies will be available for purchase. Mother’s Day dinner will be available from 6–10 p.m.

Casa Don Alfonso’s Sunday brunch spread is an embarrassment of riches, ranging from traditional breakfast items such as thick-sliced bacon and made-to-order omelets to Mediterranean-inflected specialties such as tramezzino. The highlight, however, is the stunning charcuterie spread, which allows guests to eat their weights in prosciutto di parma. It alone is worth the price of admission.

Nestled inside Clayton’s extravagant Ritz-Carlton is Casa Don Alfonso, a delightful Italian restaurant from the Iaccarino family, whose first restaurant, Don Alfonso 1890, has been awarded two Michelin stars. Between the gorgeous open kitchen and the elegant decor, this restaurant is a must-visit. (The delicious pizza and enticing wine list don’t hurt, either).

TIME’s feature on the city focused on “a reinvigorated downtown.” The writer pointed out the new Casa Don Alfonso restaurant from Michelin-star Italian restaurateur Mario Iaccarino, along with City Foundry STL, which just announced its grand opening date on Monday. A pair of “flashy hotel openings” and the city’s new soccer team also were noted.

Casa Don Alfonso, the new Italian restaurant inside Clayton’s The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, is the first restaurant for the Iaccarino family in the United States. Their original location, Don Alfonso 1890, is a two Michelin-starred restaurant on the Sorrentine peninsula in southern Italy’s Campania region.

Escape to the coast of Southern Italy with brunch at Casa Don Alfonso. À la carte breakfast in St. Louis is available Monday through Friday and the elaborate breakfast buffet is available only on the weekends.

100 Carondelet PlazaClayton, MO 63105(314) 719-1496 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Casa Don Alfonso is a well-known Italian dining establishment located in a 4-star hotel, The Ritz-Carlton.