Mama's New Favorite Restaurant: Pasta Bowl (St. Peters)

Given my hectic life these days of work, kids, kids’ activities & school, etc, it takes something special for me to make an effort to single something out. Today I’m going out of my way to make an effort to do so after a great dining experience in St. Peters at Pasta Bowl – Italian Mix on Mid Rivers Mall Drive.

Pasta Bowl
318 D Mid Rivers Mall Dr.
St. Peters, MO 63376
636-278-ToGo (8646)

While visiting family in the St. Charles area (brought the kids to stay at Uncle Jay’s in New Town), the whole clan went out for Sunday lunch. We followed Jay’s recommendation to try Pasta Bowl, just past the mall itself, right in front of St. Peters Elementary School.

Situated in a very busy location of town, it might be easy to miss. We’d been told that it was as fast as a Fazoli’s, but the food quality was much better and the environment was much more pleasant.
Immediately, I was struck by the attention to design; the warm yellow/gold tones of the interior design balanced by black wood and glass accents gave the dining room a refined but modern and comfortable/casual feel. Very inviting, clean, and visually beautiful.
A variety of booths or tables gave our family nice options for making all generations happy (our group ranged from preschoolers to grandparents).

Service was outstanding; we were personally greeted immediately. Our server Becky was professional and sincere, and gave us a level of attention we would expect at a more formal Italian restaurant. As a mother, my eyes move first to check whether there’s a kids’ menu. (I have notoriously picky eaters). Yay! They’ve got the classics; mac and cheese, spaghetti, and grilled cheese among the top options. We did order the grilled cheese, and whatever bread they use is AWESOME. Probably the most delicious grilled cheese I’ve come across in a long time (yes of course Mommy ends up with taking bites).
Prices were very reasonable too.

I enjoyed being able to peek beyond the counter to watch the kitchen in action. As I overheard the chef describing to another mom how a particular dish was prepared, it was obvious that this was more than the average “chain restaurant staffed by high-schoolers”….they obviously took great care in their creations and in their patrons’ experience.

I ordered (and LOVED) my Pizza Margherita. Was a little jealous when I saw my husband’s entrée arrive (they have penne rustica??!) but knew I’d have something great to try next time we visit. Watched my 3-year-old devour nearly a full bowl of spaghetti. So, everybody was happy. DELICIOUS!!

Even the bathrooms were lovely! Beautiful décor extended there as well, including luxury foam soap. For a mother, tip-top clean restrooms put a place on the “keeper” list for return visits with our kids. That's the moment I decided to write the review!

We had a genuinely enjoyable time, were well-fed and well-cared for. Definitely worth going a little out of your way if necessary, while out and about for your holiday shopping or family visiting.