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May 30, 2023

Take a look inside the elegant Buzzetta's Italian Café

Buzzetta Italian Cafe in Chesterfield. The long-awaited addition to the Manno family restaurant group is here at last: Buzzetta’s Italian Café opened its doors in Chesterfield, Missouri, this month

Buzzetta Italian Cafe in Chesterfield.

The long-awaited addition to the Manno family restaurant group is here at last: Buzzetta’s Italian Café opened its doors in Chesterfield, Missouri, this month with a menu and atmosphere worthy of the group’s already stellar reputation. The restaurant pays homage to executive chef Lia Buzzetta’s Italian culture as well as her 40-plus years of experience in the kitchen.

From left: Bendetto Buzzetta, Lia Buzzetta and Tony Buzzetta.

Buzzetta’s atmosphere is elegant yet comfortably intimate, with decorative lighting fixtures providing a warm, soft ambiance. Its dining room consists of a variety of two- and four-top tables, round tables to accommodate parties of six to eight guests, as well as four high tops situated in the restaurant’s wide windows. A reservation-based dining experience, Buzzetta’s is equipped with a cozy waiting lounge, a plush couch at its host stand, twelve bar stools at an intimate bar and even a private dining room to accommodate events and parties. The tables are all set with classic black tablecloths, wine glasses, white linen napkins and lit candles.

Lia's Paloma, Negroni and Spritz Limoncello.

The walls are adorned with paintings, and its small but experienced serving staff is well-versed in hospitality. “We train all our staff in our way,” Lia Buzzetta says. “Customers know about us and come in for our reputation.” The modest staff includes Tony Buzzetta’s 20-year-old son, Benedetto. “Sometimes he even sings at the tables. He has an excellent voice,” Buzzetta says. She notes that she’s excited to train a third generation of Buzzettas in the family business – a business that’s earned them quiet a following.

Pollo Spedini, grilled chicken stuffed with prosciutto, diced tomato, spinach and fontina cheese in lemon sauce.

Buzzetta’s bartending duo has curated a specialty drink selection of twelve Italian-inspired cocktails, including a Limoncello spritz and the Amalfi Coast Martini. “Right now, we have a lot of summer specialty drinks,” Buzzetta says. The bar program also specializes in Italian and Sicilian wines as well as nonalcoholic wine and beer so that everyone can enjoy a toast.

Tomato stack salad with mozzarella, red onion, pimento and fresh basil over artichokes, drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

Its menu follows a traditional dining narrative of appetizers, salad courses and entrees. Some of the most notable offerings include Manno family classics like traditional Italian pastas, veal dishes and a variety of risottos. Buzzetta calls into favor particularly the fresh seafood, which is delivered daily. “You can taste the freshness of the fish. Nothing is overpowering, it’s all very well balanced,” Buzzetta says.

She also recommends the Sicilian chicken, which is quickly becoming a restaurant staple. “Right now, people are trying everything on the menu,” Buzzetta says. “They know about us and trust their order.” But don’t forget about dessert! Known for its tiramisus, Buzzetta’s Italian Café is introducing a house specialty: lemon tiramisu. The dish replaces the decadency of chocolate for a refreshing cake made with real limoncello liquor and a lemon sauce – a perfect treat for hot summer nights.

True to its word, Buzzetta’s also offers nightly specials which change every evening and are curated by Buzzetta herself. Most recently, she presented a bone-in 16-ounce veal chop saltimbocca served in a white wine and sage beurre blanc sauce and accompanied with a chef’s selection of vegetables sourced locally from Tony’s Tomatoes.

The chocolate martini, with vodka, chocolate liqueur and chocolate syrup drizzle.

When asked how their initial opening has been, Buzzetta lights up. “I enjoy what I’m doing, and [Tony] works well with the front of house,” she says. “We’re so happy that we’re done doing all the [opening] work and are now ready to make customers comfortable and happy with our food.”

Buzzetta's Italian Café is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., with its bar running slightly later on weekends. They accept reservations by phone and Google reservations.

Buzzetta’s Italian Café, 120 Chesterfield Valley Drive, Chesterfield, Missouri, 636-778-9228, buzzettasitalian.com

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