Because I grew up in New York City and lived in Italy, people always ask me which are my favorite restaurants? Most of the time, I just share a list of places and let them figure out what they are in the mood to eat. I used to always recommend fancier places, but for the last few years, I have been suggesting places similar to where I went nightly in Florence. All have consistently great food, welcoming and passionate servers, an owner who is deeply engaged, and an intimate atmosphere where you always feel like a regular.

Louie is one of those places and we eat there weekly. It has a simple, Italian-forward menu, with just enough regular offerings and a handful of specials to make ordering easy and uncomplicated. The team has worked together for years, are like family with each other and their guests, treat everyone like they own the place, and strive for perfection every time.

Located in the Demun neighborhood of Clayton, Louie’s is surrounded by Sasha’s Wine Bar, the original Kaldi’s Coffee, and Clementine’s Creamery–all of which are standouts in their own right and attract lines nightly. Together, they complement and support each other. My opinion:their clientele protect this little slice of culinary heaven by not telling too many of their friends about it!

Craig dishes more about Louie in our current issue. Read online now: https://issuu.com/sophisticatedliving/docs/slsl_m-j_2022