Anthony’s Ristorante is a love letter to Italy, tucked right into the heart of Old Town Bay St. Louis. It’s a restaurant that manages to be both grand and intimate, where the glow of candlelight and the soft sound of piano music drifting from the bar set the stage for a beautifully transportive evening.
The moment you walk in, you’re greeted not just by the scent of fresh bread and espresso, but by design that tells a story.
A bodice vase on the piano holds a striking tropical arrangement: red poppies, palms and pomegranates. The piece is Sicilian-inspired, much like owner Jolynne Trapani herself, who designed the restaurant with an eye for drama and elegance. Nearly everything here, from the wallpaper to the plates, was sourced from Italy.
AN ITALIAN MASTERPIECE, ROOM BY ROOM
Anthony’s unfolds across two floors, each one distinct yet cohesive — a visual symphony of Italian refinement and coastal charm.
The main dining room downstairs feels timeless, like old-world Europe meets Southern grace. Black-and-white marble checkered floors command attention, balanced by soft sage-green walls and hand-painted floral murals that wind upward like vines on a villa. A whitewashed brick arch and glimmering crystal chandelier add warmth and light while green velvet banquettes and dark wood chairs invite guests to linger.
Steps away, the downstairs bar offers a moodier counterpoint. Wrapped in deep, inky teal and brass accents, it evokes the quiet elegance of a European cocktail lounge. Velvet barstools in slate blue line a marble countertop, where globe pendant lights cast a golden glow over the bottles and glassware behind the bar. Every element, from the ribbed paneling to the mirrored back bar, reflects a sense of craftsmanship and old-world polish.
Upstairs, the atmosphere brightens. The terrace dining room feels like stepping into an Italian coastal retreat: airy, elegant, and sunlit in shades of green and gold. A mural of banana leaves stretches across the wall while woven rattan pendants and marble tables create a setting that feels both elevated and easy. Outside, guests can choose between two outdoor spaces: one along the sidewalk framed by black-and-white striped umbrellas and cascading greenery, and another on the balcony above, where a fireplace flickers against the backdrop of the Bay.
THE MEAL: A TASTE OF ITALY ON THE COAST
Dinner began with house-made semolina-and-sesame bread that was warm and golden, its crust scattered with toasted sesame seeds. Served with whipped garlic butter and extra virgin olive oil, the bread was nutty, soft and slightly sweet — the kind that reminds you why the best meals begin with something freshly baked.
The truffle calamari followed: crisp, golden, and impossibly light. Each ring was fried to perfection, dusted with Parmesan and chives and perfumed with truffle in a way that stopped the table’s chatter for a moment. Paired with a velvety truffle aioli and a squeeze of lemon, it struck that perfect balance between indulgent and refined.
The Italian salad was a study in composition. Butter lettuce and arugula formed the base for roasted red peppers, Italian olives, cucumbers and pickled shallots while ribbons of prosciutto and smoky grilled artichokes added depth. Each bite offered something new — sweet, briny, earthy — all tied together with olive oil and Parmesan. It was complex in all the right ways.
Then came the lasagna, a dish as comforting as it was sophisticated. Layers of house-made pasta enveloped a slow-braised short rib Bolognese, deeply savory and rich with tomato. A silken béchamel wove the layers together, topped with lemon ricotta (my favorite) and basil oil that brightened the dish with a burst of freshness. Finished with a golden crust of Parmesan, it was indulgent yet thoughtful — the kind of lasagna that reminds you why tradition endures.
The spicy rigatoni alla vodka delivered pure Italian decadence. Each tube of pasta caught the velvety tomato-cream sauce just so, with a touch of chili heat that lingered pleasantly. A generous topping of fresh crabmeat and basil added sweetness and balance, while the Parmesan tied it all together in a buttery, briny crescendo. It’s comfort food with a pulse — familiar yet exciting.
Dessert was an event of its own. The cannolis were crisp and golden, filled with sweet ricotta cream and dipped in pistachios and mini chocolate chips. Every bite brought the right balance of texture and flavor: nutty, creamy and lightly citrusy.
The tiramisu, though, was the dish that lingered in memory. Espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with mascarpone cream, cocoa and a drizzle of caramel created a perfect harmony of bitterness and sweetness. Topped with a cloud of whipped mascarpone and mini chocolate chips, it was pure decadence — the kind of dessert that draws quiet awe.
THE COCKTAILS: CLASSIC ITALY, REIMAGINED
The cocktail program at Anthony’s is a love song to Italian aperitivo culture — elegant, balanced and beautifully executed.
The Dolce Vita, a floral and refreshing take on the classic mule made with Beefeater Gin and Italicus, arrived garnished with basil and citrus. The Bella, pink and effervescent with Empress Indigo Gin and Prosecco, felt almost too pretty to drink — its orchid garnish floating delicately atop the glass. And the tiramisu martini, rich with vanilla vodka, Irish cream, espresso and mascarpone cream, was the showstopper of the night — dessert and cocktail in perfect harmony, complete with a biscotti for dipping.
The bar team even kindly created mocktail versions for this second-time mama-to-be, proving that every guest here is treated like family.
THE SWEET LIFE, SOUTHERN STYLE
As Mrs. Trapani said, “The goal was to transport customers straight to Italy.” Mission accomplished.
Anthony’s Ristorante is more than a meal — it’s an experience that captures the essence of Italian dining: warmth, beauty, and a touch of theatricality. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, sharing pasta with friends or simply in search of a little la dolce vita on the Coast, Anthony’s is where you’ll find it.
IF YOU GO
Anthony’s Ristorante
111 Court St., Bay St. Louis
(228) 220-0288
Open Wednesday–Sunday, 5–9 p.m.
Reservations recommended
Instagram: @anthonysristorantebaystlouis