I can not figure out what the big deal is abou tthis mediocre "italian" restaurant. Is St. Louis so easily pleased, that run of the mill passes for excellence and condescension passes for sophistication? I guess so. I have eaten at Acero two times. Once I wnet by choice and once was taken by friends. Italian friends. We had a chuckle over the many misspellings in the menu and grammatical mistakes as well. I figure that if a restauranteur can not get his menu correct, i.e. mis-spellings and totally incorrect words and grammar to describe the food. (almondo is not the Italian word for almond. It is not even an Italian word)! then he will take the same sloppy attitude when preparing the food. But the uproarious event was when the waiter after interuppting our conversation which was in Italian asked us if we knew anything about northern Italian food, whatever that means. We assured him that due to the fact that we all three were native born Italians that we did indeed know a bit about it. That didn't deter him and he launched in to a quite stupid and very erroneous definition of the differences between northern and southern as applies to Italian food at Acero. Anyway, we ordered and were greatly disapointed. Pasta was overcooked in one instance and decidedly to the crunchy side of al dente in another. and over sauced in all instances. Salads were drooping with dressing. The cheese plate had obviously been pre- prepared and cut as if we were at Cunetto not at high priced eatery.. (you do not cut parmigiano with a sharp knife, you break into chunks and eat it that way). I can not figure out how brussel sprouts land on a menu touting to be authentically italian, any more than Alaskan salmon. And, there is no such thing as Shrimp Scampi. Scampi are saltwater crayfish and are related to shrimp only by the fact that they both come from the ocean. Anyway, the place is mediocre with high pretenons and higher prices. It is Italian food for people who do not know what Italian food is, prepared by people who share the same ignorance. The ambience is fine. It is a pleasant room. The help need training in manners and the subtlties of sophisticated interactions. Service was fair to bad and varied from condescension to down home friendliness. I will never go back. read more

Had dinner here last night with my wife. After reading a bunch of the yelpers here, figured the $30 4-course tasting menu was the way to go. It did not disappoint. I had an herb smoked trout salad, tagliatelle with bolognese, duck confit, and some ice cream. Everything tasted great. I especially liked the tagliatelle. We usually split a bottle of wine, but wine by the bottle seemed pricey - like only a couple of options under $50 and then everything else $50+. Most bottles were in the $60-$90 range I think. That's a bit too much for me, so we ordered quartinos instead. This is basically two glasses of wine decanted and served at your table for $14-$20 per quartino. This worked well for us - we ordered two different wines and both were tasty. My wife had the salad with blue cheese (which she raved about), some pasta with mushrooms, crispy rainbow trout, and a chocolate lava cake with ice cream for desert. Everything tasted great. Bill was $97 after tax which seemed cheap to us for a nice fine dining experience. Service was good, our guy started to get busy toward the end of our meal, and the place was packed. Very lively. Nice looking crowd. I've heard some gripe about small portions but we were pretty full by the time we left. They aren't serving up Applebee's sized portions by any stretch of the imagination, but with the tasting menu I think most appetites would be met. read more

We came to Acero for the $35 four-course tasting menu, which was wonderful! The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor spaces and is nicely decorated. We decided to sit indoor because it was rather hot outside. The service was quick and friendly. We were afraid that the dishes would be small given the tasting menu, but the portion was almost as large as their entree portion. Both my husband and I were full by the end of our meal!. We will gladly come back for the tasting menu and try other dishes! read more

As I sit here, contemplating what I want to say in my very Yelp review, I'm overwhelmed with ideas. I went into Acero last night with 5 friends. They accommodated our 6 top just fine with a table set up by the window. You could tell as you walked in the door that Acero knew what they were doing. We were sat right at 8:30 (our scheduled reservation time) and no later. Our server was very knowledgeable of every single item in the menu. He was patient but prompt, which is something that I believe is a great quality in a server. The wine was great, the martinis were great, and the food was great. Most of us tried the gnocco fritto, along with the egg raviolo. Two thumbs up for both of these items... especially the egg raviolo. I heard rumors about this masterpiece, and for once the rumors were true. It was fantastic! I was contemplating if I should have ordered 5 more for the road. I then went with the lamb rack as my entree. This was good, but not great. The sauce is what made this entree. The meat was a little too thin. I wasn't unhappy in any way, but I was expecting more after the first two items I had eaten. We shared an arrangement of desserts, all which were great. I had coffee with my dessert as well. The coffee was warm, but definitely not hot. All in all, I was very pleased with Acero and would definitely go back. Excited to try the egg raviolo again. read more

had the 7 course tasting menu....very good. this restaurant gives me hope for the STL food scene.

I had seen this restaurant was on Zagats top 10 list for St. Louis so bought my husband a gift certificate for Christmas. We invited another couple-and he is a wine expert. We were not disappointed. Service was friendly, but extremely knowledgeable about the food and the wines/liquors. Our friends had bought a bottle of their own wine, and it was uncorked and decanted for us. We all ordered off the 4 course for $30 meal and were told the portions would be 1/2 size. They were not scant by any means, and we were all able to share each course with each other. I was unsure how the pastas would taste due to unfamiliarity with the names, but they were delicious. I had the Tagliolini which was fabulous. My husband had the Egg Raviolo-an interesting egg/pasta dish. The entrees of duck, skirt steak,trout, and special of lamb were tasty and large enough portions that I had a doggie bag. The desserts, especially the Ricotta cheesecake were perfection. Our friend was impressed with the wine selection including some he had never heard of. Again, the wait staff was able to offer options for both wines and liquors. The one downside was that the room was a little cool temprature wise, and a little loud. But the food was some of the best I have had, and the ambiance was relaxed. Definitely a treat and will return. The 4 course menu keeps the costs reasonable to get an entire meal of artistic food. read more

I've been here twice. First time was with a friend and we split the tasting menu and got one additional item. Everything was good, especially the egg raviolo, which was incredibly rich and satisfying. The next time was with some friends and we all got several things off the menu. The only issue we had was that the pasta dishes needed some salt, but the wine and everything else was really good. Dessert was delicious. read more

Overpriced. Scallops for $32? Morel mushrooms for a $10 up charge? Bread pudding that ISN'T for $8. If that was not bad enough...tiny to small portions. So-so to tasty but NOT that good. The wine menu does not list their beer selection, none of which is on tap...all are in bottles AND those are overpriced too! Our dinner for two, after tax and tip was $96 and we had NO alcohol !!! Oh, and if you feel sorry for the staff, on the desert menu you can add a $2 donation for "Brews for the Staff"... read more

One of my favorite restaurants in St. Louis. Contemporary Italian with some tradition. The egg raviolo is amazing and though the crudo is always a small portion, it's great. Their tasting menus are perfect for trying several dishes and the quartinos of wine are a great way to try new wines or have less than a bottle. read more

New favorite restaurant in STL. Took us back to our trip to Italy a few years ago. Loved the tasting menu, which was pretty reasonably priced. Favorite dishes include gnocco fritto, butternut squash ravioli, and the scallops. Can't wait to go back! read more

A very disappointing meal after a great one, oh well, the salads were ok, the pastas so-so, the desserts nice but not great, someone in our group loved the trout. We'll return but weren't wowed this time. SORRY! read more

This restaurant has amazing food! Much like other reviewers of this restaurant, my husband, mom and I all got the 4 course meal for $30. The menu is divided into three sections (starters, pasta, entrees; desser after) and you can pick one item from each section. Any one you want! No restrictions! I don't know that I've been to a restaurant that lets you have free rein over the menu. Many other restaurants have some items you cannot get with a "pick your own". We started with a bottle of Adami prosecco (celebrating that night). The prosecco was smooth, not too bubbly and tasted wonderful. The flavors were great in each meal. The bruschetta was topped with great carmalized onions (I don't like onions and this was so tasty!) My husband and mom ordered the smoked trout, which came topped on a bed of greens with a yummy dressing! Next I ordered the polenta, which was a sausage polenta that night (great!). My husband ordered the gnudi, very yummy but not as flavorful as it looked. My mom ordered a mushroom pasta (can't remember the name). The mushroom flavor was not overpowering--very good! For the third course, my husband and I ordered the skirt steak (cooked well, atop a small portion of mashed potatoes and mushrooms). This steak had an awesome sauce on the side as well. My mom ordered the seared scallops with spinach. I don't normally eat scallops but these were cooked perfectly and had amazing flavor. Lastly, I ordered the biscotti for dessert. Pretty plain. Literally four little biscottis on a plate... would have been great with coffee, which I didn't order. My husband ordered the eggless custard (can't remember the name!) which had caramel drizzled on top... so good! My mom ordered the chocolate torte... came warm with vanilla ice cream. read more

The food was decent, service was good. Thought the pricing was expensive compared to what came out of the kitchen but overall it was a positive experience. read more

One of the best meals I've had in St Louis. Our server, Liz, recommended my wine and it was right on. We had the four course tasting. Very delicious and filling. Will definitely go back. read more

Absolutely Fabulous!!! My husband and I went there to celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary, everything was fantastic! We both did the tasting menu, the egg ravioli was delicious as was the scallops! The service was really wonderful as well and the chef came out to see how everything was and if they could improve on anything. Great place definitely will return!! read more

We went to try a new place but were really disappointed. The waitress was rude and a little demeaning; she kept staring at my fiancées tattoos or his t-shirt and getting a look of judgy disapproval on her face. The food was good but the portions are more tapas sized, so with wine, it gets pricey. We expected much better, based on the reviews, but left really disappointed. read more

Upscale New American with a rustic Italian leaning. One of my top places to eat in St. Louis. The prix fixe is four courses at a reasonable price, and the best way to see many angles of the kitchen's creativity. It can get pretty noisy, though. read more

The food here is too good to be wearing jeans. After eating here tonight I was frustrated. Only because I am so mad at myself for not eating here before. The food was amazing and the service was top notch. 4 course tasting menu is the way to go and the gnocco fritto and egg raviolo might be the best two things I've ever eaten back to back. I am already planning my return. Go. Eat. Here. read more

I am a major fan of this restaurant. The Egg Raviolo and Gnocco Fritto are simply amazing dishes. The wife always makes this place her birthday dinner because it's her favorite place to eat and I have no problem with that because it's one of my favorites also. This place compares well to our best meals in Rome. Excellent. read more

Had the 4 course tasting menu which is a great value. Gnoccho Fritto and egg raviolo were incredible. Grass fed rib eye was very good.

Not very impressed with this restaraunt. The dishes seek to differentiate themselves from other Italian joints, however are just not all that appealing and are too pricey for the end product. Servers come off as uppidity. The staff on the whole seemd friendly and the atmoshere is pleasant. read more

Food was good, but for the price you can do much better. As for ambiance, my party of three was seated in an empty room in back of the back room, next to a fake fireplace...need I say more. A meal for three with two glasses of good, but very overpriced (even with the regular restaurant markup) wine was just shy of $200 with the tip. read more

The service was good. I thought the food was rather bland and servings were small for the price.

We've been to Acero four or five times in the past few years and each time I ask myself why we don't go more often. Never had even a mediocre meal. It's always outstanding. I wish they still had the liver mousse appetizer which was phenomenal. Keep asking for it, and maybe they'll bring it back! In the meantime, the tasting menu is a great deal, the oricchetti is awesome, the gnocco fritto is fried heaven, and tonight's lamb ragu over stracci was perfect--simply perfect. The staff is helpful and friendly and not at all overbearing. Go to Acero. Tonight. read more

One of my favorite Italian restaurants in St. Louis, and there are A LOT of Italian restaurants in St. Louis! Can't beat fresh pasta, and the tasting menu is always a lot of fun to try and very affordable. read more

We had THE worse service ever!!! The server was rule and had quite an attitude. She actually argued with someone in our party. The food was fair at best and totally over priced!!!!! There are too many great restaurants in St. Louis to settle for this place. read more

Atmosphere was great, staff very attentive, blue cheese green salad was excellent as was the cheese and salami plate! We were very expectant at this point, but then the entrees were disappointing. I ordered the scallop special which just do not work, a spicy/bitter base of potatoes, asparagus and spicy tomatoes with seared scallops that were overly salted was very disappointing. My husband ordered the tagliatelle with ragou, the pasta was over cooked and the ragou insignificant, just boring. read more

Great dining experience for either a romantic date or a group of friends. Lively atmosphere, friendly service, delicious food. Chef Adam is a jack of all traits, cooking up authentic Italian cuisine and warmly welcoming guests. read more

Quite possibly my favorite restaurant in town. Knowledgeable, friendly staff and consistently excellent food keep me coming back. If you are prepared to spend the money on a really excellent dining experience you will not be disappointed at Acero. read more

Good food but terrible service. We received our salad and soup appetizers almost 2 hours after placing our order and the rest of the meal was just as slow. Our waiter disappeared and we never saw the manager. No attempt by the management to even explain the delays. I would not eat here again. The food was fine but not worth it. read more

I really enjoyed the food, but got a bad server. I'll give it another try in hopes of not getting that lady again. She said she had only been there a short time when she came to the table and seemed a bit miffed. I had the egg raviolo which was fabulous and the lamb which was devine. read more

Although the food was good, the waitress was full of attitude and apparently had never heard that "the customer is always right". You got the feeling that she would have rather been anyplace else. The wines were expensive at fourteen dollars a glass without many less expensive options. Not sure that I will be frequenting Acero again, or recommending it to friends. Too bad, it is a great space and in a wonderful location. read more

The restaurant itself if nice, good atmosphere and none of the tables are too close together. The food was good, not great. I had something nick named the meat doughnut for an appetizer and the steak for the main. Ok sized portions. I'm not sure I would come back purely because the prices are high! When the check came it really surprised me! Check for two was $130. We each had 1 glass of wine for the price of 3. I can recommend the food, not the pricing. read more

My wife's birthday fell on Wednesday this year and I wanted a nice surprise birthday dinner. We've had good luck in the past at Acero, but I would put a number of other places in the same high caliber. Anyway I picked Acero this time and I'm writing this because the dinner was outstanding. I hardly ever write reviews, but we walked out feeling like this warranted mention. We had the tasting menu: 4 smaller courses and all were superb: I loved the beet salad, the crudo appetizer, tagliolini mushroom pasta, and the halibut. My wife enjoyed the butternut squash soup (nightly special), the crespelle veggie appetizer, the ravioli special, & a beef tenderloin entre. Although the food was spot on, I think what made the night great was our server, Tom. He was attentive without being intrusive, and truly informative about the food and the wine. This was the best restaurant dining experience I've enjoyed in over a year. read more

Wow, I am SO impressed with this place! We live around the corner and have passed by it hundreds of times and I am regretting that it has taken us so long to come here. I took my husband here for his birthday last night and we decided this is going to be a birthday tradition every year! We did the 4 course tasting menu for $40/person and from start to finish, everything was incredible. Our salads were delicious, my husband raved about the spinach salad while I got the beet salad & all the flavors in that tasted so perfect together. That egg raviolo is no joke.. it was one of the best things I have ever had in my life. I will dream about that until I can have it again! The scallops were cooked perfectly, they practically melted in my mouth. The desserts were amazing, we got the pumpkin cheesecake and apple zappoles which were these little warm donut hole type things. We really enjoyed our drinks too, especially the Acero Manhattan and the espresso martini. Our waiter, Tom, was friendly & attentive. When we got home, we probably spent like 20 minutes talking about how delicious everything was. Definitely the best meal I have had in a long time. I can't wait to go back! read more