Monte Bello, St. Louis’ Oldest Operating Pizzeria. Family Owned Since 1953.
Family Owned Since 1953. Still Using the Same Recipes.
We’re Tanya and Dennis Buechel, and Monte Bello has been part of our lives since we were kids. This was our Friday night pizza tradition growing up in Lemay. In 2021, when we had the chance to take over, we couldn’t let this place disappear.
The Petrillo family opened Monte Bello in 1953 with recipes they brought from Sicily. Those same recipes—the secret four-cheese blend, the homemade Italian sausage, that thin crispy crust—are still what we use on our menu today. We bake in the same ovens from the 1960s, because when something’s been perfected for 70 years, you don’t mess with it.
What makes us different? We’re raising our kids here, right in the kitchen with us. You’ll see three generations working together on a Friday night. Our customers tell us about first dates here that turned into 60-year marriages, about bringing their own kids to the same place their parents brought them. Whether it’s a regular Tuesday or catering your family reunion, we treat everyone like family. One regular still comes in every anniversary, even after his wife passed away, because this place holds their memories.
Recently, Pizza Connoisseurs named us the best pizza in St. Louis metro. We’re honored, but honestly? The best part is watching families walk in and knowing we’re part of their story now, just like Monte Bello was part of ours.
Come see why Lemay and St. Louis have trusted us for seven decades. You’re not just getting pizza—you’re getting a tradition.
Monte Bello Pizzeria