About

Joe and Margherita Boccardi opened their first location in Eureka in 1971, with a small pizza oven and counter service. Over the next 50+ years, the family grew along with the business. 

Rooted in Italian American traditions, Joe Boccardi's specializes in fresh, hand-rolled, St. Louis-style pizza, toased ravioli, salads, pastas, sandwiches, and more! The menu features family specialties including Joe's Special Pizza, and Chicken Alla Mario. 

Started by Joe Boccardi in 1971 with the help of his wife, Margherita, Joe Boccardi's Ristorante in Eureka, MO was built around the popularity of Six Flags St. Louis. The restaurant now has 3 additional locations serving the areas of Webster Groves/Crestwood, Sunset Hills/Fenton, and Columbia, lL. 

Guisseppe "Joe" Salvatore Boccardi was born in San Martino, Italy on July 17, 1941. He was the youngest of 8 children. Joe and his brother Lou came to the United States at the age of 21 in pursuit of a better life with the help of sponsors Joe and Lou Parente.

After arriving at Ellis Island, Joe came to St. Louis. There, he worked for the Parente's along with his cousin Bartolino Saracino at Larcino's Restaurant. 

Margherita Vitale was born near the Sicilian town of Palermo in Italy.  At age 11 she and her sister arrived by ship to Ellis Island before joining her mother, brother, and sisters in St. Louis. She carries on many traditions here in St. Louis, including celebrations for Saints with Mass &  Feasts.  She hosts Sunday family dinners and gathers friends and families over for dinner often. Among family and friends, she has earned the name "Margo Stewart" with her attention to detail in and out of the kitchen at home. All this and she looks like Sophia Loren. Margherita is an all-around beautiful lady. 

Joe and Margherita have 3 sons, Ray, Joe Jr, and Mario. They joined the family business after graduating college from the University of Missouri. Ray majored in finance, Joe Jr studied management and Mario majored in accounting at Mizzou. The 3 sons helped the business grow by opening new locations and working in Eureka with Joe & Margherita. You can find a Boccardi in one of their 4 locations daily. 

Joe & Margherita also have 7 grandchildren - 

Maddie - Carly - Joey - Gianluca (Duke) - Vinny - Marco & Anabella

Joe is a man who constantly expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to succeed in this country. He often says "God Bless America" because of the opportunities it has allowed him. Joe and Margherita can be found almost every weekend working alongside their team in Eureka. 

Joe has earned the reputation of being a family man and faithful friend to many. He enjoys time with his family, including his 7 grandchildren, and golfing with his buddies.  

Joe is also a generous contributor to the community.

Joe is a member of UNICO, the Sicilian Cultural Association, The Italian Club, The Eureka Jaycess, The West St. Louis Lions Club, the Eureka Chamber of Commerce, and a board member of Jefferson Bank.

In 2005, Joe was the Grand Marshall of the Columbus Day Parade on the Hill in St. Louis; and in 2008, his three sons were honored as the Grand Marshals of the Parade. This is a great honor in the Italian community. 

The St. Louis Italian Open Golf Tournament for Children's Charities, one of St. Louis’ premier charity golf tournaments, Honored Joe Boccardi. The two-day Italian Open event includes a dinner auction, at which one or two deserving citizens from our area are honored each year. Over $4 million has been contributed to many primarily St. Louis-based children’s charities since the initial Italian Open in 1974.

In addition to Joe Boccardi's Ristorante 4 locations, Joe and his family opened The Falls Reception and Banquet Center in Columbia, IL in 2001. Joe and Margherita bought Tapawingo National Golf & Banquet Club in 2013. We hope to see you at one of our restaurants, banquet facilities, golf course, or catered events soon. 

Joe, Margherita, and the entire Boccardi family appreciate the support and loyalty of the customers, employees and community. Without you all we could not survive the floods, fires, and a pandemic over the last 54 years. We are grateful. 

Joe moved to the United States to pursue the American Dream. Joe Says "God Bless America" and thanks you all with a grateful heart.

"Buono come il pane"