Anthony’s Ristorante: Elegant and Authentic Italian Eatery

Coast Cuisine - November 2025

From its charming, romantic atmosphere to its authentic Italian menu, Anthony's is getting the attention of foodies all along the Coast - and rightfully so.

​- By Francesca Bianci

I had the pleasure of dining at Anthony’s Restaurante in Downtown Bay St. Louis, an upscale, fine-dining gem bringing handmade pastas, breads, and sauces to the Coast. Every dish reflects a culinary sophistication rarely seen in the Bay. Reservations are encouraged and can be made via Resy.

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The piano bar, with its grand piano and live music, creates a lovely atmosphere for cocktails and conversation. The main dining room offers intimate tables and elegant décor, while the upstairs bar presents a new vibe with its own full bar and lounge seating. Two outdoor porches provide charming options for al fresco dining. Each space is luxurious yet inviting, perfectly complementing the food.

Owner Jolynne Trapani shared that her travels to Italy inspired the restaurant’s handmade Italian concept. Her son, Chef Joseph Trapani, brings that concept to life with an authentic menu, rich in flavor.

We began with the calamari appetizer and house-made semolina and sesame bread. The calamari was tender and lightly fried, topped with Grana cheese and served with garlic aioli and lemon. I don’t favor calamari, but even I found it exceptional. The braided semolina bread is served with roasted garlic olive oil, a worthy addition to the meal.

For salad, we chose the Italian salad, and it was a showstopper. Butter lettuce and arugula were topped with pickled shallots, roasted red peppers, cucumbers, grilled artichokes, diced Italian olives, and prosciutto, then finished with a creamy, herbal dressing reminiscent of the best green goddess imaginable. Fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, it’s easily a meal on its own at a reasonable $17.

For our entrée, we selected the short rib lasagna — and it deserves every bit of praise it’s been getting. Layers of silky house-made noodles are nestled between short-rib bolognese, lemon ricotta, béchamel, and a six-tomato marinara. Each bite balances richness with acidity, creating a deeply flavorful and complex dish. It’s one of the best lasagnas I’ve ever had.

The chef also treated us to a sauce tasting. The truffle cream sauce, paired with spinach ravioli, was smooth and luxurious with an elegant earthiness. The shiitake and oyster mushroom ragu, served with mushroom campanelli, offered a perfect bite of umami flavor. The pesto was a harmonious taste of basil, olive oil, and pine nuts. Finally, the marinara for the radiatore with meatballs packed a punch with just a touch of aleppo pepper. It’s bold, bright, and unforgettable.

Though we were full, dessert was irresistible. We opted for the tiramisu — light, creamy, chocolatey, and layered with espresso and a twist of rich caramel. The caramel adds a depth I never knew this classic needed, earning its spot in the dessert hall of fame.

I couldn’t resist pairing it with a tiramisu martini, a perfect finale. Sweet but not heavy, creamy yet balanced, it danced across the palate.

Anthony’s has quickly become one of the most talked-about new restaurants on the Coast, and for good reason. From its handmade Italian dishes to its elegant setting and attentive staff, it’s a dining experience that feels truly special. Bellissimo!

​Anthony’s Ristorante
107 Court Street, Bay St. Louis | (228) 220-0288
Wed-Thurs 4-9:30 pm | Fri 4-10 pm | Sat 11 am-10 pm | Sun 11 am-9:30 pm
Closed Monday-Tuesday
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