Local Italian restaurant thriving after one year of business

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Despite National Pasta Day being celebrated on Friday, Oct. 17, a local 5-star restaurant owner said "every day is National Pasta Day".

EMI Ristorante opened its doors back in May of 2024, with the restaurant only being open a few nights a week. Over one year later, the restaurant has doubled its hours.

"Now we're open, you know, four nights a week, open to the whole community," said Erik Borger, the owner of EMI Ristorante, located on Frederick Avenue.

EMI Ristorante has desired to offer St. Joseph a taste of Italy. All of its pasta and pizza is handmade, cooked with fresh ingredients from Italy.

The restaurant is aimed at providing St. Joseph a sense of love and community through its food.

"This was a love letter to St. Joe. So this is the atmosphere that I love, the community that I love to partake in, that I want to pour my life into," said Borger. "I had to decide, do I want to move to Italy full-time, or do I want to stay here and give back the things that I love, the things that I've learned over the years in Italy. And here we are," said Borger.

EMI Ristorante is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, as well as from 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.