Charlie Gitto's On the Hill

Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill doesn’t just serve food; it orchestrates an experience. Tucked into St. Louis’s historic Italian neighborhood, the restaurant projects a sort of architectural illusion: from the street it looks like a modest establishment, but once inside, it unfolds room after room like a culinary labyrinth. The clinking of cutlery, the rhythmic shuffle of servers, and the sheer energy of the dining crowd all create a charged atmosphere, somewhere between neighborhood hangout and Italian opera. Arriving early for a reservation might spell delay elsewhere, but here it meant a seamless welcome. Within minutes, I was seated, greeted by a server named Stephanie who brought over warm, crusty bread with an ease that set the tone for the rest of the evening. Drinks began with the pepper berry ginger smash, a bold mocktail where five-berry purée mingles with hot honey and the effervescence of ginger beer. It’s not just a stand-in for a cocktail; it stands on its own with punchy layers and a bit of spice that lingers. Now, when it comes to ordering, indecision often becomes inspiration. The team gladly curated a tasting spread, allowing a bite of everything without tipping into excess. First up: the legendary toasted ravioli, St. Louis’s own culinary origin story, supposedly born from a happy kitchen accident in the 1940s. Lightly breaded, fried just enough, and served with Pomodoro sauce, it delivers the kind of nostalgic satisfaction you want from something that’s become part of a city’s food identity. Next came the CG signature shrimp, roasted in garlic butter and crowned with a layer of golden breadcrumbs. Sumptuous, aromatic, and indulgent without feeling heavy. Then the house meatball, tender and comforting, also bathed in that signature Pomodoro sauce. Pastas were a highlight reel of Italian-American comfort. The Fiore Borghese stood out, a delicate, flower-shaped noodle swimming in a pink cognac sauce, flecked with prosciutto and onions. It felt both luxurious and playful. Rigatoni with house-made sausage brought the heat, balanced by the sweet tomato basil sauce. And the lasagna? A textbook tower of meat, cheese, and cream sauces, layered with intention. But if there’s a dish that might win over even the skeptical, it’s the Veal Nunzio. Tender slices of veal blanketed with jumbo lump crab and kissed with lemon butter and cheese. It walks a fine line between richness and restraint and sticks the landing. Charlie Gitto’s isn’t just another Italian restaurant; it’s the kind of place that holds its legacy close without being weighed down by it. Every plate tells a story, and every guest seems to become part of it. Whether you’re here for a quiet dinner or a deep dive into St. Louis culinary heritage, it’s a place that delivers far more than a meal. It delivers memory, eating dinner at Charlie Gitto's on the Hill.

Charlie Gittos on the Hill is a gem. The atmosphere is lovely. All of the food is homemade and delicious and the service is impeccable. It is heartwarming to eat here because the vibes are everything the world needs today. Such a St. Louis staple. We eat at a lot of nice restaurants and the service here is in the top three places of hundreds that we have visited. We also loved our waiter Fahmy. He was knowledgeable and friendly and he gave us time to sit and enjoy our meal, which is rare nowadays he did not rush us out like we were just a number. Always looking forward to the next time we go back.

I am specializing in Italian food and I can say without a doubt that this was one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever visited. Everything we ordered was perfect! Extremely well prepared, flavorful, and fresh. The lobster ravioli and the Arancini deserve 6 stars! The Cannoli is also very good and crunchy. The waiter was super kind and efficient; I have absolutely nothing to complain about and will return ASAP to try more options from the menu. It has become one of my favorites!

We heard that this restaurant was a St Louis classic and that we should check it out. And I am glad we did, because it delivered a great dinner experience. The service staff is very friendly and attentive to the table. Sometimes they approach the table too often and that was a bit disturbing as it breaks the conversation flow way too many times, but overall it was ok. The food was delicious and portions were reasonably sized. We tried the calamari appetizers and they were great. The fresh pasta dishes were also very good. For dessert, we ordered cannoli and that was so so, and could be easily skipped.

Our server was wonderful, very efficient, pleasant and helpful . Service was very fast . Food was delicious . The beet salad and shrimp were great. Was expecting typical Italian-American food , but was so much more and very enjoyable. The ambiance was cozy but at the same time lively.

Passing through St. Louis on our way to Montana and a friend made us reservations. We usually spend summers in Lake Como, Italy and I was lamenting how much I miss the amazing food in Italy. Turns out we found outstanding Italian food in the middle of the good old USA! This restaurant is fantastic! We got there shortly after they opened at 5 and the place was already crowded. They promptly escorted us to a great booth and we found the service friendly and attentive. Loved our server Tim and his assistant Claudia. The service was above and beyond! The restaurant was warm and welcoming, with a beautiful bar with an upscale and vibrant ambiance. And last but not least, the food was delicious! Particularly loved their tomato sauce. Truly spectacular and I am Italian and have eaten at many of the best restaurants in the world! We also found the prices to be quite reasonable. Pastas were priced around $25 and the portions were huge. Wish we had this restaurant back home in Palm Beach!

My boyfriend has wanted to go here since we’ve been dating. Last night I finally got him there for his birthday! We are a simple people so the atmosphere was more high end than we’re used to but it’s comfortable, not so much so that it’s overstimulating. The dim lighting and conversation from the surrounding tables set a nice vibe. I worked hard so I could afford to give him a great night and a great night he had. The food was spectacular. The wine was amazing. Our server was very knowledgeable, his suggestions were superb. He was also very personable but didn’t linger which is quite the art form. He didn’t make me feel stupid when I had questions about things I didn’t understand on the menu. And when he came to the table he always refilled my wine glass before my boyfriends and I thought that was very sweet. It’s expensive, but if you’re looking for a special night it can definitely be had at Charlie Gitto’s.

Overall, a wonderful experience! I flew in from Denver to take my college-aged daughter out for her birthday. We were sat, literally in the very back of the restaurant in the corner. I didn't love our table, but that's just luck (or bad luck). The restaurant was a vibe. It was alive and electric. It was also loud, so our server had a very hard time hearing us. Such a hard time, that I got the seafood risotto instead of the seafood Suzanne. It wasn't the end of the world since the risotto was my second choice, but when you are paying $30+ dollars for a plate, it's much better when you get what you ordered. The food was out of this world good. The service was ok. We had to flag someone over to get pepper on our salad, more water, etc. I will say, they have amazing gluten free options. Overall, we will be back. I would just request to not be sat in the invisible corner.

My husband and I came here to celebrate my birthday on a Friday night. Thank god we had a reservation because they were packed. When we got there we were seated right away. To drink I got the nozecco (non alcoholic Prosecco) and my husband got an old fashioned. Both were good! As a starter we got calamari. The calamari was cooked perfectly and we devoured it, it was so good. To eat my husband got a beef special and I got the Nunzio chicken. The beef special was so good and had so many flavors! The Nunzio chicken was also very good with a buttery rich flavor! Since we were celebrating my birthday they brought out a complimentary piece of vanilla cake. The cake was good nothing too fancy or special but still good. The staff was super friendly and nice the whole time we were there. This is definitely a fancy restaurant and a bit pricey so fair warning. The food was very good and we will keep it in mind for fancy celebration dinners!

Reservation is key especially on weekends. We're lucky to get a slot on Sunday 6pm, they weren't ready to seat us when we arrived on time and we've directed to a waiting area. Gladly the wait time was not too long. They have special menu that is not on their normal menu, always ask for the today's special. We had the lobster spaghetti, its big portion and flavorful. Siciliano pizza is good but not a wow factor. We also had the toasted ravioli, it's pretty good too. I love their sangria but it's full of ice and I had to get two glasses of it.

Enjoyed the lobster bisque, football sized lasagna and a couple of delish Italian wine bottles. Service was amazing. Bought a loaf of bread to take home it was so airy and fresh, also bought a jar of sauce. While the dining experience was 5*, rating this 2*. When I arrived home I reviewed the sauce ingredients, "soybean oil?!" What? They don't utilize Olive Oil? How is soybean oil an "authentic" Italian ingredient in an old Italian family recipe. Do they use soybean oil in their restaurant for bread dipping too vs. olive oil. Not keen on consuming seed oils (high in Omega 6 that can cause inflammation) in "authentic" Italian restaurants.

Nicely decorated restaurant, big on the inside. There's a bar area near the entrance and several sections for dining. Service was great, as well as the food. Calamari $15 - Everything was lightly breaded and tasty, including the onion, banana peppers and few pieces of green beans. Beet Salad $13 - This was on the specials menu, came with burrata, arugula and green beans. Fiore Borghese $24 - This is one of their signature dishes and it did not disappoint. Pasta looked like little pumpkins. The pink Cognac sauce was creamy and rich. Seafood Suzanne $38 - The homemade tagliatelle noodles were perfectly cooked and the cream sauce was very good. .|\---/| | @_@ | ..\_^_/..2025

Wow!!!!! During a work trip a group of us went to dine here on a Tuesday and it was one of the best lasagnas of my life. Seriously the bechamel on top was my favorite touch. We shared a beautiful bottle of wine, a petit Syrah. The garlic shrimp were so good, and the meatballs oh yeah! We ordered two more rounds of those. The bread of course, so pillow it, delicious! Make it a point to go there when you're in St, Louis, a historic restaurant with amazing classic Italian American dishes.

Its the place that made toasted raviollis famous ! Of course, I had to get an order of those. I'll be honest - they were good but not any better than 100 other places that serve them. Its really going to come down to whose marinara sauce you like the best. I was much more impressed with everything else. Charlie Gitto's is a small, cozy restaurant that is quite popular and for good reason. The service is top notch and the menu has nightly specials and regular dishes all made with exceptional quality. I went with a filet "Nunzio style" which came covered with cheese and lump crab meat. Perfect medium rare on a well aged steak. Loved the accompaniments too ! THe waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and wine list and helped me make some good choices. Dont forget the house made desserts. So, yeah, get the raviolli but be prepared to be wowed by everything else. Great place.

Charlie Gitto's is certainly one of the best establishments on The Hill. First class service and great food. Everything was delicious from the cocktails and salads to the entrees and desserts. We've been here a few times now and it never disappoints. The only thing keeping it from five stars for me is price and ambiance. I think it's a bit pricey for Italian food and depending on where you're sitting, it can feel a bit crowded. Overall it's a fantastic place for a nice night out and I highly recommend it.

During a birthday trip to STL, I had the pleasure of having dinner at this lovely place. This was one of the BEST dining experiences I have had and here is why: Location 9/10 I am a fan of history and consider the Hill is a place you go for some of the best Italian food you will have, you cannot help but recognize the charm. It is really neat how the restaurants are tucked in with shotgun houses, which brings out nostalgia. Customer Service 10/10 Tim went above and beyond to make our visit super special. He knew the menu, offered excellent advice on what to do in the city, and provided his favorite dishes off the menu. Not once did we feel forgotten or rushed. He also brought out a special birthday cake for me with a candle! It was so amazing! When we return, we will be requesting him to serve us and nobody else!! We were so pleased with his service and it was apparent he really enjoyed his job. Staff Diversity: 4.5/10 We dined on the patio, which was so lovely and quaint. We appreciated the equal split of men to women ratio, and I saw one Black server working the floor. I always feel that diversity can be improved, however I appreciated how well the staff worked together as a team. I can tell they are managed well and enjoy what they do. Parking: 4/10 The restaurant is only open in the evenings usually, and if you get there early, you can park in the lot. It is very tight back there and there are not a lot of spaces. A lot of patrons that visited parked down the street and walked. I do find that there is an advantage to this because you can get a feel for the neighborhood and take in the charm. It can be a pain during peak hours though. Food: 10/10 We had complimentary bread, toasted ravioli and lasagna. I got a glass of Moscato to go with my meal. The food was some of the best pasta I have had in my life! I nearly cried. :,) It was so delicious and there was no way I could finish all of my food. You can easily share a main entree with another person and it will be plenty. I had tiramisu for dessert, which was not too sweet and the texture was beautiful. My leftovers reheated nicely the next day and made for a lovely lunch. We also saw staff come out and pick herbs for dishes out of the garden, which you don't see every day. The price point is $$$$ so come prepared. It is well worth it! Overall: 7.5/10 I really enjoyed this place so much! The food, ambiance, and customer service were phenomenal! I do recommend securing a reservation, otherwise you may wait a while for a table. The parking was not ideal but you can make the most of it with the charming neighborhood and history. I am looking forward to our next visit here and seeing Tim's lovely face once more!

I was not super excited to eat here as it looked like another heavy, uninspired, red sauce Italian place. But I have to admit, I was wrong. The food was excellent and the service welcoming, I had the special sea bass and broccolini and it was cooked perfectly. Wine pairings of Nebbiolo and sparkling were spot on. Had to try the toasted ravioli and while it was not my favorite, I'm glad I did and it was a very interesting, check-off-in-St-Louis type of dish. Overall a solid A from me, and I'd come back if in the area.

I'm not sure our picky son has ever said the words, "This is the best meal of my life." Charlie Gittos inspired those sentiments from him and helped to create the most memorable birthday for him. He said it was the best fettuccini Alfredo he's ever tasted and was overwhelmed by the amazing garlic cheese bread. I had the beet salad and manicotti-- both exceptional. Perhaps the only thing better than the food was the charming and kind staff. Our server was attentive and tuned in to every single detail (including the chicken stock in the pomodora sauce so he subbed in San Marzano sauce.) Other staff never let our waters run out, cleared plates immediately, and made sure we had everything we could possibly need. I've never quite felt so taken care of in such a genuine way. It was absolutely a perfect dining experience.

I was visiting family in St. Louis and a good friend was also going to be here. I knew we wanted to go somewhere with awesome Italian food and a great vibe! Charlie Gitto's was recommended so I made the reservation about a month plus prior because I know they get busy. This place is white table cloth- so we dressed up, however St. Louis always cracks me up because most people wear sports attire or sweats still. We had a reservation, but were seated right in the front by the sports bar, which was kind of a bummer because I think this area has a different vibe than the back of the restaurant or patio. Our server was very friendly- we knew we wanted to start with the toasted ravioli which is a classic here! We ordered the appetizer before we ordered our meals and it arrived promptly. As we were eating it we ordered the mains- I got the chicken rigatoni and my friend got the lasagna. I was shocked when like maybe 7 minutes later our mains come out- we weren't even finished with the appetizer and they were clearing the plates! It felt really rushed. The pastas were both good, but I really would have appreciated the kitchen timing them out better. I felt like we were in a hurry to leave and seated right by the door. I would come back, but that's why I am giving it a 4 star instead of higher. Overall experience 4/5.

We celebrated my mom's birthday at Charlie Gitto's and it was the perfect place! All of the staff were super friendly and checked back often throughout our meal. I ordered the Italian chopped salad which was packed full of toppings. The salad dressing was light and complimented the other flavors in the salad. For my entree, I ordered the Bucatini all'Amatriciana and some places skimp on the guanciale, but not Charlie Gitto's - the bowl was full of meaty cubes. The even brought out a piece of cake with a candle for my mom! It's definitely moved to the top of my list of favorite restaurants in The Hill.

It was my birthday and we were planning to be in the St Louis area visiting relatives. It's a long-standing tradition that I have rigatoni for my birthday dinner (at a minimum - I have Italian) so we asked my wife's sister to recommend a nice Italian restaurant. She recommended Charlie Gitto's On the Hill (the Italian section of St Louis) and made reservations for the 4 of us. We were greeted warmly when we arrived and the hostess even asked who's birthday we were celebrating. We were seated very promptly. The food AND the service were both 5-star. I don't find many restaurants that really deserve a 5-star rating (sometimes the service falls short or sometimes the food falls short or sometimes someone in the party doesn't have a good experience). But at Charlie Gitto's - everything was 5-star. The restaurant ambiance is classic for an old Italian restaurant. We ordered an appetizer to share (it was excellent), a ordered a bottle of wine from their extensive wine list and all four of us ordered something different and all four meals were exceptional. I've been enjoying rigatoni for my birthday almost every year for the past 60+ years (there were a few exceptions, like when serving in the US Navy). I have to say that this was THE BEST rigatoni I've ever enjoyed. I might have to plan on being in St Louis for my next birthday.

I have heard about eating "on the Hill" for 20+ years. My former boss, a genuine Italian living in St. Louis, raved about Charlie Gitto's. I finally got there this weekend and was NOT disappointed. As their website says..."A fine dining experience without pretense..." we enjoyed "the warm and inviting ambience of Charlie Gitto's on the Hill." Greeted at the door by professional, friendly staff...and brought to our white linen covered table. All the waiters and service staff had white, button down shirts and some sort of black tie. Diners ranged from casual attire to suit and tie. All are welcome....but please remove your hats! We were quickly greeted by our remarkable waitress...Wendy. Bubbly, knowledgeable and entertaining...she provided service that any establishment should strive for. Every recommendation was spot on. Wonderful fresh breads were brought out immediately. We started with fried ravioli...which the restaurant invented decades ago. Incredibly delicious. Tried the lobster bisque...creamy, buttery with chunks of lobster. Best I have had in years. Then I had a daily special..crusted Chilean sea bass. Fork tender, melt in your mouth...wonderful. My wife tried a house specialty...Chicken Nunzio. Breaded chicken breasts with a lemon butter sauce...another winner. Added gnocchi au gratin as a side. Great choice Finished the meal with chocolate cake and a tiramisu. Both top notch. If your travels take you to St. Louis, take a trip to the Hill and try Charlie Gitto's. Make reservations...I promise you won't be disappointed!

After all these years, I finally made it to Charlie Gitto's! This was the last stop on our happy hour tour and I couldn't have been more excited to dine here. We walked in a little after 7 and it was packed. I was quite surprised at how dimly lit and small the inside was, especially in the bar area. The host informed us that they were waiting on a few tables to leave, but we should be seated some time around 7:30. We decided to wait at the bar until then. At around 7:50, we were finally sat in the back dining room. Next, someone came by and gave us a basket of bread with two pieces of sourdough and two pieces of another bread, which I believe were sesame and poppy seeds. Both pieces were insanely fresh. While it came with butter, it would have been nice to have had some evoo, Parmesan cheese, and balsamic to dip it in. No worries. After a couple mins, our server came by to get our drinks and it was then that he put in our order of the garlic cheese toast appetizer. It didn't take long before our bread arrived. Any time I've ever had garlic cheese bread, it's always come with marinara sauce; however, theirs did not. I was surprised but again, no big deal. As for drinks, I got the five berry cosmopolitan and my friend got a glass of Chardonnay. Both drinks were top notch. My cosmo had a nice array of flavors and they blended together perfectly. It wasn't overly sweet but was perfect for what I was looking for. For entrees, we each got the chicken spiedini. I got a side order of fettuccini alfredo and she got a side of creamed spinach. The chicken spiedini was cooked perfectly. The chicken was well-seasoned and tender, and had the perfect amount of oil left to dip the chicken. The fettuccini was probably the best I've EVER had! The sauce to noodle ratio was spot on (sometimes at restaurants the dish will have too much sauce, not enough, or less noodles). The sauce itself was on the thicker side and it was creamy and rich, which is what I like. While I came in famished, my eyes deceived me as I barely got through my spiedini and only half my pasta. I didn't even get a chance to touch the veggies on my plate since I was full but they looked nice. Since I only had a wee bit of pasta left, I opted not to get a box. I was beyond satisfied with my meal, the service, and ambience. My first experience here was memorable and I can't wait until next time!

Very good food across the board. I had the lobster bisque followed by the lobster ravioli. I would not do those both in the same sitting again but each was wonderful. The service was excellent. I was not thrilled with the fact the request for individual checks was met with opposition. I was fine with the automatic gratuity but I was with a group and and we needed individual checks. It took a bit of convincing and the request was honored. This restaurant is loud.

Tim was amazing and such great service and attention. Loved the signature cocktail and absolutely loved the beet salad. Veil Parmesan was recommended and also fantastic. The mixed green salad was less appealing. Definitely a fun spot!

Truly one of the best meals I've had all year! We had a game plan going in and it was thrown out once we heard the specials. Tim, our server, provided amazing recommendations and was very attentive. The room was perfect for an intimate dining room on The Hill. This is a little nicer than other Hill restaurants, so plan your clothing not to show up in shorts and a T shirt. Started with cocktails, a Negroni and Sicilian Manhattan. This is the origins of the toasted ravioli, so we couldn't pass them up. Topped it off with a steak, lobster spaghetti and truly amazing sea bass. Skipped desserts because we were so satiated.

Amazing food and a wonderful dining experience! I visited for a weeknight dinner and was hoping for some delicious Italian food. I got all of that and more. Yes, the food was definitely delicious, but the staff made each of us at the table feel welcomed and special. We shared the Toasted Ravioli and they were delicious! The meat filling was succulent and the pomodoro sauce added some sweetness to the rich dish. I definitely could have made a meal out of just the Toasted Ravioli. But, I am so glad I also ordered the Seafood Pasta Suzanne. This dish contains a ton of deliciousness that I don't get at home. The homemade tagliatelle noodles were the perfect vehicle for the delicious spicy pepper seafood cream sauce. It was so delicious, but was made even better with the shrimp, scallops, clams, langostinos, and mussels in the dish. I expected to order a dish with red sauce, but I'm so glad I had the Seafood Pasta Suzanne. This is a dish you must try. I had one of my best meals of the year here, and I can't wait to return.

Good Italian spot. Old standard. Food is good. Service is good. Ask for the gabbagool (jk... don't ask for that)

Classic Italian restaraunt. Great for special occasions. Their signature pasta dish is incredible and the calamari is a cannot miss! They make good drinks too and the service is always impeccable

TL:DR - Despite being the staple location of the renowned Italian hotspot, the Hill; Charlie Gitto's is one of the weaker links, especially when price is considered. Charlie Gitto's presents itself as the premium location on the Hill, offering classic Italian cuisine in an old school, elegant environment. I recently paid their location a visit to see what all the hype was about. When I arrived for my reservation, I was shown to the far side of the back room. This area has a dull vibe in comparison to the main area, albeit much quieter and easier to conversate. I'm unsure if this seating location had anything to do with the service but it was extraordinarily slow, and we felt largely ignored. Aside from the service, the food itself was rather lack-luster. Our dishes were heavy, unbalanced in flavor, and ingredient quality/freshness was off. This is not to say you won't enjoy your meal; however, I would have expected better for the prices they charge against similar locations. Portions are quite large so no need to fret about leaving hungry unless you decide not to finish your entree as I did. For drinks, their cocktails lack finesse. The good news is the wine list is quite extensive and has some solid offerings. However, the ratio of pricing to bottle value is higher than typical restaurant/bar upcharge. Overall, while by no means a bad experience, I would recommend saving your money and visiting other namesake Italian restaurants on the Hill for an equivalent experience or better.

obsessed doesn't even begin to cover it. from the lasagna, to the ravioli, to the gem salad, to the carrot cake, to the espresso martini this place is a 5/5. dimly lit and so pretty and old school. we did not have a reservation, but got there right at 5 for a seat at the bar (a line was outside right at open). such a classic spot!! amazing as always

Pretty good experience overall. The food was fantastic. We all had specials and we all were very happy. The arancini was delish. The calamari friti was ok. The server knew his stuff. Not overly friendly but VERY knowledgeable. My one issue was the hostess , the second we walked in she rudely inquired "do you have a reservation?" , which we did. It wasn't that she asked, it was how she asked. One of my friends was dressed down a bit, but the restaurant was maybe half full and we had a $300 check so I think the lesson for the hostess was don't judge by appearances. We sat in the outside courtyard, very cute. Overall would definitley go back.

Excellent food! Impeccable service! Romantic environment with an old world ambiance! I've been reserving a table here for over 20 years and my go-to restaurant for fine dining whenever we come thru STL. Seriously amazing and highly recommend!

Classic Italian restaurant with great service. Very cozy interior but a bit loud in the front room. Cocktails and wine were on-point. We had the toasted ravioli, salads and special entrees of sea bass and lobster- rock shrimp pasta which were excellent. Next time I will ask what the price is for specials are because I was shocked when the ticket came back with $58 on sea bass! Also, Costco has gift cards - $79 for $100 that I wish I had know ln about. They do offer a lovely slice of complementary cake for special occasions. Overall, recommend as a St Louis mainstay.

I have been to this restaurant several times. I was hoping for an evening of good food. I ordered a pasta dish. It came cold. I should have sent it back for reheating but I didn't. My guest had canoloni. It was hot and plentiful. When asked, he said it was good. The service was good and our leftovers were boxed by one of the waitstaff in nice containers. Coffee was strong and flavorful. I had cannoli for dessert, it was excellent. The inside of the restaurant is very nice. My only complaint was that the lights were low. I used my phone flashlight to read the menu. In retrospect, I should have had the fettuccine Alfredo. I'm not sure I would go back to this restaurant, I would like to give them another chance. Maybe next year.

The reputation of Charlie Gitto's is strong--we had several folks recommend it to us when we said we were going to St. Louis. They were not wrong. The restaurant is "on the hill," an area known for nice restaurants, mostly Italian. Gitto's is exactly what you would expect from an upscale traditional Italian restaurant. The atmosphere is dark and cozy. Service was friendly and attentive. We had to try the toasted ravioli, which was invented at Gitto's. Fantastic--well worth the calories and the hype. We also had some craft cocktails and some pasta. Everything was top notch. I will definitely return to Gitto's every time I am in St. Louis.

We were visiting from California, my husband has been before, it was my first time. From the moment we were seated, we were greeted and our drink order was taken. Fresh baked bread was served, I would have kept eating bread all night, it was that good. I'm glad I saved some to sop up my meals sauce. Everyone loved what they ordered. I know now why this restaurant is a regular stop for locals and visitors. If you are anywhere near Charlie's you must go, it's an experience.

Elegant neighborhood dining. The ambiance in the front room is a throwback to a bygone era, the back room is lighter but loud. The wine list is excellent; we enjoyed the Mazone Gramolere Barolo with the Signature Shrimp, Toasted Ravioli and Meatballs in Pomodoro. All were excellent. Service was good, but not fine dining, and there was too long a pause after dessert.

Another fantastic night and meal at Gitto's. The veal tonight was perfectly prepared. The chicken speidini....seasoned and cooked to perfection. Walk through the door of this place...and your day will get so much better!!

This place is amazing!!!!! The food is so good! Everything is flavorful and delicious! If you are going to eat here I suggest making a reservation. We didn't have one so we decided to get the food to go. If you don't make a reservation you will have to wait. Our wait time was going to be 1.5 hours. We only waited 15 minutes after we put in our order. I would love to come back and have a meal there. The ambience looks so stunning. The ladies at the front are wonderful as well as the gentleman! Definitely will be back!

We had a reservation for 4 at 7:00p and we got there a bit early to grab a drink at the bar. First impression was that both of their parking lots were full so we had to park in Carnivore's parking lot down the street- no big deal just letting you know what to expect. When we got there, we were greeted by the host and asked if we wanted to check our coats. It felt like we were being rushed to finish our wine at the bar and then they sat us in a crammed corner behind the bar. Normally I'm not one to complain, but I was physically bumping elbows with the strangers at the table next to me. The ambiance was also so dark in there that the lady next to me had to pull out her phone flashlight to read the menu. When our food came, I was extremely underwhelmed. I ordered the lobster spaghetti special and it was very soupy and I felt like there was barely any lobster in it and too much garlic for the price of the dish. My husband ordered potatoes and chicken lemonata and he said the same thing. He said- "it was good but I would never pay over $20 for that thin piece of chicken because there was nothing spectacular about it." Probably won't be back, but I'm sad about that because this is supposed to be a "hill staple" and I feel like I was just disappointed overall.

We went by Charlie Gitto's last weekend and wow! Possibly my favorite restaurant in the city. We dined in on a Friday evening and it was quite busy- make sure to get reservations before hand! On our arrival, we were seated quickly and greeted by friendly staff. We were seated in a corridor towards the back that was a little quieter and private. Out waitress promptly came by to introduce herself and brought along bread that was very soft and delicious! We opted to save space for dessert and decided to go straight for our entrees. We ordered the Parmigiano and the Fettuccini Alfredo. The chicken was tender and cooked to perfection with a savory sauce on top. The Fettuccini Alfredo was unlike any I had ever tried before. The sauce was creamier than usual with a sweeter taste that we really appreciated. One of the best pasta dishes I have ever had! For dessert, we went with tiramisu. It was also so good with a soft texture and creamy base. We really enjoyed it. Overall, an amazing dining experience. We are already planning out our next visit!

World class food, service and ambience. Our entire experience was incredible. Amazing wine list and we sampled many fantastic dishes. Go there!!

Very romantic place. I like to sit in the atmosphere. Everybody was pretty nice we had a slight weight but it wasn't nothing to cry about food came out hot and it was pretty good the only problem I had was that one of the waitresses went into the bathroom with her apron going into the bathroom and as you can see the door closed she walked in there and entered the stall with her apron on came back out with her apron on that is so unacceptable and unsanitary. Other than that, the food was good. The service was great

6-30-2024 dinner for 2 5:00PM Ambiance - Top Notch, romantic low lights, beautiful dinning area. Parking - on. Street parking PLUS "2" private lots. Food: Classic Caesar Salad - Large Full flavored and delicious. Seafood pasta "Suzanne" - Delicious and very rich. The focus of this section was lots of seafood. The pasta and seafood sauce excellent. But the seafood was sparse. Pizza - margarita. Beautiful and delicious. The crust unique and best ever tasted. Hot Green Tea - Delicious Staff - Very polite and helpful. Server - Steven. Very efficient, helpful, & attentive. Iced Tea

Charlie Gittos is tried and true so we went here to celebrate my sisters birthday. We had a reservation and were seated immediately. Our waitress was very nice and attentive through our whole meal. We split a bottle of wine and started the meal with toasted ravioli. They were very flavorful but I wish they had been a bit crispier. They almost felt underdone. We got the mixed greens salad next to split and it was nothing special. It was literally just lettuce onions, and croutons. I didn't even see any cheese on it. They have a great Italian dressing but for $11 the salad was very very disappointing. For dinner I got the cannelloni and she tried the fiore borghese. Mine was very good and the mix of tomato and cream sauce is 10/10. However, for her dish, there was something off about the fiore borghese. It's a cognac sauce instead of vodka but it just didn't feel like it worked. There was a weird sweetness to it that just didn't taste right with the dish. There was also a lot of onion in it and while we absolutely love onions the pieces were too big and felt very overpowering. It might be a preference thing but I wouldn't order that again. As I mentioned before they are tried and true and I will always recommend them but I deducted one star for a few things : my gripes with the salad listed above, the fact that we were halfway through the salad before they offered us pepper and that they walked around with pre-grated Parmesan and doled it with a spoon rather than freshly grate at the table. That may feel inconsequential but for what you're paying, and for this being an Italian restaurant on the hill, that is not the move.

To echo everyone else, Charlie Gitto's is an absolute gem. The service, atmosphere, and food are outstanding. The fiore borghese is a must-order.

Really outstanding! We ate here for the first time last week. The interior is classic straka house white table cloth. Definitely the kind of place you could go for a meeting or a date. Our server was Scott. He dnd the staff were very attentive and we was very personable. We started with beef ravioli. They claim to have originated them here, not sure which story is true but they were very good. Cooked correctly ( not over done) and very tasty. I had French onion soup and wife had Caesar salad. We wouldn't order either again. My soup had lots of onions, croutons and cheese but the broth was very bland. Wife didn't care for the dressing. "kind of sharp tasting" she said. We loved our pastas - beef ravioli and baked spaghetti and meatballs. Their pasta is served very Al dente. I haven't had pasta so good or so well prepared since Rome. Sauce was also very good. Looking forward to returning. I think this will be the standard we judge other Italian restaurants by.

I recently dined at Charlie Gitto's on the Hill and unfortunately, the experience was disappointing. The fettuccine I ordered was undercooked and far too hard, making it difficult to enjoy. On top of that, my friend's medium-well steak was served bloody, far from the doneness I had requested. While I understand that mistakes can happen, the quality of the food was below expectations. I hope the kitchen can improve these aspects in the future, as the meal overall was quite unsatisfactory.And the waiter had a funky attitude about it

Tried this place after all the great reviews on here and because they were about the only one open on a Sunday. The ambiance was dimly lit, but fancy seating. Our service was slow at first, but friendly for the whole visit and tried to get us to try a few things. I decided to try the lasagna after seeing the reviews of how good it was and a lot of food. Boy was I disappointed. Maybe I eat more than most, but I had this lasagna down in about 8 bites and was still hungry...and it was $25. Nothing about this lasagna said authentic homemade Italian and it is not worth $25. Thank goodness for the table bread I was able to eat and feel a little more full. Maybe there is a more fulfilling dish on the menu, but if you can eat, don't settle for this.

Seriously, this place never disappoints. We are celebrating my friend's 40th birthday. The wonderful staff at Gitto's was everything a party planner dreams of. They allowed me to come in early to bring her cake for our dinner reservation. Not one worry. Every care was given to store the cake, light the candles, present it, and pop the Champagne without a hitch. She was so surprised and I was grateful for their professionalism and over the top service. As always.... The food is fresh, handmade and delicious. Every flavor and wine pairing is perfectly crafted. One do their managers/Sommelier' helped us pick two delicious new wine pairings for our dinner choices. The sexy dark ambiance's is perfect for a swanky Italian dinner, but not great for food photos. Ha ha. Their special was a lobster linguine with a white wine reduction... it was so light and flavorful. The amount of lobster and veggies was awesome. The risotto was perfectly creamy and the texture was dreamy. My favorite, is still the reining winner in my book: Seafood Pasta Suzanne. I over stuff myself every time because I can't make myself stop. As always, thank you to the staff for an amazing experience!!

On the Hill! We did not have a reservation but they still accommodated us. We were only 2 of us. We did have to wait about 30 minutes. We sat at bar and drank a beer while we waited. You could hardly hear the music they had playing but there was a lot of people. The place is bigger than it looks from the outside. The waitress was very nice and told us about the specials of the day. However, never came back to offer refills on our drinks. Food was delicious and plenty of it. The gnocci au gratin as a side dish was amazing!!! Soft, creamy and cheesy. The New York strip was delicious. The waitress said it comes by itself but as you can see in the picture the plate has a few garnishes, nothing big. The lasagna was also delicious! Big portion and just so good. We ask for a cheesecake and I have to say the portion was a little smaller than the other location. A few people came and checked on us to see f we needed anything and see if the food was good. We had leftovers so they take the plate to the back and put in container for you. A big menu with drinks and wine selection was available. Parking next to building was available. They close at 9pm on weekdays. Free bread!

Return visit to celebrate my birthday! We were graciously served by Erica. Our dinner was simply divine!! From the assistants who served our dinner to the ambiance, everything was superb! We had the red sangria, delightful and fruity!! We shared the chopped salad, so flavorful and prepared in small pieces! Don't need a knife to cut it! I chose the scallops with crabmeat and cream sauce, along with fresh carrots, onions, tomatoes and asparagus. Hubby selected the aged 28 days New York Strip!! Melts in your mouth, so tender! They brought a serving of birthday cake, we decided to take it home and try the crème brûlée!! Wow!!!! So delicious!! A wonderful place to dine for those special occasions!

Charlie Gitto's is the BEST Italian restaurant on the hill. Honestly I've gotten the cannelloni every time and haven't ventured out to another dish (mostly just because I love it so much) and it never disappoints. The service is fantastic. I would definitely recommend making a reservation

Delicious Italian food! I had the cannelloni along with a side house salad, both were fantastic. Our server was very personable and the front of the restaurant gave off a very old school Italian vibe. We'll be back!

Amazing Italian cuisine in STL! Everything we tried was delicious. The restaurant has a nice ambiance and service was great.

Was over due on coming here and wasn't very exciting experience, I'll say my plate made it to me kinda fast, Wasn't super hot but warm, had side chef potatoes which wasn't warm either, calamari was very hot prolly the only dish with a nice temperature, i really like to try restaurants and I've waited to come here but honestly I could had just stayed home last night I was very disappointed about my experience... I've worked for restaurants before actually... knowing fine dining is one thing it's not here at this restaurant..