Charlie Gitto's On the Hill

"Charlie Gitto's was known for being one of the best romantic place for Valentine's Day, and we were lucky enough to get a reservation on that day. 🌹 We got a totally lovely experience there! Everyone was polite and patient. They introduced us the holiday specials and also offered extra time for us to decide on our order. The signature veal dish (breaded and roasted) was extraordinary! Everything was perfect about the dish, especially how tender the meat was. They did their best to accomodate our preferences of having some risotto (, which by the way was just divine ✨ ) on the side and our dietary restrictions. The white wine lemon butter veal was really special, though the chewiness of the meat was really not to my personal taste. But I appreciate the kind gesture and a surprise of a high class and high performance Tiramisu, which really made the visit more amazing 😋! We loved the fancy and romantic atmosphere and the cocktail/mocktail, too! It's definitely worth a visit for your next special date night or a nice celebration! 🥰"

"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."