
Charlie Gitto's On the Hill
A beloved St. Louis institution on The Hill, offering classic Italian dishes with handmade pasta and a charming, elegant atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Charlie Gitto's On the Hill

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved St. Louis institution on The Hill, offering classic Italian dishes with handmade pasta and a charming, elegant atmosphere.
"Experience fantastic service and terrific food, including the BEST toasted ravs ever!"
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining at this popular Italian spot.
Don't Skip Dessert
Save room for sweet endings! Their famous gooey butter cake and cannoli are must-tries.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Toasted Ravioli
Experience the legendary St. Louis classic, handmade with the perfect crunch and a flavorful filling.

Elegant Old-World Atmosphere
Dine in a warm, inviting setting with formal decor and cozy low lighting, perfect for special occasions.

Handmade Pasta Creations
Indulge in fresh, homemade noodles and tortellini dishes, a testament to traditional Italian craftsmanship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining at this popular Italian spot.
Don't Skip Dessert
Save room for sweet endings! Their famous gooey butter cake and cannoli are must-tries.
Consider Off-Peak Times
Visit during weekdays or earlier/later in the evening for a potentially quieter and more relaxed experience.
Ask for Recommendations
Staff are knowledgeable and can provide personalized recommendations to enhance your dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining at this popular Italian spot.
Don't Skip Dessert
Save room for sweet endings! Their famous gooey butter cake and cannoli are must-tries.
Consider Off-Peak Times
Visit during weekdays or earlier/later in the evening for a potentially quieter and more relaxed experience.
Ask for Recommendations
Staff are knowledgeable and can provide personalized recommendations to enhance your dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Charlie Gitto's on The Hill is praised for its delicious, authentic Italian cuisine and elegant, old-world atmosphere. Many diners rave about the handmade pastas and the iconic toasted ravioli, highlighting the attentive service. However, some guests have found the pricing to be on the higher end for the region, and a few have experienced inconsistencies in food quality or service.
"Our food was absolutely amazing! We had the brick oven cheese pizza & seafood pasta Suzanne. It was probably the best cheese pizza I've ever had, and the seafood in my pasta was cooked perfectly. They even brought us a special dessert for my husband's birthday. I don't remember the name of the dessert but it was an Italian cake with custard, chocolate & cherries. We had never had anything like it before. We loved everything about our visit!"
M S
"This place was absolutely amazing. Our waiter was great and when he greeted us, he let us know this was the place on The Hill and boy he did not lie! The food was to die for. They have wonderful specials and are super accommodating. I am gluten-free and my they had many gluten friendly options. My partner ordered the lasagna and said it was amazing, the best of his life (it really may be better than your Nonna's). While it is not the cheapest option, it is definitely worth the price. I genuinely cannot wait to come back!"
Allie Ashman
"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!"
Rita Conway
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is most famous for its St. Louis classic, toasted ravioli, as well as its handmade pasta dishes.
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours or on weekends, to ensure you get a table.
Yes, the restaurant is accommodating and offers gluten-friendly options on its menu.
The atmosphere is elegant and upscale, suggesting smart casual attire for diners.
Parking can be found in the small lot on the side, but street parking may be necessary during peak times.
Guests highly recommend saving room for dessert, particularly the famous gooey butter cake and cannoli.
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Best Italian Restaurants in the STL
Charlie Gitto’s is a casually elegant establishment that prides themselves in being warm and attentive to their patrons. A professionally trained sommelier is available to help diners choose the best pairing for their intended dinner, and can make suggestions allowing you to expand your palette. With steaks, seafood, veal, pizza, and pasta, there’s a bit of something for everyone at Charlie Gitto’s and you won’t regret making the trip- reservations are recommended.
The ultimate guide to The Hill neighborhood in St. Louis
Charlie Gitto's on The Hill is beloved for its take on a St. Louis classic: toasted ravioli. Other signature dishes include the Penne Borghese – pasta tossed in a pink cognac sauce with prosciutto, onions and parsley – and the chicken Nunzio, which includes breaded chicken breast topped with crab, cheese and lemon butter sauce. This spot is bound to be busy during dinner, so be sure to make a reservation.
Best Restaurants on The Hill: St. Louis Food Guide
A true gem on The Hill, Charlie Gitto’s is one of the best Italian restaurants in St. Louis, favored for special occasions and fine dining experiences. This restaurant offers a delightful ambiance, excellent service, and a menu featuring their signature St. Louis-style pizza and fresh plates of pasta. Make sure to save room for their famous gooey butter cake, a real star of their dessert selection.
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This Italian restaurant has been serving up delicious food in The Hill neighborhood for the past 35 years. In 1947 a chef at Angelo’s – which was the name of the restaurant at the time – accidentally dropped a ravioli in hot oil instead of water, and toasted ravs were born. Gitto’s serves up other appetizers, salads, brick oven pizzas and several choices for entrees.
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St. Louis is rich in Italian heritage, so it’s only appropriate that Charlie Gitto’s makes the list of best restaurants. Charlie Gitto’s is a locally owned Italian eatery in St. Louis with three separate locations across the city. The first restaurant still operates out of the original building in “ The Hill“, a popular urban neighborhood.
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– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,034 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Italian, Asian– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 5226 Shaw Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110– Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-rated pizza restaurants in St. Louis, according to Tripadvisor
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It’ll be in hot demand, but it never hurts to request the corner booth at this venerable Italian restaurant on The Hill. In truth, there’s not a bad seat in the house, though—because they all get you access to the lobster ravioli, chicken spiedini, and green peppercorn NY strip steak no matter where you perch.
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Some of my favorites are Mission Taco, El Burro Loco, Salt and Smoke BBQ, Charlie Gitto’s, and The Post Sports Bar & Grill. In general, there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from and you should have no problem finding places that fit your dietary restrictions!
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,027 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian, Sicilian- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 5226 Shaw Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Charlie Gitto’s opened their welcoming doors to the public in 1974 and has since has earned it’s reputation as a St. Louis Landmark. Family owned and operated, Gitto’s features Classic Italian Cuisine as well as traditional American dishes.
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This elegant, old world-style restaurant features dark woods, a fountain, and a comfortable ambience. Risotto makes as fine an appetizer as it does an entree. Start with the creamy seafood risotto made with salmon, shrimp, and scallops.
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Featuring signature St. Louis dishes like toasted ravioli and other Italian-inspired Midwestern favorites including deep dish pizza and homemade gelato, this restaurant is steeped in tradition and favorite of locals and visitors alike.
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Without a doubt, The Hill is a place everyone considers when going out for a nice dinner. Charlie Gitto’s will not disappoint. Copious amounts of seating combined with a very helpful wait staff make this a no brainer.
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Classic Italian accommodates both dressing up and dressing down. The eggplant Napoleon is a culinary wonder, and Nunzio—as in Gitto’s signature veal dish—is apparently Italian for Oscar. 5226 Shaw, 314-772-8898.
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There was absolutely nothing negative I can say about this restaurant. It is by far the best ran restaurant I've been to in a very long time. I wouldn't be surprised if it receives a Michelin star.” -Scott D.
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Our waiter was great and when he greeted us, he let us know this was the place on The Hill and boy he did not lie!. The food was to die for. They have wonderful specials and are super accommodating.
Kings of the Hill? Our critic's fresh look at 3 classic Italian restaurants in St. Louis
I don’t mean exciting in the usual food-writer sense — the sort of excitement that can exhaust you even before you’ve scored a reservation at the latest hot spot.
Ask George: Who has the best spaghetti in St. Louis?
On the Hill, Charlie Gitto’s serves a fresh spaghetti (made at the CG Commissary next door) topped with meatballs and baked with three kinds of cheese.
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Charlie Gitto’s is all about providing an upscale experience. Hence, the business casual dress code, white tablecloths, and artfully-crafted dishes.
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A St. Louis dining tradition for 25 years, offering Italian-American cuisine and world-class service. Two certified sommeliers, extensive wine list.
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