Enjoy homemade pasta, veal, seafood, and classic dishes like toasted ravioli and lobster ravioli in an upscale setting.
Host gatherings in our spacious rooms, perfect for parties, celebrations, and corporate events with curated menus.
Savor expertly crafted mocktails, cocktails, and a selection of wines to complement your meal.
Experience a curated spread of signature dishes, allowing you to sample multiple favorites in one visit.
Bring our authentic Italian flavors to your off-site events with customized catering options.
Old school Italian in the heart of "The Hill" neighborhood. Servers were well attentive and the food was fantastic. Dress code is "no holes or offensive", otherwise anything goes. Lost a star for atmosphere, it was very loud sitting tables of two next to large parties of 5 and 6 people.
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.
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.
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!

Authentic Italian fine dining in St. Louis's historic Hill neighborhood—where every meal is a cherished memory.
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Charlie Gitto's On the Hill is a beloved upscale Italian restaurant located in the heart of St. Louis's historic Italian neighborhood. Known for its impeccable service, homemade dishes, and vibrant atmosphere, it offers a culinary experience that blends tradition with excellence. From legendary toasted ravioli to veal Nunzio with crab, each plate tells a story, making it a staple for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Italian-American cuisine in a cozy, lively setting.
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