ST. LOUIS – With a historic neighborhood renowned for its Italian cuisine, The Hill, it’s no surprise that Missouri’s best Italian food hails from St. Louis. But with so many standout options, choosing the best is no easy task.
With that in mind, food writers recently praised one St. Louis restaurant for serving the state’s best Italian meals.
A research team at LoveFood.com recently compiled a list named the “best Italian food” in every U.S. state. Their choices were based on reviews, awards, accolades, and first-hand experiences of their food-writing team.
According to LoveFood.com, Missouri’s best Italian food can be found at Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill.
Charlie Gitto’s has been a staple of The Hill for decades, priding itself on fresh ingredients, a variety of pasta offerings, an extensive wine selection, and an inviting atmosphere. The restaurant also includes outdoor patio seating and hosts a variety of private events and celebrations.
Toasted ravioli is the signature dish of Charlie Gitto’s, though it’s also beloved for its brick-oven pizzas, calamari fritti, lasagna, and baked spaghetti with meatballs.
LoveFood.com offers the following review of Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill:
“A St. Louis institution, Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill has been serving traditional Italian dishes since 1981. Complete with wood-paneled walls and cozy booth seating, it’s become a go-to date night destination for locals. The toasted, meat-filled ravioli with tomato sauce, thinly sliced veal, and ricotta-stuffed manicotti all come highly recommended.”
Charlie Gitto’s location at The Hill, located at 5226 Shaw Ave., is open from 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 4-9 p.m. Sunday. There is also a location at the Hollywood Casino in Maryland Heights.
NOTE: Video attached above is from FOX 2’s July 2020 report on the death of Charlie Gitto Sr.