Charlie Gitto’s From the Hill

Very poorly managed restaurant. We had reservations for 7:30, however, we were not seated until 8:15. We went up to the hostess stand, however, we were informed there was a party of 22 that had been there since 5. When we asked the hostess to speak to a manager the manager was extremely rude. She brushed us off by saying it was unforeseen circumstances and we would be seated next-​no apology. Five more parties were seated before us. The whole time we were waiting for our table nobody apologized and the manager didn’t even look at us nor did she offer us anything while we waited. When I went up to the hostess and told her how disappointing it was that a manager didn’t even offer our group an apology she agreed with me-​we were seated shortly after. Only 45 minutes after our original reservation. We will not be returning.

My wife and I arrived about 7 and decided to sit at the bar. It was a cold evening and we both ordered the matzo ball soup. I thought my mom was in the kitchen preparing it because it was as good as any I have ever had. My barbecue chicken pizza was the best I have ever had. Over all our dining experience was second to none. The bartender Justin seemed to know what I needed before I did and I call that fantastic service. We will continue to eat there in the future and call this place our new favorite place for great food and tremendous service

Food was amazing! Our server, Tony was GREAT! It is recommended to reserve a table especially on weekends and if you have a large party (over 6 people). All of the servers in the restaurants tended to our table, keeping us entertained! We will be back soon!

Delicious Italian food authentically prepared. Nice atmosphere. Our server was a gracious, checking on a few questions we had about the menu. The chef prepared Carbonara to our taste, we are looking forward to going back.
(Would have loved a dessert and coffee — perhaps another visit!)

My family recently went to Charlie Gitto’s on Christmas Eve, and the service was… well, not great. To be fair, it was VERY busy, but when you pay a decent amount for food, you expect it to be good! We didn’t get bread until AFTER our meals came, and we had to ask for things several times (from several different waiters).
The calamari was really yummy, but I wasn’t pleased with my main dish or salad. I ordered the Italian Chopped Salad, but it barely had any greens in it and was mostly just beans and salami pieces. I usually love Italian salads and don’t think I’m a picky person, but I didn’t even eat it because the flavors seemed so off. For the main dish, I got the Chicken Spiedini, which our waiter recommended. Unfortunately, it still had little bones in it and I kept having to pull them out! It was also drenched in the amogio and made the breadcrumbs on the chicken really soggy and ultimately overpowered the dish. Overall, I was pretty disappointed — especially for how much we paid.

Its very hard to get reservations for things when you have a large group however Charlie Gitto’s was able to accommodate our 10 for a recent birthday and it was a great experience!
Our reservation was for 6 and we arrived a few minutes before and were seated immediately. I had requested a table that a wheelchair patron could sit at and it seemed to do the trick. Waters were delivered and as the rest of our group arrived, so did our main waitress. Drinks started flowing while she shared the specials of the night. Their menu is expansive, with a lot of options to satisfy all taste buds. We were given bread, and the olive oil butter and settled in for great conversation.
My husband and I decided to share an appetizer of the toasted ravioli, a house salad and their Siciliano pizza. It all came out in a timely manner, all hot and hit the hunger spot that we had. There was so much pizza that we had enough for the next day!
To celebrate the birthday we had, they came out with a piece of cannoli cake and we sang to our birthday person while others ordered tiramasu to end the night.
Thank you CG’s for making the night memorable — we will be back!

We loved our dining experience here last night. Wonderful ambience and dinner was fantastic. Our server, Tony, was fantastic and had a large party next to us. The wine menu is vast but only had one glass during dinner. We had a wedge salad which was well chilled and dressed with lots of bacon. My date had baked spaghetti and I had the lobster ravioli which were both wonderful. Seems they push the cheese garlic bread, which was good, but at $ 2 a piece i would skip next time. We had bread with salad which was enough. The mesmerizing dessert case is next to the front door. I knew I wasn’t leaving without getting something (we skipped an appetizer thinking ahead to leave room for dessert) We chose the cannelloni to split and didn’t realize It actually came with two of them. It was excellent. We were in a food coma for a couple hours afterwards and kept saying under our breath «that was so good».

Where to begin. Server came, no name, said hello. Came back with bread, left again. Came back for drink order. Hubby beer came. Nada on water. Ordered soup and pizza. Soup came no water. We stacked dishes when pizza arrived. No water. Soup was ok. Pizza not quite done. Elbow to elbow room at tables. Servers can barely take care of customers. This was 5^th time at this location. Won’t be coming back to this one. NEVER received water. Pretty awesome for fine dining… and it was my birthday…

Gave us a burnt bruchetta bread piece. Should have removed that piece instead. Gave us the check before we asked for it while we were eating. At a fine dining place I would expect them to ask us if we wanted anything else before getting us the check. we were the only people of color in there. there were others who were done with dinner but hanging out. we were made to feel like eat your food give us your money and get out of here immediately. Seemed racist to me.

We went here with another couple on a Sunday night two weeks ago. I got the Chicken Spiedini which was pretty good. I’ve had better but it was still very good. The side of roasted veggies was unexciting — thinking I should have ordered the side of pasta instead. We all got gelato for dessert and the darling server brought us samples first because we couldn’t decide on the flavors. I chose pistachio as always.

Restaurant slow. 1 pm weekday. 40 mins for the food to come out. No bread offered while we waited. This is not Olive Garden. Expected more.

I was looking for something close to my hotel and I enjoy good Italian food. I was not disappointed from the moment I walked in the door. This is not your olive garden cookie cutter place. I found it to be warm and comforting without appearing snobbish.
Other reviewers have brought up the price, I will agree that the prices are higher than chains, but you get what you pay for. From the ambiance, the quality of service, to the high quality food, all together makes the price seem appropriate.
My waiter was friendly and very courteous. He knew the specials without a cheat sheet. There were several tables with 4 and 5 patrons and I received the same attention they did, which says a lot since their tip will be much higher than mine.
I had the baked spaghetti and meatballs. Not only was the dish hot when it came, it was hot throughout my time there. The meatballs were tender and delicious, not to much sauce (I hate places that drown the dish in sauce), and the noodles were perfect.
If I had to find an issue, I suppose it would be that there was not a complimentary bread tray, which would have really made it a bargain for the price in my opinion.
I will be eating here a few time during my trip.

Our family ate here tonight for the first time while we are on vacation in the St Louis area. We had toasted ravioli as an appetizer which was very good. I had the shrimp scampi special with tomato pasta in a garlic cream sauce. My daughter had spaghetti and meatballs, a half order. My wife had the lobster bisque and a salad. It was all excellent. The service was also top-​notch. I give this restaurant one of my highest recommendations.

First time in today for a business lunch. Beautiful day to sit on the patio. Started with toasted ravioli. Think deep fried cheese ravioli. Delivered pipping hot with a marinara dipping sauce. Probably not the healthiest, but sure tasted good. Followed with the Eggplant Napoleon. This was my favorite dish. Pesto, spinach and cheese wrapped in eggplant sitting in two different sauces. Finished my meal with the wild mushroom pizza. Pesto based with roasted mushrooms and cheese on a thin crust. Three of my favorite foods all in one bite! Very good. Service was attentive.

Great food, impeccable service. Pierre was an exceptional server. Will come back for sure.

This is a nicely decorated restaurant. It’s warm and cozy inside with lots of wood. They have great Calamari and meatballs and lots of good pasta dishes on the menu. The service is good and it’s a nice place to take your family. We enjoyed eating there and will return.

The best thing I can say about this place is the wait staff is very attentive, friendly, and professional.
I appreciate food that is made with a chef’s own signature flair, but I waned more flavours.
My husband and I ordered both the garlic, cheesy bread and the toasted ravioli. The bread was extremely greasy and sadly the cheese over took the bread. If you are going to serve fresh bread, allow the customer to enjoy it instead of completely cover it up.
The ravioli was good and fresh however with other reviews for this restaurant, I was expecting to be wow’d.
I order the French Onion soup. I claim myself to be a short of conesouir of it. If I could stand outside with a warning sign not to order it, I gladly would. I had to keep looking to reassure myself it was actually onion soup. I am not sure what kind of cheese they used… t was the wrong one!
I had the veal parmesan. Again, no mode of enlightenment from me in anyway. I actually hesitated when the waitress asked if I wanted a box to bring the rest home. There is no dog at home to finish it and I know I won’t be!
Sad at the meal. I love italian food but I search for flavor and richness. Not happening here folks.

Thinking about my experience at the Chesterfield location makes me sad and angry all at the same time.
My bf and I reserved a table at this location since we were staying out in Chesterfield for Valentine’s Day Weekend. When making the reservation I was hesitant because I know that my experiences on the Hill have always been so pleasant, but I thought we could give it a try even though some of the reviews for this location made me nervous.
We arrived around 6 pm on Valentine’s Day and the place was packed (as predicted). I completely understand that going out to eat on Valentine’s Day can be crazy, but I had no idea it would be that bad. Our reservation was at 6 pm and when we arrived we were told that there was still a little bit of a wait… no biggie. That being said, when I make reservations at the Hill location I never have to wait. Anyway, we waited for about 10 minutes and were seated at a table right near the bathroom and in front of the service station. I really wanted to say something, but didn’t have the heart… my bf was sitting basically in the aisle and so patrons and servers had to maneuver around him if they wanted to get through. What a ridiculous location for a table! The table behind me was so close to my chair that the person in the chair behind me kept hitting my chair and it was making me feel very uncomfortable. All within 3 minutes of sitting down we were both angry and upset about the location, but neither of us wanted to say anything since it was such a busy night. I regret that decision.
Our server came over to bring us water and let us look over the drink menu. Our server was friendly and even though it was busy she did a good job taking care of us. The awkward thing was whenever she would be at the table next to us she was so close that we could hear everything going on at the table; not much privacy or intimacy at this location. When she came back we ordered salads (I ordered the spinach salad and the bf ordered a caesar) and our entrees. I knew the food was going to be good and that is all that really mattered. Our salads were brought out and drinks were delivered right around the same time. Again, the place was busy so I was okay with waiting a little longer for food/​drinks. During the time we were waiting I was still feeling movement from the table behind me and it was getting irritating-​I tried to move my chair, but it was caught and so I just had to deal with it. The other awkward thing was that the service station was so close that I could touch it-​and I felt like I was being watched by the servers standing back there the entire time! My poor bf was knocked into a few times as people were trying to go around him to get to and/​or from the bathroom/​service station.
By the time our food came our we were just ready to get out of there. The whole experience was just not good and we really felt awkward. I ate a few bites and then asked for a box and so did my bf-​we just wanted to get out of there. As our leftovers were being boxed up I really thought the manager would come over to our table (as I saw him visit a few other tables around us), but he never did. I kind of wanted to let him know about our experience. I had a whole conversation planned and it wasn’t going to be bad… just informative. Anyway, our leftovers came out thanks to our server who boxed them up. We also asked for some gelato to go (cookies and cream) so that we could enjoy it back at the hotel.
She brought us the gelato and we were able to bag all of our goodies up, we paid the bill and left.
Overall, I was not very impressed with the atmosphere or the seating arrangements. I agree with Kristin S.; the tables are way too close together. It was hard to have a romantic dinner with another table being so close. Also, the music at this location was really loud so diners were trying to talk over the music and the noise in the place was just too much for me to handle.
I am sorry for the 2 star review. I will just visit the Hill location from now on since I know my experiences there have been awesome each and every time I have gone. The food was delicious and the service was okay… but the atmosphere and the seating really brought down the rating for me.

What a bunch of arrogant, greedy and condescending group of people. More worried about filling tables than a pleasant dining experience. I must say the food is decent, but no better than most Italian restaurants. Poor soul’s of West county don’t have many choices for pasta besides chains, so they have to tolerate simplicity and the rudeness of a miniature host.
My filet was cooked perfect and was delicious but sides were cold, dried and limp. Son liked his red snapper but ¼ of it was the brown fat. But overall he enjoyed. My wife ordered a chicken pasta which came to table cold. For an appetizer we had fried calamari that was average. Took home carrot cake and a chocolate cake, really delicious. Don’t think they make in house.
Do to the front staff and disregard for people’s time and plans, would have gave 3 stars, but eating out should be an experience. DON’T expect to have a fine dining experience with Charlie Gitto’s. FInd a nice Italian restaurant that prides themself in an experience and not filling tables.
Greg

Charlie Gitto’s Chesterfield Location is having a full blown identity crisis. It does not know if it wants to be a pizza & pasta stop or fine dining steak and entrees. The service, interior, and price of a glass of house wine all make you think they are pushing upscale, but most people are in jeans ordering salad and pizzas.
Absolutely not romantic in any way. Tables are on top of each other, views of the front door and restroom, waiters station facing tables were they stand and stare at diners, highchairs blocking walkways, lights from a display case in the lobby distracting, very loud music which diners are talking over, topped off by aloof management. Plastic menus, no table clothes, and wrapped silverware all equal mid range to low end restaurants.
Very disappointed for a special night out.
I was served spoiled red wine which I politely asked to be dumped and given a glass of the house red instead. After ten minutes the wine came back, waiter saying I was right and they opened a new bottle. I do not believe that for a second– I can almost guarantee they aerated the original glass and sent it back to me. Pour size is very small. I did not finish the wine.
I would be willing to return and give it one more try in jeans and do as the people in the «know» seem to do– split a salad and pizza or pasta– avoiding the wine altogether.
To end on a positive note, I adore the striped curtains inside.