Downtown visitors heading to Charlie Gitto’s should know the menu with prices includes a pasta course that demands a reservation and loose pants. Before you step into this St. Louis institution, you need a game plan for the Charlie Gitto’s menu with prices so you don’t overspend on appetizers and miss the good stuff. This guide breaks down every section of the menu, what you should actually order, and what you can expect to pay for the full experience.
Charlie Gitto’s has been serving the Hill neighborhood since 1981. They do old-school Italian the right way. The portions are generous. The sauces are rich. And the prices reflect the fact that you are eating at a landmark, not a chain spot. Let’s get into the numbers so you can budget your night out.
Charlie Gitto’s Menu With Prices: The Main Sections
You will find the menu divided into cold appetizers, hot appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, chicken, veal, seafood, and steaks. There is also a solid wine list, but we are focusing on the food costs here. Below is a breakdown of the price ranges you will see in each category, followed by the specific must-try dishes.
Appetizers And Starters
You should not skip the starters. The toasted ravioli is a St. Louis classic, and Charlie Gitto’s version is consistently good. Here is what you will pay for the opening act.
- Toasted Ravioli (Beef or Cheese): $12.95
- Calamari Fritti: $14.95
- Bruschetta al Pomodoro: $11.50
- Clams Casino (Half Dozen): $15.95
- Mussels Marinara: $13.95
- Garlic Bread with Mozzarella: $9.95
- Shrimp Cocktail: $16.95
If you are sharing between two people, get the toasted ravioli and the calamari. That will run you about $28 before tax. It is enough food to hold you over, but dont fill up completely. The pasta course is the real reason you are here.
Soup And Salad Courses
Salads at Charlie Gitto’s are large enough to split. The house salad comes with their signature Italian dressing, which is tangy and herbaceous. You can also get the Caesar, which is prepared tableside if you ask nicely.
- House Salad: $9.95
- Caesar Salad: $11.95
- Chopped Antipasto Salad: $13.95
- Soup of the Day (Cup): $6.50
- Soup of the Day (Bowl): $8.95
Pro tip: Skip the soup if you are planning on pasta. You will need the stomach space. The house salad is the better value because the dressing is house-made and you can ask for extra on the side.
Pasta Dishes: The Heart Of The Menu
This is where the menu gets serious. The pasta is made fresh daily. The sauces are slow-cooked. And the portions are huge. You will likely have leftovers for lunch the next day, which makes the price feel more reasonable.
- Spaghetti with Meatballs: $19.95
- Linguine with White Clam Sauce: $24.95
- Fettuccine Alfredo: $18.95
- Penne alla Vodka: $19.95
- Rigatoni Bolognese: $21.95
- Cheese Ravioli with Marinara: $18.50
- Lasagna al Forno: $22.95
- Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream: $23.95
- Linguine with Shrimp and Scallops: $28.95
The Bolognese is the house specialty. It simmers for hours and has a deep, meaty flavor that you wont find in a jar. If you want the full experience, order the Rigatoni Bolognese and ask for a side of their house-made sausage. It is a little extra, but worth it.
Chicken And Veal Entrees
If you are not in the mood for pasta, the chicken and veal dishes come with a side of spaghetti or vegetables. These are classic Italian-American preparations with heavy sauces and melted cheese.
- Chicken Parmigiana: $24.95
- Chicken Marsala: $25.95
- Chicken Francese: $25.95
- Veal Parmigiana: $29.95
- Veal Marsala: $30.95
- Veal Piccata: $30.95
- Saltimbocca alla Romana: $32.95
The Veal Parmigiana is the most popular veal dish. The cutlet is thin, breaded, and fried, then topped with mozzarella and their marinara. It is rich and filling. If you are watching your wallet, the Chicken Parmigiana is almost as good and about five dollars cheaper.
Seafood And Fish Options
Seafood at an Italian restaurant can be hit or miss. Here, it is reliably fresh. The prices are higher, but you are paying for quality ingredients and careful preparation.
- Shrimp Francese: $27.95
- Shrimp Scampi: $26.95
- Grilled Salmon: $28.95
- Lobster Ravioli: $31.95
- Fileto di Sole (Lemon Butter): $25.95
The Lobster Ravioli is a splurge. The pasta is stuffed with lobster meat and served in a pink cream sauce. It is decadent. If you want to try it without committing to a full order, see if they offer it as an appetizer special on the night you visit.
Steaks And Chops
Charlie Gitto’s is primarily known for Italian food, but they also serve a decent steak. These are aged cuts, cooked over an open flame. They come with a side of vegetables and your choice of potato or spaghetti.
- New York Strip (14 oz): $38.95
- Filet Mignon (8 oz): $39.95
- Ribeye (16 oz): $42.95
- Pork Chop (Bone-in): $28.95
Honestly, you can get a better steak at a dedicated steakhouse. But if you are dining with a group and someone wants steak while you want pasta, this is a solid option. The Filet Mignon is the most tender cut.
Side Dishes And Add-Ons
Most entrees come with a side, but you might want extra vegetables or a side of sausage. Here are the a la carte options.
- Side of Spaghetti with Marinara: $8.95
- Sauteed Spinach: $9.95
- Broccoli Rabe: $10.95
- Italian Sausage (Link): $7.95
- Meatball (Each): $4.50
- Side of Meat Sauce: $5.95
If you order a pasta dish and want extra protein, just get a meatball on the side. It is cheaper than upgrading to a larger portion of the main dish.
Desserts To Finish
You might be full, but the desserts are worth considering. They have classic Italian sweets that are made in-house. Here is what you will pay for the finale.
- Tiramisu: $9.95
- Cannoli (Two Pieces): $8.95
- Spumoni: $7.95
- Cheesecake: $8.95
- Chocolate Mousse Cake: $9.50
The Tiramisu is the best choice. It is light, creamy, and has a good coffee kick. If you are sharing, get one Tiramisu and two forks. The restaurant will not mind.
Drinks And Beverage Prices
You will need something to wash down all that pasta. The drink menu is extensive, but here are the baseline prices for common orders.
- House Wine (Glass): $10.00 – $14.00
- Domestic Beer (Bottle): $6.50
- Imported Beer (Bottle): $8.00
- Cocktails: $12.00 – $16.00
- Soft Drinks / Iced Tea: $3.95
- Espresso / Cappuccino: $5.50
The wine list is mostly Italian and Californian. If you are having red sauce, get a Chianti or a Barbera. The staff can help you pick something in your price range.
How To Budget Your Meal At Charlie Gitto’s
Now that you have the prices, you need a strategy. A dinner for two can get expensive fast if you order everything. Here is a realistic budget breakdown.
- Appetizer (Shared): $15.00
- Two House Salads: $20.00
- Two Pasta Entrees: $40.00
- One Dessert (Shared): $10.00
- Two Glasses of Wine: $24.00
- Tax and Tip (Estimated): $25.00
That puts you at roughly $134 for two people. If you skip the appetizer and the dessert, you can get that down to about $90. If you are really watching your budget, split a pasta entree. The portions are large enough that two people can share one dish and a salad.
Lunch Pricing Is Cheaper
If you want to try Charlie Gitto’s without the dinner price tag, go for lunch. The lunch menu is a bit smaller, but the prices are lower. Most lunch pasta dishes run between $14.00 and $18.00. You also get a smaller portion, which is fine if you do not want leftovers.
The lunch menu is available Monday through Friday until 3 PM. You can get a soup or salad with your entree for a small upcharge. It is the smart way to experience the restaurant on a budget.
Happy Hour And Specials
Check the bar area for happy hour specials. The bar menu has smaller portions at reduced prices. You can get a few appetizers and a drink for under $25. The bar gets busy after work, so arrive early to grab a seat.
They also have nightly specials that are not on the printed menu. Always ask your server what the specials are. Sometimes they have a pasta dish that is not listed, and it is usually a great value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about pricing and the menu.
Is Charlie Gitto’s Expensive?
It is mid-to-upper range for Italian food. Expect to pay $25 to $35 per person for an entree, before drinks and appetizers. It is not fine dining prices, but it is not cheap eats either.
Do They Have A Dress Code?
No strict dress code. You will see people in jeans and polos, and others in suits. Business casual is the safest bet. Just do not wear shorts and flip flops.
Can You Make A Reservation?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. The dining room fills up fast. You can book online or by calling the restaurant directly.
Are There Vegetarian Options On The Menu?
Yes. There are several pasta dishes without meat, like the Fettuccine Alfredo, Penne alla Vodka, and Cheese Ravioli. You can also ask for the vegetable of the day as a side.
Is The Price On The Menu The Final Price?
No. Prices do not include tax or tip. You will pay around 10% sales tax on top of the listed price. Tip your server 18-20% for good service.
Final Tips For Your Visit
Make sure you check the daily specials board when you walk in. The staff will also mention them. Do not be afraid to ask for a recommendation based on your budget. They are honest about what is worth the money.
If you are celebrating a special occasion, tell them when you make the reservation. They might do something nice for you, like a complimentary dessert or a sparkler in your tiramisu. It never hurts to ask.
Parking is available in their lot, but it fills up. There is also street parking in the neighborhood. Arrive a few minutes early to find a spot without stress.
One last thing: the portions are big. Do not over order. You can always get more food, but you cannot un-eat a dish you did not finish. Start with one appetizer and one entree each. See how you feel after that.
Charlie Gitto’s is a classic for a reason. The food is consistent, the service is professional, and the atmosphere feels like old St. Louis. Now you know the menu with prices, so you can walk in confident and ready to order. Enjoy your meal and save room for the cannoli.