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High-end Italian eatery draws visiting celebrities, including Oprah who has her own pasta dish.
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Giovanni’s On The Hill | St. Louis MO – Facebook
WE REGRET THAT GIOVANNI’S ON THE HILL IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR REPAIRS. Please choose Il Bel Lago in Creve Couer at 314-994-1080 or Giovanni’s Kitchen in Clayton …
Restaurateur Giovanni Gabriele dies at age 78 | St. Louis Magazine
Gabriele founded Giovanni’s on the Hill, winner of AAA’s Four Diamond Award for 28 years in a row. … Another longtime St. Louis restaurateur has …
Giovanni’s On The Hill – Temporarily Closed – St. Louis, MO on …
Get menu, photos and location information for Giovanni’s On The Hill – Temporarily Closed in St. Louis, MO. Or book now at one of our other 3559 great …
Reviews
Reza Rahimi
Do not waste your money or time!! We wanted to love it, as it was our first trip to the hill. We made reservations for 6, arrived early and were seated right around 5:50. We did not get addressed or have our order taken until almost 6:40……. Our food was brought out by another server because our server was preoccupied with another table (prom kids that were almost in tears because their food was so late that their limo driver left, they had been there since 5:15). The owner came and apologized to that table, as we adults sat unattended. To say we were unimpressed is an understatement. We will give the hill another chance but never here! Again do not waste your time or money!!!
… moreThomas K
The food was very nice, definitely upscale. Portions were also good, service was very attentive. This is an upscale place servers wearing tuxes and the prices match it. Atmosphere was also quite nice, it has served three presidents and catered Ronald Reagans inaugural dinner. Very cool!
… moreTori
Went to Giovanni’s with my prom group this past Saturday. We called and made our reservation about 3 months ahead of time and explained that our limo would be dropping us off at prom at 7 p.m. and we would need to be done eating and out of Giovanni’s by 6:15 at the latest in order to make it on time. The man taking our reservation said that would be fine and we would be taken care of if we came in at 5:15. We called again the day before prom to confirm that everything was going to go as planned. We were early to our reservation, we came in at 5:10, and were not seated until 5:45. After being told repeatedly that it would only be 5 more minutes before we were seated. Everything went downhill from there, our service was terrible, we did not get our food until 6:40, and when we complained, the owner came over to our table and told us that this was “good Italian food and we can be patient.” The food was good, but he did not apologize to us for the terrible service, and was extremely rude and condescending. We did not leave Giovanni’s until a little after 7, and ended up having to pay for an extra hour on our limo (which was nearly $100) because of the terrible service. Do not waste your time on this place, good food does not make up for terrible service. Apparently the customer is not always right at Giovanni’s.
… morePaul Wilson
First, let me say that the food was absolutely amazing (once it arrived at the table). Other than that, the entire evening was completely miserable. The waiter was rude and preoccupied the entire evening. I work in a formal dining restaurant, and i understand that on busy nights it’s difficult to offer the proper level of hospitality to every table, but that’s a far sight from receiving no hospitality at all. We ordered soup as an appetizer, then proceeded to wait half an hour to have it arrive at the table. The waiter returned several times during our wait to refill our wine glasses, and should have acknowledged that he noticed we hadn’t received our soup, but instead he just poured more wine, then hurried off to check on his other tables. The couple sitting next to us ordered after us, but received their main courses before we even received our appetizer. Overall wait time for our meal was one hour, which is unacceptable even on a busy night. The staff argued with each other in plain view of the patrons in our section (which was crowded in the very back near a door to the kitchen) and spoke to each other as if they would as soon fight each other than work together. The waiter acted annoyed that we didn’t want any dessert, and as soon as i paid the check the first thing he did before wishing us a pleasant evening was to check and see how much of a tip i had left him. To top it all off, this was a Valentine’s Day date for me and a lady friend of mine. This made the events of the evening even more annoying to me as i was the one that suggested that we go there. I hate to sound like a broken recored, but the waiter’s service was unacceptable. It was as if he’d been grounded by his parents, and his punishment was that he had to wait on us. The food was wonderful, but i refuse to go back ever again. I could have received better service at White Castle. I could never, ever recommend this restaurant to anyone, even if i didn’t like the person to which i was making the recommendation. The only good part of the evening was the company, and fortunately she was very understanding. If you’re looking for a nice dinner for two in a formal setting, do not go to Giovanni’s. You will be incredibly disappointed.
… moreAshlin Mosby
So many things to say about this place. First, make sure you have an enormous block of time available if you want to eat here. It took us 2 hours, and all we ordered were entrees and wine. Most of the employees are teenagers who walk around pouring water and getting admonished by the wait staff in the middle of the dining room floor. For some extremely odd reason, they bring the food and then heat it up on burners in the dining room, which slows down an already extremely slow process of getting the food to the table. The entrees come with a “vegetable medley” as the only side, which is shorthand for 3 pieces of vegetables. There aren’t even other sides on the menu to add a la carte. We literally received a steak with one piece of broccoli, one piece of cauliflower, and one carrot slice, which is slightly absurd. Honestly, I understand the lure of sticking to tradition that (they believe) works, but this place is in need of a serious upgrade and modernization in the way it’s run. However, if you like old school, extremely slow and unnecessarily complex service, this may be the place for you. At least the food is good.
… moreKiery Wilson
Great service, fantastic food, pleasant atmosphere!
We stumbled upon this little Italian place where everyone from the valet to the wait staff were gracious and helpful. I couldn’t decide on anything and the waiter helped me choose a great appetizer and entree! We meet the actual Giovanni and his wife and they were very kind. We’ll definitely be back next time we visit St. Louis!
… moreWe stumbled upon this little Italian place where everyone from the valet to the wait staff were gracious and helpful. I couldn’t decide on anything and the waiter helped me choose a great appetizer and entree! We meet the actual Giovanni and his wife and they were very kind. We’ll definitely be back next time we visit St. Louis!
pal51961
Maybe at one time this place was good. After 2 visits I can say that day has passed. I could not think of one reason other than the butter (Plugras) that I would ever return. The food is overpriced, the service is too far over the top but the bottom line is the food is not special in any way. As far as a hill rest. it is just good. I ordered Veal Saltimbocca and was very dismayed at the size of the pieces of veal I received for the money, just a joke. It was bland and tough. My wife’s chicken, which was served to G. Bush was adequate at best. Being a good cook myself, I could have made a more exciting dish for the amount of money involved. The waiters don’t smile, joke or make you feel welcome in any way. If you need anything the wait staff makes you feel like you shouldn’t require anything more than they have already given you. This place is a joke. Save your money and go to Lorenzo’s, or Gian-Tony’s or Gino’s. You will thank me.
… moreHeather S
Table of three.
I wish to preface that this is the first and only negative review I have ever written. I was so upset by my experience here that I wrote the review immediately upon returning home. However, I have let days time pass to ensure I wasn’t over reacting and have modified my review in hopes it may actually be useful to future patrons.
I called to request a same-day reservation around 4pm to which my request was met. I called back around 4:40pm and asked if my reservation could be moved from 7pm to 7:15pm and accommodate a third person. The host said this will not be a problem.
The entryway is cramped from the moment you arrive. A kind but awkward young lady attempted to check my coat on multiple occasions. I tend to be more sensitive to drafts and temperatures, so I declined services. Still, she followed me to the host stand and asked yet again to take my jacket. Please note that it is not a large or extravagant coat that would occupy much space at the table.The host appeared very confused on multiple occasions and rarely at his post despite my being the only person waiting for a table. I arrived 11 minutes earlier than my reservation time, but I was not greeted by anyone other than the coat-checker for nearly 10 minutes. It took nearly 15 minutes for the host to acknowledge my existence and even then, it was the bartender who greeted me, offered libations, and informed the host that I was there.
A small room sits directly across from an (approximate) six-person bar that could be better utilized as a waiting area opposed to dinning room cramped with two four-top tables. It is obvious they are trying to utilize as much space as they can despite the additional comforts, but at least it kept us away from the cold draft from the door. There is a neat ambiance about a small sauté station in dinning room sight. However, a dual-burner propane stove is far less attractive when the station sits inches from your table. We all dealt with the bitter fragrance of burning gas during most of our dinner.
I will not speak to the flavors of the food as taste is relative, but I will, however, note that two out of three of our dishes were dry or over-cooked. My veal saltimbocca alla Giovanni was grossly overcooked but covered up by thick slices of fontina cheese which, in my opinion, is culinary cheating. The vegetables were perfectly cooked and the bread delicious.
We were a pretty simple table: three waters, three entrees, one dessert. Since our very first order, I had requested no ice for my glass of water. We sat for 1.5 hours, yet the dinner captain and support staff still couldn’t remember a simple request of “no ice” for my glass of water. Not that this is relevant, but I just had oral surgery and my teeth are sensitive to temperatures. I should not have to explain this nor remind him every time.
We were enjoying ourselves and had forgiven all by the time dessert menus arrived. The table of four next to us received their dessert menus about five minutes after us. My sister-in-law was enthusiastic to order the tiramisu as this is her favorite part about dinner. Our menus were closed and on the table long before our captain, David, returned. However, he visited the table next to us, first, and placed their order in before even making eye-contact with us. As luck would have it, they received the last tiramisu of the night. She substituted for another dessert and I coffee. David prepped the table with three set-ups, but literally dropped the fork on the table in front of my mother-in-law without any care. Despite his attitude (emphasis on attitude), the dessert was delicious and she was content.
I did not wish to tip the captain, David, 20%. However, I did appreciate his supporting staff and did not want this to effect them. Having part in three family-owned restaurants on the east coast, I understand that the hardest positions in the restaurant are those unseen. The most pleasant of all the team members are the bartender and bussers. The rest of the team are in need of serious re-evaluation.
… moreI wish to preface that this is the first and only negative review I have ever written. I was so upset by my experience here that I wrote the review immediately upon returning home. However, I have let days time pass to ensure I wasn’t over reacting and have modified my review in hopes it may actually be useful to future patrons.
I called to request a same-day reservation around 4pm to which my request was met. I called back around 4:40pm and asked if my reservation could be moved from 7pm to 7:15pm and accommodate a third person. The
The entryway is cramped from the moment you arrive. A kind but awkward young lady attempted to check my coat on multiple occasions. I tend to be more sensitive to drafts and temperatures, so I declined services. Still, she followed me to the host stand and asked yet again to take my jacket. Please note that it is not a large or extravagant coat that would occupy much space at the table.The host appeared very confused on multiple occasions and rarely at his post despite my being the only person waiting for a table. I arrived 11 minutes earlier than my reservation time, but I was not greeted by anyone other than the coat-checker for nearly 10 minutes. It took nearly 15 minutes for the host to acknowledge my existence and even then, it was the bartender who greeted me, offered libations, and informed the host that I was there.
A small room sits directly across from an (approximate) six-person bar that could be better utilized as a waiting area opposed to dinning room cramped with two four-top tables. It is obvious they are trying to utilize as much space as they can despite the additional comforts, but at least it kept us away from the cold draft from the door. There is a neat ambiance about a small sauté station in dinning room sight. However, a dual-burner propane stove is far less attractive when the station sits inches from your table. We all dealt with the bitter fragrance of burning gas during most of our dinner.
I will not speak to the flavors of the food as taste is relative, but I will, however, note that two out of three of our dishes were dry or over-cooked. My veal saltimbocca alla Giovanni was grossly overcooked but covered up by thick slices of fontina cheese which, in my opinion, is culinary cheating. The vegetables were perfectly cooked and the bread delicious.
We were a pretty simple table: three waters, three entrees, one dessert. Since our very first order, I had requested no ice for my glass of water. We sat for 1.5 hours, yet the dinner captain and support staff still couldn’t remember a simple request of “no ice” for my glass of water. Not that this is relevant, but I just had oral surgery and my teeth are sensitive to temperatures. I should not have to explain this nor remind him every time.
We were enjoying ourselves and had forgiven all by the time dessert menus arrived. The table of four next to us received their dessert menus about five minutes after us. My sister-in-law was enthusiastic to order the tiramisu as this is her favorite part about dinner. Our menus were closed and on the table long before our captain, David, returned. However, he visited the table next to us, first, and placed their order in before even making eye-contact with us. As luck would have it, they received the last tiramisu of the night. She substituted for another dessert and I coffee. David prepped the table with three set-ups, but literally dropped the fork on the table in front of my mother-in-law without any care. Despite his attitude (emphasis on attitude), the dessert was delicious and she was content.
I did not wish to tip the captain, David, 20%. However, I did appreciate his supporting staff and did not want this to effect them. Having part in three family-owned restaurants on the east coast, I understand that the hardest positions in the restaurant are those unseen. The most pleasant of all the team members are the bartender and bussers. The rest of the team are in need of serious re-evaluation.
Kelly R. Jackson
It is truly the most amazing Italian restaurant in St. Louis. Everything is so delicious and is incredibly fresh. It almost ruins any experience you have going anywhere else for Italian. That says a lot in a city filled with great Italian restaurants. It is a perfect destination for something special or just to treat you, a date, parents, whatever! Great for catering and banquets too!
… moreVince Laurent
My wife managed to nab a groupon so we planned a date night out for our family to go eat somewhere a bit more upscale than we usually do.
It was a very chilly evening and I am so glad we did the valet service. Our reservations were for earlier in the evening and so it wasn’t too crowded.
We were seated and then was promptly greeted by our waiter. He handed us menus, told us the specials, filled out water, then gave us plenty of time to review our options.
My daughter ordered the Swordfish, my wife, a pasta dish, and I the Grilled Shrimp. Ok, they all had fancy Italian names but I don’t recall them.
My daughters Swordfish, according to her, was just OK. Sampling it, it was a tad ‘fishy’. Much more so than the last Swordfish we had tried. My wife’s Pasta was good as was my grilled shrimp. None of us thought the food was incredible, just good.
Desserts were better. My daughter enjoyed her cheesecake, my wife throughly enjoyed her lemon cake. My cannolli was too hard, too covered in chocolate to fully enjoy the filling. Still, not a bad cannolli.
It was just OK but no where near worth the price of the evening. There is better Italian out there.
… moreIt was a very chilly evening and I am so glad we did the valet service. Our reservations were for earlier in the evening and so it wasn’t too crowded.
We were seated and then was promptly greeted by our waiter. He handed us menus, told us the specials, filled out water, then gave us plenty of time to review our options.
My daughter ordered the Swordfish, my wife, a pasta dish, and I the Grilled Shrimp. Ok, they all had fancy Italian names but I don’t recall them.
My daughters Swordfish, according to her, was just OK. Sampling it, it was a tad ‘fishy’. Much more so than the last Swordfish we had tried. My wife’s Pasta was good as was my grilled shrimp. None of us thought the food was incredible, just good.
Desserts were better. My daughter enjoyed her cheesecake, my wife throughly enjoyed her lemon cake. My cannolli was too hard, too covered in chocolate to fully enjoy the filling. Still, not a bad cannolli.
It was just OK but no where near worth the price of the evening. There is better Italian out there.