missypie

I've been away from the area since 1981, but this summer during my parents' 50th anniversary celebration, I'd like to treat the family to a terrific Italian meal on the Hill. I need a place where the food is great but the atmosphere is relaxed...the group will include a couple of elementary school aged children and a "goth" young man, so formal and stuffy won't work for us. Any suggestions?

Idnas71

Cunettos is my favorite, but I haven't been there in a couple years.

dweebe

Zias is still my favorite. Love the salad there.

picapica

If you are still looking for someplace, try LaRusso's. Not as formal as Cunettos, and I think the food is better. Also, I don't think Cunettos takes reservations but LaRusso's does. Zia's fits the bill for informality, but it's always crazy crowded.

salgal

Cunetto's does not take reservations and don't be surprised if the wait is 2 hours or so. Charlie Gitto's is very nice on the hill . Definitly not a casual place. We like zia's too for a more casual atmosphere.

Carol47

Cunetto's is our favorite. They have a room upstairs with tables where you can wait and order drinks, appetizers. Prefer Cunetto's over Zia's. Our wait at Zia's last time was over 3 hours. I wished I was at Cunetto's. Many good restaurants on the hill, hard to go wrong.

Elmiller

Others ideas: Gian-Tony's, Del Pietros and Trattatoria Marcella. St. Louis has the BEST Italian!

martin517

Hello from St. Louis.
Went to the Hill last nite for dinner. So odd I just read your post. My favorite for a special event in Macella Tratatoria. A bit west of the hill but every bit better. I'd start at Rigazzi's for a fish bowl and then head on over. YUMMIE!

ziggy

If you decide on Zia's, go to:
http://www.kpnt.com/half_price/index.aspx

(It's a link to 50% off certificates to restaurants in the St. Louis area) - 105.7 The Point - FM radio station.

Zia's is one of the restaurants offering $50.00 coupons for $25.00. Stipulations are not good on Saturday nights, and good for food purchases only (drinks would be extra). Since there are so many of you, you may need quite a few.

There are other popular restaurants at this site offering half-price coupons such as Sqwires and Lynch Street Bistro.

og719

Ate at Charlie Gitto's in 2000...great food! It was a Saturday night and the place looked like a remake of "The Godfather". We were ready to duck under the table when the shooting started...

edovre

For casual fun and a fabulous "fishbowl", Rigazzi's is your place. If the kids in the group don't mind a 2 hour wait, Cunetto's is best. If you want cloth tablecloths and formal service, Charlie Gitto's. I'm getting jealous just thinking about and remembering this fabulous dining area. We lived there for 5 years in the early 90s.

missypie

Okay, I'm the original poster and our plans have firmed up a bit. The best time for us to go will be a Sunday night, which rules out many places. Within the perameters of places that accept reservations and are open on Sunday nights, I've come up with:

1.Charlie Gittos
2.Lorenzos
3.Lo Russo's

Which would have the best food in the most casual atmosphere? Which would would you choose for a multi-generational family dinner?

EricaS

Wow, that's a really tough choice. I love all three that you chose. I think Gitto's is the fanciest (not necessarily the most expensive, but the most formal). LoRusso's is my family's favorite, but my brother is buddies with the chef so that makes me a little biased perhaps. LaRusso's is a bit more laid back than Gitto's, good service, the food is more innovative too. The only drawback to LaRusso's is location. It's technically on the Hill, but not in the quaint, atmospheric part (which makes it easier to park!). Lorenzo's is great, very pretty place, modern Italian food, laid back, decent service. Lorenzo's and Gitto's are 2-3 blocks from each other, both in the heart of the Hill which makes them more festive and atmospheric.

I think your family will enjoy any of them. I've taken kids and senior citizens to them all, and as a former "punk" I am certain that your goth family member will attract no more scrutiny than he is used to.

So, Gitto's for the most authentic Hill experience, most traditional food. LaRusso's for the best, most interesting food and ease of use. Lorenzo's for more trendy atmosphere and modern food.

If you're coming while it's still warm, stop by Milo's for a beer on the patio and watch people play bocce!

missypie

Thanks. My parents are Baptist, so no beer at Milos (or nice wine at the restaurants).

missypie

Thank you everyone for your recommendations! I'm back from the trip now; we ate at LoRussos. It was easy to get to. The atmosphere was perfect for our group...not too casual, not too dressy. We were in an alcove which was almost like a private room. The service was great. Our young waiter took pictures of our group and printed them out so that we could take them home with us. He was great with the kids.

The food was...just okay. The toasted ravioli was fantastic...it had been so long since I'd had good toasted ravioli. The bread and salads were good. The entrees were just so-so. The sauces were thickened with corn starch instead of being "reduced" (if that is the proper term). All in all everyone had a great time, but no one raved about how good their entree was.

jor

There are several Hills in S.F. Which one?

dmyers

Hello from St. Louis! Lorenzo's that you have mentioned is really wonderful. I've yet to have a bad meal there, and it is one of my very favorites. The huge breadsticks and dip at the tables are a great snack. Not a long wait, pleasant atmosphere. Charlie Gitto's is also an excellent choice on the Hill. But if you are looking for something less formal, you might try their other location downtown...old wood, sports bar atmosphere is a lot more casual, still the same excellent food. Enjoy!!