Some of the best lunches in St. Louis come from buildings that do not try very hard to impress you from the curb. On the Hill, the city’s famous Italian neighborhood, one small market and deli has built a loyal crowd with thin crust pizza, toasted ravioli, and sandwiches big enough to split.
Regulars come back weekly, and some even leave with a frozen pizza tucked under one arm for dinner. Keep reading to find out where it is, what makes it special, and how to time your visit before the doors close for the afternoon.
A Corner of the Hill Worth Finding
Charlie’s Market & Deli on the Hill sits at 5040-48 Daggett Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, in the heart of the city’s historic Italian neighborhood. The Hill is known for family-run spots, and this deli fits right into that tradition.
From the outside, the building is unassuming. That modest look fools plenty of first-timers, but the inside tells a very different story.
The shop works as both a deli and a market. Guests can sit down for lunch, order from the counter, or grab items from the case to take home.
It is connected to the Imo family name, and the website points to Imo Meat and Sausage. Owner Charlie I. still personally answers notes from happy customers, which says a lot about how hands-on the operation is.
The location is also handy for families and groups. One school group stopped by for lunch after a field trip to the nearby Science Center, and the food was ready and waiting thanks to a pre-order.
Locals like to call it the best kept secret on the Hill. After one lunch, it becomes clear why the secret is getting harder to keep.
Provel on a Cracker-Thin Crust
Ask a St. Louisan about pizza and the word Provel will come up fast. Here, that classic local cheese gets the star treatment.
The pizza is St. Louis style, which means a thin crust cut into squares. Sausage and pepperoni are popular picks, and both show off the requisite Provel melted right over the top.
Size options include a 9-inch pie and a 14-inch version with any toppings you like. The larger one has a devoted fan base that talks about wanting a second round within hours of the first.
A friendly warning comes with that praise. The pies leave the oven hot, so patience pays off for your lip.
For something different, a cauliflower crust pizza is also on offer. It has won over guests looking for a lighter twist on the hometown style.
Pizza is easily the most talked-about item at the counter. In a city with strong opinions on the subject, that is no small slice of praise.
Toasted Ravioli, Made the Family Way
St. Louis claims toasted ravioli as its own, and the Hill is the place most often tied to the dish. Ordering it here feels like a small history lesson on a plate.
The kitchen serves its toasted ravioli with marinara on the side. That sauce earns as much praise as the ravioli itself.
The ravioli are made from the shop’s own recipe. The owner has confirmed that detail personally, so this is not a box-to-fryer situation.
Fun fact: toasted ravioli is widely credited to restaurants on the Hill, which makes eating it in this neighborhood feel like the right call.
It works well as a side next to a sandwich or salad. It also makes a smart add-on when the group cannot agree on just one thing.
Many guests mention the ravioli as a reason to come back. Consider it the appetizer that tends to steal the conversation.
Sandwiches Built for Two Appetites
Sandwiches here are known for one thing above all: size. Many come loaded with so much meat that half might be enough for lunch.
The Charlie’s Special is a top pick, served on French bread for around $10.95. It comes with a choice of chips or a small container of potato salad.
The Italian Poor Boy adds peppers for a little kick. The Hot Salami has its own loyal following, and warm pastrami with Swiss is another favorite.
The Salsiccia sandwich uses house-made sausage links, meat sauce, and cheese. Guests can swap in garlic cheese bread and add lettuce and onion.
A half sandwich paired with a salad is a smart option for lighter appetites. It leaves room for a cookie, too.
One honest note: the veggie sandwich has drawn comments about needing more toppings. Meat lovers, though, rarely leave with any complaints.
Salads That Steal the Spotlight
Salads at a pizza and sandwich shop rarely get top billing. At this counter, they are mentioned almost as often as the sandwiches.
The house salad pairs nicely with pizza, and its house dressing gets especially high marks. The STL salad is another local-style choice.
The Cobb salad comes with plenty of toppings and a fair portion for the price. It does not include avocado, so plan accordingly.
Tortellini salad and potato salad are deli case favorites. Both work as sides or as part of a take-home spread.
Everything is made in-house and kept fresh. That focus shows up in how often guests praise the crisp lettuce and homemade touches.
Salads may not be the headline act on the Hill. Here, they have earned a well-deserved place on the marquee anyway.
The Freezer Case and Sweet Extras
Lunch is only half the story at this market. The freezer case lets you take a piece of the Hill home for later.
Pizzas are made fresh in-house and then frozen. Different noodle options are also available to go.
A practical tip from experience: start checking a frozen pizza at about nine minutes in the oven. Ovens vary, and these thin crusts can overbake quickly.
Desserts round things out. Fresh-baked cookies and cannoli are on hand, and the shop has even delivered cannoli to a wedding venue for a dessert table.
That kind of catering help shows the team is happy to work on bigger orders. Groups have arranged pre-orders with smooth results.
So grab lunch, then grab dinner. The freezer makes leaving a little easier.
Who Feels at Home Here
Workday regulars, families, and curious first-timers all end up in the same line. The space is casual and built for a quick, satisfying meal.
There are a few tables and counter seats for dining in. Many guests still choose to take food to go.
The shop is consistently described as very clean and welcoming. Staff members like Sandy and Heather are often mentioned for their warm help.
The owner describes the mission simply: priced right, quality, and quick. Guests seem to agree on all three points.
It suits a fast weekday lunch break nicely. It also works for school groups and families who want an easy stop after exploring the city.
With a 4.8-star standing across 94 Google ratings, the crowd keeps growing. Even so, the place still feels like a neighborhood stop.
Timing Your Lunch Run Just Right
Hours here favor the lunch crowd, so planning ahead helps. The doors close at 3:30 PM every day the shop is open.
Monday through Thursday, it opens at 10 AM. Friday starts earlier at 8 AM, and Saturday opens at 10:30 AM.
Sunday is a day off, so save that craving for Monday.
Friday has historically been a big day thanks to a lunch special. In the past it paired a house salad with a 9-inch pizza for under $9, though it is wise to check current deals.
Prices are friendly overall. Fountain drinks run about $1.69, and the big sandwiches land around eleven dollars.
For a stop that blends local tradition with real value, this deli is an easy pick. Come hungry, leave with a frozen pie, and you will understand why the Hill keeps it close.
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