Pearl #34: Gluten-free at Rigazzi’s on The Hill

Ok. How have I existed as a gluten-free St. Louisan, and NOT known that Rigazzi’s has a gluten-free menu?? My coworker Chris also eats gluten-free, and she clued me in. My mind was blown. I had been there many a time as a child with my family, but never since going gluten-free.

So a few weeks back, my mom, brother and I had plans to go to the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Glow, and I suggested trying out Rigazzi’s, located on The Hill, for dinner beforehand.

My usual routine is to check out the menu ahead of time, so by the time I left work to meet them for dinner, I was already super familiar with their large gluten-free menu. I was craving pasta, but strangely enough, that’s the one thing they don’t have on their menu. You’ll also have to read the menu carefully – as the “gluten-free menu” seems to be drawn from their regular menu, with modifications noted in red.

Since I was running late, I had my mom order me food – my first choice being a burger and fries, second choice being the “Hill Special,” a 10 inch gluten-free pizza, with sausage, tomato, onion, spinach, mushroom and parmesan cheese.

Since the fries were NOT gluten-free (they are not fried in a dedicated fryer), she went with the pizza for me. Plus a dinner salad (no croutons) with the house dressing, which our server confirmed was GF.

The pizza was good – and very filling, once you put all those toppings on there. Depending on how hungry you are, it could feed you for at least two meals, if not three. The cheese was provel-like…though it didn’t seem QUITE like provel. Perhaps some fancy Rigazzi’s cheese blend. The sausage was flavorful, but the onions seemed a bit overpowering on the pizza. All in all, though, it was a solid pizza. Next time I’ll try the Pizza Bianco (no pizza sauce – roasted garlic, olive oil, parmesan, mozzarella, pizza cheese with fresh basil).  I will say that I am not clear on the cross-contamination practices behind the scenes – if you have concern about the pizza, please check with your server.

Bellies full, we rolled ouselves out the door to the MOBOT Garden Glow, which was a fantastic event. The lights were gorgeous and classy, and it was great to spend time with two of my faves.

All in all it was a great night. Perhaps we’ll make this a tradition! Rigazzi’s is a solid option if you’re on The Hill and looking for gluten-free options. If you’ve eaten here, give a shout-out in the comments about what else is good!

Until next time,
Kate